Bill > SB848

This bill provides comprehensive updates to child safety and protection measures in educational settings across California. The bill requires school districts, charter schools, and private schools to develop and implement more robust safety plans and policies by July 1, 2026, focusing on preventing child abuse, sexual offenses, and establishing clear professional boundaries between adults and students. It expands the definition of "sex offenses" and mandates stricter reporting requirements for school employees, including noncertificated staff and volunteers. The bill creates a statewide data system to track investigations of egregious misconduct, requires annual training for school personnel on child abuse prevention and reporting, and mandates new curriculum guidelines for teaching students about appropriate boundaries and abuse prevention. Additionally, the bill extends mandated reporter status to more school-related personnel, including certain volunteers and contractors, and requires schools to provide annual in-person instruction to students about abuse prevention starting in 2027. The legislation aims to create safer learning environments by improving screening, reporting, and prevention mechanisms across educational institutions in California.

Budget and Finance, Education, Justice

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260SB848