Bill > AB1216

This bill makes several modifications to California's education code across multiple areas. First, it revises the eligibility requirements for the California state preschool program by adjusting age ranges and family eligibility criteria, particularly for part-day and full-day preschool programs. For teacher credentialing, the bill allows credential holders to add subject authorizations more flexibly, removing previous restrictions about teaching subjects they are not already credentialed to teach. The bill also addresses smartphone policies in schools by requiring school districts, county boards of education, and charter schools to develop policies limiting student smartphone use by July 1, 2026, with specific exceptions for emergencies, medical needs, and individualized education programs. Additionally, the bill clarifies physical education requirements, specifying that minute calculations for physical education courses should be based on schooldays, and provides guidelines for alternative term schedules for physical education courses. The changes aim to provide more flexibility and clarity in preschool enrollment, teacher credentialing, student technology use, and physical education instruction, with an emphasis on promoting student learning and well-being.

Budget and Finance, Education

Education (Assembly)

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB1216