What you need to know:
- New laws effective in California in brief
- How will these laws affect the people and students of California?
- Note when these laws will go into effect and how California will enforce them
Assembly Bill 3216 (PASSED)
AB 3216, passed on Sept. 9, 2024, authorizes the governing body of a school district, charter school or county office to limit or prohibit the use of smartphones while students are in school or under the direct supervision of a school employee. Schools must create and institute rules restricting the use of cell phones by July 1, 2026. This bill builds upon AB 272, which was passed in 2019 and gave school districts authority to regulate cell phone use in the classroom, but did not require them to do so. The bill text cites growing evidence that unchecked use of smartphones in schools lowers student performance, promotes cyberbullying and increases both depression and anxiety. AB 3216 is classified as a state-mandated local program, which requires local officials to carry out or expand on what the bill entails.
“I think it would be in the best interest of everyone involved,” physics teacher David Taylor said. “Even if we ban the phones, we’re becoming so reliant on other devices that kids might use those instead.”
Senate Bill 1047 (PASSED)
SB 1047, passed on Sept. 30, 2022, focuses primarily on expanding childcare and learning programs in California. Under SB 1047, families who rely on state-funded childcare will no longer have to consistently reapply yearly for assistance. This bill also prioritizes those in need, like low-income families or homeless people. Additionally, it stresses the importance of education for young children and expands on access to early learning programs for children in kindergarten. According to the bill, ensuring that children get early learning care — especially those who are marginalized and excluded from the opportunity — can reduce the impact of systematic racism and poverty.
“Early childhood education is critical in our children’s development, which is why I am grateful that Gov. Newsom has signed SB 1047 to expand the enrollment of childcare programs throughout the state,” Senator Monique Limon said in an interview with Early Edge California. “SB 1047 will help provide California children with more continuity of care, setting them up for a successful future.”
Assembly Bill 2429 (PASSED)
AB 2429, passed on June 13, 2024, will require school districts to continue education about the danger and harm that fentanyl can cause. It specifies that any high school district or charter school that offers a health course for graduation must include informative lessons on the impacts of fentanyl. This bill includes Lynbrook, starting in the 2024-25 school year. These presentations will include, but are not limited to, the differences between various opioids, drug lacing and overdose risks and prevention. According to the San José Mercury News, one in five overdose-related deaths in adolescents are linked to fentanyl. This bill was created in response to the overwhelming influx of opioid-related deaths nationwide and will take effect in the 2026-27 school year.
“The more aware we are about risks and problems, the more we can make informed decisions,” sophomore Jayce Tseng said. “Drug usage should not be a subject schools avoid because it’s dangerous or bad; students should be exposed to the topic to gain a better understanding.”
