2026 Laws
Suzanne Potter, producer/reporter, California News Service, a bureau of Public News Service.
New California laws going into effect in 2026 are intended to bring positive change to schools on a range of issues.
One bill requires schools to notify parents when immigration officers come onto a campus. Another prohibits the disclosure of student or parent data without the family’s consent unless ICE has a judicial warrant.
Yasmine-Imani McMorrin, director of education equity for the Children’s Defense Fund of California, said the changes are welcome.
“What is important is ensuring that our school campuses are safe, and that information is getting out to parents,” McMorrin emphasized. “We are checking information and ensuring that everyone is following the rules.”
Assembly Bill 1454 would adjust reading curricula to improve literacy, particularly among English language learners. Assembly Bill 3216 requires all K-12 schools to adopt a policy limiting or banning student use of cellphones during the school day by July 1.
McMorrin also applauded Senate Bill 640, which directs the Cal State University system to automatically admit qualified high school graduates without them having to apply.
“The more supports that we have for our young folks to be successful and the more resources that we are allocating towards that, the better,” McMorrin contended.
Assembly Bill 1264 takes effect in 2026, requiring school districts to revamp their menus to remove the “most harmful” ultra-processed foods from school lunches by 2035.
