Sacramento, CA - This week, the California legislature wrapped up business ahead of the month-long summer recess. Friday marked a significant deadline for making changes to bills in committee. Both the Senate Education and the Assembly Education Committees held lengthy sessions on Wednesday, addressing some of the most contentious bills, including Senate Bill 88 (Skinner) on pupil transportation and Assembly Bill 1604 (Bonta) concerning the Charter Schools Facility Grant Program (CSFGP). The final stretch of fiscal committees and floor votes will resume on Monday, August 14. CSDC is currently monitoring 111 bills that impact charter schools, which can be reviewed here. See something you’re curious about? Please don't hesitate to reach out to us.
Senate Bill 88 (Skinner) - Pupil Transportation
Last year, California allocated $680 million for home-to-school transportation to ensure more children have guaranteed transportation from home to school each day. However, charter schools were not included in that funding. Nevertheless, charter schools are encompassed in Senate Bill 88 by Senator Skinner (D-Oakland), which aims to impose new restrictions on drivers, vehicles, and ride-share companies that contract with Local Educational Agencies (LEAs) to transport students using 10-passenger vans and smaller cars.
The bill is sponsored by the California School Employees Association (CSEA), a union representing school bus drivers. Senator Skinner argues that school district-employed bus drivers are mandated to adhere to high safety standards. However, some school districts have turned to rideshare companies to...
