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New Laws Impacting Media Literacy, Financial Aid Applications and the "A-G" Course List Will Soon Go into Effect

Governor Jerry Brown recently signed several bills into law that impact student instruction for public schools. Senate Bill (SB) 830 and Assembly Bills (AB) 2015 and 2239 relate to media literacy, instruction regarding the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the California Dream Act Application, and the addition of courses to the "A-G" course list.

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Legislature Further Limits the Ability to Consider Expunged, Dismissed, or Sealed Convictions in Hiring Decisions

Senate Bill (SB) 1412, which takes effect on January 1, 2019, builds on prior law limiting consideration of expunged, dismissed, or sealed convictions in hiring decisions.

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New Law Limits School District Collection of Debts from Students and Penalties for Debts

The California Legislature recently passed Assembly Bill (AB) 1974, which places new prohibitions and restrictions on the collection of debt owed by parents to public schools, including state special schools and charter schools, and school districts, including county offices of education (all referred to herein as school districts).

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SEC: Bank Loans and Other Private Placements to Trigger 10-Day Continuing Disclosure Reporting

The Securities Exchange Commission's (SEC) Rule 15c2-12 requires that an issuer of publicly offered municipal securities, such as bonds or certificates of participation, commit to disclosing certain material events that occur while those securities are outstanding.

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New Law Requires Districts to Pay Employees on Parental Leave at Least 50% of Their Salaries

Starting January 1, 2019, California school and community college districts will be required to pay certificated, classified, and academic employees eligible for parental leave under recently enacted laws at least 50% of their salaries once they exhaust their sick leave and begin taking differential leave.

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New Law Requires Paid Time Off for Union Stewards and Officers

Effective January 1, 2019, Senate Bill (SB) 1085 requires public agency employers in California to grant, upon the request of a union, "reasonable" paid leaves of absence to employees serving as stewards or officers of the union or of any statewide or national employee organization with which the union is affiliated.

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New Laws Restrict Law Enforcement Agencies' Right to Withhold Recordings Relating to "Critical Incidents"

After years of failed attempts, the Legislature has passed, and Governor Brown has signed into law, two bills that remove the longstanding layers of protection and confidentiality for certain law enforcement records. Senate Bill (SB) 1421, which becomes effective January 1, 2019, increases public access to certain records relating to allegations of misconduct by law enforcement.

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Field Trip Immunity Does Not Apply to a Community College's Hosting of an Intercollegiate Athletic Event

Community college districts are generally immune from liability for injuries sustained in the course of field trips and excursions under the California Code of Regulations, title 5, section 55220. However, inAnselmo v. Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District, an appellate court determined that such immunity does not apply to an injury sustained during an intercollegiate athletic tou

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Lawmakers Approve Overhaul of Community College District Funding System

State lawmakers have approved an overhaul of the funding system for California's community colleges. The new Student-Focused Funding Formula for general purpose apportionments will be phased in over three school years, starting in 2018-19.

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