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SB 531 Amends Fingerprinting Requirements for Student Work Experience Contracts

With Senate Bill (SB) 531, the California Legislature amended Education Code section 45125.1 to provide an exemption from criminal background check requirements when, subject to specific conditions, an entity contracts with a school district, county office of education, or charter school (LEAs) to provide student work experience opportunities.

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New Bill Addresses Independent Contractor Conflicts of Interest and Provides Safe Harbor

Assembly Bill (AB) 334, which became effective on January 1, 2024, clarifies conflict of interest rules for independent contractors, particularly in relation to projects that have multiple phases.

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New Legislation Expands "School of Origin" to Include Nonpublic Schools for Foster Students with IEPs

On October 13, 2023, Governor Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill (AB) 723, which expands the definition of “school of origin” to include nonpublic, nonsectarian schools for foster children with exceptional needs.

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School Board Prevails Against PERB in For-Cause Dismissal of Union President

On January 9, 2024, California’s Fifth District Court of Appeal issued a unanimous published decision in Visalia Unified School District v. Public Employment Relations Board (2024) ___ Cal.Rptr.3d ___, finding that Visalia Unified School District (VUSD) terminated a permanent classified employee – who also served as the union president – for her ongoing poor performance

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New Law Modifies Post-Retirement Employment Limitations for CalSTRS Retirees, Making it Easier for Districts to Hire Retirees

Senate Bill (SB) 765, signed into law on October 13, 2023, creates a temporary exemption from post-retirement earnings limitations under the CalSTRS system and makes it easier for Districts to hire recently retired teachers.

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School Board Prevails Against PERB in For-Cause Dismissal of Union President

On January 9, 2024, California’s Fifth District Court of Appeal issued a unanimous published decision in Visalia Unified School District v. Public Employment Relations Board (2024) ___ Cal.Rptr.3d ___, finding that Visalia Unified School District (VUSD) terminated a permanent classified employee – who also served as the union president – for her ongoing poor performance

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State Allocation Board Approves Increase to Level 1 Developer Fees

The State Allocation Board (SAB) has approved a 7.84% increase for the "Level 1" developer fees that school districts are authorized to collect. School districts are now authorized to collect up to $5.17 per square foot of residential development and $0.84 per square foot of commercial development.

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What Every Great Negotiator and School Administrator Needs to Know about AI

Karen Rezendes, Lozano Smith's Managing Partner, has been selected as a keynote speaker at ACSA's upcoming Negotiator's Symposium. Karen will share insights tailored for school district negotiators and administrators, including how to implement cybersecurity measures, maintain human-in-the-loop safeguards, verify information accuracy, and guard against bias.

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Recent Bills Focus on Preventing Opioid Overdoses

Governor Newsom recently signed Assembly Bill (AB) 889, Senate Bill (SB) 10, and SB 234, which focus on preventing opioid overdoses in California public schools.

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