The California Legislature recently enacted a series of updates to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). Outlined below are three significant pieces of legislation: Senate Bill (SB) 69, SB 149, and Assembly Bill (AB) 356.
AB 764 expands key aspects of the FAIR MAPS Act to apply to school districts, community college districts and county boards of education (referred to herein as “educational agencies”), as well as special districts.
There have been two big changes in the last two legislative sessions regarding school districts’ recovery of wage overpayments under the Education Code. In 2022, Assembly Bill (AB) 185 established Education Code section 44042.5, allowing school districts to recover wage overpayments when certain procedures were followed.
The start to 2024 brings with it some exciting changes regarding the accessibility of the progressive design-build (PDB) construction delivery method to California cities, counties, special districts, and transit districts.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.