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Changes in Student and Curriculum Laws: Religious Fasting Accommodations in PE, and Menstrual Health Curriculum in Sexual Health Education

Among the many recent bills passed by the California Legislature and signed into law are two bills impacting students and curriculum: Assembly Bill (AB) 2377 and AB 2229.

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Four New Bills Will Impact Local Agency Meetings under the Brown Act

Governor Newsom signed four new bills amending the Ralph M. Brown Act (Brown Act), California’s open meeting law. Each of the new bills, which go into effect on January 1, 2025, will impact how local agencies conduct meetings under the Brown Act.

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Conflicts of Interest Legislation Roundup: Changes to Contribution Threshold and Familial Relationship Rules

The Legislature recently passed several bills affecting conflicts of interest under the Political Reform Act of 1974 (“PRA”) and Government Code section 1090 et seq. (“Section 1090”).

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Until We Meet Again: Attorney General Confirms the Brown Act’s Broad Application to Informal Gatherings of Members of a Legislative Body

In a recent opinion, the California Attorney General found that a gathering of a majority of the members of a city council at a chamber of commerce event constituted a “meeting” of the city council under the Ralph M. Brown Act (“Brown Act”), under the specific facts presented.

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Bid Limits Set to Increase under Uniform Public Construction Cost Accounting Act, Along with Expanded Commission Oversight

Public project bid limits are set to increase for public agencies that have opted into the cost accounting procedures under the Uniform Public Construction Cost Accounting Act (UPCCAA).

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School Districts Will Soon be Required to Adopt Policies Restricting Student Cell Phone Use

On August 28, 2024, the Legislature passed Assembly Bill (AB) 3216, known as the Phone-Free Schools Act, which was signed into law by the Governor on September 23, 2024.

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California Supreme Court Confirms Public Agencies Are Exempt from State Meal and Rest Break Requirements and PAGA Civil Penalties

The California Supreme Court recently held in Stone v. Alameda Health System (August 15, 2024, No. S279137) __ Cal.__ __[2024 WL 3819163] that certain Labor Code provisions and related Industrial Wage Commission (IWC) wage orders governing meal and rest breaks do not apply to public agencies.

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Important Updates Regarding Independent Study Programs

The 2024 Education Omnibus Budget Trailer Bill, also known as Senate Bill (SB) 153, includes notable changes to the parameters for independent study programs.

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What is an Elementary School? California Department of Education Revises its Guidance on Equitable Services and Proportionate Share for Parentally-Placed Private School Preschoolers

The California Department of Education (CDE) recently released updated guidance regarding equitable services and proportionate share funding for parentally-placed private school students with disabilities.

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