AB 2968: School safety and fire prevention: fire hazard severity zones: comprehensive school safety plans: communication and evacuation plans.
- Session Year: 2023-2024
- House: Assembly
- Latest Version Date: 2024-09-25
Current Status:
Passed
(2024-09-25: Chaptered by Secretary of State - Chapter 582, Statutes of 2024.)
Introduced
In Committee
First Chamber
In Committee
Second Chamber
Enacted
What does this bill do?
The bill requires school safety plans to include a procedure to identify a refuge shelter for all students and staff and to notify the operational area (the county-level emergency coordination area) of that refuge. Public schools and charter schools with more than 50 students that sit in high or very high fire hazard zones must coordinate that procedure with the operational area and must also develop a communication and evacuation plan for early-warning evacuations that allows enough time to evacuate and explains how to decide on ordering an evacuation.
The summary is provided by generative AI which can make mistakes. For original language, please view the details in the table below.
Existing law provides that school districts and county offices of education are responsible for the overall development of a comprehensive school safety plan for each of their schools, as provided. Existing law requires a schoolsite council to write and develop a comprehensive school safety plan relevant to the needs and resources of that particular school, in consultation with a representative from a law enforcement agency, a fire department, and other first responder entities, as specified, while providing an alternate mechanism for compliance with this requirement for small school districts, as defined. Existing law requires the comprehensive school safety plan to include appropriate strategies and programs relating to school safety and school safety law compliance, including the development of specified disaster procedures. Existing law authorizes a chartering authority to deny a petition for the establishment of a charter school for specified reasons, including the absence in the charter petition of a reasonably comprehensive description of the development of a school safety plan that includes these same topics.
Existing law requires the State Fire Marshal to identify, according to specified procedures, high and very high fire hazard severity zones within state responsibility areas and lands that are not within state responsibility areas. Existing law, for purposes of the California Emergency Services Act, defines an operational area as an intermediate level of the state emergency services organization, consisting of a county and all political subdivisions within the county area, as provided.
This bill would, commencing with the 202627 fiscal year, require the disaster procedures in the comprehensive school safety plans to include the establishment of a procedure to identify appropriate refuge shelter for all pupils and staff for use in the event of an evacuation order, and to notify the operational area having jurisdiction of the refuge. The bill would require, as applied to public schools serving more than 50 pupils in a high or very high fire hazard severity zone, the procedure to be coordinated with the operational area, and would also require, commencing with the 202627 fiscal year and as a part of the comprehensive school safety plans for these schools, the development of a communication and evacuation plan, to be used in the event of an early notice evacuation warning, as provided. By imposing new duties on local educational agencies and the political subdivisions that make up the operational areas, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program.
This bill would incorporate additional changes to Section 32282 of the Education Code proposed by AB 1858, AB 2887, AB 176, and SB 176 to be operative only if this bill and any or all of those bills are enacted and this bill is enacted last.
The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.
This bill would provide that, if the Commission on State Mandates determines that the bill contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement for those costs shall be made pursuant to the statutory provisions noted above.
Existing law provides that school districts and county offices of education are responsible for the overall development of a comprehensive school safety plan for each of their schools, as provided. Existing law requires a schoolsite council to write and develop a comprehensive school safety plan relevant to the needs and resources of that particular school, in consultation with a representative from a law enforcement agency, a fire department, and other first responder entities, as specified, while providing an alternate mechanism for compliance with this requirement for small school districts, as defined. Existing law requires the comprehensive school safety plan to include appropriate strategies and programs relating to school safety and school safety law compliance, including the development of specified disaster procedures. Existing law authorizes a chartering authority to deny a petition for the establishment of a charter school for specified reasons, including the absence in the charter petition of a reasonably comprehensive description of the development of a school safety plan that includes these same topics.
Existing law requires the State Fire Marshal to identify, according to specified procedures, high and very high fire hazard severity zones within state responsibility areas and lands that are not within state responsibility areas. Existing law, for purposes of the California Emergency Services Act, defines an operational area as an intermediate level of the state emergency services organization, consisting of a county and all political subdivisions within the county area, as provided.
This bill would, commencing with the 202627 fiscal year, require the disaster procedures in the comprehensive school safety plans to include the establishment of a procedure to identify appropriate refuge shelter for all pupils and staff for use in the event of an evacuation order, and to notify the operational area having jurisdiction of the refuge. The bill would require, as applied to public schools serving more than 50 pupils in a high or very high fire hazard severity zone, the procedure to be coordinated with the operational area, and would also require, commencing with the 202627 fiscal year and as a part of the comprehensive school safety plans for these schools, the development of a communication and evacuation plan, to be used in the event of an early notice evacuation warning, as provided. By imposing new duties on local educational agencies and the political subdivisions that make up the operational areas, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program.
This bill would incorporate additional changes to Section 32282 of the Education Code proposed by AB 1858, AB 2887, AB 176, and SB 176 to be operative only if this bill and any or all of those bills are enacted and this bill is enacted last.
The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.
This bill would provide that, if the Commission on State Mandates determines that the bill contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement for those costs shall be made pursuant to the statutory provisions noted above.
Existing law provides that school districts and county offices of education are responsible for the overall development of a comprehensive school safety plan for each of their schools, as provided. Existing law requires a schoolsite council to write and develop a comprehensive school safety plan relevant to the needs and resources of that particular school, in consultation with a representative from a law enforcement agency, a fire department, and other first responder entities, as specified, while providing an alternate mechanism for compliance with this requirement for small school districts, as defined. Existing law requires the comprehensive school safety plan to include appropriate strategies and programs relating to school safety and school safety law compliance, including the development of specified disaster procedures. Existing law authorizes a chartering authority to deny a petition for the establishment of a charter school for specified reasons, including the absence in the charter petition of a reasonably comprehensive description of the development of a school safety plan that includes these same topics.
Existing law requires the State Fire Marshal to identify, according to specified procedures, high and very high fire hazard severity zones within state responsibility areas and lands that are not within state responsibility areas. Existing law, for purposes of the California Emergency Services Act, defines an operational area as an intermediate level of the state emergency services organization, consisting of a county and all political subdivisions within the county area, as provided.
This bill would, commencing with the 202627 fiscal year, require the disaster procedures in the comprehensive school safety plans to include the establishment of a procedure to identify appropriate refuge shelter for all pupils and staff, for use in the event of an evacuation order, and to notify the operational area having jurisdiction of the refuge. The bill would require, as applied to public schools serving more than 50 pupils in a high or very high fire hazard severity zone, the procedure to be coordinated with the operational area, and would also require, commencing with the 202627 fiscal year and as a part of the comprehensive school safety plans for these schools, the development of a communication and evacuation plan, to be used in the event of an early notice evacuation warning, as provided. By imposing new duties on local educational agencies and the political subdivisions that make up the operational areas, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program.
This bill would incorporate additional changes to Section 32282 of the Education Code proposed by AB 1858, AB 2887, AB 176, and SB 176 to be operative only if this bill and any or all of those bills are enacted and this bill is enacted last.
The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.
This bill would provide that, if the Commission on State Mandates determines that the bill contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement for those costs shall be made pursuant to the statutory provisions noted above.
Existing law provides that school districts and county offices of education are responsible for the overall development of a comprehensive school safety plan for each of their schools, as provided. Existing law requires a schoolsite council to write and develop a comprehensive school safety plan relevant to the needs and resources of that particular school, in consultation with a representative from a law enforcement agency, a fire department, and other first responder entities, as specified, while providing an alternate mechanism for compliance with this requirement for small school districts, as defined. Existing law requires the comprehensive school safety plan to include appropriate strategies and programs relating to school safety and school safety law compliance, including the development of specified disaster procedures. Existing law authorizes a chartering authority to deny a petition for the establishment of a charter school for specified reasons, including the absence in the charter petition of a reasonably comprehensive description of the development of a school safety plan that includes these same topics.
Existing law, law requires the State Fire Marshal to identify, according to specified procedures, high and very high fire hazard severity zones within state responsibility areas and lands that are not within state responsibility areas. Existing law, for purposes of the California Emergency Services Act, defines an operational area as an intermediate level of the state emergency services organization, consisting of a county and all political subdivisions within the county area, as provided.
This bill would, commencing with the 202627 fiscal year and annually thereafter, require each public school, including a charter school, serving more than 50 pupils in kindergarten or any of grades 1 to 12, inclusive, in a high or very high fire hazard severity zone, as identified by the State Fire Marshal, to comply with the above-described defensible space fire safety standards, and any subsequent regulations implementing those standards, as provided. The bill would require the operational area having jurisdiction within the schools boundaries to annually verify school compliance with those defensible space standards. The bill would, commencing with the 202627 fiscal year, require the disaster procedures in the comprehensive school safety plans to include the establishment of a procedure to identify appropriate refuge shelter for all pupils and staff, for use in the event of an evacuation order, and to notify the operational area having jurisdiction of the refuge. The bill would require, as applied to public schools serving more than 50 pupils in a high or very high fire hazard severity zone, the procedures procedure to be coordinated with the operational area, and would also require, commencing with the 202627 fiscal year and as a part of the comprehensive school safety plans for these schools, the development of a communication and evacuation plan, to be used in the event of an early notice evacuation warning, as provided. By imposing new duties on local educational agencies and the political subdivisions that make up the operational areas, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program.
The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.
This bill would provide that, if the Commission on State Mandates determines that the bill contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement for those costs shall be made pursuant to the statutory provisions noted above.
Existing law requires the State Fire Marshal to identify, according to specified procedures, high and very high fire hazard severity zones within state responsibility areas and lands that are not within state responsibility areas. Existing law requires a person who owns, leases, controls, operates, or maintains a structure within specified portions of those areas to comply with defensible space requirements, as provided. These defensible space requirements include, among other things, a requirement to maintain a defensible space of 100 feet from each side and from the front and rear of the structure, as specified.
Existing law provides that school districts and county offices of education are responsible for the overall development of a comprehensive school safety plan for each of their schools, as provided. Existing law requires a schoolsite council to write and develop a comprehensive school safety plan relevant to the needs and resources of that particular school, in consultation with a representative from a law enforcement agency, a fire department, and other first responder entities, as specified, while providing an alternate mechanism for compliance with this requirement for small school districts, as defined. Existing law requires the comprehensive school safety plan to include appropriate strategies and programs relating to school safety and school safety law compliance, including the development of specified disaster procedures. Existing law authorizes a chartering authority to deny a petition for the establishment of a charter school for specified reasons, including the absence in the charter petition of a reasonably comprehensive description of the development of a school safety plan that includes these same topics.
Existing law, for purposes of the California Emergency Services Act, defines an operational area as an intermediate level of the state emergency services organization, consisting of a county and all political subdivisions within the county area, as provided.
This bill would, commencing with the 202627 fiscal year and annually thereafter, require each private school or public school, including a charter school, serving more than 50 students or pupils in kindergarten or any of grades 1 to 12, inclusive, in a high or very high fire hazard severity zone, as identified by the State Fire Marshal, to comply with the above-described defensible space fire safety standards, and any subsequent regulations implementing those standards, as provided. The bill would require the operational area having jurisdiction within the schools boundaries to annually verify school compliance with those defensible space standards. The bill would, commencing with the 202627 fiscal year, require the disaster procedures in the comprehensive school safety plans to include the establishment of a procedure to identify appropriate refuge shelter for all pupils and staff, for use in the event of an evacuation order, and to notify the operational area having jurisdiction of the refuge. The bill would require, as applied to public schools serving more than 50 pupils in a high or very high fire hazard severity zone, the procedures to be coordinated with the operational area, and would also require, commencing with the 202627 fiscal year and as a part of the comprehensive school safety plans for these schools, the development of a communication and evacuation plan, to be used in the event of an early notice evacuation warning, as provided. By imposing new duties on local educational agencies and the political subdivisions that make up the operational areas, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program.
The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.
This bill would provide that, if the Commission on State Mandates determines that the bill contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement for those costs shall be made pursuant to the statutory provisions noted above.
Existing law requires the State Fire Marshal to identify, according to specified procedures, high and very high fire hazard severity zones within state responsibility areas and lands that are not within state responsibility areas. Existing law requires a person who owns, leases, controls, operates, or maintains a structure within specified portions of those areas to comply with defensible space requirements, as provided. These defensible space requirements include, among other things, a requirement to maintain a defensible space of 100 feet from each side and from the front and rear of the structure, as specified.
Existing law provides that school districts and county offices of education are responsible for the overall development of a comprehensive school safety plan for each of its their schools, as provided. Existing law requires a schoolsite council to write and develop a comprehensive school safety plan relevant to the needs and resources of that particular school, in consultation with a representative from a law enforcement agency, a fire department, and other first responder entities, as specified, while providing an alternate mechanism for compliance with this requirement for small school districts, as defined. Existing law requires the comprehensive school safety plan to include appropriate strategies and programs relating to school safety and school safety law compliance, including the development of specified disaster procedures. Existing law authorizes a chartering authority to deny a petition for the establishment of a charter school for specified reasons, including the absence in the charter petition of a reasonably comprehensive description of the development of a school safety plan that includes these same topics.
Existing law, for purposes of the California Emergency Services Act, defines an operational area as an intermediate level of the state emergency services organization, consisting of a county and all political subdivisions within the county area, as provided.
This bill would, commencing with the 202627 fiscal year and annually thereafter, require each private school or public school, including a charter school, serving more than 50 students or pupils in kindergarten or any of grades 1 to 12, inclusive, in a high or very high fire hazard severity zone, as identified by the State Fire Marshal, to comply with the above-described defensible space fire safety standards, and any subsequent regulations implementing those standards, as provided. The bill would require the fire department operational area having jurisdiction within the schools boundaries to annually verify school compliance with those defensible space standards. The bill would, commencing with the 202627 fiscal year, require the disaster procedures in the comprehensive school safety plans to include the establishment of a procedure to identify appropriate refuge shelter for all pupils and staff, for use in the event of a shelter-in-place an evacuation order, and to notify the fire department operational area having jurisdiction of the refuge. The bill would require, as applied to public schools serving more than 50 pupils in a high or very high fire hazard severity zone, the procedures to be coordinated with the fire department, operational area, and would also require, commencing with the 202627 fiscal year and as a part of the comprehensive school safety plans for these schools, the development of a communication and evacuation plan, to be used in the event of an early notice evacuation warning, as provided. By imposing new duties on local educational agencies and local fire districts, the political subdivisions that make up the operational areas, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program.
The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.
This bill would provide that, if the Commission on State Mandates determines that the bill contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement for those costs shall be made pursuant to the statutory provisions noted above.
Existing law requires the State Fire Marshal to identify, according to specified procedures, high and very high fire hazard severity zones within state responsibility areas and lands that are not within state responsibility areas. Existing law requires a person who owns, leases, controls, operates, or maintains a structure within specified portions of those areas to comply with defensible space requirements, as provided. These defensible space requirements include, among other things, a requirement to maintain a defensible space of 100 feet from each side and from the front and rear of the structure, as specified.
Existing law provides that school districts and county offices of education are responsible for the overall development of a comprehensive school safety plan for each of its schools, as provided. Existing law requires a schoolsite council to write and develop a comprehensive school safety plan relevant to the needs and resources of that particular school, in consultation with a representative from a law enforcement agency, a fire department, and other first responder entities, as specified, while providing an alternate mechanism for compliance with this requirement for small school districts, as defined. Existing law requires the comprehensive school safety plan to include appropriate strategies and programs relating to school safety and school safety law compliance, including the development of specified disaster procedures. Existing law authorizes a chartering authority to deny a petition for the establishment of a charter school for specified reasons, including the absence in the charter petition of a reasonably comprehensive description of the development of a school safety plan that includes these same topics.
This bill would, commencing with the 202627 fiscal year, year and annually thereafter, require each private school or public school, including a charter school, serving more than 50 students or pupils in kindergarten or any of grades 1 to 12, inclusive, in a high-risk zone high or very high fire hazard severity zone, as identified by the State Fire Marshal, to comply with specified the above-described defensible space zone fire safety standards, applicable to the area from school buildings to the area 100 feet from school buildings, and any subsequent regulations implementing those standards, as provided. The bill would define a high-risk zone as land identified by the State Fire Marshal as a high or very high fire hazard severity zone. require the fire department having jurisdiction within the schools boundaries to annually verify school compliance with those defensible space standards. The bill would, commencing with the 202627 fiscal year, require the disaster procedures in the comprehensive school safety plans to include the establishment of a procedure to identify appropriate refuge shelter for all pupils and staff, for use in the event of a shelter-in-place order, and to notify the fire department having jurisdiction of the refuge. The bill would require, as applied to public schools serving more than 50 pupils in a high-risk zone, high or very high fire hazard severity zone, the procedures to be coordinated with the fire department, and would also require, commencing with the 202627 fiscal year and as a part of the comprehensive school safety plans for these schools, the development of a communication and evacuation plan, to be used in the event of an early notice evacuation warning, as provided. By imposing new duties on local educational agencies, agencies and local fire districts, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program.
The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.
This bill would provide that, if the Commission on State Mandates determines that the bill contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement for those costs shall be made pursuant to the statutory provisions noted above.
Existing law requires the State Fire Marshal to classify lands within state responsibility areas into fire hazard severity zones, and, by regulation, designate fire hazard severity zones and assign to each zone a rating reflecting the degree of severity of fire hazard that is expected to prevail in the zone. Existing law also requires the State Fire Marshal to identify areas in the state that are not state responsibility areas as moderate, high, and very high fire hazard severity zones based on consistent statewide criteria and based on the severity of fire hazard that is expected to prevail in those areas. identify, according to specified procedures, high and very high fire hazard severity zones within state responsibility areas and lands that are not within state responsibility areas.
Existing law provides that it is the intent of the Legislature that all public schools, in kindergarten, and grades 1 to 12, inclusive, operated by school districts, in cooperation with specified entities and individuals, develop a comprehensive school safety plan, as provided. Existing law provides that school districts and county offices of education are responsible for the overall development of a comprehensive school safety plan for each of its schools, as provided. Existing law requires a schoolsite council to write and develop a comprehensive school safety plan relevant to the needs and resources of that particular school, in consultation with a representative from a law enforcement agency, a fire department, and other first responder entities, as provided. specified, while providing an alternate mechanism for compliance with this requirement for small school districts, as defined. Existing law requires the comprehensive school safety plan to include appropriate strategies and programs relating to school safety and school safety law compliance, including the development of specified disaster procedures. Existing law authorizes a chartering authority to deny a petition for the establishment of a charter school for specified reasons, including the absence in the charter petition of a reasonably comprehensive description of the development of a school safety plan that includes these same topics.This bill would, commencing with the 202627 fiscal year, require each school each private school or public school, including a charter school, serving more than 50 students or pupils in kindergarten or any of grades 1 to 12, inclusive, in a high-risk zone to comply with specified defensible space zone fire safety standards, applicable to the area from school buildings to the area 100 feet from school buildings, as provided. The bill would define a high-risk zone as land identified by the State Fire Marshal as a high or very high fire hazard severity zone. The bill would require the fire department having jurisdiction within the schools boundary to annually certify school compliance with those defensible space standards. The bill would also require each school in a high-risk zone to coordinate with the fire department having jurisdiction within the schools boundary to identify appropriate refuge shelter for all pupils, students, and staff to be used in the event of a shelter-in-place order by local authorities. The bill would require each school in a high-risk zone to develop a communication and evacuation plan, to be used in the event of an early notice evacuation warning, that allows enough time to evacuate all pupils, students, and staff, as provided. would, commencing with the 202627 fiscal year, require the disaster procedures in the comprehensive school safety plans to include the establishment of a procedure to identify appropriate refuge shelter for all pupils and staff, for use in the event of a shelter-in-place order, and to notify the fire department having jurisdiction of the refuge. The bill would require, as applied to public schools serving more than 50 pupils in a high-risk zone, the procedures to be coordinated with the fire department, and would also require, commencing with the 202627 fiscal year and as a part of the comprehensive school safety plans for these schools, the development of a communication and evacuation plan, to be used in the event of an early notice evacuation warning, as provided. By imposing new duties on local educational agencies, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program.
The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.
This bill would provide that, if the Commission on State Mandates determines that the bill contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement for those costs shall be made pursuant to the statutory provisions noted above.
Existing law requires the State Fire Marshal to classify lands within state responsibility areas into fire hazard severity zones, and, by regulation, designate fire hazard severity zones and assign to each zone a rating reflecting the degree of severity of fire hazard that is expected to prevail in the zone. Existing law also requires the State Fire Marshal to identify areas in the state that are not state responsibility areas as moderate, high, and very high fire hazard severity zones based on consistent statewide criteria and based on the severity of fire hazard that is expected to prevail in those areas.
Existing law provides that it is the intent of the Legislature that all public schools, in kindergarten, and grades 1 to 12, inclusive, operated by school districts, in cooperation with specified entities and individuals, develop a comprehensive school safety plan, as provided. Existing law provides that school districts and county offices of education are responsible for the overall development of a comprehensive school safety plan for each of its schools, as provided. Existing law requires a schoolsite council to write and develop a comprehensive school safety plan relevant to the needs and resources of that particular school, in consultation with a representative from a law enforcement agency, a fire department, and other first responder entities, as provided.
This bill would, commencing with the 202627 202627 fiscal year, require each school in a high risk high-risk zone to comply with specified defensible space zone fire safety standards, applicable to the area from school buildings to the area 100 feet from school buildings, as provided. The bill would define a high risk high-risk zone as land identified by the State Fire Marshal as a high or very high fire hazard severity zone. The bill would require the fire department having jurisdiction within the schools boundary to annually certify school compliance with those defensible space standards. The bill would also require each school in a high risk high-risk zone to coordinate with the fire department having jurisdiction within the schools boundary to identify appropriate refuge shelter for all pupils and students pupils, students, and staff to be used in the event of a shelter-in-place order by local authorities. The bill would require each school in a high risk high-risk zone to develop a communication and evacuation plan, to be used in the event of an early notice evacuation warning, that allows enough time to evacuate all pupils and pupils, students, and staff, as provided. By imposing new duties on local educational agencies, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program.
The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.
This bill would provide that, if the Commission on State Mandates determines that the bill contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement for those costs shall be made pursuant to the statutory provisions noted above.
Existing law requires the State Fire Marshal to classify lands within state responsibility areas into fire hazard severity zones, and, by regulation, designate fire hazard severity zones and assign to each zone a rating reflecting the degree of severity of fire hazard that is expected to prevail in the zone. Existing law also requires the State Fire Marshal to identify areas in the state that are not state responsibility areas as moderate, high, and very high fire hazard severity zones based on consistent statewide criteria and based on the severity of fire hazard that is expected to prevail in those areas.
Existing law provides that it is the intent of the Legislature that all public schools, in kindergarten, and grades 1 to 12, inclusive, operated by school districts, in cooperation with specified entities and individuals, develop a comprehensive school safety plan, as provided. Existing law provides that school districts and county offices of education are responsible for the overall development of a comprehensive school safety plan for each of its schools, as provided. Existing law requires a schoolsite council to write and develop a comprehensive school safety plan relevant to the needs and resources of that particular school, in consultation with a representative from a law enforcement agency, a fire department, and other first responder entities, as provided.
This bill would, commencing with the 202627 fiscal year, require each school in a high risk zone to comply with specified defensible space zone fire safety standards, applicable to the area from school buildings to the area 100 feet from school buildings, as provided. The bill would define a high risk zone as land identified by the State Fire Marshal as a high or very high fire hazard severity zone. The bill would require the fire department having jurisdiction within the schools boundary to annually certify school compliance with those defensible space standards. The bill would also require each school in a high risk zone to coordinate with the fire department having jurisdiction within the schools boundary to identify appropriate refuge shelter for all pupils and students to be used in the event of a shelter-in-place order by local authorities. The bill would require each school in a high risk zone to develop a communication and evacuation plan, to be used in the event of an early notice evacuation warning, that allows enough time to evacuate all pupils and students, as provided. By imposing new duties on local educational agencies, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program.
The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.
This bill would provide that, if the Commission on State Mandates determines that the bill contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement for those costs shall be made pursuant to the statutory provisions noted above.
Existing law requires the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection to, among other things, provide fire prevention and firefighting implements and apparatus, as provided.This bill would provide that it is the intent of the Legislature to enact subsequent legislation relating to wildfire prevention.Existing law requires the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection to, among other things, provide fire prevention and firefighting implements and apparatus, as provided.
This bill would provide that it is the intent of the Legislature to enact subsequent legislation relating to wildfire prevention.
(a)The comprehensive school safety plan shall include, but not be limited to, all of the following:
(1)Assessing the current status of school crime committed on school campuses and at school-related functions.
(2)Identifying appropriate strategies and programs that will provide or maintain a high level of school safety and address the schools procedures for complying with existing laws related to school safety, which shall include the development of all of the following:
(A)Child abuse reporting procedures consistent with Article 2.5 (commencing with Section 11164) of Chapter 2 of Title 1 of Part 4 of the Penal Code.
(B)(i)Disaster procedures, routine and emergency, including adaptations for pupils with disabilities in accordance with the federal Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. Sec. 12101 et seq.), the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (20 U.S.C. Sec. 1400 et seq.), and Section 504 of the federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. Sec. 794(a)). The disaster procedures shall also include, but not be limited to, all of the following:
(I)Establishing an earthquake emergency procedure system in every public school building having an occupant capacity of 50 or more pupils or more than one classroom. A school district or county office of education may work with the Office of Emergency Services and the Alfred E. Alquist Seismic Safety Commission to develop and establish the earthquake emergency procedure system. The system shall include, but not be limited to, all of the following:
(ia)A school building disaster plan, ready for implementation at any time, for maintaining the safety and care of pupils and staff. The department shall provide general direction to school districts and county offices of education on what to include in the school building disaster plan.
(ib)A drop procedure whereby each pupil and staff member takes cover under a table or desk, dropping to their knees, with the head protected by the arms, and the back to the windows. A drop procedure practice shall be held at least once a school quarter in elementary schools and at least once a semester in secondary schools.
(ic)Protective measures to be taken before, during, and following an earthquake.
(id)A program to ensure that pupils and both the certificated and classified staff are aware of, and properly trained in, the earthquake emergency procedure system.
(II)Establishing a procedure to allow a public agency, including the American Red Cross, to use school buildings, grounds, and equipment for mass care and welfare shelters during disasters or other emergencies affecting the public health and welfare. The school district or county office of education shall cooperate with the public agency in furnishing and maintaining the services as the school district or county office of education may deem necessary to meet the needs of the community.
(III)(ia)Commencing with the 202627 fiscal year, establishing a procedure to identify appropriate refuge shelter for all pupils and staff to be used in the event of an evacuation order by local authorities and notify the operational area having jurisdiction within the schools boundaries of this identified refuge, in order to first prioritize the safety of pupils and staff, and then the defense of that structure in the event of a fire. Each public school, including a charter school, serving more than 50 pupils in kindergarten or any of grades 1 to 12, inclusive, that is in a high or very high fire hazard severity zone, identified pursuant to Section 51178 of the Government Code or Section 4204 of the Public Resources Code, shall coordinate the procedure with the operational area having jurisdiction within the schools boundaries. For those schools under the jurisdiction of a school district or county office of education, the school district or county office of education shall be the entity that coordinates with the operational area having jurisdiction within each of the schools boundaries.
(ib)Commencing with the 202627 fiscal year, the development by each public school, including a charter school, serving more than 50 pupils in kindergarten or any of grades 1 to 12, inclusive, that is in a high or very high fire hazard severity zone, identified pursuant to Section 51178 of the Government Code or Section 4204 of the Public Resources Code, of a communication and evacuation plan, to be used in the event of an early notice evacuation warning, that allows enough time to evacuate all pupils and staff. These plans shall clearly identify a decision process to determine whether an evacuation order is appropriate.
(ic)For purposes of this subclause, operational area means an intermediate level of the state emergency services organization, consisting of a county and all political subdivisions within the county area, that serves as a link in the system of communication and coordination between the states emergency operation centers and the operating centers of the political subdivisions that make up the operational area, as described in subdivision (b) of Section 8559 of the Government Code and Section 8605 of the Government Code.
(ii)The evaluation of a comprehensive school safety plan pursuant to subdivision (d) and the review of a school safety plan pursuant to clause (iii) of subparagraph (F) of paragraph (5) of subdivision (c) of Section 47605 or clause (iii) of subparagraph (G) of paragraph (5) of subdivision (b) of Section 47605.6, as applicable, shall include ensuring that the plan includes appropriate adaptations for pupils with disabilities, as required pursuant to clause (i).
(iii)(I)After the first evaluation or review, as applicable, for purposes of subdivision (d) and clause (ii) is conducted, and after each annual evaluation or review thereafter, a school employee, a pupils parent, guardian, or educational rights holder, or a pupil themselves may bring concerns about an individual pupils ability to access disaster safety procedures described in the comprehensive school safety plan or the school safety plan to the school principal. If the school principal determines there is merit to a concern, the principal shall direct the schoolsite council, school safety planning committee, or charter school, as applicable, to make appropriate modifications to the comprehensive school safety plan or school safety plan, as applicable, during the evaluation of the comprehensive school safety plan pursuant to subdivision (d) or the review of the school safety plan pursuant to clause (iii) of subparagraph (F) of paragraph (5) of subdivision (c) of Section 47605 or clause (iii) of subparagraph (G) of paragraph (5) of subdivision (b) of Section 47605.6, as applicable. The school principal may direct the schoolsite council, the school safety planning committee, or the charter school, as applicable, to make such modifications before the evaluation of the comprehensive school safety plan pursuant to subdivision (d) or the review of the school safety plan pursuant to clause (iii) of subparagraph (F) of paragraph (5) of subdivision (c) of Section 47605 or clause (iii) of subparagraph (G) of paragraph (5) of subdivision (b) of Section 47605.6, as applicable.
(II)Subclause (I) does not prohibit a school employee, a pupils parent, guardian, or educational rights holder, or a pupil themselves from bringing their concerns to the school principal before an evaluation or review, as applicable, for purposes of subdivision (d) and clause (ii) is conducted.
(iv)All deliberations of the schoolsite council, school safety planning committee, or charter school, as applicable, related to individual pupils with disabilities for purposes of the requirements of clauses (i) to (iii), inclusive, shall be subject to applicable state and federal laws regarding the privacy of pupil information.
(C)Policies pursuant to subdivision (d) of Section 48915 for pupils who committed an act listed in subdivision (c) of Section 48915 and other school-designated serious acts that would lead to suspension, expulsion, or mandatory expulsion recommendations pursuant to Article 1 (commencing with Section 48900) of Chapter 6 of Part 27 of Division 4 of Title 2.
(D)Procedures to notify teachers of dangerous pupils pursuant to Section 49079.
(E)A discrimination and harassment policy consistent with the prohibition against discrimination contained in Chapter 2 (commencing with Section 200) of Part 1.
(F)The provisions of any schoolwide dress code, pursuant to Section 35183, that prohibits pupils from wearing gang-related apparel, if the school has adopted that type of a dress code. For those purposes, the comprehensive school safety plan shall define gang-related apparel. The definition shall be limited to apparel that, if worn or displayed on a school campus, reasonably could be determined to threaten the health and safety of the school environment. A schoolwide dress code established pursuant to this section and Section 35183 shall be enforced on the school campus and at any school-sponsored activity by the principal of the school or the person designated by the principal. For purposes of this subparagraph, gang-related apparel shall not be considered a protected form of speech pursuant to Section 48950.
(G)Procedures for safe ingress and egress of pupils, parents, and school employees to and from school.
(H)A safe and orderly environment conducive to learning at the school.
(I)The rules and procedures on school discipline adopted pursuant to Sections 35291, 35291.5, 47605, and 47605.6.
(J)Procedures for conducting tactical responses to criminal incidents, including procedures related to individuals with guns on school campuses and at school-related functions. The procedures to prepare for active shooters or other armed assailants shall be based on the specific needs and context of each school and community.
(K)Procedures to assess and respond to reports of any dangerous, violent, or unlawful activity that is being conducted or threatened to be conducted at the school, at an activity sponsored by the school, or on a schoolbus serving the school.
(L)For schools that serve pupils in any of grades 7 to 12, inclusive, a protocol in the event a pupil is suffering or is reasonably believed to be suffering from an opioid overdose.
(3)(A)Beginning July 1, 2025, an instructional continuity plan to establish communication with pupils and their families and provide instruction to pupils when in-person instruction is disrupted due to an emergency pursuant to Section 41422 or subdivision (a) of Section 46392. The plan shall include all the following:
(i)Procedures for pupil engagement, as soon as practicable, and no later than five calendar days following the emergency. Procedures shall be designed to establish two-way communication with pupils and their families and identify and provide supports for pupils social-emotional, mental health, and academic needs.
(ii)A plan to provide access to in-person instruction or remote instruction pursuant to Sections 51747 and 51749.5, as soon as practicable, but no later than 10 instructional days following the emergency. The plan may include support to pupils and families to enroll in or be temporarily reassigned to another school district, county office of education, or charter school.
(B)Local educational agencies are encouraged to plan to meet instructional standards that are at least equivalent to those applicable to independent study programs.
(C)(i)For purposes of this paragraph, temporarily reassigned means temporarily reassigned to another local educational agency outside of the school district in which the pupils parent or guardian resides. Notwithstanding Section 48200 or any other law, a pupil who is temporarily reassigned shall be deemed to have complied with the residency requirements for attendance in the local educational agency that is temporarily serving the pupil pursuant to this section.
(ii)Notwithstanding Section 48200 or any other law, a school district, county office of education, or charter school may continue to enroll a pupil who is temporarily reassigned to another school district, county office of education, or charter school pursuant to this section in order to facilitate the timely reentry of the pupil in their prior school after the emergency event has ended.
(D)This paragraph applies to school districts, county offices of education, and charter schools.
(b)It is the intent of the Legislature that schools develop comprehensive school safety plans using existing resources, including the materials and services of the partnership, pursuant to this chapter. It is also the intent of the Legislature that schools use the handbook developed and distributed in partnership by the departments Safe Schools and Violence Prevention Center and the Attorney Generals Crime and Violence Prevention Center entitled Safe Schools: A Planning Guide for Action in conjunction with developing their plan for school safety.
(c)Each schoolsite council or school safety planning committee, in developing and updating a comprehensive school safety plan, shall, where practical, consult, cooperate, and coordinate with other schoolsite councils or school safety planning committees.
(d)The comprehensive school safety plan may be evaluated and amended, as needed, by the school safety planning committee, but shall be evaluated at least once a year, to ensure that the comprehensive school safety plan is properly implemented. An updated file of all safety-related plans and materials shall be readily available for inspection by the public.
(e)As comprehensive school safety plans are reviewed and updated, the Legislature encourages all plans, to the extent that resources are available, to include policies and procedures aimed at the prevention of bullying.
(f)The comprehensive school safety plan, as written and updated by the schoolsite council or school safety planning committee, shall be submitted for approval pursuant to subdivision (a) of Section 32288.
(g)The department shall maintain and conspicuously post on its internet website a compliance checklist for developing a comprehensive school safety plan, and shall update the checklist when necessary.
(h)On or before March 1, 2025, the Superintendent shall develop and post on the departments internet website instructional continuity plan guidance, including guidance for continued academic and school engagement strategies during disruptions in instruction due to emergencies.
SEC. 1.1.Section 32282 of the Education Code is amended to read:32282.(a)The comprehensive school safety plan shall include, but not be limited to, all of the following:
(1)Assessing the current status of school crime committed on school campuses and at school-related functions.
(2)Identifying appropriate strategies and programs that will provide or maintain a high level of school safety and address the schools procedures for complying with existing laws related to school safety, which shall include the development of all of the following:
(A)Child abuse reporting procedures consistent with Article 2.5 (commencing with Section 11164) of Chapter 2 of Title 1 of Part 4 of the Penal Code.
(B)(i)Disaster procedures, routine and emergency, including adaptations for pupils with disabilities in accordance with the federal Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. Sec. 12101 et seq.), the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (20 U.S.C. Sec. 1400 et seq.), and Section 504 of the federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. Sec. 794(a)). The disaster procedures shall also include, but not be limited to, all of the following:
(I)Establishing an earthquake emergency procedure system in every public school building having an occupant capacity of 50 or more pupils or more than one classroom. A school district or county office of education may work with the Office of Emergency Services and the Alfred E. Alquist Seismic Safety Commission to develop and establish the earthquake emergency procedure system. The system shall include, but not be limited to, all of the following:
(ia)A school building disaster plan, ready for implementation at any time, for maintaining the safety and care of pupils and staff. The department shall provide general direction to school districts and county offices of education on what to include in the school building disaster plan.
(ib)A drop procedure whereby each pupil and staff member takes cover under a table or desk, dropping to their knees, with the head protected by the arms, and the back to the windows. A drop procedure practice shall be held at least once a school quarter in elementary schools and at least once a semester in secondary schools.
(ic)Protective measures to be taken before, during, and following an earthquake.
(id)A program to ensure that pupils and both the certificated and classified staff are aware of, and properly trained in, the earthquake emergency procedure system.
(II)Establishing a procedure to allow a public agency, including the American Red Cross, to use school buildings, grounds, and equipment for mass care and welfare shelters during disasters or other emergencies affecting the public health and welfare. The school district or county office of education shall cooperate with the public agency in furnishing and maintaining the services as the school district or county office of education may deem necessary to meet the needs of the community.
(III)(ia)Commencing with the 202627 fiscal year, establishing a procedure to identify appropriate refuge shelter for all pupils and staff to be used in the event of an evacuation order by local authorities and notify the operational area having jurisdiction within the schools boundaries of this identified refuge, in order to first prioritize the safety of pupils and staff, and then the defense of that structure in the event of a fire. Each public school, including a charter school, serving more than 50 pupils in kindergarten or any of grades 1 to 12, inclusive, that is in a high or very high fire hazard severity zone, identified pursuant to Section 51178 of the Government Code or Section 4204 of the Public Resources Code, shall coordinate the procedure with the operational area having jurisdiction within the schools boundaries. For those schools under the jurisdiction of a school district or county office of education, the school district or county office of education shall be the entity that coordinates with the operational area having jurisdiction within each of the schools boundaries.
(ib)Commencing with the 202627 fiscal year, the development by each public school, including a charter school, serving more than 50 pupils in kindergarten or any of grades 1 to 12, inclusive, that is in a high or very high fire hazard severity zone, identified pursuant to Section 51178 of the Government Code or Section 4204 of the Public Resources Code, of a communication and evacuation plan, to be used in the event of an early notice evacuation warning, that allows enough time to evacuate all pupils and staff. These plans shall clearly identify a decision process to determine whether an evacuation order is appropriate.
(ic)For purposes of this subclause, operational area means an intermediate level of the state emergency services organization, consisting of a county and all political subdivisions within the county area, that serves as a link in the system of communication and coordination between the states emergency operation centers and the operating centers of the political subdivisions that make up the operational area, as described in subdivision (b) of Section 8559 of the Government Code and Section 8605 of the Government Code.
(ii)The evaluation of a comprehensive school safety plan pursuant to subdivision (d) and the review of a school safety plan pursuant to clause (iii) of subparagraph (F) of paragraph (5) of subdivision (c) of Section 47605 or clause (iii) of subparagraph (G) of paragraph (5) of subdivision (b) of Section 47605.6, as applicable, shall include ensuring that the plan includes appropriate adaptations for pupils with disabilities, as required pursuant to clause (i).
(iii)(I)After the first evaluation or review, as applicable, for purposes of subdivision (d) and clause (ii) is conducted, and after each annual evaluation or review thereafter, a school employee, a pupils parent, guardian, or educational rights holder, or a pupil themselves may bring concerns about an individual pupils ability to access disaster safety procedures described in the comprehensive school safety plan or the school safety plan to the school principal. If the school principal determines there is merit to a concern, the principal shall direct the schoolsite council, school safety planning committee, or charter school, as applicable, to make appropriate modifications to the comprehensive school safety plan or school safety plan, as applicable, during the evaluation of the comprehensive school safety plan pursuant to subdivision (d) or the review of the school safety plan pursuant to clause (iii) of subparagraph (F) of paragraph (5) of subdivision (c) of Section 47605 or clause (iii) of subparagraph (G) of paragraph (5) of subdivision (b) of Section 47605.6, as applicable. The school principal may direct the schoolsite council, the school safety planning committee, or the charter school, as applicable, to make such modifications before the evaluation of the comprehensive school safety plan pursuant to subdivision (d) or the review of the school safety plan pursuant to clause (iii) of subparagraph (F) of paragraph (5) of subdivision (c) of Section 47605 or clause (iii) of subparagraph (G) of paragraph (5) of subdivision (b) of Section 47605.6, as applicable.
(II)Subclause (I) does not prohibit a school employee, a pupils parent, guardian, or educational rights holder, or a pupil themselves from bringing their concerns to the school principal before an evaluation or review, as applicable, for purposes of subdivision (d) and clause (ii) is conducted.
(iv)All deliberations of the schoolsite council, school safety planning committee, or charter school, as applicable, related to individual pupils with disabilities for purposes of the requirements of clauses (i) to (iii), inclusive, shall be subject to applicable state and federal laws regarding the privacy of pupil information.
(C)Policies pursuant to subdivision (d) of Section 48915 for pupils who committed an act listed in subdivision (c) of Section 48915 and other school-designated serious acts that would lead to suspension, expulsion, or mandatory expulsion recommendations pursuant to Article 1 (commencing with Section 48900) of Chapter 6 of Part 27 of Division 4 of Title 2.
(D)Procedures to notify teachers of dangerous pupils pursuant to Section 49079.
(E)A discrimination and harassment policy consistent with the prohibition against discrimination contained in Chapter 2 (commencing with Section 200) of Part 1.
(F)The provisions of any schoolwide dress code, pursuant to Section 35183, that prohibits pupils from wearing gang-related apparel, if the school has adopted that type of a dress code. For those purposes, the comprehensive school safety plan shall define gang-related apparel. The definition shall be limited to apparel that, if worn or displayed on a school campus, reasonably could be determined to threaten the health and safety of the school environment. A schoolwide dress code established pursuant to this section and Section 35183 shall be enforced on the school campus and at any school-sponsored activity by the principal of the school or the person designated by the principal. For purposes of this subparagraph, gang-related apparel shall not be considered a protected form of speech pursuant to Section 48950.
(G)Procedures for safe ingress and egress of pupils, parents, and school employees to and from school.
(H)A safe and orderly environment conducive to learning at the school.
(I)The rules and procedures on school discipline adopted pursuant to Sections 35291, 35291.5, 47605, and 47605.6.
(J)Procedures for conducting tactical responses to criminal incidents, including procedures related to individuals with guns on school campuses and at school-related functions. The procedures to prepare for active shooters or other armed assailants shall be based on the specific needs and context of each school and community.
(K)If a comprehensive school safety plan includes procedures to prepare for active shooters or other armed assailants by conducting a drill, a school shall comply with all of the following relating to the drill:
(i)(I)The school shall not conduct a high-intensity drill.
(II)For purposes of this clause, high-intensity drill means a drill that includes simulations that mimic an actual school shooter or other armed assailant incident, including, but not limited to, theatrical makeup or other materials to give an image of blood or gunshot wounds, acting by an individual posing to be the assailant, acting by individuals posing as victims, or simulations that instruct pupils to actively resist an assailant by throwing objects, attacking, or swarming the assailant.
(ii)The school shall not include the use of real weapons, gunfire blanks, or explosions in the conducting of the drill.
(iii)The school shall ensure a trauma-informed approach to the design and execution of any drill, which shall include all of the following:
(I)Age-appropriate and developmentally appropriate drill content and terminology developed with the involvement of school personnel, including school-based mental health professionals.
(II)Notice to all parents and guardians of pupils, teachers, administrators, and school personnel subject to the drills in advance of the drill and of the drills expected length of time.
(III)The ability for parents or guardians to opt their child or children out of the drills.
(IV)An announcement to pupils and educators immediately before the start of the drills and an announcement to pupils and educators immediately after the drills have concluded.
(V)A notice to all parents and guardians after the drill has concluded.
(VI)The provision of contact information for community-based resources, including local organizations with objectives to reduce gun violence or provide mental health counseling, to parents or guardians, pupils, and staff who are negatively impacted by the drills, and, where available, prioritizing school-based resources.
(L)Procedures to assess and respond to reports of any dangerous, violent, or unlawful activity that is being conducted or threatened to be conducted at the school, at an activity sponsored by the school, or on a schoolbus serving the school.
(M)For schools that serve pupils in any of grades 7 to 12, inclusive, a protocol in the event a pupil is suffering or is reasonably believed to be suffering from an opioid overdose.
(3)(A)Beginning July 1, 2025, an instructional continuity plan to establish communication with pupils and their families and provide instruction to pupils when in-person instruction is disrupted due to an emergency pursuant to Section 41422 or subdivision (a) of Section 46392. The plan shall include all the following:
(i)Procedures for pupil engagement, as soon as practicable, and no later than five calendar days following the emergency. Procedures shall be designed to establish two-way communication with pupils and their families and identify and provide supports for pupils social-emotional, mental health, and academic needs.
(ii)A plan to provide access to in-person instruction or remote instruction pursuant to Sections 51747 and 51749.5, as soon as practicable, but no later than 10 instructional days following the emergency. The plan may include support to pupils and families to enroll in or be temporarily reassigned to another school district, county office of education, or charter school.
(B)Local educational agencies are encouraged to plan to meet instructional standards that are at least equivalent to those applicable to independent study programs.
(C)(i)For purposes of this paragraph, temporarily reassigned means temporarily reassigned to another local educational agency outside of the school district in which the pupils parent or guardian resides. Notwithstanding Section 48200 or any other law, a pupil who is temporarily reassigned shall be deemed to have complied with the residency requirements for attendance in the local educational agency that is temporarily serving the pupil pursuant to this section.
(ii)Notwithstanding Section 48200 or any other law, a school district, county office of education, or charter school may continue to enroll a pupil who is temporarily reassigned to another school district, county office of education, or charter school pursuant to this section in order to facilitate the timely reentry of the pupil in their prior school after the emergency event has ended.
(D)This paragraph applies to school districts, county offices of education, and charter schools.
(b)It is the intent of the Legislature that schools develop comprehensive school safety plans using existing resources, including the materials and services of the partnership, pursuant to this chapter. It is also the intent of the Legislature that schools use the handbook developed and distributed in partnership by the departments Safe Schools and Violence Prevention Center and the Attorney Generals Crime and Violence Prevention Center entitled Safe Schools: A Planning Guide for Action in conjunction with developing their plan for school safety.
(c)Each schoolsite council or school safety planning committee, in developing and updating a comprehensive school safety plan, shall, where practical, consult, cooperate, and coordinate with other schoolsite councils or school safety planning committees.
(d)The comprehensive school safety plan may be evaluated and amended, as needed, by the school safety planning committee, but shall be evaluated at least once a year, to ensure that the comprehensive school safety plan is properly implemented. An updated file of all safety-related plans and materials shall be readily available for inspection by the public.
(e)As comprehensive school safety plans are reviewed and updated, the Legislature encourages all plans, to the extent that resources are available, to include policies and procedures aimed at the prevention of bullying.
(f)The comprehensive school safety plan, as written and updated by the schoolsite council or school safety planning committee, shall be submitted for approval pursuant to subdivision (a) of Section 32288.
(g)The department shall maintain and conspicuously post on its internet website a compliance checklist for developing a comprehensive school safety plan, and shall update the checklist when necessary.
(h)On or before March 1, 2025, the Superintendent shall develop and post on the departments internet website instructional continuity plan guidance, including guidance for continued academic and school engagement strategies during disruptions in instruction due to emergencies.
SEC. 1.2.Section 32282 of the Education Code is amended to read:32282.(a)The comprehensive school safety plan shall include, but not be limited to, all of the following:
(1)Assessing the current status of school crime committed on school campuses and at school-related functions.
(2)Identifying appropriate strategies and programs that will provide or maintain a high level of school safety and address the schools procedures for complying with existing laws related to school safety, which shall include the development of all of the following:
(A)Child abuse reporting procedures consistent with Article 2.5 (commencing with Section 11164) of Chapter 2 of Title 1 of Part 4 of the Penal Code.
(B)(i)Disaster procedures, routine and emergency, including adaptations for pupils with disabilities in accordance with the federal Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. Sec. 12101 et seq.), the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (20 U.S.C. Sec. 1400 et seq.), and Section 504 of the federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. Sec. 794(a)). The disaster procedures shall also include, but not be limited to, all of the following:
(I)Establishing an earthquake emergency procedure system in every public school building having an occupant capacity of 50 or more pupils or more than one classroom. A school district or county office of education may work with the Office of Emergency Services and the Alfred E. Alquist Seismic Safety Commission to develop and establish the earthquake emergency procedure system. The system shall include, but not be limited to, all of the following:
(ia)A school building disaster plan, ready for implementation at any time, for maintaining the safety and care of pupils and staff. The department shall provide general direction to school districts and county offices of education on what to include in the school building disaster plan.
(ib)A drop procedure whereby each pupil and staff member takes cover under a table or desk, dropping to their knees, with the head protected by the arms, and the back to the windows. A drop procedure practice shall be held at least once a school quarter in elementary schools and at least once a semester in secondary schools.
(ic)Protective measures to be taken before, during, and following an earthquake.
(id)A program to ensure that pupils and both the certificated and classified staff are aware of, and properly trained in, the earthquake emergency procedure system.
(II)Establishing a procedure to allow a public agency, including the American Red Cross, to use school buildings, grounds, and equipment for mass care and welfare shelters during disasters or other emergencies affecting the public health and welfare. The school district or county office of education shall cooperate with the public agency in furnishing and maintaining the services as the school district or county office of education may deem necessary to meet the needs of the community.
(III)(ia)Commencing with the 202627 fiscal year, establishing a procedure to identify appropriate refuge shelter for all pupils and staff to be used in the event of an evacuation order by local authorities and notify the operational area having jurisdiction within the schools boundaries of this identified refuge, in order to first prioritize the safety of pupils and staff, and then the defense of that structure in the event of a fire. Each public school, including a charter school, serving more than 50 pupils in kindergarten or any of grades 1 to 12, inclusive, that is in a high or very high fire hazard severity zone, identified pursuant to Section 51178 of the Government Code or Section 4204 of the Public Resources Code, shall coordinate the procedure with the operational area having jurisdiction within the schools boundaries. For those schools under the jurisdiction of a school district or county office of education, the school district or county office of education shall be the entity that coordinates with the operational area having jurisdiction within each of the schools boundaries.
(ib)Commencing with the 202627 fiscal year, the development by each public school, including a charter school, serving more than 50 pupils in kindergarten or any of grades 1 to 12, inclusive, that is in a high or very high fire hazard severity zone, identified pursuant to Section 51178 of the Government Code or Section 4204 of the Public Resources Code, of a communication and evacuation plan, to be used in the event of an early notice evacuation warning, that allows enough time to evacuate all pupils and staff. These plans shall clearly identify a decision process to determine whether an evacuation order is appropriate.
(ic)For purposes of this subclause, operational area means an intermediate level of the state emergency services organization, consisting of a county and all political subdivisions within the county area, that serves as a link in the system of communication and coordination between the states emergency operation centers and the operating centers of the political subdivisions that make up the operational area, as described in subdivision (b) of Section 8559 of the Government Code and Section 8605 of the Government Code.
(ii)The evaluation of a comprehensive school safety plan pursuant to subdivision (d) and the review of a school safety plan pursuant to clause (iii) of subparagraph (F) of paragraph (5) of subdivision (c) of Section 47605 or clause (iii) of subparagraph (G) of paragraph (5) of subdivision (b) of Section 47605.6, as applicable, shall include ensuring that the plan includes appropriate adaptations for pupils with disabilities, as required pursuant to clause (i).
(iii)(I)After the first evaluation or review, as applicable, for purposes of subdivision (d) and clause (ii) is conducted, and after each annual evaluation or review thereafter, a school employee, a pupils parent, guardian, or educational rights holder, or a pupil themselves may bring concerns about an individual pupils ability to access disaster safety procedures described in the comprehensive school safety plan or the school safety plan to the school principal. If the school principal determines there is merit to a concern, the principal shall direct the schoolsite council, school safety planning committee, or charter school, as applicable, to make appropriate modifications to the comprehensive school safety plan or school safety plan, as applicable, during the evaluation of the comprehensive school safety plan pursuant to subdivision (d) or the review of the school safety plan pursuant to clause (iii) of subparagraph (F) of paragraph (5) of subdivision (c) of Section 47605 or clause (iii) of subparagraph (G) of paragraph (5) of subdivision (b) of Section 47605.6, as applicable. The school principal may direct the schoolsite council, the school safety planning committee, or the charter school, as applicable, to make such modifications before the evaluation of the comprehensive school safety plan pursuant to subdivision (d) or the review of the school safety plan pursuant to clause (iii) of subparagraph (F) of paragraph (5) of subdivision (c) of Section 47605 or clause (iii) of subparagraph (G) of paragraph (5) of subdivision (b) of Section 47605.6, as applicable.
(II)Subclause (I) does not prohibit a school employee, a pupils parent, guardian, or educational rights holder, or a pupil themselves from bringing their concerns to the school principal before an evaluation or review, as applicable, for purposes of subdivision (d) and clause (ii) is conducted.
(iv)All deliberations of the schoolsite council, school safety planning committee, or charter school, as applicable, related to individual pupils with disabilities for purposes of the requirements of clauses (i) to (iii), inclusive, shall be subject to applicable state and federal laws regarding the privacy of pupil information.
(C)Policies pursuant to subdivision (d) of Section 48915 for pupils who committed an act listed in subdivision (c) of Section 48915 and other school-designated serious acts that would lead to suspension, expulsion, or mandatory expulsion recommendations pursuant to Article 1 (commencing with Section 48900) of Chapter 6 of Part 27 of Division 4 of Title 2.
(D)Procedures to notify teachers of dangerous pupils pursuant to Section 49079.
(E)A discrimination and harassment policy consistent with the prohibition against discrimination contained in Chapter 2 (commencing with Section 200) of Part 1.
(F)The provisions of any schoolwide dress code, pursuant to Section 35183, that prohibits pupils from wearing gang-related apparel, if the school has adopted that type of a dress code. For those purposes, the comprehensive school safety plan shall define gang-related apparel. The definition shall be limited to apparel that, if worn or displayed on a school campus, reasonably could be determined to threaten the health and safety of the school environment. A schoolwide dress code established pursuant to this section and Section 35183 shall be enforced on the school campus and at any school-sponsored activity by the principal of the school or the person designated by the principal. For purposes of this subparagraph, gang-related apparel shall not be considered a protected form of speech pursuant to Section 48950.
(G)Procedures for safe ingress and egress of pupils, parents, and school employees to and from school.
(H)A safe and orderly environment conducive to learning at the school.
(I)The rules and procedures on school discipline adopted pursuant to Sections 35291, 35291.5, 47605, and 47605.6.
(J)Procedures for conducting tactical responses to criminal incidents, including procedures related to individuals with guns on school campuses and at school-related functions. The procedures to prepare for active shooters or other armed assailants shall be based on the specific needs and context of each school and community.
(K)Procedures to assess and respond to reports of any dangerous, violent, or unlawful activity that is being conducted or threatened to be conducted at the school, at an activity sponsored by the school, or on a schoolbus serving the school.
(L)(i)When a comprehensive school safety plan is next reviewed and updated on or after July 1, 2025, procedures to respond to incidents involving an individual experiencing a sudden cardiac arrest or a similar life-threatening medical emergency while on school grounds.
(ii)The procedures described in clause (i) are encouraged to integrate evidence-based core elements, including any cardiopulmonary resuscitation training offered and the placement of any automated external defibrillator available on the schoolsite in accordance with nationally recognized evidence-based emergency cardiac care guidelines, as dictated by the school safety plan.
(M)For schools that serve pupils in any of grades 7 to 12, inclusive, a protocol in the event a pupil is suffering or is reasonably believed to be suffering from an opioid overdose.
(3)(A)Beginning July 1, 2025, an instructional continuity plan to establish communication with pupils and their families and provide instruction to pupils when in-person instruction is disrupted due to an emergency pursuant to Section 41422 or subdivision (a) of Section 46392. The plan shall include all the following:
(i)Procedures for pupil engagement, as soon as practicable, and no later than five calendar days following the emergency. Procedures shall be designed to establish two-way communication with pupils and their families and identify and provide supports for pupils social-emotional, mental health, and academic needs.
(ii)A plan to provide access to in-person instruction or remote instruction pursuant to Sections 51747 and 51749.5, as soon as practicable, but no later than 10 instructional days following the emergency. The plan may include support to pupils and families to enroll in or be temporarily reassigned to another school district, county office of education, or charter school.
(B)Local educational agencies are encouraged to plan to meet instructional standards that are at least equivalent to those applicable to independent study programs.
(C)(i)For purposes of this paragraph, temporarily reassigned means temporarily reassigned to another local educational agency outside of the school district in which the pupils parent or guardian resides. Notwithstanding Section 48200 or any other law, a pupil who is temporarily reassigned shall be deemed to have complied with the residency requirements for attendance in the local educational agency that is temporarily serving the pupil pursuant to this section.
(ii)Notwithstanding Section 48200 or any other law, a school district, county office of education, or charter school may continue to enroll a pupil who is temporarily reassigned to another school district, county office of education, or charter school pursuant to this section in order to facilitate the timely reentry of the pupil in their prior school after the emergency event has ended.
(D)This paragraph applies to school districts, county offices of education, and charter schools.
(b)It is the intent of the Legislature that schools develop comprehensive school safety plans using existing resources, including the materials and services of the partnership, pursuant to this chapter. It is also the intent of the Legislature that schools use the handbook developed and distributed in partnership by the departments Safe Schools and Violence Prevention Center and the Attorney Generals Crime and Violence Prevention Center entitled Safe Schools: A Planning Guide for Action in conjunction with developing their plan for school safety.
(c)Each schoolsite council or school safety planning committee, in developing and updating a comprehensive school safety plan, shall, where practical, consult, cooperate, and coordinate with other schoolsite councils or school safety planning committees.
(d)The comprehensive school safety plan may be evaluated and amended, as needed, by the school safety planning committee, but shall be evaluated at least once a year, to ensure that the comprehensive school safety plan is properly implemented. An updated file of all safety-related plans and materials shall be readily available for inspection by the public.
(e)As comprehensive school safety plans are reviewed and updated, the Legislature encourages all plans, to the extent that resources are available, to include policies and procedures aimed at the prevention of bullying.
(f)The comprehensive school safety plan, as written and updated by the schoolsite council or school safety planning committee, shall be submitted for approval pursuant to subdivision (a) of Section 32288.
(g)The department shall maintain and conspicuously post on its internet website a compliance checklist for developing a comprehensive school safety plan, and shall update the checklist when necessary.
(h)On or before March 1, 2025, the Superintendent shall develop and post on the departments internet website instructional continuity plan guidance, including guidance for continued academic and school engagement strategies during disruptions in instruction due to emergencies.
SEC. 1.3.Section 32282 of the Education Code is amended to read:32282.(a)The comprehensive school safety plan shall include, but not be limited to, all of the following:
(1)Assessing the current status of school crime committed on school campuses and at school-related functions.
(2)Identifying appropriate strategies and programs that will provide or maintain a high level of school safety and address the schools procedures for complying with existing laws related to school safety, which shall include the development of all of the following:
(A)Child abuse reporting procedures consistent with Article 2.5 (commencing with Section 11164) of Chapter 2 of Title 1 of Part 4 of the Penal Code.
(B)(i)Disaster procedures, routine and emergency, including adaptations for pupils with disabilities in accordance with the federal Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. Sec. 12101 et seq.), the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (20 U.S.C. Sec. 1400 et seq.), and Section 504 of the federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. Sec. 794(a)). The disaster procedures shall also include, but not be limited to, all of the following:
(I)Establishing an earthquake emergency procedure system in every public school building having an occupant capacity of 50 or more pupils or more than one classroom. A school district or county office of education may work with the Office of Emergency Services and the Alfred E. Alquist Seismic Safety Commission to develop and establish the earthquake emergency procedure system. The system shall include, but not be limited to, all of the following:
(ia)A school building disaster plan, ready for implementation at any time, for maintaining the safety and care of pupils and staff. The department shall provide general direction to school districts and county offices of education on what to include in the school building disaster plan.
(ib)A drop procedure whereby each pupil and staff member takes cover under a table or desk, dropping to their knees, with the head protected by the arms, and the back to the windows. A drop procedure practice shall be held at least once a school quarter in elementary schools and at least once a semester in secondary schools.
(ic)Protective measures to be taken before, during, and following an earthquake.
(id)A program to ensure that pupils and both the certificated and classified staff are aware of, and properly trained in, the earthquake emergency procedure system.
(II)Establishing a procedure to allow a public agency, including the American Red Cross, to use school buildings, grounds, and equipment for mass care and welfare shelters during disasters or other emergencies affecting the public health and welfare. The school district or county office of education shall cooperate with the public agency in furnishing and maintaining the services as the school district or county office of education may deem necessary to meet the needs of the community.
(III)(ia)Commencing with the 202627 fiscal year, establishing a procedure to identify appropriate refuge shelter for all pupils and staff to be used in the event of an evacuation order by local authorities and notify the operational area having jurisdiction within the schools boundaries of this identified refuge, in order to first prioritize the safety of pupils and staff, and then the defense of that structure in the event of a fire. Each public school, including a charter school, serving more than 50 pupils in kindergarten or any of grades 1 to 12, inclusive, that is in a high or very high fire hazard severity zone, identified pursuant to Section 51178 of the Government Code or Section 4204 of the Public Resources Code, shall coordinate the procedure with the operational area having jurisdiction within the schools boundaries. For those schools under the jurisdiction of a school district or county office of education, the school district or county office of education shall be the entity that coordinates with the operational area having jurisdiction within each of the schools boundaries.
(ib)Commencing with the 202627 fiscal year, the development by each public school, including a charter school, serving more than 50 pupils in kindergarten or any of grades 1 to 12, inclusive, that is in a high or very high fire hazard severity zone, identified pursuant to Section 51178 of the Government Code or Section 4204 of the Public Resources Code, of a communication and evacuation plan, to be used in the event of an early notice evacuation warning, that allows enough time to evacuate all pupils and staff. These plans shall clearly identify a decision process to determine whether an evacuation order is appropriate.
(ic)For purposes of this subclause, operational area means an intermediate level of the state emergency services organization, consisting of a county and all political subdivisions within the county area, that serves as a link in the system of communication and coordination between the states emergency operation centers and the operating centers of the political subdivisions that make up the operational area, as described in subdivision (b) of Section 8559 of the Government Code and Section 8605 of the Government Code.
(ii)The evaluation of a comprehensive school safety plan pursuant to subdivision (d) and the review of a school safety plan pursuant to clause (iii) of subparagraph (F) of paragraph (5) of subdivision (c) of Section 47605 or clause (iii) of subparagraph (G) of paragraph (5) of subdivision (b) of Section 47605.6, as applicable, shall include ensuring that the plan includes appropriate adaptations for pupils with disabilities, as required pursuant to clause (i).
(iii)(I)After the first evaluation or review, as applicable, for purposes of subdivision (d) and clause (ii) is conducted, and after each annual evaluation or review thereafter, a school employee, a pupils parent, guardian, or educational rights holder, or a pupil themselves may bring concerns about an individual pupils ability to access disaster safety procedures described in the comprehensive school safety plan or the school safety plan to the school principal. If the school principal determines there is merit to a concern, the principal shall direct the schoolsite council, school safety planning committee, or charter school, as applicable, to make appropriate modifications to the comprehensive school safety plan or school safety plan, as applicable, during the evaluation of the comprehensive school safety plan pursuant to subdivision (d) or the review of the school safety plan pursuant to clause (iii) of subparagraph (F) of paragraph (5) of subdivision (c) of Section 47605 or clause (iii) of subparagraph (G) of paragraph (5) of subdivision (b) of Section 47605.6, as applicable. The school principal may direct the schoolsite council, the school safety planning committee, or the charter school, as applicable, to make such modifications before the evaluation of the comprehensive school safety plan pursuant to subdivision (d) or the review of the school safety plan pursuant to clause (iii) of subparagraph (F) of paragraph (5) of subdivision (c) of Section 47605 or clause (iii) of subparagraph (G) of paragraph (5) of subdivision (b) of Section 47605.6, as applicable.
(II)Subclause (I) does not prohibit a school employee, a pupils parent, guardian, or educational rights holder, or a pupil themselves from bringing their concerns to the school principal before an evaluation or review, as applicable, for purposes of subdivision (d) and clause (ii) is conducted.
(iv)All deliberations of the schoolsite council, school safety planning committee, or charter school, as applicable, related to individual pupils with disabilities for purposes of the requirements of clauses (i) to (iii), inclusive, shall be subject to applicable state and federal laws regarding the privacy of pupil information.
(C)Policies pursuant to subdivision (d) of Section 48915 for pupils who committed an act listed in subdivision (c) of Section 48915 and other school-designated serious acts that would lead to suspension, expulsion, or mandatory expulsion recommendations pursuant to Article 1 (commencing with Section 48900) of Chapter 6 of Part 27 of Division 4 of Title 2.
(D)Procedures to notify teachers of dangerous pupils pursuant to Section 49079.
(E)A discrimination and harassment policy consistent with the prohibition against discrimination contained in Chapter 2 (commencing with Section 200) of Part 1.
(F)The provisions of any schoolwide dress code, pursuant to Section 35183, that prohibits pupils from wearing gang-related apparel, if the school has adopted that type of a dress code. For those purposes, the comprehensive school safety plan shall define gang-related apparel. The definition shall be limited to apparel that, if worn or displayed on a school campus, reasonably could be determined to threaten the health and safety of the school environment. A schoolwide dress code established pursuant to this section and Section 35183 shall be enforced on the school campus and at any school-sponsored activity by the principal of the school or the person designated by the principal. For purposes of this subparagraph, gang-related apparel shall not be considered a protected form of speech pursuant to Section 48950.
(G)Procedures for safe ingress and egress of pupils, parents, and school employees to and from school.
(H)A safe and orderly environment conducive to learning at the school.
(I)The rules and procedures on school discipline adopted pursuant to Sections 35291, 35291.5, 47605, and 47605.6.
(J)Procedures for conducting tactical responses to criminal incidents, including procedures related to individuals with guns on school campuses and at school-related functions. The procedures to prepare for active shooters or other armed assailants shall be based on the specific needs and context of each school and community.
(K)Procedures to assess and respond to reports of any dangerous, violent, or unlawful activity that is being conducted or threatened to be conducted at the school, at an activity sponsored by the school, or on a schoolbus serving the school.
(L)For schools that serve pupils in any of grades 7 to 12, inclusive, a protocol in the event a pupil is suffering or is reasonably believed to be suffering from an opioid overdose.
(3)(A)Beginning July 1, 2025, an instructional continuity plan to establish communication with pupils and their families and provide instruction to pupils when in-person instruction is disrupted due to an emergency pursuant to Section 41422 or subdivision (a) of Section 46392. The plan shall include all the following:
(i)Procedures for pupil engagement, as soon as practicable, and no later than five calendar days following the emergency. Procedures shall be designed to establish two-way communication with pupils and their families and identify and provide supports for pupils social-emotional, mental health, and academic needs.
(ii)A plan to provide access to in-person instruction or remote instruction pursuant to Sections 51747 and 51749.5, as soon as practicable, but no later than 10 instructional days following the emergency. The plan may include support to pupils and families to enroll in or be temporarily reassigned to another school district, county office of education, or charter school.
(B)Local educational agencies are encouraged to plan to meet instructional standards that are at least equivalent to those applicable to independent study programs.
(C)(i)For purposes of this paragraph, temporarily reassigned means temporarily reassigned to another local educational agency outside of the school district, but within the county or an immediately adjacent county, in which the pupils parent or guardian resides. Notwithstanding Section 48200 or any other law, a pupil who is temporarily reassigned shall be deemed to have complied with the residency requirements for attendance in the local educational agency that is temporarily serving the pupil pursuant to this section.
(ii)Notwithstanding Section 48200 or any other law, a school district, county office of education, or charter school may continue to enroll a pupil who is temporarily reassigned to another school district, county office of education, or charter school pursuant to this section in order to facilitate the timely reentry of the pupil in their prior school after the emergency event has ended.
(D)This paragraph applies to school districts, county offices of education, and charter schools.
(b)It is the intent of the Legislature that schools develop comprehensive school safety plans using existing resources, including the materials and services of the partnership, pursuant to this chapter. It is also the intent of the Legislature that schools use the handbook developed and distributed in partnership by the departments Safe Schools and Violence Prevention Center and the Attorney Generals Crime and Violence Prevention Center entitled Safe Schools: A Planning Guide for Action in conjunction with developing their plan for school safety.
(c)Each schoolsite council or school safety planning committee, in developing and updating a comprehensive school safety plan, shall, where practical, consult, cooperate, and coordinate with other schoolsite councils or school safety planning committees.
(d)The comprehensive school safety plan may be evaluated and amended, as needed, by the school safety planning committee, but shall be evaluated at least once a year, to ensure that the comprehensive school safety plan is properly implemented. An updated file of all safety-related plans and materials shall be readily available for inspection by the public.
(e)As comprehensive school safety plans are reviewed and updated, the Legislature encourages all plans, to the extent that resources are available, to include policies and procedures aimed at the prevention of bullying.
(f)The comprehensive school safety plan, as written and updated by the schoolsite council or school safety planning committee, shall be submitted for approval pursuant to subdivision (a) of Section 32288.
(g)The department shall maintain and conspicuously post on its internet website a compliance checklist for developing a comprehensive school safety plan, and shall update the checklist when necessary.
(h)On or before March 1, 2025, the Superintendent shall develop and post on the departments internet website instructional continuity plan guidance, including guidance for continued academic and school engagement strategies during disruptions in instruction due to emergencies.
SEC. 1.4.Section 32282 of the Education Code is amended to read:32282.(a)The comprehensive school safety plan shall include, but not be limited to, all of the following:
(1)Assessing the current status of school crime committed on school campuses and at school-related functions.
(2)Identifying appropriate strategies and programs that will provide or maintain a high level of school safety and address the schools procedures for complying with existing laws related to school safety, which shall include the development of all of the following:
(A)Child abuse reporting procedures consistent with Article 2.5 (commencing with Section 11164) of Chapter 2 of Title 1 of Part 4 of the Penal Code.
(B)(i)Disaster procedures, routine and emergency, including adaptations for pupils with disabilities in accordance with the federal Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. Sec. 12101 et seq.), the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (20 U.S.C. Sec. 1400 et seq.), and Section 504 of the federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. Sec. 794(a)). The disaster procedures shall also include, but not be limited to, all of the following:
(I)Establishing an earthquake emergency procedure system in every public school building having an occupant capacity of 50 or more pupils or more than one classroom. A school district or county office of education may work with the Office of Emergency Services and the Alfred E. Alquist Seismic Safety Commission to develop and establish the earthquake emergency procedure system. The system shall include, but not be limited to, all of the following:
(ia)A school building disaster plan, ready for implementation at any time, for maintaining the safety and care of pupils and staff. The department shall provide general direction to school districts and county offices of education on what to include in the school building disaster plan.
(ib)A drop procedure whereby each pupil and staff member takes cover under a table or desk, dropping to their knees, with the head protected by the arms, and the back to the windows. A drop procedure practice shall be held at least once a school quarter in elementary schools and at least once a semester in secondary schools.
(ic)Protective measures to be taken before, during, and following an earthquake.
(id)A program to ensure that pupils and both the certificated and classified staff are aware of, and properly trained in, the earthquake emergency procedure system.
(II)Establishing a procedure to allow a public agency, including the American Red Cross, to use school buildings, grounds, and equipment for mass care and welfare shelters during disasters or other emergencies affecting the public health and welfare. The school district or county office of education shall cooperate with the public agency in furnishing and maintaining the services as the school district or county office of education may deem necessary to meet the needs of the community.
(III)(ia)Commencing with the 202627 fiscal year, establishing a procedure to identify appropriate refuge shelter for all pupils and staff to be used in the event of an evacuation order by local authorities and notify the operational area having jurisdiction within the schools boundaries of this identified refuge, in order to first prioritize the safety of pupils and staff, and then the defense of that structure in the event of a fire. Each public school, including a charter school, serving more than 50 pupils in kindergarten or any of grades 1 to 12, inclusive, that is in a high or very high fire hazard severity zone, identified pursuant to Section 51178 of the Government Code or Section 4204 of the Public Resources Code, shall coordinate the procedure with the operational area having jurisdiction within the schools boundaries. For those schools under the jurisdiction of a school district or county office of education, the school district or county office of education shall be the entity that coordinates with the operational area having jurisdiction within each of the schools boundaries.
(ib)Commencing with the 202627 fiscal year, the development by each public school, including a charter school, serving more than 50 pupils in kindergarten or any of grades 1 to 12, inclusive, that is in a high or very high fire hazard severity zone, identified pursuant to Section 51178 of the Government Code or Section 4204 of the Public Resources Code, of a communication and evacuation plan, to be used in the event of an early notice evacuation warning, that allows enough time to evacuate all pupils and staff. These plans shall clearly identify a decision process to determine whether an evacuation order is appropriate.
(ic)For purposes of this subclause, operational area means an intermediate level of the state emergency services organization, consisting of a county and all political subdivisions within the county area, that serves as a link in the system of communication and coordination between the states emergency operation centers and the operating centers of the political subdivisions that make up the operational area, as described in subdivision (b) of Section 8559 of the Government Code and Section 8605 of the Government Code.
(ii)The evaluation of a comprehensive school safety plan pursuant to subdivision (d) and the review of a school safety plan pursuant to clause (iii) of subparagraph (F) of paragraph (5) of subdivision (c) of Section 47605 or clause (iii) of subparagraph (G) of paragraph (5) of subdivision (b) of Section 47605.6, as applicable, shall include ensuring that the plan includes appropriate adaptations for pupils with disabilities, as required pursuant to clause (i).
(iii)(I)After the first evaluation or review, as applicable, for purposes of subdivision (d) and clause (ii) is conducted, and after each annual evaluation or review thereafter, a school employee, a pupils parent, guardian, or educational rights holder, or a pupil themselves may bring concerns about an individual pupils ability to access disaster safety procedures described in the comprehensive school safety plan or the school safety plan to the school principal. If the school principal determines there is merit to a concern, the principal shall direct the schoolsite council, school safety planning committee, or charter school, as applicable, to make appropriate modifications to the comprehensive school safety plan or school safety plan, as applicable, during the evaluation of the comprehensive school safety plan pursuant to subdivision (d) or the review of the school safety plan pursuant to clause (iii) of subparagraph (F) of paragraph (5) of subdivision (c) of Section 47605 or clause (iii) of subparagraph (G) of paragraph (5) of subdivision (b) of Section 47605.6, as applicable. The school principal may direct the schoolsite council, the school safety planning committee, or the charter school, as applicable, to make such modifications before the evaluation of the comprehensive school safety plan pursuant to subdivision (d) or the review of the school safety plan pursuant to clause (iii) of subparagraph (F) of paragraph (5) of subdivision (c) of Section 47605 or clause (iii) of subparagraph (G) of paragraph (5) of subdivision (b) of Section 47605.6, as applicable.
(II)Subclause (I) does not prohibit a school employee, a pupils parent, guardian, or educational rights holder, or a pupil themselves from bringing their concerns to the school principal before an evaluation or review, as applicable, for purposes of subdivision (d) and clause (ii) is conducted.
(iv)All deliberations of the schoolsite council, school safety planning committee, or charter school, as applicable, related to individual pupils with disabilities for purposes of the requirements of clauses (i) to (iii), inclusive, shall be subject to applicable state and federal laws regarding the privacy of pupil information.
(C)Policies pursuant to subdivision (d) of Section 48915 for pupils who committed an act listed in subdivision (c) of Section 48915 and other school-designated serious acts that would lead to suspension, expulsion, or mandatory expulsion recommendations pursuant to Article 1 (commencing with Section 48900) of Chapter 6 of Part 27 of Division 4 of Title 2.
(D)Procedures to notify teachers of dangerous pupils pursuant to Section 49079.
(E)A discrimination and harassment policy consistent with the prohibition against discrimination contained in Chapter 2 (commencing with Section 200) of Part 1.
(F)The provisions of any schoolwide dress code, pursuant to Section 35183, that prohibits pupils from wearing gang-related apparel, if the school has adopted that type of a dress code. For those purposes, the comprehensive school safety plan shall define gang-related apparel. The definition shall be limited to apparel that, if worn or displayed on a school campus, reasonably could be determined to threaten the health and safety of the school environment. A schoolwide dress code established pursuant to this section and Section 35183 shall be enforced on the school campus and at any school-sponsored activity by the principal of the school or the person designated by the principal. For purposes of this subparagraph, gang-related apparel shall not be considered a protected form of speech pursuant to Section 48950.
(G)Procedures for safe ingress and egress of pupils, parents, and school employees to and from school.
(H)A safe and orderly environment conducive to learning at the school.
(I)The rules and procedures on school discipline adopted pursuant to Sections 35291, 35291.5, 47605, and 47605.6.
(J)Procedures for conducting tactical responses to criminal incidents, including procedures related to individuals with guns on school campuses and at school-related functions. The procedures to prepare for active shooters or other armed assailants shall be based on the specific needs and context of each school and community.
(K)If a comprehensive school safety plan includes procedures to prepare for active shooters or other armed assailants by conducting a drill, a school shall comply with all of the following relating to the drill:
(i)(I)The school shall not conduct a high-intensity drill.
(II)For purposes of this clause, high-intensity drill means a drill that includes simulations that mimic an actual school shooter or other armed assailant incident, including, but not limited to, theatrical makeup or other materials to give an image of blood or gunshot wounds, acting by an individual posing to be the assailant, acting by individuals posing as victims, or simulations that instruct pupils to actively resist an assailant by throwing objects, attacking, or swarming the assailant.
(ii)The school shall not include the use of real weapons, gunfire blanks, or explosions in the conducting of the drill.
(iii)The school shall ensure a trauma-informed approach to the design and execution of any drill, which shall include all of the following:
(I)Age-appropriate and developmentally appropriate drill content and terminology developed with the involvement of school personnel, including school-based mental health professionals.
(II)Notice to all parents and guardians of pupils, teachers, administrators, and school personnel subject to the drills in advance of the drill and of the drills expected length of time.
(III)The ability for parents or guardians to opt their child or children out of the drills.
(IV)An announcement to pupils and educators immediately before the start of the drills and an announcement to pupils and educators immediately after the drills have concluded.
(V)A notice to all parents and guardians after the drill has concluded.
(VI)The provision of contact information for community-based resources, including local organizations with objectives to reduce gun violence or provide mental health counseling, to parents or guardians, pupils, and staff who are negatively impacted by the drills, and, where available, prioritizing school-based resources.
(L)Procedures to assess and respond to reports of any dangerous, violent, or unlawful activity that is being conducted or threatened to be conducted at the school, at an activity sponsored by the school, or on a schoolbus serving the school.
(M)(i)When a comprehensive school safety plan is next reviewed and updated on or after July 1, 2025, procedures to respond to incidents involving an individual experiencing a sudden cardiac arrest or a similar life-threatening medical emergency while on school grounds.
(ii)The procedures described in clause (i) are encouraged to integrate evidence-based core elements, including any cardiopulmonary resuscitation training offered and the placement of any automated external defibrillator available on the schoolsite in accordance with nationally recognized evidence-based emergency cardiac care guidelines, as dictated by the school safety plan.
(N)For schools that serve pupils in any of grades 7 to 12, inclusive, a protocol in the event a pupil is suffering or is reasonably believed to be suffering from an opioid overdose.
(3)(A)Beginning July 1, 2025, an instructional continuity plan to establish communication with pupils and their families and provide instruction to pupils when in-person instruction is disrupted due to an emergency pursuant to Section 41422 or subdivision (a) of Section 46392. The plan shall include all the following:
(i)Procedures for pupil engagement, as soon as practicable, and no later than five calendar days following the emergency. Procedures shall be designed to establish two-way communication with pupils and their families and identify and provide supports for pupils social-emotional, mental health, and academic needs.
(ii)A plan to provide access to in-person instruction or remote instruction pursuant to Sections 51747 and 51749.5, as soon as practicable, but no later than 10 instructional days following the emergency. The plan may include support to pupils and families to enroll in or be temporarily reassigned to another school district, county office of education, or charter school.
(B)Local educational agencies are encouraged to plan to meet instructional standards that are at least equivalent to those applicable to independent study programs.
(C)(i)For purposes of this paragraph, temporarily reassigned means temporarily reassigned to another local educational agency outside of the school district in which the pupils parent or guardian resides. Notwithstanding Section 48200 or any other law, a pupil who is temporarily reassigned shall be deemed to have complied with the residency requirements for attendance in the local educational agency that is temporarily serving the pupil pursuant to this section.
(ii)Notwithstanding Section 48200 or any other law, a school district, county office of education, or charter school may continue to enroll a pupil who is temporarily reassigned to another school district, county office of education, or charter school pursuant to this section in order to facilitate the timely reentry of the pupil in their prior school after the emergency event has ended.
(D)This paragraph applies to school districts, county offices of education, and charter schools.
(b)It is the intent of the Legislature that schools develop comprehensive school safety plans using existing resources, including the materials and services of the partnership, pursuant to this chapter. It is also the intent of the Legislature that schools use the handbook developed and distributed in partnership by the departments Safe Schools and Violence Prevention Center and the Attorney Generals Crime and Violence Prevention Center entitled Safe Schools: A Planning Guide for Action in conjunction with developing their plan for school safety.
(c)Each schoolsite council or school safety planning committee, in developing and updating a comprehensive school safety plan, shall, where practical, consult, cooperate, and coordinate with other schoolsite councils or school safety planning committees.
(d)The comprehensive school safety plan may be evaluated and amended, as needed, by the school safety planning committee, but shall be evaluated at least once a year, to ensure that the comprehensive school safety plan is properly implemented. An updated file of all safety-related plans and materials shall be readily available for inspection by the public.
(e)As comprehensive school safety plans are reviewed and updated, the Legislature encourages all plans, to the extent that resources are available, to include policies and procedures aimed at the prevention of bullying.
(f)The comprehensive school safety plan, as written and updated by the schoolsite council or school safety planning committee, shall be submitted for approval pursuant to subdivision (a) of Section 32288.
(g)The department shall maintain and conspicuously post on its internet website a compliance checklist for developing a comprehensive school safety plan, and shall update the checklist when necessary.
(h)On or before March 1, 2025, the Superintendent shall develop and post on the departments internet website instructional continuity plan guidance, including guidance for continued academic and school engagement strategies during disruptions in instruction due to emergencies.
SEC. 1.5.Section 32282 of the Education Code is amended to read:32282.(a)The comprehensive school safety plan shall include, but not be limited to, all of the following:
(1)Assessing the current status of school crime committed on school campuses and at school-related functions.
(2)Identifying appropriate strategies and programs that will provide or maintain a high level of school safety and address the schools procedures for complying with existing laws related to school safety, which shall include the development of all of the following:
(A)Child abuse reporting procedures consistent with Article 2.5 (commencing with Section 11164) of Chapter 2 of Title 1 of Part 4 of the Penal Code.
(B)(i)Disaster procedures, routine and emergency, including adaptations for pupils with disabilities in accordance with the federal Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. Sec. 12101 et seq.), the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (20 U.S.C. Sec. 1400 et seq.), and Section 504 of the federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. Sec. 794(a)). The disaster procedures shall also include, but not be limited to, all of the following:
(I)Establishing an earthquake emergency procedure system in every public school building having an occupant capacity of 50 or more pupils or more than one classroom. A school district or county office of education may work with the Office of Emergency Services and the Alfred E. Alquist Seismic Safety Commission to develop and establish the earthquake emergency procedure system. The system shall include, but not be limited to, all of the following:
(ia)A school building disaster plan, ready for implementation at any time, for maintaining the safety and care of pupils and staff. The department shall provide general direction to school districts and county offices of education on what to include in the school building disaster plan.
(ib)A drop procedure whereby each pupil and staff member takes cover under a table or desk, dropping to their knees, with the head protected by the arms, and the back to the windows. A drop procedure practice shall be held at least once a school quarter in elementary schools and at least once a semester in secondary schools.
(ic)Protective measures to be taken before, during, and following an earthquake.
(id)A program to ensure that pupils and both the certificated and classified staff are aware of, and properly trained in, the earthquake emergency procedure system.
(II)Establishing a procedure to allow a public agency, including the American Red Cross, to use school buildings, grounds, and equipment for mass care and welfare shelters during disasters or other emergencies affecting the public health and welfare. The school district or county office of education shall cooperate with the public agency in furnishing and maintaining the services as the school district or county office of education may deem necessary to meet the needs of the community.
(III)(ia)Commencing with the 202627 fiscal year, establishing a procedure to identify appropriate refuge shelter for all pupils and staff to be used in the event of an evacuation order by local authorities and notify the operational area having jurisdiction within the schools boundaries of this identified refuge, in order to first prioritize the safety of pupils and staff, and then the defense of that structure in the event of a fire. Each public school, including a charter school, serving more than 50 pupils in kindergarten or any of grades 1 to 12, inclusive, that is in a high or very high fire hazard severity zone, identified pursuant to Section 51178 of the Government Code or Section 4204 of the Public Resources Code, shall coordinate the procedure with the operational area having jurisdiction within the schools boundaries. For those schools under the jurisdiction of a school district or county office of education, the school district or county office of education shall be the entity that coordinates with the operational area having jurisdiction within each of the schools boundaries.
(ib)Commencing with the 202627 fiscal year, the development by each public school, including a charter school, serving more than 50 pupils in kindergarten or any of grades 1 to 12, inclusive, that is in a high or very high fire hazard severity zone, identified pursuant to Section 51178 of the Government Code or Section 4204 of the Public Resources Code, of a communication and evacuation plan, to be used in the event of an early notice evacuation warning, that allows enough time to evacuate all pupils and staff. These plans shall clearly identify a decision process to determine whether an evacuation order is appropriate.
(ic)For purposes of this subclause, operational area means an intermediate level of the state emergency services organization, consisting of a county and all political subdivisions within the county area, that serves as a link in the system of communication and coordination between the states emergency operation centers and the operating centers of the political subdivisions that make up the operational area, as described in subdivision (b) of Section 8559 of the Government Code and Section 8605 of the Government Code.
(ii)The evaluation of a comprehensive school safety plan pursuant to subdivision (d) and the review of a school safety plan pursuant to clause (iii) of subparagraph (F) of paragraph (5) of subdivision (c) of Section 47605 or clause (iii) of subparagraph (G) of paragraph (5) of subdivision (b) of Section 47605.6, as applicable, shall include ensuring that the plan includes appropriate adaptations for pupils with disabilities, as required pursuant to clause (i).
(iii)(I)After the first evaluation or review, as applicable, for purposes of subdivision (d) and clause (ii) is conducted, and after each annual evaluation or review thereafter, a school employee, a pupils parent, guardian, or educational rights holder, or a pupil themselves may bring concerns about an individual pupils ability to access disaster safety procedures described in the comprehensive school safety plan or the school safety plan to the school principal. If the school principal determines there is merit to a concern, the principal shall direct the schoolsite council, school safety planning committee, or charter school, as applicable, to make appropriate modifications to the comprehensive school safety plan or school safety plan, as applicable, during the evaluation of the comprehensive school safety plan pursuant to subdivision (d) or the review of the school safety plan pursuant to clause (iii) of subparagraph (F) of paragraph (5) of subdivision (c) of Section 47605 or clause (iii) of subparagraph (G) of paragraph (5) of subdivision (b) of Section 47605.6, as applicable. The school principal may direct the schoolsite council, the school safety planning committee, or the charter school, as applicable, to make such modifications before the evaluation of the comprehensive school safety plan pursuant to subdivision (d) or the review of the school safety plan pursuant to clause (iii) of subparagraph (F) of paragraph (5) of subdivision (c) of Section 47605 or clause (iii) of subparagraph (G) of paragraph (5) of subdivision (b) of Section 47605.6, as applicable.
(II)Subclause (I) does not prohibit a school employee, a pupils parent, guardian, or educational rights holder, or a pupil themselves from bringing their concerns to the school principal before an evaluation or review, as applicable, for purposes of subdivision (d) and clause (ii) is conducted.
(iv)All deliberations of the schoolsite council, school safety planning committee, or charter school, as applicable, related to individual pupils with disabilities for purposes of the requirements of clauses (i) to (iii), inclusive, shall be subject to applicable state and federal laws regarding the privacy of pupil information.
(C)Policies pursuant to subdivision (d) of Section 48915 for pupils who committed an act listed in subdivision (c) of Section 48915 and other school-designated serious acts that would lead to suspension, expulsion, or mandatory expulsion recommendations pursuant to Article 1 (commencing with Section 48900) of Chapter 6 of Part 27 of Division 4 of Title 2.
(D)Procedures to notify teachers of dangerous pupils pursuant to Section 49079.
(E)A discrimination and harassment policy consistent with the prohibition against discrimination contained in Chapter 2 (commencing with Section 200) of Part 1.
(F)The provisions of any schoolwide dress code, pursuant to Section 35183, that prohibits pupils from wearing gang-related apparel, if the school has adopted that type of a dress code. For those purposes, the comprehensive school safety plan shall define gang-related apparel. The definition shall be limited to apparel that, if worn or displayed on a school campus, reasonably could be determined to threaten the health and safety of the school environment. A schoolwide dress code established pursuant to this section and Section 35183 shall be enforced on the school campus and at any school-sponsored activity by the principal of the school or the person designated by the principal. For purposes of this subparagraph, gang-related apparel shall not be considered a protected form of speech pursuant to Section 48950.
(G)Procedures for safe ingress and egress of pupils, parents, and school employees to and from school.
(H)A safe and orderly environment conducive to learning at the school.
(I)The rules and procedures on school discipline adopted pursuant to Sections 35291, 35291.5, 47605, and 47605.6.
(J)Procedures for conducting tactical responses to criminal incidents, including procedures related to individuals with guns on school campuses and at school-related functions. The procedures to prepare for active shooters or other armed assailants shall be based on the specific needs and context of each school and community.
(K)If a comprehensive school safety plan includes procedures to prepare for active shooters or other armed assailants by conducting a drill, a school shall comply with all of the following relating to the drill:
(i)(I)The school shall not conduct a high-intensity drill.
(II)For purposes of this clause, high-intensity drill means a drill that includes simulations that mimic an actual school shooter or other armed assailant incident, including, but not limited to, theatrical makeup or other materials to give an image of blood or gunshot wounds, acting by an individual posing to be the assailant, acting by individuals posing as victims, or simulations that instruct pupils to actively resist an assailant by throwing objects, attacking, or swarming the assailant.
(ii)The school shall not include the use of real weapons, gunfire blanks, or explosions in the conducting of the drill.
(iii)The school shall ensure a trauma-informed approach to the design and execution of any drill, which shall include all of the following:
(I)Age-appropriate and developmentally appropriate drill content and terminology developed with the involvement of school personnel, including school-based mental health professionals.
(II)Notice to all parents and guardians of pupils, teachers, administrators, and school personnel subject to the drills in advance of the drill and of the drills expected length of time.
(III)The ability for parents or guardians to opt their child or children out of the drills.
(IV)An announcement to pupils and educators immediately before the start of the drills and an announcement to pupils and educators immediately after the drills have concluded.
(V)A notice to all parents and guardians after the drill has concluded.
(VI)The provision of contact information for community-based resources, including local organizations with objectives to reduce gun violence or provide mental health counseling, to parents or guardians, pupils, and staff who are negatively impacted by the drills, and, where available, prioritizing school-based resources.
(L)Procedures to assess and respond to reports of any dangerous, violent, or unlawful activity that is being conducted or threatened to be conducted at the school, at an activity sponsored by the school, or on a schoolbus serving the school.
(M)For schools that serve pupils in any of grades 7 to 12, inclusive, a protocol in the event a pupil is suffering or is reasonably believed to be suffering from an opioid overdose.
(3)(A)Beginning July 1, 2025, an instructional continuity plan to establish communication with pupils and their families and provide instruction to pupils when in-person instruction is disrupted due to an emergency pursuant to Section 41422 or subdivision (a) of Section 46392. The plan shall include all the following:
(i)Procedures for pupil engagement, as soon as practicable, and no later than five calendar days following the emergency. Procedures shall be designed to establish two-way communication with pupils and their families and identify and provide supports for pupils social-emotional, mental health, and academic needs.
(ii)A plan to provide access to in-person instruction or remote instruction pursuant to Sections 51747 and 51749.5, as soon as practicable, but no later than 10 instructional days following the emergency. The plan may include support to pupils and families to enroll in or be temporarily reassigned to another school district, county office of education, or charter school.
(B)Local educational agencies are encouraged to plan to meet instructional standards that are at least equivalent to those applicable to independent study programs.
(C)(i)For purposes of this paragraph, temporarily reassigned means temporarily reassigned to another local educational agency outside of the school district, but within the county or an immediately adjacent county, in which the pupils parent or guardian resides. Notwithstanding Section 48200 or any other law, a pupil who is temporarily reassigned shall be deemed to have complied with the residency requirements for attendance in the local educational agency that is temporarily serving the pupil pursuant to this section.
(ii)Notwithstanding Section 48200 or any other law, a school district, county office of education, or charter school may continue to enroll a pupil who is temporarily reassigned to another school district, county office of education, or charter school pursuant to this section in order to facilitate the timely reentry of the pupil in their prior school after the emergency event has ended.
(D)This paragraph applies to school districts, county offices of education, and charter schools.
(b)It is the intent of the Legislature that schools develop comprehensive school safety plans using existing resources, including the materials and services of the partnership, pursuant to this chapter. It is also the intent of the Legislature that schools use the handbook developed and distributed in partnership by the departments Safe Schools and Violence Prevention Center and the Attorney Generals Crime and Violence Prevention Center entitled Safe Schools: A Planning Guide for Action in conjunction with developing their plan for school safety.
(c)Each schoolsite council or school safety planning committee, in developing and updating a comprehensive school safety plan, shall, where practical, consult, cooperate, and coordinate with other schoolsite councils or school safety planning committees.
(d)The comprehensive school safety plan may be evaluated and amended, as needed, by the school safety planning committee, but shall be evaluated at least once a year, to ensure that the comprehensive school safety plan is properly implemented. An updated file of all safety-related plans and materials shall be readily available for inspection by the public.
(e)As comprehensive school safety plans are reviewed and updated, the Legislature encourages all plans, to the extent that resources are available, to include policies and procedures aimed at the prevention of bullying.
(f)The comprehensive school safety plan, as written and updated by the schoolsite council or school safety planning committee, shall be submitted for approval pursuant to subdivision (a) of Section 32288.
(g)The department shall maintain and conspicuously post on its internet website a compliance checklist for developing a comprehensive school safety plan, and shall update the checklist when necessary.
(h)On or before March 1, 2025, the Superintendent shall develop and post on the departments internet website instructional continuity plan guidance, including guidance for continued academic and school engagement strategies during disruptions in instruction due to emergencies.
SEC. 1.6.Section 32282 of the Education Code is amended to read:32282.(a)The comprehensive school safety plan shall include, but not be limited to, all of the following:
(1)Assessing the current status of school crime committed on school campuses and at school-related functions.
(2)Identifying appropriate strategies and programs that will provide or maintain a high level of school safety and address the schools procedures for complying with existing laws related to school safety, which shall include the development of all of the following:
(A)Child abuse reporting procedures consistent with Article 2.5 (commencing with Section 11164) of Chapter 2 of Title 1 of Part 4 of the Penal Code.
(B)(i)Disaster procedures, routine and emergency, including adaptations for pupils with disabilities in accordance with the federal Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. Sec. 12101 et seq.), the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (20 U.S.C. Sec. 1400 et seq.), and Section 504 of the federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. Sec. 794(a)). The disaster procedures shall also include, but not be limited to, all of the following:
(I)Establishing an earthquake emergency procedure system in every public school building having an occupant capacity of 50 or more pupils or more than one classroom. A school district or county office of education may work with the Office of Emergency Services and the Alfred E. Alquist Seismic Safety Commission to develop and establish the earthquake emergency procedure system. The system shall include, but not be limited to, all of the following:
(ia)A school building disaster plan, ready for implementation at any time, for maintaining the safety and care of pupils and staff. The department shall provide general direction to school districts and county offices of education on what to include in the school building disaster plan.
(ib)A drop procedure whereby each pupil and staff member takes cover under a table or desk, dropping to their knees, with the head protected by the arms, and the back to the windows. A drop procedure practice shall be held at least once a school quarter in elementary schools and at least once a semester in secondary schools.
(ic)Protective measures to be taken before, during, and following an earthquake.
(id)A program to ensure that pupils and both the certificated and classified staff are aware of, and properly trained in, the earthquake emergency procedure system.
(II)Establishing a procedure to allow a public agency, including the American Red Cross, to use school buildings, grounds, and equipment for mass care and welfare shelters during disasters or other emergencies affecting the public health and welfare. The school district or county office of education shall cooperate with the public agency in furnishing and maintaining the services as the school district or county office of education may deem necessary to meet the needs of the community.
(III)(ia)Commencing with the 202627 fiscal year, establishing a procedure to identify appropriate refuge shelter for all pupils and staff to be used in the event of an evacuation order by local authorities and notify the operational area having jurisdiction within the schools boundaries of this identified refuge, in order to first prioritize the safety of pupils and staff, and then the defense of that structure in the event of a fire. Each public school, including a charter school, serving more than 50 pupils in kindergarten or any of grades 1 to 12, inclusive, that is in a high or very high fire hazard severity zone, identified pursuant to Section 51178 of the Government Code or Section 4204 of the Public Resources Code, shall coordinate the procedure with the operational area having jurisdiction within the schools boundaries. For those schools under the jurisdiction of a school district or county office of education, the school district or county office of education shall be the entity that coordinates with the operational area having jurisdiction within each of the schools boundaries.
(ib)Commencing with the 202627 fiscal year, the development by each public school, including a charter school, serving more than 50 pupils in kindergarten or any of grades 1 to 12, inclusive, that is in a high or very high fire hazard severity zone, identified pursuant to Section 51178 of the Government Code or Section 4204 of the Public Resources Code, of a communication and evacuation plan, to be used in the event of an early notice evacuation warning, that allows enough time to evacuate all pupils and staff. These plans shall clearly identify a decision process to determine whether an evacuation order is appropriate.
(ic)For purposes of this subclause, operational area means an intermediate level of the state emergency services organization, consisting of a county and all political subdivisions within the county area, that serves as a link in the system of communication and coordination between the states emergency operation centers and the operating centers of the political subdivisions that make up the operational area, as described in subdivision (b) of Section 8559 of the Government Code and Section 8605 of the Government Code.
(ii)The evaluation of a comprehensive school safety plan pursuant to subdivision (d) and the review of a school safety plan pursuant to clause (iii) of subparagraph (F) of paragraph (5) of subdivision (c) of Section 47605 or clause (iii) of subparagraph (G) of paragraph (5) of subdivision (b) of Section 47605.6, as applicable, shall include ensuring that the plan includes appropriate adaptations for pupils with disabilities, as required pursuant to clause (i).
(iii)(I)After the first evaluation or review, as applicable, for purposes of subdivision (d) and clause (ii) is conducted, and after each annual evaluation or review thereafter, a school employee, a pupils parent, guardian, or educational rights holder, or a pupil themselves may bring concerns about an individual pupils ability to access disaster safety procedures described in the comprehensive school safety plan or the school safety plan to the school principal. If the school principal determines there is merit to a concern, the principal shall direct the schoolsite council, school safety planning committee, or charter school, as applicable, to make appropriate modifications to the comprehensive school safety plan or school safety plan, as applicable, during the evaluation of the comprehensive school safety plan pursuant to subdivision (d) or the review of the school safety plan pursuant to clause (iii) of subparagraph (F) of paragraph (5) of subdivision (c) of Section 47605 or clause (iii) of subparagraph (G) of paragraph (5) of subdivision (b) of Section 47605.6, as applicable. The school principal may direct the schoolsite council, the school safety planning committee, or the charter school, as applicable, to make such modifications before the evaluation of the comprehensive school safety plan pursuant to subdivision (d) or the review of the school safety plan pursuant to clause (iii) of subparagraph (F) of paragraph (5) of subdivision (c) of Section 47605 or clause (iii) of subparagraph (G) of paragraph (5) of subdivision (b) of Section 47605.6, as applicable.
(II)Subclause (I) does not prohibit a school employee, a pupils parent, guardian, or educational rights holder, or a pupil themselves from bringing their concerns to the school principal before an evaluation or review, as applicable, for purposes of subdivision (d) and clause (ii) is conducted.
(iv)All deliberations of the schoolsite council, school safety planning committee, or charter school, as applicable, related to individual pupils with disabilities for purposes of the requirements of clauses (i) to (iii), inclusive, shall be subject to applicable state and federal laws regarding the privacy of pupil information.
(C)Policies pursuant to subdivision (d) of Section 48915 for pupils who committed an act listed in subdivision (c) of Section 48915 and other school-designated serious acts that would lead to suspension, expulsion, or mandatory expulsion recommendations pursuant to Article 1 (commencing with Section 48900) of Chapter 6 of Part 27 of Division 4 of Title 2.
(D)Procedures to notify teachers of dangerous pupils pursuant to Section 49079.
(E)A discrimination and harassment policy consistent with the prohibition against discrimination contained in Chapter 2 (commencing with Section 200) of Part 1.
(F)The provisions of any schoolwide dress code, pursuant to Section 35183, that prohibits pupils from wearing gang-related apparel, if the school has adopted that type of a dress code. For those purposes, the comprehensive school safety plan shall define gang-related apparel. The definition shall be limited to apparel that, if worn or displayed on a school campus, reasonably could be determined to threaten the health and safety of the school environment. A schoolwide dress code established pursuant to this section and Section 35183 shall be enforced on the school campus and at any school-sponsored activity by the principal of the school or the person designated by the principal. For purposes of this subparagraph, gang-related apparel shall not be considered a protected form of speech pursuant to Section 48950.
(G)Procedures for safe ingress and egress of pupils, parents, and school employees to and from school.
(H)A safe and orderly environment conducive to learning at the school.
(I)The rules and procedures on school discipline adopted pursuant to Sections 35291, 35291.5, 47605, and 47605.6.
(J)Procedures for conducting tactical responses to criminal incidents, including procedures related to individuals with guns on school campuses and at school-related functions. The procedures to prepare for active shooters or other armed assailants shall be based on the specific needs and context of each school and community.
(K)Procedures to assess and respond to reports of any dangerous, violent, or unlawful activity that is being conducted or threatened to be conducted at the school, at an activity sponsored by the school, or on a schoolbus serving the school.
(L)(i)When a comprehensive school safety plan is next reviewed and updated on or after July 1, 2025, procedures to respond to incidents involving an individual experiencing a sudden cardiac arrest or a similar life-threatening medical emergency while on school grounds.
(ii)The procedures described in clause (i) are encouraged to integrate evidence-based core elements, including any cardiopulmonary resuscitation training offered and the placement of any automated external defibrillator available on the schoolsite in accordance with nationally recognized evidence-based emergency cardiac care guidelines, as dictated by the school safety plan.
(M)For schools that serve pupils in any of grades 7 to 12, inclusive, a protocol in the event a pupil is suffering or is reasonably believed to be suffering from an opioid overdose.
(3)(A)Beginning July 1, 2025, an instructional continuity plan to establish communication with pupils and their families and provide instruction to pupils when in-person instruction is disrupted due to an emergency pursuant to Section 41422 or subdivision (a) of Section 46392. The plan shall include all the following:
(i)Procedures for pupil engagement, as soon as practicable, and no later than five calendar days following the emergency. Procedures shall be designed to establish two-way communication with pupils and their families and identify and provide supports for pupils social-emotional, mental health, and academic needs.
(ii)A plan to provide access to in-person instruction or remote instruction pursuant to Sections 51747 and 51749.5, as soon as practicable, but no later than 10 instructional days following the emergency. The plan may include support to pupils and families to enroll in or be temporarily reassigned to another school district, county office of education, or charter school.
(B)Local educational agencies are encouraged to plan to meet instructional standards that are at least equivalent to those applicable to independent study programs.
(C)(i)For purposes of this paragraph, temporarily reassigned means temporarily reassigned to another local educational agency outside of the school district, but within the county or an immediately adjacent county, in which the pupils parent or guardian resides. Notwithstanding Section 48200 or any other law, a pupil who is temporarily reassigned shall be deemed to have complied with the residency requirements for attendance in the local educational agency that is temporarily serving the pupil pursuant to this section.
(ii)Notwithstanding Section 48200 or any other law, a school district, county office of education, or charter school may continue to enroll a pupil who is temporarily reassigned to another school district, county office of education, or charter school pursuant to this section in order to facilitate the timely reentry of the pupil in their prior school after the emergency event has ended.
(D)This paragraph applies to school districts, county offices of education, and charter schools.
(b)It is the intent of the Legislature that schools develop comprehensive school safety plans using existing resources, including the materials and services of the partnership, pursuant to this chapter. It is also the intent of the Legislature that schools use the handbook developed and distributed in partnership by the departments Safe Schools and Violence Prevention Center and the Attorney Generals Crime and Violence Prevention Center entitled Safe Schools: A Planning Guide for Action in conjunction with developing their plan for school safety.
(c)Each schoolsite council or school safety planning committee, in developing and updating a comprehensive school safety plan, shall, where practical, consult, cooperate, and coordinate with other schoolsite councils or school safety planning committees.
(d)The comprehensive school safety plan may be evaluated and amended, as needed, by the school safety planning committee, but shall be evaluated at least once a year, to ensure that the comprehensive school safety plan is properly implemented. An updated file of all safety-related plans and materials shall be readily available for inspection by the public.
(e)As comprehensive school safety plans are reviewed and updated, the Legislature encourages all plans, to the extent that resources are available, to include policies and procedures aimed at the prevention of bullying.
(f)The comprehensive school safety plan, as written and updated by the schoolsite council or school safety planning committee, shall be submitted for approval pursuant to subdivision (a) of Section 32288.
(g)The department shall maintain and conspicuously post on its internet website a compliance checklist for developing a comprehensive school safety plan, and shall update the checklist when necessary.
(h)On or before March 1, 2025, the Superintendent shall develop and post on the departments internet website instructional continuity plan guidance, including guidance for continued academic and school engagement strategies during disruptions in instruction due to emergencies.
SEC. 1.7.Section 32282 of the Education Code is amended to read:32282.(a)The comprehensive school safety plan shall include, but not be limited to, all of the following:
(1)Assessing the current status of school crime committed on school campuses and at school-related functions.
(2)Identifying appropriate strategies and programs that will provide or maintain a high level of school safety and address the schools procedures for complying with existing laws related to school safety, which shall include the development of all of the following:
(A)Child abuse reporting procedures consistent with Article 2.5 (commencing with Section 11164) of Chapter 2 of Title 1 of Part 4 of the Penal Code.
(B)(i)Disaster procedures, routine and emergency, including adaptations for pupils with disabilities in accordance with the federal Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. Sec. 12101 et seq.), the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (20 U.S.C. Sec. 1400 et seq.), and Section 504 of the federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. Sec. 794(a)). The disaster procedures shall also include, but not be limited to, all of the following:
(I)Establishing an earthquake emergency procedure system in every public school building having an occupant capacity of 50 or more pupils or more than one classroom. A school district or county office of education may work with the Office of Emergency Services and the Alfred E. Alquist Seismic Safety Commission to develop and establish the earthquake emergency procedure system. The system shall include, but not be limited to, all of the following:
(ia)A school building disaster plan, ready for implementation at any time, for maintaining the safety and care of pupils and staff. The department shall provide general direction to school districts and county offices of education on what to include in the school building disaster plan.
(ib)A drop procedure whereby each pupil and staff member takes cover under a table or desk, dropping to their knees, with the head protected by the arms, and the back to the windows. A drop procedure practice shall be held at least once a school quarter in elementary schools and at least once a semester in secondary schools.
(ic)Protective measures to be taken before, during, and following an earthquake.
(id)A program to ensure that pupils and both the certificated and classified staff are aware of, and properly trained in, the earthquake emergency procedure system.
(II)Establishing a procedure to allow a public agency, including the American Red Cross, to use school buildings, grounds, and equipment for mass care and welfare shelters during disasters or other emergencies affecting the public health and welfare. The school district or county office of education shall cooperate with the public agency in furnishing and maintaining the services as the school district or county office of education may deem necessary to meet the needs of the community.
(III)(ia)Commencing with the 202627 fiscal year, establishing a procedure to identify appropriate refuge shelter for all pupils and staff to be used in the event of an evacuation order by local authorities and notify the operational area having jurisdiction within the schools boundaries of this identified refuge, in order to first prioritize the safety of pupils and staff, and then the defense of that structure in the event of a fire. Each public school, including a charter school, serving more than 50 pupils in kindergarten or any of grades 1 to 12, inclusive, that is in a high or very high fire hazard severity zone, identified pursuant to Section 51178 of the Government Code or Section 4204 of the Public Resources Code, shall coordinate the procedure with the operational area having jurisdiction within the schools boundaries. For those schools under the jurisdiction of a school district or county office of education, the school district or county office of education shall be the entity that coordinates with the operational area having jurisdiction within each of the schools boundaries.
(ib)Commencing with the 202627 fiscal year, the development by each public school, including a charter school, serving more than 50 pupils in kindergarten or any of grades 1 to 12, inclusive, that is in a high or very high fire hazard severity zone, identified pursuant to Section 51178 of the Government Code or Section 4204 of the Public Resources Code, of a communication and evacuation plan, to be used in the event of an early notice evacuation warning, that allows enough time to evacuate all pupils and staff. These plans shall clearly identify a decision process to determine whether an evacuation order is appropriate.
(ic)For purposes of this subclause, operational area means an intermediate level of the state emergency services organization, consisting of a county and all political subdivisions within the county area, that serves as a link in the system of communication and coordination between the states emergency operation centers and the operating centers of the political subdivisions that make up the operational area, as described in subdivision (b) of Section 8559 of the Government Code and Section 8605 of the Government Code.
(ii)The evaluation of a comprehensive school safety plan pursuant to subdivision (d) and the review of a school safety plan pursuant to clause (iii) of subparagraph (F) of paragraph (5) of subdivision (c) of Section 47605 or clause (iii) of subparagraph (G) of paragraph (5) of subdivision (b) of Section 47605.6, as applicable, shall include ensuring that the plan includes appropriate adaptations for pupils with disabilities, as required pursuant to clause (i).
(iii)(I)After the first evaluation or review, as applicable, for purposes of subdivision (d) and clause (ii) is conducted, and after each annual evaluation or review thereafter, a school employee, a pupils parent, guardian, or educational rights holder, or a pupil themselves may bring concerns about an individual pupils ability to access disaster safety procedures described in the comprehensive school safety plan or the school safety plan to the school principal. If the school principal determines there is merit to a concern, the principal shall direct the schoolsite council, school safety planning committee, or charter school, as applicable, to make appropriate modifications to the comprehensive school safety plan or school safety plan, as applicable, during the evaluation of the comprehensive school safety plan pursuant to subdivision (d) or the review of the school safety plan pursuant to clause (iii) of subparagraph (F) of paragraph (5) of subdivision (c) of Section 47605 or clause (iii) of subparagraph (G) of paragraph (5) of subdivision (b) of Section 47605.6, as applicable. The school principal may direct the schoolsite council, the school safety planning committee, or the charter school, as applicable, to make such modifications before the evaluation of the comprehensive school safety plan pursuant to subdivision (d) or the review of the school safety plan pursuant to clause (iii) of subparagraph (F) of paragraph (5) of subdivision (c) of Section 47605 or clause (iii) of subparagraph (G) of paragraph (5) of subdivision (b) of Section 47605.6, as applicable.
(II)Subclause (I) does not prohibit a school employee, a pupils parent, guardian, or educational rights holder, or a pupil themselves from bringing their concerns to the school principal before an evaluation or review, as applicable, for purposes of subdivision (d) and clause (ii) is conducted.
(iv)All deliberations of the schoolsite council, school safety planning committee, or charter school, as applicable, related to individual pupils with disabilities for purposes of the requirements of clauses (i) to (iii), inclusive, shall be subject to applicable state and federal laws regarding the privacy of pupil information.
(C)Policies pursuant to subdivision (d) of Section 48915 for pupils who committed an act listed in subdivision (c) of Section 48915 and other school-designated serious acts that would lead to suspension, expulsion, or mandatory expulsion recommendations pursuant to Article 1 (commencing with Section 48900) of Chapter 6 of Part 27 of Division 4 of Title 2.
(D)Procedures to notify teachers of dangerous pupils pursuant to Section 49079.
(E)A discrimination and harassment policy consistent with the prohibition against discrimination contained in Chapter 2 (commencing with Section 200) of Part 1.
(F)The provisions of any schoolwide dress code, pursuant to Section 35183, that prohibits pupils from wearing gang-related apparel, if the school has adopted that type of a dress code. For those purposes, the comprehensive school safety plan shall define gang-related apparel. The definition shall be limited to apparel that, if worn or displayed on a school campus, reasonably could be determined to threaten the health and safety of the school environment. A schoolwide dress code established pursuant to this section and Section 35183 shall be enforced on the school campus and at any school-sponsored activity by the principal of the school or the person designated by the principal. For purposes of this subparagraph, gang-related apparel shall not be considered a protected form of speech pursuant to Section 48950.
(G)Procedures for safe ingress and egress of pupils, parents, and school employees to and from school.
(H)A safe and orderly environment conducive to learning at the school.
(I)The rules and procedures on school discipline adopted pursuant to Sections 35291, 35291.5, 47605, and 47605.6.
(J)Procedures for conducting tactical responses to criminal incidents, including procedures related to individuals with guns on school campuses and at school-related functions. The procedures to prepare for active shooters or other armed assailants shall be based on the specific needs and context of each school and community.
(K)If a comprehensive school safety plan includes procedures to prepare for active shooters or other armed assailants by conducting a drill, a school shall comply with all of the following relating to the drill:
(i)(I)The school shall not conduct a high-intensity drill.
(II)For purposes of this clause, high-intensity drill means a drill that includes simulations that mimic an actual school shooter or other armed assailant incident, including, but not limited to, theatrical makeup or other materials to give an image of blood or gunshot wounds, acting by an individual posing to be the assailant, acting by individuals posing as victims, or simulations that instruct pupils to actively resist an assailant by throwing objects, attacking, or swarming the assailant.
(ii)The school shall not include the use of real weapons, gunfire blanks, or explosions in the conducting of the drill.
(iii)The school shall ensure a trauma-informed approach to the design and execution of any drill, which shall include all of the following:
(I)Age-appropriate and developmentally appropriate drill content and terminology developed with the involvement of school personnel, including school-based mental health professionals.
(II)Notice to all parents and guardians of pupils, teachers, administrators, and school personnel subject to the drills in advance of the drill and of the drills expected length of time.
(III)The ability for parents or guardians to opt their child or children out of the drills.
(IV)An announcement to pupils and educators immediately before the start of the drills and an announcement to pupils and educators immediately after the drills have concluded.
(V)A notice to all parents and guardians after the drill has concluded.
(VI)The provision of contact information for community-based resources, including local organizations with objectives to reduce gun violence or provide mental health counseling, to parents or guardians, pupils, and staff who are negatively impacted by the drills, and, where available, prioritizing school-based resources.
(L)Procedures to assess and respond to reports of any dangerous, violent, or unlawful activity that is being conducted or threatened to be conducted at the school, at an activity sponsored by the school, or on a schoolbus serving the school.
(M)(i)When a comprehensive school safety plan is next reviewed and updated on or after July 1, 2025, procedures to respond to incidents involving an individual experiencing a sudden cardiac arrest or a similar life-threatening medical emergency while on school grounds.
(ii)The procedures described in clause (i) are encouraged to integrate evidence-based core elements, including any cardiopulmonary resuscitation training offered and the placement of any automated external defibrillator available on the schoolsite in accordance with nationally recognized evidence-based emergency cardiac care guidelines, as dictated by the school safety plan.
(N)For schools that serve pupils in any of grades 7 to 12, inclusive, a protocol in the event a pupil is suffering or is reasonably believed to be suffering from an opioid overdose.
(3)(A)Beginning July 1, 2025, an instructional continuity plan to establish communication with pupils and their families and provide instruction to pupils when in-person instruction is disrupted due to an emergency pursuant to Section 41422 or subdivision (a) of Section 46392. The plan shall include all the following:
(i)Procedures for pupil engagement, as soon as practicable, and no later than five calendar days following the emergency. Procedures shall be designed to establish two-way communication with pupils and their families and identify and provide supports for pupils social-emotional, mental health, and academic needs.
(ii)A plan to provide access to in-person instruction or remote instruction pursuant to Sections 51747 and 51749.5, as soon as practicable, but no later than 10 instructional days following the emergency. The plan may include support to pupils and families to enroll in or be temporarily reassigned to another school district, county office of education, or charter school.
(B)Local educational agencies are encouraged to plan to meet instructional standards that are at least equivalent to those applicable to independent study programs.
(C)(i)For purposes of this paragraph, temporarily reassigned means temporarily reassigned to another local educational agency outside of the school district, but within the county or an immediately adjacent county, in which the pupils parent or guardian resides. Notwithstanding Section 48200 or any other law, a pupil who is temporarily reassigned shall be deemed to have complied with the residency requirements for attendance in the local educational agency that is temporarily serving the pupil pursuant to this section.
(ii)Notwithstanding Section 48200 or any other law, a school district, county office of education, or charter school may continue to enroll a pupil who is temporarily reassigned to another school district, county office of education, or charter school pursuant to this section in order to facilitate the timely reentry of the pupil in their prior school after the emergency event has ended.
(D)This paragraph applies to school districts, county offices of education, and charter schools.
(b)It is the intent of the Legislature that schools develop comprehensive school safety plans using existing resources, including the materials and services of the partnership, pursuant to this chapter. It is also the intent of the Legislature that schools use the handbook developed and distributed in partnership by the departments Safe Schools and Violence Prevention Center and the Attorney Generals Crime and Violence Prevention Center entitled Safe Schools: A Planning Guide for Action in conjunction with developing their plan for school safety.
(c)Each schoolsite council or school safety planning committee, in developing and updating a comprehensive school safety plan, shall, where practical, consult, cooperate, and coordinate with other schoolsite councils or school safety planning committees.
(d)The comprehensive school safety plan may be evaluated and amended, as needed, by the school safety planning committee, but shall be evaluated at least once a year, to ensure that the comprehensive school safety plan is properly implemented. An updated file of all safety-related plans and materials shall be readily available for inspection by the public.
(e)As comprehensive school safety plans are reviewed and updated, the Legislature encourages all plans, to the extent that resources are available, to include policies and procedures aimed at the prevention of bullying.
(f)The comprehensive school safety plan, as written and updated by the schoolsite council or school safety planning committee, shall be submitted for approval pursuant to subdivision (a) of Section 32288.
(g)The department shall maintain and conspicuously post on its internet website a compliance checklist for developing a comprehensive school safety plan, and shall update the checklist when necessary.
(h)On or before March 1, 2025, the Superintendent shall develop and post on the departments internet website instructional continuity plan guidance, including guidance for continued academic and school engagement strategies during disruptions in instruction due to emergencies.
SEC. 2.(a)Section 1.1 of this bill incorporates amendments to Section 32282 of the Education Code proposed by both this bill and Assembly Bill 1858. That section of this bill shall only become operative if (1) both bills are enacted and become effective on or before January 1, 2025, (2) each bill amends Section 32282 of the Education Code, (3) Assembly Bill 2887, Assembly Bill 176, and Senate Bill 176 are all not enacted or as enacted do not amend that section, and (4) this bill is enacted after Assembly Bill 1858, in which case Sections 1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, and 1.7 of this bill shall not become operative.
(b)Section 1.2 of this bill incorporates amendments to Section 32282 of the Education Code proposed by both this bill and Assembly Bill 2887. That section of this bill shall only become operative if (1) both bills are enacted and become effective on or before January 1, 2025, (2) each bill amends Section 32282 of the Education Code, (3) Assembly Bill 1858, Assembly Bill 176, and Senate Bill 176 are all not enacted or as enacted do not amend that section, and (4) this bill is enacted after Assembly Bill 2887, in which case Sections 1, 1.1, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, and 1.7 of this bill shall not become operative.
(c)Section 1.3 of this bill incorporates amendments to Section 32282 of the Education Code proposed by this bill, Assembly Bill 176, and Senate Bill 176. That section of this bill shall only become operative if (1) this bill and one or both of Assembly Bill 176 and Senate Bill 176 are enacted and become effective on or before January 1, 2025, (2) this bill and one or both of Assembly Bill 176 and Senate Bill 176, as enacted, amend Section 32282 of the Education Code, (3) Assembly Bill 1858 and Assembly Bill 2887 are both not enacted or as enacted do not amend that section, and (4) this bill is enacted last of the bills amending Section 32282 of the Education Code, in which case Section 32282 of the Education Code, as amended by either Assembly Bill 176 or Senate Bill 176, whichever is operative, shall remain operative only until the operative date of this bill, at which time Section 1.3 of this bill shall become operative, and Sections 1, 1.1, 1.2, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, and 1.7 of this bill shall not become operative.
(d)Section 1.4 of this bill incorporates amendments to Section 32282 of the Education Code proposed by this bill, Assembly Bill 1858, and Assembly Bill 2887. That section of this bill shall only become operative if (1) all three bills are enacted and become effective on or before January 1, 2025, (2) each bill amends Section 32282 of the Education Code, (3) Assembly Bill 176 and Senate Bill 176 are both not enacted or as enacted do not amend that section, and (4) this bill is enacted after both Assembly Bill 1858 and Assembly Bill 2887, in which case Sections 1, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.5, 1.6, and 1.7 of this bill shall not become operative.
(e)Section 1.5 of this bill incorporates amendments to Section 32282 of the Education Code proposed by this bill, Assembly Bill 1858, Assembly Bill 176, and Senate Bill 176. That section of this bill shall only become operative if (1) this bill, Assembly Bill 1858, and one or both of Assembly Bill 176 and Senate Bill 176 are enacted and become effective on or before January 1, 2025, (2) this bill, Assembly Bill 1858, and one or both of Assembly Bill 176 and Senate Bill 176, as enacted, amend Section 32282 of the Education Code, (3) Assembly Bill 2887 is not enacted or as enacted does not amend that section, and (4) this bill is enacted last of the bills amending Section 32282 of the Education Code, in which case Section 32282 of the Education Code, as amended by either Assembly Bill 176 or Senate Bill 176, whichever is operative, shall remain operative only until the operative date of this bill, at which time Section 1.5 of this bill shall become operative, and Sections 1, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.6, and 1.7 of this bill shall not become operative.
(f)Section 1.6 of this bill incorporates amendments to Section 32282 of the Education Code proposed by this bill, Assembly Bill 2887, Assembly Bill 176, and Senate Bill 176. That section of this bill shall only become operative if (1) this bill, Assembly Bill 2887, and one or both of Assembly Bill 176 and Senate Bill 176 are enacted and become effective on or before January 1, 2025, (2) this bill, Assembly Bill 2887, and one or both of Assembly Bill 176 and Senate Bill 176, as enacted, amend Section 32282 of the Education Code, (3) Assembly Bill 1858 is not enacted or as enacted does not amend that section, and (4) this bill is enacted last of the bills amending Section 32282 of the Education Code, in which case Section 32282 of the Education Code, as amended by either Assembly Bill 176 or Senate Bill 176, whichever is operative, shall remain operative only until the operative date of this bill, at which time Section 1.6 of this bill shall become operative, and Sections 1, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, and 1.7 of this bill shall not become operative.
(g)Section 1.7 of this bill incorporates amendments to Section 32282 of the Education Code proposed by this bill, Assembly Bill 1858, Assembly Bill 2887, Assembly Bill 176, and Senate Bill 176. That section of this bill shall only become operative if (1) this bill, Assembly Bill 1858, Assembly Bill 2887, and one or both of Assembly Bill 176 and Senate Bill 176 are enacted and become effective on or before January 1, 2025, (2) this bill, Assembly Bill 1858, Assembly Bill 2887, and one or both of Assembly Bill 176 and Senate Bill 176, as enacted, amend Section 32282 of the Education Code, and (3) this bill is enacted last of those bills, in which case Section 32282 of the Education Code, as amended by either Assembly Bill 176 or Senate Bill 176, whichever is operative, shall remain operative only until the operative date of this bill, at which time Section 1.7 of this bill shall become operative, and Sections 1, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, and 1.6 of this bill shall not become operative.
SEC. 3.If the Commission on State Mandates determines that this act contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement to local agencies and school districts for those costs shall be made pursuant to Part 7 (commencing with Section 17500) of Division 4 of Title 2 of the Government Code.
(a)The comprehensive school safety plan shall include, but not be limited to, all of the following:
(1)Assessing the current status of school crime committed on school campuses and at school-related functions.
(2)Identifying appropriate strategies and programs that will provide or maintain a high level of school safety and address the schools procedures for complying with existing laws related to school safety, which shall include the development of all of the following:
(A)Child abuse reporting procedures consistent with Article 2.5 (commencing with Section 11164) of Chapter 2 of Title 1 of Part 4 of the Penal Code.
(B)(i)Disaster procedures, routine and emergency, including adaptations for pupils with disabilities in accordance with the federal Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. Sec. 12101 et seq.), the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (20 U.S.C. Sec. 1400 et seq.), and Section 504 of the federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. Sec. 794(a)). The disaster procedures shall also include, but not be limited to, all of the following:
(I)Establishing an earthquake emergency procedure system in every public school building having an occupant capacity of 50 or more pupils or more than one classroom. A school district or county office of education may work with the Office of Emergency Services and the Alfred E. Alquist Seismic Safety Commission to develop and establish the earthquake emergency procedure system. The system shall include, but not be limited to, all of the following:
(ia)A school building disaster plan, ready for implementation at any time, for maintaining the safety and care of pupils and staff. The department shall provide general direction to school districts and county offices of education on what to include in the school building disaster plan.
(ib)A drop procedure whereby each pupil and staff member takes cover under a table or desk, dropping to their knees, with the head protected by the arms, and the back to the windows. A drop procedure practice shall be held at least once a school quarter in elementary schools and at least once a semester in secondary schools.
(ic)Protective measures to be taken before, during, and following an earthquake.
(id)A program to ensure that pupils and both the certificated and classified staff are aware of, and properly trained in, the earthquake emergency procedure system.
(II)Establishing a procedure to allow a public agency, including the American Red Cross, to use school buildings, grounds, and equipment for mass care and welfare shelters during disasters or other emergencies affecting the public health and welfare. The school district or county office of education shall cooperate with the public agency in furnishing and maintaining the services as the school district or county office of education may deem necessary to meet the needs of the community.
(III)(ia)Commencing with the 202627 fiscal year, establishing a procedure to identify appropriate refuge shelter for all pupils and staff to be used in the event of an evacuation order by local authorities and notify the operational area having jurisdiction within the schools boundaries of this identified refuge, in order to first prioritize the safety of pupils and staff, and then the defense of that structure in the event of a fire. Each public school, including a charter school, serving more than 50 pupils in kindergarten or any of grades 1 to 12, inclusive, that is in a high or very high fire hazard severity zone, identified pursuant to Section 51178 of the Government Code or Section 4204 of the Public Resources Code, shall coordinate the procedure with the operational area having jurisdiction within the schools boundaries. For those schools under the jurisdiction of a school district or county office of education, the school district or county office of education shall be the entity that coordinates with the operational area having jurisdiction within each of the schools boundaries.
(ib)Commencing with the 202627 fiscal year, the development by each public school, including a charter school, serving more than 50 pupils in kindergarten or any of grades 1 to 12, inclusive, that is in a high or very high fire hazard severity zone, identified pursuant to Section 51178 of the Government Code or Section 4204 of the Public Resources Code, of a communication and evacuation plan, to be used in the event of an early notice evacuation warning, that allows enough time to evacuate all pupils and staff. These plans shall clearly identify a decision process to determine whether an evacuation order is appropriate.
(ic)For purposes of this subclause, operational area means an intermediate level of the state emergency services organization, consisting of a county and all political subdivisions within the county area, that serves as a link in the system of communication and coordination between the states emergency operation centers and the operating centers of the political subdivisions that make up the operational area, as described in subdivision (b) of Section 8559 of the Government Code and Section 8605 of the Government Code.
(ii)The evaluation of a comprehensive school safety plan pursuant to subdivision (d) and the review of a school safety plan pursuant to clause (iii) of subparagraph (F) of paragraph (5) of subdivision (c) of Section 47605 or clause (iii) of subparagraph (G) of paragraph (5) of subdivision (b) of Section 47605.6, as applicable, shall include ensuring that the plan includes appropriate adaptations for pupils with disabilities, as required pursuant to clause (i).
(iii)(I)After the first evaluation or review, as applicable, for purposes of subdivision (d) and clause (ii) is conducted, and after each annual evaluation or review thereafter, a school employee, a pupils parent, guardian, or educational rights holder, or a pupil themselves may bring concerns about an individual pupils ability to access disaster safety procedures described in the comprehensive school safety plan or the school safety plan to the school principal. If the school principal determines there is merit to a concern, the principal shall direct the schoolsite council, school safety planning committee, or charter school, as applicable, to make appropriate modifications to the comprehensive school safety plan or school safety plan, as applicable, during the evaluation of the comprehensive school safety plan pursuant to subdivision (d) or the review of the school safety plan pursuant to clause (iii) of subparagraph (F) of paragraph (5) of subdivision (c) of Section 47605 or clause (iii) of subparagraph (G) of paragraph (5) of subdivision (b) of Section 47605.6, as applicable. The school principal may direct the schoolsite council, the school safety planning committee, or the charter school, as applicable, to make such modifications before the evaluation of the comprehensive school safety plan pursuant to subdivision (d) or the review of the school safety plan pursuant to clause (iii) of subparagraph (F) of paragraph (5) of subdivision (c) of Section 47605 or clause (iii) of subparagraph (G) of paragraph (5) of subdivision (b) of Section 47605.6, as applicable.
(II)Subclause (I) does not prohibit a school employee, a pupils parent, guardian, or educational rights holder, or a pupil themselves from bringing their concerns to the school principal before an evaluation or review, as applicable, for purposes of subdivision (d) and clause (ii) is conducted.
(iv)All deliberations of the schoolsite council, school safety planning committee, or charter school, as applicable, related to individual pupils with disabilities for purposes of the requirements of clauses (i) to (iii), inclusive, shall be subject to applicable state and federal laws regarding the privacy of pupil information.
(C)Policies pursuant to subdivision (d) of Section 48915 for pupils who committed an act listed in subdivision (c) of Section 48915 and other school-designated serious acts that would lead to suspension, expulsion, or mandatory expulsion recommendations pursuant to Article 1 (commencing with Section 48900) of Chapter 6 of Part 27 of Division 4 of Title 2.
(D)Procedures to notify teachers of dangerous pupils pursuant to Section 49079.
(E)A discrimination and harassment policy consistent with the prohibition against discrimination contained in Chapter 2 (commencing with Section 200) of Part 1.
(F)The provisions of any schoolwide dress code, pursuant to Section 35183, that prohibits pupils from wearing gang-related apparel, if the school has adopted that type of a dress code. For those purposes, the comprehensive school safety plan shall define gang-related apparel. The definition shall be limited to apparel that, if worn or displayed on a school campus, reasonably could be determined to threaten the health and safety of the school environment. A schoolwide dress code established pursuant to this section and Section 35183 shall be enforced on the school campus and at any school-sponsored activity by the principal of the school or the person designated by the principal. For purposes of this subparagraph, gang-related apparel shall not be considered a protected form of speech pursuant to Section 48950.
(G)Procedures for safe ingress and egress of pupils, parents, and school employees to and from school.
(H)A safe and orderly environment conducive to learning at the school.
(I)The rules and procedures on school discipline adopted pursuant to Sections 35291, 35291.5, 47605, and 47605.6.
(J)Procedures for conducting tactical responses to criminal incidents, including procedures related to individuals with guns on school campuses and at school-related functions. The procedures to prepare for active shooters or other armed assailants shall be based on the specific needs and context of each school and community.
(K)Procedures to assess and respond to reports of any dangerous, violent, or unlawful activity that is being conducted or threatened to be conducted at the school, at an activity sponsored by the school, or on a schoolbus serving the school.
(L)For schools that serve pupils in any of grades 7 to 12, inclusive, a protocol in the event a pupil is suffering or is reasonably believed to be suffering from an opioid overdose.
(3)(A)Beginning July 1, 2025, an instructional continuity plan to establish communication with pupils and their families and provide instruction to pupils when in-person instruction is disrupted due to an emergency pursuant to Section 41422 or subdivision (a) of Section 46392. The plan shall include all the following:
(i)Procedures for pupil engagement, as soon as practicable, and no later than five calendar days following the emergency. Procedures shall be designed to establish two-way communication with pupils and their families and identify and provide supports for pupils social-emotional, mental health, and academic needs.
(ii)A plan to provide access to in-person instruction or remote instruction pursuant to Sections 51747 and 51749.5, as soon as practicable, but no later than 10 instructional days following the emergency. The plan may include support to pupils and families to enroll in or be temporarily reassigned to another school district, county office of education, or charter school.
(B)Local educational agencies are encouraged to plan to meet instructional standards that are at least equivalent to those applicable to independent study programs.
(C)(i)For purposes of this paragraph, temporarily reassigned means temporarily reassigned to another local educational agency outside of the school district in which the pupils parent or guardian resides. Notwithstanding Section 48200 or any other law, a pupil who is temporarily reassigned shall be deemed to have complied with the residency requirements for attendance in the local educational agency that is temporarily serving the pupil pursuant to this section.
(ii)Notwithstanding Section 48200 or any other law, a school district, county office of education, or charter school may continue to enroll a pupil who is temporarily reassigned to another school district, county office of education, or charter school pursuant to this section in order to facilitate the timely reentry of the pupil in their prior school after the emergency event has ended.
(D)This paragraph applies to school districts, county offices of education, and charter schools.
(b)It is the intent of the Legislature that schools develop comprehensive school safety plans using existing resources, including the materials and services of the partnership, pursuant to this chapter. It is also the intent of the Legislature that schools use the handbook developed and distributed in partnership by the departments Safe Schools and Violence Prevention Center and the Attorney Generals Crime and Violence Prevention Center entitled Safe Schools: A Planning Guide for Action in conjunction with developing their plan for school safety.
(c)Each schoolsite council or school safety planning committee, in developing and updating a comprehensive school safety plan, shall, where practical, consult, cooperate, and coordinate with other schoolsite councils or school safety planning committees.
(d)The comprehensive school safety plan may be evaluated and amended, as needed, by the school safety planning committee, but shall be evaluated at least once a year, to ensure that the comprehensive school safety plan is properly implemented. An updated file of all safety-related plans and materials shall be readily available for inspection by the public.
(e)As comprehensive school safety plans are reviewed and updated, the Legislature encourages all plans, to the extent that resources are available, to include policies and procedures aimed at the prevention of bullying.
(f)The comprehensive school safety plan, as written and updated by the schoolsite council or school safety planning committee, shall be submitted for approval pursuant to subdivision (a) of Section 32288.
(g)The department shall maintain and conspicuously post on its internet website a compliance checklist for developing a comprehensive school safety plan, and shall update the checklist when necessary.
(h)On or before March 1, 2025, the Superintendent shall develop and post on the departments internet website instructional continuity plan guidance, including guidance for continued academic and school engagement strategies during disruptions in instruction due to emergencies.
SEC. 1.1.Section 32282 of the Education Code is amended to read:32282.(a)The comprehensive school safety plan shall include, but not be limited to, all of the following:
(1)Assessing the current status of school crime committed on school campuses and at school-related functions.
(2)Identifying appropriate strategies and programs that will provide or maintain a high level of school safety and address the schools procedures for complying with existing laws related to school safety, which shall include the development of all of the following:
(A)Child abuse reporting procedures consistent with Article 2.5 (commencing with Section 11164) of Chapter 2 of Title 1 of Part 4 of the Penal Code.
(B)(i)Disaster procedures, routine and emergency, including adaptations for pupils with disabilities in accordance with the federal Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. Sec. 12101 et seq.), the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (20 U.S.C. Sec. 1400 et seq.), and Section 504 of the federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. Sec. 794(a)). The disaster procedures shall also include, but not be limited to, all of the following:
(I)Establishing an earthquake emergency procedure system in every public school building having an occupant capacity of 50 or more pupils or more than one classroom. A school district or county office of education may work with the Office of Emergency Services and the Alfred E. Alquist Seismic Safety Commission to develop and establish the earthquake emergency procedure system. The system shall include, but not be limited to, all of the following:
(ia)A school building disaster plan, ready for implementation at any time, for maintaining the safety and care of pupils and staff. The department shall provide general direction to school districts and county offices of education on what to include in the school building disaster plan.
(ib)A drop procedure whereby each pupil and staff member takes cover under a table or desk, dropping to their knees, with the head protected by the arms, and the back to the windows. A drop procedure practice shall be held at least once a school quarter in elementary schools and at least once a semester in secondary schools.
(ic)Protective measures to be taken before, during, and following an earthquake.
(id)A program to ensure that pupils and both the certificated and classified staff are aware of, and properly trained in, the earthquake emergency procedure system.
(II)Establishing a procedure to allow a public agency, including the American Red Cross, to use school buildings, grounds, and equipment for mass care and welfare shelters during disasters or other emergencies affecting the public health and welfare. The school district or county office of education shall cooperate with the public agency in furnishing and maintaining the services as the school district or county office of education may deem necessary to meet the needs of the community.
(III)(ia)Commencing with the 202627 fiscal year, establishing a procedure to identify appropriate refuge shelter for all pupils and staff to be used in the event of an evacuation order by local authorities and notify the operational area having jurisdiction within the schools boundaries of this identified refuge, in order to first prioritize the safety of pupils and staff, and then the defense of that structure in the event of a fire. Each public school, including a charter school, serving more than 50 pupils in kindergarten or any of grades 1 to 12, inclusive, that is in a high or very high fire hazard severity zone, identified pursuant to Section 51178 of the Government Code or Section 4204 of the Public Resources Code, shall coordinate the procedure with the operational area having jurisdiction within the schools boundaries. For those schools under the jurisdiction of a school district or county office of education, the school district or county office of education shall be the entity that coordinates with the operational area having jurisdiction within each of the schools boundaries.
(ib)Commencing with the 202627 fiscal year, the development by each public school, including a charter school, serving more than 50 pupils in kindergarten or any of grades 1 to 12, inclusive, that is in a high or very high fire hazard severity zone, identified pursuant to Section 51178 of the Government Code or Section 4204 of the Public Resources Code, of a communication and evacuation plan, to be used in the event of an early notice evacuation warning, that allows enough time to evacuate all pupils and staff. These plans shall clearly identify a decision process to determine whether an evacuation order is appropriate.
(ic)For purposes of this subclause, operational area means an intermediate level of the state emergency services organization, consisting of a county and all political subdivisions within the county area, that serves as a link in the system of communication and coordination between the states emergency operation centers and the operating centers of the political subdivisions that make up the operational area, as described in subdivision (b) of Section 8559 of the Government Code and Section 8605 of the Government Code.
(ii)The evaluation of a comprehensive school safety plan pursuant to subdivision (d) and the review of a school safety plan pursuant to clause (iii) of subparagraph (F) of paragraph (5) of subdivision (c) of Section 47605 or clause (iii) of subparagraph (G) of paragraph (5) of subdivision (b) of Section 47605.6, as applicable, shall include ensuring that the plan includes appropriate adaptations for pupils with disabilities, as required pursuant to clause (i).
(iii)(I)After the first evaluation or review, as applicable, for purposes of subdivision (d) and clause (ii) is conducted, and after each annual evaluation or review thereafter, a school employee, a pupils parent, guardian, or educational rights holder, or a pupil themselves may bring concerns about an individual pupils ability to access disaster safety procedures described in the comprehensive school safety plan or the school safety plan to the school principal. If the school principal determines there is merit to a concern, the principal shall direct the schoolsite council, school safety planning committee, or charter school, as applicable, to make appropriate modifications to the comprehensive school safety plan or school safety plan, as applicable, during the evaluation of the comprehensive school safety plan pursuant to subdivision (d) or the review of the school safety plan pursuant to clause (iii) of subparagraph (F) of paragraph (5) of subdivision (c) of Section 47605 or clause (iii) of subparagraph (G) of paragraph (5) of subdivision (b) of Section 47605.6, as applicable. The school principal may direct the schoolsite council, the school safety planning committee, or the charter school, as applicable, to make such modifications before the evaluation of the comprehensive school safety plan pursuant to subdivision (d) or the review of the school safety plan pursuant to clause (iii) of subparagraph (F) of paragraph (5) of subdivision (c) of Section 47605 or clause (iii) of subparagraph (G) of paragraph (5) of subdivision (b) of Section 47605.6, as applicable.
(II)Subclause (I) does not prohibit a school employee, a pupils parent, guardian, or educational rights holder, or a pupil themselves from bringing their concerns to the school principal before an evaluation or review, as applicable, for purposes of subdivision (d) and clause (ii) is conducted.
(iv)All deliberations of the schoolsite council, school safety planning committee, or charter school, as applicable, related to individual pupils with disabilities for purposes of the requirements of clauses (i) to (iii), inclusive, shall be subject to applicable state and federal laws regarding the privacy of pupil information.
(C)Policies pursuant to subdivision (d) of Section 48915 for pupils who committed an act listed in subdivision (c) of Section 48915 and other school-designated serious acts that would lead to suspension, expulsion, or mandatory expulsion recommendations pursuant to Article 1 (commencing with Section 48900) of Chapter 6 of Part 27 of Division 4 of Title 2.
(D)Procedures to notify teachers of dangerous pupils pursuant to Section 49079.
(E)A discrimination and harassment policy consistent with the prohibition against discrimination contained in Chapter 2 (commencing with Section 200) of Part 1.
(F)The provisions of any schoolwide dress code, pursuant to Section 35183, that prohibits pupils from wearing gang-related apparel, if the school has adopted that type of a dress code. For those purposes, the comprehensive school safety plan shall define gang-related apparel. The definition shall be limited to apparel that, if worn or displayed on a school campus, reasonably could be determined to threaten the health and safety of the school environment. A schoolwide dress code established pursuant to this section and Section 35183 shall be enforced on the school campus and at any school-sponsored activity by the principal of the school or the person designated by the principal. For purposes of this subparagraph, gang-related apparel shall not be considered a protected form of speech pursuant to Section 48950.
(G)Procedures for safe ingress and egress of pupils, parents, and school employees to and from school.
(H)A safe and orderly environment conducive to learning at the school.
(I)The rules and procedures on school discipline adopted pursuant to Sections 35291, 35291.5, 47605, and 47605.6.
(J)Procedures for conducting tactical responses to criminal incidents, including procedures related to individuals with guns on school campuses and at school-related functions. The procedures to prepare for active shooters or other armed assailants shall be based on the specific needs and context of each school and community.
(K)If a comprehensive school safety plan includes procedures to prepare for active shooters or other armed assailants by conducting a drill, a school shall comply with all of the following relating to the drill:
(i)(I)The school shall not conduct a high-intensity drill.
(II)For purposes of this clause, high-intensity drill means a drill that includes simulations that mimic an actual school shooter or other armed assailant incident, including, but not limited to, theatrical makeup or other materials to give an image of blood or gunshot wounds, acting by an individual posing to be the assailant, acting by individuals posing as victims, or simulations that instruct pupils to actively resist an assailant by throwing objects, attacking, or swarming the assailant.
(ii)The school shall not include the use of real weapons, gunfire blanks, or explosions in the conducting of the drill.
(iii)The school shall ensure a trauma-informed approach to the design and execution of any drill, which shall include all of the following:
(I)Age-appropriate and developmentally appropriate drill content and terminology developed with the involvement of school personnel, including school-based mental health professionals.
(II)Notice to all parents and guardians of pupils, teachers, administrators, and school personnel subject to the drills in advance of the drill and of the drills expected length of time.
(III)The ability for parents or guardians to opt their child or children out of the drills.
(IV)An announcement to pupils and educators immediately before the start of the drills and an announcement to pupils and educators immediately after the drills have concluded.
(V)A notice to all parents and guardians after the drill has concluded.
(VI)The provision of contact information for community-based resources, including local organizations with objectives to reduce gun violence or provide mental health counseling, to parents or guardians, pupils, and staff who are negatively impacted by the drills, and, where available, prioritizing school-based resources.
(L)Procedures to assess and respond to reports of any dangerous, violent, or unlawful activity that is being conducted or threatened to be conducted at the school, at an activity sponsored by the school, or on a schoolbus serving the school.
(M)For schools that serve pupils in any of grades 7 to 12, inclusive, a protocol in the event a pupil is suffering or is reasonably believed to be suffering from an opioid overdose.
(3)(A)Beginning July 1, 2025, an instructional continuity plan to establish communication with pupils and their families and provide instruction to pupils when in-person instruction is disrupted due to an emergency pursuant to Section 41422 or subdivision (a) of Section 46392. The plan shall include all the following:
(i)Procedures for pupil engagement, as soon as practicable, and no later than five calendar days following the emergency. Procedures shall be designed to establish two-way communication with pupils and their families and identify and provide supports for pupils social-emotional, mental health, and academic needs.
(ii)A plan to provide access to in-person instruction or remote instruction pursuant to Sections 51747 and 51749.5, as soon as practicable, but no later than 10 instructional days following the emergency. The plan may include support to pupils and families to enroll in or be temporarily reassigned to another school district, county office of education, or charter school.
(B)Local educational agencies are encouraged to plan to meet instructional standards that are at least equivalent to those applicable to independent study programs.
(C)(i)For purposes of this paragraph, temporarily reassigned means temporarily reassigned to another local educational agency outside of the school district in which the pupils parent or guardian resides. Notwithstanding Section 48200 or any other law, a pupil who is temporarily reassigned shall be deemed to have complied with the residency requirements for attendance in the local educational agency that is temporarily serving the pupil pursuant to this section.
(ii)Notwithstanding Section 48200 or any other law, a school district, county office of education, or charter school may continue to enroll a pupil who is temporarily reassigned to another school district, county office of education, or charter school pursuant to this section in order to facilitate the timely reentry of the pupil in their prior school after the emergency event has ended.
(D)This paragraph applies to school districts, county offices of education, and charter schools.
(b)It is the intent of the Legislature that schools develop comprehensive school safety plans using existing resources, including the materials and services of the partnership, pursuant to this chapter. It is also the intent of the Legislature that schools use the handbook developed and distributed in partnership by the departments Safe Schools and Violence Prevention Center and the Attorney Generals Crime and Violence Prevention Center entitled Safe Schools: A Planning Guide for Action in conjunction with developing their plan for school safety.
(c)Each schoolsite council or school safety planning committee, in developing and updating a comprehensive school safety plan, shall, where practical, consult, cooperate, and coordinate with other schoolsite councils or school safety planning committees.
(d)The comprehensive school safety plan may be evaluated and amended, as needed, by the school safety planning committee, but shall be evaluated at least once a year, to ensure that the comprehensive school safety plan is properly implemented. An updated file of all safety-related plans and materials shall be readily available for inspection by the public.
(e)As comprehensive school safety plans are reviewed and updated, the Legislature encourages all plans, to the extent that resources are available, to include policies and procedures aimed at the prevention of bullying.
(f)The comprehensive school safety plan, as written and updated by the schoolsite council or school safety planning committee, shall be submitted for approval pursuant to subdivision (a) of Section 32288.
(g)The department shall maintain and conspicuously post on its internet website a compliance checklist for developing a comprehensive school safety plan, and shall update the checklist when necessary.
(h)On or before March 1, 2025, the Superintendent shall develop and post on the departments internet website instructional continuity plan guidance, including guidance for continued academic and school engagement strategies during disruptions in instruction due to emergencies.
SEC. 1.2.Section 32282 of the Education Code is amended to read:32282.(a)The comprehensive school safety plan shall include, but not be limited to, all of the following:
(1)Assessing the current status of school crime committed on school campuses and at school-related functions.
(2)Identifying appropriate strategies and programs that will provide or maintain a high level of school safety and address the schools procedures for complying with existing laws related to school safety, which shall include the development of all of the following:
(A)Child abuse reporting procedures consistent with Article 2.5 (commencing with Section 11164) of Chapter 2 of Title 1 of Part 4 of the Penal Code.
(B)(i)Disaster procedures, routine and emergency, including adaptations for pupils with disabilities in accordance with the federal Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. Sec. 12101 et seq.), the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (20 U.S.C. Sec. 1400 et seq.), and Section 504 of the federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. Sec. 794(a)). The disaster procedures shall also include, but not be limited to, all of the following:
(I)Establishing an earthquake emergency procedure system in every public school building having an occupant capacity of 50 or more pupils or more than one classroom. A school district or county office of education may work with the Office of Emergency Services and the Alfred E. Alquist Seismic Safety Commission to develop and establish the earthquake emergency procedure system. The system shall include, but not be limited to, all of the following:
(ia)A school building disaster plan, ready for implementation at any time, for maintaining the safety and care of pupils and staff. The department shall provide general direction to school districts and county offices of education on what to include in the school building disaster plan.
(ib)A drop procedure whereby each pupil and staff member takes cover under a table or desk, dropping to their knees, with the head protected by the arms, and the back to the windows. A drop procedure practice shall be held at least once a school quarter in elementary schools and at least once a semester in secondary schools.
(ic)Protective measures to be taken before, during, and following an earthquake.
(id)A program to ensure that pupils and both the certificated and classified staff are aware of, and properly trained in, the earthquake emergency procedure system.
(II)Establishing a procedure to allow a public agency, including the American Red Cross, to use school buildings, grounds, and equipment for mass care and welfare shelters during disasters or other emergencies affecting the public health and welfare. The school district or county office of education shall cooperate with the public agency in furnishing and maintaining the services as the school district or county office of education may deem necessary to meet the needs of the community.
(III)(ia)Commencing with the 202627 fiscal year, establishing a procedure to identify appropriate refuge shelter for all pupils and staff to be used in the event of an evacuation order by local authorities and notify the operational area having jurisdiction within the schools boundaries of this identified refuge, in order to first prioritize the safety of pupils and staff, and then the defense of that structure in the event of a fire. Each public school, including a charter school, serving more than 50 pupils in kindergarten or any of grades 1 to 12, inclusive, that is in a high or very high fire hazard severity zone, identified pursuant to Section 51178 of the Government Code or Section 4204 of the Public Resources Code, shall coordinate the procedure with the operational area having jurisdiction within the schools boundaries. For those schools under the jurisdiction of a school district or county office of education, the school district or county office of education shall be the entity that coordinates with the operational area having jurisdiction within each of the schools boundaries.
(ib)Commencing with the 202627 fiscal year, the development by each public school, including a charter school, serving more than 50 pupils in kindergarten or any of grades 1 to 12, inclusive, that is in a high or very high fire hazard severity zone, identified pursuant to Section 51178 of the Government Code or Section 4204 of the Public Resources Code, of a communication and evacuation plan, to be used in the event of an early notice evacuation warning, that allows enough time to evacuate all pupils and staff. These plans shall clearly identify a decision process to determine whether an evacuation order is appropriate.
(ic)For purposes of this subclause, operational area means an intermediate level of the state emergency services organization, consisting of a county and all political subdivisions within the county area, that serves as a link in the system of communication and coordination between the states emergency operation centers and the operating centers of the political subdivisions that make up the operational area, as described in subdivision (b) of Section 8559 of the Government Code and Section 8605 of the Government Code.
(ii)The evaluation of a comprehensive school safety plan pursuant to subdivision (d) and the review of a school safety plan pursuant to clause (iii) of subparagraph (F) of paragraph (5) of subdivision (c) of Section 47605 or clause (iii) of subparagraph (G) of paragraph (5) of subdivision (b) of Section 47605.6, as applicable, shall include ensuring that the plan includes appropriate adaptations for pupils with disabilities, as required pursuant to clause (i).
(iii)(I)After the first evaluation or review, as applicable, for purposes of subdivision (d) and clause (ii) is conducted, and after each annual evaluation or review thereafter, a school employee, a pupils parent, guardian, or educational rights holder, or a pupil themselves may bring concerns about an individual pupils ability to access disaster safety procedures described in the comprehensive school safety plan or the school safety plan to the school principal. If the school principal determines there is merit to a concern, the principal shall direct the schoolsite council, school safety planning committee, or charter school, as applicable, to make appropriate modifications to the comprehensive school safety plan or school safety plan, as applicable, during the evaluation of the comprehensive school safety plan pursuant to subdivision (d) or the review of the school safety plan pursuant to clause (iii) of subparagraph (F) of paragraph (5) of subdivision (c) of Section 47605 or clause (iii) of subparagraph (G) of paragraph (5) of subdivision (b) of Section 47605.6, as applicable. The school principal may direct the schoolsite council, the school safety planning committee, or the charter school, as applicable, to make such modifications before the evaluation of the comprehensive school safety plan pursuant to subdivision (d) or the review of the school safety plan pursuant to clause (iii) of subparagraph (F) of paragraph (5) of subdivision (c) of Section 47605 or clause (iii) of subparagraph (G) of paragraph (5) of subdivision (b) of Section 47605.6, as applicable.
(II)Subclause (I) does not prohibit a school employee, a pupils parent, guardian, or educational rights holder, or a pupil themselves from bringing their concerns to the school principal before an evaluation or review, as applicable, for purposes of subdivision (d) and clause (ii) is conducted.
(iv)All deliberations of the schoolsite council, school safety planning committee, or charter school, as applicable, related to individual pupils with disabilities for purposes of the requirements of clauses (i) to (iii), inclusive, shall be subject to applicable state and federal laws regarding the privacy of pupil information.
(C)Policies pursuant to subdivision (d) of Section 48915 for pupils who committed an act listed in subdivision (c) of Section 48915 and other school-designated serious acts that would lead to suspension, expulsion, or mandatory expulsion recommendations pursuant to Article 1 (commencing with Section 48900) of Chapter 6 of Part 27 of Division 4 of Title 2.
(D)Procedures to notify teachers of dangerous pupils pursuant to Section 49079.
(E)A discrimination and harassment policy consistent with the prohibition against discrimination contained in Chapter 2 (commencing with Section 200) of Part 1.
(F)The provisions of any schoolwide dress code, pursuant to Section 35183, that prohibits pupils from wearing gang-related apparel, if the school has adopted that type of a dress code. For those purposes, the comprehensive school safety plan shall define gang-related apparel. The definition shall be limited to apparel that, if worn or displayed on a school campus, reasonably could be determined to threaten the health and safety of the school environment. A schoolwide dress code established pursuant to this section and Section 35183 shall be enforced on the school campus and at any school-sponsored activity by the principal of the school or the person designated by the principal. For purposes of this subparagraph, gang-related apparel shall not be considered a protected form of speech pursuant to Section 48950.
(G)Procedures for safe ingress and egress of pupils, parents, and school employees to and from school.
(H)A safe and orderly environment conducive to learning at the school.
(I)The rules and procedures on school discipline adopted pursuant to Sections 35291, 35291.5, 47605, and 47605.6.
(J)Procedures for conducting tactical responses to criminal incidents, including procedures related to individuals with guns on school campuses and at school-related functions. The procedures to prepare for active shooters or other armed assailants shall be based on the specific needs and context of each school and community.
(K)Procedures to assess and respond to reports of any dangerous, violent, or unlawful activity that is being conducted or threatened to be conducted at the school, at an activity sponsored by the school, or on a schoolbus serving the school.
(L)(i)When a comprehensive school safety plan is next reviewed and updated on or after July 1, 2025, procedures to respond to incidents involving an individual experiencing a sudden cardiac arrest or a similar life-threatening medical emergency while on school grounds.
(ii)The procedures described in clause (i) are encouraged to integrate evidence-based core elements, including any cardiopulmonary resuscitation training offered and the placement of any automated external defibrillator available on the schoolsite in accordance with nationally recognized evidence-based emergency cardiac care guidelines, as dictated by the school safety plan.
(M)For schools that serve pupils in any of grades 7 to 12, inclusive, a protocol in the event a pupil is suffering or is reasonably believed to be suffering from an opioid overdose.
(3)(A)Beginning July 1, 2025, an instructional continuity plan to establish communication with pupils and their families and provide instruction to pupils when in-person instruction is disrupted due to an emergency pursuant to Section 41422 or subdivision (a) of Section 46392. The plan shall include all the following:
(i)Procedures for pupil engagement, as soon as practicable, and no later than five calendar days following the emergency. Procedures shall be designed to establish two-way communication with pupils and their families and identify and provide supports for pupils social-emotional, mental health, and academic needs.
(ii)A plan to provide access to in-person instruction or remote instruction pursuant to Sections 51747 and 51749.5, as soon as practicable, but no later than 10 instructional days following the emergency. The plan may include support to pupils and families to enroll in or be temporarily reassigned to another school district, county office of education, or charter school.
(B)Local educational agencies are encouraged to plan to meet instructional standards that are at least equivalent to those applicable to independent study programs.
(C)(i)For purposes of this paragraph, temporarily reassigned means temporarily reassigned to another local educational agency outside of the school district in which the pupils parent or guardian resides. Notwithstanding Section 48200 or any other law, a pupil who is temporarily reassigned shall be deemed to have complied with the residency requirements for attendance in the local educational agency that is temporarily serving the pupil pursuant to this section.
(ii)Notwithstanding Section 48200 or any other law, a school district, county office of education, or charter school may continue to enroll a pupil who is temporarily reassigned to another school district, county office of education, or charter school pursuant to this section in order to facilitate the timely reentry of the pupil in their prior school after the emergency event has ended.
(D)This paragraph applies to school districts, county offices of education, and charter schools.
(b)It is the intent of the Legislature that schools develop comprehensive school safety plans using existing resources, including the materials and services of the partnership, pursuant to this chapter. It is also the intent of the Legislature that schools use the handbook developed and distributed in partnership by the departments Safe Schools and Violence Prevention Center and the Attorney Generals Crime and Violence Prevention Center entitled Safe Schools: A Planning Guide for Action in conjunction with developing their plan for school safety.
(c)Each schoolsite council or school safety planning committee, in developing and updating a comprehensive school safety plan, shall, where practical, consult, cooperate, and coordinate with other schoolsite councils or school safety planning committees.
(d)The comprehensive school safety plan may be evaluated and amended, as needed, by the school safety planning committee, but shall be evaluated at least once a year, to ensure that the comprehensive school safety plan is properly implemented. An updated file of all safety-related plans and materials shall be readily available for inspection by the public.
(e)As comprehensive school safety plans are reviewed and updated, the Legislature encourages all plans, to the extent that resources are available, to include policies and procedures aimed at the prevention of bullying.
(f)The comprehensive school safety plan, as written and updated by the schoolsite council or school safety planning committee, shall be submitted for approval pursuant to subdivision (a) of Section 32288.
(g)The department shall maintain and conspicuously post on its internet website a compliance checklist for developing a comprehensive school safety plan, and shall update the checklist when necessary.
(h)On or before March 1, 2025, the Superintendent shall develop and post on the departments internet website instructional continuity plan guidance, including guidance for continued academic and school engagement strategies during disruptions in instruction due to emergencies.
SEC. 1.3.Section 32282 of the Education Code is amended to read:32282.(a)The comprehensive school safety plan shall include, but not be limited to, all of the following:
(1)Assessing the current status of school crime committed on school campuses and at school-related functions.
(2)Identifying appropriate strategies and programs that will provide or maintain a high level of school safety and address the schools procedures for complying with existing laws related to school safety, which shall include the development of all of the following:
(A)Child abuse reporting procedures consistent with Article 2.5 (commencing with Section 11164) of Chapter 2 of Title 1 of Part 4 of the Penal Code.
(B)(i)Disaster procedures, routine and emergency, including adaptations for pupils with disabilities in accordance with the federal Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. Sec. 12101 et seq.), the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (20 U.S.C. Sec. 1400 et seq.), and Section 504 of the federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. Sec. 794(a)). The disaster procedures shall also include, but not be limited to, all of the following:
(I)Establishing an earthquake emergency procedure system in every public school building having an occupant capacity of 50 or more pupils or more than one classroom. A school district or county office of education may work with the Office of Emergency Services and the Alfred E. Alquist Seismic Safety Commission to develop and establish the earthquake emergency procedure system. The system shall include, but not be limited to, all of the following:
(ia)A school building disaster plan, ready for implementation at any time, for maintaining the safety and care of pupils and staff. The department shall provide general direction to school districts and county offices of education on what to include in the school building disaster plan.
(ib)A drop procedure whereby each pupil and staff member takes cover under a table or desk, dropping to their knees, with the head protected by the arms, and the back to the windows. A drop procedure practice shall be held at least once a school quarter in elementary schools and at least once a semester in secondary schools.
(ic)Protective measures to be taken before, during, and following an earthquake.
(id)A program to ensure that pupils and both the certificated and classified staff are aware of, and properly trained in, the earthquake emergency procedure system.
(II)Establishing a procedure to allow a public agency, including the American Red Cross, to use school buildings, grounds, and equipment for mass care and welfare shelters during disasters or other emergencies affecting the public health and welfare. The school district or county office of education shall cooperate with the public agency in furnishing and maintaining the services as the school district or county office of education may deem necessary to meet the needs of the community.
(III)(ia)Commencing with the 202627 fiscal year, establishing a procedure to identify appropriate refuge shelter for all pupils and staff to be used in the event of an evacuation order by local authorities and notify the operational area having jurisdiction within the schools boundaries of this identified refuge, in order to first prioritize the safety of pupils and staff, and then the defense of that structure in the event of a fire. Each public school, including a charter school, serving more than 50 pupils in kindergarten or any of grades 1 to 12, inclusive, that is in a high or very high fire hazard severity zone, identified pursuant to Section 51178 of the Government Code or Section 4204 of the Public Resources Code, shall coordinate the procedure with the operational area having jurisdiction within the schools boundaries. For those schools under the jurisdiction of a school district or county office of education, the school district or county office of education shall be the entity that coordinates with the operational area having jurisdiction within each of the schools boundaries.
(ib)Commencing with the 202627 fiscal year, the development by each public school, including a charter school, serving more than 50 pupils in kindergarten or any of grades 1 to 12, inclusive, that is in a high or very high fire hazard severity zone, identified pursuant to Section 51178 of the Government Code or Section 4204 of the Public Resources Code, of a communication and evacuation plan, to be used in the event of an early notice evacuation warning, that allows enough time to evacuate all pupils and staff. These plans shall clearly identify a decision process to determine whether an evacuation order is appropriate.
(ic)For purposes of this subclause, operational area means an intermediate level of the state emergency services organization, consisting of a county and all political subdivisions within the county area, that serves as a link in the system of communication and coordination between the states emergency operation centers and the operating centers of the political subdivisions that make up the operational area, as described in subdivision (b) of Section 8559 of the Government Code and Section 8605 of the Government Code.
(ii)The evaluation of a comprehensive school safety plan pursuant to subdivision (d) and the review of a school safety plan pursuant to clause (iii) of subparagraph (F) of paragraph (5) of subdivision (c) of Section 47605 or clause (iii) of subparagraph (G) of paragraph (5) of subdivision (b) of Section 47605.6, as applicable, shall include ensuring that the plan includes appropriate adaptations for pupils with disabilities, as required pursuant to clause (i).
(iii)(I)After the first evaluation or review, as applicable, for purposes of subdivision (d) and clause (ii) is conducted, and after each annual evaluation or review thereafter, a school employee, a pupils parent, guardian, or educational rights holder, or a pupil themselves may bring concerns about an individual pupils ability to access disaster safety procedures described in the comprehensive school safety plan or the school safety plan to the school principal. If the school principal determines there is merit to a concern, the principal shall direct the schoolsite council, school safety planning committee, or charter school, as applicable, to make appropriate modifications to the comprehensive school safety plan or school safety plan, as applicable, during the evaluation of the comprehensive school safety plan pursuant to subdivision (d) or the review of the school safety plan pursuant to clause (iii) of subparagraph (F) of paragraph (5) of subdivision (c) of Section 47605 or clause (iii) of subparagraph (G) of paragraph (5) of subdivision (b) of Section 47605.6, as applicable. The school principal may direct the schoolsite council, the school safety planning committee, or the charter school, as applicable, to make such modifications before the evaluation of the comprehensive school safety plan pursuant to subdivision (d) or the review of the school safety plan pursuant to clause (iii) of subparagraph (F) of paragraph (5) of subdivision (c) of Section 47605 or clause (iii) of subparagraph (G) of paragraph (5) of subdivision (b) of Section 47605.6, as applicable.
(II)Subclause (I) does not prohibit a school employee, a pupils parent, guardian, or educational rights holder, or a pupil themselves from bringing their concerns to the school principal before an evaluation or review, as applicable, for purposes of subdivision (d) and clause (ii) is conducted.
(iv)All deliberations of the schoolsite council, school safety planning committee, or charter school, as applicable, related to individual pupils with disabilities for purposes of the requirements of clauses (i) to (iii), inclusive, shall be subject to applicable state and federal laws regarding the privacy of pupil information.
(C)Policies pursuant to subdivision (d) of Section 48915 for pupils who committed an act listed in subdivision (c) of Section 48915 and other school-designated serious acts that would lead to suspension, expulsion, or mandatory expulsion recommendations pursuant to Article 1 (commencing with Section 48900) of Chapter 6 of Part 27 of Division 4 of Title 2.
(D)Procedures to notify teachers of dangerous pupils pursuant to Section 49079.
(E)A discrimination and harassment policy consistent with the prohibition against discrimination contained in Chapter 2 (commencing with Section 200) of Part 1.
(F)The provisions of any schoolwide dress code, pursuant to Section 35183, that prohibits pupils from wearing gang-related apparel, if the school has adopted that type of a dress code. For those purposes, the comprehensive school safety plan shall define gang-related apparel. The definition shall be limited to apparel that, if worn or displayed on a school campus, reasonably could be determined to threaten the health and safety of the school environment. A schoolwide dress code established pursuant to this section and Section 35183 shall be enforced on the school campus and at any school-sponsored activity by the principal of the school or the person designated by the principal. For purposes of this subparagraph, gang-related apparel shall not be considered a protected form of speech pursuant to Section 48950.
(G)Procedures for safe ingress and egress of pupils, parents, and school employees to and from school.
(H)A safe and orderly environment conducive to learning at the school.
(I)The rules and procedures on school discipline adopted pursuant to Sections 35291, 35291.5, 47605, and 47605.6.
(J)Procedures for conducting tactical responses to criminal incidents, including procedures related to individuals with guns on school campuses and at school-related functions. The procedures to prepare for active shooters or other armed assailants shall be based on the specific needs and context of each school and community.
(K)Procedures to assess and respond to reports of any dangerous, violent, or unlawful activity that is being conducted or threatened to be conducted at the school, at an activity sponsored by the school, or on a schoolbus serving the school.
(L)For schools that serve pupils in any of grades 7 to 12, inclusive, a protocol in the event a pupil is suffering or is reasonably believed to be suffering from an opioid overdose.
(3)(A)Beginning July 1, 2025, an instructional continuity plan to establish communication with pupils and their families and provide instruction to pupils when in-person instruction is disrupted due to an emergency pursuant to Section 41422 or subdivision (a) of Section 46392. The plan shall include all the following:
(i)Procedures for pupil engagement, as soon as practicable, and no later than five calendar days following the emergency. Procedures shall be designed to establish two-way communication with pupils and their families and identify and provide supports for pupils social-emotional, mental health, and academic needs.
(ii)A plan to provide access to in-person instruction or remote instruction pursuant to Sections 51747 and 51749.5, as soon as practicable, but no later than 10 instructional days following the emergency. The plan may include support to pupils and families to enroll in or be temporarily reassigned to another school district, county office of education, or charter school.
(B)Local educational agencies are encouraged to plan to meet instructional standards that are at least equivalent to those applicable to independent study programs.
(C)(i)For purposes of this paragraph, temporarily reassigned means temporarily reassigned to another local educational agency outside of the school district, but within the county or an immediately adjacent county, in which the pupils parent or guardian resides. Notwithstanding Section 48200 or any other law, a pupil who is temporarily reassigned shall be deemed to have complied with the residency requirements for attendance in the local educational agency that is temporarily serving the pupil pursuant to this section.
(ii)Notwithstanding Section 48200 or any other law, a school district, county office of education, or charter school may continue to enroll a pupil who is temporarily reassigned to another school district, county office of education, or charter school pursuant to this section in order to facilitate the timely reentry of the pupil in their prior school after the emergency event has ended.
(D)This paragraph applies to school districts, county offices of education, and charter schools.
(b)It is the intent of the Legislature that schools develop comprehensive school safety plans using existing resources, including the materials and services of the partnership, pursuant to this chapter. It is also the intent of the Legislature that schools use the handbook developed and distributed in partnership by the departments Safe Schools and Violence Prevention Center and the Attorney Generals Crime and Violence Prevention Center entitled Safe Schools: A Planning Guide for Action in conjunction with developing their plan for school safety.
(c)Each schoolsite council or school safety planning committee, in developing and updating a comprehensive school safety plan, shall, where practical, consult, cooperate, and coordinate with other schoolsite councils or school safety planning committees.
(d)The comprehensive school safety plan may be evaluated and amended, as needed, by the school safety planning committee, but shall be evaluated at least once a year, to ensure that the comprehensive school safety plan is properly implemented. An updated file of all safety-related plans and materials shall be readily available for inspection by the public.
(e)As comprehensive school safety plans are reviewed and updated, the Legislature encourages all plans, to the extent that resources are available, to include policies and procedures aimed at the prevention of bullying.
(f)The comprehensive school safety plan, as written and updated by the schoolsite council or school safety planning committee, shall be submitted for approval pursuant to subdivision (a) of Section 32288.
(g)The department shall maintain and conspicuously post on its internet website a compliance checklist for developing a comprehensive school safety plan, and shall update the checklist when necessary.
(h)On or before March 1, 2025, the Superintendent shall develop and post on the departments internet website instructional continuity plan guidance, including guidance for continued academic and school engagement strategies during disruptions in instruction due to emergencies.
SEC. 1.4.Section 32282 of the Education Code is amended to read:32282.(a)The comprehensive school safety plan shall include, but not be limited to, all of the following:
(1)Assessing the current status of school crime committed on school campuses and at school-related functions.
(2)Identifying appropriate strategies and programs that will provide or maintain a high level of school safety and address the schools procedures for complying with existing laws related to school safety, which shall include the development of all of the following:
(A)Child abuse reporting procedures consistent with Article 2.5 (commencing with Section 11164) of Chapter 2 of Title 1 of Part 4 of the Penal Code.
(B)(i)Disaster procedures, routine and emergency, including adaptations for pupils with disabilities in accordance with the federal Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. Sec. 12101 et seq.), the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (20 U.S.C. Sec. 1400 et seq.), and Section 504 of the federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. Sec. 794(a)). The disaster procedures shall also include, but not be limited to, all of the following:
(I)Establishing an earthquake emergency procedure system in every public school building having an occupant capacity of 50 or more pupils or more than one classroom. A school district or county office of education may work with the Office of Emergency Services and the Alfred E. Alquist Seismic Safety Commission to develop and establish the earthquake emergency procedure system. The system shall include, but not be limited to, all of the following:
(ia)A school building disaster plan, ready for implementation at any time, for maintaining the safety and care of pupils and staff. The department shall provide general direction to school districts and county offices of education on what to include in the school building disaster plan.
(ib)A drop procedure whereby each pupil and staff member takes cover under a table or desk, dropping to their knees, with the head protected by the arms, and the back to the windows. A drop procedure practice shall be held at least once a school quarter in elementary schools and at least once a semester in secondary schools.
(ic)Protective measures to be taken before, during, and following an earthquake.
(id)A program to ensure that pupils and both the certificated and classified staff are aware of, and properly trained in, the earthquake emergency procedure system.
(II)Establishing a procedure to allow a public agency, including the American Red Cross, to use school buildings, grounds, and equipment for mass care and welfare shelters during disasters or other emergencies affecting the public health and welfare. The school district or county office of education shall cooperate with the public agency in furnishing and maintaining the services as the school district or county office of education may deem necessary to meet the needs of the community.
(III)(ia)Commencing with the 202627 fiscal year, establishing a procedure to identify appropriate refuge shelter for all pupils and staff to be used in the event of an evacuation order by local authorities and notify the operational area having jurisdiction within the schools boundaries of this identified refuge, in order to first prioritize the safety of pupils and staff, and then the defense of that structure in the event of a fire. Each public school, including a charter school, serving more than 50 pupils in kindergarten or any of grades 1 to 12, inclusive, that is in a high or very high fire hazard severity zone, identified pursuant to Section 51178 of the Government Code or Section 4204 of the Public Resources Code, shall coordinate the procedure with the operational area having jurisdiction within the schools boundaries. For those schools under the jurisdiction of a school district or county office of education, the school district or county office of education shall be the entity that coordinates with the operational area having jurisdiction within each of the schools boundaries.
(ib)Commencing with the 202627 fiscal year, the development by each public school, including a charter school, serving more than 50 pupils in kindergarten or any of grades 1 to 12, inclusive, that is in a high or very high fire hazard severity zone, identified pursuant to Section 51178 of the Government Code or Section 4204 of the Public Resources Code, of a communication and evacuation plan, to be used in the event of an early notice evacuation warning, that allows enough time to evacuate all pupils and staff. These plans shall clearly identify a decision process to determine whether an evacuation order is appropriate.
(ic)For purposes of this subclause, operational area means an intermediate level of the state emergency services organization, consisting of a county and all political subdivisions within the county area, that serves as a link in the system of communication and coordination between the states emergency operation centers and the operating centers of the political subdivisions that make up the operational area, as described in subdivision (b) of Section 8559 of the Government Code and Section 8605 of the Government Code.
(ii)The evaluation of a comprehensive school safety plan pursuant to subdivision (d) and the review of a school safety plan pursuant to clause (iii) of subparagraph (F) of paragraph (5) of subdivision (c) of Section 47605 or clause (iii) of subparagraph (G) of paragraph (5) of subdivision (b) of Section 47605.6, as applicable, shall include ensuring that the plan includes appropriate adaptations for pupils with disabilities, as required pursuant to clause (i).
(iii)(I)After the first evaluation or review, as applicable, for purposes of subdivision (d) and clause (ii) is conducted, and after each annual evaluation or review thereafter, a school employee, a pupils parent, guardian, or educational rights holder, or a pupil themselves may bring concerns about an individual pupils ability to access disaster safety procedures described in the comprehensive school safety plan or the school safety plan to the school principal. If the school principal determines there is merit to a concern, the principal shall direct the schoolsite council, school safety planning committee, or charter school, as applicable, to make appropriate modifications to the comprehensive school safety plan or school safety plan, as applicable, during the evaluation of the comprehensive school safety plan pursuant to subdivision (d) or the review of the school safety plan pursuant to clause (iii) of subparagraph (F) of paragraph (5) of subdivision (c) of Section 47605 or clause (iii) of subparagraph (G) of paragraph (5) of subdivision (b) of Section 47605.6, as applicable. The school principal may direct the schoolsite council, the school safety planning committee, or the charter school, as applicable, to make such modifications before the evaluation of the comprehensive school safety plan pursuant to subdivision (d) or the review of the school safety plan pursuant to clause (iii) of subparagraph (F) of paragraph (5) of subdivision (c) of Section 47605 or clause (iii) of subparagraph (G) of paragraph (5) of subdivision (b) of Section 47605.6, as applicable.
(II)Subclause (I) does not prohibit a school employee, a pupils parent, guardian, or educational rights holder, or a pupil themselves from bringing their concerns to the school principal before an evaluation or review, as applicable, for purposes of subdivision (d) and clause (ii) is conducted.
(iv)All deliberations of the schoolsite council, school safety planning committee, or charter school, as applicable, related to individual pupils with disabilities for purposes of the requirements of clauses (i) to (iii), inclusive, shall be subject to applicable state and federal laws regarding the privacy of pupil information.
(C)Policies pursuant to subdivision (d) of Section 48915 for pupils who committed an act listed in subdivision (c) of Section 48915 and other school-designated serious acts that would lead to suspension, expulsion, or mandatory expulsion recommendations pursuant to Article 1 (commencing with Section 48900) of Chapter 6 of Part 27 of Division 4 of Title 2.
(D)Procedures to notify teachers of dangerous pupils pursuant to Section 49079.
(E)A discrimination and harassment policy consistent with the prohibition against discrimination contained in Chapter 2 (commencing with Section 200) of Part 1.
(F)The provisions of any schoolwide dress code, pursuant to Section 35183, that prohibits pupils from wearing gang-related apparel, if the school has adopted that type of a dress code. For those purposes, the comprehensive school safety plan shall define gang-related apparel. The definition shall be limited to apparel that, if worn or displayed on a school campus, reasonably could be determined to threaten the health and safety of the school environment. A schoolwide dress code established pursuant to this section and Section 35183 shall be enforced on the school campus and at any school-sponsored activity by the principal of the school or the person designated by the principal. For purposes of this subparagraph, gang-related apparel shall not be considered a protected form of speech pursuant to Section 48950.
(G)Procedures for safe ingress and egress of pupils, parents, and school employees to and from school.
(H)A safe and orderly environment conducive to learning at the school.
(I)The rules and procedures on school discipline adopted pursuant to Sections 35291, 35291.5, 47605, and 47605.6.
(J)Procedures for conducting tactical responses to criminal incidents, including procedures related to individuals with guns on school campuses and at school-related functions. The procedures to prepare for active shooters or other armed assailants shall be based on the specific needs and context of each school and community.
(K)If a comprehensive school safety plan includes procedures to prepare for active shooters or other armed assailants by conducting a drill, a school shall comply with all of the following relating to the drill:
(i)(I)The school shall not conduct a high-intensity drill.
(II)For purposes of this clause, high-intensity drill means a drill that includes simulations that mimic an actual school shooter or other armed assailant incident, including, but not limited to, theatrical makeup or other materials to give an image of blood or gunshot wounds, acting by an individual posing to be the assailant, acting by individuals posing as victims, or simulations that instruct pupils to actively resist an assailant by throwing objects, attacking, or swarming the assailant.
(ii)The school shall not include the use of real weapons, gunfire blanks, or explosions in the conducting of the drill.
(iii)The school shall ensure a trauma-informed approach to the design and execution of any drill, which shall include all of the following:
(I)Age-appropriate and developmentally appropriate drill content and terminology developed with the involvement of school personnel, including school-based mental health professionals.
(II)Notice to all parents and guardians of pupils, teachers, administrators, and school personnel subject to the drills in advance of the drill and of the drills expected length of time.
(III)The ability for parents or guardians to opt their child or children out of the drills.
(IV)An announcement to pupils and educators immediately before the start of the drills and an announcement to pupils and educators immediately after the drills have concluded.
(V)A notice to all parents and guardians after the drill has concluded.
(VI)The provision of contact information for community-based resources, including local organizations with objectives to reduce gun violence or provide mental health counseling, to parents or guardians, pupils, and staff who are negatively impacted by the drills, and, where available, prioritizing school-based resources.
(L)Procedures to assess and respond to reports of any dangerous, violent, or unlawful activity that is being conducted or threatened to be conducted at the school, at an activity sponsored by the school, or on a schoolbus serving the school.
(M)(i)When a comprehensive school safety plan is next reviewed and updated on or after July 1, 2025, procedures to respond to incidents involving an individual experiencing a sudden cardiac arrest or a similar life-threatening medical emergency while on school grounds.
(ii)The procedures described in clause (i) are encouraged to integrate evidence-based core elements, including any cardiopulmonary resuscitation training offered and the placement of any automated external defibrillator available on the schoolsite in accordance with nationally recognized evidence-based emergency cardiac care guidelines, as dictated by the school safety plan.
(N)For schools that serve pupils in any of grades 7 to 12, inclusive, a protocol in the event a pupil is suffering or is reasonably believed to be suffering from an opioid overdose.
(3)(A)Beginning July 1, 2025, an instructional continuity plan to establish communication with pupils and their families and provide instruction to pupils when in-person instruction is disrupted due to an emergency pursuant to Section 41422 or subdivision (a) of Section 46392. The plan shall include all the following:
(i)Procedures for pupil engagement, as soon as practicable, and no later than five calendar days following the emergency. Procedures shall be designed to establish two-way communication with pupils and their families and identify and provide supports for pupils social-emotional, mental health, and academic needs.
(ii)A plan to provide access to in-person instruction or remote instruction pursuant to Sections 51747 and 51749.5, as soon as practicable, but no later than 10 instructional days following the emergency. The plan may include support to pupils and families to enroll in or be temporarily reassigned to another school district, county office of education, or charter school.
(B)Local educational agencies are encouraged to plan to meet instructional standards that are at least equivalent to those applicable to independent study programs.
(C)(i)For purposes of this paragraph, temporarily reassigned means temporarily reassigned to another local educational agency outside of the school district in which the pupils parent or guardian resides. Notwithstanding Section 48200 or any other law, a pupil who is temporarily reassigned shall be deemed to have complied with the residency requirements for attendance in the local educational agency that is temporarily serving the pupil pursuant to this section.
(ii)Notwithstanding Section 48200 or any other law, a school district, county office of education, or charter school may continue to enroll a pupil who is temporarily reassigned to another school district, county office of education, or charter school pursuant to this section in order to facilitate the timely reentry of the pupil in their prior school after the emergency event has ended.
(D)This paragraph applies to school districts, county offices of education, and charter schools.
(b)It is the intent of the Legislature that schools develop comprehensive school safety plans using existing resources, including the materials and services of the partnership, pursuant to this chapter. It is also the intent of the Legislature that schools use the handbook developed and distributed in partnership by the departments Safe Schools and Violence Prevention Center and the Attorney Generals Crime and Violence Prevention Center entitled Safe Schools: A Planning Guide for Action in conjunction with developing their plan for school safety.
(c)Each schoolsite council or school safety planning committee, in developing and updating a comprehensive school safety plan, shall, where practical, consult, cooperate, and coordinate with other schoolsite councils or school safety planning committees.
(d)The comprehensive school safety plan may be evaluated and amended, as needed, by the school safety planning committee, but shall be evaluated at least once a year, to ensure that the comprehensive school safety plan is properly implemented. An updated file of all safety-related plans and materials shall be readily available for inspection by the public.
(e)As comprehensive school safety plans are reviewed and updated, the Legislature encourages all plans, to the extent that resources are available, to include policies and procedures aimed at the prevention of bullying.
(f)The comprehensive school safety plan, as written and updated by the schoolsite council or school safety planning committee, shall be submitted for approval pursuant to subdivision (a) of Section 32288.
(g)The department shall maintain and conspicuously post on its internet website a compliance checklist for developing a comprehensive school safety plan, and shall update the checklist when necessary.
(h)On or before March 1, 2025, the Superintendent shall develop and post on the departments internet website instructional continuity plan guidance, including guidance for continued academic and school engagement strategies during disruptions in instruction due to emergencies.
SEC. 1.5.Section 32282 of the Education Code is amended to read:32282.(a)The comprehensive school safety plan shall include, but not be limited to, all of the following:
(1)Assessing the current status of school crime committed on school campuses and at school-related functions.
(2)Identifying appropriate strategies and programs that will provide or maintain a high level of school safety and address the schools procedures for complying with existing laws related to school safety, which shall include the development of all of the following:
(A)Child abuse reporting procedures consistent with Article 2.5 (commencing with Section 11164) of Chapter 2 of Title 1 of Part 4 of the Penal Code.
(B)(i)Disaster procedures, routine and emergency, including adaptations for pupils with disabilities in accordance with the federal Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. Sec. 12101 et seq.), the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (20 U.S.C. Sec. 1400 et seq.), and Section 504 of the federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. Sec. 794(a)). The disaster procedures shall also include, but not be limited to, all of the following:
(I)Establishing an earthquake emergency procedure system in every public school building having an occupant capacity of 50 or more pupils or more than one classroom. A school district or county office of education may work with the Office of Emergency Services and the Alfred E. Alquist Seismic Safety Commission to develop and establish the earthquake emergency procedure system. The system shall include, but not be limited to, all of the following:
(ia)A school building disaster plan, ready for implementation at any time, for maintaining the safety and care of pupils and staff. The department shall provide general direction to school districts and county offices of education on what to include in the school building disaster plan.
(ib)A drop procedure whereby each pupil and staff member takes cover under a table or desk, dropping to their knees, with the head protected by the arms, and the back to the windows. A drop procedure practice shall be held at least once a school quarter in elementary schools and at least once a semester in secondary schools.
(ic)Protective measures to be taken before, during, and following an earthquake.
(id)A program to ensure that pupils and both the certificated and classified staff are aware of, and properly trained in, the earthquake emergency procedure system.
(II)Establishing a procedure to allow a public agency, including the American Red Cross, to use school buildings, grounds, and equipment for mass care and welfare shelters during disasters or other emergencies affecting the public health and welfare. The school district or county office of education shall cooperate with the public agency in furnishing and maintaining the services as the school district or county office of education may deem necessary to meet the needs of the community.
(III)(ia)Commencing with the 202627 fiscal year, establishing a procedure to identify appropriate refuge shelter for all pupils and staff to be used in the event of an evacuation order by local authorities and notify the operational area having jurisdiction within the schools boundaries of this identified refuge, in order to first prioritize the safety of pupils and staff, and then the defense of that structure in the event of a fire. Each public school, including a charter school, serving more than 50 pupils in kindergarten or any of grades 1 to 12, inclusive, that is in a high or very high fire hazard severity zone, identified pursuant to Section 51178 of the Government Code or Section 4204 of the Public Resources Code, shall coordinate the procedure with the operational area having jurisdiction within the schools boundaries. For those schools under the jurisdiction of a school district or county office of education, the school district or county office of education shall be the entity that coordinates with the operational area having jurisdiction within each of the schools boundaries.
(ib)Commencing with the 202627 fiscal year, the development by each public school, including a charter school, serving more than 50 pupils in kindergarten or any of grades 1 to 12, inclusive, that is in a high or very high fire hazard severity zone, identified pursuant to Section 51178 of the Government Code or Section 4204 of the Public Resources Code, of a communication and evacuation plan, to be used in the event of an early notice evacuation warning, that allows enough time to evacuate all pupils and staff. These plans shall clearly identify a decision process to determine whether an evacuation order is appropriate.
(ic)For purposes of this subclause, operational area means an intermediate level of the state emergency services organization, consisting of a county and all political subdivisions within the county area, that serves as a link in the system of communication and coordination between the states emergency operation centers and the operating centers of the political subdivisions that make up the operational area, as described in subdivision (b) of Section 8559 of the Government Code and Section 8605 of the Government Code.
(ii)The evaluation of a comprehensive school safety plan pursuant to subdivision (d) and the review of a school safety plan pursuant to clause (iii) of subparagraph (F) of paragraph (5) of subdivision (c) of Section 47605 or clause (iii) of subparagraph (G) of paragraph (5) of subdivision (b) of Section 47605.6, as applicable, shall include ensuring that the plan includes appropriate adaptations for pupils with disabilities, as required pursuant to clause (i).
(iii)(I)After the first evaluation or review, as applicable, for purposes of subdivision (d) and clause (ii) is conducted, and after each annual evaluation or review thereafter, a school employee, a pupils parent, guardian, or educational rights holder, or a pupil themselves may bring concerns about an individual pupils ability to access disaster safety procedures described in the comprehensive school safety plan or the school safety plan to the school principal. If the school principal determines there is merit to a concern, the principal shall direct the schoolsite council, school safety planning committee, or charter school, as applicable, to make appropriate modifications to the comprehensive school safety plan or school safety plan, as applicable, during the evaluation of the comprehensive school safety plan pursuant to subdivision (d) or the review of the school safety plan pursuant to clause (iii) of subparagraph (F) of paragraph (5) of subdivision (c) of Section 47605 or clause (iii) of subparagraph (G) of paragraph (5) of subdivision (b) of Section 47605.6, as applicable. The school principal may direct the schoolsite council, the school safety planning committee, or the charter school, as applicable, to make such modifications before the evaluation of the comprehensive school safety plan pursuant to subdivision (d) or the review of the school safety plan pursuant to clause (iii) of subparagraph (F) of paragraph (5) of subdivision (c) of Section 47605 or clause (iii) of subparagraph (G) of paragraph (5) of subdivision (b) of Section 47605.6, as applicable.
(II)Subclause (I) does not prohibit a school employee, a pupils parent, guardian, or educational rights holder, or a pupil themselves from bringing their concerns to the school principal before an evaluation or review, as applicable, for purposes of subdivision (d) and clause (ii) is conducted.
(iv)All deliberations of the schoolsite council, school safety planning committee, or charter school, as applicable, related to individual pupils with disabilities for purposes of the requirements of clauses (i) to (iii), inclusive, shall be subject to applicable state and federal laws regarding the privacy of pupil information.
(C)Policies pursuant to subdivision (d) of Section 48915 for pupils who committed an act listed in subdivision (c) of Section 48915 and other school-designated serious acts that would lead to suspension, expulsion, or mandatory expulsion recommendations pursuant to Article 1 (commencing with Section 48900) of Chapter 6 of Part 27 of Division 4 of Title 2.
(D)Procedures to notify teachers of dangerous pupils pursuant to Section 49079.
(E)A discrimination and harassment policy consistent with the prohibition against discrimination contained in Chapter 2 (commencing with Section 200) of Part 1.
(F)The provisions of any schoolwide dress code, pursuant to Section 35183, that prohibits pupils from wearing gang-related apparel, if the school has adopted that type of a dress code. For those purposes, the comprehensive school safety plan shall define gang-related apparel. The definition shall be limited to apparel that, if worn or displayed on a school campus, reasonably could be determined to threaten the health and safety of the school environment. A schoolwide dress code established pursuant to this section and Section 35183 shall be enforced on the school campus and at any school-sponsored activity by the principal of the school or the person designated by the principal. For purposes of this subparagraph, gang-related apparel shall not be considered a protected form of speech pursuant to Section 48950.
(G)Procedures for safe ingress and egress of pupils, parents, and school employees to and from school.
(H)A safe and orderly environment conducive to learning at the school.
(I)The rules and procedures on school discipline adopted pursuant to Sections 35291, 35291.5, 47605, and 47605.6.
(J)Procedures for conducting tactical responses to criminal incidents, including procedures related to individuals with guns on school campuses and at school-related functions. The procedures to prepare for active shooters or other armed assailants shall be based on the specific needs and context of each school and community.
(K)If a comprehensive school safety plan includes procedures to prepare for active shooters or other armed assailants by conducting a drill, a school shall comply with all of the following relating to the drill:
(i)(I)The school shall not conduct a high-intensity drill.
(II)For purposes of this clause, high-intensity drill means a drill that includes simulations that mimic an actual school shooter or other armed assailant incident, including, but not limited to, theatrical makeup or other materials to give an image of blood or gunshot wounds, acting by an individual posing to be the assailant, acting by individuals posing as victims, or simulations that instruct pupils to actively resist an assailant by throwing objects, attacking, or swarming the assailant.
(ii)The school shall not include the use of real weapons, gunfire blanks, or explosions in the conducting of the drill.
(iii)The school shall ensure a trauma-informed approach to the design and execution of any drill, which shall include all of the following:
(I)Age-appropriate and developmentally appropriate drill content and terminology developed with the involvement of school personnel, including school-based mental health professionals.
(II)Notice to all parents and guardians of pupils, teachers, administrators, and school personnel subject to the drills in advance of the drill and of the drills expected length of time.
(III)The ability for parents or guardians to opt their child or children out of the drills.
(IV)An announcement to pupils and educators immediately before the start of the drills and an announcement to pupils and educators immediately after the drills have concluded.
(V)A notice to all parents and guardians after the drill has concluded.
(VI)The provision of contact information for community-based resources, including local organizations with objectives to reduce gun violence or provide mental health counseling, to parents or guardians, pupils, and staff who are negatively impacted by the drills, and, where available, prioritizing school-based resources.
(L)Procedures to assess and respond to reports of any dangerous, violent, or unlawful activity that is being conducted or threatened to be conducted at the school, at an activity sponsored by the school, or on a schoolbus serving the school.
(M)For schools that serve pupils in any of grades 7 to 12, inclusive, a protocol in the event a pupil is suffering or is reasonably believed to be suffering from an opioid overdose.
(3)(A)Beginning July 1, 2025, an instructional continuity plan to establish communication with pupils and their families and provide instruction to pupils when in-person instruction is disrupted due to an emergency pursuant to Section 41422 or subdivision (a) of Section 46392. The plan shall include all the following:
(i)Procedures for pupil engagement, as soon as practicable, and no later than five calendar days following the emergency. Procedures shall be designed to establish two-way communication with pupils and their families and identify and provide supports for pupils social-emotional, mental health, and academic needs.
(ii)A plan to provide access to in-person instruction or remote instruction pursuant to Sections 51747 and 51749.5, as soon as practicable, but no later than 10 instructional days following the emergency. The plan may include support to pupils and families to enroll in or be temporarily reassigned to another school district, county office of education, or charter school.
(B)Local educational agencies are encouraged to plan to meet instructional standards that are at least equivalent to those applicable to independent study programs.
(C)(i)For purposes of this paragraph, temporarily reassigned means temporarily reassigned to another local educational agency outside of the school district, but within the county or an immediately adjacent county, in which the pupils parent or guardian resides. Notwithstanding Section 48200 or any other law, a pupil who is temporarily reassigned shall be deemed to have complied with the residency requirements for attendance in the local educational agency that is temporarily serving the pupil pursuant to this section.
(ii)Notwithstanding Section 48200 or any other law, a school district, county office of education, or charter school may continue to enroll a pupil who is temporarily reassigned to another school district, county office of education, or charter school pursuant to this section in order to facilitate the timely reentry of the pupil in their prior school after the emergency event has ended.
(D)This paragraph applies to school districts, county offices of education, and charter schools.
(b)It is the intent of the Legislature that schools develop comprehensive school safety plans using existing resources, including the materials and services of the partnership, pursuant to this chapter. It is also the intent of the Legislature that schools use the handbook developed and distributed in partnership by the departments Safe Schools and Violence Prevention Center and the Attorney Generals Crime and Violence Prevention Center entitled Safe Schools: A Planning Guide for Action in conjunction with developing their plan for school safety.
(c)Each schoolsite council or school safety planning committee, in developing and updating a comprehensive school safety plan, shall, where practical, consult, cooperate, and coordinate with other schoolsite councils or school safety planning committees.
(d)The comprehensive school safety plan may be evaluated and amended, as needed, by the school safety planning committee, but shall be evaluated at least once a year, to ensure that the comprehensive school safety plan is properly implemented. An updated file of all safety-related plans and materials shall be readily available for inspection by the public.
(e)As comprehensive school safety plans are reviewed and updated, the Legislature encourages all plans, to the extent that resources are available, to include policies and procedures aimed at the prevention of bullying.
(f)The comprehensive school safety plan, as written and updated by the schoolsite council or school safety planning committee, shall be submitted for approval pursuant to subdivision (a) of Section 32288.
(g)The department shall maintain and conspicuously post on its internet website a compliance checklist for developing a comprehensive school safety plan, and shall update the checklist when necessary.
(h)On or before March 1, 2025, the Superintendent shall develop and post on the departments internet website instructional continuity plan guidance, including guidance for continued academic and school engagement strategies during disruptions in instruction due to emergencies.
SEC. 1.6.Section 32282 of the Education Code is amended to read:32282.(a)The comprehensive school safety plan shall include, but not be limited to, all of the following:
(1)Assessing the current status of school crime committed on school campuses and at school-related functions.
(2)Identifying appropriate strategies and programs that will provide or maintain a high level of school safety and address the schools procedures for complying with existing laws related to school safety, which shall include the development of all of the following:
(A)Child abuse reporting procedures consistent with Article 2.5 (commencing with Section 11164) of Chapter 2 of Title 1 of Part 4 of the Penal Code.
(B)(i)Disaster procedures, routine and emergency, including adaptations for pupils with disabilities in accordance with the federal Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. Sec. 12101 et seq.), the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (20 U.S.C. Sec. 1400 et seq.), and Section 504 of the federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. Sec. 794(a)). The disaster procedures shall also include, but not be limited to, all of the following:
(I)Establishing an earthquake emergency procedure system in every public school building having an occupant capacity of 50 or more pupils or more than one classroom. A school district or county office of education may work with the Office of Emergency Services and the Alfred E. Alquist Seismic Safety Commission to develop and establish the earthquake emergency procedure system. The system shall include, but not be limited to, all of the following:
(ia)A school building disaster plan, ready for implementation at any time, for maintaining the safety and care of pupils and staff. The department shall provide general direction to school districts and county offices of education on what to include in the school building disaster plan.
(ib)A drop procedure whereby each pupil and staff member takes cover under a table or desk, dropping to their knees, with the head protected by the arms, and the back to the windows. A drop procedure practice shall be held at least once a school quarter in elementary schools and at least once a semester in secondary schools.
(ic)Protective measures to be taken before, during, and following an earthquake.
(id)A program to ensure that pupils and both the certificated and classified staff are aware of, and properly trained in, the earthquake emergency procedure system.
(II)Establishing a procedure to allow a public agency, including the American Red Cross, to use school buildings, grounds, and equipment for mass care and welfare shelters during disasters or other emergencies affecting the public health and welfare. The school district or county office of education shall cooperate with the public agency in furnishing and maintaining the services as the school district or county office of education may deem necessary to meet the needs of the community.
(III)(ia)Commencing with the 202627 fiscal year, establishing a procedure to identify appropriate refuge shelter for all pupils and staff to be used in the event of an evacuation order by local authorities and notify the operational area having jurisdiction within the schools boundaries of this identified refuge, in order to first prioritize the safety of pupils and staff, and then the defense of that structure in the event of a fire. Each public school, including a charter school, serving more than 50 pupils in kindergarten or any of grades 1 to 12, inclusive, that is in a high or very high fire hazard severity zone, identified pursuant to Section 51178 of the Government Code or Section 4204 of the Public Resources Code, shall coordinate the procedure with the operational area having jurisdiction within the schools boundaries. For those schools under the jurisdiction of a school district or county office of education, the school district or county office of education shall be the entity that coordinates with the operational area having jurisdiction within each of the schools boundaries.
(ib)Commencing with the 202627 fiscal year, the development by each public school, including a charter school, serving more than 50 pupils in kindergarten or any of grades 1 to 12, inclusive, that is in a high or very high fire hazard severity zone, identified pursuant to Section 51178 of the Government Code or Section 4204 of the Public Resources Code, of a communication and evacuation plan, to be used in the event of an early notice evacuation warning, that allows enough time to evacuate all pupils and staff. These plans shall clearly identify a decision process to determine whether an evacuation order is appropriate.
(ic)For purposes of this subclause, operational area means an intermediate level of the state emergency services organization, consisting of a county and all political subdivisions within the county area, that serves as a link in the system of communication and coordination between the states emergency operation centers and the operating centers of the political subdivisions that make up the operational area, as described in subdivision (b) of Section 8559 of the Government Code and Section 8605 of the Government Code.
(ii)The evaluation of a comprehensive school safety plan pursuant to subdivision (d) and the review of a school safety plan pursuant to clause (iii) of subparagraph (F) of paragraph (5) of subdivision (c) of Section 47605 or clause (iii) of subparagraph (G) of paragraph (5) of subdivision (b) of Section 47605.6, as applicable, shall include ensuring that the plan includes appropriate adaptations for pupils with disabilities, as required pursuant to clause (i).
(iii)(I)After the first evaluation or review, as applicable, for purposes of subdivision (d) and clause (ii) is conducted, and after each annual evaluation or review thereafter, a school employee, a pupils parent, guardian, or educational rights holder, or a pupil themselves may bring concerns about an individual pupils ability to access disaster safety procedures described in the comprehensive school safety plan or the school safety plan to the school principal. If the school principal determines there is merit to a concern, the principal shall direct the schoolsite council, school safety planning committee, or charter school, as applicable, to make appropriate modifications to the comprehensive school safety plan or school safety plan, as applicable, during the evaluation of the comprehensive school safety plan pursuant to subdivision (d) or the review of the school safety plan pursuant to clause (iii) of subparagraph (F) of paragraph (5) of subdivision (c) of Section 47605 or clause (iii) of subparagraph (G) of paragraph (5) of subdivision (b) of Section 47605.6, as applicable. The school principal may direct the schoolsite council, the school safety planning committee, or the charter school, as applicable, to make such modifications before the evaluation of the comprehensive school safety plan pursuant to subdivision (d) or the review of the school safety plan pursuant to clause (iii) of subparagraph (F) of paragraph (5) of subdivision (c) of Section 47605 or clause (iii) of subparagraph (G) of paragraph (5) of subdivision (b) of Section 47605.6, as applicable.
(II)Subclause (I) does not prohibit a school employee, a pupils parent, guardian, or educational rights holder, or a pupil themselves from bringing their concerns to the school principal before an evaluation or review, as applicable, for purposes of subdivision (d) and clause (ii) is conducted.
(iv)All deliberations of the schoolsite council, school safety planning committee, or charter school, as applicable, related to individual pupils with disabilities for purposes of the requirements of clauses (i) to (iii), inclusive, shall be subject to applicable state and federal laws regarding the privacy of pupil information.
(C)Policies pursuant to subdivision (d) of Section 48915 for pupils who committed an act listed in subdivision (c) of Section 48915 and other school-designated serious acts that would lead to suspension, expulsion, or mandatory expulsion recommendations pursuant to Article 1 (commencing with Section 48900) of Chapter 6 of Part 27 of Division 4 of Title 2.
(D)Procedures to notify teachers of dangerous pupils pursuant to Section 49079.
(E)A discrimination and harassment policy consistent with the prohibition against discrimination contained in Chapter 2 (commencing with Section 200) of Part 1.
(F)The provisions of any schoolwide dress code, pursuant to Section 35183, that prohibits pupils from wearing gang-related apparel, if the school has adopted that type of a dress code. For those purposes, the comprehensive school safety plan shall define gang-related apparel. The definition shall be limited to apparel that, if worn or displayed on a school campus, reasonably could be determined to threaten the health and safety of the school environment. A schoolwide dress code established pursuant to this section and Section 35183 shall be enforced on the school campus and at any school-sponsored activity by the principal of the school or the person designated by the principal. For purposes of this subparagraph, gang-related apparel shall not be considered a protected form of speech pursuant to Section 48950.
(G)Procedures for safe ingress and egress of pupils, parents, and school employees to and from school.
(H)A safe and orderly environment conducive to learning at the school.
(I)The rules and procedures on school discipline adopted pursuant to Sections 35291, 35291.5, 47605, and 47605.6.
(J)Procedures for conducting tactical responses to criminal incidents, including procedures related to individuals with guns on school campuses and at school-related functions. The procedures to prepare for active shooters or other armed assailants shall be based on the specific needs and context of each school and community.
(K)Procedures to assess and respond to reports of any dangerous, violent, or unlawful activity that is being conducted or threatened to be conducted at the school, at an activity sponsored by the school, or on a schoolbus serving the school.
(L)(i)When a comprehensive school safety plan is next reviewed and updated on or after July 1, 2025, procedures to respond to incidents involving an individual experiencing a sudden cardiac arrest or a similar life-threatening medical emergency while on school grounds.
(ii)The procedures described in clause (i) are encouraged to integrate evidence-based core elements, including any cardiopulmonary resuscitation training offered and the placement of any automated external defibrillator available on the schoolsite in accordance with nationally recognized evidence-based emergency cardiac care guidelines, as dictated by the school safety plan.
(M)For schools that serve pupils in any of grades 7 to 12, inclusive, a protocol in the event a pupil is suffering or is reasonably believed to be suffering from an opioid overdose.
(3)(A)Beginning July 1, 2025, an instructional continuity plan to establish communication with pupils and their families and provide instruction to pupils when in-person instruction is disrupted due to an emergency pursuant to Section 41422 or subdivision (a) of Section 46392. The plan shall include all the following:
(i)Procedures for pupil engagement, as soon as practicable, and no later than five calendar days following the emergency. Procedures shall be designed to establish two-way communication with pupils and their families and identify and provide supports for pupils social-emotional, mental health, and academic needs.
(ii)A plan to provide access to in-person instruction or remote instruction pursuant to Sections 51747 and 51749.5, as soon as practicable, but no later than 10 instructional days following the emergency. The plan may include support to pupils and families to enroll in or be temporarily reassigned to another school district, county office of education, or charter school.
(B)Local educational agencies are encouraged to plan to meet instructional standards that are at least equivalent to those applicable to independent study programs.
(C)(i)For purposes of this paragraph, temporarily reassigned means temporarily reassigned to another local educational agency outside of the school district, but within the county or an immediately adjacent county, in which the pupils parent or guardian resides. Notwithstanding Section 48200 or any other law, a pupil who is temporarily reassigned shall be deemed to have complied with the residency requirements for attendance in the local educational agency that is temporarily serving the pupil pursuant to this section.
(ii)Notwithstanding Section 48200 or any other law, a school district, county office of education, or charter school may continue to enroll a pupil who is temporarily reassigned to another school district, county office of education, or charter school pursuant to this section in order to facilitate the timely reentry of the pupil in their prior school after the emergency event has ended.
(D)This paragraph applies to school districts, county offices of education, and charter schools.
(b)It is the intent of the Legislature that schools develop comprehensive school safety plans using existing resources, including the materials and services of the partnership, pursuant to this chapter. It is also the intent of the Legislature that schools use the handbook developed and distributed in partnership by the departments Safe Schools and Violence Prevention Center and the Attorney Generals Crime and Violence Prevention Center entitled Safe Schools: A Planning Guide for Action in conjunction with developing their plan for school safety.
(c)Each schoolsite council or school safety planning committee, in developing and updating a comprehensive school safety plan, shall, where practical, consult, cooperate, and coordinate with other schoolsite councils or school safety planning committees.
(d)The comprehensive school safety plan may be evaluated and amended, as needed, by the school safety planning committee, but shall be evaluated at least once a year, to ensure that the comprehensive school safety plan is properly implemented. An updated file of all safety-related plans and materials shall be readily available for inspection by the public.
(e)As comprehensive school safety plans are reviewed and updated, the Legislature encourages all plans, to the extent that resources are available, to include policies and procedures aimed at the prevention of bullying.
(f)The comprehensive school safety plan, as written and updated by the schoolsite council or school safety planning committee, shall be submitted for approval pursuant to subdivision (a) of Section 32288.
(g)The department shall maintain and conspicuously post on its internet website a compliance checklist for developing a comprehensive school safety plan, and shall update the checklist when necessary.
(h)On or before March 1, 2025, the Superintendent shall develop and post on the departments internet website instructional continuity plan guidance, including guidance for continued academic and school engagement strategies during disruptions in instruction due to emergencies.
SEC. 1.7.Section 32282 of the Education Code is amended to read:32282.(a)The comprehensive school safety plan shall include, but not be limited to, all of the following:
(1)Assessing the current status of school crime committed on school campuses and at school-related functions.
(2)Identifying appropriate strategies and programs that will provide or maintain a high level of school safety and address the schools procedures for complying with existing laws related to school safety, which shall include the development of all of the following:
(A)Child abuse reporting procedures consistent with Article 2.5 (commencing with Section 11164) of Chapter 2 of Title 1 of Part 4 of the Penal Code.
(B)(i)Disaster procedures, routine and emergency, including adaptations for pupils with disabilities in accordance with the federal Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. Sec. 12101 et seq.), the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (20 U.S.C. Sec. 1400 et seq.), and Section 504 of the federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. Sec. 794(a)). The disaster procedures shall also include, but not be limited to, all of the following:
(I)Establishing an earthquake emergency procedure system in every public school building having an occupant capacity of 50 or more pupils or more than one classroom. A school district or county office of education may work with the Office of Emergency Services and the Alfred E. Alquist Seismic Safety Commission to develop and establish the earthquake emergency procedure system. The system shall include, but not be limited to, all of the following:
(ia)A school building disaster plan, ready for implementation at any time, for maintaining the safety and care of pupils and staff. The department shall provide general direction to school districts and county offices of education on what to include in the school building disaster plan.
(ib)A drop procedure whereby each pupil and staff member takes cover under a table or desk, dropping to their knees, with the head protected by the arms, and the back to the windows. A drop procedure practice shall be held at least once a school quarter in elementary schools and at least once a semester in secondary schools.
(ic)Protective measures to be taken before, during, and following an earthquake.
(id)A program to ensure that pupils and both the certificated and classified staff are aware of, and properly trained in, the earthquake emergency procedure system.
(II)Establishing a procedure to allow a public agency, including the American Red Cross, to use school buildings, grounds, and equipment for mass care and welfare shelters during disasters or other emergencies affecting the public health and welfare. The school district or county office of education shall cooperate with the public agency in furnishing and maintaining the services as the school district or county office of education may deem necessary to meet the needs of the community.
(III)(ia)Commencing with the 202627 fiscal year, establishing a procedure to identify appropriate refuge shelter for all pupils and staff to be used in the event of an evacuation order by local authorities and notify the operational area having jurisdiction within the schools boundaries of this identified refuge, in order to first prioritize the safety of pupils and staff, and then the defense of that structure in the event of a fire. Each public school, including a charter school, serving more than 50 pupils in kindergarten or any of grades 1 to 12, inclusive, that is in a high or very high fire hazard severity zone, identified pursuant to Section 51178 of the Government Code or Section 4204 of the Public Resources Code, shall coordinate the procedure with the operational area having jurisdiction within the schools boundaries. For those schools under the jurisdiction of a school district or county office of education, the school district or county office of education shall be the entity that coordinates with the operational area having jurisdiction within each of the schools boundaries.
(ib)Commencing with the 202627 fiscal year, the development by each public school, including a charter school, serving more than 50 pupils in kindergarten or any of grades 1 to 12, inclusive, that is in a high or very high fire hazard severity zone, identified pursuant to Section 51178 of the Government Code or Section 4204 of the Public Resources Code, of a communication and evacuation plan, to be used in the event of an early notice evacuation warning, that allows enough time to evacuate all pupils and staff. These plans shall clearly identify a decision process to determine whether an evacuation order is appropriate.
(ic)For purposes of this subclause, operational area means an intermediate level of the state emergency services organization, consisting of a county and all political subdivisions within the county area, that serves as a link in the system of communication and coordination between the states emergency operation centers and the operating centers of the political subdivisions that make up the operational area, as described in subdivision (b) of Section 8559 of the Government Code and Section 8605 of the Government Code.
(ii)The evaluation of a comprehensive school safety plan pursuant to subdivision (d) and the review of a school safety plan pursuant to clause (iii) of subparagraph (F) of paragraph (5) of subdivision (c) of Section 47605 or clause (iii) of subparagraph (G) of paragraph (5) of subdivision (b) of Section 47605.6, as applicable, shall include ensuring that the plan includes appropriate adaptations for pupils with disabilities, as required pursuant to clause (i).
(iii)(I)After the first evaluation or review, as applicable, for purposes of subdivision (d) and clause (ii) is conducted, and after each annual evaluation or review thereafter, a school employee, a pupils parent, guardian, or educational rights holder, or a pupil themselves may bring concerns about an individual pupils ability to access disaster safety procedures described in the comprehensive school safety plan or the school safety plan to the school principal. If the school principal determines there is merit to a concern, the principal shall direct the schoolsite council, school safety planning committee, or charter school, as applicable, to make appropriate modifications to the comprehensive school safety plan or school safety plan, as applicable, during the evaluation of the comprehensive school safety plan pursuant to subdivision (d) or the review of the school safety plan pursuant to clause (iii) of subparagraph (F) of paragraph (5) of subdivision (c) of Section 47605 or clause (iii) of subparagraph (G) of paragraph (5) of subdivision (b) of Section 47605.6, as applicable. The school principal may direct the schoolsite council, the school safety planning committee, or the charter school, as applicable, to make such modifications before the evaluation of the comprehensive school safety plan pursuant to subdivision (d) or the review of the school safety plan pursuant to clause (iii) of subparagraph (F) of paragraph (5) of subdivision (c) of Section 47605 or clause (iii) of subparagraph (G) of paragraph (5) of subdivision (b) of Section 47605.6, as applicable.
(II)Subclause (I) does not prohibit a school employee, a pupils parent, guardian, or educational rights holder, or a pupil themselves from bringing their concerns to the school principal before an evaluation or review, as applicable, for purposes of subdivision (d) and clause (ii) is conducted.
(iv)All deliberations of the schoolsite council, school safety planning committee, or charter school, as applicable, related to individual pupils with disabilities for purposes of the requirements of clauses (i) to (iii), inclusive, shall be subject to applicable state and federal laws regarding the privacy of pupil information.
(C)Policies pursuant to subdivision (d) of Section 48915 for pupils who committed an act listed in subdivision (c) of Section 48915 and other school-designated serious acts that would lead to suspension, expulsion, or mandatory expulsion recommendations pursuant to Article 1 (commencing with Section 48900) of Chapter 6 of Part 27 of Division 4 of Title 2.
(D)Procedures to notify teachers of dangerous pupils pursuant to Section 49079.
(E)A discrimination and harassment policy consistent with the prohibition against discrimination contained in Chapter 2 (commencing with Section 200) of Part 1.
(F)The provisions of any schoolwide dress code, pursuant to Section 35183, that prohibits pupils from wearing gang-related apparel, if the school has adopted that type of a dress code. For those purposes, the comprehensive school safety plan shall define gang-related apparel. The definition shall be limited to apparel that, if worn or displayed on a school campus, reasonably could be determined to threaten the health and safety of the school environment. A schoolwide dress code established pursuant to this section and Section 35183 shall be enforced on the school campus and at any school-sponsored activity by the principal of the school or the person designated by the principal. For purposes of this subparagraph, gang-related apparel shall not be considered a protected form of speech pursuant to Section 48950.
(G)Procedures for safe ingress and egress of pupils, parents, and school employees to and from school.
(H)A safe and orderly environment conducive to learning at the school.
(I)The rules and procedures on school discipline adopted pursuant to Sections 35291, 35291.5, 47605, and 47605.6.
(J)Procedures for conducting tactical responses to criminal incidents, including procedures related to individuals with guns on school campuses and at school-related functions. The procedures to prepare for active shooters or other armed assailants shall be based on the specific needs and context of each school and community.
(K)If a comprehensive school safety plan includes procedures to prepare for active shooters or other armed assailants by conducting a drill, a school shall comply with all of the following relating to the drill:
(i)(I)The school shall not conduct a high-intensity drill.
(II)For purposes of this clause, high-intensity drill means a drill that includes simulations that mimic an actual school shooter or other armed assailant incident, including, but not limited to, theatrical makeup or other materials to give an image of blood or gunshot wounds, acting by an individual posing to be the assailant, acting by individuals posing as victims, or simulations that instruct pupils to actively resist an assailant by throwing objects, attacking, or swarming the assailant.
(ii)The school shall not include the use of real weapons, gunfire blanks, or explosions in the conducting of the drill.
(iii)The school shall ensure a trauma-informed approach to the design and execution of any drill, which shall include all of the following:
(I)Age-appropriate and developmentally appropriate drill content and terminology developed with the involvement of school personnel, including school-based mental health professionals.
(II)Notice to all parents and guardians of pupils, teachers, administrators, and school personnel subject to the drills in advance of the drill and of the drills expected length of time.
(III)The ability for parents or guardians to opt their child or children out of the drills.
(IV)An announcement to pupils and educators immediately before the start of the drills and an announcement to pupils and educators immediately after the drills have concluded.
(V)A notice to all parents and guardians after the drill has concluded.
(VI)The provision of contact information for community-based resources, including local organizations with objectives to reduce gun violence or provide mental health counseling, to parents or guardians, pupils, and staff who are negatively impacted by the drills, and, where available, prioritizing school-based resources.
(L)Procedures to assess and respond to reports of any dangerous, violent, or unlawful activity that is being conducted or threatened to be conducted at the school, at an activity sponsored by the school, or on a schoolbus serving the school.
(M)(i)When a comprehensive school safety plan is next reviewed and updated on or after July 1, 2025, procedures to respond to incidents involving an individual experiencing a sudden cardiac arrest or a similar life-threatening medical emergency while on school grounds.
(ii)The procedures described in clause (i) are encouraged to integrate evidence-based core elements, including any cardiopulmonary resuscitation training offered and the placement of any automated external defibrillator available on the schoolsite in accordance with nationally recognized evidence-based emergency cardiac care guidelines, as dictated by the school safety plan.
(N)For schools that serve pupils in any of grades 7 to 12, inclusive, a protocol in the event a pupil is suffering or is reasonably believed to be suffering from an opioid overdose.
(3)(A)Beginning July 1, 2025, an instructional continuity plan to establish communication with pupils and their families and provide instruction to pupils when in-person instruction is disrupted due to an emergency pursuant to Section 41422 or subdivision (a) of Section 46392. The plan shall include all the following:
(i)Procedures for pupil engagement, as soon as practicable, and no later than five calendar days following the emergency. Procedures shall be designed to establish two-way communication with pupils and their families and identify and provide supports for pupils social-emotional, mental health, and academic needs.
(ii)A plan to provide access to in-person instruction or remote instruction pursuant to Sections 51747 and 51749.5, as soon as practicable, but no later than 10 instructional days following the emergency. The plan may include support to pupils and families to enroll in or be temporarily reassigned to another school district, county office of education, or charter school.
(B)Local educational agencies are encouraged to plan to meet instructional standards that are at least equivalent to those applicable to independent study programs.
(C)(i)For purposes of this paragraph, temporarily reassigned means temporarily reassigned to another local educational agency outside of the school district, but within the county or an immediately adjacent county, in which the pupils parent or guardian resides. Notwithstanding Section 48200 or any other law, a pupil who is temporarily reassigned shall be deemed to have complied with the residency requirements for attendance in the local educational agency that is temporarily serving the pupil pursuant to this section.
(ii)Notwithstanding Section 48200 or any other law, a school district, county office of education, or charter school may continue to enroll a pupil who is temporarily reassigned to another school district, county office of education, or charter school pursuant to this section in order to facilitate the timely reentry of the pupil in their prior school after the emergency event has ended.
(D)This paragraph applies to school districts, county offices of education, and charter schools.
(b)It is the intent of the Legislature that schools develop comprehensive school safety plans using existing resources, including the materials and services of the partnership, pursuant to this chapter. It is also the intent of the Legislature that schools use the handbook developed and distributed in partnership by the departments Safe Schools and Violence Prevention Center and the Attorney Generals Crime and Violence Prevention Center entitled Safe Schools: A Planning Guide for Action in conjunction with developing their plan for school safety.
(c)Each schoolsite council or school safety planning committee, in developing and updating a comprehensive school safety plan, shall, where practical, consult, cooperate, and coordinate with other schoolsite councils or school safety planning committees.
(d)The comprehensive school safety plan may be evaluated and amended, as needed, by the school safety planning committee, but shall be evaluated at least once a year, to ensure that the comprehensive school safety plan is properly implemented. An updated file of all safety-related plans and materials shall be readily available for inspection by the public.
(e)As comprehensive school safety plans are reviewed and updated, the Legislature encourages all plans, to the extent that resources are available, to include policies and procedures aimed at the prevention of bullying.
(f)The comprehensive school safety plan, as written and updated by the schoolsite council or school safety planning committee, shall be submitted for approval pursuant to subdivision (a) of Section 32288.
(g)The department shall maintain and conspicuously post on its internet website a compliance checklist for developing a comprehensive school safety plan, and shall update the checklist when necessary.
(h)On or before March 1, 2025, the Superintendent shall develop and post on the departments internet website instructional continuity plan guidance, including guidance for continued academic and school engagement strategies during disruptions in instruction due to emergencies.
SEC. 2.(a)Section 1.1 of this bill incorporates amendments to Section 32282 of the Education Code proposed by both this bill and Assembly Bill 1858. That section of this bill shall only become operative if (1) both bills are enacted and become effective on or before January 1, 2025, (2) each bill amends Section 32282 of the Education Code, (3) Assembly Bill 2887, Assembly Bill 176, and Senate Bill 176 are all not enacted or as enacted do not amend that section, and (4) this bill is enacted after Assembly Bill 1858, in which case Sections 1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, and 1.7 of this bill shall not become operative.
(b)Section 1.2 of this bill incorporates amendments to Section 32282 of the Education Code proposed by both this bill and Assembly Bill 2887. That section of this bill shall only become operative if (1) both bills are enacted and become effective on or before January 1, 2025, (2) each bill amends Section 32282 of the Education Code, (3) Assembly Bill 1858, Assembly Bill 176, and Senate Bill 176 are all not enacted or as enacted do not amend that section, and (4) this bill is enacted after Assembly Bill 2887, in which case Sections 1, 1.1, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, and 1.7 of this bill shall not become operative.
(c)Section 1.3 of this bill incorporates amendments to Section 32282 of the Education Code proposed by this bill, Assembly Bill 176, and Senate Bill 176. That section of this bill shall only become operative if (1) this bill and one or both of Assembly Bill 176 and Senate Bill 176 are enacted and become effective on or before January 1, 2025, (2) this bill and one or both of Assembly Bill 176 and Senate Bill 176, as enacted, amend Section 32282 of the Education Code, (3) Assembly Bill 1858 and Assembly Bill 2887 are both not enacted or as enacted do not amend that section, and (4) this bill is enacted last of the bills amending Section 32282 of the Education Code, in which case Section 32282 of the Education Code, as amended by either Assembly Bill 176 or Senate Bill 176, whichever is operative, shall remain operative only until the operative date of this bill, at which time Section 1.3 of this bill shall become operative, and Sections 1, 1.1, 1.2, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, and 1.7 of this bill shall not become operative.
(d)Section 1.4 of this bill incorporates amendments to Section 32282 of the Education Code proposed by this bill, Assembly Bill 1858, and Assembly Bill 2887. That section of this bill shall only become operative if (1) all three bills are enacted and become effective on or before January 1, 2025, (2) each bill amends Section 32282 of the Education Code, (3) Assembly Bill 176 and Senate Bill 176 are both not enacted or as enacted do not amend that section, and (4) this bill is enacted after both Assembly Bill 1858 and Assembly Bill 2887, in which case Sections 1, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.5, 1.6, and 1.7 of this bill shall not become operative.
(e)Section 1.5 of this bill incorporates amendments to Section 32282 of the Education Code proposed by this bill, Assembly Bill 1858, Assembly Bill 176, and Senate Bill 176. That section of this bill shall only become operative if (1) this bill, Assembly Bill 1858, and one or both of Assembly Bill 176 and Senate Bill 176 are enacted and become effective on or before January 1, 2025, (2) this bill, Assembly Bill 1858, and one or both of Assembly Bill 176 and Senate Bill 176, as enacted, amend Section 32282 of the Education Code, (3) Assembly Bill 2887 is not enacted or as enacted does not amend that section, and (4) this bill is enacted last of the bills amending Section 32282 of the Education Code, in which case Section 32282 of the Education Code, as amended by either Assembly Bill 176 or Senate Bill 176, whichever is operative, shall remain operative only until the operative date of this bill, at which time Section 1.5 of this bill shall become operative, and Sections 1, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.6, and 1.7 of this bill shall not become operative.
(f)Section 1.6 of this bill incorporates amendments to Section 32282 of the Education Code proposed by this bill, Assembly Bill 2887, Assembly Bill 176, and Senate Bill 176. That section of this bill shall only become operative if (1) this bill, Assembly Bill 2887, and one or both of Assembly Bill 176 and Senate Bill 176 are enacted and become effective on or before January 1, 2025, (2) this bill, Assembly Bill 2887, and one or both of Assembly Bill 176 and Senate Bill 176, as enacted, amend Section 32282 of the Education Code, (3) Assembly Bill 1858 is not enacted or as enacted does not amend that section, and (4) this bill is enacted last of the bills amending Section 32282 of the Education Code, in which case Section 32282 of the Education Code, as amended by either Assembly Bill 176 or Senate Bill 176, whichever is operative, shall remain operative only until the operative date of this bill, at which time Section 1.6 of this bill shall become operative, and Sections 1, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, and 1.7 of this bill shall not become operative.
(g)Section 1.7 of this bill incorporates amendments to Section 32282 of the Education Code proposed by this bill, Assembly Bill 1858, Assembly Bill 2887, Assembly Bill 176, and Senate Bill 176. That section of this bill shall only become operative if (1) this bill, Assembly Bill 1858, Assembly Bill 2887, and one or both of Assembly Bill 176 and Senate Bill 176 are enacted and become effective on or before January 1, 2025, (2) this bill, Assembly Bill 1858, Assembly Bill 2887, and one or both of Assembly Bill 176 and Senate Bill 176, as enacted, amend Section 32282 of the Education Code, and (3) this bill is enacted last of those bills, in which case Section 32282 of the Education Code, as amended by either Assembly Bill 176 or Senate Bill 176, whichever is operative, shall remain operative only until the operative date of this bill, at which time Section 1.7 of this bill shall become operative, and Sections 1, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, and 1.6 of this bill shall not become operative.
SEC. 3.If the Commission on State Mandates determines that this act contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement to local agencies and school districts for those costs shall be made pursuant to Part 7 (commencing with Section 17500) of Division 4 of Title 2 of the Government Code.
(a)The comprehensive school safety plan shall include, but not be limited to, all of the following:
(1)Assessing the current status of school crime committed on school campuses and at school-related functions.
(2)Identifying appropriate strategies and programs that will provide or maintain a high level of school safety and address the schools procedures for complying with existing laws related to school safety, which shall include the development of all of the following:
(A)Child abuse reporting procedures consistent with Article 2.5 (commencing with Section 11164) of Chapter 2 of Title 1 of Part 4 of the Penal Code.
(B)(i)Disaster procedures, routine and emergency, including adaptations for pupils with disabilities in accordance with the federal Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. Sec. 12101 et seq.), the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (20 U.S.C. Sec. 1400 et seq.), and Section 504 of the federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. Sec. 794(a)). The disaster procedures shall also include, but not be limited to, all of the following:
(I)Establishing an earthquake emergency procedure system in every public school building having an occupant capacity of 50 or more pupils or more than one classroom. A school district or county office of education may work with the Office of Emergency Services and the Alfred E. Alquist Seismic Safety Commission to develop and establish the earthquake emergency procedure system. The system shall include, but not be limited to, all of the following:
(ia)A school building disaster plan, ready for implementation at any time, for maintaining the safety and care of pupils and staff. The department shall provide general direction to school districts and county offices of education on what to include in the school building disaster plan.
(ib)A drop procedure whereby each pupil and staff member takes cover under a table or desk, dropping to their knees, with the head protected by the arms, and the back to the windows. A drop procedure practice shall be held at least once a school quarter in elementary schools and at least once a semester in secondary schools.
(ic)Protective measures to be taken before, during, and following an earthquake.
(id)A program to ensure that pupils and both the certificated and classified staff are aware of, and properly trained in, the earthquake emergency procedure system.
(II)Establishing a procedure to allow a public agency, including the American Red Cross, to use school buildings, grounds, and equipment for mass care and welfare shelters during disasters or other emergencies affecting the public health and welfare. The school district or county office of education shall cooperate with the public agency in furnishing and maintaining the services as the school district or county office of education may deem necessary to meet the needs of the community.
(III)(ia)Commencing with the 202627 fiscal year, establishing a procedure to identify appropriate refuge shelter for all pupils and staff to be used in the event of an evacuation order by local authorities and notify the operational area having jurisdiction within the schools boundaries of this identified refuge, in order to first prioritize the safety of pupils and staff, and then the defense of that structure in the event of a fire. Each public school, including a charter school, serving more than 50 pupils in kindergarten or any of grades 1 to 12, inclusive, that is in a high or very high fire hazard severity zone, identified pursuant to Section 51178 of the Government Code or Section 4204 of the Public Resources Code, shall coordinate the procedure with the operational area having jurisdiction within the schools boundaries. For those schools under the jurisdiction of a school district or county office of education, the school district or county office of education shall be the entity that coordinates with the operational area having jurisdiction within each of the schools boundaries.
(ib)Commencing with the 202627 fiscal year, the development by each public school, including a charter school, serving more than 50 pupils in kindergarten or any of grades 1 to 12, inclusive, that is in a high or very high fire hazard severity zone, identified pursuant to Section 51178 of the Government Code or Section 4204 of the Public Resources Code, of a communication and evacuation plan, to be used in the event of an early notice evacuation warning, that allows enough time to evacuate all pupils and staff. These plans shall clearly identify a decision process to determine whether an evacuation order is appropriate.
(ic)For purposes of this subclause, operational area means an intermediate level of the state emergency services organization, consisting of a county and all political subdivisions within the county area, that serves as a link in the system of communication and coordination between the states emergency operation centers and the operating centers of the political subdivisions that make up the operational area, as described in subdivision (b) of Section 8559 of the Government Code and Section 8605 of the Government Code.
(ii)The evaluation of a comprehensive school safety plan pursuant to subdivision (d) and the review of a school safety plan pursuant to clause (iii) of subparagraph (F) of paragraph (5) of subdivision (c) of Section 47605 or clause (iii) of subparagraph (G) of paragraph (5) of subdivision (b) of Section 47605.6, as applicable, shall include ensuring that the plan includes appropriate adaptations for pupils with disabilities, as required pursuant to clause (i).
(iii)(I)After the first evaluation or review, as applicable, for purposes of subdivision (d) and clause (ii) is conducted, and after each annual evaluation or review thereafter, a school employee, a pupils parent, guardian, or educational rights holder, or a pupil themselves may bring concerns about an individual pupils ability to access disaster safety procedures described in the comprehensive school safety plan or the school safety plan to the school principal. If the school principal determines there is merit to a concern, the principal shall direct the schoolsite council, school safety planning committee, or charter school, as applicable, to make appropriate modifications to the comprehensive school safety plan or school safety plan, as applicable, during the evaluation of the comprehensive school safety plan pursuant to subdivision (d) or the review of the school safety plan pursuant to clause (iii) of subparagraph (F) of paragraph (5) of subdivision (c) of Section 47605 or clause (iii) of subparagraph (G) of paragraph (5) of subdivision (b) of Section 47605.6, as applicable. The school principal may direct the schoolsite council, the school safety planning committee, or the charter school, as applicable, to make such modifications before the evaluation of the comprehensive school safety plan pursuant to subdivision (d) or the review of the school safety plan pursuant to clause (iii) of subparagraph (F) of paragraph (5) of subdivision (c) of Section 47605 or clause (iii) of subparagraph (G) of paragraph (5) of subdivision (b) of Section 47605.6, as applicable.
(II)Subclause (I) does not prohibit a school employee, a pupils parent, guardian, or educational rights holder, or a pupil themselves from bringing their concerns to the school principal before an evaluation or review, as applicable, for purposes of subdivision (d) and clause (ii) is conducted.
(iv)All deliberations of the schoolsite council, school safety planning committee, or charter school, as applicable, related to individual pupils with disabilities for purposes of the requirements of clauses (i) to (iii), inclusive, shall be subject to applicable state and federal laws regarding the privacy of pupil information.
(C)Policies pursuant to subdivision (d) of Section 48915 for pupils who committed an act listed in subdivision (c) of Section 48915 and other school-designated serious acts that would lead to suspension, expulsion, or mandatory expulsion recommendations pursuant to Article 1 (commencing with Section 48900) of Chapter 6 of Part 27 of Division 4 of Title 2.
(D)Procedures to notify teachers of dangerous pupils pursuant to Section 49079.
(E)A discrimination and harassment policy consistent with the prohibition against discrimination contained in Chapter 2 (commencing with Section 200) of Part 1.
(F)The provisions of any schoolwide dress code, pursuant to Section 35183, that prohibits pupils from wearing gang-related apparel, if the school has adopted that type of a dress code. For those purposes, the comprehensive school safety plan shall define gang-related apparel. The definition shall be limited to apparel that, if worn or displayed on a school campus, reasonably could be determined to threaten the health and safety of the school environment. A schoolwide dress code established pursuant to this section and Section 35183 shall be enforced on the school campus and at any school-sponsored activity by the principal of the school or the person designated by the principal. For purposes of this subparagraph, gang-related apparel shall not be considered a protected form of speech pursuant to Section 48950.
(G)Procedures for safe ingress and egress of pupils, parents, and school employees to and from school.
(H)A safe and orderly environment conducive to learning at the school.
(I)The rules and procedures on school discipline adopted pursuant to Sections 35291, 35291.5, 47605, and 47605.6.
(J)Procedures for conducting tactical responses to criminal incidents, including procedures related to individuals with guns on school campuses and at school-related functions. The procedures to prepare for active shooters or other armed assailants shall be based on the specific needs and context of each school and community.
(K)Procedures to assess and respond to reports of any dangerous, violent, or unlawful activity that is being conducted or threatened to be conducted at the school, at an activity sponsored by the school, or on a schoolbus serving the school.
(L)For schools that serve pupils in any of grades 7 to 12, inclusive, a protocol in the event a pupil is suffering or is reasonably believed to be suffering from an opioid overdose.
(3)(A)Beginning July 1, 2025, an instructional continuity plan to establish communication with pupils and their families and provide instruction to pupils when in-person instruction is disrupted due to an emergency pursuant to Section 41422 or subdivision (a) of Section 46392. The plan shall include all the following:
(i)Procedures for pupil engagement, as soon as practicable, and no later than five calendar days following the emergency. Procedures shall be designed to establish two-way communication with pupils and their families and identify and provide supports for pupils social-emotional, mental health, and academic needs.
(ii)A plan to provide access to in-person instruction or remote instruction pursuant to Sections 51747 and 51749.5, as soon as practicable, but no later than 10 instructional days following the emergency. The plan may include support to pupils and families to enroll in or be temporarily reassigned to another school district, county office of education, or charter school.
(B)Local educational agencies are encouraged to plan to meet instructional standards that are at least equivalent to those applicable to independent study programs.
(C)(i)For purposes of this paragraph, temporarily reassigned means temporarily reassigned to another local educational agency outside of the school district in which the pupils parent or guardian resides. Notwithstanding Section 48200 or any other law, a pupil who is temporarily reassigned shall be deemed to have complied with the residency requirements for attendance in the local educational agency that is temporarily serving the pupil pursuant to this section.
(ii)Notwithstanding Section 48200 or any other law, a school district, county office of education, or charter school may continue to enroll a pupil who is temporarily reassigned to another school district, county office of education, or charter school pursuant to this section in order to facilitate the timely reentry of the pupil in their prior school after the emergency event has ended.
(D)This paragraph applies to school districts, county offices of education, and charter schools.
(b)It is the intent of the Legislature that schools develop comprehensive school safety plans using existing resources, including the materials and services of the partnership, pursuant to this chapter. It is also the intent of the Legislature that schools use the handbook developed and distributed in partnership by the State Department of Educations departments Safe Schools and Violence Prevention Center and the Attorney Generals Crime and Violence Prevention Center entitled Safe Schools: A Planning Guide for Action in conjunction with developing their plan for school safety.
(c)Each schoolsite council or school safety planning committee, in developing and updating a comprehensive school safety plan, shall, where practical, consult, cooperate, and coordinate with other schoolsite councils or school safety planning committees.
(d)The comprehensive school safety plan may be evaluated and amended, as needed, by the school safety planning committee, but shall be evaluated at least once a year, to ensure that the comprehensive school safety plan is properly implemented. An updated file of all safety-related plans and materials shall be readily available for inspection by the public.
(e)As comprehensive school safety plans are reviewed and updated, the Legislature encourages all plans, to the extent that resources are available, to include policies and procedures aimed at the prevention of bullying.
(f)The comprehensive school safety plan, as written and updated by the schoolsite council or school safety planning committee, shall be submitted for approval pursuant to subdivision (a) of Section 32288.
(g)The department shall maintain and conspicuously post on its internet website a compliance checklist for developing a comprehensive school safety plan, and shall update the checklist when necessary.
(h)On or before March 1, 2025, the Superintendent shall develop and post on the departments internet website instructional continuity plan guidance, including guidance for continued academic and school engagement strategies during disruptions in instruction due to emergencies.
SEC. 1.1.Section 32282 of the Education Code is amended to read:32282.(a)The comprehensive school safety plan shall include, but not be limited to, all of the following:
(1)Assessing the current status of school crime committed on school campuses and at school-related functions.
(2)Identifying appropriate strategies and programs that will provide or maintain a high level of school safety and address the schools procedures for complying with existing laws related to school safety, which shall include the development of all of the following:
(A)Child abuse reporting procedures consistent with Article 2.5 (commencing with Section 11164) of Chapter 2 of Title 1 of Part 4 of the Penal Code.
(B)(i)Disaster procedures, routine and emergency, including adaptations for pupils with disabilities in accordance with the federal Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. Sec. 12101 et seq.), the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (20 U.S.C. Sec. 1400 et seq.), and Section 504 of the federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. Sec. 794(a)). The disaster procedures shall also include, but not be limited to, both all of the following:
(I)Establishing an earthquake emergency procedure system in every public school building having an occupant capacity of 50 or more pupils or more than one classroom. A school district or county office of education may work with the Office of Emergency Services and the Alfred E. Alquist Seismic Safety Commission to develop and establish the earthquake emergency procedure system. The system shall include, but not be limited to, all of the following:
(ia)A school building disaster plan, ready for implementation at any time, for maintaining the safety and care of pupils and staff. The department shall provide general direction to school districts and county offices of education on what to include in the school building disaster plan.
(ib)A drop procedure whereby each pupil and staff member takes cover under a table or desk, dropping to their knees, with the head protected by the arms, and the back to the windows. A drop procedure practice shall be held at least once a school quarter in elementary schools and at least once a semester in secondary schools.
(ic)Protective measures to be taken before, during, and following an earthquake.
(id)A program to ensure that pupils and both the certificated and classified staff are aware of, and properly trained in, the earthquake emergency procedure system.
(II)Establishing a procedure to allow a public agency, including the American Red Cross, to use school buildings, grounds, and equipment for mass care and welfare shelters during disasters or other emergencies affecting the public health and welfare. The school district or county office of education shall cooperate with the public agency in furnishing and maintaining the services as the school district or county office of education may deem necessary to meet the needs of the community.
(III)(ia)Commencing with the 202627 fiscal year, establishing a procedure to identify appropriate refuge shelter for all pupils and staff to be used in the event of an evacuation order by local authorities and notify the operational area having jurisdiction within the schools boundaries of this identified refuge, in order to first prioritize the safety of pupils and staff, and then the defense of that structure in the event of a fire. Each public school, including a charter school, serving more than 50 pupils in kindergarten or any of grades 1 to 12, inclusive, that is in a high or very high fire hazard severity zone, identified pursuant to Section 51178 of the Government Code or Section 4204 of the Public Resources Code, shall coordinate the procedure with the operational area having jurisdiction within the schools boundaries. For those schools under the jurisdiction of a school district or county office of education, the school district or county office of education shall be the entity that coordinates with the operational area having jurisdiction within each of the schools boundaries.
(ib)Commencing with the 202627 fiscal year, the development by each public school, including a charter school, serving more than 50 pupils in kindergarten or any of grades 1 to 12, inclusive, that is in a high or very high fire hazard severity zone, identified pursuant to Section 51178 of the Government Code or Section 4204 of the Public Resources Code, of a communication and evacuation plan, to be used in the event of an early notice evacuation warning, that allows enough time to evacuate all pupils and staff. These plans shall clearly identify a decision process to determine whether an evacuation order is appropriate.
(ic)For purposes of this subclause, operational area means an intermediate level of the state emergency services organization, consisting of a county and all political subdivisions within the county area, that serves as a link in the system of communication and coordination between the states emergency operation centers and the operating centers of the political subdivisions that make up the operational area, as described in subdivision (b) of Section 8559 of the Government Code and Section 8605 of the Government Code.
(ii)The evaluation of a comprehensive school safety plan pursuant to subdivision (d) and the review of a school safety plan pursuant to clause (iii) of subparagraph (F) of paragraph (5) of subdivision (c) of Section 47605 or clause (iii) of subparagraph (G) of paragraph (5) of subdivision (b) of Section 47605.6, as applicable, shall include ensuring that the plan includes appropriate adaptations for pupils with disabilities, as required pursuant to clause (i).
(iii)(I)After the first evaluation or review, as applicable, for purposes of subdivision (d) and clause (ii) is conducted, and after each annual evaluation or review thereafter, a school employee, a pupils parent, guardian, or educational rights holder, or a pupil themselves may bring concerns about an individual pupils ability to access disaster safety procedures described in the comprehensive school safety plan or the school safety plan to the school principal. If the school principal determines there is merit to a concern, the principal shall direct the schoolsite council, school safety planning committee, or charter school, as applicable, to make appropriate modifications to the comprehensive school safety plan or school safety plan, as applicable, during the evaluation of the comprehensive school safety plan pursuant to subdivision (d) or the review of the school safety plan pursuant to clause (iii) of subparagraph (F) of paragraph (5) of subdivision (c) of Section 47605 or clause (iii) of subparagraph (G) of paragraph (5) of subdivision (b) of Section 47605.6, as applicable. The school principal may direct the schoolsite council, the school safety planning committee, or the charter school, as applicable, to make such modifications before the evaluation of the comprehensive school safety plan pursuant to subdivision (d) or the review of the school safety plan pursuant to clause (iii) of subparagraph (F) of paragraph (5) of subdivision (c) of Section 47605 or clause (iii) of subparagraph (G) of paragraph (5) of subdivision (b) of Section 47605.6, as applicable.
(II)Subclause (I) does not prohibit a school employee, a pupils parent, guardian, or educational rights holder, or a pupil themselves from bringing their concerns to the school principal before an evaluation or review, as applicable, for purposes of subdivision (d) and clause (ii) is conducted.
(iv)All deliberations of the schoolsite council, school safety planning committee, or charter school, as applicable, related to individual pupils with disabilities for purposes of the requirements of clauses (i) to (iii), inclusive, shall be subject to applicable state and federal laws regarding the privacy of pupil information.
(C)Policies pursuant to subdivision (d) of Section 48915 for pupils who committed an act listed in subdivision (c) of Section 48915 and other school-designated serious acts that would lead to suspension, expulsion, or mandatory expulsion recommendations pursuant to Article 1 (commencing with Section 48900) of Chapter 6 of Part 27 of Division 4 of Title 2.
(D)Procedures to notify teachers of dangerous pupils pursuant to Section 49079.
(E)A discrimination and harassment policy consistent with the prohibition against discrimination contained in Chapter 2 (commencing with Section 200) of Part 1.
(F)The provisions of any schoolwide dress code, pursuant to Section 35183, that prohibits pupils from wearing gang-related apparel, if the school has adopted that type of a dress code. For those purposes, the comprehensive school safety plan shall define gang-related apparel. The definition shall be limited to apparel that, if worn or displayed on a school campus, reasonably could be determined to threaten the health and safety of the school environment. A schoolwide dress code established pursuant to this section and Section 35183 shall be enforced on the school campus and at any school-sponsored activity by the principal of the school or the person designated by the principal. For purposes of this subparagraph, gang-related apparel shall not be considered a protected form of speech pursuant to Section 48950.
(G)Procedures for safe ingress and egress of pupils, parents, and school employees to and from school.
(H)A safe and orderly environment conducive to learning at the school.
(I)The rules and procedures on school discipline adopted pursuant to Sections 35291, 35291.5, 47605, and 47605.6.
(J)Procedures for conducting tactical responses to criminal incidents, including procedures related to individuals with guns on school campuses and at school-related functions. The procedures to prepare for active shooters or other armed assailants shall be based on the specific needs and context of each school and community.
(K)If a comprehensive school safety plan includes procedures to prepare for active shooters or other armed assailants by conducting a drill, a school shall comply with all of the following relating to the drill:
(i)(I)The school shall not conduct a high-intensity drill.
(II)For purposes of this clause, high-intensity drill means a drill that includes simulations that mimic an actual school shooter or other armed assailant incident, including, but not limited to, theatrical makeup or other materials to give an image of blood or gunshot wounds, acting by an individual posing to be the assailant, acting by individuals posing as victims, or simulations that instruct pupils to actively resist an assailant by throwing objects, attacking, or swarming the assailant.
(ii)The school shall not include the use of real weapons, gunfire blanks, or explosions in the conducting of the drill.
(iii)The school shall ensure a trauma-informed approach to the design and execution of any drill, which shall include all of the following:
(I)Age-appropriate and developmentally appropriate drill content and terminology developed with the involvement of school personnel, including school-based mental health professionals.
(II)Notice to all parents and guardians of pupils, teachers, administrators, and school personnel subject to the drills in advance of the drill and of the drills expected length of time.
(III)The ability for parents or guardians to opt their child or children out of the drills.
(IV)An announcement to pupils and educators immediately before the start of the drills and an announcement to pupils and educators immediately after the drills have concluded.
(V)A notice to all parents and guardians after the drill has concluded.
(VI)The provision of contact information for community-based resources, including local organizations with objectives to reduce gun violence or provide mental health counseling, to parents or guardians, pupils, and staff who are negatively impacted by the drills, and, where available, prioritizing school-based resources.
(K)(L)Procedures to assess and respond to reports of any dangerous, violent, or unlawful activity that is being conducted or threatened to be conducted at the school, at an activity sponsored by the school, or on a schoolbus serving the school.
(L)(M)For schools that serve pupils in any of grades 7 to 12, inclusive, a protocol in the event a pupil is suffering or is reasonably believed to be suffering from an opioid overdose.
(3)(A)Beginning July 1, 2025, an instructional continuity plan to establish communication with pupils and their families and provide instruction to pupils when in-person instruction is disrupted due to an emergency pursuant to Section 41422 or subdivision (a) of Section 46392. The plan shall include all the following:
(i)Procedures for pupil engagement, as soon as practicable, and no later than five calendar days following the emergency. Procedures shall be designed to establish two-way communication with pupils and their families and identify and provide supports for pupils social-emotional, mental health, and academic needs.
(ii)A plan to provide access to in-person instruction or remote instruction pursuant to Sections 51747 and 51749.5, as soon as practicable, but no later than 10 instructional days following the emergency. The plan may include support to pupils and families to enroll in or be temporarily reassigned to another school district, county office of education, or charter school.
(B)Local educational agencies are encouraged to plan to meet instructional standards that are at least equivalent to those applicable to independent study programs.
(C)(i)For purposes of this paragraph, temporarily reassigned means temporarily reassigned to another local educational agency outside of the school district in which the pupils parent or guardian resides. Notwithstanding Section 48200 or any other law, a pupil who is temporarily reassigned shall be deemed to have complied with the residency requirements for attendance in the local educational agency that is temporarily serving the pupil pursuant to this section.
(ii)Notwithstanding Section 48200 or any other law, a school district, county office of education, or charter school may continue to enroll a pupil who is temporarily reassigned to another school district, county office of education, or charter school pursuant to this section in order to facilitate the timely reentry of the pupil in their prior school after the emergency event has ended.
(D)This paragraph applies to school districts, county offices of education, and charter schools.
(b)It is the intent of the Legislature that schools develop comprehensive school safety plans using existing resources, including the materials and services of the partnership, pursuant to this chapter. It is also the intent of the Legislature that schools use the handbook developed and distributed in partnership by the State Department of Educations departments Safe Schools and Violence Prevention Center and the Attorney Generals Crime and Violence Prevention Center entitled Safe Schools: A Planning Guide for Action in conjunction with developing their plan for school safety.
(c)Each schoolsite council or school safety planning committee, in developing and updating a comprehensive school safety plan, shall, where practical, consult, cooperate, and coordinate with other schoolsite councils or school safety planning committees.
(d)The comprehensive school safety plan may be evaluated and amended, as needed, by the school safety planning committee, but shall be evaluated at least once a year, to ensure that the comprehensive school safety plan is properly implemented. An updated file of all safety-related plans and materials shall be readily available for inspection by the public.
(e)As comprehensive school safety plans are reviewed and updated, the Legislature encourages all plans, to the extent that resources are available, to include policies and procedures aimed at the prevention of bullying.
(f)The comprehensive school safety plan, as written and updated by the schoolsite council or school safety planning committee, shall be submitted for approval pursuant to subdivision (a) of Section 32288.
(g)The department shall maintain and conspicuously post on its internet website a compliance checklist for developing a comprehensive school safety plan, and shall update the checklist when necessary.
(h)On or before March 1, 2025, the Superintendent shall develop and post on the departments internet website instructional continuity plan guidance, including guidance for continued academic and school engagement strategies during disruptions in instruction due to emergencies.
SEC. 1.2.Section 32282 of the Education Code is amended to read:32282.(a)The comprehensive school safety plan shall include, but not be limited to, all of the following:
(1)Assessing the current status of school crime committed on school campuses and at school-related functions.
(2)Identifying appropriate strategies and programs that will provide or maintain a high level of school safety and address the schools procedures for complying with existing laws related to school safety, which shall include the development of all of the following:
(A)Child abuse reporting procedures consistent with Article 2.5 (commencing with Section 11164) of Chapter 2 of Title 1 of Part 4 of the Penal Code.
(B)(i)Disaster procedures, routine and emergency, including adaptations for pupils with disabilities in accordance with the federal Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. Sec. 12101 et seq.), the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (20 U.S.C. Sec. 1400 et seq.), and Section 504 of the federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. Sec. 794(a)). The disaster procedures shall also include, but not be limited to, both all of the following:
(I)Establishing an earthquake emergency procedure system in every public school building having an occupant capacity of 50 or more pupils or more than one classroom. A school district or county office of education may work with the Office of Emergency Services and the Alfred E. Alquist Seismic Safety Commission to develop and establish the earthquake emergency procedure system. The system shall include, but not be limited to, all of the following:
(ia)A school building disaster plan, ready for implementation at any time, for maintaining the safety and care of pupils and staff. The department shall provide general direction to school districts and county offices of education on what to include in the school building disaster plan.
(ib)A drop procedure whereby each pupil and staff member takes cover under a table or desk, dropping to their knees, with the head protected by the arms, and the back to the windows. A drop procedure practice shall be held at least once a school quarter in elementary schools and at least once a semester in secondary schools.
(ic)Protective measures to be taken before, during, and following an earthquake.
(id)A program to ensure that pupils and both the certificated and classified staff are aware of, and properly trained in, the earthquake emergency procedure system.
(II)Establishing a procedure to allow a public agency, including the American Red Cross, to use school buildings, grounds, and equipment for mass care and welfare shelters during disasters or other emergencies affecting the public health and welfare. The school district or county office of education shall cooperate with the public agency in furnishing and maintaining the services as the school district or county office of education may deem necessary to meet the needs of the community.
(III)(ia)Commencing with the 202627 fiscal year, establishing a procedure to identify appropriate refuge shelter for all pupils and staff to be used in the event of an evacuation order by local authorities and notify the operational area having jurisdiction within the schools boundaries of this identified refuge, in order to first prioritize the safety of pupils and staff, and then the defense of that structure in the event of a fire. Each public school, including a charter school, serving more than 50 pupils in kindergarten or any of grades 1 to 12, inclusive, that is in a high or very high fire hazard severity zone, identified pursuant to Section 51178 of the Government Code or Section 4204 of the Public Resources Code, shall coordinate the procedure with the operational area having jurisdiction within the schools boundaries. For those schools under the jurisdiction of a school district or county office of education, the school district or county office of education shall be the entity that coordinates with the operational area having jurisdiction within each of the schools boundaries.
(ib)Commencing with the 202627 fiscal year, the development by each public school, including a charter school, serving more than 50 pupils in kindergarten or any of grades 1 to 12, inclusive, that is in a high or very high fire hazard severity zone, identified pursuant to Section 51178 of the Government Code or Section 4204 of the Public Resources Code, of a communication and evacuation plan, to be used in the event of an early notice evacuation warning, that allows enough time to evacuate all pupils and staff. These plans shall clearly identify a decision process to determine whether an evacuation order is appropriate.
(ic)For purposes of this subclause, operational area means an intermediate level of the state emergency services organization, consisting of a county and all political subdivisions within the county area, that serves as a link in the system of communication and coordination between the states emergency operation centers and the operating centers of the political subdivisions that make up the operational area, as described in subdivision (b) of Section 8559 of the Government Code and Section 8605 of the Government Code.
(ii)The evaluation of a comprehensive school safety plan pursuant to subdivision (d) and the review of a school safety plan pursuant to clause (iii) of subparagraph (F) of paragraph (5) of subdivision (c) of Section 47605 or clause (iii) of subparagraph (G) of paragraph (5) of subdivision (b) of Section 47605.6, as applicable, shall include ensuring that the plan includes appropriate adaptations for pupils with disabilities, as required pursuant to clause (i).
(iii)(I)After the first evaluation or review, as applicable, for purposes of subdivision (d) and clause (ii) is conducted, and after each annual evaluation or review thereafter, a school employee, a pupils parent, guardian, or educational rights holder, or a pupil themselves may bring concerns about an individual pupils ability to access disaster safety procedures described in the comprehensive school safety plan or the school safety plan to the school principal. If the school principal determines there is merit to a concern, the principal shall direct the schoolsite council, school safety planning committee, or charter school, as applicable, to make appropriate modifications to the comprehensive school safety plan or school safety plan, as applicable, during the evaluation of the comprehensive school safety plan pursuant to subdivision (d) or the review of the school safety plan pursuant to clause (iii) of subparagraph (F) of paragraph (5) of subdivision (c) of Section 47605 or clause (iii) of subparagraph (G) of paragraph (5) of subdivision (b) of Section 47605.6, as applicable. The school principal may direct the schoolsite council, the school safety planning committee, or the charter school, as applicable, to make such modifications before the evaluation of the comprehensive school safety plan pursuant to subdivision (d) or the review of the school safety plan pursuant to clause (iii) of subparagraph (F) of paragraph (5) of subdivision (c) of Section 47605 or clause (iii) of subparagraph (G) of paragraph (5) of subdivision (b) of Section 47605.6, as applicable.
(II)Subclause (I) does not prohibit a school employee, a pupils parent, guardian, or educational rights holder, or a pupil themselves from bringing their concerns to the school principal before an evaluation or review, as applicable, for purposes of subdivision (d) and clause (ii) is conducted.
(iv)All deliberations of the schoolsite council, school safety planning committee, or charter school, as applicable, related to individual pupils with disabilities for purposes of the requirements of clauses (i) to (iii), inclusive, shall be subject to applicable state and federal laws regarding the privacy of pupil information.
(C)Policies pursuant to subdivision (d) of Section 48915 for pupils who committed an act listed in subdivision (c) of Section 48915 and other school-designated serious acts that would lead to suspension, expulsion, or mandatory expulsion recommendations pursuant to Article 1 (commencing with Section 48900) of Chapter 6 of Part 27 of Division 4 of Title 2.
(D)Procedures to notify teachers of dangerous pupils pursuant to Section 49079.
(E)A discrimination and harassment policy consistent with the prohibition against discrimination contained in Chapter 2 (commencing with Section 200) of Part 1.
(F)The provisions of any schoolwide dress code, pursuant to Section 35183, that prohibits pupils from wearing gang-related apparel, if the school has adopted that type of a dress code. For those purposes, the comprehensive school safety plan shall define gang-related apparel. The definition shall be limited to apparel that, if worn or displayed on a school campus, reasonably could be determined to threaten the health and safety of the school environment. A schoolwide dress code established pursuant to this section and Section 35183 shall be enforced on the school campus and at any school-sponsored activity by the principal of the school or the person designated by the principal. For purposes of this subparagraph, gang-related apparel shall not be considered a protected form of speech pursuant to Section 48950.
(G)Procedures for safe ingress and egress of pupils, parents, and school employees to and from school.
(H)A safe and orderly environment conducive to learning at the school.
(I)The rules and procedures on school discipline adopted pursuant to Sections 35291, 35291.5, 47605, and 47605.6.
(J)Procedures for conducting tactical responses to criminal incidents, including procedures related to individuals with guns on school campuses and at school-related functions. The procedures to prepare for active shooters or other armed assailants shall be based on the specific needs and context of each school and community.
(K)Procedures to assess and respond to reports of any dangerous, violent, or unlawful activity that is being conducted or threatened to be conducted at the school, at an activity sponsored by the school, or on a schoolbus serving the school.
(L)(i)When a comprehensive school safety plan is next reviewed and updated on or after July 1, 2025, procedures to respond to incidents involving an individual experiencing a sudden cardiac arrest or a similar life-threatening medical emergency while on school grounds.
(ii)The procedures described in clause (i) are encouraged to integrate evidence-based core elements, including any cardiopulmonary resuscitation training offered and the placement of any automated external defibrillator available on the schoolsite in accordance with nationally recognized evidence-based emergency cardiac care guidelines, as dictated by the school safety plan.
(L)(M)For schools that serve pupils in any of grades 7 to 12, inclusive, a protocol in the event a pupil is suffering or is reasonably believed to be suffering from an opioid overdose.
(3)(A)Beginning July 1, 2025, an instructional continuity plan to establish communication with pupils and their families and provide instruction to pupils when in-person instruction is disrupted due to an emergency pursuant to Section 41422 or subdivision (a) of Section 46392. The plan shall include all the following:
(i)Procedures for pupil engagement, as soon as practicable, and no later than five calendar days following the emergency. Procedures shall be designed to establish two-way communication with pupils and their families and identify and provide supports for pupils social-emotional, mental health, and academic needs.
(ii)A plan to provide access to in-person instruction or remote instruction pursuant to Sections 51747 and 51749.5, as soon as practicable, but no later than 10 instructional days following the emergency. The plan may include support to pupils and families to enroll in or be temporarily reassigned to another school district, county office of education, or charter school.
(B)Local educational agencies are encouraged to plan to meet instructional standards that are at least equivalent to those applicable to independent study programs.
(C)(i)For purposes of this paragraph, temporarily reassigned means temporarily reassigned to another local educational agency outside of the school district in which the pupils parent or guardian resides. Notwithstanding Section 48200 or any other law, a pupil who is temporarily reassigned shall be deemed to have complied with the residency requirements for attendance in the local educational agency that is temporarily serving the pupil pursuant to this section.
(ii)Notwithstanding Section 48200 or any other law, a school district, county office of education, or charter school may continue to enroll a pupil who is temporarily reassigned to another school district, county office of education, or charter school pursuant to this section in order to facilitate the timely reentry of the pupil in their prior school after the emergency event has ended.
(D)This paragraph applies to school districts, county offices of education, and charter schools.
(b)It is the intent of the Legislature that schools develop comprehensive school safety plans using existing resources, including the materials and services of the partnership, pursuant to this chapter. It is also the intent of the Legislature that schools use the handbook developed and distributed in partnership by the State Department of Educations departments Safe Schools and Violence Prevention Center and the Attorney Generals Crime and Violence Prevention Center entitled Safe Schools: A Planning Guide for Action in conjunction with developing their plan for school safety.
(c)Each schoolsite council or school safety planning committee, in developing and updating a comprehensive school safety plan, shall, where practical, consult, cooperate, and coordinate with other schoolsite councils or school safety planning committees.
(d)The comprehensive school safety plan may be evaluated and amended, as needed, by the school safety planning committee, but shall be evaluated at least once a year, to ensure that the comprehensive school safety plan is properly implemented. An updated file of all safety-related plans and materials shall be readily available for inspection by the public.
(e)As comprehensive school safety plans are reviewed and updated, the Legislature encourages all plans, to the extent that resources are available, to include policies and procedures aimed at the prevention of bullying.
(f)The comprehensive school safety plan, as written and updated by the schoolsite council or school safety planning committee, shall be submitted for approval pursuant to subdivision (a) of Section 32288.
(g)The department shall maintain and conspicuously post on its internet website a compliance checklist for developing a comprehensive school safety plan, and shall update the checklist when necessary.
(h)On or before March 1, 2025, the Superintendent shall develop and post on the departments internet website instructional continuity plan guidance, including guidance for continued academic and school engagement strategies during disruptions in instruction due to emergencies.
SEC. 1.3.Section 32282 of the Education Code is amended to read:32282.(a)The comprehensive school safety plan shall include, but not be limited to, all of the following:
(1)Assessing the current status of school crime committed on school campuses and at school-related functions.
(2)Identifying appropriate strategies and programs that will provide or maintain a high level of school safety and address the schools procedures for complying with existing laws related to school safety, which shall include the development of all of the following:
(A)Child abuse reporting procedures consistent with Article 2.5 (commencing with Section 11164) of Chapter 2 of Title 1 of Part 4 of the Penal Code.
(B)(i)Disaster procedures, routine and emergency, including adaptations for pupils with disabilities in accordance with the federal Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. Sec. 12101 et seq.), the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (20 U.S.C. Sec. 1400 et seq.), and Section 504 of the federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. Sec. 794(a)). The disaster procedures shall also include, but not be limited to, both all of the following:
(I)Establishing an earthquake emergency procedure system in every public school building having an occupant capacity of 50 or more pupils or more than one classroom. A school district or county office of education may work with the Office of Emergency Services and the Alfred E. Alquist Seismic Safety Commission to develop and establish the earthquake emergency procedure system. The system shall include, but not be limited to, all of the following:
(ia)A school building disaster plan, ready for implementation at any time, for maintaining the safety and care of pupils and staff. The department shall provide general direction to school districts and county offices of education on what to include in the school building disaster plan.
(ib)A drop procedure whereby each pupil and staff member takes cover under a table or desk, dropping to their knees, with the head protected by the arms, and the back to the windows. A drop procedure practice shall be held at least once a school quarter in elementary schools and at least once a semester in secondary schools.
(ic)Protective measures to be taken before, during, and following an earthquake.
(id)A program to ensure that pupils and both the certificated and classified staff are aware of, and properly trained in, the earthquake emergency procedure system.
(II)Establishing a procedure to allow a public agency, including the American Red Cross, to use school buildings, grounds, and equipment for mass care and welfare shelters during disasters or other emergencies affecting the public health and welfare. The school district or county office of education shall cooperate with the public agency in furnishing and maintaining the services as the school district or county office of education may deem necessary to meet the needs of the community.
(III)(ia)Commencing with the 202627 fiscal year, establishing a procedure to identify appropriate refuge shelter for all pupils and staff to be used in the event of an evacuation order by local authorities and notify the operational area having jurisdiction within the schools boundaries of this identified refuge, in order to first prioritize the safety of pupils and staff, and then the defense of that structure in the event of a fire. Each public school, including a charter school, serving more than 50 pupils in kindergarten or any of grades 1 to 12, inclusive, that is in a high or very high fire hazard severity zone, identified pursuant to Section 51178 of the Government Code or Section 4204 of the Public Resources Code, shall coordinate the procedure with the operational area having jurisdiction within the schools boundaries. For those schools under the jurisdiction of a school district or county office of education, the school district or county office of education shall be the entity that coordinates with the operational area having jurisdiction within each of the schools boundaries.
(ib)Commencing with the 202627 fiscal year, the development by each public school, including a charter school, serving more than 50 pupils in kindergarten or any of grades 1 to 12, inclusive, that is in a high or very high fire hazard severity zone, identified pursuant to Section 51178 of the Government Code or Section 4204 of the Public Resources Code, of a communication and evacuation plan, to be used in the event of an early notice evacuation warning, that allows enough time to evacuate all pupils and staff. These plans shall clearly identify a decision process to determine whether an evacuation order is appropriate.
(ic)For purposes of this subclause, operational area means an intermediate level of the state emergency services organization, consisting of a county and all political subdivisions within the county area, that serves as a link in the system of communication and coordination between the states emergency operation centers and the operating centers of the political subdivisions that make up the operational area, as described in subdivision (b) of Section 8559 of the Government Code and Section 8605 of the Government Code.
(ii)The evaluation of a comprehensive school safety plan pursuant to subdivision (d) and the review of a school safety plan pursuant to clause (iii) of subparagraph (F) of paragraph (5) of subdivision (c) of Section 47605 or clause (iii) of subparagraph (G) of paragraph (5) of subdivision (b) of Section 47605.6, as applicable, shall include ensuring that the plan includes appropriate adaptations for pupils with disabilities, as required pursuant to clause (i).
(iii)(I)After the first evaluation or review, as applicable, for purposes of subdivision (d) and clause (ii) is conducted, and after each annual evaluation or review thereafter, a school employee, a pupils parent, guardian, or educational rights holder, or a pupil themselves may bring concerns about an individual pupils ability to access disaster safety procedures described in the comprehensive school safety plan or the school safety plan to the school principal. If the school principal determines there is merit to a concern, the principal shall direct the schoolsite council, school safety planning committee, or charter school, as applicable, to make appropriate modifications to the comprehensive school safety plan or school safety plan, as applicable, during the evaluation of the comprehensive school safety plan pursuant to subdivision (d) or the review of the school safety plan pursuant to clause (iii) of subparagraph (F) of paragraph (5) of subdivision (c) of Section 47605 or clause (iii) of subparagraph (G) of paragraph (5) of subdivision (b) of Section 47605.6, as applicable. The school principal may direct the schoolsite council, the school safety planning committee, or the charter school, as applicable, to make such modifications before the evaluation of the comprehensive school safety plan pursuant to subdivision (d) or the review of the school safety plan pursuant to clause (iii) of subparagraph (F) of paragraph (5) of subdivision (c) of Section 47605 or clause (iii) of subparagraph (G) of paragraph (5) of subdivision (b) of Section 47605.6, as applicable.
(II)Subclause (I) does not prohibit a school employee, a pupils parent, guardian, or educational rights holder, or a pupil themselves from bringing their concerns to the school principal before an evaluation or review, as applicable, for purposes of subdivision (d) and clause (ii) is conducted.
(iv)All deliberations of the schoolsite council, school safety planning committee, or charter school, as applicable, related to individual pupils with disabilities for purposes of the requirements of clauses (i) to (iii), inclusive, shall be subject to applicable state and federal laws regarding the privacy of pupil information.
(C)Policies pursuant to subdivision (d) of Section 48915 for pupils who committed an act listed in subdivision (c) of Section 48915 and other school-designated serious acts that would lead to suspension, expulsion, or mandatory expulsion recommendations pursuant to Article 1 (commencing with Section 48900) of Chapter 6 of Part 27 of Division 4 of Title 2.
(D)Procedures to notify teachers of dangerous pupils pursuant to Section 49079.
(E)A discrimination and harassment policy consistent with the prohibition against discrimination contained in Chapter 2 (commencing with Section 200) of Part 1.
(F)The provisions of any schoolwide dress code, pursuant to Section 35183, that prohibits pupils from wearing gang-related apparel, if the school has adopted that type of a dress code. For those purposes, the comprehensive school safety plan shall define gang-related apparel. The definition shall be limited to apparel that, if worn or displayed on a school campus, reasonably could be determined to threaten the health and safety of the school environment. A schoolwide dress code established pursuant to this section and Section 35183 shall be enforced on the school campus and at any school-sponsored activity by the principal of the school or the person designated by the principal. For purposes of this subparagraph, gang-related apparel shall not be considered a protected form of speech pursuant to Section 48950.
(G)Procedures for safe ingress and egress of pupils, parents, and school employees to and from school.
(H)A safe and orderly environment conducive to learning at the school.
(I)The rules and procedures on school discipline adopted pursuant to Sections 35291, 35291.5, 47605, and 47605.6.
(J)Procedures for conducting tactical responses to criminal incidents, including procedures related to individuals with guns on school campuses and at school-related functions. The procedures to prepare for active shooters or other armed assailants shall be based on the specific needs and context of each school and community.
(K)Procedures to assess and respond to reports of any dangerous, violent, or unlawful activity that is being conducted or threatened to be conducted at the school, at an activity sponsored by the school, or on a schoolbus serving the school.
(L)For schools that serve pupils in any of grades 7 to 12, inclusive, a protocol in the event a pupil is suffering or is reasonably believed to be suffering from an opioid overdose.
(3)(A)Beginning July 1, 2025, an instructional continuity plan to establish communication with pupils and their families and provide instruction to pupils when in-person instruction is disrupted due to an emergency pursuant to Section 41422 or subdivision (a) of Section 46392. The plan shall include all the following:
(i)Procedures for pupil engagement, as soon as practicable, and no later than five calendar days following the emergency. Procedures shall be designed to establish two-way communication with pupils and their families and identify and provide supports for pupils social-emotional, mental health, and academic needs.
(ii)A plan to provide access to in-person instruction or remote instruction pursuant to Sections 51747 and 51749.5, as soon as practicable, but no later than 10 instructional days following the emergency. The plan may include support to pupils and families to enroll in or be temporarily reassigned to another school district, county office of education, or charter school.
(B)Local educational agencies are encouraged to plan to meet instructional standards that are at least equivalent to those applicable to independent study programs.
(C)(i)For purposes of this paragraph, temporarily reassigned means temporarily reassigned to another local educational agency outside of the school district district, but within the county or an immediately adjacent county, in which the pupils parent or guardian resides. Notwithstanding Section 48200 or any other law, a pupil who is temporarily reassigned shall be deemed to have complied with the residency requirements for attendance in the local educational agency that is temporarily serving the pupil pursuant to this section.
(ii)Notwithstanding Section 48200 or any other law, a school district, county office of education, or charter school may continue to enroll a pupil who is temporarily reassigned to another school district, county office of education, or charter school pursuant to this section in order to facilitate the timely reentry of the pupil in their prior school after the emergency event has ended.
(D)This paragraph applies to school districts, county offices of education, and charter schools.
(b)It is the intent of the Legislature that schools develop comprehensive school safety plans using existing resources, including the materials and services of the partnership, pursuant to this chapter. It is also the intent of the Legislature that schools use the handbook developed and distributed in partnership by the State Department of Educations departments Safe Schools and Violence Prevention Center and the Attorney Generals Crime and Violence Prevention Center entitled Safe Schools: A Planning Guide for Action in conjunction with developing their plan for school safety.
(c)Each schoolsite council or school safety planning committee, in developing and updating a comprehensive school safety plan, shall, where practical, consult, cooperate, and coordinate with other schoolsite councils or school safety planning committees.
(d)The comprehensive school safety plan may be evaluated and amended, as needed, by the school safety planning committee, but shall be evaluated at least once a year, to ensure that the comprehensive school safety plan is properly implemented. An updated file of all safety-related plans and materials shall be readily available for inspection by the public.
(e)As comprehensive school safety plans are reviewed and updated, the Legislature encourages all plans, to the extent that resources are available, to include policies and procedures aimed at the prevention of bullying.
(f)The comprehensive school safety plan, as written and updated by the schoolsite council or school safety planning committee, shall be submitted for approval pursuant to subdivision (a) of Section 32288.
(g)The department shall maintain and conspicuously post on its internet website a compliance checklist for developing a comprehensive school safety plan, and shall update the checklist when necessary.
(h)On or before March 1, 2025, the Superintendent shall develop and post on the departments internet website instructional continuity plan guidance, including guidance for continued academic and school engagement strategies during disruptions in instruction due to emergencies.
SEC. 1.4.Section 32282 of the Education Code is amended to read:32282.(a)The comprehensive school safety plan shall include, but not be limited to, all of the following:
(1)Assessing the current status of school crime committed on school campuses and at school-related functions.
(2)Identifying appropriate strategies and programs that will provide or maintain a high level of school safety and address the schools procedures for complying with existing laws related to school safety, which shall include the development of all of the following:
(A)Child abuse reporting procedures consistent with Article 2.5 (commencing with Section 11164) of Chapter 2 of Title 1 of Part 4 of the Penal Code.
(B)(i)Disaster procedures, routine and emergency, including adaptations for pupils with disabilities in accordance with the federal Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. Sec. 12101 et seq.), the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (20 U.S.C. Sec. 1400 et seq.), and Section 504 of the federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. Sec. 794(a)). The disaster procedures shall also include, but not be limited to, both all of the following:
(I)Establishing an earthquake emergency procedure system in every public school building having an occupant capacity of 50 or more pupils or more than one classroom. A school district or county office of education may work with the Office of Emergency Services and the Alfred E. Alquist Seismic Safety Commission to develop and establish the earthquake emergency procedure system. The system shall include, but not be limited to, all of the following:
(ia)A school building disaster plan, ready for implementation at any time, for maintaining the safety and care of pupils and staff. The department shall provide general direction to school districts and county offices of education on what to include in the school building disaster plan.
(ib)A drop procedure whereby each pupil and staff member takes cover under a table or desk, dropping to their knees, with the head protected by the arms, and the back to the windows. A drop procedure practice shall be held at least once a school quarter in elementary schools and at least once a semester in secondary schools.
(ic)Protective measures to be taken before, during, and following an earthquake.
(id)A program to ensure that pupils and both the certificated and classified staff are aware of, and properly trained in, the earthquake emergency procedure system.
(II)Establishing a procedure to allow a public agency, including the American Red Cross, to use school buildings, grounds, and equipment for mass care and welfare shelters during disasters or other emergencies affecting the public health and welfare. The school district or county office of education shall cooperate with the public agency in furnishing and maintaining the services as the school district or county office of education may deem necessary to meet the needs of the community.
(III)(ia)Commencing with the 202627 fiscal year, establishing a procedure to identify appropriate refuge shelter for all pupils and staff to be used in the event of an evacuation order by local authorities and notify the operational area having jurisdiction within the schools boundaries of this identified refuge, in order to first prioritize the safety of pupils and staff, and then the defense of that structure in the event of a fire. Each public school, including a charter school, serving more than 50 pupils in kindergarten or any of grades 1 to 12, inclusive, that is in a high or very high fire hazard severity zone, identified pursuant to Section 51178 of the Government Code or Section 4204 of the Public Resources Code, shall coordinate the procedure with the operational area having jurisdiction within the schools boundaries. For those schools under the jurisdiction of a school district or county office of education, the school district or county office of education shall be the entity that coordinates with the operational area having jurisdiction within each of the schools boundaries.
(ib)Commencing with the 202627 fiscal year, the development by each public school, including a charter school, serving more than 50 pupils in kindergarten or any of grades 1 to 12, inclusive, that is in a high or very high fire hazard severity zone, identified pursuant to Section 51178 of the Government Code or Section 4204 of the Public Resources Code, of a communication and evacuation plan, to be used in the event of an early notice evacuation warning, that allows enough time to evacuate all pupils and staff. These plans shall clearly identify a decision process to determine whether an evacuation order is appropriate.
(ic)For purposes of this subclause, operational area means an intermediate level of the state emergency services organization, consisting of a county and all political subdivisions within the county area, that serves as a link in the system of communication and coordination between the states emergency operation centers and the operating centers of the political subdivisions that make up the operational area, as described in subdivision (b) of Section 8559 of the Government Code and Section 8605 of the Government Code.
(ii)The evaluation of a comprehensive school safety plan pursuant to subdivision (d) and the review of a school safety plan pursuant to clause (iii) of subparagraph (F) of paragraph (5) of subdivision (c) of Section 47605 or clause (iii) of subparagraph (G) of paragraph (5) of subdivision (b) of Section 47605.6, as applicable, shall include ensuring that the plan includes appropriate adaptations for pupils with disabilities, as required pursuant to clause (i).
(iii)(I)After the first evaluation or review, as applicable, for purposes of subdivision (d) and clause (ii) is conducted, and after each annual evaluation or review thereafter, a school employee, a pupils parent, guardian, or educational rights holder, or a pupil themselves may bring concerns about an individual pupils ability to access disaster safety procedures described in the comprehensive school safety plan or the school safety plan to the school principal. If the school principal determines there is merit to a concern, the principal shall direct the schoolsite council, school safety planning committee, or charter school, as applicable, to make appropriate modifications to the comprehensive school safety plan or school safety plan, as applicable, during the evaluation of the comprehensive school safety plan pursuant to subdivision (d) or the review of the school safety plan pursuant to clause (iii) of subparagraph (F) of paragraph (5) of subdivision (c) of Section 47605 or clause (iii) of subparagraph (G) of paragraph (5) of subdivision (b) of Section 47605.6, as applicable. The school principal may direct the schoolsite council, the school safety planning committee, or the charter school, as applicable, to make such modifications before the evaluation of the comprehensive school safety plan pursuant to subdivision (d) or the review of the school safety plan pursuant to clause (iii) of subparagraph (F) of paragraph (5) of subdivision (c) of Section 47605 or clause (iii) of subparagraph (G) of paragraph (5) of subdivision (b) of Section 47605.6, as applicable.
(II)Subclause (I) does not prohibit a school employee, a pupils parent, guardian, or educational rights holder, or a pupil themselves from bringing their concerns to the school principal before an evaluation or review, as applicable, for purposes of subdivision (d) and clause (ii) is conducted.
(iv)All deliberations of the schoolsite council, school safety planning committee, or charter school, as applicable, related to individual pupils with disabilities for purposes of the requirements of clauses (i) to (iii), inclusive, shall be subject to applicable state and federal laws regarding the privacy of pupil information.
(C)Policies pursuant to subdivision (d) of Section 48915 for pupils who committed an act listed in subdivision (c) of Section 48915 and other school-designated serious acts that would lead to suspension, expulsion, or mandatory expulsion recommendations pursuant to Article 1 (commencing with Section 48900) of Chapter 6 of Part 27 of Division 4 of Title 2.
(D)Procedures to notify teachers of dangerous pupils pursuant to Section 49079.
(E)A discrimination and harassment policy consistent with the prohibition against discrimination contained in Chapter 2 (commencing with Section 200) of Part 1.
(F)The provisions of any schoolwide dress code, pursuant to Section 35183, that prohibits pupils from wearing gang-related apparel, if the school has adopted that type of a dress code. For those purposes, the comprehensive school safety plan shall define gang-related apparel. The definition shall be limited to apparel that, if worn or displayed on a school campus, reasonably could be determined to threaten the health and safety of the school environment. A schoolwide dress code established pursuant to this section and Section 35183 shall be enforced on the school campus and at any school-sponsored activity by the principal of the school or the person designated by the principal. For purposes of this subparagraph, gang-related apparel shall not be considered a protected form of speech pursuant to Section 48950.
(G)Procedures for safe ingress and egress of pupils, parents, and school employees to and from school.
(H)A safe and orderly environment conducive to learning at the school.
(I)The rules and procedures on school discipline adopted pursuant to Sections 35291, 35291.5, 47605, and 47605.6.
(J)Procedures for conducting tactical responses to criminal incidents, including procedures related to individuals with guns on school campuses and at school-related functions. The procedures to prepare for active shooters or other armed assailants shall be based on the specific needs and context of each school and community.
(K)If a comprehensive school safety plan includes procedures to prepare for active shooters or other armed assailants by conducting a drill, a school shall comply with all of the following relating to the drill:
(i)(I)The school shall not conduct a high-intensity drill.
(II)For purposes of this clause, high-intensity drill means a drill that includes simulations that mimic an actual school shooter or other armed assailant incident, including, but not limited to, theatrical makeup or other materials to give an image of blood or gunshot wounds, acting by an individual posing to be the assailant, acting by individuals posing as victims, or simulations that instruct pupils to actively resist an assailant by throwing objects, attacking, or swarming the assailant.
(ii)The school shall not include the use of real weapons, gunfire blanks, or explosions in the conducting of the drill.
(iii)The school shall ensure a trauma-informed approach to the design and execution of any drill, which shall include all of the following:
(I)Age-appropriate and developmentally appropriate drill content and terminology developed with the involvement of school personnel, including school-based mental health professionals.
(II)Notice to all parents and guardians of pupils, teachers, administrators, and school personnel subject to the drills in advance of the drill and of the drills expected length of time.
(III)The ability for parents or guardians to opt their child or children out of the drills.
(IV)An announcement to pupils and educators immediately before the start of the drills and an announcement to pupils and educators immediately after the drills have concluded.
(V)A notice to all parents and guardians after the drill has concluded.
(VI)The provision of contact information for community-based resources, including local organizations with objectives to reduce gun violence or provide mental health counseling, to parents or guardians, pupils, and staff who are negatively impacted by the drills, and, where available, prioritizing school-based resources.
(K)(L)Procedures to assess and respond to reports of any dangerous, violent, or unlawful activity that is being conducted or threatened to be conducted at the school, at an activity sponsored by the school, or on a schoolbus serving the school.
(M)(i)When a comprehensive school safety plan is next reviewed and updated on or after July 1, 2025, procedures to respond to incidents involving an individual experiencing a sudden cardiac arrest or a similar life-threatening medical emergency while on school grounds.
(ii)The procedures described in clause (i) are encouraged to integrate evidence-based core elements, including any cardiopulmonary resuscitation training offered and the placement of any automated external defibrillator available on the schoolsite in accordance with nationally recognized evidence-based emergency cardiac care guidelines, as dictated by the school safety plan.
(L)(N)For schools that serve pupils in any of grades 7 to 12, inclusive, a protocol in the event a pupil is suffering or is reasonably believed to be suffering from an opioid overdose.
(3)(A)Beginning July 1, 2025, an instructional continuity plan to establish communication with pupils and their families and provide instruction to pupils when in-person instruction is disrupted due to an emergency pursuant to Section 41422 or subdivision (a) of Section 46392. The plan shall include all the following:
(i)Procedures for pupil engagement, as soon as practicable, and no later than five calendar days following the emergency. Procedures shall be designed to establish two-way communication with pupils and their families and identify and provide supports for pupils social-emotional, mental health, and academic needs.
(ii)A plan to provide access to in-person instruction or remote instruction pursuant to Sections 51747 and 51749.5, as soon as practicable, but no later than 10 instructional days following the emergency. The plan may include support to pupils and families to enroll in or be temporarily reassigned to another school district, county office of education, or charter school.
(B)Local educational agencies are encouraged to plan to meet instructional standards that are at least equivalent to those applicable to independent study programs.
(C)(i)For purposes of this paragraph, temporarily reassigned means temporarily reassigned to another local educational agency outside of the school district in which the pupils parent or guardian resides. Notwithstanding Section 48200 or any other law, a pupil who is temporarily reassigned shall be deemed to have complied with the residency requirements for attendance in the local educational agency that is temporarily serving the pupil pursuant to this section.
(ii)Notwithstanding Section 48200 or any other law, a school district, county office of education, or charter school may continue to enroll a pupil who is temporarily reassigned to another school district, county office of education, or charter school pursuant to this section in order to facilitate the timely reentry of the pupil in their prior school after the emergency event has ended.
(D)This paragraph applies to school districts, county offices of education, and charter schools.
(b)It is the intent of the Legislature that schools develop comprehensive school safety plans using existing resources, including the materials and services of the partnership, pursuant to this chapter. It is also the intent of the Legislature that schools use the handbook developed and distributed in partnership by the State Department of Educations departments Safe Schools and Violence Prevention Center and the Attorney Generals Crime and Violence Prevention Center entitled Safe Schools: A Planning Guide for Action in conjunction with developing their plan for school safety.
(c)Each schoolsite council or school safety planning committee, in developing and updating a comprehensive school safety plan, shall, where practical, consult, cooperate, and coordinate with other schoolsite councils or school safety planning committees.
(d)The comprehensive school safety plan may be evaluated and amended, as needed, by the school safety planning committee, but shall be evaluated at least once a year, to ensure that the comprehensive school safety plan is properly implemented. An updated file of all safety-related plans and materials shall be readily available for inspection by the public.
(e)As comprehensive school safety plans are reviewed and updated, the Legislature encourages all plans, to the extent that resources are available, to include policies and procedures aimed at the prevention of bullying.
(f)The comprehensive school safety plan, as written and updated by the schoolsite council or school safety planning committee, shall be submitted for approval pursuant to subdivision (a) of Section 32288.
(g)The department shall maintain and conspicuously post on its internet website a compliance checklist for developing a comprehensive school safety plan, and shall update the checklist when necessary.
(h)On or before March 1, 2025, the Superintendent shall develop and post on the departments internet website instructional continuity plan guidance, including guidance for continued academic and school engagement strategies during disruptions in instruction due to emergencies.
SEC. 1.5.Section 32282 of the Education Code is amended to read:32282.(a)The comprehensive school safety plan shall include, but not be limited to, all of the following:
(1)Assessing the current status of school crime committed on school campuses and at school-related functions.
(2)Identifying appropriate strategies and programs that will provide or maintain a high level of school safety and address the schools procedures for complying with existing laws related to school safety, which shall include the development of all of the following:
(A)Child abuse reporting procedures consistent with Article 2.5 (commencing with Section 11164) of Chapter 2 of Title 1 of Part 4 of the Penal Code.
(B)(i)Disaster procedures, routine and emergency, including adaptations for pupils with disabilities in accordance with the federal Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. Sec. 12101 et seq.), the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (20 U.S.C. Sec. 1400 et seq.), and Section 504 of the federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. Sec. 794(a)). The disaster procedures shall also include, but not be limited to, both all of the following:
(I)Establishing an earthquake emergency procedure system in every public school building having an occupant capacity of 50 or more pupils or more than one classroom. A school district or county office of education may work with the Office of Emergency Services and the Alfred E. Alquist Seismic Safety Commission to develop and establish the earthquake emergency procedure system. The system shall include, but not be limited to, all of the following:
(ia)A school building disaster plan, ready for implementation at any time, for maintaining the safety and care of pupils and staff. The department shall provide general direction to school districts and county offices of education on what to include in the school building disaster plan.
(ib)A drop procedure whereby each pupil and staff member takes cover under a table or desk, dropping to their knees, with the head protected by the arms, and the back to the windows. A drop procedure practice shall be held at least once a school quarter in elementary schools and at least once a semester in secondary schools.
(ic)Protective measures to be taken before, during, and following an earthquake.
(id)A program to ensure that pupils and both the certificated and classified staff are aware of, and properly trained in, the earthquake emergency procedure system.
(II)Establishing a procedure to allow a public agency, including the American Red Cross, to use school buildings, grounds, and equipment for mass care and welfare shelters during disasters or other emergencies affecting the public health and welfare. The school district or county office of education shall cooperate with the public agency in furnishing and maintaining the services as the school district or county office of education may deem necessary to meet the needs of the community.
(III)(ia)Commencing with the 202627 fiscal year, establishing a procedure to identify appropriate refuge shelter for all pupils and staff to be used in the event of an evacuation order by local authorities and notify the operational area having jurisdiction within the schools boundaries of this identified refuge, in order to first prioritize the safety of pupils and staff, and then the defense of that structure in the event of a fire. Each public school, including a charter school, serving more than 50 pupils in kindergarten or any of grades 1 to 12, inclusive, that is in a high or very high fire hazard severity zone, identified pursuant to Section 51178 of the Government Code or Section 4204 of the Public Resources Code, shall coordinate the procedure with the operational area having jurisdiction within the schools boundaries. For those schools under the jurisdiction of a school district or county office of education, the school district or county office of education shall be the entity that coordinates with the operational area having jurisdiction within each of the schools boundaries.
(ib)Commencing with the 202627 fiscal year, the development by each public school, including a charter school, serving more than 50 pupils in kindergarten or any of grades 1 to 12, inclusive, that is in a high or very high fire hazard severity zone, identified pursuant to Section 51178 of the Government Code or Section 4204 of the Public Resources Code, of a communication and evacuation plan, to be used in the event of an early notice evacuation warning, that allows enough time to evacuate all pupils and staff. These plans shall clearly identify a decision process to determine whether an evacuation order is appropriate.
(ic)For purposes of this subclause, operational area means an intermediate level of the state emergency services organization, consisting of a county and all political subdivisions within the county area, that serves as a link in the system of communication and coordination between the states emergency operation centers and the operating centers of the political subdivisions that make up the operational area, as described in subdivision (b) of Section 8559 of the Government Code and Section 8605 of the Government Code.
(ii)The evaluation of a comprehensive school safety plan pursuant to subdivision (d) and the review of a school safety plan pursuant to clause (iii) of subparagraph (F) of paragraph (5) of subdivision (c) of Section 47605 or clause (iii) of subparagraph (G) of paragraph (5) of subdivision (b) of Section 47605.6, as applicable, shall include ensuring that the plan includes appropriate adaptations for pupils with disabilities, as required pursuant to clause (i).
(iii)(I)After the first evaluation or review, as applicable, for purposes of subdivision (d) and clause (ii) is conducted, and after each annual evaluation or review thereafter, a school employee, a pupils parent, guardian, or educational rights holder, or a pupil themselves may bring concerns about an individual pupils ability to access disaster safety procedures described in the comprehensive school safety plan or the school safety plan to the school principal. If the school principal determines there is merit to a concern, the principal shall direct the schoolsite council, school safety planning committee, or charter school, as applicable, to make appropriate modifications to the comprehensive school safety plan or school safety plan, as applicable, during the evaluation of the comprehensive school safety plan pursuant to subdivision (d) or the review of the school safety plan pursuant to clause (iii) of subparagraph (F) of paragraph (5) of subdivision (c) of Section 47605 or clause (iii) of subparagraph (G) of paragraph (5) of subdivision (b) of Section 47605.6, as applicable. The school principal may direct the schoolsite council, the school safety planning committee, or the charter school, as applicable, to make such modifications before the evaluation of the comprehensive school safety plan pursuant to subdivision (d) or the review of the school safety plan pursuant to clause (iii) of subparagraph (F) of paragraph (5) of subdivision (c) of Section 47605 or clause (iii) of subparagraph (G) of paragraph (5) of subdivision (b) of Section 47605.6, as applicable.
(II)Subclause (I) does not prohibit a school employee, a pupils parent, guardian, or educational rights holder, or a pupil themselves from bringing their concerns to the school principal before an evaluation or review, as applicable, for purposes of subdivision (d) and clause (ii) is conducted.
(iv)All deliberations of the schoolsite council, school safety planning committee, or charter school, as applicable, related to individual pupils with disabilities for purposes of the requirements of clauses (i) to (iii), inclusive, shall be subject to applicable state and federal laws regarding the privacy of pupil information.
(C)Policies pursuant to subdivision (d) of Section 48915 for pupils who committed an act listed in subdivision (c) of Section 48915 and other school-designated serious acts that would lead to suspension, expulsion, or mandatory expulsion recommendations pursuant to Article 1 (commencing with Section 48900) of Chapter 6 of Part 27 of Division 4 of Title 2.
(D)Procedures to notify teachers of dangerous pupils pursuant to Section 49079.
(E)A discrimination and harassment policy consistent with the prohibition against discrimination contained in Chapter 2 (commencing with Section 200) of Part 1.
(F)The provisions of any schoolwide dress code, pursuant to Section 35183, that prohibits pupils from wearing gang-related apparel, if the school has adopted that type of a dress code. For those purposes, the comprehensive school safety plan shall define gang-related apparel. The definition shall be limited to apparel that, if worn or displayed on a school campus, reasonably could be determined to threaten the health and safety of the school environment. A schoolwide dress code established pursuant to this section and Section 35183 shall be enforced on the school campus and at any school-sponsored activity by the principal of the school or the person designated by the principal. For purposes of this subparagraph, gang-related apparel shall not be considered a protected form of speech pursuant to Section 48950.
(G)Procedures for safe ingress and egress of pupils, parents, and school employees to and from school.
(H)A safe and orderly environment conducive to learning at the school.
(I)The rules and procedures on school discipline adopted pursuant to Sections 35291, 35291.5, 47605, and 47605.6.
(J)Procedures for conducting tactical responses to criminal incidents, including procedures related to individuals with guns on school campuses and at school-related functions. The procedures to prepare for active shooters or other armed assailants shall be based on the specific needs and context of each school and community.
(K)If a comprehensive school safety plan includes procedures to prepare for active shooters or other armed assailants by conducting a drill, a school shall comply with all of the following relating to the drill:
(i)(I)The school shall not conduct a high-intensity drill.
(II)For purposes of this clause, high-intensity drill means a drill that includes simulations that mimic an actual school shooter or other armed assailant incident, including, but not limited to, theatrical makeup or other materials to give an image of blood or gunshot wounds, acting by an individual posing to be the assailant, acting by individuals posing as victims, or simulations that instruct pupils to actively resist an assailant by throwing objects, attacking, or swarming the assailant.
(ii)The school shall not include the use of real weapons, gunfire blanks, or explosions in the conducting of the drill.
(iii)The school shall ensure a trauma-informed approach to the design and execution of any drill, which shall include all of the following:
(I)Age-appropriate and developmentally appropriate drill content and terminology developed with the involvement of school personnel, including school-based mental health professionals.
(II)Notice to all parents and guardians of pupils, teachers, administrators, and school personnel subject to the drills in advance of the drill and of the drills expected length of time.
(III)The ability for parents or guardians to opt their child or children out of the drills.
(IV)An announcement to pupils and educators immediately before the start of the drills and an announcement to pupils and educators immediately after the drills have concluded.
(V)A notice to all parents and guardians after the drill has concluded.
(VI)The provision of contact information for community-based resources, including local organizations with objectives to reduce gun violence or provide mental health counseling, to parents or guardians, pupils, and staff who are negatively impacted by the drills, and, where available, prioritizing school-based resources.
(K)(L)Procedures to assess and respond to reports of any dangerous, violent, or unlawful activity that is being conducted or threatened to be conducted at the school, at an activity sponsored by the school, or on a schoolbus serving the school.
(L)(M)For schools that serve pupils in any of grades 7 to 12, inclusive, a protocol in the event a pupil is suffering or is reasonably believed to be suffering from an opioid overdose.
(3)(A)Beginning July 1, 2025, an instructional continuity plan to establish communication with pupils and their families and provide instruction to pupils when in-person instruction is disrupted due to an emergency pursuant to Section 41422 or subdivision (a) of Section 46392. The plan shall include all the following:
(i)Procedures for pupil engagement, as soon as practicable, and no later than five calendar days following the emergency. Procedures shall be designed to establish two-way communication with pupils and their families and identify and provide supports for pupils social-emotional, mental health, and academic needs.
(ii)A plan to provide access to in-person instruction or remote instruction pursuant to Sections 51747 and 51749.5, as soon as practicable, but no later than 10 instructional days following the emergency. The plan may include support to pupils and families to enroll in or be temporarily reassigned to another school district, county office of education, or charter school.
(B)Local educational agencies are encouraged to plan to meet instructional standards that are at least equivalent to those applicable to independent study programs.
(C)(i)For purposes of this paragraph, temporarily reassigned means temporarily reassigned to another local educational agency outside of the school district district, but within the county or an immediately adjacent county, in which the pupils parent or guardian resides. Notwithstanding Section 48200 or any other law, a pupil who is temporarily reassigned shall be deemed to have complied with the residency requirements for attendance in the local educational agency that is temporarily serving the pupil pursuant to this section.
(ii)Notwithstanding Section 48200 or any other law, a school district, county office of education, or charter school may continue to enroll a pupil who is temporarily reassigned to another school district, county office of education, or charter school pursuant to this section in order to facilitate the timely reentry of the pupil in their prior school after the emergency event has ended.
(D)This paragraph applies to school districts, county offices of education, and charter schools.
(b)It is the intent of the Legislature that schools develop comprehensive school safety plans using existing resources, including the materials and services of the partnership, pursuant to this chapter. It is also the intent of the Legislature that schools use the handbook developed and distributed in partnership by the State Department of Educations departments Safe Schools and Violence Prevention Center and the Attorney Generals Crime and Violence Prevention Center entitled Safe Schools: A Planning Guide for Action in conjunction with developing their plan for school safety.
(c)Each schoolsite council or school safety planning committee, in developing and updating a comprehensive school safety plan, shall, where practical, consult, cooperate, and coordinate with other schoolsite councils or school safety planning committees.
(d)The comprehensive school safety plan may be evaluated and amended, as needed, by the school safety planning committee, but shall be evaluated at least once a year, to ensure that the comprehensive school safety plan is properly implemented. An updated file of all safety-related plans and materials shall be readily available for inspection by the public.
(e)As comprehensive school safety plans are reviewed and updated, the Legislature encourages all plans, to the extent that resources are available, to include policies and procedures aimed at the prevention of bullying.
(f)The comprehensive school safety plan, as written and updated by the schoolsite council or school safety planning committee, shall be submitted for approval pursuant to subdivision (a) of Section 32288.
(g)The department shall maintain and conspicuously post on its internet website a compliance checklist for developing a comprehensive school safety plan, and shall update the checklist when necessary.
(h)On or before March 1, 2025, the Superintendent shall develop and post on the departments internet website instructional continuity plan guidance, including guidance for continued academic and school engagement strategies during disruptions in instruction due to emergencies.
SEC. 1.6.Section 32282 of the Education Code is amended to read:32282.(a)The comprehensive school safety plan shall include, but not be limited to, all of the following:
(1)Assessing the current status of school crime committed on school campuses and at school-related functions.
(2)Identifying appropriate strategies and programs that will provide or maintain a high level of school safety and address the schools procedures for complying with existing laws related to school safety, which shall include the development of all of the following:
(A)Child abuse reporting procedures consistent with Article 2.5 (commencing with Section 11164) of Chapter 2 of Title 1 of Part 4 of the Penal Code.
(B)(i)Disaster procedures, routine and emergency, including adaptations for pupils with disabilities in accordance with the federal Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. Sec. 12101 et seq.), the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (20 U.S.C. Sec. 1400 et seq.), and Section 504 of the federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. Sec. 794(a)). The disaster procedures shall also include, but not be limited to, both all of the following:
(I)Establishing an earthquake emergency procedure system in every public school building having an occupant capacity of 50 or more pupils or more than one classroom. A school district or county office of education may work with the Office of Emergency Services and the Alfred E. Alquist Seismic Safety Commission to develop and establish the earthquake emergency procedure system. The system shall include, but not be limited to, all of the following:
(ia)A school building disaster plan, ready for implementation at any time, for maintaining the safety and care of pupils and staff. The department shall provide general direction to school districts and county offices of education on what to include in the school building disaster plan.
(ib)A drop procedure whereby each pupil and staff member takes cover under a table or desk, dropping to their knees, with the head protected by the arms, and the back to the windows. A drop procedure practice shall be held at least once a school quarter in elementary schools and at least once a semester in secondary schools.
(ic)Protective measures to be taken before, during, and following an earthquake.
(id)A program to ensure that pupils and both the certificated and classified staff are aware of, and properly trained in, the earthquake emergency procedure system.
(II)Establishing a procedure to allow a public agency, including the American Red Cross, to use school buildings, grounds, and equipment for mass care and welfare shelters during disasters or other emergencies affecting the public health and welfare. The school district or county office of education shall cooperate with the public agency in furnishing and maintaining the services as the school district or county office of education may deem necessary to meet the needs of the community.
(III)(ia)Commencing with the 202627 fiscal year, establishing a procedure to identify appropriate refuge shelter for all pupils and staff to be used in the event of an evacuation order by local authorities and notify the operational area having jurisdiction within the schools boundaries of this identified refuge, in order to first prioritize the safety of pupils and staff, and then the defense of that structure in the event of a fire. Each public school, including a charter school, serving more than 50 pupils in kindergarten or any of grades 1 to 12, inclusive, that is in a high or very high fire hazard severity zone, identified pursuant to Section 51178 of the Government Code or Section 4204 of the Public Resources Code, shall coordinate the procedure with the operational area having jurisdiction within the schools boundaries. For those schools under the jurisdiction of a school district or county office of education, the school district or county office of education shall be the entity that coordinates with the operational area having jurisdiction within each of the schools boundaries.
(ib)Commencing with the 202627 fiscal year, the development by each public school, including a charter school, serving more than 50 pupils in kindergarten or any of grades 1 to 12, inclusive, that is in a high or very high fire hazard severity zone, identified pursuant to Section 51178 of the Government Code or Section 4204 of the Public Resources Code, of a communication and evacuation plan, to be used in the event of an early notice evacuation warning, that allows enough time to evacuate all pupils and staff. These plans shall clearly identify a decision process to determine whether an evacuation order is appropriate.
(ic)For purposes of this subclause, operational area means an intermediate level of the state emergency services organization, consisting of a county and all political subdivisions within the county area, that serves as a link in the system of communication and coordination between the states emergency operation centers and the operating centers of the political subdivisions that make up the operational area, as described in subdivision (b) of Section 8559 of the Government Code and Section 8605 of the Government Code.
(ii)The evaluation of a comprehensive school safety plan pursuant to subdivision (d) and the review of a school safety plan pursuant to clause (iii) of subparagraph (F) of paragraph (5) of subdivision (c) of Section 47605 or clause (iii) of subparagraph (G) of paragraph (5) of subdivision (b) of Section 47605.6, as applicable, shall include ensuring that the plan includes appropriate adaptations for pupils with disabilities, as required pursuant to clause (i).
(iii)(I)After the first evaluation or review, as applicable, for purposes of subdivision (d) and clause (ii) is conducted, and after each annual evaluation or review thereafter, a school employee, a pupils parent, guardian, or educational rights holder, or a pupil themselves may bring concerns about an individual pupils ability to access disaster safety procedures described in the comprehensive school safety plan or the school safety plan to the school principal. If the school principal determines there is merit to a concern, the principal shall direct the schoolsite council, school safety planning committee, or charter school, as applicable, to make appropriate modifications to the comprehensive school safety plan or school safety plan, as applicable, during the evaluation of the comprehensive school safety plan pursuant to subdivision (d) or the review of the school safety plan pursuant to clause (iii) of subparagraph (F) of paragraph (5) of subdivision (c) of Section 47605 or clause (iii) of subparagraph (G) of paragraph (5) of subdivision (b) of Section 47605.6, as applicable. The school principal may direct the schoolsite council, the school safety planning committee, or the charter school, as applicable, to make such modifications before the evaluation of the comprehensive school safety plan pursuant to subdivision (d) or the review of the school safety plan pursuant to clause (iii) of subparagraph (F) of paragraph (5) of subdivision (c) of Section 47605 or clause (iii) of subparagraph (G) of paragraph (5) of subdivision (b) of Section 47605.6, as applicable.
(II)Subclause (I) does not prohibit a school employee, a pupils parent, guardian, or educational rights holder, or a pupil themselves from bringing their concerns to the school principal before an evaluation or review, as applicable, for purposes of subdivision (d) and clause (ii) is conducted.
(iv)All deliberations of the schoolsite council, school safety planning committee, or charter school, as applicable, related to individual pupils with disabilities for purposes of the requirements of clauses (i) to (iii), inclusive, shall be subject to applicable state and federal laws regarding the privacy of pupil information.
(C)Policies pursuant to subdivision (d) of Section 48915 for pupils who committed an act listed in subdivision (c) of Section 48915 and other school-designated serious acts that would lead to suspension, expulsion, or mandatory expulsion recommendations pursuant to Article 1 (commencing with Section 48900) of Chapter 6 of Part 27 of Division 4 of Title 2.
(D)Procedures to notify teachers of dangerous pupils pursuant to Section 49079.
(E)A discrimination and harassment policy consistent with the prohibition against discrimination contained in Chapter 2 (commencing with Section 200) of Part 1.
(F)The provisions of any schoolwide dress code, pursuant to Section 35183, that prohibits pupils from wearing gang-related apparel, if the school has adopted that type of a dress code. For those purposes, the comprehensive school safety plan shall define gang-related apparel. The definition shall be limited to apparel that, if worn or displayed on a school campus, reasonably could be determined to threaten the health and safety of the school environment. A schoolwide dress code established pursuant to this section and Section 35183 shall be enforced on the school campus and at any school-sponsored activity by the principal of the school or the person designated by the principal. For purposes of this subparagraph, gang-related apparel shall not be considered a protected form of speech pursuant to Section 48950.
(G)Procedures for safe ingress and egress of pupils, parents, and school employees to and from school.
(H)A safe and orderly environment conducive to learning at the school.
(I)The rules and procedures on school discipline adopted pursuant to Sections 35291, 35291.5, 47605, and 47605.6.
(J)Procedures for conducting tactical responses to criminal incidents, including procedures related to individuals with guns on school campuses and at school-related functions. The procedures to prepare for active shooters or other armed assailants shall be based on the specific needs and context of each school and community.
(K)Procedures to assess and respond to reports of any dangerous, violent, or unlawful activity that is being conducted or threatened to be conducted at the school, at an activity sponsored by the school, or on a schoolbus serving the school.
(L)(i)When a comprehensive school safety plan is next reviewed and updated on or after July 1, 2025, procedures to respond to incidents involving an individual experiencing a sudden cardiac arrest or a similar life-threatening medical emergency while on school grounds.
(ii)The procedures described in clause (i) are encouraged to integrate evidence-based core elements, including any cardiopulmonary resuscitation training offered and the placement of any automated external defibrillator available on the schoolsite in accordance with nationally recognized evidence-based emergency cardiac care guidelines, as dictated by the school safety plan.
(L)(M)For schools that serve pupils in any of grades 7 to 12, inclusive, a protocol in the event a pupil is suffering or is reasonably believed to be suffering from an opioid overdose.
(3)(A)Beginning July 1, 2025, an instructional continuity plan to establish communication with pupils and their families and provide instruction to pupils when in-person instruction is disrupted due to an emergency pursuant to Section 41422 or subdivision (a) of Section 46392. The plan shall include all the following:
(i)Procedures for pupil engagement, as soon as practicable, and no later than five calendar days following the emergency. Procedures shall be designed to establish two-way communication with pupils and their families and identify and provide supports for pupils social-emotional, mental health, and academic needs.
(ii)A plan to provide access to in-person instruction or remote instruction pursuant to Sections 51747 and 51749.5, as soon as practicable, but no later than 10 instructional days following the emergency. The plan may include support to pupils and families to enroll in or be temporarily reassigned to another school district, county office of education, or charter school.
(B)Local educational agencies are encouraged to plan to meet instructional standards that are at least equivalent to those applicable to independent study programs.
(C)(i)For purposes of this paragraph, temporarily reassigned means temporarily reassigned to another local educational agency outside of the school district district, but within the county or an immediately adjacent county, in which the pupils parent or guardian resides. Notwithstanding Section 48200 or any other law, a pupil who is temporarily reassigned shall be deemed to have complied with the residency requirements for attendance in the local educational agency that is temporarily serving the pupil pursuant to this section.
(ii)Notwithstanding Section 48200 or any other law, a school district, county office of education, or charter school may continue to enroll a pupil who is temporarily reassigned to another school district, county office of education, or charter school pursuant to this section in order to facilitate the timely reentry of the pupil in their prior school after the emergency event has ended.
(D)This paragraph applies to school districts, county offices of education, and charter schools.
(b)It is the intent of the Legislature that schools develop comprehensive school safety plans using existing resources, including the materials and services of the partnership, pursuant to this chapter. It is also the intent of the Legislature that schools use the handbook developed and distributed in partnership by the State Department of Educations departments Safe Schools and Violence Prevention Center and the Attorney Generals Crime and Violence Prevention Center entitled Safe Schools: A Planning Guide for Action in conjunction with developing their plan for school safety.
(c)Each schoolsite council or school safety planning committee, in developing and updating a comprehensive school safety plan, shall, where practical, consult, cooperate, and coordinate with other schoolsite councils or school safety planning committees.
(d)The comprehensive school safety plan may be evaluated and amended, as needed, by the school safety planning committee, but shall be evaluated at least once a year, to ensure that the comprehensive school safety plan is properly implemented. An updated file of all safety-related plans and materials shall be readily available for inspection by the public.
(e)As comprehensive school safety plans are reviewed and updated, the Legislature encourages all plans, to the extent that resources are available, to include policies and procedures aimed at the prevention of bullying.
(f)The comprehensive school safety plan, as written and updated by the schoolsite council or school safety planning committee, shall be submitted for approval pursuant to subdivision (a) of Section 32288.
(g)The department shall maintain and conspicuously post on its internet website a compliance checklist for developing a comprehensive school safety plan, and shall update the checklist when necessary.
(h)On or before March 1, 2025, the Superintendent shall develop and post on the departments internet website instructional continuity plan guidance, including guidance for continued academic and school engagement strategies during disruptions in instruction due to emergencies.
SEC. 1.7.Section 32282 of the Education Code is amended to read:32282.(a)The comprehensive school safety plan shall include, but not be limited to, all of the following:
(1)Assessing the current status of school crime committed on school campuses and at school-related functions.
(2)Identifying appropriate strategies and programs that will provide or maintain a high level of school safety and address the schools procedures for complying with existing laws related to school safety, which shall include the development of all of the following:
(A)Child abuse reporting procedures consistent with Article 2.5 (commencing with Section 11164) of Chapter 2 of Title 1 of Part 4 of the Penal Code.
(B)(i)Disaster procedures, routine and emergency, including adaptations for pupils with disabilities in accordance with the federal Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. Sec. 12101 et seq.), the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (20 U.S.C. Sec. 1400 et seq.), and Section 504 of the federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. Sec. 794(a)). The disaster procedures shall also include, but not be limited to, both all of the following:
(I)Establishing an earthquake emergency procedure system in every public school building having an occupant capacity of 50 or more pupils or more than one classroom. A school district or county office of education may work with the Office of Emergency Services and the Alfred E. Alquist Seismic Safety Commission to develop and establish the earthquake emergency procedure system. The system shall include, but not be limited to, all of the following:
(ia)A school building disaster plan, ready for implementation at any time, for maintaining the safety and care of pupils and staff. The department shall provide general direction to school districts and county offices of education on what to include in the school building disaster plan.
(ib)A drop procedure whereby each pupil and staff member takes cover under a table or desk, dropping to their knees, with the head protected by the arms, and the back to the windows. A drop procedure practice shall be held at least once a school quarter in elementary schools and at least once a semester in secondary schools.
(ic)Protective measures to be taken before, during, and following an earthquake.
(id)A program to ensure that pupils and both the certificated and classified staff are aware of, and properly trained in, the earthquake emergency procedure system.
(II)Establishing a procedure to allow a public agency, including the American Red Cross, to use school buildings, grounds, and equipment for mass care and welfare shelters during disasters or other emergencies affecting the public health and welfare. The school district or county office of education shall cooperate with the public agency in furnishing and maintaining the services as the school district or county office of education may deem necessary to meet the needs of the community.
(III)(ia)Commencing with the 202627 fiscal year, establishing a procedure to identify appropriate refuge shelter for all pupils and staff to be used in the event of an evacuation order by local authorities and notify the operational area having jurisdiction within the schools boundaries of this identified refuge, in order to first prioritize the safety of pupils and staff, and then the defense of that structure in the event of a fire. Each public school, including a charter school, serving more than 50 pupils in kindergarten or any of grades 1 to 12, inclusive, that is in a high or very high fire hazard severity zone, identified pursuant to Section 51178 of the Government Code or Section 4204 of the Public Resources Code, shall coordinate the procedure with the operational area having jurisdiction within the schools boundaries. For those schools under the jurisdiction of a school district or county office of education, the school district or county office of education shall be the entity that coordinates with the operational area having jurisdiction within each of the schools boundaries.
(ib)Commencing with the 202627 fiscal year, the development by each public school, including a charter school, serving more than 50 pupils in kindergarten or any of grades 1 to 12, inclusive, that is in a high or very high fire hazard severity zone, identified pursuant to Section 51178 of the Government Code or Section 4204 of the Public Resources Code, of a communication and evacuation plan, to be used in the event of an early notice evacuation warning, that allows enough time to evacuate all pupils and staff. These plans shall clearly identify a decision process to determine whether an evacuation order is appropriate.
(ic)For purposes of this subclause, operational area means an intermediate level of the state emergency services organization, consisting of a county and all political subdivisions within the county area, that serves as a link in the system of communication and coordination between the states emergency operation centers and the operating centers of the political subdivisions that make up the operational area, as described in subdivision (b) of Section 8559 of the Government Code and Section 8605 of the Government Code.
(ii)The evaluation of a comprehensive school safety plan pursuant to subdivision (d) and the review of a school safety plan pursuant to clause (iii) of subparagraph (F) of paragraph (5) of subdivision (c) of Section 47605 or clause (iii) of subparagraph (G) of paragraph (5) of subdivision (b) of Section 47605.6, as applicable, shall include ensuring that the plan includes appropriate adaptations for pupils with disabilities, as required pursuant to clause (i).
(iii)(I)After the first evaluation or review, as applicable, for purposes of subdivision (d) and clause (ii) is conducted, and after each annual evaluation or review thereafter, a school employee, a pupils parent, guardian, or educational rights holder, or a pupil themselves may bring concerns about an individual pupils ability to access disaster safety procedures described in the comprehensive school safety plan or the school safety plan to the school principal. If the school principal determines there is merit to a concern, the principal shall direct the schoolsite council, school safety planning committee, or charter school, as applicable, to make appropriate modifications to the comprehensive school safety plan or school safety plan, as applicable, during the evaluation of the comprehensive school safety plan pursuant to subdivision (d) or the review of the school safety plan pursuant to clause (iii) of subparagraph (F) of paragraph (5) of subdivision (c) of Section 47605 or clause (iii) of subparagraph (G) of paragraph (5) of subdivision (b) of Section 47605.6, as applicable. The school principal may direct the schoolsite council, the school safety planning committee, or the charter school, as applicable, to make such modifications before the evaluation of the comprehensive school safety plan pursuant to subdivision (d) or the review of the school safety plan pursuant to clause (iii) of subparagraph (F) of paragraph (5) of subdivision (c) of Section 47605 or clause (iii) of subparagraph (G) of paragraph (5) of subdivision (b) of Section 47605.6, as applicable.
(II)Subclause (I) does not prohibit a school employee, a pupils parent, guardian, or educational rights holder, or a pupil themselves from bringing their concerns to the school principal before an evaluation or review, as applicable, for purposes of subdivision (d) and clause (ii) is conducted.
(iv)All deliberations of the schoolsite council, school safety planning committee, or charter school, as applicable, related to individual pupils with disabilities for purposes of the requirements of clauses (i) to (iii), inclusive, shall be subject to applicable state and federal laws regarding the privacy of pupil information.
(C)Policies pursuant to subdivision (d) of Section 48915 for pupils who committed an act listed in subdivision (c) of Section 48915 and other school-designated serious acts that would lead to suspension, expulsion, or mandatory expulsion recommendations pursuant to Article 1 (commencing with Section 48900) of Chapter 6 of Part 27 of Division 4 of Title 2.
(D)Procedures to notify teachers of dangerous pupils pursuant to Section 49079.
(E)A discrimination and harassment policy consistent with the prohibition against discrimination contained in Chapter 2 (commencing with Section 200) of Part 1.
(F)The provisions of any schoolwide dress code, pursuant to Section 35183, that prohibits pupils from wearing gang-related apparel, if the school has adopted that type of a dress code. For those purposes, the comprehensive school safety plan shall define gang-related apparel. The definition shall be limited to apparel that, if worn or displayed on a school campus, reasonably could be determined to threaten the health and safety of the school environment. A schoolwide dress code established pursuant to this section and Section 35183 shall be enforced on the school campus and at any school-sponsored activity by the principal of the school or the person designated by the principal. For purposes of this subparagraph, gang-related apparel shall not be considered a protected form of speech pursuant to Section 48950.
(G)Procedures for safe ingress and egress of pupils, parents, and school employees to and from school.
(H)A safe and orderly environment conducive to learning at the school.
(I)The rules and procedures on school discipline adopted pursuant to Sections 35291, 35291.5, 47605, and 47605.6.
(J)Procedures for conducting tactical responses to criminal incidents, including procedures related to individuals with guns on school campuses and at school-related functions. The procedures to prepare for active shooters or other armed assailants shall be based on the specific needs and context of each school and community.
(K)If a comprehensive school safety plan includes procedures to prepare for active shooters or other armed assailants by conducting a drill, a school shall comply with all of the following relating to the drill:
(i)(I)The school shall not conduct a high-intensity drill.
(II)For purposes of this clause, high-intensity drill means a drill that includes simulations that mimic an actual school shooter or other armed assailant incident, including, but not limited to, theatrical makeup or other materials to give an image of blood or gunshot wounds, acting by an individual posing to be the assailant, acting by individuals posing as victims, or simulations that instruct pupils to actively resist an assailant by throwing objects, attacking, or swarming the assailant.
(ii)The school shall not include the use of real weapons, gunfire blanks, or explosions in the conducting of the drill.
(iii)The school shall ensure a trauma-informed approach to the design and execution of any drill, which shall include all of the following:
(I)Age-appropriate and developmentally appropriate drill content and terminology developed with the involvement of school personnel, including school-based mental health professionals.
(II)Notice to all parents and guardians of pupils, teachers, administrators, and school personnel subject to the drills in advance of the drill and of the drills expected length of time.
(III)The ability for parents or guardians to opt their child or children out of the drills.
(IV)An announcement to pupils and educators immediately before the start of the drills and an announcement to pupils and educators immediately after the drills have concluded.
(V)A notice to all parents and guardians after the drill has concluded.
(VI)The provision of contact information for community-based resources, including local organizations with objectives to reduce gun violence or provide mental health counseling, to parents or guardians, pupils, and staff who are negatively impacted by the drills, and, where available, prioritizing school-based resources.
(K)(L)Procedures to assess and respond to reports of any dangerous, violent, or unlawful activity that is being conducted or threatened to be conducted at the school, at an activity sponsored by the school, or on a schoolbus serving the school.
(M)(i)When a comprehensive school safety plan is next reviewed and updated on or after July 1, 2025, procedures to respond to incidents involving an individual experiencing a sudden cardiac arrest or a similar life-threatening medical emergency while on school grounds.
(ii)The procedures described in clause (i) are encouraged to integrate evidence-based core elements, including any cardiopulmonary resuscitation training offered and the placement of any automated external defibrillator available on the schoolsite in accordance with nationally recognized evidence-based emergency cardiac care guidelines, as dictated by the school safety plan.
(L)(N)For schools that serve pupils in any of grades 7 to 12, inclusive, a protocol in the event a pupil is suffering or is reasonably believed to be suffering from an opioid overdose.
(3)(A)Beginning July 1, 2025, an instructional continuity plan to establish communication with pupils and their families and provide instruction to pupils when in-person instruction is disrupted due to an emergency pursuant to Section 41422 or subdivision (a) of Section 46392. The plan shall include all the following:
(i)Procedures for pupil engagement, as soon as practicable, and no later than five calendar days following the emergency. Procedures shall be designed to establish two-way communication with pupils and their families and identify and provide supports for pupils social-emotional, mental health, and academic needs.
(ii)A plan to provide access to in-person instruction or remote instruction pursuant to Sections 51747 and 51749.5, as soon as practicable, but no later than 10 instructional days following the emergency. The plan may include support to pupils and families to enroll in or be temporarily reassigned to another school district, county office of education, or charter school.
(B)Local educational agencies are encouraged to plan to meet instructional standards that are at least equivalent to those applicable to independent study programs.
(C)(i)For purposes of this paragraph, temporarily reassigned means temporarily reassigned to another local educational agency outside of the school district district, but within the county or an immediately adjacent county, in which the pupils parent or guardian resides. Notwithstanding Section 48200 or any other law, a pupil who is temporarily reassigned shall be deemed to have complied with the residency requirements for attendance in the local educational agency that is temporarily serving the pupil pursuant to this section.
(ii)Notwithstanding Section 48200 or any other law, a school district, county office of education, or charter school may continue to enroll a pupil who is temporarily reassigned to another school district, county office of education, or charter school pursuant to this section in order to facilitate the timely reentry of the pupil in their prior school after the emergency event has ended.
(D)This paragraph applies to school districts, county offices of education, and charter schools.
(b)It is the intent of the Legislature that schools develop comprehensive school safety plans using existing resources, including the materials and services of the partnership, pursuant to this chapter. It is also the intent of the Legislature that schools use the handbook developed and distributed in partnership by the State Department of Educations departments Safe Schools and Violence Prevention Center and the Attorney Generals Crime and Violence Prevention Center entitled Safe Schools: A Planning Guide for Action in conjunction with developing their plan for school safety.
(c)Each schoolsite council or school safety planning committee, in developing and updating a comprehensive school safety plan, shall, where practical, consult, cooperate, and coordinate with other schoolsite councils or school safety planning committees.
(d)The comprehensive school safety plan may be evaluated and amended, as needed, by the school safety planning committee, but shall be evaluated at least once a year, to ensure that the comprehensive school safety plan is properly implemented. An updated file of all safety-related plans and materials shall be readily available for inspection by the public.
(e)As comprehensive school safety plans are reviewed and updated, the Legislature encourages all plans, to the extent that resources are available, to include policies and procedures aimed at the prevention of bullying.
(f)The comprehensive school safety plan, as written and updated by the schoolsite council or school safety planning committee, shall be submitted for approval pursuant to subdivision (a) of Section 32288.
(g)The department shall maintain and conspicuously post on its internet website a compliance checklist for developing a comprehensive school safety plan, and shall update the checklist when necessary.
(h)On or before March 1, 2025, the Superintendent shall develop and post on the departments internet website instructional continuity plan guidance, including guidance for continued academic and school engagement strategies during disruptions in instruction due to emergencies.
SEC. 2.(a)Section 1.1 of this bill incorporates amendments to Section 32282 of the Education Code proposed by both this bill and Assembly Bill 1858. That section of this bill shall only become operative if (1) both bills are enacted and become effective on or before January 1, 2025, (2) each bill amends Section 32282 of the Education Code, (3) Assembly Bill 2887, Assembly Bill 176, and Senate Bill 176 are all not enacted or as enacted do not amend that section, and (4) this bill is enacted after Assembly Bill 1858, in which case Sections 1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, and 1.7 of this bill shall not become operative.
(b)Section 1.2 of this bill incorporates amendments to Section 32282 of the Education Code proposed by both this bill and Assembly Bill 2887. That section of this bill shall only become operative if (1) both bills are enacted and become effective on or before January 1, 2025, (2) each bill amends Section 32282 of the Education Code, (3) Assembly Bill 1858, Assembly Bill 176, and Senate Bill 176 are all not enacted or as enacted do not amend that section, and (4) this bill is enacted after Assembly Bill 2887, in which case Sections 1, 1.1, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, and 1.7 of this bill shall not become operative.
(c)Section 1.3 of this bill incorporates amendments to Section 32282 of the Education Code proposed by this bill, Assembly Bill 176, and Senate Bill 176. That section of this bill shall only become operative if (1) this bill and one or both of Assembly Bill 176 and Senate Bill 176 are enacted and become effective on or before January 1, 2025, (2) this bill and one or both of Assembly Bill 176 and Senate Bill 176, as enacted, amend Section 32282 of the Education Code, (3) Assembly Bill 1858 and Assembly Bill 2887 are both not enacted or as enacted do not amend that section, and (4) this bill is enacted last of the bills amending Section 32282 of the Education Code, in which case Section 32282 of the Education Code, as amended by either Assembly Bill 176 or Senate Bill 176, whichever is operative, shall remain operative only until the operative date of this bill, at which time Section 1.3 of this bill shall become operative, and Sections 1, 1.1, 1.2, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, and 1.7 of this bill shall not become operative.
(d)Section 1.4 of this bill incorporates amendments to Section 32282 of the Education Code proposed by this bill, Assembly Bill 1858, and Assembly Bill 2887. That section of this bill shall only become operative if (1) all three bills are enacted and become effective on or before January 1, 2025, (2) each bill amends Section 32282 of the Education Code, (3) Assembly Bill 176 and Senate Bill 176 are both not enacted or as enacted do not amend that section, and (4) this bill is enacted after both Assembly Bill 1858 and Assembly Bill 2887, in which case Sections 1, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.5, 1.6, and 1.7 of this bill shall not become operative.
(e)Section 1.5 of this bill incorporates amendments to Section 32282 of the Education Code proposed by this bill, Assembly Bill 1858, Assembly Bill 176, and Senate Bill 176. That section of this bill shall only become operative if (1) this bill, Assembly Bill 1858, and one or both of Assembly Bill 176 and Senate Bill 176 are enacted and become effective on or before January 1, 2025, (2) this bill, Assembly Bill 1858, and one or both of Assembly Bill 176 and Senate Bill 176, as enacted, amend Section 32282 of the Education Code, (3) Assembly Bill 2887 is not enacted or as enacted does not amend that section, and (4) this bill is enacted last of the bills amending Section 32282 of the Education Code, in which case Section 32282 of the Education Code, as amended by either Assembly Bill 176 or Senate Bill 176, whichever is operative, shall remain operative only until the operative date of this bill, at which time Section 1.5 of this bill shall become operative, and Sections 1, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.6, and 1.7 of this bill shall not become operative.
(f)Section 1.6 of this bill incorporates amendments to Section 32282 of the Education Code proposed by this bill, Assembly Bill 2887, Assembly Bill 176, and Senate Bill 176. That section of this bill shall only become operative if (1) this bill, Assembly Bill 2887, and one or both of Assembly Bill 176 and Senate Bill 176 are enacted and become effective on or before January 1, 2025, (2) this bill, Assembly Bill 2887, and one or both of Assembly Bill 176 and Senate Bill 176, as enacted, amend Section 32282 of the Education Code, (3) Assembly Bill 1858 is not enacted or as enacted does not amend that section, and (4) this bill is enacted last of the bills amending Section 32282 of the Education Code, in which case Section 32282 of the Education Code, as amended by either Assembly Bill 176 or Senate Bill 176, whichever is operative, shall remain operative only until the operative date of this bill, at which time Section 1.6 of this bill shall become operative, and Sections 1, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, and 1.7 of this bill shall not become operative.
(g)Section 1.7 of this bill incorporates amendments to Section 32282 of the Education Code proposed by this bill, Assembly Bill 1858, Assembly Bill 2887, Assembly Bill 176, and Senate Bill 176. That section of this bill shall only become operative if (1) this bill, Assembly Bill 1858, Assembly Bill 2887, and one or both of Assembly Bill 176 and Senate Bill 176 are enacted and become effective on or before January 1, 2025, (2) this bill, Assembly Bill 1858, Assembly Bill 2887, and one or both of Assembly Bill 176 and Senate Bill 176, as enacted, amend Section 32282 of the Education Code, and (3) this bill is enacted last of those bills, in which case Section 32282 of the Education Code, as amended by either Assembly Bill 176 or Senate Bill 176, whichever is operative, shall remain operative only until the operative date of this bill, at which time Section 1.7 of this bill shall become operative, and Sections 1, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, and 1.6 of this bill shall not become operative.
SEC. 2.SEC. 3.If the Commission on State Mandates determines that this act contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement to local agencies and school districts for those costs shall be made pursuant to Part 7 (commencing with Section 17500) of Division 4 of Title 2 of the Government Code.
(a)The comprehensive school safety plan shall include, but not be limited to, all of the following:
(1)Assessing the current status of school crime committed on school campuses and at school-related functions.
(2)Identifying appropriate strategies and programs that will provide or maintain a high level of school safety and address the schools procedures for complying with existing laws related to school safety, which shall include the development of all of the following:
(A)Child abuse reporting procedures consistent with Article 2.5 (commencing with Section 11164) of Chapter 2 of Title 1 of Part 4 of the Penal Code.
(B)(i)Disaster procedures, routine and emergency, including adaptations for pupils with disabilities in accordance with the federal Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. Sec. 12101 et seq.), the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (20 U.S.C. Sec. 1400 et seq.), and Section 504 of the federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. Sec. 794(a)). The disaster procedures shall also include, but not be limited to, both all of the following:
(I)Establishing an earthquake emergency procedure system in every public school building having an occupant capacity of 50 or more pupils or more than one classroom. A school district or county office of education may work with the Office of Emergency Services and the Alfred E. Alquist Seismic Safety Commission to develop and establish the earthquake emergency procedure system. The system shall include, but not be limited to, all of the following:
(ia)A school building disaster plan, ready for implementation at any time, for maintaining the safety and care of pupils and staff. The department shall provide general direction to school districts and county offices of education on what to include in the school building disaster plan.
(ib)A drop procedure whereby each pupil and staff member takes cover under a table or desk, dropping to their knees, with the head protected by the arms, and the back to the windows. A drop procedure practice shall be held at least once a school quarter in elementary schools and at least once a semester in secondary schools.
(ic)Protective measures to be taken before, during, and following an earthquake.
(id)A program to ensure that pupils and both the certificated and classified staff are aware of, and properly trained in, the earthquake emergency procedure system.
(II)Establishing a procedure to allow a public agency, including the American Red Cross, to use school buildings, grounds, and equipment for mass care and welfare shelters during disasters or other emergencies affecting the public health and welfare. The school district or county office of education shall cooperate with the public agency in furnishing and maintaining the services as the school district or county office of education may deem necessary to meet the needs of the community.
(III)(ia)Commencing with the 202627 fiscal year, establishing a procedure to identify appropriate refuge shelter for all pupils and staff to be used in the event of an evacuation order by local authorities and notify the operational area having jurisdiction within the schools boundaries of this identified refuge, in order to first prioritize the safety of pupils and staff, and then the defense of that structure in the event of a fire. Each public school, including a charter school, serving more than 50 pupils in kindergarten or any of grades 1 to 12, inclusive, that is in a high or very high fire hazard severity zone, identified pursuant to Section 51178 of the Government Code or Section 4204 of the Public Resources Code, shall coordinate the procedure with the operational area having jurisdiction within the schools boundaries. For those schools under the jurisdiction of a school district or county office of education, the school district or county office of education shall be the entity that coordinates with the operational area having jurisdiction within each of the schools boundaries.
(ib)Commencing with the 202627 fiscal year, the development by each public school, including a charter school, serving more than 50 pupils in kindergarten or any of grades 1 to 12, inclusive, that is in a high or very high fire hazard severity zone, identified pursuant to Section 51178 of the Government Code or Section 4204 of the Public Resources Code, of a communication and evacuation plan, to be used in the event of an early notice evacuation warning, that allows enough time to evacuate all pupils and staff. These plans shall clearly identify a decision process to determine whether an evacuation order is appropriate.
(ic)For purposes of this subclause, operational area means an intermediate level of the state emergency services organization, consisting of a county and all political subdivisions within the county area, that serves as a link in the system of communication and coordination between the states emergency operation centers and the operating centers of the political subdivisions that make up the operational area, as described in subdivision (b) of Section 8559 of the Government Code and Section 8605 of the Government Code.
(ii)The evaluation of a comprehensive school safety plan pursuant to subdivision (d) and the review of a school safety plan pursuant to clause (iii) of subparagraph (F) of paragraph (5) of subdivision (c) of Section 47605 or clause (iii) of subparagraph (G) of paragraph (5) of subdivision (b) of Section 47605.6, as applicable, shall include ensuring that the plan includes appropriate adaptations for pupils with disabilities, as required pursuant to clause (i).
(iii)(I)After the first evaluation or review, as applicable, for purposes of subdivision (d) and clause (ii) is conducted, and after each annual evaluation or review thereafter, a school employee, a pupils parent, guardian, or educational rights holder, or a pupil themselves may bring concerns about an individual pupils ability to access disaster safety procedures described in the comprehensive school safety plan or the school safety plan to the school principal. If the school principal determines there is merit to a concern, the principal shall direct the schoolsite council, school safety planning committee, or charter school, as applicable, to make appropriate modifications to the comprehensive school safety plan or school safety plan, as applicable, during the evaluation of the comprehensive school safety plan pursuant to subdivision (d) or the review of the school safety plan pursuant to clause (iii) of subparagraph (F) of paragraph (5) of subdivision (c) of Section 47605 or clause (iii) of subparagraph (G) of paragraph (5) of subdivision (b) of Section 47605.6, as applicable. The school principal may direct the schoolsite council, the school safety planning committee, or the charter school, as applicable, to make such modifications before the evaluation of the comprehensive school safety plan pursuant to subdivision (d) or the review of the school safety plan pursuant to clause (iii) of subparagraph (F) of paragraph (5) of subdivision (c) of Section 47605 or clause (iii) of subparagraph (G) of paragraph (5) of subdivision (b) of Section 47605.6, as applicable.
(II)Subclause (I) does not prohibit a school employee, a pupils parent, guardian, or educational rights holder, or a pupil themselves from bringing their concerns to the school principal before an evaluation or review, as applicable, for purposes of subdivision (d) and clause (ii) is conducted.
(iv)All deliberations of the schoolsite council, school safety planning committee, or charter school, as applicable, related to individual pupils with disabilities for purposes of the requirements of clauses (i) to (iii), inclusive, shall be subject to applicable state and federal laws regarding the privacy of pupil information.
(C)Policies pursuant to subdivision (d) of Section 48915 for pupils who committed an act listed in subdivision (c) of Section 48915 and other school-designated serious acts that would lead to suspension, expulsion, or mandatory expulsion recommendations pursuant to Article 1 (commencing with Section 48900) of Chapter 6 of Part 27 of Division 4 of Title 2.
(D)Procedures to notify teachers of dangerous pupils pursuant to Section 49079.
(E)A discrimination and harassment policy consistent with the prohibition against discrimination contained in Chapter 2 (commencing with Section 200) of Part 1.
(F)The provisions of any schoolwide dress code, pursuant to Section 35183, that prohibits pupils from wearing gang-related apparel, if the school has adopted that type of a dress code. For those purposes, the comprehensive school safety plan shall define gang-related apparel. The definition shall be limited to apparel that, if worn or displayed on a school campus, reasonably could be determined to threaten the health and safety of the school environment. A schoolwide dress code established pursuant to this section and Section 35183 shall be enforced on the school campus and at any school-sponsored activity by the principal of the school or the person designated by the principal. For purposes of this subparagraph, gang-related apparel shall not be considered a protected form of speech pursuant to Section 48950.
(G)Procedures for safe ingress and egress of pupils, parents, and school employees to and from school.
(H)A safe and orderly environment conducive to learning at the school.
(I)The rules and procedures on school discipline adopted pursuant to Sections 35291, 35291.5, 47605, and 47605.6.
(J)Procedures for conducting tactical responses to criminal incidents, including procedures related to individuals with guns on school campuses and at school-related functions. The procedures to prepare for active shooters or other armed assailants shall be based on the specific needs and context of each school and community.
(K)Procedures to assess and respond to reports of any dangerous, violent, or unlawful activity that is being conducted or threatened to be conducted at the school, at an activity sponsored by the school, or on a schoolbus serving the school.
(L)For schools that serve pupils in any of grades 7 to 12, inclusive, a protocol in the event a pupil is suffering or is reasonably believed to be suffering from an opioid overdose.
(3)(A)Beginning July 1, 2025, an instructional continuity plan to establish communication with pupils and their families and provide instruction to pupils when in-person instruction is disrupted due to an emergency pursuant to Section 41422 or subdivision (a) of Section 46392. The plan shall include all the following:
(i)Procedures for pupil engagement, as soon as practicable, and no later than five calendar days following the emergency. Procedures shall be designed to establish two-way communication with pupils and their families and identify and provide supports for pupils social-emotional, mental health, and academic needs.
(ii)A plan to provide access to in-person instruction or remote instruction pursuant to Sections 51747 and 51749.5, as soon as practicable, but no later than 10 instructional days following the emergency. The plan may include support to pupils and families to enroll in or be temporarily reassigned to another school district, county office of education, or charter school.
(B)Local educational agencies are encouraged to plan to meet instructional standards that are at least equivalent to those applicable to independent study programs.
(C)(i)For purposes of this paragraph, temporarily reassigned means temporarily reassigned to another local educational agency outside of the school district in which the pupils parent or guardian resides. Notwithstanding Section 48200 or any other law, a pupil who is temporarily reassigned shall be deemed to have complied with the residency requirements for attendance in the local educational agency that is temporarily serving the pupil pursuant to this section.
(ii)Notwithstanding Section 48200 or any other law, a school district, county office of education, or charter school may continue to enroll a pupil who is temporarily reassigned to another school district, county office of education, or charter school pursuant to this section in order to facilitate the timely reentry of the pupil in their prior school after the emergency event has ended.
(D)This paragraph applies to school districts, county offices of education, and charter schools.
(b)It is the intent of the Legislature that schools develop comprehensive school safety plans using existing resources, including the materials and services of the partnership, pursuant to this chapter. It is also the intent of the Legislature that schools use the handbook developed and distributed in partnership by the State Department of Educations Safe Schools and Violence Prevention Center and the Attorney Generals Crime and Violence Prevention Center entitled Safe Schools: A Planning Guide for Action in conjunction with developing their plan for school safety.
(c)Each schoolsite council or school safety planning committee, in developing and updating a comprehensive school safety plan, shall, where practical, consult, cooperate, and coordinate with other schoolsite councils or school safety planning committees.
(d)The comprehensive school safety plan may be evaluated and amended, as needed, by the school safety planning committee, but shall be evaluated at least once a year, to ensure that the comprehensive school safety plan is properly implemented. An updated file of all safety-related plans and materials shall be readily available for inspection by the public.
(e)As comprehensive school safety plans are reviewed and updated, the Legislature encourages all plans, to the extent that resources are available, to include policies and procedures aimed at the prevention of bullying.
(f)The comprehensive school safety plan, as written and updated by the schoolsite council or school safety planning committee, shall be submitted for approval pursuant to subdivision (a) of Section 32288.
(g)The department shall maintain and conspicuously post on its internet website a compliance checklist for developing a comprehensive school safety plan, and shall update the checklist when necessary.
(h)On or before March 1, 2025, the Superintendent shall develop and post on the departments internet website instructional continuity plan guidance, including guidance for continued academic and school engagement strategies during disruptions in instruction due to emergencies.
SEC. 3.SEC. 2.If the Commission on State Mandates determines that this act contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement to local agencies and school districts for those costs shall be made pursuant to Part 7 (commencing with Section 17500) of Division 4 of Title 2 of the Government Code.
(a)For purposes of this article, the following definitions apply:
(1)Operational area means an intermediate level of the state emergency services organization, consisting of a county and all political subdivisions within the county area, that serves as a link in the system of communication and coordination between the states emergency operation centers and the operating centers of the political subdivisions that make up the operational area, as described in subdivision (b) of Section 8559 of the Government Code and Section 8605 of the Government Code.
(2)School means a private school or a public school, including a charter school, serving more than 50 students or pupils, as applicable, pupils in kindergarten or any of grades 1 to 12, inclusive.
(b)Commencing with the 202627 fiscal year, and annually thereafter, each school in a high or very high fire hazard severity zone, identified pursuant to Section 51178 of the Government Code or Section 4204 of the Public Resources Code, shall comply with the defensible space standards pursuant to Section 51182 of the Government Code or Section 4291 of the Public Resources Code, as applicable, and any subsequent regulations implementing those standards.
(c)The operational area having jurisdiction within the schools boundaries shall annually verify school compliance with the requirements of subdivision (b).
SEC. 2.Section 32282 of the Education Code is amended to read:32282.(a)The comprehensive school safety plan shall include, but not be limited to, both of the following:
(1)Assessing the current status of school crime committed on school campuses and at school-related functions.
(2)Identifying appropriate strategies and programs that will provide or maintain a high level of school safety and address the schools procedures for complying with existing laws related to school safety, which shall include the development of all of the following:
(A)Child abuse reporting procedures consistent with Article 2.5 (commencing with Section 11164) of Chapter 2 of Title 1 of Part 4 of the Penal Code.
(B)(i)Disaster procedures, routine and emergency, including adaptations for pupils with disabilities in accordance with the federal Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. Sec. 12101 et seq.), the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (20 U.S.C. Sec. 1400 et seq.), and Section 504 of the federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. Sec. 794(a)). The disaster procedures shall also include, but not be limited to, all of the following:
(I)Establishing an earthquake emergency procedure system in every public school building having an occupant capacity of 50 or more pupils or more than one classroom. A school district or county office of education may work with the Office of Emergency Services and the Alfred E. Alquist Seismic Safety Commission to develop and establish the earthquake emergency procedure system. The system shall include, but not be limited to, all of the following:
(ia)A school building disaster plan, ready for implementation at any time, for maintaining the safety and care of pupils and staff. The department shall provide general direction to school districts and county offices of education on what to include in the school building disaster plan.
(ib)A drop procedure whereby each pupil and staff member takes cover under a table or desk, dropping to their knees, with the head protected by the arms, and the back to the windows. A drop procedure practice shall be held at least once a school quarter in elementary schools and at least once a semester in secondary schools.
(ic)Protective measures to be taken before, during, and following an earthquake.
(id)A program to ensure that pupils and both the certificated and classified staff are aware of, and properly trained in, the earthquake emergency procedure system.
(II)Establishing a procedure to allow a public agency, including the American Red Cross, to use school buildings, grounds, and equipment for mass care and welfare shelters during disasters or other emergencies affecting the public health and welfare. The school district or county office of education shall cooperate with the public agency in furnishing and maintaining the services as the school district or county office of education may deem necessary to meet the needs of the community.
(III)(ia)Commencing with the 202627 fiscal year, establishing a procedure to identify appropriate refuge shelter for all pupils and staff to be used in the event of an evacuation order by local authorities and notify the operational area having jurisdiction within the schools boundaries of this identified refuge, in order to first prioritize the safety of pupils and staff, and then the defense of that structure in the event of a fire. Each public school that is a school, as defined in Section 32277, and that is in a high or very high fire hazard severity zone, identified pursuant to Section 51178 of the Government Code or Section 4204 of the Public Resources Code, shall coordinate the procedure with the operational area having jurisdiction within the schools boundaries. For those schools under the jurisdiction of a school district or county office of education, the school district or county office of education shall be the entity that coordinates with the operational area having jurisdiction within each of the schools boundaries.
(ib)Commencing with the 202627 fiscal year, the development by each public school that is a school, as defined in Section 32277, and that is in a high or very high fire hazard severity zone, identified pursuant to Section 51178 of the Government Code or Section 4204 of the Public Resources Code, of a communication and evacuation plan, to be used in the event of an early notice evacuation warning, that allows enough time to evacuate all pupils and staff. These plans shall clearly identify a decision process to determine whether an evacuation order is appropriate.
(ic)For purposes of this subclause, operational area has the same meaning as that term is defined in Section 32277.
(ii)The evaluation of a comprehensive school safety plan pursuant to subdivision (d) and the review of a school safety plan pursuant to clause (iii) of subparagraph (F) of paragraph (5) of subdivision (c) of Section 47605 or clause (iii) of subparagraph (G) of paragraph (5) of subdivision (b) of Section 47605.6, as applicable, shall include ensuring that the plan includes appropriate adaptations for pupils with disabilities, as required pursuant to clause (i).
(iii)(I)After the first evaluation or review, as applicable, for purposes of subdivision (d) and clause (ii) is conducted, and after each annual evaluation or review thereafter, a school employee, a pupils parent, guardian, or educational rights holder, or a pupil themselves may bring concerns about an individual pupils ability to access disaster safety procedures described in the comprehensive school safety plan or the school safety plan to the school principal. If the school principal determines there is merit to a concern, the principal shall direct the schoolsite council, school safety planning committee, or charter school, as applicable, to make appropriate modifications to the comprehensive school safety plan or school safety plan, as applicable, during the evaluation of the comprehensive school safety plan pursuant to subdivision (d) or the review of the school safety plan pursuant to clause (iii) of subparagraph (F) of paragraph (5) of subdivision (c) of Section 47605 or clause (iii) of subparagraph (G) of paragraph (5) of subdivision (b) of Section 47605.6, as applicable. The school principal may direct the schoolsite council, the school safety planning committee, or the charter school, as applicable, to make such modifications before the evaluation of the comprehensive school safety plan pursuant to subdivision (d) or the review of the school safety plan pursuant to clause (iii) of subparagraph (F) of paragraph (5) of subdivision (c) of Section 47605 or clause (iii) of subparagraph (G) of paragraph (5) of subdivision (b) of Section 47605.6, as applicable.
(II)Subclause (I) does not prohibit a school employee, a pupils parent, guardian, or educational rights holder, or a pupil themselves from bringing their concerns to the school principal before an evaluation or review, as applicable, for purposes of subdivision (d) and clause (ii) is conducted.
(iv)All deliberations of the schoolsite council, school safety planning committee, or charter school, as applicable, related to individual pupils with disabilities for purposes of the requirements of clauses (i) to (iii), inclusive, shall be subject to applicable state and federal laws regarding the privacy of pupil information.
(C)Policies pursuant to subdivision (d) of Section 48915 for pupils who committed an act listed in subdivision (c) of Section 48915 and other school-designated serious acts that would lead to suspension, expulsion, or mandatory expulsion recommendations pursuant to Article 1 (commencing with Section 48900) of Chapter 6 of Part 27 of Division 4 of Title 2.
(D)Procedures to notify teachers of dangerous pupils pursuant to Section 49079.
(E)A discrimination and harassment policy consistent with the prohibition against discrimination contained in Chapter 2 (commencing with Section 200) of Part 1.
(F)The provisions of any schoolwide dress code, pursuant to Section 35183, that prohibits pupils from wearing gang-related apparel, if the school has adopted that type of a dress code. For those purposes, the comprehensive school safety plan shall define gang-related apparel. The definition shall be limited to apparel that, if worn or displayed on a school campus, reasonably could be determined to threaten the health and safety of the school environment. A schoolwide dress code established pursuant to this section and Section 35183 shall be enforced on the school campus and at any school-sponsored activity by the principal of the school or the person designated by the principal. For purposes of this subparagraph, gang-related apparel shall not be considered a protected form of speech pursuant to Section 48950.
(G)Procedures for safe ingress and egress of pupils, parents, and school employees to and from school.
(H)A safe and orderly environment conducive to learning at the school.
(I)The rules and procedures on school discipline adopted pursuant to Sections 35291, 35291.5, 47605, and 47605.6.
(J)Procedures for conducting tactical responses to criminal incidents, including procedures related to individuals with guns on school campuses and at school-related functions. The procedures to prepare for active shooters or other armed assailants shall be based on the specific needs and context of each school and community.
(K)Procedures to assess and respond to reports of any dangerous, violent, or unlawful activity that is being conducted or threatened to be conducted at the school, at an activity sponsored by the school, or on a schoolbus serving the school.
(L)For schools that serve pupils in any of grades 7 to 12, inclusive, a protocol in the event a pupil is suffering or is reasonably believed to be suffering from an opioid overdose.
(b)It is the intent of the Legislature that schools develop comprehensive school safety plans using existing resources, including the materials and services of the partnership, pursuant to this chapter. It is also the intent of the Legislature that schools use the handbook developed and distributed in partnership by the State Department of Educations Safe Schools and Violence Prevention Center and the Attorney Generals Crime and Violence Prevention Center entitled Safe Schools: A Planning Guide for Action in conjunction with developing their plan for school safety.
(c)Each schoolsite council or school safety planning committee, in developing and updating a comprehensive school safety plan, shall, where practical, consult, cooperate, and coordinate with other schoolsite councils or school safety planning committees.
(d)The comprehensive school safety plan may be evaluated and amended, as needed, by the school safety planning committee, but shall be evaluated at least once a year, to ensure that the comprehensive school safety plan is properly implemented. An updated file of all safety-related plans and materials shall be readily available for inspection by the public.
(e)As comprehensive school safety plans are reviewed and updated, the Legislature encourages all plans, to the extent that resources are available, to include policies and procedures aimed at the prevention of bullying.
(f)The comprehensive school safety plan, as written and updated by the schoolsite council or school safety planning committee, shall be submitted for approval pursuant to subdivision (a) of Section 32288.
(g)The department shall maintain and conspicuously post on its internet website a compliance checklist for developing a comprehensive school safety plan, and shall update the checklist when necessary.
SEC. 3.If the Commission on State Mandates determines that this act contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement to local agencies and school districts for those costs shall be made pursuant to Part 7 (commencing with Section 17500) of Division 4 of Title 2 of the Government Code.
(a)For purposes of this article, school the following definitions apply:
(1)Operational area means an intermediate level of the state emergency services organization, consisting of a county and all political subdivisions within the county area, that serves as a link in the system of communication and coordination between the states emergency operation centers and the operating centers of the political subdivisions that make up the operational area, as described in subdivision (b) of Section 8559 of the Government Code and Section 8605 of the Government Code.
(2)School means a private school or a public school, including a charter school, serving more than 50 students or pupils, as applicable, in kindergarten or any of grades 1 to 12, inclusive.
(b)Commencing with the 202627 fiscal year, and annually thereafter, each school in a high or very high fire hazard severity zone, identified pursuant to Section 51178 of the Government Code or Section 4204 of the Public Resources Code, shall comply with the defensible space standards pursuant to Section 51182 of the Government Code or Section 4291 of the Public Resources Code, as applicable, and any subsequent regulations implementing those standards.
(c)The fire department operational area having jurisdiction within the schools boundaries shall annually verify school compliance with the requirements of subdivision (b).
SEC. 2.Section 32282 of the Education Code is amended to read:32282.(a)The comprehensive school safety plan shall include, but not be limited to, both of the following:
(1)Assessing the current status of school crime committed on school campuses and at school-related functions.
(2)Identifying appropriate strategies and programs that will provide or maintain a high level of school safety and address the schools procedures for complying with existing laws related to school safety, which shall include the development of all of the following:
(A)Child abuse reporting procedures consistent with Article 2.5 (commencing with Section 11164) of Chapter 2 of Title 1 of Part 4 of the Penal Code.
(B)(i)Disaster procedures, routine and emergency, including adaptations for pupils with disabilities in accordance with the federal Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. Sec. 12101 et seq.), the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (20 U.S.C. Sec. 1400 et seq.), and Section 504 of the federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. Sec. 794(a)). The disaster procedures shall also include, but not be limited to, all of the following:
(I)Establishing an earthquake emergency procedure system in every public school building having an occupant capacity of 50 or more pupils or more than one classroom. A school district or county office of education may work with the Office of Emergency Services and the Alfred E. Alquist Seismic Safety Commission to develop and establish the earthquake emergency procedure system. The system shall include, but not be limited to, all of the following:
(ia)A school building disaster plan, ready for implementation at any time, for maintaining the safety and care of pupils and staff. The department shall provide general direction to school districts and county offices of education on what to include in the school building disaster plan.
(ib)A drop procedure whereby each pupil and staff member takes cover under a table or desk, dropping to their knees, with the head protected by the arms, and the back to the windows. A drop procedure practice shall be held at least once a school quarter in elementary schools and at least once a semester in secondary schools.
(ic)Protective measures to be taken before, during, and following an earthquake.
(id)A program to ensure that pupils and both the certificated and classified staff are aware of, and properly trained in, the earthquake emergency procedure system.
(II)Establishing a procedure to allow a public agency, including the American Red Cross, to use school buildings, grounds, and equipment for mass care and welfare shelters during disasters or other emergencies affecting the public health and welfare. The school district or county office of education shall cooperate with the public agency in furnishing and maintaining the services as the school district or county office of education may deem necessary to meet the needs of the community.
(III)(ia)Commencing with the 202627 fiscal year, establishing a procedure to identify appropriate refuge shelter for all pupils and staff to be used in the event of a shelter-in-place an evacuation order by local authorities and notify the fire department operational area having jurisdiction within the schools boundaries of this identified refuge, in order to first prioritize the safety of pupils and staff, and then the defense of that structure in the event of a fire. Each public school that is a school, as defined in Section 32277, and that is in a high or very high fire hazard severity zone, identified pursuant to Section 51178 of the Government Code or Section 4204 of the Public Resources Code, shall coordinate the procedure with the fire department operational area having jurisdiction within the schools boundaries. For those schools under the jurisdiction of a school district or county office of education, the school district or county office of education shall be the entity that coordinates with the fire department operational area having jurisdiction within each of the schools boundaries.
(ib)Commencing with the 202627 fiscal year, the development by each public school that is a school, as defined in Section 32277, and that is in a high or very high fire hazard severity zone, identified pursuant to Section 51178 of the Government Code or Section 4204 of the Public Resources Code, of a communication and evacuation plan, to be used in the event of an early notice evacuation warning, that allows enough time to evacuate all pupils and staff. These plans shall clearly identify a decision process to determine whether an evacuation order or a shelter-in-place order is appropriate.
(ic)For purposes of this subclause, operational area has the same meaning as that term is defined in Section 32277.
(ii)The evaluation of a comprehensive school safety plan pursuant to subdivision (d) and the review of a school safety plan pursuant to clause (iii) of subparagraph (F) of paragraph (5) of subdivision (c) of Section 47605 or clause (iii) of subparagraph (G) of paragraph (5) of subdivision (b) of Section 47605.6, as applicable, shall include ensuring that the plan includes appropriate adaptations for pupils with disabilities, as required pursuant to clause (i).
(iii)(I)After the first evaluation or review, as applicable, for purposes of subdivision (d) and clause (ii) is conducted, and after each annual evaluation or review thereafter, a school employee, a pupils parent, guardian, or educational rights holder, or a pupil themselves may bring concerns about an individual pupils ability to access disaster safety procedures described in the comprehensive school safety plan or the school safety plan to the school principal. If the school principal determines there is merit to a concern, the principal shall direct the schoolsite council, school safety planning committee, or charter school, as applicable, to make appropriate modifications to the comprehensive school safety plan or school safety plan, as applicable, during the evaluation of the comprehensive school safety plan pursuant to subdivision (d) or the review of the school safety plan pursuant to clause (iii) of subparagraph (F) of paragraph (5) of subdivision (c) of Section 47605 or clause (iii) of subparagraph (G) of paragraph (5) of subdivision (b) of Section 47605.6, as applicable. The school principal may direct the schoolsite council, the school safety planning committee, or the charter school, as applicable, to make such modifications before the evaluation of the comprehensive school safety plan pursuant to subdivision (d) or the review of the school safety plan pursuant to clause (iii) of subparagraph (F) of paragraph (5) of subdivision (c) of Section 47605 or clause (iii) of subparagraph (G) of paragraph (5) of subdivision (b) of Section 47605.6, as applicable.
(II)Subclause (I) does not prohibit a school employee, a pupils parent, guardian, or educational rights holder, or a pupil themselves from bringing their concerns to the school principal before an evaluation or review, as applicable, for purposes of subdivision (d) and clause (ii) is conducted.
(iv)All deliberations of the schoolsite council, school safety planning committee, or charter school, as applicable, related to individual pupils with disabilities for purposes of the requirements of clauses (i) to (iii), inclusive, shall be subject to applicable state and federal laws regarding the privacy of pupil information.
(C)Policies pursuant to subdivision (d) of Section 48915 for pupils who committed an act listed in subdivision (c) of Section 48915 and other school-designated serious acts that would lead to suspension, expulsion, or mandatory expulsion recommendations pursuant to Article 1 (commencing with Section 48900) of Chapter 6 of Part 27 of Division 4 of Title 2.
(D)Procedures to notify teachers of dangerous pupils pursuant to Section 49079.
(E)A discrimination and harassment policy consistent with the prohibition against discrimination contained in Chapter 2 (commencing with Section 200) of Part 1.
(F)The provisions of any schoolwide dress code, pursuant to Section 35183, that prohibits pupils from wearing gang-related apparel, if the school has adopted that type of a dress code. For those purposes, the comprehensive school safety plan shall define gang-related apparel. The definition shall be limited to apparel that, if worn or displayed on a school campus, reasonably could be determined to threaten the health and safety of the school environment. A schoolwide dress code established pursuant to this section and Section 35183 shall be enforced on the school campus and at any school-sponsored activity by the principal of the school or the person designated by the principal. For purposes of this subparagraph, gang-related apparel shall not be considered a protected form of speech pursuant to Section 48950.
(G)Procedures for safe ingress and egress of pupils, parents, and school employees to and from school.
(H)A safe and orderly environment conducive to learning at the school.
(I)The rules and procedures on school discipline adopted pursuant to Sections 35291, 35291.5, 47605, and 47605.6.
(J)Procedures for conducting tactical responses to criminal incidents, including procedures related to individuals with guns on school campuses and at school-related functions. The procedures to prepare for active shooters or other armed assailants shall be based on the specific needs and context of each school and community.
(K)Procedures to assess and respond to reports of any dangerous, violent, or unlawful activity that is being conducted or threatened to be conducted at the school, at an activity sponsored by the school, or on a schoolbus serving the school.
(L)For schools that serve pupils in any of grades 7 to 12, inclusive, a protocol in the event a pupil is suffering or is reasonably believed to be suffering from an opioid overdose.
(b)It is the intent of the Legislature that schools develop comprehensive school safety plans using existing resources, including the materials and services of the partnership, pursuant to this chapter. It is also the intent of the Legislature that schools use the handbook developed and distributed in partnership by the State Department of Educations Safe Schools and Violence Prevention Center and the Attorney Generals Crime and Violence Prevention Center entitled Safe Schools: A Planning Guide for Action in conjunction with developing their plan for school safety.
(c)Each schoolsite council or school safety planning committee, in developing and updating a comprehensive school safety plan, shall, where practical, consult, cooperate, and coordinate with other schoolsite councils or school safety planning committees.
(d)The comprehensive school safety plan may be evaluated and amended, as needed, by the school safety planning committee, but shall be evaluated at least once a year, to ensure that the comprehensive school safety plan is properly implemented. An updated file of all safety-related plans and materials shall be readily available for inspection by the public.
(e)As comprehensive school safety plans are reviewed and updated, the Legislature encourages all plans, to the extent that resources are available, to include policies and procedures aimed at the prevention of bullying.
(f)The comprehensive school safety plan, as written and updated by the schoolsite council or school safety planning committee, shall be submitted for approval pursuant to subdivision (a) of Section 32288.
(g)The department shall maintain and conspicuously post on its internet website a compliance checklist for developing a comprehensive school safety plan, and shall update the checklist when necessary.
SEC. 3.If the Commission on State Mandates determines that this act contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement to local agencies and school districts for those costs shall be made pursuant to Part 7 (commencing with Section 17500) of Division 4 of Title 2 of the Government Code.
(b)Commencing with the 202627 fiscal year, and annually thereafter, each school in a high-risk zone high or very high fire hazard severity zone, identified pursuant to Section 51178 of the Government Code or Section 4204 of the Public Resources Code, shall comply with the following defensible space zone standards: defensible space standards pursuant to Section 51182 of the Government Code or Section 4291 of the Public Resources Code, as applicable, and any subsequent regulations implementing those standards.
(1)Keep Zone 0 clear by doing all of the following:(A)Using hardscape, such as gravel, pavers, and concrete.(B)Removing all dead and dying plants, weeds, and debris from roofs, gutters, and stairways.(C)Limiting combustible items.(D)Replacing combustible fencing.(E)Relocating recycling containers outside of Zone 0.(2)Clear dead or dry vegetation and maintain space between trees in Zone 1 by doing all of the following: (A)Removing all dead plants, grass, and weeds. (B)Removing dead or dry leaves and pine needles. (C)Trimming trees regularly to keep branches a minimum of 10 feet from other trees.(D)Creating a separation between trees, shrubs, and items that could catch fire, including furniture, woodpiles, and swing sets.(3)Reduce potential fuel in Zone 2 by doing all of the following:(A)Limiting the maximum height of grass to four inches.(B)Maintaining horizontal space between shrubs and trees, and vertical space between grass, shrubs, and trees.(C)Limiting the maximum depth of fallen leaves, needles, twigs, bark, cones, and small branches to three inches.(D)Maintaining 10 feet of clearance around exposed woodpiles down to mineral soil in all directions.(E)Clearing areas around outbuildings and propane tanks.(c)The fire department having jurisdiction within the schools boundary boundaries shall annually certify verify school compliance with the requirements of subdivision (b).
SEC. 2.Section 32282 of the Education Code is amended to read:32282.(a)The comprehensive school safety plan shall include, but not be limited to, both of the following:
(1)Assessing the current status of school crime committed on school campuses and at school-related functions.
(2)Identifying appropriate strategies and programs that will provide or maintain a high level of school safety and address the schools procedures for complying with existing laws related to school safety, which shall include the development of all of the following:
(A)Child abuse reporting procedures consistent with Article 2.5 (commencing with Section 11164) of Chapter 2 of Title 1 of Part 4 of the Penal Code.
(B)(i)Disaster procedures, routine and emergency, including adaptations for pupils with disabilities in accordance with the federal Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. Sec. 12101 et seq.), the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (20 U.S.C. Sec. 1400 et seq.), and Section 504 of the federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. Sec. 794(a)). The disaster procedures shall also include, but not be limited to, all of the following:
(I)Establishing an earthquake emergency procedure system in every public school building having an occupant capacity of 50 or more pupils or more than one classroom. A school district or county office of education may work with the Office of Emergency Services and the Alfred E. Alquist Seismic Safety Commission to develop and establish the earthquake emergency procedure system. The system shall include, but not be limited to, all of the following:
(ia)A school building disaster plan, ready for implementation at any time, for maintaining the safety and care of pupils and staff. The department shall provide general direction to school districts and county offices of education on what to include in the school building disaster plan.
(ib)A drop procedure whereby each pupil and staff member takes cover under a table or desk, dropping to their knees, with the head protected by the arms, and the back to the windows. A drop procedure practice shall be held at least once a school quarter in elementary schools and at least once a semester in secondary schools.
(ic)Protective measures to be taken before, during, and following an earthquake.
(id)A program to ensure that pupils and both the certificated and classified staff are aware of, and properly trained in, the earthquake emergency procedure system.
(II)Establishing a procedure to allow a public agency, including the American Red Cross, to use school buildings, grounds, and equipment for mass care and welfare shelters during disasters or other emergencies affecting the public health and welfare. The school district or county office of education shall cooperate with the public agency in furnishing and maintaining the services as the school district or county office of education may deem necessary to meet the needs of the community.
(III)(ia)Commencing with the 202627 fiscal year, establishing a procedure to identify appropriate refuge shelter for all pupils and staff to be used in the event of a shelter-in-place order by local authorities and notify the fire department having jurisdiction within the schools boundary boundaries of this identified refuge, in order to first prioritize the safety of pupils and staff, and then the defense of that structure in the event of a fire. Each public school that is a school, as defined in Section 32277, and that is in a high-risk zone, as defined in Section 32277, high or very high fire hazard severity zone, identified pursuant to Section 51178 of the Government Code or Section 4204 of the Public Resources Code, shall coordinate the procedure with the fire department having jurisdiction within the schools boundary. boundaries. For those schools under the jurisdiction of a school district or county office of education, the school district or county office of education shall be the entity that coordinates with the fire department having jurisdiction within each of the schools boundaries.
(ib)Commencing with the 202627 fiscal year, the development by each public school that is a school, as defined in Section 32277, and that is in a high-risk zone, as defined in Section 32277, high or very high fire hazard severity zone, identified pursuant to Section 51178 of the Government Code or Section 4204 of the Public Resources Code, of a communication and evacuation plan, to be used in the event of an early notice evacuation warning, that allows enough time to evacuate all pupils and staff. These plans shall clearly identify a decision process to determine whether an evacuation order or a shelter-in-place order is appropriate.
(ii)The evaluation of a comprehensive school safety plan pursuant to subdivision (d) and the review of a school safety plan pursuant to clause (iii) of subparagraph (F) of paragraph (5) of subdivision (c) of Section 47605 or clause (iii) of subparagraph (G) of paragraph (5) of subdivision (b) of Section 47605.6, as applicable, shall include ensuring that the plan includes appropriate adaptations for pupils with disabilities, as required pursuant to clause (i).
(iii)(I)After the first evaluation or review, as applicable, for purposes of subdivision (d) and clause (ii) is conducted, and after each annual evaluation or review thereafter, a school employee, a pupils parent, guardian, or educational rights holder, or a pupil themselves may bring concerns about an individual pupils ability to access disaster safety procedures described in the comprehensive school safety plan or the school safety plan to the school principal. If the school principal determines there is merit to a concern, the principal shall direct the schoolsite council, school safety planning committee, or charter school, as applicable, to make appropriate modifications to the comprehensive school safety plan or school safety plan, as applicable, during the evaluation of the comprehensive school safety plan pursuant to subdivision (d) or the review of the school safety plan pursuant to clause (iii) of subparagraph (F) of paragraph (5) of subdivision (c) of Section 47605 or clause (iii) of subparagraph (G) of paragraph (5) of subdivision (b) of Section 47605.6, as applicable. The school principal may direct the schoolsite council, the school safety planning committee, or the charter school, as applicable, to make such modifications before the evaluation of the comprehensive school safety plan pursuant to subdivision (d) or the review of the school safety plan pursuant to clause (iii) of subparagraph (F) of paragraph (5) of subdivision (c) of Section 47605 or clause (iii) of subparagraph (G) of paragraph (5) of subdivision (b) of Section 47605.6, as applicable.
(II)Subclause (I) does not prohibit a school employee, a pupils parent, guardian, or educational rights holder, or a pupil themselves from bringing their concerns to the school principal before an evaluation or review, as applicable, for purposes of subdivision (d) and clause (ii) is conducted.
(iv)All deliberations of the schoolsite council, school safety planning committee, or charter school, as applicable, related to individual pupils with disabilities for purposes of the requirements of clauses (i) to (iii), inclusive, shall be subject to applicable state and federal laws regarding the privacy of pupil information.
(C)Policies pursuant to subdivision (d) of Section 48915 for pupils who committed an act listed in subdivision (c) of Section 48915 and other school-designated serious acts that would lead to suspension, expulsion, or mandatory expulsion recommendations pursuant to Article 1 (commencing with Section 48900) of Chapter 6 of Part 27 of Division 4 of Title 2.
(D)Procedures to notify teachers of dangerous pupils pursuant to Section 49079.
(E)A discrimination and harassment policy consistent with the prohibition against discrimination contained in Chapter 2 (commencing with Section 200) of Part 1.
(F)The provisions of any schoolwide dress code, pursuant to Section 35183, that prohibits pupils from wearing gang-related apparel, if the school has adopted that type of a dress code. For those purposes, the comprehensive school safety plan shall define gang-related apparel. The definition shall be limited to apparel that, if worn or displayed on a school campus, reasonably could be determined to threaten the health and safety of the school environment. A schoolwide dress code established pursuant to this section and Section 35183 shall be enforced on the school campus and at any school-sponsored activity by the principal of the school or the person designated by the principal. For purposes of this subparagraph, gang-related apparel shall not be considered a protected form of speech pursuant to Section 48950.
(G)Procedures for safe ingress and egress of pupils, parents, and school employees to and from school.
(H)A safe and orderly environment conducive to learning at the school.
(I)The rules and procedures on school discipline adopted pursuant to Sections 35291, 35291.5, 47605, and 47605.6.
(J)Procedures for conducting tactical responses to criminal incidents, including procedures related to individuals with guns on school campuses and at school-related functions. The procedures to prepare for active shooters or other armed assailants shall be based on the specific needs and context of each school and community.
(K)Procedures to assess and respond to reports of any dangerous, violent, or unlawful activity that is being conducted or threatened to be conducted at the school, at an activity sponsored by the school, or on a schoolbus serving the school.
(L)For schools that serve pupils in any of grades 7 to 12, inclusive, a protocol in the event a pupil is suffering or is reasonably believed to be suffering from an opioid overdose.
(b)It is the intent of the Legislature that schools develop comprehensive school safety plans using existing resources, including the materials and services of the partnership, pursuant to this chapter. It is also the intent of the Legislature that schools use the handbook developed and distributed in partnership by the State Department of Educations Safe Schools and Violence Prevention Center and the Attorney Generals Crime and Violence Prevention Center entitled Safe Schools: A Planning Guide for Action in conjunction with developing their plan for school safety.
(c)Each schoolsite council or school safety planning committee, in developing and updating a comprehensive school safety plan, shall, where practical, consult, cooperate, and coordinate with other schoolsite councils or school safety planning committees.
(d)The comprehensive school safety plan may be evaluated and amended, as needed, by the school safety planning committee, but shall be evaluated at least once a year, to ensure that the comprehensive school safety plan is properly implemented. An updated file of all safety-related plans and materials shall be readily available for inspection by the public.
(e)As comprehensive school safety plans are reviewed and updated, the Legislature encourages all plans, to the extent that resources are available, to include policies and procedures aimed at the prevention of bullying.
(f)The comprehensive school safety plan, as written and updated by the schoolsite council or school safety planning committee, shall be submitted for approval pursuant to subdivision (a) of Section 32288.
(g)The department shall maintain and conspicuously post on its internet website a compliance checklist for developing a comprehensive school safety plan, and shall update the checklist when necessary.
SEC. 3.If the Commission on State Mandates determines that this act contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement to local agencies and school districts for those costs shall be made pursuant to Part 7 (commencing with Section 17500) of Division 4 of Title 2 of the Government Code.
(a)For purposes of this article, the following definitions apply:
(1)High-risk zone means land identified by the State Fire Marshal as a high or very high fire hazard severity zone pursuant to Section 51178 of the Government Code or pursuant to Article 9 (commencing with Section 4201) of Chapter 1 of Part 2 of Division 4 of the Public Resources Code.
(2)School means a public or private school or a public school, including a charter school, serving more than 50 pupils or students students or pupils, as applicable, in kindergarten or any of grades 1 to 12, inclusive.
(3)Zone 0 means the area from a school building to the area within five feet of the school building, or the property line, whichever is closer.
(4)Zone 1 means the area from five 5 feet of a school building to the area 30 feet from a school building, or the property line, whichever is closer.
(5)Zone 2 means the area from 30 feet of a school building to the area 100 feet from a school building, or the property line, whichever is closer.
(b)Commencing with the 202627 fiscal year, each school in a high-risk zone shall comply with the following defensible space zone standards:
(1)Keep Zone 0 clear by doing all of the following:
(A)Using hardscape, such as gravel, pavers, and concrete.
(B)Removing all dead and dying plants, weeds, and debris from roofs, gutters, and stairways.
(C)Limiting combustible items.
(D)Replacing combustible fencing.
(E)Relocating recycling containers outside of Zone 0.
(2)Clear dead or dry vegetation and maintain space between trees in Zone 1 by doing all of the following:
(A)Removing all dead plants, grass, and weeds.
(B)Removing dead or dry leaves and pine needles.
(C)Trimming trees regularly to keep branches a minimum of 10 feet from other trees.
(D)Creating a separation between trees, shrubs, and items that could catch fire, including furniture, wood piles, woodpiles, and swing sets.
(3)Reduce potential fuel in Zone 2 by doing all of the following:
(A)Limiting the maximum height of grass to four inches.
(B)Maintaining horizontal space between shrubs and trees, and vertical space between grass, shrubs, and trees.
(C)Limiting the maximum depth of fallen leaves, needles, twigs, bark, cones, and small branches to three inches.
(D)Maintaining 10 feet of clearance around exposed wood piles woodpiles down to mineral soil in all directions.
(E)Clearing areas around outbuildings and propane tanks.
(c)The fire department having jurisdiction within the schools boundary shall annually certify school compliance with the requirements of subdivision (b).
(d)Each school in a high-risk zone shall coordinate with the fire department having jurisdiction within the schools boundary to identify appropriate refuge shelter for all pupils, students, and staff to be used in the event of a shelter-in-place order by local authorities and notify the fire department having jurisdiction within the schools boundary of this identified refuge, in order to prioritize the defense of that structure in the event of a fire. (e)Each school in a high-risk zone shall develop a communication and evacuation plan, to be used in the event of an early notice evacuation warning, that allows enough time to evacuate all pupils, students, and staff. These plans shall either provide for parents to pick up their children or provide for transportation and drivers to be present to move children to an alternate location. These plans shall clearly identify a decision process to determine whether an evacuation order or a shelter-in-place order is appropriate.SEC. 2.Section 32282 of the Education Code is amended to read:32282.(a)The comprehensive school safety plan shall include, but not be limited to, both of the following:
(1)Assessing the current status of school crime committed on school campuses and at school-related functions.
(2)Identifying appropriate strategies and programs that will provide or maintain a high level of school safety and address the schools procedures for complying with existing laws related to school safety, which shall include the development of all of the following:
(A)Child abuse reporting procedures consistent with Article 2.5 (commencing with Section 11164) of Chapter 2 of Title 1 of Part 4 of the Penal Code.
(B)(i)Disaster procedures, routine and emergency, including adaptations for pupils with disabilities in accordance with the federal Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. Sec. 12101 et seq.), the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (20 U.S.C. Sec. 1400 et seq.), and Section 504 of the federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. Sec. 794(a)). The disaster procedures shall also include, but not be limited to, both all of the following:
(I)Establishing an earthquake emergency procedure system in every public school building having an occupant capacity of 50 or more pupils or more than one classroom. A school district or county office of education may work with the Office of Emergency Services and the Alfred E. Alquist Seismic Safety Commission to develop and establish the earthquake emergency procedure system. The system shall include, but not be limited to, all of the following:
(ia)A school building disaster plan, ready for implementation at any time, for maintaining the safety and care of pupils and staff. The department shall provide general direction to school districts and county offices of education on what to include in the school building disaster plan.
(ib)A drop procedure whereby each pupil and staff member takes cover under a table or desk, dropping to their knees, with the head protected by the arms, and the back to the windows. A drop procedure practice shall be held at least once a school quarter in elementary schools and at least once a semester in secondary schools.
(ic)Protective measures to be taken before, during, and following an earthquake.
(id)A program to ensure that pupils and both the certificated and classified staff are aware of, and properly trained in, the earthquake emergency procedure system.
(II)Establishing a procedure to allow a public agency, including the American Red Cross, to use school buildings, grounds, and equipment for mass care and welfare shelters during disasters or other emergencies affecting the public health and welfare. The school district or county office of education shall cooperate with the public agency in furnishing and maintaining the services as the school district or county office of education may deem necessary to meet the needs of the community.
(III)(ia)Commencing with the 202627 fiscal year, establishing a procedure to identify appropriate refuge shelter for all pupils and staff to be used in the event of a shelter-in-place order by local authorities and notify the fire department having jurisdiction within the schools boundary of this identified refuge, in order to first prioritize the safety of pupils and staff, and then the defense of that structure in the event of a fire. Each public school that is a school, as defined in Section 32277, and that is in a high-risk zone, as defined in Section 32277, shall coordinate the procedure with the fire department having jurisdiction within the schools boundary. For those schools under the jurisdiction of a school district or county office of education, the school district or county office of education shall be the entity that coordinates with the fire department having jurisdiction within each of the schools boundaries.
(ib)Commencing with the 202627 fiscal year, the development by each public school that is a school, as defined in Section 32277, and that is in a high-risk zone, as defined in Section 32277, of a communication and evacuation plan, to be used in the event of an early notice evacuation warning, that allows enough time to evacuate all pupils and staff. These plans shall clearly identify a decision process to determine whether an evacuation order or a shelter-in-place order is appropriate.
(ii)The evaluation of a comprehensive school safety plan pursuant to subdivision (d) and the review of a school safety plan pursuant to clause (iii) of subparagraph (F) of paragraph (5) of subdivision (c) of Section 47605 or clause (iii) of subparagraph (G) of paragraph (5) of subdivision (b) of Section 47605.6, as applicable, shall include ensuring that the plan includes appropriate adaptations for pupils with disabilities, as required pursuant to clause (i).
(iii)(I)After the first evaluation or review, as applicable, for purposes of subdivision (d) and clause (ii) is conducted, and after each annual evaluation or review thereafter, a school employee, a pupils parent, guardian, or educational rights holder, or a pupil themselves may bring concerns about an individual pupils ability to access disaster safety procedures described in the comprehensive school safety plan or the school safety plan to the school principal. If the school principal determines there is merit to a concern, the principal shall direct the schoolsite council, school safety planning committee, or charter school, as applicable, to make appropriate modifications to the comprehensive school safety plan or school safety plan, as applicable, during the evaluation of the comprehensive school safety plan pursuant to subdivision (d) or the review of the school safety plan pursuant to clause (iii) of subparagraph (F) of paragraph (5) of subdivision (c) of Section 47605 or clause (iii) of subparagraph (G) of paragraph (5) of subdivision (b) of Section 47605.6, as applicable. The school principal may direct the schoolsite council, the school safety planning committee, or the charter school, as applicable, to make such modifications before the evaluation of the comprehensive school safety plan pursuant to subdivision (d) or the review of the school safety plan pursuant to clause (iii) of subparagraph (F) of paragraph (5) of subdivision (c) of Section 47605 or clause (iii) of subparagraph (G) of paragraph (5) of subdivision (b) of Section 47605.6, as applicable.
(II)Subclause (I) does not prohibit a school employee, a pupils parent, guardian, or educational rights holder, or a pupil themselves from bringing their concerns to the school principal before an evaluation or review, as applicable, for purposes of subdivision (d) and clause (ii) is conducted.
(iv)All deliberations of the schoolsite council, school safety planning committee, or charter school, as applicable, related to individual pupils with disabilities for purposes of the requirements of clauses (i) to (iii), inclusive, shall be subject to applicable state and federal laws regarding the privacy of pupil information.
(C)Policies pursuant to subdivision (d) of Section 48915 for pupils who committed an act listed in subdivision (c) of Section 48915 and other school-designated serious acts that would lead to suspension, expulsion, or mandatory expulsion recommendations pursuant to Article 1 (commencing with Section 48900) of Chapter 6 of Part 27 of Division 4 of Title 2.
(D)Procedures to notify teachers of dangerous pupils pursuant to Section 49079.
(E)A discrimination and harassment policy consistent with the prohibition against discrimination contained in Chapter 2 (commencing with Section 200) of Part 1.
(F)The provisions of any schoolwide dress code, pursuant to Section 35183, that prohibits pupils from wearing gang-related apparel, if the school has adopted that type of a dress code. For those purposes, the comprehensive school safety plan shall define gang-related apparel. The definition shall be limited to apparel that, if worn or displayed on a school campus, reasonably could be determined to threaten the health and safety of the school environment. A schoolwide dress code established pursuant to this section and Section 35183 shall be enforced on the school campus and at any school-sponsored activity by the principal of the school or the person designated by the principal. For purposes of this subparagraph, gang-related apparel shall not be considered a protected form of speech pursuant to Section 48950.
(G)Procedures for safe ingress and egress of pupils, parents, and school employees to and from school.
(H)A safe and orderly environment conducive to learning at the school.
(I)The rules and procedures on school discipline adopted pursuant to Sections 35291, 35291.5, 47605, and 47605.6.
(J)Procedures for conducting tactical responses to criminal incidents, including procedures related to individuals with guns on school campuses and at school-related functions. The procedures to prepare for active shooters or other armed assailants shall be based on the specific needs and context of each school and community.
(K)Procedures to assess and respond to reports of any dangerous, violent, or unlawful activity that is being conducted or threatened to be conducted at the school, at an activity sponsored by the school, or on a schoolbus serving the school.
(L)For schools that serve pupils in any of grades 7 to 12, inclusive, a protocol in the event a pupil is suffering or is reasonably believed to be suffering from an opioid overdose.
(b)It is the intent of the Legislature that schools develop comprehensive school safety plans using existing resources, including the materials and services of the partnership, pursuant to this chapter. It is also the intent of the Legislature that schools use the handbook developed and distributed in partnership by the State Department of Educations Safe Schools and Violence Prevention Center and the Attorney Generals Crime and Violence Prevention Center entitled Safe Schools: A Planning Guide for Action in conjunction with developing their plan for school safety.
(c)Each schoolsite council or school safety planning committee, in developing and updating a comprehensive school safety plan, shall, where practical, consult, cooperate, and coordinate with other schoolsite councils or school safety planning committees.
(d)The comprehensive school safety plan may be evaluated and amended, as needed, by the school safety planning committee, but shall be evaluated at least once a year, to ensure that the comprehensive school safety plan is properly implemented. An updated file of all safety-related plans and materials shall be readily available for inspection by the public.
(e)As comprehensive school safety plans are reviewed and updated, the Legislature encourages all plans, to the extent that resources are available, to include policies and procedures aimed at the prevention of bullying.
(f)The comprehensive school safety plan, as written and updated by the schoolsite council or school safety planning committee, shall be submitted for approval pursuant to subdivision (a) of Section 32288.
(g)The department shall maintain and conspicuously post on its internet website a compliance checklist for developing a comprehensive school safety plan, and shall update the checklist when necessary.
SEC. 2.SEC. 3.If the Commission on State Mandates determines that this act contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement to local agencies and school districts for those costs shall be made pursuant to Part 7 (commencing with Section 17500) of Division 4 of Title 2 of the Government Code.
(a)For purposes of this article, the following definitions apply:
(1)High risk High-risk zone means land identified by the State Fire Marshal as a high or very high fire hazard severity zone pursuant to Section 51178 of the Government Code or pursuant to Article 9 (commencing with Section 4201) of Chapter 1 of Part 2 of Division 4 of the Public Resources Code.
(2)School means a public or private school serving more than 50 pupils or students in kindergarten or any of grades 1 to 12, inclusive.
(3)Zone 0 means the area from a school building to the area within five feet of the school building, or the property line, whichever is closer.
(4)Zone 1 means the area from 5 five feet of a school building to the area 30 feet from a school building, or the property line, whichever is closer.
(5)Zone 2 means the area from 30 feet of a school building to the area 100 feet from a school building, or the property line, whichever is closer.
(b)Commencing with the 202627 fiscal year, each school in a high risk high-risk zone shall comply with the following defensible space zone standards:
(1)Keep Zone 0 clear by doing all of the following:
(A)Using hardscape, such as gravel, pavers, and concrete.
(B)Removing all dead and dying plants, weeds, and debris from roofs, gutters, and stairways.
(C)Limiting combustible items.
(D)Replacing combustible fencing.
(E)Relocating recycling containers outside of Zone 0.
(2)Clear dead or dry vegetation and maintain space between trees in Zone 1 by doing all of the following:
(A)Removing all dead plants, grass, and weeds.
(B)Removing dead or dry leaves and pine needles.
(C)Trimming trees regularly to keep branches a minimum of 10 feet from other trees.
(D)Creating a separation between trees, shrubs, and items that could catch fire, including furniture, wood piles, and swing sets.
(3)Reduce potential fuel in Zone 2 by doing all of the following:
(A)Limiting the maximum height of grass to four inches.
(B)Maintaining horizontal space between shrubs and trees, and vertical space between grass, shrubs, and trees.
(C)Limiting the maximum depth of fallen leaves, needles, twigs, bark, cones, and small branches to three inches.
(D)Maintaining 10 feet of clearance around exposed wood piles down to mineral soil in all directions.
(E)Clearing areas around outbuildings and propane tanks.
(c)The fire department having jurisdiction within the schools boundary shall annually certify school compliance with the requirements of subdivision (b).
(d)Each school in a high risk high-risk zone shall coordinate with the fire department having jurisdiction within the schools boundary to identify appropriate refuge shelter for all pupils and students pupils, students, and staff to be used in the event of a shelter-in-place order by local authorities and notify the fire department having jurisdiction within the schools boundary of this identified refuge, in order to prioritize the defense of that structure in the event of a fire.
(e)Each school in a high risk high-risk zone shall develop a communication and evacuation plan, to be used in the event of an early notice evacuation warning, that allows enough time to evacuate all pupils and students. pupils, students, and staff. These plans shall either provide for parents to pick up their children or provide for transportation and drivers to be present to move children to an alternate location. These plans shall clearly identify a decision process to determine whether an evacuation order or a shelter-in-place order is appropriate.
SEC. 2.If the Commission on State Mandates determines that this act contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement to local agencies and school districts for those costs shall be made pursuant to Part 7 (commencing with Section 17500) of Division 4 of Title 2 of the Government Code.
(a)For purposes of this article, the following definitions apply:
(1)High risk zone means land identified by the State Fire Marshal as a high or very high fire hazard severity zone pursuant to Section 51178 of the Government Code or pursuant to Article 9 (commencing with Section 4201) of Chapter 1 of Part 2 of Division 4 of the Public Resources Code.
(2)School means a public or private school serving more than 50 pupils or students in kindergarten or any of grades 1 to 12, inclusive.
(3)Zone 0 means the area from a school building to the area within five feet of the school building, or the property line, whichever is closer.
(4)Zone 1 means the area from 5 feet of a school building to the area 30 feet from a school building, or the property line, whichever is closer.
(5)Zone 2 means the area from 30 feet of a school building to the area 100 feet from a school building, or the property line, whichever is closer.
(b)Commencing with the 202627 fiscal year, each school in a high risk zone shall comply with the following defensible space zone standards:
(1)Keep Zone 0 clear by doing all of the following:
(A)Using hardscape, such as gravel, pavers, and concrete.
(B)Removing all dead and dying plants, weeds, and debris from roofs, gutters, and stairways.
(C)Limiting combustible items.
(D)Replacing combustible fencing.
(E)Relocating recycling containers outside of Zone 0.
(2)Clear dead or dry vegetation and maintain space between trees in Zone 1 by doing all of the following:
(A)Removing all dead plants, grass, and weeds.
(B)Removing dead or dry leaves and pine needles.
(C)Trimming trees regularly to keep branches a minimum of 10 feet from other trees.
(D)Creating a separation between trees, shrubs, and items that could catch fire, including furniture, wood piles, and swing sets.
(3)Reduce potential fuel in Zone 2 by doing all of the following:
(A)Limiting the maximum height of grass to four inches.
(B)Maintaining horizontal space between shrubs and trees, and vertical space between grass, shrubs, and trees.
(C)Limiting the maximum depth of fallen leaves, needles, twigs, bark, cones, and small branches to three inches.
(D)Maintaining 10 feet of clearance around exposed wood piles down to mineral soil in all directions.
(E)Clearing areas around outbuildings and propane tanks.
(c)The fire department having jurisdiction within the schools boundary shall annually certify school compliance with the requirements of subdivision (b).
(d)Each school in a high risk zone shall coordinate with the fire department having jurisdiction within the schools boundary to identify appropriate refuge shelter for all pupils and students to be used in the event of a shelter-in-place order by local authorities and notify the fire department having jurisdiction within the schools boundary of this identified refuge, in order to prioritize the defense of that structure in the event of a fire.
(e)Each school in a high risk zone shall develop a communication and evacuation plan, to be used in the event of an early notice evacuation warning, that allows enough time to evacuate all pupils and students. These plans shall either provide for parents to pick up their children or provide for transportation and drivers to be present to move children to an alternate location. These plans shall clearly identify a decision process to determine whether an evacuation order or a shelter-in-place order is appropriate.
SEC. 2.If the Commission on State Mandates determines that this act contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement to local agencies and school districts for those costs shall be made pursuant to Part 7 (commencing with Section 17500) of Division 4 of Title 2 of the Government Code.
SECTION 1.It is the intent of the Legislature to enact subsequent legislation relating to wildfire prevention.It is the intent of the Legislature to enact subsequent legislation relating to wildfire prevention.
|
Date
|
Status
|
|---|---|
| Sep 25, 2024 | Chaptered by Secretary of State - Chapter 582, Statutes of 2024. |
| Sep 25, 2024 | Approved by the Governor. |
| Sep 6, 2024 | Enrolled and presented to the Governor at 4 p.m. |
| Aug 28, 2024 | Senate amendments concurred in. To Engrossing and Enrolling. (Ayes 77. Noes 0.). |
| Aug 28, 2024 | In Assembly. Concurrence in Senate amendments pending. May be considered on or after August 30 pursuant to Assembly Rule 77. |
| Aug 28, 2024 | Assembly Rule 77 suspended. |
| Aug 27, 2024 | Read third time. Passed. Ordered to the Assembly. (Ayes 40. Noes 0.). |
| Aug 26, 2024 | Read second time. Ordered to third reading. |
| Aug 23, 2024 | Read third time and amended. Ordered to second reading. |
| Aug 19, 2024 | Read second time. Ordered to third reading. |
| Aug 15, 2024 | Read second time and amended. Ordered returned to second reading. |
| Aug 15, 2024 | From committee: Amend, and do pass as amended. (Ayes 7. Noes 0.) (August 15). |
| Aug 5, 2024 | In committee: Referred to APPR suspense file. |
| Jun 27, 2024 | Read second time and amended. Re-referred to Com. on APPR. |
| Jun 26, 2024 | From committee: Amend, and do pass as amended and re-refer to Com. on APPR with recommendation: To Consent Calendar. (Ayes 11. Noes 0.) (June 25). |
| Jun 19, 2024 | From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on N.R. & W. (Ayes 7. Noes 0.) (June 19). Re-referred to Com. on N.R. & W. |
| Jun 10, 2024 | From committee chair, with author's amendments: Amend, and re-refer to committee. Read second time, amended, and re-referred to Com. on ED. |
| Jun 5, 2024 | Referred to Coms. on ED. and N.R. & W. |
| May 23, 2024 | In Senate. Read first time. To Com. on RLS. for assignment. |
| May 22, 2024 | Read third time. Passed. Ordered to the Senate. (Ayes 71. Noes 0. Page 5520.) |
| May 20, 2024 | Read second time. Ordered to third reading. |
| May 16, 2024 | From committee: Do pass. (Ayes 15. Noes 0.) (May 16). |
| May 8, 2024 | In committee: Set, first hearing. Referred to APPR. suspense file. |
| Apr 25, 2024 | Re-referred to Com. on APPR. |
| Apr 24, 2024 | Read second time and amended. |
| Apr 23, 2024 | From committee: Amend, and do pass as amended and re-refer to Com. on APPR. with recommendation: To Consent Calendar. (Ayes 11. Noes 0.) (April 22). |
| Apr 16, 2024 | Re-referred to Com. on NAT. RES. |
| Apr 15, 2024 | Read second time and amended. |
| Apr 11, 2024 | From committee: Amend, and do pass as amended and re-refer to Com. on NAT. RES. with recommendation: To Consent Calendar. (Ayes 7. Noes 0.) (April 10). |
| Apr 2, 2024 | Re-referred to Com. on ED. |
| Apr 1, 2024 | Re-referred to Com. on ED. |
| Apr 1, 2024 | From committee chair, with author's amendments: Amend, and re-refer to Com. on ED. Read second time and amended. |
| Mar 21, 2024 | Referred to Coms. on ED. and NAT. RES. |
| Mar 21, 2024 | From committee chair, with author's amendments: Amend, and re-refer to Com. on ED. Read second time and amended. |
| Feb 17, 2024 | From printer. May be heard in committee March 18. |
| Feb 16, 2024 | Read first time. To print. |
|
Date
|
Description
|
Location
|
Votes
|
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 28, 2024 | AB 2968 Connolly Concurrence in Senate Amendments | Assembly Floor |
Passed |
|
| Aug 27, 2024 | Assembly 3rd Reading AB2968 Connolly By Dodd | Senate Floor |
Passed |
|
| Aug 15, 2024 | Do pass as amended | Senate Standing Committee on Appropriations |
Passed |
|
| Aug 5, 2024 | Placed on suspense file | Senate Standing Committee on Appropriations |
Passed |
|
| Jun 25, 2024 | Do pass as amended, but first amend, and re-refer to the Committee on [Appropriations] with the recommendation: To Consent Calendar | Senate Standing Committee on Natural Resources and Water |
Passed |
|
| Jun 19, 2024 | Do pass, but first be re-referred to the Committee on [Natural Resources and Water] | Senate Standing Committee on Education |
Passed |
|
| May 22, 2024 | AB 2968 Connolly Assembly Third Reading | Assembly Floor |
Passed |
|
| May 16, 2024 | Do pass. | Assembly Standing Committee on Appropriations |
Passed |
|
| Apr 22, 2024 | Do pass as amended, and be re-referred to the Committee on [Appropriations] with recommendation: To Consent Calendar | Assembly Standing Committee on Natural Resources |
Passed |
|
| Apr 10, 2024 | Do pass as amended, and be re-referred to the Committee on [Natural Resources] with recommendation: To Consent Calendar | Assembly Standing Committee on Education |
Passed |
This list shows positions taken on this bill by organizations on the date displayed, which is linked to the original source.
Positions by individuals are not included.
|
Organization
|
Position
|
Date
|
|---|---|---|
| California Federation Of Teachers | ** Support | |
| California Fire Chiefs Association | ** Support | |
| California Professional Firefighters | ** Support | |
| California School Employees Association | ** Support | |
| California Teachers Association | ** Support | |
| Fire Districts Association Of California | ** Support | |
| Fire Safe Marin | ** Support | |
| Marin Wildfire Prevention Authority | ** Support | |
| Marin Wildfire Prevention Authority | * Support | Jun 19, 2024 |
| Woodside Fire | * Support | Jun 19, 2024 |
CONCURRENCE IN SENATE AMENDMENTS
CSA1 Bill Id:AB 2968
Author:(Connolly)
As Amended Ver:August 23, 2024
Majority vote
SUMMARY
Requires, commencing in the 2026-27 fiscal year, local educational agencies (LEAs) in high or very high fire severity zones to include in their comprehensive school safety plan procedures related to severe fires, including a communication, refuge, and evacuation plan.
Senate Amendments
- Remove the requirement for LEAs to comply with defensible space fire safety standards, as specified.
- Define "operational area" to mean an intermediate level of the state emergency services organization, consisting of a county and all political subdivisions within the county area, that serves as a link in the system of communication and coordination between the state's emergency operation centers and the operating centers of the political subdivisions that make up the operational area, as specified.
- Remove requirements for private schools.
COMMENTS
School safety plans. Existing law specifies that school districts and county offices of education (COEs) are responsible for the overall development of school safety plans. Each school is required to develop a school safety plan that includes procedures, and policies to ensure student and staff safety at a school site. The components of the plan range from child abuse reporting procedures, disaster procedures, pandemic response, earthquake emergency procedures, and procedures to allow a public agency to use school buildings, grounds, and equipment for mass care and welfare shelters during disasters or other emergencies affecting the public health and welfare.
The school safety plan is developed by a school site council or a school safety planning committee. Current law requires a school to submit the school safety plan to the school district or COE for approval and requires the school district or COE to annually notify the California Department of Education (CDE) of any schools that have not complied with the requirement to develop a school safety plan. The Superintendent of Public Instruction (SPI) is authorized to impose a fine of not more than $2,000 against a school district or COE for any willful failure to make any required report. According to the CDE, there has been no report of noncompliance by schools, and no district or COE has been fined for willfully failing to report a school that has not developed a school safety plan. Charter schools are also required to develop comprehensive school safety plans, including specified elements.
Current law related to school safety plans requires the school site council to consult with a law enforcement agency, a fire department, and other first responders each year when updating the school safety plan and notify each entity of any updates that occur during the year. Further, current law requires each school site with two or more classrooms and 50 or more students to have a fire alarm system, as well as monthly fire drills for elementary and intermediate-level students and twice-yearly fire drills for secondary students.
This bill adds requirements for each school in a high-or very high risk zone to coordinate with the fire department to identify appropriate refuge shelters for all students and staff to be used in the event of a shelter-in-place order by local authorities and notify the fire department to prioritize the defense of that structure in the event of a fire. Additionally, this bill requires each school in a high or very high risk zone to develop a communication and evacuation plan, which can be used in the event of an early notice evacuation warning, allowing enough time to evacuate all pupils, students, and staff.
Increasing frequency and duration of school closures. The number of temporary school closures in California has increased in recent years, due in large part to the increased incidence of climate-fueled wildfires. Large fires in San Diego County caused mass school closures in 2003 and 2007, and more recently, a dramatic and sustained increase in closures has resulted from frequent wildfires, including the devastating Camp Fire of 2018 in Butte County, which was the deadliest and most destructive wildfire in California history.
According to CalMatters' Disaster Days series (which compiled data from waivers submitted to the CDE from local educational agencies (LEAs) requesting credit for funding lost due to school closures over the last two decades), nearly two-thirds of the 34,000 school closure days recorded in California since 2002 have been due to wildfires. Of these, more than half have occurred since 2015, highlighting a trend in increasing wildfire-related closures, including those due to poor air quality, fire damage, and power outages caused by wildfires. In the 2018-2019 school year, there were nearly 4,900 school closure days in California, impacting 2,260 schools and over 1.2 million students, or nearly 1 in 5 students in California. Of these closures, 62% were related to the November 2018 Camp fire. In the fall of the 2019-20 school year, power shutoffs were a major cause of school closures. Between September and November of 2019, schools in at least 34 counties issued temporary closures due to fires and preventative power shutoffs. During one week in November 2018, over 180 school districts, with a combined enrollment of more than 1 million students, reported at least one school closure day due to hazardous air quality resulting from the Camp and Woolsey fires in Butte County and Ventura County, respectively.
The duration of school closures has also increased significantly in the last several years. Until recently, only a handful of schools reported losing ten or more instructional days in a single year due to wildfire-related school closures, but in the last two years, that number has risen to more than 270. CalMatters identified at least 480 California public schools that have lost 10 or more instructional days for fire-related issues since the 2017-18 term.
According to the Author
"Wildfire evacuation plans in schools are crucial for ensuring the safety and well-being of students, staff, and faculty. This bill requires clear procedures for swiftly and efficiently transporting students and staff to a designated shelter, as well as improving defensible space standards to slow the threat of wildfire to a school structure. By establishing and practicing comprehensive wildfire safety protocols, schools can minimize panic, confusion, and potential injuries during emergency situations and effectively facilitate a safe wildfire evacuation."
Arguments in Support
The California School Employees Association writes, "AB 2968 takes a vital step forward by requiring schools in high-risk fire zones to prioritize fire preparedness. By prioritizing planning, defensible space, and clear communication with local fire departments, this bill equips schools with the tools they need to effectively respond to wildfires."
Arguments in Opposition
None on file
FISCAL COMMENTS
According to the Senate Appropriations Committee:
By requiring LEAs to add new procedures to their school safety plans, this bill could result in a reimbursable state mandate. The extent of these costs is unknown, but based on the existing Comprehensive School Safety Plan I and II mandates, the Proposition 98 General Fund costs could be in the tens of thousands of dollars each year. A precise amount would ultimately depend on the scope of the activities that LEAs would need to comply.
VOTES:
ASM EDUCATION: 7-0-0
YES: Muratsuchi, Addis, Alvarez, Bonta, Flora, Hoover, McCarty
ASM NATURAL RESOURCES: 11-0-0
YES: Bryan, Flora, Bauer-Kahan, Friedman, Hoover, Kalra, Joe Patterson, Muratsuchi, Pellerin, Wicks, Wood
ASM APPROPRIATIONS: 15-0-0
YES: Wicks, Sanchez, Arambula, Bryan, Calderon, Wendy Carrillo, Dixon, Mike Fong, Grayson, Haney, Hart, Jim Patterson, Pellerin, Ta, Villapudua
ASSEMBLY FLOOR: 71-0-9
YES: Addis, Aguiar-Curry, Alanis, Alvarez, Arambula, Bains, Bauer-Kahan, Bennett, Berman, Boerner, Bonta, Bryan, Juan Carrillo, Wendy Carrillo, Chen, Connolly, Davies, Dixon, Flora, Mike Fong, Vince Fong, Gabriel, Gallagher, Garcia, Gipson, Grayson, Haney, Hart, Hoover, Irwin, Jackson, Jones-Sawyer, Kalra, Lackey, Lee, Low, Lowenthal, Maienschein, McCarty, McKinnor, Muratsuchi, Stephanie Nguyen, Ortega, Pacheco, Papan, Jim Patterson, Pellerin, Petrie-Norris, Quirk-Silva, Ramos, Rendon, Reyes, Rodriguez, Blanca Rubio, Sanchez, Santiago, Schiavo, Soria, Ta, Ting, Valencia, Villapudua, Waldron, Wallis, Ward, Weber, Wicks, Wilson, Wood, Zbur, Robert Rivas
ABS, ABST OR NV: Calderon, Cervantes, Megan Dahle, Essayli, Friedman, Holden, Mathis, Joe Patterson, Luz Rivas
SENATE FLOOR: 40-0-0
YES: Allen, Alvarado-Gil, Archuleta, Ashby, Atkins, Becker, Blakespear, Bradford, Caballero, Cortese, Dahle, Dodd, Durazo, Eggman, Glazer, Gonzalez, Grove, Hurtado, Jones, Laird, Limón, McGuire, Menjivar, Min, Newman, Nguyen, Niello, Ochoa Bogh, Padilla, Portantino, Roth, Rubio, Seyarto, Skinner, Smallwood-Cuevas, Stern, Umberg, Wahab, Wiener, Wilk
UPDATED
VERSION: August 23, 2024
CONSULTANT: Marguerite Ries / ED. / (916) 319-2087 FN: 0004840
SENATE RULES COMMITTEE Office of Senate Floor Analyses (916) 651-1520 Fax: (916) 327-4478 | AB 2968 |
THIRD READING
Bill No: AB 2968
Author: Connolly (D)
Amended: 8/23/24 in Senate
Vote: 21
SENATE EDUCATION COMMITTEE: 7-0, 6/19/24
AYES: Newman, Ochoa Bogh, Cortese, Glazer, Gonzalez, Smallwood-Cuevas, Wilk
SENATE NATURAL RES. & WATER COMMITTEE: 11-0, 6/25/24
AYES: Min, Seyarto, Allen, Dahle, Eggman, Grove, Hurtado, Laird, Limón, Padilla, Stern
SENATE APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE: 7-0, 8/15/24
AYES: Caballero, Jones, Ashby, Becker, Bradford, Seyarto, Wahab
ASSEMBLY FLOOR: 71-0, 5/22/24 - See last page for vote
SUBJECT: School safety and fire prevention: fire hazard severity zones: comprehensive school safety plans: communication and evacuation plans
SOURCE: Author
DIGEST:
This bill requires, as part of a local educational agency (LEA), county offices of education (COEs), and charter schools school safety plan beginning the 2026-27 fiscal year, to establish a procedure to identify appropriate refuge shelter for all pupils and staff to be used in the event of an evacuation order and create defensible spaces, as specified.
Senate Floor Amendments of 8/23/24 add, for the purposes of chaptering, the provisions of AB 2887 (Maienschein); AB 1858 (Ward); AB 176 (Committee on Budget); and SB 176 (Committee on Budget).
ANALYSIS:
Existing law:
- Requires the State Fire Marshal to identify areas in the state as moderate, high, and very high fire hazard severity zones (VHFHSZ) based on consistent statewide criteria and based on the severity of fire hazard that is expected to prevail in those areas. Requires moderate, high, and VHFHSZ to be based on fuel loading, slope, fire weather, and other relevant factors including areas where winds have been identified by the Office of the State Fire Marshal as a major cause of wildfire spread. (Government Code (GOV) 51178)
- Requires the State Fire Marshal to periodically review zones designated and rated pursuant to this article and, as necessary, revise zones or their ratings or repeal the designation of zones. (Public Resources Code (PRC) 4204)
- Requires a person who owns, leases, controls, operates, or maintains an occupied dwelling or occupied structure in, upon, or adjoining a mountainous area, forest-covered land, shrub-covered land, grass-covered land, or land that is covered with flammable material, which area or land is within a VHFHSZ designated by the local agency at all times do all of the following:
- Maintaining defensible space of 100 feet from each side and front and rear of a structure, but not beyond the property line, except as provided. The amount of fuel modification necessary must consider the structure's flammability, building material, building standards, location, and vegetation type. Fuels must be maintained and spaced in a condition that a wildfire burning under average weather conditions would be unlikely to ignite the structure. Does not apply to single specimens of trees or vegetation that are well-pruned and maintained to effectively manage fuels and prevent fire transmission from nearby vegetation. The intensity of fuel management may vary within the 100-foot perimeter of the structure, with more intense fuel reductions being used between 5 and 30 feet around the structure. Steps should be taken to minimize erosion, soil disturbance, and the spread of flammable nonnative grasses and weeds. A greater distance may be required by state law, local ordinance, rule, or regulation.
- Remove that portion of a tree that extends within 10 feet of the outlet of a chimney or stovepipe.
- Maintain a tree, shrub, or other plant adjacent to or overhanging a building free of dead or dying wood.
- Maintain the roof of a structure free of leaves, needles, or other vegetative materials.
- Before constructing a new dwelling or structure, or rebuilding one damaged by a fire, a building permit is required. The owner must obtain a certification from the local building official that the structure complies with state and local building standards as specified. The certification must be provided to the insurer providing construction insurance coverage. After completion, the owner must obtain a final inspection report from the local building official, demonstrating compliance with all applicable building standards. (GOV 51182 (a))
- Requires a person who owns, leases, controls, operates, or maintains a building or structure in, upon, or adjoining a mountainous area, forest-covered lands, shrub-covered lands, grass-covered lands, or land that is covered with flammable material, to at all times maintain a defensible space of 100 feet from each side and from the front and rear of the structure, as provided. (PRC 4291)
- Requires the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) to develop and implement a training program to train individuals to support and augment the CAL FIRE in its defensible space and home hardening assessment and public education efforts. (PRC 4291.6)
- Each county is designated as an operational area, serving as a link in the state's emergency system and coordination between its emergency centers and political subdivisions. The governing bodies and subdivisions can organize and structure their operational areas for emergency activities. (GOV 8605)
- Defines an “operational area” is an intermediate level of the state emergency services organization, consisting of a county and all political subdivisions within the county area. (GOV 8559 (b))
This bill:
- Requires, as part of a LEAs, COEs, and charter schools school safety plan beginning the 2026-27 fiscal year, to establish a procedure to identify appropriate refuge shelter for all pupils and staff to be used in the event of an evacuation order by local authorities and notify the operational area having jurisdiction within the school’s boundaries of this identified refuge, in order to first prioritize the safety of pupils and staff, and then the defense of that structure in the event of a fire and requires each school that is located in a high or VHFHSZ, as specified, to coordinate the procedure with the operational area having jurisdiction within the school’s boundaries, in addition to clarifying that a school under the jurisdiction of a school district or county office of education, the school district or county office of education shall be the entity that coordinates with the operational area having jurisdiction within each of the school’s boundaries.
- Requires LEAs, COEs, and charter schools beginning the 2026–27 fiscal year, the development by each public school that is a school and that is in a high or VHFHSZ, as specified, of a communication and evacuation plan, to be used in the event of an early notice evacuation warning, that allows enough time to evacuate all pupils and staff.
- Defines “Operational area” means an intermediate level of the state emergency services organization, consisting of a county and all political subdivisions within the county area, that serves as a link in the system of communication and coordination between the state’s emergency operation centers and the operating centers of the political subdivisions that make up the operational area, as specified.
- Defines “School” to mean a public school, including a charter school, serving more than 50 students or pupils, as applicable, in kindergarten or any of grades 1 to 12, inclusive.
- Includes, for the purposes of chaptering, the provisions of AB 2887 (Maienschein); AB 1858 (Ward); AB 176 (Committee on Budget); and SB 176 (Committee on Budget).
Comments
- Need for the bill. According to the author, “Wildfire evacuation plans in schools are crucial for ensuring the safety and well-being of students, staff, and faculty. This bill requires clear procedures for swiftly and efficiently transporting students and staff to a designated shelter, as well as improving defensible space standards to slow the threat of wildfire to a school structure. By establishing and practicing comprehensive wildfire safety protocols, schools can minimize panic, confusion, and potential injuries during emergency situations and effectively facilitate a safe wildfire evacuation.”
- Extreme Weather Conditions. California's climate will become hotter, drier, and more variable, increasing the risk of wildfires, droughts, floods, biodiversity loss, and rising sea levels. The economic cost of these losses by 2050 will exceed $100 billion annually. Global temperatures are rising, with nine of the ten hottest years recorded in the last decade. By 2025, California's statewide average temperature is predicted to increase by 1.9°F, and by 2050, by 4.6°F. Populations in wealthier parts of the state along the coast are at greater risk for health-related issues due to inadequate built environments for warmer temperatures. Urban areas have higher temperatures due to the urban heat island effect, increasing health risks associated with extreme heat. Strategies such as shading, green spaces, and better building and paving materials can mitigate the urban heat island effect.
- Wildfires Contribute to School Closures. According to CalMatter, the Disaster Days series compiled data from waivers submitted to the California Department of Education (CDE) from LEAs requesting credit for funding lost due to school closures since 2022. It was found that nearly two-thirds of California's 34,000 school closure days have been due to wildfires, with more than half of these occurring after 2015, indicating a growing trend in wildfire-related closures. Reasons for closures include poor air quality, fire damage, and power outages caused by wildfires.
In the 2018-2019 school year, almost 4,900 school closure days affected 2,260 schools and over 1.2 million students, roughly 1 in 5 in California. That year, 62% of closures were related to the November 2018 Camp fire. In the fall of the 2019-2020 school year, power shutoffs were a significant cause of school closures. Between September and November 2019, schools in at least 34 counties issued temporary closures due to fires and preventive power shutoffs.
In November 2018, over 180 school districts, with a combined enrollment of more than 1 million students, reported at least one school closure day due to hazardous air quality from fires in Butte County and Ventura County. The length of school closures has also notably increased in recent years. Previously, only a few schools reported losing ten or more instructional days in a year due to wildfire-related school closures, but in the last two years, that number has risen to more than 270. CalMatters identified at least 480 California public schools that have lost ten or more instructional days due to fire-related issues since the 2017-18 term.
- Creating Defensible Spaces. In recent years, California has seen many highly destructive wildfires. 13 of the 20 most damaging wildfires in California's recorded history (based on the number of structures lost) have occurred since 2017. These 13 fires caused massive devastation, destroying nearly 40,000 structures, claiming 148 lives, and burning millions of acres.
Defensible space is the area around a building that serves as a buffer between the structure and the surrounding grass, trees, and shrubs. It is essential for slowing or stopping the spread of wildfires and protecting buildings from catching fire. According to a 2019 analysis by the CAL FIRE, noncompliant structures are about five times more likely to be destroyed by wildfire than compliant ones.
For all structures within the state responsibility area and VHFHSZ, the required defensible space is 100 feet. CAL FIRE also mandates the removal of dead plants, grass, weeds, dry leaves, and pine needles within 30 feet of a structure. Additionally, tree branches should be at least 10 feet from a chimney, and other trees should be within the same 30 feet distance from a structure. AB 3074 (Friedman, Chapter 259, Statutes of 2020) introduced an ember-resistant zone requirement within five feet of a structure as part of revised defensible space requirements for structures in FHSZs. However, the Board has not yet established regulations for this requirement (Zone 0). These requirements apply to buildings or structures in, upon, or adjoining mountainous areas, forest-covered lands, shrub-covered lands, grass-covered lands, or lands with flammable material.
SB 63 (Stern, Chapter 382, Statutes of 2021) mandates CAL FIRE to adopt all three VHFHSZs in the local responsibility area (LRA), which includes incorporated cities, urban regions, agricultural lands, and portions of the desert where the local government is responsible for wildfire protection. Currently, only VHFHSZs are adopted for the LRA. Once all VHFHSZs are developed for the LRA, schools in those zones will be required to establish defensible space. However, these maps have not been adopted yet.
- Where Does the School Safety Fit in To This Bill? Existing law specifies that LEAs, COEs, and charter schools are responsible for the overall development of school safety plans. Each school must develop a safety plan that includes procedures and policies to ensure student and staff safety at a school site. The components of the plan range from child abuse reporting procedures, disaster procedures, pandemic response, earthquake emergency procedures, and procedures to allow a public agency to use school buildings, grounds, and equipment for mass care and welfare shelters during disasters or other emergencies affecting the public health and welfare.
Current law related to school safety plans requires the school site council to consult with a law enforcement agency, a fire department, and other first responders each year when updating the school safety plan and notify each entity of any updates that occur during the year. Further, current law requires each school site with two or more classrooms and 50 or more students to have a fire alarm system, monthly fire drills for elementary and intermediate-level students, and twice-yearly fire drills for secondary students.
This bill adds requirements for each school in a high-risk zone to coordinate with the fire department to identify appropriate refuge shelters for all students and staff to be used in the event of a shelter-in-place order by local authorities and notify the fire department to prioritize the defense of that structure in the event of a fire. Additionally, this bill requires each school in a high-risk zone to develop a communication and evacuation plan, which can be used in the event of an early notice evacuation warning, allowing enough time to evacuate all pupils, students, and staff.
FISCAL EFFECT: Appropriation: No Fiscal Com.: Yes Local: Yes
According to the Senate Appropriations Committee analysis, “By requiring LEAs to add new procedures to their school safety plans, this bill could result in a reimbursable state mandate. The extent of these costs is unknown, but based on the existing Comprehensive School Safety Plan I and II mandates, the Proposition 98 General Fund costs could be in the tens of thousands of dollars each year. A precise amount would ultimately depend on the scope of the activities that LEAs would need to comply.”
California Federation of Teachers
California Fire Chiefs Association
California Professional Firefighters
California School Employees Association
California Teachers Association
Fire Districts Association of California
Fire Safe Marin
OPPOSITION: (Verified 8/26/24)
None received
ARGUMENTS IN SUPPORT: According to the e California Fire Chiefs Association, “The devastating impact of the 2018 Camp Fire, which moved through schools with alarming speed, highlighted a glaring gap in our preparedness and response to wildfire threats, particularly concerning the safety of our children in their schools, underscoring the urgent need for legislation like AB 2968. This measure requires schools to coordinate annually with local fire departments for certification of compliance, identify appropriate shelters, and develop communication and evacuation plans that are practical, with actionable steps that will significantly enhance the safety and preparedness of our educational institutions. The lessons learned from past wildfires must guide our actions today to prevent similar tragedies. AB 2968 offers a clear path to better protection and preparedness for our schools in high-risk areas, embodying the proactive approach we must adopt in the face of increasing wildfire threats. For these reasons, the California Fire Chiefs Association (CalChiefs) and the Fire Districts Association of California (FDAC) support AB 2968.”
ASSEMBLY FLOOR: 71-0, 5/22/24
AYES: Addis, Aguiar-Curry, Alanis, Alvarez, Arambula, Bains, Bauer-Kahan, Bennett, Berman, Boerner, Bonta, Bryan, Juan Carrillo, Wendy Carrillo, Chen, Connolly, Davies, Dixon, Flora, Mike Fong, Vince Fong, Gabriel, Gallagher, Garcia, Gipson, Grayson, Haney, Hart, Hoover, Irwin, Jackson, Jones-Sawyer, Kalra, Lackey, Lee, Low, Lowenthal, Maienschein, McCarty, McKinnor, Muratsuchi, Stephanie Nguyen, Ortega, Pacheco, Papan, Jim Patterson, Pellerin, Petrie-Norris, Quirk-Silva, Ramos, Rendon, Reyes, Rodriguez, Blanca Rubio, Sanchez, Santiago, Schiavo, Soria, Ta, Ting, Valencia, Villapudua, Waldron, Wallis, Ward, Weber, Wicks, Wilson, Wood, Zbur, Robert Rivas
NO VOTE RECORDED: Calderon, Cervantes, Megan Dahle, Essayli, Friedman, Holden, Mathis, Joe Patterson, Luz Rivas
Prepared by: Kordell Hampton / ED. / (916) 651-4105
8/26/24 11:53:23
**** END ****
SENATE RULES COMMITTEE Office of Senate Floor Analyses (916) 651-1520 Fax: (916) 327-4478 | AB 2968 |
THIRD READING
Bill No: AB 2968
Author: Connolly (D)
Amended: 8/15/24 in Senate
Vote: 21
SENATE EDUCATION COMMITTEE: 7-0, 6/19/24
AYES: Newman, Ochoa Bogh, Cortese, Glazer, Gonzalez, Smallwood-Cuevas, Wilk
SENATE NATURAL RES. & WATER COMMITTEE: 11-0, 6/25/24
AYES: Min, Seyarto, Allen, Dahle, Eggman, Grove, Hurtado, Laird, Limón, Padilla, Stern
SENATE APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE: 7-0, 8/15/24
AYES: Caballero, Jones, Ashby, Becker, Bradford, Seyarto, Wahab
ASSEMBLY FLOOR: 71-0, 5/22/24 - See last page for vote
SUBJECT: School safety and fire prevention: fire hazard severity zones: comprehensive school safety plans: communication and evacuation plans
SOURCE: Author
DIGEST:
This bill requires, as part of a local educational agency (LEA), county offices of education (COEs), and charter schools school safety plan beginning the 2026-27 fiscal year, to establish a procedure to identify appropriate refuge shelter for all pupils and staff to be used in the event of an evacuation order and create defensible spaces, as specified.
ANALYSIS:
Existing law:
- Requires the State Fire Marshal to identify areas in the state as moderate, high, and very high fire hazard severity zones (VHFHSZ) based on consistent statewide criteria and based on the severity of fire hazard that is expected to prevail in those areas. Requires moderate, high, and VHFHSZ to be based on fuel loading, slope, fire weather, and other relevant factors including areas where winds have been identified by the Office of the State Fire Marshal as a major cause of wildfire spread. (Government Code (GOV) 51178)
- Requires the State Fire Marshal to periodically review zones designated and rated pursuant to this article and, as necessary, revise zones or their ratings or repeal the designation of zones. (Public Resources Code (PRC) 4204)
- Requires a person who owns, leases, controls, operates, or maintains an occupied dwelling or occupied structure in, upon, or adjoining a mountainous area, forest-covered land, shrub-covered land, grass-covered land, or land that is covered with flammable material, which area or land is within a VHFHSZ designated by the local agency at all times do all of the following:
- Maintaining defensible space of 100 feet from each side and front and rear of a structure, but not beyond the property line, except as provided. The amount of fuel modification necessary must consider the structure's flammability, building material, building standards, location, and vegetation type. Fuels must be maintained and spaced in a condition that a wildfire burning under average weather conditions would be unlikely to ignite the structure. Does not apply to single specimens of trees or vegetation that are well-pruned and maintained to effectively manage fuels and prevent fire transmission from nearby vegetation. The intensity of fuel management may vary within the 100-foot perimeter of the structure, with more intense fuel reductions being used between 5 and 30 feet around the structure. Steps should be taken to minimize erosion, soil disturbance, and the spread of flammable nonnative grasses and weeds. A greater distance may be required by state law, local ordinance, rule, or regulation.
- Remove that portion of a tree that extends within 10 feet of the outlet of a chimney or stovepipe.
- Maintain a tree, shrub, or other plant adjacent to or overhanging a building free of dead or dying wood.
- Maintain the roof of a structure free of leaves, needles, or other vegetative materials.
- Before constructing a new dwelling or structure, or rebuilding one damaged by a fire, a building permit is required. The owner must obtain a certification from the local building official that the structure complies with state and local building standards as specified. The certification must be provided to the insurer providing construction insurance coverage. After completion, the owner must obtain a final inspection report from the local building official, demonstrating compliance with all applicable building standards. (GOV 51182 (a))
- Requires a person who owns, leases, controls, operates, or maintains a building or structure in, upon, or adjoining a mountainous area, forest-covered lands, shrub-covered lands, grass-covered lands, or land that is covered with flammable material, to at all times maintain a defensible space of 100 feet from each side and from the front and rear of the structure, as provided. (PRC 4291)
- Requires the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) to develop and implement a training program to train individuals to support and augment the CAL FIRE in its defensible space and home hardening assessment and public education efforts. (PRC 4291.6)
- Each county is designated as an operational area, serving as a link in the state's emergency system and coordination between its emergency centers and political subdivisions. The governing bodies and subdivisions can organize and structure their operational areas for emergency activities. (GOV 8605)
- Defines an “operational area” is an intermediate level of the state emergency services organization, consisting of a county and all political subdivisions within the county area. (GOV 8559 (b))
This bill:
- Requires, as part of a LEAs, COEs, and charter schools school safety plan beginning the 2026-27 fiscal year, to establish a procedure to identify appropriate refuge shelter for all pupils and staff to be used in the event of an evacuation order by local authorities and notify the operational area having jurisdiction within the school’s boundaries of this identified refuge, in order to first prioritize the safety of pupils and staff, and then the defense of that structure in the event of a fire and requires each school that is located in a high or VHFHSZ, as specified, to coordinate the procedure with the operational area having jurisdiction within the school’s boundaries, in addition to clarifying that a school under the jurisdiction of a school district or county office of education, the school district or county office of education shall be the entity that coordinates with the operational area having jurisdiction within each of the school’s boundaries.
- Requires LEAs, COEs, and charter schools beginning the 2026–27 fiscal year, the development by each public school that is a school and that is in a high or VHFHSZ, as specified, of a communication and evacuation plan, to be used in the event of an early notice evacuation warning, that allows enough time to evacuate all pupils and staff.
- Defines “Operational area” means an intermediate level of the state emergency services organization, consisting of a county and all political subdivisions within the county area, that serves as a link in the system of communication and coordination between the state’s emergency operation centers and the operating centers of the political subdivisions that make up the operational area, as specified.
- Defines “School” to mean a public school, including a charter school, serving more than 50 students or pupils, as applicable, in kindergarten or any of grades 1 to 12, inclusive.
Comments
- Need for the bill. According to the author, “Wildfire evacuation plans in schools are crucial for ensuring the safety and well-being of students, staff, and faculty. This bill requires clear procedures for swiftly and efficiently transporting students and staff to a designated shelter, as well as improving defensible space standards to slow the threat of wildfire to a school structure. By establishing and practicing comprehensive wildfire safety protocols, schools can minimize panic, confusion, and potential injuries during emergency situations and effectively facilitate a safe wildfire evacuation.”
- Extreme Weather Conditions. California's climate will become hotter, drier, and more variable, increasing the risk of wildfires, droughts, floods, biodiversity loss, and rising sea levels. The economic cost of these losses by 2050 will exceed $100 billion annually. Global temperatures are rising, with nine of the ten hottest years recorded in the last decade. By 2025, California's statewide average temperature is predicted to increase by 1.9°F, and by 2050, by 4.6°F. Populations in wealthier parts of the state along the coast are at greater risk for health-related issues due to inadequate built environments for warmer temperatures. Urban areas have higher temperatures due to the urban heat island effect, increasing health risks associated with extreme heat. Strategies such as shading, green spaces, and better building and paving materials can mitigate the urban heat island effect.
- Wildfires Contribute to School Closures. According to CalMatter, the Disaster Days series compiled data from waivers submitted to the California Department of Education (CDE) from LEAs requesting credit for funding lost due to school closures since 2022. It was found that nearly two-thirds of California's 34,000 school closure days have been due to wildfires, with more than half of these occurring after 2015, indicating a growing trend in wildfire-related closures. Reasons for closures include poor air quality, fire damage, and power outages caused by wildfires.
In the 2018-2019 school year, almost 4,900 school closure days affected 2,260 schools and over 1.2 million students, roughly 1 in 5 in California. That year, 62% of closures were related to the November 2018 Camp fire. In the fall of the 2019-2020 school year, power shutoffs were a significant cause of school closures. Between September and November 2019, schools in at least 34 counties issued temporary closures due to fires and preventive power shutoffs.
In November 2018, over 180 school districts, with a combined enrollment of more than 1 million students, reported at least one school closure day due to hazardous air quality from fires in Butte County and Ventura County. The length of school closures has also notably increased in recent years. Previously, only a few schools reported losing ten or more instructional days in a year due to wildfire-related school closures, but in the last two years, that number has risen to more than 270. CalMatters identified at least 480 California public schools that have lost ten or more instructional days due to fire-related issues since the 2017-18 term.
- Creating Defensible Spaces. In recent years, California has seen many highly destructive wildfires. 13 of the 20 most damaging wildfires in California's recorded history (based on the number of structures lost) have occurred since 2017. These 13 fires caused massive devastation, destroying nearly 40,000 structures, claiming 148 lives, and burning millions of acres.
Defensible space is the area around a building that serves as a buffer between the structure and the surrounding grass, trees, and shrubs. It is essential for slowing or stopping the spread of wildfires and protecting buildings from catching fire. According to a 2019 analysis by the CAL FIRE, noncompliant structures are about five times more likely to be destroyed by wildfire than compliant ones.
For all structures within the state responsibility area and VHFHSZ, the required defensible space is 100 feet. CAL FIRE also mandates the removal of dead plants, grass, weeds, dry leaves, and pine needles within 30 feet of a structure. Additionally, tree branches should be at least 10 feet from a chimney, and other trees should be within the same 30 feet distance from a structure. AB 3074 (Friedman, Chapter 259, Statutes of 2020) introduced an ember-resistant zone requirement within five feet of a structure as part of revised defensible space requirements for structures in FHSZs. However, the Board has not yet established regulations for this requirement (Zone 0). These requirements apply to buildings or structures in, upon, or adjoining mountainous areas, forest-covered lands, shrub-covered lands, grass-covered lands, or lands with flammable material.
SB 63 (Stern, Chapter 382, Statutes of 2021) mandates CAL FIRE to adopt all three VHFHSZs in the local responsibility area (LRA), which includes incorporated cities, urban regions, agricultural lands, and portions of the desert where the local government is responsible for wildfire protection. Currently, only VHFHSZs are adopted for the LRA. Once all VHFHSZs are developed for the LRA, schools in those zones will be required to establish defensible space. However, these maps have not been adopted yet.
- Where Does the School Safety Fit in To This Bill? Existing law specifies that LEAs, COEs, and charter schools are responsible for the overall development of school safety plans. Each school must develop a safety plan that includes procedures and policies to ensure student and staff safety at a school site. The components of the plan range from child abuse reporting procedures, disaster procedures, pandemic response, earthquake emergency procedures, and procedures to allow a public agency to use school buildings, grounds, and equipment for mass care and welfare shelters during disasters or other emergencies affecting the public health and welfare.
Current law related to school safety plans requires the school site council to consult with a law enforcement agency, a fire department, and other first responders each year when updating the school safety plan and notify each entity of any updates that occur during the year. Further, current law requires each school site with two or more classrooms and 50 or more students to have a fire alarm system, monthly fire drills for elementary and intermediate-level students, and twice-yearly fire drills for secondary students.
This bill adds requirements for each school in a high-risk zone to coordinate with the fire department to identify appropriate refuge shelters for all students and staff to be used in the event of a shelter-in-place order by local authorities and notify the fire department to prioritize the defense of that structure in the event of a fire. Additionally, this bill requires each school in a high-risk zone to develop a communication and evacuation plan, which can be used in the event of an early notice evacuation warning, allowing enough time to evacuate all pupils, students, and staff.
FISCAL EFFECT: Appropriation: No Fiscal Com.: Yes Local: Yes
According to the Senate Appropriations Committee analysis, “By requiring LEAs to add new procedures to their school safety plans, this bill could result in a reimbursable state mandate. The extent of these costs is unknown, but based on the existing Comprehensive School Safety Plan I and II mandates, the Proposition 98 General Fund costs could be in the tens of thousands of dollars each year. A precise amount would ultimately depend on the scope of the activities that LEAs would need to comply.”
SUPPORT: (Verified 8/21/24)
California Federation of Teachers
California Fire Chiefs Association
California Teachers Association
California Professional Firefighters
California School Employees Association
Fire Districts Association of California
Fire Safe Marin
OPPOSITION: (Verified 8/21/24)
None received
ARGUMENTS IN SUPPORT: According to the e California Fire Chiefs Association, “The devastating impact of the 2018 Camp Fire, which moved through schools with alarming speed, highlighted a glaring gap in our preparedness and response to wildfire threats, particularly concerning the safety of our children in their schools, underscoring the urgent need for legislation like AB 2968. This measure requires schools to coordinate annually with local fire departments for certification of compliance, identify appropriate shelters, and develop communication and evacuation plans that are practical, with actionable steps that will significantly enhance the safety and preparedness of our educational institutions. The lessons learned from past wildfires must guide our actions today to prevent similar tragedies. AB 2968 offers a clear path to better protection and preparedness for our schools in high-risk areas, embodying the proactive approach we must adopt in the face of increasing wildfire threats. For these reasons, the California Fire Chiefs Association (CalChiefs) and the Fire Districts Association of California (FDAC) support AB 2968.”
ASSEMBLY FLOOR: 71-0, 5/22/24
AYES: Addis, Aguiar-Curry, Alanis, Alvarez, Arambula, Bains, Bauer-Kahan, Bennett, Berman, Boerner, Bonta, Bryan, Juan Carrillo, Wendy Carrillo, Chen, Connolly, Davies, Dixon, Flora, Mike Fong, Vince Fong, Gabriel, Gallagher, Garcia, Gipson, Grayson, Haney, Hart, Hoover, Irwin, Jackson, Jones-Sawyer, Kalra, Lackey, Lee, Low, Lowenthal, Maienschein, McCarty, McKinnor, Muratsuchi, Stephanie Nguyen, Ortega, Pacheco, Papan, Jim Patterson, Pellerin, Petrie-Norris, Quirk-Silva, Ramos, Rendon, Reyes, Rodriguez, Blanca Rubio, Sanchez, Santiago, Schiavo, Soria, Ta, Ting, Valencia, Villapudua, Waldron, Wallis, Ward, Weber, Wicks, Wilson, Wood, Zbur, Robert Rivas
NO VOTE RECORDED: Calderon, Cervantes, Megan Dahle, Essayli, Friedman, Holden, Mathis, Joe Patterson, Luz Rivas
Prepared by: Kordell Hampton / ED. / (916) 651-4105
8/21/24 10:34:01
**** END ****
SENATE RULES COMMITTEE Office of Senate Floor Analyses (916) 651-1520 Fax: (916) 327-4478 | AB 2968 |
THIRD READING
Bill No: AB 2968
Author: Connolly (D)
Amended: 8/15/24 in Senate
Vote: 21
SENATE EDUCATION COMMITTEE: 7-0, 6/19/24
AYES: Newman, Ochoa Bogh, Cortese, Glazer, Gonzalez, Smallwood-Cuevas, Wilk
SENATE NATURAL RES. & WATER COMMITTEE: 11-0, 6/25/24
AYES: Min, Seyarto, Allen, Dahle, Eggman, Grove, Hurtado, Laird, Limón, Padilla, Stern
SENATE APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE: 7-0, 8/15/24
AYES: Caballero, Jones, Ashby, Becker, Bradford, Seyarto, Wahab
ASSEMBLY FLOOR: 71-0, 5/22/24 - See last page for vote
SUBJECT: School safety and fire prevention: fire hazard severity zones: comprehensive school safety plans: communication and evacuation plans
SOURCE: Author
DIGEST:
This bill requires, as part of a local educational agency (LEA), county offices of education (COEs), and charter schools school safety plan beginning the 2026-27 fiscal year, to establish a procedure to identify appropriate refuge shelter for all pupils and staff to be used in the event of an evacuation order and create defensible spaces, as specified.
ANALYSIS:
Existing law:
- Requires the State Fire Marshal to identify areas in the state as moderate, high, and very high fire hazard severity zones (VHFHSZ) based on consistent statewide criteria and based on the severity of fire hazard that is expected to prevail in those areas. Requires moderate, high, and VHFHSZ to be based on fuel loading, slope, fire weather, and other relevant factors including areas where winds have been identified by the Office of the State Fire Marshal as a major cause of wildfire spread. (Government Code (GOV) 51178)
- Requires the State Fire Marshal to periodically review zones designated and rated pursuant to this article and, as necessary, revise zones or their ratings or repeal the designation of zones. (Public Resources Code (PRC) 4204)
- Requires a person who owns, leases, controls, operates, or maintains an occupied dwelling or occupied structure in, upon, or adjoining a mountainous area, forest-covered land, shrub-covered land, grass-covered land, or land that is covered with flammable material, which area or land is within a VHFHSZ designated by the local agency at all times do all of the following:
- Maintaining defensible space of 100 feet from each side and front and rear of a structure, but not beyond the property line, except as provided. The amount of fuel modification necessary must consider the structure's flammability, building material, building standards, location, and vegetation type. Fuels must be maintained and spaced in a condition that a wildfire burning under average weather conditions would be unlikely to ignite the structure. Does not apply to single specimens of trees or vegetation that are well-pruned and maintained to effectively manage fuels and prevent fire transmission from nearby vegetation. The intensity of fuel management may vary within the 100-foot perimeter of the structure, with more intense fuel reductions being used between 5 and 30 feet around the structure. Steps should be taken to minimize erosion, soil disturbance, and the spread of flammable nonnative grasses and weeds. A greater distance may be required by state law, local ordinance, rule, or regulation.
- Remove that portion of a tree that extends within 10 feet of the outlet of a chimney or stovepipe.
- Maintain a tree, shrub, or other plant adjacent to or overhanging a building free of dead or dying wood.
- Maintain the roof of a structure free of leaves, needles, or other vegetative materials.
- Before constructing a new dwelling or structure, or rebuilding one damaged by a fire, a building permit is required. The owner must obtain a certification from the local building official that the structure complies with state and local building standards as specified. The certification must be provided to the insurer providing construction insurance coverage. After completion, the owner must obtain a final inspection report from the local building official, demonstrating compliance with all applicable building standards. (GOV 51182 (a))
- Requires a person who owns, leases, controls, operates, or maintains a building or structure in, upon, or adjoining a mountainous area, forest-covered lands, shrub-covered lands, grass-covered lands, or land that is covered with flammable material, to at all times maintain a defensible space of 100 feet from each side and from the front and rear of the structure, as provided. (PRC 4291)
- Requires the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) to develop and implement a training program to train individuals to support and augment the CAL FIRE in its defensible space and home hardening assessment and public education efforts. (PRC 4291.6)
- Each county is designated as an operational area, serving as a link in the state's emergency system and coordination between its emergency centers and political subdivisions. The governing bodies and subdivisions can organize and structure their operational areas for emergency activities. (GOV 8605)
- Defines an “operational area” is an intermediate level of the state emergency services organization, consisting of a county and all political subdivisions within the county area. (GOV 8559 (b))
This bill:
- Requires, as part of a LEAs, COEs, and charter schools school safety plan beginning the 2026-27 fiscal year, to establish a procedure to identify appropriate refuge shelter for all pupils and staff to be used in the event of an evacuation order by local authorities and notify the operational area having jurisdiction within the school’s boundaries of this identified refuge, in order to first prioritize the safety of pupils and staff, and then the defense of that structure in the event of a fire and requires each school that is located in a high or VHFHSZ, as specified, to coordinate the procedure with the operational area having jurisdiction within the school’s boundaries, in addition to clarifying that a school under the jurisdiction of a school district or county office of education, the school district or county office of education shall be the entity that coordinates with the operational area having jurisdiction within each of the school’s boundaries.
- Requires LEAs, COEs, and charter schools beginning the 2026–27 fiscal year, the development by each public school that is a school and that is in a high or VHFHSZ, as specified, of a communication and evacuation plan, to be used in the event of an early notice evacuation warning, that allows enough time to evacuate all pupils and staff.
- Defines “Operational area” means an intermediate level of the state emergency services organization, consisting of a county and all political subdivisions within the county area, that serves as a link in the system of communication and coordination between the state’s emergency operation centers and the operating centers of the political subdivisions that make up the operational area, as specified.
- Defines “School” to mean a public school, including a charter school, serving more than 50 students or pupils, as applicable, in kindergarten or any of grades 1 to 12, inclusive.
Comments
- Need for the bill. According to the author, “Wildfire evacuation plans in schools are crucial for ensuring the safety and well-being of students, staff, and faculty. This bill requires clear procedures for swiftly and efficiently transporting students and staff to a designated shelter, as well as improving defensible space standards to slow the threat of wildfire to a school structure. By establishing and practicing comprehensive wildfire safety protocols, schools can minimize panic, confusion, and potential injuries during emergency situations and effectively facilitate a safe wildfire evacuation.”
- Extreme Weather Conditions. California's climate will become hotter, drier, and more variable, increasing the risk of wildfires, droughts, floods, biodiversity loss, and rising sea levels. The economic cost of these losses by 2050 will exceed $100 billion annually. Global temperatures are rising, with nine of the ten hottest years recorded in the last decade. By 2025, California's statewide average temperature is predicted to increase by 1.9°F, and by 2050, by 4.6°F. Populations in wealthier parts of the state along the coast are at greater risk for health-related issues due to inadequate built environments for warmer temperatures. Urban areas have higher temperatures due to the urban heat island effect, increasing health risks associated with extreme heat. Strategies such as shading, green spaces, and better building and paving materials can mitigate the urban heat island effect.
- Wildfires Contribute to School Closures. According to CalMatter, the Disaster Days series compiled data from waivers submitted to the California Department of Education (CDE) from LEAs requesting credit for funding lost due to school closures since 2022. It was found that nearly two-thirds of California's 34,000 school closure days have been due to wildfires, with more than half of these occurring after 2015, indicating a growing trend in wildfire-related closures. Reasons for closures include poor air quality, fire damage, and power outages caused by wildfires.
In the 2018-2019 school year, almost 4,900 school closure days affected 2,260 schools and over 1.2 million students, roughly 1 in 5 in California. That year, 62% of closures were related to the November 2018 Camp fire. In the fall of the 2019-2020 school year, power shutoffs were a significant cause of school closures. Between September and November 2019, schools in at least 34 counties issued temporary closures due to fires and preventive power shutoffs.
In November 2018, over 180 school districts, with a combined enrollment of more than 1 million students, reported at least one school closure day due to hazardous air quality from fires in Butte County and Ventura County. The length of school closures has also notably increased in recent years. Previously, only a few schools reported losing ten or more instructional days in a year due to wildfire-related school closures, but in the last two years, that number has risen to more than 270. CalMatters identified at least 480 California public schools that have lost ten or more instructional days due to fire-related issues since the 2017-18 term.
- Creating Defensible Spaces. In recent years, California has seen many highly destructive wildfires. 13 of the 20 most damaging wildfires in California's recorded history (based on the number of structures lost) have occurred since 2017. These 13 fires caused massive devastation, destroying nearly 40,000 structures, claiming 148 lives, and burning millions of acres.
Defensible space is the area around a building that serves as a buffer between the structure and the surrounding grass, trees, and shrubs. It is essential for slowing or stopping the spread of wildfires and protecting buildings from catching fire. According to a 2019 analysis by the CAL FIRE, noncompliant structures are about five times more likely to be destroyed by wildfire than compliant ones.
For all structures within the state responsibility area and VHFHSZ, the required defensible space is 100 feet. CAL FIRE also mandates the removal of dead plants, grass, weeds, dry leaves, and pine needles within 30 feet of a structure. Additionally, tree branches should be at least 10 feet from a chimney, and other trees should be within the same 30 feet distance from a structure. AB 3074 (Friedman, Chapter 259, Statutes of 2020) introduced an ember-resistant zone requirement within five feet of a structure as part of revised defensible space requirements for structures in FHSZs. However, the Board has not yet established regulations for this requirement (Zone 0). These requirements apply to buildings or structures in, upon, or adjoining mountainous areas, forest-covered lands, shrub-covered lands, grass-covered lands, or lands with flammable material.
SB 63 (Stern, Chapter 382, Statutes of 2021) mandates CAL FIRE to adopt all three VHFHSZs in the local responsibility area (LRA), which includes incorporated cities, urban regions, agricultural lands, and portions of the desert where the local government is responsible for wildfire protection. Currently, only VHFHSZs are adopted for the LRA. Once all VHFHSZs are developed for the LRA, schools in those zones will be required to establish defensible space. However, these maps have not been adopted yet.
- Where Does the School Safety Fit in To This Bill? Existing law specifies that LEAs, COEs, and charter schools are responsible for the overall development of school safety plans. Each school must develop a safety plan that includes procedures and policies to ensure student and staff safety at a school site. The components of the plan range from child abuse reporting procedures, disaster procedures, pandemic response, earthquake emergency procedures, and procedures to allow a public agency to use school buildings, grounds, and equipment for mass care and welfare shelters during disasters or other emergencies affecting the public health and welfare.
Current law related to school safety plans requires the school site council to consult with a law enforcement agency, a fire department, and other first responders each year when updating the school safety plan and notify each entity of any updates that occur during the year. Further, current law requires each school site with two or more classrooms and 50 or more students to have a fire alarm system, monthly fire drills for elementary and intermediate-level students, and twice-yearly fire drills for secondary students.
This bill adds requirements for each school in a high-risk zone to coordinate with the fire department to identify appropriate refuge shelters for all students and staff to be used in the event of a shelter-in-place order by local authorities and notify the fire department to prioritize the defense of that structure in the event of a fire. Additionally, this bill requires each school in a high-risk zone to develop a communication and evacuation plan, which can be used in the event of an early notice evacuation warning, allowing enough time to evacuate all pupils, students, and staff.
FISCAL EFFECT: Appropriation: No Fiscal Com.: Yes Local: Yes
According to the Senate Appropriations Committee analysis, “By requiring LEAs to add new procedures to their school safety plans, this bill could result in a reimbursable state mandate. The extent of these costs is unknown, but based on the existing Comprehensive School Safety Plan I and II mandates, the Proposition 98 General Fund costs could be in the tens of thousands of dollars each year. A precise amount would ultimately depend on the scope of the activities that LEAs would need to comply.”
SUPPORT: (Verified 8/16/24)
California Federation of Teachers
California Fire Chiefs Association
California Professional Firefighters
California School Employees Association
Fire Districts Association of California
Fire Safe Marin
OPPOSITION: (Verified 8/16/24)
None received
ARGUMENTS IN SUPPORT: According to the e California Fire Chiefs Association, “The devastating impact of the 2018 Camp Fire, which moved through schools with alarming speed, highlighted a glaring gap in our preparedness and response to wildfire threats, particularly concerning the safety of our children in their schools, underscoring the urgent need for legislation like AB 2968. This measure requires schools to coordinate annually with local fire departments for certification of compliance, identify appropriate shelters, and develop communication and evacuation plans that are practical, with actionable steps that will significantly enhance the safety and preparedness of our educational institutions. The lessons learned from past wildfires must guide our actions today to prevent similar tragedies. AB 2968 offers a clear path to better protection and preparedness for our schools in high-risk areas, embodying the proactive approach we must adopt in the face of increasing wildfire threats. For these reasons, the California Fire Chiefs Association (CalChiefs) and the Fire Districts Association of California (FDAC) support AB 2968.”
ASSEMBLY FLOOR: 71-0, 5/22/24
AYES: Addis, Aguiar-Curry, Alanis, Alvarez, Arambula, Bains, Bauer-Kahan, Bennett, Berman, Boerner, Bonta, Bryan, Juan Carrillo, Wendy Carrillo, Chen, Connolly, Davies, Dixon, Flora, Mike Fong, Vince Fong, Gabriel, Gallagher, Garcia, Gipson, Grayson, Haney, Hart, Hoover, Irwin, Jackson, Jones-Sawyer, Kalra, Lackey, Lee, Low, Lowenthal, Maienschein, McCarty, McKinnor, Muratsuchi, Stephanie Nguyen, Ortega, Pacheco, Papan, Jim Patterson, Pellerin, Petrie-Norris, Quirk-Silva, Ramos, Rendon, Reyes, Rodriguez, Blanca Rubio, Sanchez, Santiago, Schiavo, Soria, Ta, Ting, Valencia, Villapudua, Waldron, Wallis, Ward, Weber, Wicks, Wilson, Wood, Zbur, Robert Rivas
NO VOTE RECORDED: Calderon, Cervantes, Megan Dahle, Essayli, Friedman, Holden, Mathis, Joe Patterson, Luz Rivas
Prepared by: Kordell Hampton / ED. / (916) 651-4105
8/19/24 10:55:57
**** END ****
SENATE COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS
Senator Anna Caballero, Chair
2023 - 2024 Regular Session
AB 2968 (Connolly) - School safety and fire prevention: fire hazard severity zones: comprehensive school safety plans: communication and evacuation plans
Version: June 27, 2024 | Policy Vote: ED. 7 - 0, N.R. & W. 11 - 0 |
Urgency: No | Mandate: Yes |
Hearing Date: August 15, 2024 | Consultant: Lenin Del Castillo |
Bill Summary:
The bill also requires local educational agencies (LEAs) in high or very high fire severity zones to include in their comprehensive school safety plan procedures related to severe fires, including a communication and evacuation plan.
*********** ANALYSIS ADDENDUM – SUSPENSE FILE ***********
The following information is revised to reflect amendments
adopted by the committee on August 15, 2024
Fiscal Impact:
By requiring LEAs to add new procedures to their school safety plans, this bill could result in a reimbursable state mandate. The extent of these costs is unknown, but based on the existing Comprehensive School Safety Plan I and II mandates, the Proposition 98 General Fund costs could be in the tens of thousands of dollars each year. A precise amount would ultimately depend on the scope of the activities that LEAs would need to comply.
Author Amendments:
Remove the requirement for LEAs to comply with defensible space fire safety standards, as specified.
-- END --
SENATE COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS
Senator Anna Caballero, Chair
2023 - 2024 Regular Session
AB 2968 (Connolly) - School safety and fire prevention: fire hazard severity zones: comprehensive school safety plans: communication and evacuation plans
Version: June 27, 2024 | Policy Vote: ED. 7 - 0, N.R. & W. 11 - 0 |
Urgency: No | Mandate: Yes |
Hearing Date: August 5, 2024 | Consultant: Lenin Del Castillo |
Bill Summary:
The bill also requires local educational agencies (LEAs) in high or very high fire severity zones to include in their comprehensive school safety plan procedures related to severe fires, including a communication and evacuation plan.
Fiscal Impact:
By requiring LEAs to add new procedures to their school safety plans, this bill could result in a reimbursable state mandate. The extent of these costs is unknown, but based on the existing Comprehensive School Safety Plan I and II mandates, the Proposition 98 General Fund costs could be in the tens of thousands of dollars each year. A precise amount would ultimately depend on the scope of the activities that LEAs would need to comply.
Background:
Existing law requires each school district or county office of education (COE) to be responsible for the overall development of all comprehensive school safety plans for its schools operating kindergarten or any of grades 1 through 12. The comprehensive school safety plans shall include an assessment of the current status of school crime committed on school campuses and at school-related functions and identification of appropriate strategies and programs to provide or maintain a high level of school safety and address the school’s procedures for complying with existing laws related to school safety, including child abuse reporting procedures; disaster procedures; an earthquake emergency procedure system; policies regarding pupils who commit specified acts that would lead to suspension or expulsion; procedures to notify teachers of dangerous pupils; a discrimination and harassment policy; the provisions of any schoolwide dress code; procedures for safe ingress and egress of pupils, parents, and school employees to and from school; a safe and orderly environment conducive to learning; and rules and procedures on school discipline.
Existing law encourages that, as school safety plans are reviewed, plans be updated to include clear guidelines for the roles and responsibilities of mental health professionals, community intervention professionals, school counselors, school resource officers, and police officers on school campuses, if the school district employs these professionals.
Existing law requires the comprehensive school safety plan to be submitted annually to the school district or county office of education for approval and requires a school district or county office to notify the California Department of Education by October 15 of every year of any school that is not in compliance.
Proposed Law:
This bill requires LEAs, as part of their school safety plans beginning in the 2026-27 fiscal year, to establish a procedure to identify appropriate refuge shelter for all pupils and staff to be used in the event of an evacuation order by local authorities. This bill also requires LEAs to notify the operational area having jurisdiction within the school’s boundaries of this identified refuge, in order to first prioritize the safety of pupils and staff, and then the defense of that structure in the event of a fire and requires each school that is located in a high or very high fire hazard severity zones, as specified, to coordinate the procedure with the operational area having jurisdiction within the school’s boundaries.
This bill requires LEAs, beginning with the 2026–27 fiscal year, the development by each public school that is in a high or very high fire hazard severity zone, as specified, of a communication and evacuation plan to be used in the event of an early notice evacuation warning, that allows enough time to evacuate all pupils and staff.
This bill defines “Operational area” means an intermediate level of the state emergency services organization, consisting of a county and all political subdivisions within the county area, that serves as a link in the system of communication and coordination between the state’s emergency operation centers and the operating centers of the political subdivisions that make up the operational area, as specified.
Related Legislation:
SB 63 (Stern, Chapter 382, Statutes of 2021) makes multiple changes to state law to enhance fire prevention efforts by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Prevention, including among other things, improved vegetation management, and expanding the areas where enhanced fire safety building standards apply.
Staff Comments:
This bill requires LEAs in high or very high fire severity zones to include in their comprehensive school safety plan procedures related to severe fires, including a communication and evacuation plan. Consistent with previous determinations by the Commission on State Mandates regarding school safety plans, the Commission is likely to determine the activities required by this bill to be a higher level of service and therefore a reimbursable state mandate. The associated costs could be significant, potentially in the tens of thousands to low hundreds of thousands of dollars each year. Alternatively, if school districts elect not to submit mandate claims to the Commission, there could be pressure for the state to increase the K-12 Mandate Block Grant. The amount of funding provided through the block grant is tied to the mandates that the Commission has approved as well as the costs for those mandates. School districts that choose to participate in the block grant receive a per-student amount to cover the cost of the various state mandated activities in lieu of submitting mandate claims for reimbursement. Charter schools may participate in the block grant, but are not eligible to submit mandate claims nor receive reimbursement from the state.
-- END --
SENATE COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION
Senator Josh Newman, Chair
2023 - 2024 Regular
Bill No: AB 2968 Hearing Date: June 19, 2024
Author: | |||
Version: | June 10, 2024 | ||
Urgency: | No | Fiscal: | Yes |
Consultant: | Kordell Hampton | ||
Subject: School safety and fire prevention: fire hazard severity zones: comprehensive school safety plans: communication and evacuation plans.
NOTE: This bill has been referred to the Committees on Education and Natural Resources and Water. A "do pass" motion should include referral to the Committee on Natural Resources and Water.
SUMMARY
Requires, as part of a local educational agency (LEA), county offices of education (COEs), and charter schools school safety plan beginning the 2026-27 fiscal year, to establish a procedure to identify appropriate refuge shelter for all pupils and staff to be used in the event of an evacuation order and create defensible spaces, as specified.
BACKGROUND
Existing Law:
- Requires the State Fire Marshal to identify areas in the state as moderate, high, and very high fire hazard severity zones (VHFHSZ) based on consistent statewide criteria and based on the severity of fire hazard that is expected to prevail in those areas. Requires moderate, high, and VHFHSZ to be based on fuel loading, slope, fire weather, and other relevant factors including areas where winds have been identified by the Office of the State Fire Marshal as a major cause of wildfire spread. (Government Code (GOV) 51178)
- Requires the State Fire Marshal to periodically review zones designated and rated pursuant to this article and, as necessary, revise zones or their ratings or repeal the designation of zones. (Public Resources Code (PRC) 4204)
- Requires a person who owns, leases, controls, operates, or maintains an occupied dwelling or occupied structure in, upon, or adjoining a mountainous area, forest-covered land, shrub-covered land, grass-covered land, or land that is covered with flammable material, which area or land is within a VHFHSZ designated by the local agency at all times do all of the following:
- Maintaining defensible space of 100 feet from each side and front and rear of a structure, but not beyond the property line, except as provided. The amount of fuel modification necessary must consider the structure's flammability, building material, building standards, location, and vegetation type. Fuels must be maintained and spaced in a condition that a wildfire burning under average weather conditions would be unlikely to ignite the structure. Does not apply to single specimens of trees or vegetation that are well-pruned and maintained to effectively manage fuels and prevent fire transmission from nearby vegetation. The intensity of fuel management may vary within the 100-foot perimeter of the structure, with more intense fuel reductions being used between 5 and 30 feet around the structure. Steps should be taken to minimize erosion, soil disturbance, and the spread of flammable nonnative grasses and weeds. A greater distance may be required by state law, local ordinance, rule, or regulation.
- Remove that portion of a tree that extends within 10 feet of the outlet of a chimney or stovepipe.
- Maintain a tree, shrub, or other plant adjacent to or overhanging a building free of dead or dying wood.
- Maintain the roof of a structure free of leaves, needles, or other vegetative materials.
- Before constructing a new dwelling or structure, or rebuilding one damaged by a fire, a building permit is required. The owner must obtain a certification from the local building official that the structure complies with state and local building standards as specified. The certification must be provided to the insurer providing construction insurance coverage. After completion, the owner must obtain a final inspection report from the local building official, demonstrating compliance with all applicable building standards. (GOV 51182 (a))
- Requires a person who owns, leases, controls, operates, or maintains a building or structure in, upon, or adjoining a mountainous area, forest-covered lands, shrub-covered lands, grass-covered lands, or land that is covered with flammable material, to at all times maintain a defensible space of 100 feet from each side and from the front and rear of the structure, as provided. (PRC 4291)
- Requires the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) to develop and implement a training program to train individuals to support and augment the CAL FIRE in its defensible space and home hardening assessment and public education efforts. (PRC 4291.6)
- Each county is designated as an operational area, serving as a link in the state's emergency system and coordination between its emergency centers and political subdivisions. The governing bodies and subdivisions can organize and structure their operational areas for emergency activities. (GOV 8605)
- Defines an “operational area” is an intermediate level of the state emergency services organization, consisting of a county and all political subdivisions within the county area. (GOV 8559 (b))
ANALYSIS
This bill:
- Requires, as part of a LEAs, COEs, and charter schools school safety plan beginning the 2026-27 fiscal year, to establish a procedure to identify appropriate refuge shelter for all pupils and staff to be used in the event of an evacuation order by local authorities and notify the operational area having jurisdiction within the school’s boundaries of this identified refuge, in order to first prioritize the safety of pupils and staff, and then the defense of that structure in the event of a fire and requires each school that is located in a high or VHFHSZ, as specified, to coordinate the procedure with the operational area having jurisdiction within the school’s boundaries, in addition to clarifying that a school under the jurisdiction of a school district or county office of education, the school district or county office of education shall be the entity that coordinates with the operational area having jurisdiction within each of the school’s boundaries.
- Requires LEAs, COEs, and charter schools beginning the 2026–27 fiscal year, the development by each public school that is a school and that is in a high or VHFHSZ, as specified, of a communication and evacuation plan, to be used in the event of an early notice evacuation warning, that allows enough time to evacuate all pupils and staff.
- Defines “Operational area” means an intermediate level of the state emergency services organization, consisting of a county and all political subdivisions within the county area, that serves as a link in the system of communication and coordination between the state’s emergency operation centers and the operating centers of the political subdivisions that make up the operational area, as specified.
- Defines “School” to mean a private school or a public school, including a charter school, serving more than 50 students or pupils, as applicable, in kindergarten or any of grades 1 to 12, inclusive.
STAFF COMMENTS
- Need for the bill. According to the author, “Wildfire evacuation plans in schools are crucial for ensuring the safety and well-being of students, staff, and faculty. This bill requires clear procedures for swiftly and efficiently transporting students and staff to a designated shelter, as well as improving defensible space standards to slow the threat of wildfire to a school structure. By establishing and practicing comprehensive wildfire safety protocols, schools can minimize panic, confusion, and potential injuries during emergency situations and effectively facilitate a safe wildfire evacuation.”
- Extreme Weather Conditions. California's climate will become hotter, drier, and more variable, increasing the risk of wildfires, droughts, floods, biodiversity loss, and rising sea levels. The economic cost of these losses by 2050 will exceed $100 billion annually. Global temperatures are rising, with nine of the ten hottest years recorded in the last decade. By 2025, California's statewide average temperature is predicted to increase by 1.9°F, and by 2050, by 4.6°F. Populations in wealthier parts of the state along the coast are at greater risk for health-related issues due to inadequate built environments for warmer temperatures. Urban areas have higher temperatures due to the urban heat island effect, increasing health risks associated with extreme heat. Strategies such as shading, green spaces, and better building and paving materials can mitigate the urban heat island effect.
- Wildfires Contribute to School Closures. According to CalMatter, the Disaster Days series compiled data from waivers submitted to the California Department of Education (CDE) from LEAs requesting credit for funding lost due to school closures since 2022. It was found that nearly two-thirds of California's 34,000 school closure days have been due to wildfires, with more than half of these occurring after 2015, indicating a growing trend in wildfire-related closures. Reasons for closures include poor air quality, fire damage, and power outages caused by wildfires.
In the 2018-2019 school year, almost 4,900 school closure days affected 2,260 schools and over 1.2 million students, roughly 1 in 5 in California. That year, 62% of closures were related to the November 2018 Camp fire. In the fall of the 2019-2020 school year, power shutoffs were a significant cause of school closures. Between September and November 2019, schools in at least 34 counties issued temporary closures due to fires and preventive power shutoffs.
In November 2018, over 180 school districts, with a combined enrollment of more than 1 million students, reported at least one school closure day due to hazardous air quality from fires in Butte County and Ventura County. The length of school closures has also notably increased in recent years. Previously, only a few schools reported losing ten or more instructional days in a year due to wildfire-related school closures, but in the last two years, that number has risen to more than 270. CalMatters identified at least 480 California public schools that have lost ten or more instructional days due to fire-related issues since the 2017-18 term.
- Creating Defensible Spaces. In recent years, California has seen many highly destructive wildfires. 13 of the 20 most damaging wildfires in California's recorded history (based on the number of structures lost) have occurred since 2017. These 13 fires caused massive devastation, destroying nearly 40,000 structures, claiming 148 lives, and burning millions of acres.
Defensible space is the area around a building that serves as a buffer between the structure and the surrounding grass, trees, and shrubs. It is essential for slowing or stopping the spread of wildfires and protecting buildings from catching fire. According to a 2019 analysis by the CAL FIRE, noncompliant structures are about five times more likely to be destroyed by wildfire than compliant ones.
For all structures within the state responsibility area and VHFHSZ, the required defensible space is 100 feet. CAL FIRE also mandates the removal of dead plants, grass, weeds, dry leaves, and pine needles within 30 feet of a structure. Additionally, tree branches should be at least 10 feet from a chimney, and other trees should be within the same 30 feet distance from a structure. AB 3074 (Friedman, Chapter 259, Statutes of 2020) introduced an ember-resistant zone requirement within five feet of a structure as part of revised defensible space requirements for structures in FHSZs. However, the Board has not yet established regulations for this requirement (Zone 0).
These requirements apply to buildings or structures in, upon, or adjoining mountainous areas, forest-covered lands, shrub-covered lands, grass-covered lands, or lands with flammable material.
SB 63 (Stern, Chapter 382, Statutes of 2021) mandates CAL FIRE to adopt all three VHFHSZs in the local responsibility area (LRA), which includes incorporated cities, urban regions, agricultural lands, and portions of the desert where the local government is responsible for wildfire protection. Currently, only VHFHSZs are adopted for the LRA. Once all VHFHSZs are developed for the LRA, schools in those zones will be required to establish defensible space. However, these maps have not been adopted yet.
Where Does the School Safety Fit in To This Bill?
Existing law specifies that LEAs, COEs, and charter schools are responsible for the overall development of school safety plans. Each school must develop a safety plan that includes procedures and policies to ensure student and staff safety at a school site. The components of the plan range from child abuse reporting procedures, disaster procedures, pandemic response, earthquake emergency procedures, and procedures to allow a public agency to use school buildings, grounds, and equipment for mass care and welfare shelters during disasters or other emergencies affecting the public health and welfare.
Current law related to school safety plans requires the school site council to consult with a law enforcement agency, a fire department, and other first responders each year when updating the school safety plan and notify each entity of any updates that occur during the year. Further, current law requires each school site with two or more classrooms and 50 or more students to have a fire alarm system, monthly fire drills for elementary and intermediate-level students, and twice-yearly fire drills for secondary students.
This bill adds requirements for each school in a high-risk zone to coordinate with the fire department to identify appropriate refuge shelters for all students and staff to be used in the event of a shelter-in-place order by local authorities and notify the fire department to prioritize the defense of that structure in the event of a fire. In addition, this bill requires each school in a high-risk zone to develop a communication and evacuation plan, which can be used in the event of an early notice evacuation warning, allowing enough time to evacuate all pupils, students, and staff.
- Committee Amendments. Committee staff recommends the following amendment:
- Remove private schools from the definition of “school.”
- Related Legislation.
SB 63 (Stern, Chapter 382, Statutes of 2021) makes multiple changes to state law to enhance fire prevention efforts by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Prevention, including among other things, improved vegetation management, and expanding the areas where enhanced fire safety building standards apply.
AB 2126 (O’Donnell, 2020) would have required the CDE to develop and implement a website, app, and survey to collect temporary school closure information from school districts, including whether they have a plan to provide meals and instruction during these closures. This bill was held in the Senate Appropriations Committee.
AB 2127 (O’Donnell, 2020) would have required LEAs to provide the CDE information related to each school facility, schoolsite, or school property owned or leased by the LEA in order to improve coordination between LEAs and emergency response agencies during emergencies. This bill was held in the Senate Education Committee.
AB 1837 (Smith, 2020) would have required the Superintendent of Public Instruction to establish a State Assistance for Emergency Response Team within the CDE to provide guidance and support to LEAs experiencing emergencies. This bill was held in the Senate Education Committee.
AB 9 (Wood, Chapter 225, Statutes of 2022) establishes the Regional Forest and Fire Capacity Program (RFFCP) in the Department of Conservation (DOC), creates a deputy director of Community Wildfire Preparedness and Mitigation (deputy director) within the Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM), and transfers and delegates certain duties related to fire safety and wildfire prevention from CAL FIRE and the Director of CAL FIRE to the OSFM and the State Fire Marshal, as provided.
SUPPORT
California Federation of Teachers
California Fire Chiefs Association
California Professional Firefighters
California School Employees Association
Fire Districts Association of California
Fire Safe Marin
OPPOSITION
None received
-- END --
ASSEMBLY THIRD READING
ATR Bill Id:AB 2968
Author:(Connolly)
As Amended Ver:April 24, 2024
Majority vote
SUMMARY
Requires, beginning in the 2026-27 fiscal year, and annually thereafter, each school in a high or very high fire hazard severity zone to comply with the defensible space standards in current law, and any subsequent standards. Requires schools in high or very high fire severity zones to include in their comprehensive school safety plan procedures related to severe fires, including a communication and evacuation plan.
Major Provisions
- Requires a school that is located in a "high or very high fire hazard severity zone," as defined by current law, to comply with defensible space standards. These standards include a buffer between a building and the grass, trees, shrubs, or any wildland area that surrounds it.
- Requires the fire department having jurisdiction within the school's boundaries to annually verify compliance with defensible space standards.
- Requires the school safety plan to include a procedure to identify appropriate refuge shelter for all pupils, students, and staff to be used in the event of a shelter-in-place order by local authorities, and requires each public school in a high-risk zone to develop a communication and evacuation plan, to be used in the event of an early notice evacuation warning, that allows enough time to evacuate all pupils, students, and staff.
COMMENTS
Defensible space. According to the CAL FIRE, defensible space is the buffer between your structure and the surrounding area. Adequate defensible space acts as a barrier to slow or halt the progress of fire that would otherwise engulf property. It also helps ensure the safety of firefighters defending a structure or home. Defensible space is the first line of defense for your structure or home against wildfire. The CAL FIRE requires the removal of all dead plants, grass, and weeds, and the removal of dry leaves and pine needles within 30 feet of a structure (known as Zone 1). In addition, tree branches must be 10 feet away from a chimney and other trees within the same 30 feet surrounding a structure. These existing requirements still permit most vegetation within five feet of the house or structure. California has diverse regional climates, and some local government agencies have stricter standards than the State’s minimum requirements. For example, San Diego County requires 50 feet of clearance in Zone 1. According to the University of California Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources, implementation of this non-combustible area could make a significant difference in a home's ability to survive a wildfire. AB 3074 (Friedman), Chapter 259, Statutes of 2020, established an ember-resistant zone within five feet of a structure as part of revised defensible space requirements for structures located in high fire hazard areas.
School safety plans. Existing law specifies that school districts and county offices of education (COEs) are responsible for the overall development of school safety plans. Each school is required to develop a school safety plan that includes procedures, and policies to ensure student and staff safety at a school site. The components of the plan range from child abuse reporting procedures, disaster procedures, pandemic response, earthquake emergency procedures, and procedures to allow a public agency to use school buildings, grounds, and equipment for mass care and welfare shelters during disasters or other emergencies affecting the public health and welfare.
The school safety plan is developed by a school site council or a school safety planning committee. Current law requires a school to submit the school safety plan to the school district or COE for approval and requires the school district or COE to annually notify the California Department of Education (CDE) of any schools that have not complied with the requirement to develop a school safety plan. The Superintendent of Public Instruction (SPI) is authorized to impose a fine of not more than $2,000 against a school district or COE for any willful failure to make any required report. According to the CDE, there has been no report of noncompliance by schools and no district or COE has been fined for willfully failing to report a school that has not developed a school safety plan. Charter schools are also required to develop comprehensive school safety plans, including specified elements.
Current law related to school safety plans requires the school site council to consult with a law enforcement agency, a fire department, and other first responders each year when updating the school safety plan and notify each entity of any updates that occur during the year. Further, current law requires each school site with two or more classrooms and 50 or more students is to have a fire alarm system, as well as monthly fire drills for elementary and intermediate-level students, and twice-yearly fire drills for secondary students.
Increasing frequency and duration of school closures. The number of temporary school closures in California has increased in recent years, due in large part to the increased incidence of climate-fueled wildfires. Large fires in San Diego County caused mass school closures in 2003 and 2007, and more recently a dramatic and sustained increase in closures has resulted from frequent wildfires, including the devastating Camp Fire of 2018 in Butte County which was the deadliest and most destructive wildfire in California history.
According to CalMatters' Disaster Days series (which compiled data from waivers submitted to the CDE from local educational agencies (LEAs) requesting credit for funding lost due to school closures over the last two decades), nearly two-thirds of the 34,000 school closure days recorded in California since 2002 have been due to wildfires. Of these, more than half have occurred since 2015, highlighting a trend in increasing wildfire-related closures, including those due to poor air quality, fire damage, and power outages caused by wildfires. In the 2018-2019 school year, there were nearly 4,900 school closure days in California, impacting 2,260 schools and over 1.2 million students, or nearly 1 in 5 students in California. Of these closures, 62% were related to the November 2018 Camp fire. In the fall of the 2019-20 school year, power shutoffs were a major cause of school closures. Between September and November of 2019, schools in at least 34 counties issued temporary closures due to fires and preventative power shutoffs. During one week in November 2018, over 180 school districts, with a combined enrollment of more than 1 million students, reported at least one school closure day due to hazardous air quality resulting from the Camp and Woolsey fires in Butte County and Ventura County, respectively.
The duration of school closures has also increased significantly in the last several years. Until recently, only a handful of schools reported losing ten or more instructional days in a single year due to wildfire-related school closures, but in the last two years, that number has risen to more than 270. CalMatters identified at least 480 California public schools that have lost 10 or more instructional days for fire-related issues since the 2017-18 term.
According to the Author
"Wildfire evacuation plans in schools are crucial for ensuring the safety and well-being of students, staff, and faculty. This bill requires clear procedures for swiftly and efficiently transporting students and staff to a designated shelter, as well as improving defensible space standards to slow the threat of wildfire to a school structure. By establishing and practicing comprehensive wildfire safety protocols, schools can minimize panic, confusion, and potential injuries during emergency situations and effectively facilitate a safe wildfire evacuation."
Arguments in Support
The California School Employees Association writes, "AB 2968 takes a vital step forward by requiring schools in high-risk fire zones to prioritize fire preparedness. By prioritizing planning, defensible space, and clear communication with local fire departments, this bill equips schools with the tools they need to effectively respond to wildfires."
Arguments in Opposition
None on file
FISCAL COMMENTS
According to the Assembly Appropriations Committee:
- One-time and ongoing Proposition 98 General Fund costs, of an unknown but potentially significant amount, to schools located in high or very high fire severity zones to comply with defensible space standards. Costs will likely be higher on the outset to ensure standards are met. Ongoing costs will likely be for maintenance and therefore lower. To the extent schools already comply with defensible space requirements under existing law, costs would be lower.
- Ongoing costs, of an unknown but likely minor amount, to fire departments with jurisdiction within a school's boundaries that is located in a high or very high fire hazard severity zone to annually verify compliance with defensible space standards.
- One-time costs to schools, or school districts in the case of small schools, located in high or very high fire severity zones to include certain procedures in their school safety plans, likely in the tens of thousands of dollars total, to the extent their plans do not include these procedures already.
VOTES
ASM EDUCATION: 7-0-0
YES: Muratsuchi, Addis, Alvarez, Bonta, Flora, Hoover, McCarty
ASM NATURAL RESOURCES: 11-0-0
YES: Bryan, Flora, Bauer-Kahan, Friedman, Hoover, Kalra, Joe Patterson, Muratsuchi, Pellerin, Wicks, Wood
ASM APPROPRIATIONS: 15-0-0
YES: Wicks, Sanchez, Arambula, Bryan, Calderon, Wendy Carrillo, Dixon, Mike Fong, Grayson, Haney, Hart, Jim Patterson, Pellerin, Ta, Villapudua
UPDATED
VERSION: April 24, 2024
CONSULTANT: Marguerite Ries / ED. / (916) 319-2087 FN: 0003242
Date of Hearing: May 8, 2024
ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS
Buffy Wicks, Chair
ABPCA Bill Id:AB 2968
Author:(Connolly) – As Amended Ver:April 24, 2024
Policy Committee: | Education | Vote: | 7 - 0 |
Natural Resources | 11 - 0 | ||
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Urgency: No State Mandated Local Program: Yes Reimbursable: Yes
SUMMARY:
This bill requires, beginning in the 2026-27 fiscal year, and annually thereafter, each school in a high or very high fire hazard severity zone to comply with the defensible space standards in current law, and any subsequent standards. The bill also requires schools in high or very high fire severity zones to include in their comprehensive school safety plan procedures related to severe fires, including a communication and evacuation plan.
Specifically, this bill requires a school that is located in “high or very high fire hazard severity zone,” as defined by current law, to comply with defensible space standards. These standards include a buffer between a building and the grass, trees, shrubs, or any wildland area that surrounds it. The bill also requires the fire department having jurisdiction within the school’s boundaries to annually verify compliance with defensible space standards. This bill additionally requires the school safety plan to include a procedure to identify appropriate refuge shelter for all pupils, students, and staff to be used in the event of a shelter-in-place order by local authorities, and requires each public school in a high-risk zone to develop a communication and evacuation plan, to be used in the event of an early notice evacuation warning, that allows enough time to evacuate all pupils, students, and staff.
FISCAL EFFECT:
- One-time and ongoing Proposition 98 General Fund costs, of an unknown but potentially significant amount, to schools located in high or very high fire severity zones to comply with defensible space standards. Costs will likely be higher on the outset to ensure standards are met. Ongoing costs will likely be for maintenance and therefore lower. To the extent schools already comply with defensible space requirements under existing law, costs would be lower.
- Ongoing costs, of an unknown but likely minor amount, to fire departments with jurisdiction within a school’s boundaries that is located in a high or very high fire hazard severity zone to annually verify compliance with defensible space standards.
- One-time costs to schools, or school districts in the case of small schools, located in high or very high fire severity zones to include certain procedures in their school safety plans, likely in the tens of thousands of dollars total, to the extent their plans do not include these procedures already.
If the Commission on State Mandates determines the bill’s requirements to be a reimbursable state mandate, the state would need to reimburse these costs to local agencies.
COMMENTS:
- Purpose. According to the author:
Wildfire evacuation plans in schools are crucial for ensuring the safety and well-being of students, staff, and faculty. This bill requires clear procedures for swiftly and efficiently transporting students and staff to a designated shelter, as well as improving defensible space standards to slow the threat of wildfire to a school structure. By establishing and practicing comprehensive wildfire safety protocols, schools can minimize panic, confusion, and potential injuries during emergency situations and effectively facilitate a safe wildfire evacuation.
- Background.
- Defensible Space. Defensible space is the buffer created between a building on a property and the grass, trees, shrubs, or any wildland area that surrounds it. This space is needed to slow or stop the spread of wildfire and it helps protect structures from catching fire. The defensible space for all structures within the state responsibility area and very high fire severity hazard zone is 100 feet. Building owners in these areas are required to remove all dead plants, grass, and weeds, and the removal of dry leaves and pine needles within 30 feet of a structure, in addition to other requirements.
Under California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection’s (CAL FIRE) Defensible Space Inspection Program, inspectors enforce California’s defensible space rules and work with residents to help them understand what specific steps they need to take to create defensible space for their home. Local agencies, such as county fire departments and fire protection districts, are primarily responsible for enforcing defensible space requirements in the very high fire severity hazard zones within their jurisdictions.
This bill requires the fire department having jurisdiction within the school’s boundary to annually certify school compliance with the defensible space requirements of this bill.
- Comprehensive School Safety Plans. Each public school in California is required to develop a school safety plan that includes procedures and policies to ensure student and staff safety at the school site. Each school is to evaluate the plan at least annually and make amendments as needed. The plan is to be developed in consultation with a representative from a law enforcement agency, a fire department, and other first responder entities and is to be relevant to the needs and resources of each particular school. The required components of the plan include disaster and emergency procedures, such as those during and after earthquakes, and behavioral policies, such as discrimination and harassment policies.
This bill requires schools in high or very high fire severity zones to include in their comprehensive school safety plan procedures related to severe fires.
- Related Legislation. AB 1858 (Ward) requires a school that elects to conduct school shooter drills to include in its comprehensive school safety plan certain parameters for drills. The bill is pending in this committee.
AB 2887 (Maienschein) requires a comprehensive school safety plan include procedures for responding to incidents involving an individual experiencing a sudden cardiac arrest or similar life-threatening medical emergency on school grounds. The bill is pending in this committee.
Analysis Prepared by: Natasha Collins / APPR. / (916) 319-2081
Date of Hearing: April 22, 2024
ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES
Isaac G. Bryan, Chair
ABPCA Bill Id:AB 2968 (
Author:Connolly) – As Amended Ver:April 15, 2024
SUBJECT: School safety and fire prevention: fire hazard severity zones: comprehensive school safety plans: communication and evacuation plans
SUMMARY: Requires each school in a high-risk zone to comply with specified defensible space zone fire safety standards, applicable to the area from school buildings to the area 100 feet from school buildings.
EXISTING LAW:
- Provides that each school district and county office of education is responsible for the overall development of all comprehensive school safety plans for its schools operating kindergarten or any of grades 1 to 12, inclusive. Requires each schoolsite council to write and develop a comprehensive school safety plan relevant to the needs and resources of that particular school. (Education Code 32281)
- Requires a person who owns or operates a building or structure in specified lands with flammable materials to maintain defensible space of 100 feet from each side of the structure. Requires the Board of Forestry and Fire Prevention (Board) to develop and update guidance for fuels management for defensible space compliance. (Public Resources Code 4291)
- Requires the State Fire Marshal (SFM) to identify areas in the state as moderate, high, and very high fire hazard severity zones (FHSZs) based on consistent statewide criteria and based on the severity of fire hazard that is expected to prevail in those areas. Moderate, high, and very high FHSZs shall be based on fuel loading, slope, fire weather, and other relevant factors including areas where winds have been identified by the Office of the SFM as a major cause of wildfire spread. (Government Code 51178)
THIS BILL:
- Defines the following terms:
- “High-risk zone” means land identified by the SFM as a high or very high FHSZs.
- “School” means a public or private school, including a charter school, serving more than 50 pupils or students in kindergarten or any of grades 1 to 12, inclusive.
- “Zone 0” means the area from a school building to the area within five feet of the school building, or the property line, whichever is closer.
- “Zone 1” means the area from five feet of a school building to the area 30 feet from a school building, or the property line, whichever is closer.
- “Zone 2” means the area from 30 feet of a school building to the area 100 feet from a school building, or the property line, whichever is closer.
- Requires, commencing with the 2026–27 fiscal year, each school in a high-risk zone to comply with the following defensible space zone standards:
- Keep Zone 0 clear by doing all of the following:
- Using hardscape, such as gravel, pavers, and concrete.
- Removing all dead and dying plants, weeds, and debris from roofs, gutters, and stairways.
- Limiting combustible items.
- Replacing combustible fencing.
- Relocating recycling containers outside of Zone 0.
- Clear dead or dry vegetation and maintain space between trees in Zone 1 by doing all of the following:
- Removing all dead plants, grass, and weeds.
- Removing dead or dry leaves and pine needles.
- Trimming trees regularly to keep branches a minimum of 10 feet from other trees.
- Creating a separation between trees, shrubs, and items that could catch fire, including furniture, wood piles, and swing sets.
- Reduce potential fuel in Zone 2 by doing all of the following:
- Limiting the maximum height of grass to four inches.
- Maintaining horizontal space between shrubs and trees, and vertical space between grass, shrubs, and trees.
- Limiting the maximum depth of fallen leaves, needles, twigs, bark, cones, and small branches to three inches.
- Maintaining 10 feet of clearance around exposed wood piles down to mineral soil in all directions.
- Clearing areas around outbuildings and propane tanks.
- Keep Zone 0 clear by doing all of the following:
- Requires the fire department having jurisdiction within the school’s boundary to annually certify school compliance with the defensible space requirements.
- Requires a comprehensive school safety plan, commencing with the 2026–27 fiscal year, to establish a procedure to identify appropriate refuge shelter for all pupils and staff to be used in the event of a shelter-in-place order by local authorities and notify the fire department having jurisdiction within the school’s boundary of this identified refuge, in order to first prioritize the safety of pupils and staff, and then the defense of that structure in the event of a fire. Requires each school to coordinate the procedure with the fire department having jurisdiction within the school’s boundary. For those schools under the jurisdiction of a school district or county office of education, the school district or county office of education shall be the entity that coordinates with the fire department having jurisdiction within each of the school’s boundaries.
- Requires a comprehensive school safety plan, to include the development by each public school that is in a high-risk zone of a communication and evacuation plan, to be used in the event of an early notice evacuation warning that allows enough time to evacuate all pupils and staff. Requires these plans to clearly identify a decision process to determine whether an evacuation order or a shelter-in-place order is appropriate.
- Provides that if the Commission on State Mandates determines that this bill contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement to local agencies and school districts for those costs shall be made.
FISCAL EFFECT: Unknown
COMMENTS:
- Author’s statement:
Wildfire evacuation plans in schools are crucial for ensuring the safety and well-being of students, staff, and faculty. This bill requires clear procedures for swiftly and efficiently transporting students and staff to a designated shelter, as well as improving defensible space standards to slow the threat of wildfire to a school structure. By establishing and practicing comprehensive wildfire safety protocols, schools can minimize panic, confusion, and potential injuries during emergency situations and effectively facilitate a safe wildfire evacuation.
- Defensible space. In recent years, California has experienced a growing number of highly destructive wildfires. Of the 20 most destructive wildfires in California’s recorded history (as measured by the number of structures lost), 13 have occurred since 2017. Together, these 13 fires caused tremendous damage, destroying nearly 40,000 structures, taking 148 lives, and charring millions of acres.
Defensible space is the buffer created between a building on a property and the grass, trees, shrubs, or any wildland area that surrounds it. This space is needed to slow or stop the spread of wildfire and it helps protect structures from catching fire. A 2019 analysis done by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) of the relationship between defensible space compliance and destruction of structures during the seven largest fires that occurred in California in 2017 and 2018 concluded that the odds of a structure being destroyed by wildfire were roughly five times higher for noncompliant structures compared to compliant ones.
The defensible space for all structures within the state responsibility area and very high fire severity hazard zone (VHFHSZ) is 100 feet. CAL FIRE additionally requires the removal of all dead plants, grass, and weeds, and the removal of dry leaves and pine needles within 30 feet of a structure. In addition, tree branches must be 10 feet away from a chimney and other trees within that same 30 feet surrounding a structure. AB 3074 (Friedman), Chapter 259, Statutes of 2020, established an ember-resistant zone within five feet of a structure as part of revised defensible space requirements for structures located in FHSZs. The Board has not yet promulgated regulations effectuating that defensible space requirement (known as Zone 0).
These requirements are statutory and apply to buildings or structures in, upon, or adjoining a mountainous area, forest-covered lands, shrub-covered lands, grass-covered lands, or land that is covered with flammable material.
SB 63 (Stern), Chapter 382, Statutes of 2021, requires CAL FIRE to adopt of all three FHSZs in the local responsibility area (LRA), which includes incorporated cities, urban regions, agriculture lands, and portions of the desert where the local government is responsible for wildfire protection. Currently, only VHFHSZs are adopted for the LRA. Once all of the FHSZs are developed for the LRA, schools in those zones will be required to create defensible space. Those maps have not yet been adopted.
- Defensible Space Inspection Program. Under CAL FIRE’s Defensible Space Inspection Program, inspectors enforce California’s defensible space rules, and work with residents to help them understand what specific steps they need to take to create defensible space for their home.
Local agencies, such as county fire departments and fire protection districts—are primarily responsible for enforcing defensible space requirements in the VHFHSZs within their jurisdictions.
This bill requires the fire department having jurisdiction within the school’s boundary to annually certify school compliance with the defensible space requirements.
- Evacuation plans. Under current law, each school district and county office of education is responsible for the overall development of comprehensive school safety plans for its schools operating kindergarten or any of grades 1 to 12. The schoolsite council, which is a committee of teachers, parents, students, and school staff that works with the school principal to plan for the needs of the school, is required to write and develop a comprehensive school safety plan relevant to the needs and resources of that particular school. Each schoolsite council consults with a representative from a law enforcement agency, a fire department, and other first responder entities to develop the school safety plan. Those school safety plans are required to include, among other things, an earthquake emergency procedure system, a school building disaster plan, procedures for safe ingress and egress of pupils, parents, and school employees to and from school, and procedures to assess and respond to reports of any dangerous, violent, or unlawful activity on campus.
This bill additionally requires the school safety plan to include a procedure to identify appropriate refuge shelter for all pupils, students, and staff to be used in the event of a shelter-in-place order by local authorities, and requires each public school in a high-risk zone to develop a communication and evacuation plan, to be used in the event of an early notice evacuation warning, that allows enough time to evacuate all pupils, students, and staff.
- Double referral. This bill was heard in the Assembly Education Committee on April 10, where it was approved by a vote of 7-0.
- Committee amendments. The Committee may wish to consider amending the bill as follows:
- Strike the definitions and content related to defensible space zones in PRC 32277 (a), and subparagraphs (1)-(3) of subdivision (b), and replace with current statutory cross references to FHSZs and defensible space requirements in (b) as follows:
Commencing with the 2026–27 fiscal year, and annually thereafter, each school in a high and very high fire hazard severity risk zone, identified pursuant to section 51178 of the Government Code and section 4204 of the Public Resources Code, shall comply with the following defensible space zone standards pursuant to 51182 of the Government Code and section 4291 of the Public Resources Code, and any subsequent regulations implementing those statutes
- Amend PRC 32277 (c) to change “certify” to “verify.”
- Strike references to “high-risk zone, pursuant to section 32277,” in Education Code 32282 and replace with “high and very high fire hazard severity zone, identified pursuant to section 51178 of the Government Code and section 4204 of the Public Resources Code.”
REGISTERED SUPPORT / OPPOSITION:
Support
California Fire Chiefs Association
California Professional Firefighters
California School Employees Association
Fire Districts Association of California
Fire Safe Marin
Marin Wildfire Prevention Authority
Opposition
None on file
Analysis Prepared by: Paige Brokaw / NAT. RES. /
Bill Author
Bill Co-Author(s):