SCR 128: High School Voter Education Weeks.
- Session Year: 2025-2026
- House: Senate
- Latest Version Date: 2026-05-21
Current Status:
Passed
(2026-05-21: Chaptered by Secretary of State. Res. Chapter 70, Statutes of 2026.)
Introduced
In Committee
Awaiting First Chamber Vote
Passed First Chamber
In Committee
Awaiting Second Chamber Vote
Passed Second Chamber
Enacted
This measure would declare Monday, April 13, 2026, to Friday, April 24, 2026, inclusive, as High School Voter Education Weeks and would encourage local educational agencies to dedicate at least one of those 2 weeks to educating pupils in grades 9 to 12, inclusive, on the electoral process, as provided. The measure would encourage local educational agencies to provide digital and physical resources necessary to provide this information and would encourage the governing boards or bodies of local educational agencies to contract with third-party nonprofit organizations, as provided, to accomplish this endeavor.
This measure would declare Monday, April 13, 2026, to Friday, April 24, 2026, inclusive, as High School Voter Education Weeks and would encourage local educational agencies to dedicate at least one of those 2 weeks to educating pupils in grades 9 to 12, inclusive, on the electoral process, as provided. The measure would encourage local educational agencies to provide digital and physical resources necessary to provide this information and would encourage the governing boards or bodies of local educational agencies to contract with third-party nonprofit organizations, as provided, to accomplish this endeavor.
This measure would declare Monday, April 13, 2026, to Friday, April 24, 2026, inclusive, as High School Voter Education Weeks and would strongly encourage local educational agencies to dedicate at least one of those 2 weeks to educating pupils in grades 9 to 12, inclusive, on the electoral process, as provided. The measure would encourage local educational agencies to provide digital and physical resources necessary to provide this instruction information and would encourage the governing boards or bodies of local educational agencies to contract with third-party nonprofit organizations, as provided, to accomplish this instruction. endeavor.
This measure would declare Monday, April 13, 2026, to Friday, April 24, 2026, inclusive, as High School Voter Education Weeks and would strongly encourage local educational agencies to dedicate at least one of those 2 weeks to educating pupils in grades 9 to 12, inclusive, on the electoral process, as provided. The measure would encourage local educational agencies to provide digital and physical resources necessary to provide this instruction and would encourage the governing boards or bodies of local educational agencies to contract with third-party nonprofit organizations, as provided, to accomplish this instruction.
WHEREAS, Pursuant to Section 49040 of the Education Code, the last two full weeks in April are known as high school voter education weeks, during which time persons authorized by the county elections official are allowed to register pupils and school personnel on any high school campus; and
WHEREAS, California is committed to fostering civic engagement and increasing voter participation among youth; and
WHEREAS, Young people, who represent the next generation of voters and leaders, remain a largely underrepresented group by exhibiting the lowest rates of voter turnout among age groups, and, more broadly, low levels of general civic engagement; and
WHEREAS, The COVID-19 pandemic, occurring for todays young people in the midst of essential stages of adolescent development, has created an ethos of disconnection and societal apathy which voids the singular mechanism on which civic engagement and participation in democracy hinge; and
WHEREAS, Young people should be met in their educational environments, and be provided, with the history, knowledge, and resources to engage in the democratic process, for the purposes of revitalizing community ethos and promoting the importance of civic engagement; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate of the State of California, the Assembly thereof concurring, That the Legislature declares Monday, April 13, 2026, to Friday, April 24, 2026, inclusive, as High School Voter Education Weeks; and be it further
Resolved, That local educational agencies are encouraged to dedicate at least one of the two High School Voter Education Weeks to educating pupils in grades 9 to 12, inclusive, on the electoral process, including, but not limited to, information on the following:
(1)The importance of youth voting in the election cycle.
(2)Civil discourse.
(3)Election inclusivity and access in a safe manner.
(4)Voter apathy.
(5)The ballot measure process.
(6)Research and information literacy skills.
(7)Methods to improve voter turnout.
(8)Election issues in relation to current societal issues.
(9)History of voter suppression.
(10)Voter registration.
(11)Ballot structure.
(12)Comprehending the electoral college.
(13)Understanding political parties.
(14)Campaigns.
(15)Campaign finance.
(16)Voter identification laws.
(17)Early voting.
(18)Absentee voting.
(19)Using voter education resources.
(20)Understanding technology used in voting systems.
(21)Voting by mail.
(22)Public policy awareness.
(23)Impact of elections on communities.
(24)Civic engagement.
(25)Civic duty.
(26)Political literacy.
(27)Informed voting.
(28)Media literacy in politics.
(29)Intersectionality in politics.
(30)Political empowerment.
(31)Historical disparities in voting rates among socioeconomic, racial, and other identity groups in order to develop pupil understanding of the importance of voting; and be it further
Resolved, That local educational agencies are encouraged to provide digital and physical resources necessary to provide this information; and be it further
Resolved, That the governing boards or bodies of local educational agencies are encouraged to contract on a volunteer basis with third-party nonprofit organizations that have demonstrated experience in nonpartisan youth civic engagement to accomplish this endeavor; and be it further
Resolved, That the Secretary of the Senate transmit copies of this resolution to the State Department of Education and to the author for appropriate distribution.
WHEREAS, Pursuant to Section 49040 of the Education Code, the last two full weeks in April are known as high school voter education weeks, during which time persons authorized by the county elections official are allowed to register pupils and school personnel on any high school campus; and
WHEREAS, California is committed to fostering civic engagement and increasing voter participation among youth; and
WHEREAS, Young people, who represent the next generation of voters and leaders, remain a largely underrepresented group by exhibiting the lowest rates of voter turnout among age groups, and, more broadly, low levels of general civic engagement; and
WHEREAS, The COVID-19 pandemic, occurring for todays young people in the midst of essential stages of adolescent development, has created an ethos of disconnection and societal apathy which voids the singular mechanism on which civic engagement and participation in democracy hinge; and
WHEREAS, Young people should be met in their educational environments, and be provided, with the history, knowledge, and resources to engage in the democratic process, for the purposes of revitalizing community ethos and promoting the importance of civic engagement; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate of the State of California, the Assembly thereof concurring, That the Legislature declares Monday, April 13, 2026, to Friday, April 24, 2026, inclusive, as High School Voter Education Weeks; and be it further
Resolved, That local educational agencies are encouraged to dedicate at least one of the two High School Voter Education Weeks to educating pupils in grades 9 to 12, inclusive, on the electoral process, including, but not limited to, information on the following:
(1)The importance of youth voting in the election cycle.
(2)Civil discourse.
(3)Election inclusivity and access in a safe manner.
(4)Voter apathy.
(5)The ballot measure process.
(6)Research and information literacy skills.
(7)Methods to improve voter turnout.
(8)Election issues in relation to current societal issues.
(9)History of voter suppression.
(10)Voter registration.
(11)Ballot structure.
(12)Comprehending the electoral college.
(13)Understanding political parties.
(14)Campaigns.
(15)Campaign finance.
(16)Voter identification laws.
(17)Early voting.
(18)Absentee voting.
(19)Using voter education resources.
(20)Understanding technology used in voting systems.
(21)Voting by mail.
(22)Public policy awareness.
(23)Impact of elections on communities.
(24)Civic engagement.
(25)Civic duty.
(26)Political literacy.
(27)Informed voting.
(28)Media literacy in politics.
(29)Intersectionality in politics.
(30)Political empowerment.
(31)Historical disparities in voting rates among socioeconomic, racial, and other identity groups in order to develop pupil understanding of the importance of voting; and be it further
Resolved, That local educational agencies are encouraged to provide digital and physical resources necessary to provide this information; and be it further
Resolved, That the governing boards or bodies of local educational agencies are encouraged to contract on a volunteer basis with third-party nonprofit organizations that have demonstrated experience in nonpartisan youth civic engagement to accomplish this endeavor; and be it further
Resolved, That the Secretary of the Senate transmit copies of this resolution to the State Department of Education and to the author for appropriate distribution.
WHEREAS, Pursuant to Section 49040 of the Education Code, the last two full weeks in April are known as high school voter education weeks, during which time persons authorized by the county elections official are allowed to register pupils and school personnel on any high school campus; and
WHEREAS, California is committed to fostering civic engagement and increasing voter participation among youth; and
WHEREAS, Young people, who represent the next generation of voters and leaders, remain a largely underrepresented group by exhibiting the lowest rates of voter turnout among age groups, and, more broadly, low levels of general civic engagement; and
WHEREAS, The COVID-19 pandemic, occurring for todays young people in the midst of essential stages of adolescent development, has created an ethos of disconnection and societal apathy which voids the singular mechanism on which civic engagement and participation in democracy hinge; and
WHEREAS, Young people should be met in their educational environments, and be provided, with the history, knowledge, and resources to engage in the democratic process, for the purposes of revitalizing community ethos and promoting the importance of civic engagement; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate of the State of California, the Assembly thereof concurring, That the Legislature declares Monday, April 13, 2026, to Friday, April 24, 2026, inclusive, as High School Voter Education Weeks; and be it further
Resolved, That local educational agencies are strongly encouraged to dedicate at least one of the two High School Voter Education Weeks to educating pupils in grades 9 to 12, inclusive, on the electoral process, including instruction in all of including, but not limited to, information on the following:
(1)The importance of youth voting in the election cycle.
(2)Civil discourse.
(3)Election security. inclusivity and access in a safe manner.
(4)Voter apathy.
(5)The ballot measure process.
(6)Research and information literacy skills.
(7)Methods to improve voter turnout.
(8)Election issues in relation to current societal issues.
(9)History of voter suppression.
(10)Voter registration.
(11)Ballot structure.
(12)Comprehending the electoral college.
(13)Understanding political parties.
(14)Campaigns.
(15)Campaign finance.
(16)Voter identification laws.
(17)Early voting.
(18)Absentee voting.
(19)Using voter education resources.
(20)Understanding technology used in voting systems.
(21)Voting by mail.
(22)Public policy awareness.
(23)Impact of elections on communities.
(24)Civic engagement.
(25)Civic duty.
(26)Political literacy.
(27)Informed voting.
(28)Media literacy in politics.
(29)Intersectionality in politics.
(30)Political empowerment.
(31)Historical disparities in voting rates among socioeconomic, racial, and other identity groups in order to develop pupil understanding of the importance of voting; and be it further
Resolved, That local educational agencies are encouraged to provide digital and physical resources necessary to provide this instruction; information; and be it further
Resolved, That the governing boards or bodies of local educational agencies are encouraged to contract on a volunteer basis with third-party nonprofit organizations that have demonstrated experience in nonpartisan youth civic engagement to accomplish this instruction; endeavor; and be it further
Resolved, That the Secretary of the Senate transmit copies of this resolution to the State Department of Education and to the author for appropriate distribution.
WHEREAS, Pursuant to Section 49040 of the Education Code, the last two full weeks in April are known as high school voter education weeks, during which time persons authorized by the county elections official are allowed to register pupils and school personnel on any high school campus; and
WHEREAS, California is committed to fostering civic engagement and increasing voter participation among youth; and
WHEREAS, Young people, who represent the next generation of voters and leaders, remain a largely underrepresented group by exhibiting the lowest rates of voter turnout among age groups, and, more broadly, low levels of general civic engagement; and
WHEREAS, The COVID-19 pandemic, occurring for todays young people in the midst of essential stages of adolescent development, has created an ethos of disconnection and societal apathy which voids the singular mechanism on which civic engagement and participation in democracy hinge; and
WHEREAS, Young people should be met in their educational environments, and be provided, with the history, knowledge, and resources to engage in the democratic process, for the purposes of revitalizing community ethos and promoting the importance of civic engagement; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate of the State of California, the Assembly thereof concurring, That the Legislature declares Monday, April 13, 2026, to Friday, April 24, 2026, inclusive, as High School Voter Education Weeks; and be it further
Resolved, That local educational agencies are strongly encouraged to dedicate at least one of the two High School Voter Education Weeks to educating pupils in grades 9 to 12, inclusive, on the electoral process, including instruction in all of the following:
(1)The importance of youth voting in the election cycle.
(2)Civil discourse.
(3)Election security.
(4)Voter apathy.
(5)The ballot measure process.
(6)Research and information literacy skills.
(7)Methods to improve voter turnout.
(8)Election issues in relation to current societal issues.
(9)History of voter suppression.
(10)Voter registration.
(11)Ballot structure.
(12)Comprehending the electoral college.
(13)Understanding political parties.
(14)Campaigns.
(15)Campaign finance.
(16)Voter identification laws.
(17)Early voting.
(18)Absentee voting.
(19)Using voter education resources.
(20)Understanding technology used in voting systems.
(21)Voting by mail.
(22)Public policy awareness.
(23)Impact of elections on communities.
(24)Civic engagement.
(25)Civic duty.
(26)Political literacy.
(27)Informed voting.
(28)Media literacy in politics.
(29)Intersectionality in politics.
(30)Political empowerment.
(31)Historical disparities in voting rates among socioeconomic, racial, and other identity groups in order to develop pupil understanding of the importance of voting; and be it further
Resolved, That local educational agencies are encouraged to provide digital and physical resources necessary to provide this instruction; and be it further
Resolved, That the governing boards or bodies of local educational agencies are encouraged to contract on a volunteer basis with third-party nonprofit organizations that have demonstrated experience in nonpartisan youth civic engagement to accomplish this instruction; and be it further
Resolved, That the Secretary of the Senate transmit copies of this resolution to the State Department of Education and to the author for appropriate distribution.
|
Date
|
Status
|
|---|---|
| May 21, 2026 | Chaptered by Secretary of State. Res. Chapter 70, Statutes of 2026. |
| May 21, 2026 | Enrolled and filed with the Secretary of State at 2 p.m. |
| May 14, 2026 | In Senate. Ordered to engrossing and enrolling. |
| May 14, 2026 | Read. Adopted. Ordered to the Senate. |
| May 14, 2026 | Read. Adopted. (Ayes 77. Noes 0. Page 5060.) Ordered to the Senate. |
| May 11, 2026 | From committee: Be adopted. Ordered to consent calendar. (Ayes 9. Noes 0.) (May 11). |
| May 4, 2026 | Referred to Com. on RLS. |
| Apr 30, 2026 | In Assembly. Held at Desk. |
| Apr 30, 2026 | Read. Adopted. (Ayes 36. Noes 0. Page 4107.) Ordered to the Assembly. |
| Apr 30, 2026 | Read. Adopted. (Ayes 36. Noes 0.) Ordered to the Assembly. |
| Apr 28, 2026 | Read second time. Ordered to third reading. |
| Apr 27, 2026 | Ordered to second reading. |
| Apr 27, 2026 | Read third time and amended. |
| Feb 26, 2026 | From committee: Ordered to third reading. |
| Feb 18, 2026 | Introduced. Referred to Com. on RLS. |
|
Date
|
Description
|
Location
|
Votes
|
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 14, 2026 | SCR 128 Pérez Consent Calendar Second Day Regular Session | Assembly Floor |
Passed |
|
| May 11, 2026 | Be adopted. To Consent Calendar. | Assembly Standing Committee on Rules |
Passed |
|
| Apr 30, 2026 | Senate 3rd Reading SCR128 Pérez et al. | Senate Floor |
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.
Date of Hearing: May 11, 2026
ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON
, Chair
SBPCA Bill Id:
Author:() – As Ver:
SENATE VOTE:
SUBJECT:
SUMMARY: Declares Monday, April 13, 2026, to Friday, April 24, 2026, inclusive, as High School Voter Education Weeks; and, encourages local educational agencies to provide digital and physical resources necessary to provide this information. Specifically, this resolution makes the following legislative findings:
- Pursuant to Section 49040 of the Education Code, the last two full weeks in April are known as “high school voter education weeks,” during which time persons authorized by the county elections official are allowed to register pupils and school personnel on any high school campus.
- California is committed to fostering civic engagement and increasing voter participation among youth.
- Young people, who represent the next generation of voters and leaders, remain a largely underrepresented group by exhibiting the lowest rates of voter turnout among age groups, and, more broadly, low levels of general civic engagement.
- The COVID-19 pandemic, occurring for today’s young people in the midst of essential stages of adolescent development, has created an ethos of disconnection and societal apathy which voids the singular mechanism on which civic engagement and participation in democracy hinge.
- Young people should be met in their educational environments, and be provided, with the history, knowledge, and resources to engage in the democratic process, for the purposes of revitalizing community ethos and promoting the importance of civic engagement.
FISCAL EFFECT: This resolution is keyed non-fiscal by Legislative Counsel.
REGISTERED SUPPORT / OPPOSITION:
Support
None on file
Opposition
None on file
Analysis Prepared by:
SENATE RULES COMMITTEE Office of Senate Floor Analyses (916) 651-4171 | SCR 128 |
THIRD READING
Bill No: SCR 128
Author: Pérez (D)
Amended: 4/27/26
Vote: 21
SUBJECT: High School Voter Education Weeks
SOURCE: Author
DIGEST:
This resolution declares Monday, April 13, 2026, to Friday, April 24, 2026, inclusive, as High School Voter Education Weeks and strongly encourages local educational agencies to dedicate at least one of those two weeks to educating pupils in grades 9 to 12, inclusive, on the electoral process, as provided. The resolution encourages local educational agencies to provide digital and physical resources necessary to provide this instruction and encourages the governing boards or bodies of local educational agencies to contract with third-party nonprofit organizations, as provided, to accomplish this instruction.
Senate Floor Amendments of 4/27/26 add a coauthor and make other technical changes.
ANALYSIS: This resolution makes the following legislative findings:
- Pursuant to Section 49040 of the Education Code, the last two full weeks in April are known as “high school voter education weeks,” during which time persons authorized by the county elections official are allowed to register pupils and school personnel on any high school campus.
- Young people, who represent the next generation of voters and leaders, remain a largely underrepresented group by exhibiting the lowest rates of voter turnout among age groups, and, more broadly, low levels of general civic engagement. California is committed to fostering civic engagement and increasing voter participation among youth.
- Young people should be met in their educational environments, and be provided, with the history, knowledge, and resources to engage in the democratic process, for the purposes of revitalizing community ethos and promoting the importance of civic engagement.
This resolution encourages the governing boards or bodies of local educational agencies to contract on a volunteer basis with third-party nonprofit organizations that have demonstrated experience in nonpartisan youth civic engagement to accomplish this instruction.
Related/Prior Legislation
SCR 48 (Cervantes, Resolution Chapter 162, Statutes of 2025)
SCR 53 (Pérez, 2025) – Ordered to inactive file.
HR 89 (Pellerin, 2024) – Adopted in Assembly.
FISCAL EFFECT: Appropriation: No Fiscal Com.: No Local: No
SUPPORT: (Verified 4/28/26)
None received
OPPOSITION: (Verified 4/28/26)
None received
Prepared by: Hunter Flynn / SFA / (916) 651-4171
4/28/26 15:51:12
**** END ****
SENATE RULES COMMITTEE Office of Senate Floor Analyses (916) 651-4171 | SCR 128 |
THIRD READING
Bill No: SCR 128
Author: Pérez (D)
Introduced: 2/18/26
Vote: 21
SUBJECT: High School Voter Education Weeks
SOURCE: Author
DIGEST:
This resolution declares Monday, April 13, 2026, to Friday, April 24, 2026, inclusive, as High School Voter Education Weeks and strongly encourages local educational agencies to dedicate at least one of those two weeks to educating pupils in grades 9 to 12, inclusive, on the electoral process, as provided. The resolution encourages local educational agencies to provide digital and physical resources necessary to provide this instruction and encourages the governing boards or bodies of local educational agencies to contract with third-party nonprofit organizations, as provided, to accomplish this instruction.
ANALYSIS: This resolution makes the following legislative findings:
- Pursuant to Section 49040 of the Education Code, the last two full weeks in April are known as “high school voter education weeks,” during which time persons authorized by the county elections official are allowed to register pupils and school personnel on any high school campus.
- Young people, who represent the next generation of voters and leaders, remain a largely underrepresented group by exhibiting the lowest rates of voter turnout among age groups, and, more broadly, low levels of general civic engagement. California is committed to fostering civic engagement and increasing voter participation among youth.
- Young people should be met in their educational environments, and be provided, with the history, knowledge, and resources to engage in the democratic process, for the purposes of revitalizing community ethos and promoting the importance of civic engagement.
This resolution encourages the governing boards or bodies of local educational agencies to contract on a volunteer basis with third-party nonprofit organizations that have demonstrated experience in nonpartisan youth civic engagement to accomplish this instruction.
Related/Prior Legislation
SCR 48 (Cervantes, Resolution Chapter 162, Statutes of 2025)
SCR 53 (Pérez, 2025) – Ordered to inactive file.
HR 89 (Pellerin, 2024) – Adopted in Assembly.
FISCAL EFFECT: Appropriation: No Fiscal Com.: No Local: No
SUPPORT: (Verified 2/23/26)
None received
OPPOSITION: (Verified 2/23/26)
None received
Prepared by: Hunter Flynn / SFA / (916) 651-4171
2/25/26 16:26:30
**** END ****
Bill Author
Bill Co-Author(s):
