CaliforniaSB 3732025-2026 Regular SessionSenateWALLET

Special education: nonpublic, nonsectarian schools or agencies: change in certification status: parental notification.

Sponsored By: Shannon Grove (Republican)

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

9 provisions identified: 7 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.

More special education rights and privacy

Schools must give parents and pupils a copy of special education rights every year, and at key points like referrals and first complaints. Nonpublic schools must let pupils privately contact their IEP team and the state’s Constituent Services Office. Child find data is protected under federal privacy rules (34 C.F.R. 300.610–300.627). Districts may also post the rights notice online.

Schools must find and assess children

Districts and the state must identify, locate, and assess all children with disabilities. This includes children in private and religious schools, homeless children, wards of the state, and highly mobile or migratory children. The goal is to ensure eligible children are evaluated and can get services.

Stronger oversight of nonpublic placements

Before certification, the state does an onsite review. LEAs must visit each nonpublic school at least once a year and report findings within 60 days. The state can make unannounced visits when a child’s safety may be in immediate danger, and schools must report law‑enforcement incidents within one business day. If safety is compromised or serious violations occur, certification can be suspended or revoked right away, and records of violations are kept for 10 years.

Higher staff and safety standards for nonpublic schools

To be certified, nonpublic schools must show qualified staff and provide copies of credentials. Staff must get evidence‑based behavior training within 30 days of hire and every year (beginning 2020–21). Administrators must meet credential or license rules (beginning 2021–22). Schools must assure fire, health, sanitation, and building safety, and keep proof of criminal clearances and arrest‑notice enrollment in locked files. Programs converting or expanding from juvenile court or community schools must notify the county and SELPA by December 1, and certification cannot start before July 1.

Clearer certification timelines and parent notices

The state must decide on certification within 120 days; no action gives conditional certification until August 31 of that school year. Certifications last no more than one year, become effective when all requirements are met (and can be retroactive), expire December 31, and require annual updates between August 1 and October 31. Applicants must notify the SELPA 60 days before an initial filing or 30 days before a renewal; the department sends renewal materials at least 120 days before expiration. Starting in 2026–27, certification findings for out‑of‑state schools must be available on request, and LEAs must share available certification info with parents during IEP placement talks.

Corporal punishment banned in schools

School staff may not use corporal punishment. Narrow exceptions allow necessary force to stop a disturbance, for self‑defense, or to take dangerous objects. Pain from voluntary sports or recreation is not corporal punishment. The rule applies to public schools, charter schools, county offices, state special schools, and nonpublic schools acting in a public‑school role.

Possible state payback for mandates

If the Commission on State Mandates finds this law creates state‑mandated costs, the state reimburses local agencies and school districts under existing rules. Any payment depends on the Commission’s decision and the reimbursement process.

Certification fees for nonpublic schools

Nonpublic schools and agencies pay a nonrefundable fee at application and annual renewal. Fees are $300 (1–5 pupils), $500 (6–10), $1,000 (11–24), $1,500 (25–75), and $2,000 (76+). The state uses the money for onsite reviews and may adjust the fee each year with the statewide LCFF inflation factor.

Tighter limits on what districts pay

Some costs cannot be billed in master contracts with nonpublic schools. Examples include certain SELPA admin and indirect costs, some transportation, non‑special‑education services, out‑of‑state placements without a State Board waiver, services a site is not certified to provide, and services by unqualified staff. A site must be certified to claim attendance reimbursement.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Shannon Grove
Republican • Senate

Cosponsors

Tom Lackey
Republican • House
Darshana R. Patel
Democratic • House
Susan Rubio
Democratic • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 199 • No: 0

Senate vote • 9/11/2025

Item 28 — Senate SFLOOR

Yes: 40 • No: 0

House vote • 9/8/2025

Item 219 — Assembly AFLOOR

Yes: 78 • No: 0

legislature vote • 8/29/2025

Vote in CX25

Yes: 15 • No: 0

legislature vote • 7/16/2025

Vote in CX03

Yes: 9 • No: 0

Senate vote • 5/29/2025

Item 315 — Senate SFLOOR

Yes: 38 • No: 0

legislature vote • 5/23/2025

Vote in CS61

Yes: 6 • No: 0

legislature vote • 4/21/2025