Brown signs education legislation
Bills Include sick days and health programs
Published: September 17, 2014
In the past two weeks, Gov. Jerry Brown has signed multiple bills that affect education. Last Wednesday, Gov. Brown signed AB 1522 (Gonzalez, D-San Diego), which will provide three paid sick days to most Californians—excluding those under a collective bargaining agreement and In-Home Support Services employees— who work 30 or more days in a year with an accrual rate of one hour per every 30 days worked. This bill was troubling for CSBA and education employers, as employees, such as substitute teachers who have not previously been covered, will earn paid sick time and increase costs on districts without any additional funding from the state to provide the leave.
This Monday, the Governor signed two bills that will help students, employees, and volunteers stay healthy at school. AB 1667 (Williams, D-Santa Barbara) replaces current mandatory tuberculosis testing for school employees and volunteers with a TB risk assessment. The second student health bill signed by the Governor is SB 1266 (Huff, R-Diamond Bar). The bill requires school districts, county offices of education and charter schools to provide emergency epinephrine auto-injectors (otherwise known as “epi-pens”) to school nurses or trained personnel who have volunteered for training. This bill authorizes school nurses or trained personnel to obtain prescriptions for and use the epi-pens to provide emergency medical aid to persons suffering from an anaphylactic reaction. Students across California suffer from debilitating allergies and it is vital for schools to ensure peace of mind for employees, parents, and students alike.
Yesterday, Gov. Brown signed two bills related to after school programs. SB 949 (Jackson, D-Santa Barbara) establishes the Distinguished After School Health Recognition Program (DASH Program). The program recognizes after school programs that provide healthy snacks and physical activity for students. With obesity and diabetes on the rise, this initiative aims to encourage after school programs to provide nutritious snacks and physical activity. SB 1221 (Hancock, D-Berkeley) modifies the eligibility, types of grants, amount of grants, and outcome measures of the After School Education and Safety, the 21st Century Community Learning Centers, and the 21st Century After School Safety and Enrichment for Teens programs. The Governor has through the end of September to sign or veto bills sent to him.