AB 1575 - Sets the Stage

Problem

Schools are charging students fees to participate in educational activities despite the California

Constitution guaranteeing “free schools” since 1879. This charging of fees is a direct result of the denial of equal educational opportunity for all children.

EMPOWERMENT

AB 1575 by Assembly member Ricardo Lara (D-South Gate) –Pupil fees was signed by Governor Brown 9/29/2012

• Gov. Brown vetoed the predecessor bill because he believed local district compliance with the right to a free public education is essential and “those who fail should be held accountable."

The Legislature addressed the Governor's concerns AB 1575 does the following:

• The bill now focuses narrowly on providing guidance to school administrators and allowing parents and students to raise their concerns through an existing administrative complaint process.

• School administrators need to be sensitive when sanctioning fundraising activities that they are not infringing constitutional rights of all students.

• Further, to prevent unconstitutional fees the State Department of Education is required to provide guidance to superintendents and administrators on a more regular basis.