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Resource Specialist Assessment Workloads (AB 560): Local educational agencies are required to take all reasonable steps to distribute initial special education assessment workloads equally among Resource Specialists (RSPs), unless governed by local collective bargaining agreements. AB 560
Why It Matters: Initial assessments require significant time and documentation. LEAs should review RSP assignments and bargaining language to ensure assessment duties are balanced fairly across staff without exceeding caseload limits.
New Smartphone Policies (AB 3216): By July 1, 2026, all school districts, charter schools, and County offices of education were required to officially adopt policies limiting or prohibiting smartphone use during school hours. AB 3216
Why It Matters: IEP and Section 504 teams must ensure that if a student requires smartphone access for any reason, it is explicitly documented in their IEP or 504 plan to qualify for the state statutory exemption.
Regional Center Transparency (AB 1147): As of January 1, 2026, Regional Centers are officially subject to the California Public Records Act. AB 1147
Why It Matters: This gives parents and recipients of Regional Center services much stronger rights to access their records and increases oversight, which is great news to share with families during transition meetings.
The New Standardized IEP Deadlines (SB 445): The state is nearing its January 1, 2027 deadline to digitally roll out the new, standardized statewide IEP template and its translations into the top 10 most commonly spoken languages. SB 445
Why It Matters: High Quality IEPs will be providing specific training on the new CA IEP forms.
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