By the California State PTA Legislation Advocacy Team
As we wrap up the 2025 legislative session, California PTA members across the state have every reason to celebrate. Through dedicated advocacy, strategic partnerships, and unwavering commitment to our mission of supporting children and families, we helped advance 34 critical bills that the Governor has signed into law.
For a comprehensive look at what these new laws mean for your community, visit Ed100.org—a trusted, PTA-safe resource where Carol Kocivar, current CA PTA Advocate and former State President, breaks down this year’s legislation in clear, shareable language. Whether you’re preparing for a unit meeting or updating your community, Ed100 provides the details you need.
Protecting Our Most Vulnerable Students and Families
This year, protecting students and families became a top priority for California’s leaders, and PTA advocacy was at the forefront. We tackled this critical issue on multiple fronts: through legislative co-sponsorship and comprehensive Safe Schools advocacy, including our advice for PTA members and leaders on immigration enforcement near schools.
We co-sponsored three important bills in this area:
- AB 49 (the California Safe Haven Schools Act),
- SB 98 (immigration enforcement notification requirements), and
- SB 48 (establishing discrimination prevention coordinators).
We also supported AB 495 (the Family Preparedness Plan Act of 2025). Together, these laws ensure that our schools remain safe havens where all children can learn without fear, and families can feel secure, regardless of their immigration status.
Simultaneously, California State PTA equipped local leaders with comprehensive resources through webinars, templates, and toolkits, empowering PTAs statewide to partner with school districts, share know-your-rights information, and support families. This multi-pronged approach—combining legislation and grassroots advocacy—demonstrates PTA’s commitment to protecting every child and family.
Confronting Hate and Discrimination
Our co-sponsored bill, SB 48, along with AB 715, establishes at the state level a new Office of Civil Rights and creates discrimination prevention coordinator positions to combat antisemitism and all forms of hate in California schools. These bills also provide resources, training, and enforcement strategies to ensure our schools remain welcoming spaces for all students.
Advancing Student Health, Safety, and Family Support
Our advocacy portfolio this year was remarkably comprehensive. From supporting AB 1454, which strengthens reading instruction through the science of reading, to backing AB 1264, making California the first state to ban ultra-processed foods from school meals by 2032, we championed legislation that supports the whole child and empowers families.
We supported critical safety measures, including electric bicycle safety requirements, youth sports safety protocols, drowning prevention education, and expanded access to epinephrine at schools. Our advocacy extended to special education improvements, teacher credentialing reforms, cyberbullying prevention, and expanded childcare access—recognizing that strong families are essential to student success.
Looking Ahead
Of the nearly 2,800 bills introduced this legislative session, approximately 1,200 reached the Governor’s desk. Our advocacy helped ensure that the bills most critical to children and families advanced through this competitive process. This success reflects the collective power of PTA members across California who contacted legislators, attended hearings, and made their voices heard. Visit Ed100.org to deepen your understanding of these new laws and discover how to share this information locally.
As we celebrate these victories, we also recognize that our work continues. Join us for LegCon26—California State PTA’s 2026 Legislation Advocacy Conference—February 2-3, 2026, in Sacramento. At LegCon you can learn from experts, network with PTA advocates statewide, and meet directly with legislators.
Together, we’re building a stronger, safer, more equitable California for every child and family.