Legislation Policies - California State PTA

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FOR ADOPTION BY CONVENTION DELEGATES – 2025

The Legislation Policies determine how action on legislation may be taken by California State PTA and its units, councils, and districts. Per the Standing Rules, these Policies are reviewed biennially (in odd-numbered years) by the Legislation Action Committee, the Board of Directors, and the Board of Managers, and adopted by delegates at the annual State Convention. For 2025, no changes to the Legislation Policies were deemed necessary for amendment.

Policy 1

California State PTA is responsible for analyzing and taking action on state and federal legislative measures.

Policy 2

Legislative measures selected for action by California State PTA must be of statewide significance. These measures must also fit within the Purposes of the PTA, the legislation platform adopted by the convention delegates, and other relevant PTA authorities.

Policy 3

Any position on legislative measures adopted by California State PTA remains in effect, unless, after subsequent review, new action is deemed warranted, and is adopted according to California State PTA procedures.

Policy 4

All positions on legislative measures taken by California State PTA shall be posted on the association’s website and shared with membership in a timely manner.

Policy 5

A unit, council, or district PTA with an interest in a proposed or qualified statewide ballot measure, which pertains to the welfare of children and youth, must determine whether California State PTA is studying or has taken action, before considering any action locally. Action may be taken locally by following PTA’s standard procedure for making a study.

Policy 6

Any California State PTA action on legislative measures represents the official position of the organization and shall not be interpreted as representing the personal opinion or conviction of every individual PTA member.

Policy 7

Unit, council, and district PTAs are encouraged to promote adopted California State PTA positions on legislative measures and may be requested to actively support them. This does not require a local vote affirming the state position. While unit, council, and district PTAs are not required to work actively for any position, they should not officially oppose a stand taken by California State PTA. Disagreement with a position on legislative measures should be communicated to California State PTA through regular channels, with a report of the extent of – and reasons for – the disagreement, including supporting PTA authorities.

Policy 8

Any unit, council, or district PTA may request that California State PTA consider taking action on a legislative measure.

Policy 9

Any unit, council, or district PTA may wish to take action on a state legislative measure that affects only its local or regional area. The unit, council, or district PTA affected must inform California State PTA before making a study and taking a position.

Policy 10

Unit, council and district PTAs may take action on local issues originating in school districts, cities, regions, or counties, if such action fits within the Purposes of PTA, the legislation platform, is supported by PTA authorities, and affects the well-being of children and youth.

Policy 11

Informational (non-advocacy) material on PTA positions related to legislative issues, including local or statewide ballot measures, may be sent home with students, in compliance with local school district policies and procedures.*

*State law requires school districts to adopt policies regarding sending material home with students.