California Attorney General Rob Bonta issued two bulletins notifying local educational agencies, institutions of higher education and child care providers of new legal responsibilities under recently enacted state legislation.
The first bulletin concerns Assembly Bill 495, authored by Assemblymember Celeste Rodriguez, D-San Fernando, which took effect Jan. 1, 2026. The second concerns Senate Bill 98, authored by Sen. Sasha Renée Pérez, D-Pasadena, in effect since Sept. 20, 2025.
"As federal immigration enforcement continues to create fear and uncertainty, it is critical that schools and child care providers are prepared and informed on how to safeguard the rights of students and their families," Bonta said.
The bulletins advise that school officials are prohibited from allowing immigration enforcement officers to enter nonpublic areas unless presented with a valid judicial warrant, subpoena or court order. School personnel are also prohibited from disclosing student information or education records to immigration enforcement officers without proper judicial authorization or parental consent.
All local educational agencies must update existing policies to be consistent with the attorney general's guidance by March 1, 2026. California state preschool programs must adopt model policies by July 1, 2026.
Licensed child care facilities are prohibited from collecting information about citizenship or immigration status of students or family members unless required by law. They must also report any requests for information by law enforcement for immigration enforcement purposes to the State Department of Social Services and the attorney general.
Schools must include procedures in their safety plans to notify parents, teachers and staff when immigration enforcement is confirmed on campus by March 1, 2026. The "Know Your Educational Rights" guide must be posted in administrative buildings and online in every language provided by the attorney general by the start of the 2026 school year.
Bonta reminded families that all children have a right to free public education regardless of immigration status, and that student records are generally protected by federal and state confidentiality laws.
More resources are available at oag.ca.gov/immigrant/resources.
Edited by SMDP Staff