Top 5 Must-Know Education Bills Shaping the Future of Learning

As California legislators approach the Sept. 13 deadline to finalize and submit bills for the 2024–25 session, several pivotal measures have been advanced to Gov. Gavin Newsom. Among these are five educational bills that, if enacted, could significantly transform the state's classrooms. Newsom has until Oct. 13 to sign or veto the legislation; any bill not vetoed will automatically become law. One notable bill, SB 510 by Sen. Laura Richardson, mandates the inclusion of African Americans' contributions during key historical periods in California's education. “This promotes understanding of equity and justice,” Richardson asserted. In addition, SB 640 facilitates direct admission for qualified high school seniors to CSU campuses. AB 1264 moves toward banning ultra-processed foods in schools, while AB 1224 expands substitute teacher days to enhance classroom stability. Finally, AB 1454 aims to modernize reading curricula to address literacy disparities. Each of these bills represents critical steps toward improving California's educational landscape.