A Look at CA Assembly Bill 461 and a New, Much-Needed Approach to Truancy

Typically, October is a busy month for us as we are already a couple of months into the new school year; reality has set in, and winter/holiday breaks are fast approaching. Today’s focus comes from a lively topic of discussion that was posted on our Instagram last week: an update on CA Assembly Bill 461, which repeals a 2011 Truancy Law. That law provided for criminal misdemeanor charges, fines, and jail time for parents of chronically truant children or for a student over 18 with chronic truancy. The problem is that the law disproportionately affects low-income students and those with disabilities, some of whom are fighting for the accommodations and support they need. The new law repeals the 2011 law and sets forth a plan for supportive strategies instead of punishments. Join us to learn more!Show Highlights:The backfiring of the 2011 law: The first case prosecuted a person of color with a child with sickle-cell anemia while she was trying to get additional accommodations in place.Governor Newsome’s perspective on the new law, effective January 2026, is that this is a social issue and not a criminal problem.The problems families face in receiving attendance letters when they are actively trying to get their kids into schoolMany parents are trying to find ways to ensure it is safe for their child to go to school. Local change CAN happen!The new law offers a more collaborative approach to the truancy problem. The ramifications of the CA law that might spread to other statesResources:Contact us on social media or through our website for more information on the IEP Learning Center: www.inclusiveeducationproject.org.Thank you for listening!Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every Tuesday. If you enjoyed this episode and believe in our message, please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show on Apple Podcasts, Pandora, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Your rating and review help other listeners find this show. Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions or concerns: Facebook, Instagram, X, IEP Website, and Email