Bill > AB9

This bill, titled the "Safe Place to Learn Act," aims to strengthen protections against bullying and discrimination in California schools by amending existing education codes. It mandates that local educational agencies (LEAs), which are school districts or county offices of education, must adopt and publicize policies prohibiting discrimination, harassment, intimidation, and bullying based on various characteristics, including race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, and disability. These policies must also outline a clear process for receiving and investigating complaints, ensuring that school personnel intervene when safe to do so, and protecting complainants from retaliation. The bill also requires the state department to provide information on resources and curricula related to these issues and for the Superintendent to maintain an updated list of statewide support organizations for affected youth and their families. Importantly, the bill clarifies that these provisions do not limit students' free speech rights or require them to exhaust administrative complaint processes before pursuing legal remedies.