Back to California
California2026Enacted

AB-1034

Adding Youth Mental Health Training for Teachers

Last scannedAug 24, 2026, 7:05 AM

In one sentence

This law requires teacher training programs to include a basic lesson on the mental health needs of young people.

What it does

  • Requires that existing health education courses in teacher preparation programs also cover youth mental health.
  • Adds instruction about youth mental health alongside current topics like nutrition and drug abuse.
  • Updates standards set by the Commission on Teacher Credentialing for preliminary teaching credentials.

Who it affects

  • Teacher preparation programs accredited in California.
  • Students seeking a multiple subject, single subject, or education specialist credential.
  • The Commission on Teacher Credentialing and the Committee on Accreditation.

Limits and unknowns

  • The law does not specify the exact number of hours needed for this new training.
  • The text defines the requirement only as a 'basic understanding' without listing specific topics beyond that phrase.
  • An effective date is listed as blank in the provided source material.

Plain language

Terms to know

Commission on Teacher Credentialing
The state agency that sets rules for teacher training programs and issues teaching licenses.
Program of professional preparation
A required course series at a college or university to become a certified teacher.

Official record

Sources

Source attached

Official summary

Teacher credentialing: programs of professional preparation: youth mental health.

Official activity

Bill history

  1. Chaptered