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AB-1861 • 2026

Special education: public complaint database.

Special education: public complaint database.

Education
Active

The official status still shows this bill as active or still awaiting another formal step.

Sponsor
Lackey
Last action
Official status
Assembly - Appropriations
Effective date
Not listed

Plain English Breakdown

The official text states the database begins with 'the first school year in which the database is operational,' but does not define a specific calendar date for when operations must start, only the deadline to create it (January 1, 2030).

Special Education Complaint Database

This law requires the State Department of Education to create an online database listing special education complaints filed on or after July 1, 2027, but only if the person who filed them gives permission.

What This Bill Does

  • Requires the department to build or hire someone to make a public website for complaint data by January 1, 2030.
  • Includes only complaints received on or after July 1, 2027, that claim violations of federal special education law.
  • Mandates that the department get consent from the person who filed the complaint before adding it to the database.
  • Requires the removal of any personal information that could identify students or families in the posted reports.
  • Asks for data showing how many complaints were investigated, broken down by school district, county office, or charter school.

Who It Names or Affects

  • The State Department of Education
  • School districts
  • County offices of education
  • Charter schools

Terms To Know

Individuals with exceptional needs
Students who qualify for special education services under federal law.
Redact
To remove or hide personal information so people cannot identify specific individuals.

Limits and Unknowns

  • The database will only include complaints filed on or after July 1, 2027.
  • Reports can only be posted if the person who made the complaint agrees to let them share it publicly.
  • The exact start date of the first school year when the database becomes operational is not specified in this text.

Bill History

  1. California Legislative Information

    Assembly - Appropriations

Official Summary Text

Special education: public complaint database.