Plain English Breakdown
The official text contains conflicting phrasing (e.g., 'assessment' vs. 'assignment') due to amendments; the summary uses both terms where appropriate.
AB-347: Rules for Animal Dissection in Schools
Starting July 1, 2026, this law requires public schools to offer alternatives if students choose not to dissect animals and prohibits lowering grades as punishment.
What This Bill Does
- Requires teachers to provide an alternative assignment or assessment for any student who chooses not to participate in animal dissection starting July 1, 2026.
- Prohibits schools from impacting a pupil's grade as a penalty for exercising their rights regarding animal dissection.
- Requires teachers or public schools to give written notice of these rights and the complaint process at the start of each school year.
- Requires the State Department of Education to create a template for this written notice by November 1, 2026, and make it available online.
- Allows students to request information about where animals came from and what chemicals were used to preserve them.
Who It Names or Affects
- Students in kindergarten through grade 12 attending public schools that offer courses involving animal dissection.
- Teachers at school districts, charter schools, county offices of education, and state special schools.
- The State Department of Education, which must create the notice template.
Terms To Know
- Uniform Complaint Procedures
- A system for students to file formal complaints if their rights regarding animal dissection are not followed.
- Alternative assignment or assessment
- A different project, test, or activity that teaches the same lesson without using animals.
Limits and Unknowns
- The law only applies to public schools; it does not cover private schools.
- Schools are encouraged but not required by July 1, 2028, to explore methods that do not use live or dead animals at all.