AB-673 Unaccompanied homeless pupils: Unaccompanied Youth Support…

Plain English Breakdown

The bill requires grantees to submit annual reports on fund spending and student data, which was not included in the original 'what_it_does' section.

This law creates a pilot grant program to help schools support homeless students aged 16 and 17 who are not living with parents or guardians.

Requires the State Department of Education to run a pilot program called the Unaccompanied Youth Support Grant Program using formula grants.
Awards five-year grants starting in fiscal year 2028–29, subject to legislative funding approval and specific allocation rules.
Allows grant funds to be used for connecting youth with housing resources, referring them to social services, and providing basic needs support.
Requires schools applying for the money to show they had at least one unaccompanied homeless student enrolled in the previous fiscal year.
Mandates that applicants submit a plan describing how they will find eligible students, what supports they will provide, and how they will measure progress.

Unaccompanied youth who are 16 or 17 years old and meet the legal definition of homeless.
School districts, county offices of education, charter schools, and groups (consortia) formed by these agencies that apply for grants.
The State Department of Education and the Superintendent of Public Instruction.

Unaccompanied youth: Students who are homeless, as defined by law, and not in the physical custody of a parent or guardian.
Local educational agency: A school district, county office of education, or charter school that runs schools.
Consortia: Groups formed by two or more local educational agencies working together to apply for a grant.

The program cannot start until the Legislature approves funding through an appropriation.
Grants are only available if schools meet specific allocation metrics set by the state.
This is a pilot program, so it may change or end after five years.