Newsom signs bill targeting sexual abuse in California schools

CALIFORNIA — Governor Gavin Newsom on October 7 signed Senate Bill 848, the Safe Learning Environments Act, a new law designed to better protect students and prevent educator misconduct across California schools.

It aims to close loopholes that allowed school employees accused of sexual misconduct to quietly resign and take jobs in other districts without disclosing their past behavior.

13- to 17-year-olds most at risk

According to a 2023 report by the Fiscal Crisis and Management Assistance Team (FCMAT), childhood sexual assault claims in schools were reported in 48 of California’s 58 counties.

Five Southern California counties — Los Angeles, Orange, San Diego, Riverside, and San Bernardino, accounted for 65% of the 2,079 total claims.

The report found that children ages 13 to 17 are most at risk, with the highest number of victims being age 14. Offenses occurred most often in classrooms (50%), with teachers the most common perpetrators, accounting for 38%.

Their best estimate of the total claims filed to date under a 2019 law extending the statute of limitations for childhood sexual abuse ranges between $2 billion and $3 billion.

New statewide misconduct database

The new law requires the California Department of Education to develop a statewide misconduct database by July 1, 2027.

Schools will be required to report substantiated cases of “egregious misconduct,” including sexual assault or boundary violations. Before hiring, districts and private schools must check the database to ensure applicants have no prior confirmed cases.

Starting July 1, 2026, the law broadens California’s mandated reporter rules to include volunteers, contractors, and private school staff. All must complete annual child abuse prevention training.

Schools will also be required to teach age-appropriate lessons on personal boundaries, with parents allowed to opt out. Each campus must update its school safety plan to include new child protection procedures.

Principals may now notify parents and staff when a sex offense or violent crime occurs on campus.

Most school employees are dedicated professionals

Bill author senator Sasha Renée Pérez said the legislation is very personal to her.

“I experienced child grooming when I was in high school. A school staff member tried to initiate a romantic relationship with me. Fortunately, I ran away because I understood something very inappropriate was happening,” she said.

Perez said while most school employees are dedicated professionals, even a few bad actors can cause devastating harm.