- Introduced
- Failed
Overview
AB1797 amends California's open enrollment law to modify how students can attend schools outside their traditional district boundaries. The bill restructures enrollment procedures and removes certain restrictions, expanding options for families to choose schools.
Law Today
California law currently allows parents of pupils in low-achieving schools (defined by a state list based on Academic Performance Index scores) to apply for their children to attend schools in other school districts. This program was established to implement federal Race to the Top Fund requirements and enhance parental choice.
If Passed
This bill removes references to 'low-achieving schools' and instead allows parents of pupils in their school district of residence to apply for enrollment in other school districts more broadly, eliminating the Academic Performance Index-based eligibility restriction and outdated federal funding references. Christian families would gain more flexible school choice options, as the automatic restriction to 'low-achieving' designations would no longer block transfers for families in higher-performing districts who wish to choose alternative schools for educational, religious, or other reasons.
AI-generated from the bill text — verify against the official text.
Should I support this?
- Strongly Oppose
- Likely Oppose
- Neutral
- This billLikely Support
- Strongly Support
Likely Support
This bill expands parental choice and reduces government-imposed restrictions on school selection, allowing Christian families greater freedom to choose educational environments aligned with their religious and educational values without being trapped by residence-based assignment or low-performance designations. The removal of the 'low-achieving school' trigger also protects families in well-performing districts who may wish to transfer for religious or philosophical reasons.
AI assessment using F3’s editorial criteria — faith, family, and freedom. This is F3’s policy judgment; verify the provisions in the official bill text.
Likely supporters & opponents
Likely support
- School choice and education freedom advocates — Expanding enrollment options increases parental authority to select schools that align with their values, including religious or classical education models.
- Homeschool and religious education organizations — Broader open enrollment policies complement alternative education pathways and reduce barriers for families seeking non-traditional or faith-based learning environments.
Likely opposition
- Public school funding equity advocates — Removing low-achieving school restrictions could drain resources and enrollment from schools serving disadvantaged communities, worsening educational inequality.
- Teachers' unions — Unrestricted open enrollment may destabilize class sizes and budgets in districts of residence, affecting teacher staffing and working conditions.
AI-inferred typical positions based on the bill’s substance — general stakeholder categories, not confirmed endorsements.
Official summary
An act to amend Sections 48352, 48354, and 48356 of, and to repeal Sections 48351, 48353, and 48360 of, the Education Code, relating to pupil instruction.
Sponsors
- Natasha Johnson (R)
Status timeline
- 2026-05-19From committee: Without further action pursuant to Joint Rule 62(a).A
- 2026-04-22In committee: Set, first hearing. Failed passage.A
- 2026-02-23Referred to Com. on ED.A
- 2026-02-11From printer. May be heard in committee March 13.A
- 2026-02-10Read first time. To print.A
H = House · S = Senate · A = Assembly