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Several new California laws took effect ahead of the 2026-27 school year, bringing changes that will impact students, parents and teachers across the state.
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The new laws cover several school policies, from cellphone restrictions and student ID cards to bathroom access and student health insurance.
As students prepare to head back to the classroom, here’s what California families should know before the first day of school:
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Our community-driven series — How to California — is here to answer your questions about state laws, history, culture, recreation and travel in the Golden State.
McClatchy’s service journalism team, focused on helping our readers navigate daily life, works in communities across the state, including San Luis Obispo, Fresno, Merced, Modesto and Sacramento.
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How will new California laws affect schools?
Several education-related laws took effect July 1.
Under Assembly Bill 727, California public schools serving students in seventh through 12th grades must print the phone number and text line for The Trevor Project’s LGBTQ+ suicide prevention hotline on student ID cards.
California public colleges and universities must also include contact information for the 24/7 crisis hotline.
The requirement builds on an existing law that already requires schools to include the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline on student IDs.
Assembly Bill 594 requires students who receive school-sponsored health insurance to request termination of their coverage if they will be away from school for an extended period, such as taking a leave of absence, graduating or no longer being enrolled.
Two new laws also strengthen child abuse reporting requirements at private schools.
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Under Senate Bill 848, additional child abuse reporting information must be provided to private schools.
The bill would require a “comprehensive school plan” for reporting procedures, and school volunteers will now be considered mandated reporters.
Assembly Bill 653 requires private schools to provide annual training for employees and mandated reporters on recognizing signs of child abuse and neglect and how to properly report suspected abuse.
How are student phone policies changing in California?
Assembly Bill 3216, requires school districts, county offices of education and charter schools to adopt policies limiting or banning student smartphone use during the school day.
Schools must review and update those policies at least once every five years.
New California law requires all-gender bathrooms
Another new law, Senate Bill 760, requires every public and private school in California serving students in first through 12th grades to provide at least one all-gender restroom .
The restroom must be available to all students and clearly marked with signs indicating it can be used by anyone, regardless of gender.
The bathroom must also “be maintained and cleaned regularly, fully operational, and stocked at all times with toilet paper, soap, and paper towels or functional hand dryers, and kept open during school hours when pupils are not in classes,” the law says.
Have a question about life in California?
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We’ll answer your questions — big and small — about state laws, history, culture, recreation and travel.
Ask your questions in the form below (can’t see it? Click here) or email [email protected].
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This story was originally published August 5, 2026 at 9:30 AM.