by Suzanne Potter
Jan 5, 2026 – New California laws going into effect in 2026 are intended to bring positive change to schools on a range of issues.
One bill requires schools to notify parents when immigration officers come onto a campus. Another prohibits the disclosure of student or parent data without the family’s consent unless ICE has a judicial warrant.
Yasmine-Imani McMorrin, director of education equity for the Children’s Defense Fund of California, said the changes are welcome.
“What is important is ensuring that our school campuses are safe, and that information is getting out to parents,” McMorrin emphasized. “We are checking information and ensuring that everyone is following the rules.”
Assembly Bill 1454 would adjust reading curricula to improve literacy, particularly among English language learners. Assembly Bill 3216 requires all K-12 schools to have a policy to limit or ban student use of cellphones during the school day by July 1.
McMorrin also applauded Senate Bill 640, which directs the Cal State University system to automatically admit qualified high school graduates without them having to apply.
“The more supports that we have for our young folks to be successful and the more resources that we are allocating towards that, the better,” McMorrin contended.
Assembly Bill 1264 takes effect in 2026, requiring school districts to revamp their menus to remove the “most harmful” ultra-processed foods from school lunches by 2035.
In other California news:
Californians brace for higher costs as ACA subsidies expire
2026 is here, and it brings a big jump in health-insurance premiums for almost 90% of the 1.9 million people on CoveredCA plans, now that the COVID-era enhanced subsidies to help pay those premiums have expired. The state has allocated $190 million to help people afford their premiums, but that will only shield the lowest-income families.
Anne Sunderland, senior communications officer for the California Health Care Foundation, said many middle-income families on CoveredCA will see premiums rise by hundreds or even thousands of dollars a month.
“Think of an individual making more than, say, $63,000 a year, or a family of four earning more than $130,000,” she explained. “They’re returning to the days where they got no federal subsidies. Those are the folks who might see their premiums double, or sometimes even more than double.”
CoveredCA estimates that hundreds of thousands of residents will not be able to afford the increases and will drop coverage altogether. This affects everyone, as hospitals are expected to raise prices to cover costs of more uninsured people who end up in the hospital Emergency Department.
Last summer, Republicans in Congress decided not to extend the subsidies while slashing Medicaid and SNAP benefits as part of what was known as the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act.” They opted to use the savings for immigration enforcement and extending tax cuts to wealthy families and corporations.
Sunderland said for those facing hefty premium hikes, the most important thing is to call CoveredCA or talk with a certified enrollment counselor.
“Everyone’s situation is different, and you want to explore all your options, including all of the federal or the state assistance you may qualify for,” she continued. “So, be educated about your choices so you can make the right one for your family.”
People still have time to sign up for a plan on the CoveredCA marketplace – open enrollment ends on January 31.
