CA SB438

Extends existing freedom of speech and press rights to charter school pupils, including use of bulletin boards, printed materials, buttons, badges, and official publications, with exceptions for obscene, libelous, slanderous, or inciting material.

Requires charter school governing boards to adopt written publications codes establishing reasonable time, place, and manner regulations for student expressive activities.

Prohibits charter schools from disciplining high school pupils solely based on speech or communication protected by the First Amendment or California Constitution when conducted outside campus.

Protects school employees from dismissal, suspension, or retaliation for protecting student speech rights or refusing to infringe protected expression.

Provides that if the Commission on State Mandates determines the bill creates state-mandated costs, reimbursement shall be made through existing statutory procedures.