CA SB695

Expands the definition of "parent" in special education law to include educational rights holders and conservators of children, and requires that any person identified by judicial decree to act as parent be recognized for all special education purposes.

Requires local educational agencies to take necessary actions to ensure parents understand individualized education program (IEP) proceedings, including communicating in the parent's native language, arranging interpreters, and providing translation services.

Mandates that upon parent request, local educational agencies translate the completed IEP, revisions, and related assessment documents into the parent's native language or mode of communication.

Requires translation within 30 calendar days for parents whose native language is one of the eight most commonly spoken languages in a local educational agency, with translations to be completed by qualified translators.

Revises the definition of "local educational agency" to include charter schools (not just nonprofit charter schools) participating in special education local plan areas, and requires the State Department of Education to inform parents of translation rights in its notice of procedural safeguards.