CA AB185

Expands transitional kindergarten and preschool access by requiring universal preschool planning, updating eligibility requirements, increasing funding allocations, and establishing new grant programs for classroom-based prekindergarten and universal preschool services.

Increases funding for K-12 education by 6.7% in 2022-23, expands learning recovery funding, provides transportation allowances covering 60% of home-to-school costs, and establishes new discretionary block grants for arts, music, instructional materials, and literacy coaching.

Modifies independent study requirements to allow exemptions for students participating fewer than 15 schooldays or receiving necessary medical/mental health treatment, and extends career technical education course authorization for high school graduation requirements through July 1, 2027.

Establishes teacher and school counselor residency grant programs with $184-$350 million in appropriations to recruit and support educator preparation, with commitments to serve at priority schools for four years.

Creates alternative design-build procurement authority for school districts on projects exceeding $5 million (through January 1, 2029), implements wage overpayment recovery protections for school employees, and establishes classified employee representation rights at hearings.