CA SB767

Establishes the Digital Education Equity Program (DEEP) administered by the State Department of Education to provide regionalized technical assistance to schools and local educational agencies on implementing educational technology.

Creates 11 regional consortia of county offices of education to work collaboratively with school districts, charter schools, and county offices of education to meet locally defined educational technology needs including professional development, digital infrastructure, and technical support.

Requires the department to prepare a comprehensive State Digital Equity Plan by January 31, 2023, and the state board to adopt it by March 31, 2023, with authorization for up to 3-year grants to regional lead agencies upon plan approval.

Mandates local educational agencies adopt a local education technology equity plan by December 1, 2024, and include a plan summary in their local control and accountability plan following state board guidelines due July 1, 2024.

Establishes an Office of Educational Technology and Digital Equity within the department with minimum three full-time staff positions funded through the annual Budget Act, and requires annual reporting to the state board and Legislature on services, persons served, and objectives attained.