CA AB599

Commencing July 1, 2025, removes tobacco and nicotine product possession or use (including vaping products) from grounds for pupil suspension or expulsion in all grades.

Commencing July 1, 2025, removes mandatory expulsion recommendations for unlawful possession of controlled substances and allows schools discretion to use alternative discipline approaches instead.

Requires State Department of Education to develop a model public health policy by July 1, 2025, for addressing student drug possession and use on school property in collaboration with treatment providers and community organizations.

Requires all local educational agencies (school districts, county offices, charter schools) to adopt plans by July 1, 2025, that take a youth-informed, public health approach to substance abuse and include information on campus and community resources for education, treatment, and support.

Modifies Education Code sections 48900, 48901.1, 48915, and 49079 effective July 1, 2025, and requires reimbursement to local agencies for state-mandated costs under Government Code Part 7.