CA SB28

Authorizes $15.5 billion in state general obligation bonds for education facilities, contingent on voter approval at the March 5, 2024, statewide primary election, with funds allocated to K-12 schools ($9.5 billion), community colleges ($2 billion), and universities ($4 billion).

Increases school district bonding capacity limits from 1.25% to 2% of taxable property and from 2.5% to 4% for unified school districts and community college districts, enabling greater local facility funding capacity.

Requires school districts to submit five-year school facilities master plans as a condition of state funding participation and establishes new definitions, scoring systems, and processing priorities for facility project applications.

Authorizes new and modernization grants to fund seismic mitigation, broadband infrastructure, lead water remediation, school mental health centers, and stadium lighting, while establishing lead testing and remediation programs for school water outlets.

Establishes specific provisions for small school districts (fewer than 2,501 students) to obtain project management assistance and increases financial hardship eligibility threshold from $5 million to $15 million in bonding capacity.