CA SB596

Expands existing misdemeanor offense to apply to any adult (not just parents/guardians) whose conduct materially disrupts classwork, extracurricular activities, or school board meetings, with fines of $500-$1,000 and/or up to one year jail time.

Creates new misdemeanor for any adult who harasses or makes credible threats against school employees away from school or after hours for reasons related to their job duties, with same penalties as above.

Defines "harassment" as a knowing course of conduct directed at a specific person that seriously alarms, torments, or terrorizes them and causes substantial emotional distress, and "credible threat" as communication expressing serious intent to commit unlawful violence.

Eliminates prohibition on release prior to minimum incarceration periods for second convictions; allows courts to suspend mandatory minimums upon showing of good cause.

Exempts students with exceptional needs from these provisions if their conduct was caused by or directly related to their disability.