CA AB1216

Allows teachers with single subject or standard secondary credentials to add subjects to their teaching authorization based on completed coursework or verified subject matter competence, removing the prior restriction that the subject must be different from what they are already credentialed to teach

Clarifies that alternative term schedule physical education requirements for grades 6-12 must be calculated by schooldays rather than calendar days, with grade 6 students receiving at least 400 minutes every 10 schooldays (3,600 minutes annually) and grades 7-12 receiving at least 800 minutes every 10 schooldays (7,200 minutes annually)

Requires school districts, county boards of education, and charter schools to develop smartphone policies by July 1, 2026, and update them every five years, with exceptions for emergencies, teacher permission, medical necessity, or IEP requirements

Makes technical corrections to cross-references and entity names throughout the Education Code

California state preschool programs must reserve at least 5% of funded enrollment for children with exceptional needs, with agencies facing conditional contracts starting July 1, 2026, if they fail to meet this requirement without an approved waiver