California Assembly approves AB 84 to enhance charter school oversight and accountability

The California Assembly Floor Session on June 5, 2025, focused on two significant pieces of legislation: Assembly Bill 699 and Assembly Bill 84. The discussions highlighted contrasting views on transparency in voting and charter school oversight.

Assembly Bill 699, aimed at enhancing voter information on ballots, sparked a debate about the clarity and accessibility of tax-related measures. Assemblymember Patterson opposed the bill, arguing it could mislead voters by not providing sufficient information directly on the ballot. In contrast, Assemblymember Pellerin supported the bill, emphasizing that detailed information should be included in the county voter information guide, which is mailed to voters. The bill ultimately passed with a vote of 45 to 17.

The more contentious discussion revolved around Assembly Bill 84, which seeks to strengthen oversight and accountability for charter schools, particularly those operating without traditional classroom settings. Assemblymember Muratsuchi, the bill's author, cited numerous cases of fraud involving charter schools, including a scandal where a network defrauded taxpayers of $400 million. He argued that the bill is necessary to protect public funds and ensure they are used effectively for education.

However, the bill faced significant opposition from several assembly members who expressed concerns that it would disproportionately harm well-functioning charter schools and limit educational options for students, particularly in rural areas. Assemblymember De Maio characterized the bill as an attack on charter schools, while Assemblymember Dixon highlighted the importance of maintaining educational choices for families. Many members reported receiving extensive communication from constituents opposing the bill, fearing it would reduce funding and access to quality education.

Despite the concerns raised, some assembly members, including Assemblymember Baines, supported the bill, emphasizing the need for accountability in light of past fraud cases. The bill was described as a work in progress, with commitments from the author to continue addressing concerns raised by opponents.

In conclusion, while AB 699 passed with relative ease, AB 84's future remains uncertain as it heads to the Senate for further consideration. The discussions reflect a broader tension in California's education policy between ensuring accountability and maintaining diverse educational options for families.