California’s Attorney General Rob Bonta has issued two bulletins to local educational agencies, institutions of higher education, and child care providers. These updates come from recently enacted state legislation and aim to protect the rights of students and their families.
As part of Assembly Bill 495 (which took effect January 1, 2026) and Senate Bill 98 (in effect since September 20, 2025), schools must:
* Update policies by March 1, 2026
* Include procedures for notifying parents, teachers, and staff when immigration enforcement is confirmed on campus
Licensed child care facilities are prohibited from collecting citizenship or immigration status unless required by law. They must also report requests for information to the State Department of Social Services and the attorney general.
The “Know Your Educational Rights” guide must be posted in administrative buildings and online starting in the 2026 school year, highlighting that all children have a right to free public education regardless of their immigration status.
More resources are available at oag.ca.gov/immigrant/resources.
Source: https://www.smdp.com/california-ag-bonta-issues-new-guidelines-for-schools-on-immigration-enforcement