Cervantes’ Senate Bill 1381 Approved by Senate Appropriations Committee
(SACRAMENTO) – Senate Bill 1381 by Senator Sabrina Cervantes (D-Riverside) was approved by the Senate Appropriations Committee on Monday. The bill, sponsored by the State Superintendent of Public Instruction, would require the individualized education program team of the Local Educational Agency (LEA) to provide parents of students who are deaf, hard of hearing, blind, visually impaired, or deaf-blind information regarding the option for the student to attend a state special school.
“The 31st Senate District is home to one of California's state schools–California School of the Deaf in Riverside (CSDR). I have spoken with many students who wish they had known about State Special Schools when making their decision. SB 1381 would fix that,” said Senator Cervantes.
“Senate Bill 1381 provides crucial information about California’s State Special Schools to parents of students who are Deaf, hard of hearing, blind, or visually impaired. In doing so, we uphold our commitment to providing equitable educational access for all. As the State Superintendent of Public Instruction, I am proud to sponsor this legislation, as it empowers parents and students with the information they deserve and guarantees that every student—regardless of their unique needs—is placed in an environment where they can truly thrive and succeed,” said Tony Thurmond, State Superintendent of Public Instruction and Director of Education.
While federal and state special education laws require individualized placement decisions through the Individualized Education Program (IEP) process, there is no explicit requirement that LEAs provide families with information about the California School for the Deaf during IEP development or revision. As a result, awareness of and consideration of State Special Schools as a placement option can be inconsistent across LEAs, and families may not receive sufficient information to participate meaningfully in placement decisions. The provisions established by SB 1381 would improve transparency, promote consistency across LEAs, and support informed participation by families in the IEP process.
Read more about the bill here. SB 1381 will now head to the Senate Floor for consideration by the full State Senate.
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