Board approves first reading of immigration-enforcement policy amid public calls to cite AB 49 and SB 54

The Rialto Unified Board voted to approve the first reading of the district's proposed immigration-enforcement policy (E 1.2) on Feb. 11, after public commenters urged clearer statutory references and mandatory staff training.

Public speakers asked that the policy explicitly cite AB 49, SB 54 (the Values Act) and SB 98 and follow Attorney General and CSBA guidance protecting student and family access to school property. "As it stands right now, this policy is not ready to move forward," a public commenter said, requesting the item be tabled until clarifying language is added.

District staff and legal counsel told the board the policy was prepared by CSBA and reviewed by legal counsel and that a statutory timeline requires submission to the California Department of Education by March 1. Counsel said the language may be amended at the second reading and asked the board to approve the first reading to meet the deadline.

Board members agreed the item could return for a second reading and for redlined additions; they voted unanimously to approve the first reading and to accept suggested edits for the next meeting.

What happens next: The board will hold a second reading at the next board meeting and staff will work with CSBA counsel to incorporate suggested references to AB 49, SB 54 and SB 98 and to clarify training requirements for staff.