Senate Education Committee advances SB 685 to floor on 5–1 vote

The Senate Education Committee voted 5–1 to advance SB 685, the bill by Senator Cortese that amends state contracting rules so that schools with a religious identity can contract to provide individualized education program (IEP) services when those services are delivered in a secular manner.

Senator Cortese, the bill sponsor, opened the hearing by saying the measure responds to a Ninth Circuit decision and asked the committee for an "aye" vote. The committee then heard from Kimberly Rosenberger of the California Department of Education, who described the bill as aligning state policy with the court ruling while preserving existing protections for high-need students served in nonpublic settings.

Senator Ochoa Boke expressed practical concerns after receiving the analysis late, saying the bill raised questions about whether it would restrict aid or create conflicts for parents and schools. "This is a thinly veiled attempt to restrict aid to schools, which allow sectarian content," she said during questioning and announced she would vote no. In contrast, Senator Cabaldon said the bill "opens the door" for more schools to provide needed services while ensuring contract services remain nonsectarian.

A motion that the Assembly amendments be concurred in passed on a roll call: Perez—Aye; Ochoa Boke—No; Cabaldon—Aye; Cortese—Aye; Gonzales—Aye; Reyes—Aye. The chair stated the bill was placed on call and adjourned the committee. The committee record shows the motion moved by Senator Gonzales and Senator Cabaldon.

The hearing included registered support from the California School Employees Association and CFT; no witnesses registered opposition. The department emphasized the bill affects a very small population (nonpublic schools serve less than 1% of students) and preserves credentialing, fingerprinting, and reporting safeguards required under state law.

The committee action is procedural: advancing SB 685 out of committee with concurrence in Assembly amendments. Further floor action in the Senate will determine whether the measure becomes law.