This part shall be known, and may be cited, as the Kindergarten Through Grade 12 Schools and Local Community College Public Education Facilities Modernization, Repair, and Safety Bond Act of 2024.
(Added by Stats. 2024, Ch. 81, Sec. 28. (AB 247) Approved in Proposition 2 at the November 5, 2024, election. Effective November 6, 2024.)
The Legislature finds and declares all of the following:
(a) A University of California, Berkeley report estimates that 85 percent of the classrooms in California are more than 25 years old, 30 percent of the classrooms are between 50 to 70 years old, and about 10 percent of the classrooms are 70 years old or older.
(b) Research on school building conditions and student outcomes finds a consistent relationship between poor facilities and poor performance by students. School facilities that are clean, in good repair, and designed to support high academic standards are more likely to support higher student achievement, regardless of student socioeconomic status. Students who receive instruction in
buildings with good environmental conditions can earn test scores that are 5 to 17 percent higher than scores for students in substandard buildings.
(c) About one-third of new jobs in California will require some training beyond high school but less than a four-year degree. Career technical education, also known as vocational training, connects students to these career opportunities by providing industry-based skills.
(d) The School Facility Program is almost out of funding. School districts across California have submitted a total of $3,300,000,000 in new construction and modernization projects and they are waiting to be funded.
(e) There are over 1,000 charter schools in California, and those charter schools are primarily located in urban areas. Charter schools often face significant financial challenges in
securing adequate facilities. Therefore, supporting charter school facilities is essential to ensuring that all students have access to high-quality learning environments. By investing in the construction and rehabilitation of charter school buildings, we can help ensure these schools can provide safe, modern, and conducive learning environments. This support is important for fostering educational innovation and providing equitable educational opportunities for all students.
(f) Small and disadvantaged school districts often face significant challenges in maintaining and upgrading their facilities. These districts serve some of the most vulnerable student populations and frequently lack the resources to address critical infrastructure needs.
(g) The California Community Colleges is the largest postsecondary educational system in the United States, historically serving
approximately 2,100,000 students annually. The California Community Colleges have billions of dollars in need for construction of new facilities for enrollment growth and for modernization of existing facilities.
(Added by Stats. 2024, Ch. 81, Sec. 28. (AB 247) Approved in Proposition 2 at the November 5, 2024, election. Effective November 6, 2024.)
(a) The incorporation of, or reference to, any provision of state statutory law in this part includes all acts amendatory thereof and supplementary thereto.
(b) For purposes of this part, “State General Obligation Bond Law” means the State General Obligation Bond Law (Chapter 4 (commencing with Section 16720) of Part 3 of Division 4 of Title 2 of
the Government Code), as it may be amended from time to time.
(Added by Stats. 2024, Ch. 81, Sec. 28. (AB 247) Approved in Proposition 2 at the November 5, 2024, election. Effective November 6, 2024.)
Bonds in the total amount of ten billion dollars ($10,000,000,000), not including the amount of any refunding bonds issued in accordance with Sections 101430 and 101451, may be issued and sold for the
purposes set forth in Sections 101420 and 101442. The bonds, when sold, issued, and delivered, shall be and constitute a valid and binding obligation of the State of California, and the full faith and credit of the State of California is hereby pledged for the punctual payment of the principal of, and interest on, the bonds as the principal and interest become due and payable.
(Added by Stats. 2024, Ch. 81, Sec. 28. (AB 247) Approved in Proposition 2 at the November 5, 2024, election. Effective November 6, 2024.)