Governor Newsom signs Senator Pérez’s SB 848, the Safe Learning Environments Act, to protect students from sexual misconduct by school employees

SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom signed SB 848 (The Safe Learning Environments Act) into law. This legislation authored by Senator Sasha Renée Pérez (D-Pasadena) creates a comprehensive, standardized approach to preventing sexual misconduct by employees in K-12 schools.

SB 848 strengthens student safety in California schools by requiring updates to Comprehensive School Safety Plans with clear procedures for preventing, detecting, and addressing school employee sexual misconduct. This new law also broadens mandated reporting requirements, enhances training for employees and students, and revises relevant provisions in law to ensure stronger protections.

“I am grateful to the Governor for signing this legislation. This law will protect children from sexual misconduct committed by school employees. It is that simple,” said Senator Pérez. “We all recognize most teachers, and classified staff are dedicated professionals, but even a tiny fraction of school employees who engage in child abuse can do catastrophic harm. SB 848 will create a system to protect our students.”

Specifically, the Safe Learning Environments Act will ensure egregious misconduct is reported and tracked by establishing an electronic database of misconducts for non-certificated employees. This law will extend work history verification to cover all school employees.

“I also must express my utmost appreciation to the group of survivors who bravely stood up and publicly shared their stories of trauma to protect students. The power of their collective voices and advocacy made the difference. Their commitment to pushing forward this vital legislation will help prevent future abuse,” said Senator Pérez.

SB 848 will take effect on January 1.

###

Senator Sasha Renée Pérez is Chair of the Senate Education Committee and represents the 25th Senate District that includes the communities of Glendale, Pasadena, Alhambra, Altadena, Arcadia, Claremont, Glendora, La Cañada Flintridge, La Crescenta-Montrose, Monrovia, Monterey Park, Rosemead, San Gabriel, San Marino, Sierra Madre, South Pasadena, Temple City, Fontana, Rancho Cucamonga, Upland, and San Antonio Heights.