BILL NUMBER: AB 796 VETOED DATE: 10/12/2009 To the Members of the California State Assembly: I am returning Assembly Bill 796 without my signature. While civic and other volunteer activities are beneficial to those who choose to participate, these activities should be in addition to, and not in place of, valuable classroom learning time with a qualified teacher. This bill is similar to legislation I previously vetoed. As indicated at that time, nothing under current law prohibits parents from working with a school to allow their child to participate in civic opportunities if they choose to do so, even without this measure. Therefore, the bill is unnecessary. For these reasons, I am unable to sign this bill. Sincerely, Arnold Schwarzenegger