BILL ANALYSIS Ó
SENATE COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION
Senator Carol Liu, Chair
2015 - 2016 Regular
Bill No: AB 158
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|Author: |O'Donnell |
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|Version: |March 5, 2015 Hearing |
| |Date: April 15, 2015 |
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|Urgency: |No |Fiscal: |No |
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|Consultant:|Kathleen Chavira |
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Subject: School finance: The John B. Mockler School Finance
Act
SUMMARY
This bill requires that the provisions of law defining the terms
and methods for calculating the minimum guaranteed level of
funding for K-14 districts (pursuant to the constitutional
provisions enacted by Proposition 98) be known and cited as, the
"John B. Mockler School Finance Act."
BACKGROUND
Provisions of the California Constitution, implemented through
the enactment of Proposition 98 by voters in 1988, establish a
formula for setting a minimum annual funding level for K-12
schools and community colleges.
Existing law defines the terms and methods for calculating the
minimum guaranteed level of funding the state is required to
provide for the support of school districts and community
college districts. (Education Code § 41200 et. seq.)
ANALYSIS
This bill repeals Section 41200 of the Education Code and
reestablishes this section of law as the "John B. Mockler School
Finance Act."
STAFF COMMENTS
AB 158 (O'Donnell) Page 2
of ?
Mr. John B. Mockler was an expert in California school finance
and the principal author of Proposition 98. As such, he was
often referred to as the "father of Proposition 98." This bill
memorializes Mr. Mockler by citing the statutes adopted by the
Legislature relative to Proposition 98 as the "John B. Mockler
School Finance Act."
Mr. Mockler held a number of positions in state government,
including Secretary of Education and Executive Director of the
State Board of Education. His public service also included
several positions in the California State Senate and Assembly.
He was a major influence in California school finance for 40
years. Mr. Mockler passed away on March 3, 2015, of pancreatic
cancer.
The honor bestowed by this bill is in recognition of Mr.
Mockler's significant contributions to the next generation of
Californians though his work on behalf of public education.
SUPPORT
American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees
AFL-CIO
California Association of School Business Officials
California School Employees Association
California Teachers Association
Los Angeles County Office of Education
State Superintendent of Instruction, Tom Torlakson
Strategic Education Services
OPPOSITION
None received.
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