BILL ANALYSIS                                                                                                                                                                                                    �



                                                                  AB 2565
                                                                  Page  1

          Date of Hearing:   April 11, 2012

                           ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION
                                Julia Brownley, Chair
                   AB 2565 (Swanson) - As Amended:  March 29, 2012
           
          SUBJECT  :   Pupils: campus clubs and booster organizations: 
          warning posters

           SUMMARY  :   Requires a school to encourage all campus clubs and 
          booster organizations to create and display posters warning 
          pupils of the range of consequences for engaging in behavior 
          that can result in detention by law enforcement.

           EXISTING LAW  establishes the Safe Place to Learn Act and 
          requires the California Department of Education, as part of its 
          Categorical Program Monitoring process, to assess whether local 
          educational agencies have, among others, posted 
          anti-intimidation and anti-bullying polices in all schools and 
          offices, including staff lounges and pupil government meeting 
          rooms.
             
           FISCAL EFFECT  :  Unknown

           COMMENTS  :  The author states, "Youths, who have faced 
          disciplinary actions or are suspended from school, are more 
          likely to continue mis-behaving or dropping out of school.  It 
          is unlikely that at a young age, these children understand the 
          true scope of the long term impact of their behavior.  In order 
          to develop a positive school environment, students have to be 
          informed of the gravity of their actions.  Outside of families 
          and faith based organizations, schools play a pivotal role in 
          youth development.

          Studies have showed that staying in school is a 'protective 
          factor' against youth violence, substance abuse, suicide, 
          teenage pregnancy, and emotional distress.  Schools also give 
          young people the valuable opportunity to develop social skills 
          by interacting with peers and adults.  It is because of the 
          monumental importance of staying in school, students have to be 
          made aware of the consequences of dropping out or engaging in 
          disruptive or illegal behavior that could lead to as suspension 
          or arrest."

          This bill requires a school to encourage all campus clubs and 








                                                                  AB 2565
                                                                  Page  2

          booster organizations to create and display posters warning 
          pupils of the range of consequences for engaging in behavior 
          that can result in detention by law enforcement.  While the bill 
          does not require a school club or booster organization to create 
          the posters, because the bill requires schools to take action, 
          the bill is tagged with a mandate.  The author may wish to 
          consider introducing a resolution in lieu of a bill to avoid the 
          cost while still achieving the purpose of encouraging schools 
          and/or campus clubs and booster organizations to educate 
          students of the consequences of their behavior.  

           REGISTERED SUPPORT / OPPOSITION  :   
           Support 
           American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees
           
          Opposition 
           None on file
           
          Analysis Prepared by  :    Sophia Kwong Kim / ED. / (916) 319-2087