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CBA monitors school accountability bills; staff flags peer-review and terminology concerns
Summary
The board reviewed three bills aimed at preventing charter school fraud (notably AB 84 and SB 414) and reported concerns about peer review provisions, undefined terms such as "certified prior experience," and the potential impact on CBA-regulated activities.
CBA staff reported to the Legislative Committee that the board is monitoring legislation aimed at strengthening oversight of charter schools and local education agencies, and staff reiterated concerns previously conveyed to bill authors about peer review and undefined terminology.
Staff summary: David Hemphill and other legislative staff summarized three education-related bills the board is tracking—Assembly Bill 84, Senate Bill 414 and Senate Bill 719 (the latter identified as a two-year bill). Hemphill said the measures “attempt to prevent charter school fraud by strengthening the oversight of local education agencies or LEAs” and that AB 84 and SB 414 had recently passed committee hearings and were headed to appropriations.
Key concerns: Staff stressed that the bills, as drafted, could impose requirements touching CBA-regulated activities without clear definitions or processes. The CBA’s analysis noted particular concerns about peer review requirements, continuing education/training mandates, and the use of undefined phrases such as “certified prior experience.” CalCPA and other stakeholders have engaged in discussions with authors; staff told the board they will continue to work with stakeholders and offer technical input.
Status: AB 84 and SB 414 passed committee hearings and were referred to appropriations; SB 719 missed a deadline and is treated as a two-year bill.
Next steps: Staff will monitor potential amendments expected during the legislative recess and continue to coordinate with stakeholders, including the California Society of CPAs, on peer-review language.
