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Senate adopts SB 48 to limit immigration enforcement access to K-12 campuses
Summary
The California State Senate passed SB 48, a bill led by Sen. María González that requires immigration authorities to present a judicial warrant or court order before accessing public school campuses and restricts the sharing of student records and personal information with federal immigration agents.
The California State Senate on May 30 passed SB 48, a measure by Sen. María González (D–Long Beach) that bars immigration enforcement officials from entering K–12 campuses or obtaining student records without a valid judicial warrant or court order.
Supporters said the bill aims to protect students, parents and school staff from actions that can drive families from classrooms and discourage attendance. “SB 48 will prohibit school officials from granting information to immigration authorities… to access a campus without a valid judicial warrant and will protect students’ personal information and educational needs,” González told colleagues on the floor.
The bill’s proponents said recent actions by federal authorities have sown fear among families and that uniform statewide rules are needed so all districts apply the same protections. “Having ICE in our schools means that you'll have parents who will not want to send their kids to school at all,” Sen. Scott Wiener (D–San Francisco) said in debate.
Opponents warned the bill could create conflicts for school staff who face federal law enforcement requests. Sen. Alvarado Gill (R) said she was “respectful[ly] opposed,” contending there is not “credible evidence of immigration enforcement operations taking place on California school campuses” and warning of potential legal conflicts for educators.
The Senate approved the measure under its urgency clause; the roll call was recorded and, on the urgency vote, the measure passed (ayes 28, noes 7). Under the bill, the state would codify attorney general guidance now applied in some districts and specify when school officials can share or withhold information from federal agents.
Why it matters: Backers argued the bill protects access to education and reduces the chilling effect that enforcement activity can have on school attendance and child well‑being. Opponents cautioned it may place school employees in difficult legal positions and urged care in the bill’s final drafting.
Next steps: SB 48 will go to the governor for signature. If enacted, districts statewide will be required to follow the statute’s rules on campus access and handling of student records in response to immigration inquiries.
