Administration declines to fund AB 101 ethnic studies implementation in January budget

Representatives of the Department of Finance told the Assembly subcommittee on Oct. 27, 2025, that the governor’s January budget does not propose funding for implementation of AB 101, the ethnic studies graduation requirement.

Hugo Solis Galena of the Department of Finance said limited ongoing resources precluded funding AB 101 in the January proposal and reiterated that the statute is contingent on appropriation. When Assemblymembers asked whether districts would be required to offer ethnic studies in fall 2025, Finance staff said the administration is not providing funding and that district implementation is therefore not required in the administration’s view.

Why it matters: AB 101 establishes an ethnic studies graduation requirement contingent on appropriation. Committees and districts told the panel that early and reliable funding is important because schedule changes, staffing, and curriculum development need lead time.

What’s next: Committee members urged reconsideration of funding and asked staff to consider triggers that would allow funding to be activated if revenues meet expectations.