SACRAMENTO – Assemblymember Christy Smith (D- Santa Clarita) introduced AB 1507 on Monday, which would close a loophole in current law which allows charter schools to operate outside of its authorizing district.

“I am proud to author AB 1507 which restores the right of individual districts to have oversight of schools located within their boundaries,” said Assemblymember Smith. “I am pleased that AB 1507 is a part of a broader package of measures creating greater transparency and accountability for our taxpayer dollars, while improving public schools for every student.”

AB 1507 is part of a larger package of bills that fixes laws governing charter schools introduced by fellow Assemblymembers: AB 1505 (O’Donnell), AB 1506 (McCarty), AB 1507 (Smith), AB 1508 (Bonta). The package of measure has broad support from education professionals state- wide.

“It is clear that Californians want significant changes in the decades-old laws governing charter schools that have allowed corporate charter schools to divert millions away from our neighborhood public schools, allowed for waste, fraud and abuse of taxpayer dollars at the expense of our students,” said California Teachers Association President Eric Heins.

California Federation of Teachers President Josh Pechthalt said: “These common-sense measures will empower local communities to decide whether charter schools are the right choice for their students. Placing decision-making powers back in the hands of local communities will mean more accountability and better outcomes for all of our students.”

California School Employees Association President Ben Valdepeña said: “Public schools are designed to lift all students. Nobody, including charter schools, should be exempt from laws that protect local control and a fair playing field for all students. These bills are good public policy and are a positive step towards education equity.”

Assemblymember Christy Smith represents California’s 38th Assembly District, which includes the communities of Santa Clarita, Simi Valley, Agua Dulce, Castaic, Santa Susana Knolls, and North San Fernando Valley.