Legislature Reconvenes

The Legislature reconvened yesterday, January 5, 2026, for the second year of the 2025–26 legislative session. The second year moves more quickly and is slightly shorter, with committee hearings beginning immediately. The Assembly Education Committee will hold its first hearing on January 7, 2026.

Legislative Leadership

Assemblymember Robert Rivas (D-Hollister) will continue as Speaker of the Assembly. Senator Monique Limón (D-Santa Barbara) assumed the role of Senate President pro Tempore in November 2025.

Committee Assignments

The Senate announced new leadership and committee assignments over the holiday break. The most significant change affecting education is in the Senate Budget Subcommittee on Education, where Senator Lena Gonzalez (D-Long Beach) now serves as Chair, replacing Senator John Laird (D-Santa Cruz). The Assembly has not announced any committee changes at this time.

Senate Appropriations

  • Senator Sabrina Cervantes (D-Riverside), Chair
  • Senator Kelly Seyarto (R-Murrieta), Vice Chair

Senate Budget and Fiscal Review

  • Senator John Laird (D-Santa Cruz), Chair
  • Senator Roger W. Niello (R-Fair Oaks), Vice-Chair

Senate Budget Subcommittee 1 on Education

  • Senator Lena Gonzalez (D-Long Beach), Chair
  • Senator Rosilicie Ochoa-Bogh (R-Yucaipa), Vice Chair

Senate Education

  • Senator, Sasha Renée Pérez (D-Pasadena), Chair
  • Senator Rosilicie Ochoa Bogh (R-Yucaipa), Vice-Chair

A full list of Senate Committees and their membership can be found here.

Enrollment Based Funding Report

Nearly 16 months after the Governor signed SB 98 (Chapter 442, Statutes of 2024), the Legislative Analyst has released a report examining the effects of transitioning from average daily attendance (ADA) to enrollment-based funding. SB 98 required a robust analysis of the switch, and the report recommends continuing with ADA based funding.

January Budget Webinar

Friday, January 16, 2026 | 12 pm
Join the CASBO Governmental Relations team to learn about the Governor’s 2026-27 January budget proposal and the possible impacts on local educational agency finances and school business operations.

Why Attend?

  • Learn about the top priorities for the Governor’s final budget
  • Understand how proposals might impact your local educational agency
  • Identify key proposals where your input can shape the final budget
  • Connect with CASBO’s advocacy team and ask your questions directly

Free for all current members with advance registration.

REGISTER NOW

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