CASBO Priority Legislation Results & Federal Update

As the September 30th deadline approaches for Governor Newsom to act on the bills that made it to his desk at the end of session, we are beginning to see the results of those measures. Over the weekend, the Governor acted on a substantial number of bills that include education priorities. We are happy to announce significant outcomes directly shaped by our collective advocacy efforts.

Firstly, we are proud to share that AB 2088 (McCarty): K–14 classified employees: part-time or full-time vacancies: public postings, was vetoed by the Governor, a CASBO priority oppose bill.. Each Call to Action, consultations with Legislators, dialogue with the Governor’s team – every effort contributed. We stand grateful to our dedicated members and our allies: Association of California School Administrators (ACSA), California School Boards Association (CSBA), School Services of California, California County Superintendents, and other education advocates. Together, we forged an unbeatable coalition!

Secondly, SB 1315 (Archuleta) School accountability: local educational agencies: annual reporting requirements, our co-sponsor bill with CSBA, was signed yesterday! Through our discussions with the legislative staff, consultants, and the Governor’s office we were able to showcase that our LEAs are required to submit approximately 170 reports annually, diverting administrative attention away from students’ immediate needs.

Lastly, SB 937 (Wiener) Development projects: fees and charges, a CASBO-opposed bill was signed by the Governor last week as part of the housing package. SB 937 was amended from its original language on August 22nd. Since the amendments, the bill became part of the housing bill package and its focus has been approached through a housing lens rather than education.

CASBO’s Legislative Committee Chair Mark Schiel said, “CASBO supports sound strategies that address the housing crisis throughout the State, but not at the detriment of the local school district.  We are disappointed this bill was signed by the Governor.  The delay in receiving development impact fees will impede the ability of California school districts to provide adequate school facilities for all students.”

Even though this is not an outcome we advocated for, it still allows us to educate and have continuous dialogue with the legislature and the Governor’s team on the needs of our LEAs.

Currently, there are over 600 bills on the Governor’s desk awaiting their fate and he has a veto rate of 15% which is slightly above his rate of past years. The CASBO Governmental Relations team will keep you informed about the remaining priority bills after we have reached next week’s deadline.

 

CASBO Federal Update

On the federal end, the House Leadership released a plan last night to vote on a short-term continuing resolution (CR) to fund the government through December 20th, setting up a funding showdown after the election. The bill is largely “clean” (no policy riders or non-essential spending) except for some additional money for the Secret Service and inauguration/transition. The House can vote on the deal as early as Wednesday, Sept. 25th, with the Senate expected to follow shortly after. Government funding expires on Monday, Sept. 30.

The Dec. 20 deadline ensures that there will be some type of lame-duck session before Congress ends this year and allows an opportunity to press for the House to pass child online safety and other priority legislation.

Important E-rate Update

FCC Opens Application Period for the K-12 School and Library Cybersecurity Pilot Program

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has announced the opening of the application filing window for its new $200 million Schools and Libraries Cybersecurity Pilot Program. This three-year initiative aims to enhance cybersecurity measures in K-12 schools and libraries across the nation.

Key Details and Funding Highlights:

– Application Window: September 17, 2024 (8 a.m. ET) to November 1, 2024 (11:59 p.m. ET)

– Total Funding: $200 million over three years

– Eligibility: Schools, libraries, and consortia that meet E-Rate Program eligibility requirements

– Schools: Up to $13.60 per student annually (pre-discount)

– Libraries: $15,000 per library annually, up to 11 libraries/sites

– Minimum annual funding: $15,000 (pre-discount)

– Maximum annual funding: $1.5 million (pre-discount)

Eligible Services:

– Advanced/Next Generation Firewalls

– Endpoint Protection

– Identity Protection and Authentication

– Monitoring, Detection, and Response

– Basic training related to installation and use of eligible equipment and services

How to Apply:

  1. Ensure you have an FCC Registration Number (FCCFRN) and Billed Entity Number (BEN)
  2. Register with the System for Award Management (SAM.gov)
  3. Complete Part 1 of the FCC Form 484 through USAC’s E-Rate Productivity Center (EPC)

Act Now!

Interested school districts are strongly encouraged to begin the application process immediately. The FCC will prioritize a diverse set of projects, emphasizing support for low-income and Tribal applicants.

For more information and application assistance, visit the USAC Cybersecurity Pilot Program Website or attend upcoming USAC webinars and training sessions.

Don’t miss this opportunity to strengthen your institution’s cybersecurity infrastructure. Start your application today!

Recent Federal Court Decision May Affect E-rate and Next Steps

The Universal Service Fund (USF) and its E-rate program, critical for ensuring high-speed internet access in schools and libraries, face a potential challenge following a recent court decision. Here’s what you need to know:

Court Decision

In August 2024, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit ruled that the current funding structure for the USF is unconstitutional. This decision conflicts with rulings from two other Circuit Courts over the past year.

Immediate Impact

The good news is that there will be no immediate disruption to E-rate or other USF programs. The 2025 E-rate administration and the K-12 School and Library Cybersecurity Pilot Program will proceed as planned.

Next Steps

  1. The FCC has until the end of September to appeal to the Supreme Court.
  2. Given the conflicting Circuit Court decisions, it’s likely the Supreme Court will agree to hear the case.
  3. If accepted, oral arguments would take place in 2025.

Long-term Implications

If the Supreme Court upholds the 5th Circuit’s decision, Congress will need to amend the Telecommunications Act of 1996 to provide a new funding mechanism for the USF.