What Changed — and What Leaders Need to Know

At CharterLab, we help charter leaders translate legislation into clear, operational action. Below is a concise, fact-based overview of state and federal laws taking effect in 2026 that are most relevant to California charter schools.

This summary focuses on what the law says, when it takes effect, and how it affects charter operations.

SB 707 (Durazo) — Brown Act Amendments

Effective January 1, 2026

What changed

SB 707 updates California’s open-meeting law to clarify when governing board members may participate remotely and to reinforce public access and transparency requirements. In-person meetings remain the default, with limited statutory exceptions for remote participation.

What this means for charters

Charter school governing boards must review and update meeting procedures, including agenda posting, accessibility, and teleconferencing practices. Noncompliance may invalidate board actions or result in enforcement under the Brown Act.

AB 2158 — Ethics Training for Charter School Board Members

Effective January 1, 2026

What changed

AB 2158 clarifies that charter school board members are subject to mandatory ethics training under the AB 1234 framework. Training must be completed within one year of assuming office and every two years thereafter.

What this means for charters

All charter board members—paid or volunteer—must complete qualifying ethics training. Schools must retain documentation of completion, which is commonly reviewed during oversight and renewal processes.

AB 84 — Charter Accounting and Authorizer Support Grants

Effective January 1, 2026

What changed

AB 84 establishes grant programs to support financial transparency and oversight, including optional funding for charter schools that choose to implement standardized accounting practices. It also provides grant support to charter authorizers.

What this means for charters

AB 84 does not impose new accounting mandates. Participation in standardized accounting is voluntary and incentive-based. Charter schools may apply for grant funding but are not required to do so.

SB 494 — Continuation of the Nonclassroom-Based Charter Moratorium

Effective January 1, 2026

What changed

SB 494 continues existing statutory restrictions on the approval of new nonclassroom-based charter schools. It does not alter definitions, funding rules, or renewal law.

What this means for charters

New nonclassroom-based charters may not be approved during the moratorium period. Existing nonclassroom-based charters may continue operating under current law. Classroom-based charters are unaffected.

SB 848 — Child Safety and Abuse Prevention Requirements

Effective July 1, 2026

What changed

SB 848 expands training, reporting, and documentation requirements related to child safety and abuse prevention across all public schools.

What this means for charters

Charter schools must provide annual abuse-prevention training to covered employees and update internal policies accordingly. These requirements supplement existing mandated reporter laws and focus on operational compliance.

SB 414 — Charter Accountability Reform

Status: Vetoed (Not Enacted)

What changed

Nothing. SB 414 was vetoed and did not become law.

What this means for charters

SB 414 has no legal effect in 2026 and should not be cited as operative law.

Federal Charter School Program (CSP) — FY 2026

Authority: Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), Title IV-C

What changed

The federal Charter School Program continues to provide competitive grants for charter startup, replication, expansion, and state-level technical assistance.

What this means for charters

CSP funding remains competitive and discretionary. Participation does not change state charter law obligations; compliance arises from federal grant terms.

Federal Charter Donation Tax Credit Proposals

Status: Introduced; not enacted

What changed

Several federal proposals would create tax credits for donations to qualifying charter organizations, but none have been enacted.

What this means for charters

There is no legal or compliance impact in 2026 unless federal legislation is passed.

How CharterLab Helps

Understanding the law is only the first step. CharterLab supports schools in:

• Translating legislation into board-ready procedures

• Strengthening governance and compliance systems

• Preparing for renewals, audits, and oversight reviews

• Building sustainable systems that withstand policy shifts

2026 is not about new rules—it’s about stronger systems.

Disclaimer

This content is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Charter schools should consult qualified legal counsel regarding specific compliance questions.