The Assembly passed Assembly Bill 183 by a vote of 97-0 on Thursday, October 23rd. This is a big victory for the SAA, as AB 183 has been an SAA priority this session. Special thanks to those SAA members that contacted their Assembly Representatives in support of the bill. I heard from numerous Assembly offices that SAA members responded in a big way to last Wednesday’s legislative alert on AB 183.

The bill, as amended, would:

• Retain 11th and 12th grade eligibility for the Youth Options program.
• Allow school boards to limit the credits for which the district will pay to 18 per pupil. Current law is 15 credits per semester for a total of 60.
• Provide that if a pupil receives a failing grade or fails to complete a course for which the school board has made payment, the school board may request reimbursement.
• Allow technical colleges to admit a pupil under the Youth Options program only if there is space available.

AB 183 now moves on to the Senate with strong momentum. The SAA is already working to achieve timely Senate consideration for the bill. If the bill passes the Senate, it goes to the Governor’s desk for signature or veto. The SAA will keep the membership informed of any developments via email.