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SCA 5

A resolution to propose to the people of the State of California an amendment to the Constitution of the State, by adding Section 16 to Article XIIIB thereof, and by amending Section 8 of, and adding Section 8.7 to, Article XVI thereof, relating to education finance.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Dave Cortese

Introduces constitutional changes to California education financing that would set new funding rules and governance requirements, subject to voter approval.

Set for hearing June 15.
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Bill Summary · SCA 5

Summary of Bill: SCA 5 (2025-2026) – California Constitution Education Finance

What this bill is

  • SCA 5 is a joint resolution proposing a constitutional amendment to California’s governing document.
  • Its stated purpose is to make changes related to education finance.
  • The resolution would add a new Section 16 to Article XIIIB and amend Section 8 of, and add Section 8.7 to, Article XVI of the California Constitution.
  • The resolution includes a title and is framed as a proposal to the voters of California to amend the state constitution.

Main purpose and intent

  • The bill seeks to alter how education is financed in California by constitutional means, aiming to establish new structural or funding mechanisms within the federal-state framework of education finance.
  • As a constitutional measure, the changes would be designed to have enduring impact beyond ordinary statutes, requiring voter approval to take effect.

Key provisions and changes (as drafted in the resolution)

  • Add Section 16 to Article XIIIB:
    • Likely to introduce a new provision governing a specific aspect of education funding or related fiscal rules, consistent with the broader Article XIIIB framework (which governs public school finance in California and the Local Control Funding Formula landscape). The exact text is not provided here, but such a section would establish new constitutional requirements or constraints related to education funding distribution, sufficiency, accountability, or governance.
  • Amend Section 8 of Article XVI and add Section 8.7 to Article XVI:
    • Article XVI concerns local government and statutes affecting school districts and counties. Amendments here typically address bond measures, debt limits, revenue streams, or fiscal oversight affecting education.
    • The new Section 8.7 would create an additional constitutional provision related to education finance, potentially outlining funding priorities, calculation methods, or safeguards.
  • Overall effect: The changes would codify in the state constitution new rules for funding, distribution, or governance of education finance, with potential implications for state budgeting, district funding formulas, bonds, or revenue sources.

Who would be affected

  • Public K-12 schools, school districts, and County Offices of Education, which rely on state funding formulas and local control funding mechanisms.
  • The California Department of Education, which administers education finance programs and ensures compliance with constitutional provisions.
  • Local governments and districts issuing debt for education-related projects (subject to any new constitutional constraints or authorizations).
  • Taxpayers and voters, since constitutional changes require voter approval and determine long-term financial commitments and funding mechanisms.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduction and referral:
    • Introduced: May 7, 2026.
    • Referred to committees: Assembly Committee on Education (ED) and Senate Committee on Education (E. & C.A.) on May 20, 2026.
  • Next steps (typical for a California constitutional amendment joint resolution):
    • If approved by both houses after hearings and amendments, the measure would be placed on a statewide ballot for voter consideration in a future election.
    • Passage requires a two-thirds vote in both the Senate and Assembly and then voter approval to become part of the state constitution.
  • Sponsorship:
    • Co-sponsor: Dave Cortese.
    • The bill’s path includes standard legislative committee assignments and potential amendments during hearings.

Notes and considerations for readers

  • As a constitutional amendment proposal, SCA 5 does not enact immediate funding changes but sets up a framework that, if approved by voters, would constrain or direct future education finance decisions.
  • The absence of the exact language means the precise mechanics (e.g., funding formulas, revenue sources, or indebtedness limits) cannot be detailed here; the bill will require reading the official text and committee analyses to understand specific fiscal impacts.
  • Stakeholders may include educators, district administrators, taxpayers, and policy advocates who are focused on the stability, adequacy, and accountability of California’s education funding system.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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