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A 5263

Provides for recall of a statewide elective officer

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Joe Angelino and 15 co-sponsors

Public schools must offer a no‑fee option for direct payments for meals and charges, and vendors must disclose all fees and online options.

HELD FOR CONSIDERATION IN ELECTION LAW
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Bill Summary · A 5263

Summary — A5263 (as reported by Assembly Education Committee, 5/8/2025)

Note: although the header metadata lists a different title, the text of A5263 reported by the Assembly Education Committee addresses school payment processing and no‑fee payment options for school meals and other school-related charges.

Main purpose

Require public schools and certain nonpublic schools to offer a no‑fee option for in‑person/direct payments for school meals and other school charges, and require third‑party payment processing platforms used by those schools to disclose fees and average user costs. The intent is to ensure families have access to fee‑free payment methods and clear information about any fees charged when using electronic payment platforms.

Key provisions

  • Definition: “Payment processing platform” — an electronic system that enables parents/guardians to pay for school meals, field trips, activity fees, or other goods/services provided by or through a school, district, group, or club.
  • Vendor contract requirement: Any contract executed on or after the law’s effective date by a board of education, board of trustees (charter schools), or an applicable nonpublic school with a third‑party vendor must require the platform to provide users:
    • A clear listing of all fees charged for using the platform;
    • The average annual fees incurred by a platform user; and
    • Notice of an available alternative no‑fee method to make direct payments to the board/trustees/nonpublic school.
  • No‑fee payment option:
    • Public school boards (including school districts, charter schools, and renaissance school projects) must offer a convenient no‑fee option for direct payments for school meals, field trips, activity and other fees.
    • Nonpublic schools that participate in a federally assisted meal program providing low‑cost or free meals must offer a similar no‑fee payment option for school meals.
  • Communications: Any communication requesting payment for school meals (from a public board or the lead administrator of a covered nonpublic school) must inform recipients about the no‑fee direct payment option and disclose fees associated with any payment platform that may be used.
  • Clarification: The bill does not prohibit payment of tuition or tuition‑related fees to nonpublic schools.

Who is affected

  • Students, parents, and guardians (who make payments).
  • Public school entities: school districts, charter schools, and renaissance school projects.
  • Nonpublic schools participating in federally assisted meal programs.
  • Third‑party payment vendors and platforms contracting with the above schools/boards.

Implementation & timing

  • Committee amendments specify the provisions take effect in the first full school year following enactment.
  • Contract disclosure/requirement applies to contracts entered into on or after the effective date.

Legislative status (selected)

  • Reported by Assembly Education Committee with amendments: 5/8/2025.
  • Substituted by S3961 (2R): 5/22/2025.
  • Held for consideration in Election Law: 5/28/2025.
  • The committee report states A5263 is identical to Senate Bill No. 3961 (1R).

This bill aims to increase transparency about transaction fees and preserve a convenient, fee‑free payment path for families when paying for school services and meals.

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

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