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AB 68

School safety: armed school resource officers.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Leticia Castillo and 1 co-sponsor

Requires at least one armed school resource officer at qualifying CA schools during hours students present, starting with higher grades and expanding by year.

Re-referred to Com. on ED.
#schoolsafety #armedschoolresourceofficers
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Bill Summary · AB 68

AB 68 — School safety: armed school resource officers

Status: Re‑referred to Assembly Committee on Education (May 6, 2025)
Introduced: December 5, 2024
Author(s): Essayli/Gallagher

Purpose / Intent

AB 68 requires school districts and charter schools in California to provide at least one armed school resource officer (SRO) authorized to carry a loaded firearm at each qualifying school campus during regular school hours and any other time pupils are present. The bill is presented as a school safety measure and is phased in by grade span.

Key provisions

  • Amends Education Code §38000 to add a mandatory SRO requirement.
  • Definition: “School resource officer” means a peace officer (as defined in the Penal Code, Chapter 4.5 commencing with §830) who is employed by, or contracted to be assigned to, a school district or charter school.
  • Firearm authorization: The SRO must be authorized to carry a loaded firearm pursuant to Article 3 (commencing with §25900) of Chapter 3, Division 5, Title 4, Part 6 of the Penal Code.
  • Presence requirement: At least one armed SRO must be present at each qualifying school during regular school hours and any other time pupils are present on campus.
  • Phased implementation by grade spans:
    • On or after January 1, 2026 — schools with any of grades 9–12.
    • On or after January 1, 2027 — schools with any of grades 6–8 (but no lower than grade 6).
    • On or after January 1, 2028 — schools with kindergarten or grades 1–5.
  • Enrollment threshold: Applies only to schoolsites with enrollment of 50 or more pupils.
  • Employment mechanism: Districts or charter schools may hire or contract for SROs (allowing for direct employment or contracting).
  • Funding and state‑mandate language:
    • The bill states implementation costs constitute a state‑mandated local program and are to be reimbursed if the Commission on State Mandates determines the bill imposes state‑mandated costs.
    • The costs shall not be funded from the monies provided under §42238.02.

Who is affected

  • Public school districts and charter schools in California (each qualifying schoolsite with ≥50 students).
  • School communities (students, staff, parents) — increased law enforcement presence on campuses.
  • Local law enforcement agencies and private security/contract providers who may supply SRO services.
  • Local budgets and personnel decisions — districts/charter schools must hire or contract for certified peace officers.

Procedural / timeline notes

  • Introduced December 5, 2024; experienced multiple committee referrals and amendments in early 2025; most recent action re‑referred to Assembly Education Committee on May 6, 2025.
  • If the Commission on State Mandates finds the bill imposes costs, reimbursement procedures follow Government Code Part 7 (commencing §17500).

Potential impacts (practical considerations)

  • Budgetary: New recurring personnel/contract costs for hiring/contracting peace officers at each qualifying schoolsite; potential one‑time startup costs; subject to state reimbursement determination.
  • Operational: Districts must develop hiring/contracting mechanisms, coordinate with law enforcement agencies, and manage scheduling for SRO coverage during all required times pupils are present.
  • Policy/community: Increased armed law enforcement presence may affect school climate, disciplinary processes, and community relations; may raise issues around training, oversight, data collection, and liability.

This summary focuses on the substantive changes AB 68 would make to Education Code §38000 and the practical implications for affected schools and local agencies.

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

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