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Bill

AB 598

School safety: School Mapping Data Grant Program.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Bob Archuleta and 1 co-sponsor

Establishes California K-12 school grant program to fund creation of detailed campus safety maps and emergency response data to improve emergency preparedness and first responder coordination.

In committee: Held under submission.
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Bill Summary · AB 598

Legislative bill overview

AB 598 establishes a School Mapping Data Grant Program in California that provides funding to K-12 schools to create detailed maps and collect safety-related data about their campuses. The bill authorizes grants to help schools document physical layouts, emergency exits, hazard locations, and other infrastructure information relevant to emergency response and safety planning.

Why is this important

School mapping data is critical for emergency preparedness, allowing first responders to navigate campuses effectively during crises and helping schools identify safety vulnerabilities. The program could improve coordination between schools and law enforcement during emergencies and support evidence-based facility improvements. However, the bill's current status (held under submission in suspense file) suggests fiscal or implementation concerns have stalled its progress.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost and funding source: The grant program requires state funding, and the bill's placement in the suspense file indicates budget concerns about appropriations and whether resources are available during current fiscal constraints
  • Data security and privacy: Detailed campus maps and safety infrastructure data could present security risks if compromised, raising questions about data storage, access controls, and who can view sensitive facility information
  • Implementation burden: Schools may lack technical capacity to create comprehensive mapping data, requiring significant staff training and potentially diverting resources from classroom instruction to compliance activities

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

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