This resource is provided by ACSA Partner4Purpose Lozano Smith.
California’s SB 848 introduces significant new requirements for educational agencies related to ensuring the safety of students. In this episode of the Let’s Talk podcast, host Michelle Cannon connects with Lozano Smith attorneys Carolyn Gemma and Brianna Ramos to discuss the background behind these new requirements and what educational agencies need to know as implementation continues. The conversation explores key changes, including new legal obligations regarding employment screening, comprehensive safety plans, mandated reports, and employee trainings. The discussion provides practical insights to help educational agencies understand the law’s various effective dates and take steps to maintain compliance moving forward.
Show Notes & References
1:22 – Background information on Senate Bill (SB) 848
1:45 – Multiple effective dates that educational agencies should know about
4:05 – Employment screening process since January 1, 2026
4:33 – Assembly Bill (AB) 2534 and screening process for certificated job applicants
6:35 – Egregious misconduct under the law
8:16 – Repercussions for hiring educational agencies who do not comply with the required screening process
9:02 – What if a former educational agency does not respond to a hiring agency’s inquiry?
10:34 – Disclosure requirements for former employer agencies regarding past employee egregious misconduct
13:07 – California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) statewide database
14:52 – Requirements related to professional boundaries
16:24 – Requirement regarding comprehensive school safety plans
18:28 – Who is considered a mandated reporter under SB 848
19:15 – Volunteers under Penal Code definition
19:45 – Contractors
20:26 – New training requirements for mandated reporters
23:34 – CDE/California Department of Social Services training model for compliance with SB 848
24:02 – Next steps for educational agencies going forward to keep up to date with compliance
