California: privacy protections, inclusive curriculum, and child-creator pay
Student privacy & staff protections (AB 1955 “SAFETY Act”)
California bars districts from adopting policies that force staff to “out” students regarding gender identity; it also protects educators from retaliation in related contexts. The California Department of Education’s guidance also reiterates that students may participate in programs and use facilities consistent with their gender identity (Ed. Code §221.5). AALRR CDE
CDE notes: “A pupil shall be permitted to participate in sex-segregated school programs… and use facilities consistent with his or her gender identity.” As of August 18, 2025, this law remains hotly contested. Ongoing litigation and potential federal policy changes could lead to the statute being amended, enjoined, or vacated. CDE
Curriculum additions (AB 1821, AB 1805, AB 1815)
New and refined mandates include Native American history (AB 1821) and explicit inclusion of the Mendez v. Westminster desegregation case in history-social science materials (AB 1805). California also clarified anti-discrimination protections tied to hairstyles in education, building on the CROWN Act (AB 1815). AP NewsLegiScan+1Senate Judiciary Committee
Child influencers’ earnings (SB 764, AB 1880)
California extended “Coogan-style” protections to child influencers and minors heavily featured in monetized content—requiring a trust set-aside (up to 65% proportionate) and related disclosures. Schools that invite creators or host student content projects should be aware of these financial-rights rules as they touch student work and family expectations. Governor of California California State Senator Steve PadillaLegiScan+1
