May 7, 2025

Assembly Bill 84 (AB 84), authored by Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi, recently passed out of the Assembly Education Committee and is now headed to the Assembly Appropriations Committee. While this step was expected—Muratsuchi also chairs the committee—the implications of the bill are raising significant concern among charter school families across California.

Hundreds of charter school representatives and families attended the hearing last week to voice their opposition to the bill. Despite the turnout, many Assemblymembers maintain that “good” charter schools won’t be negatively affected—an assertion many in the charter community strongly dispute.

What the Bill Proposes

AB 84 introduces several changes that would significantly affect non-classroom-based (NCB) charter schools, which include many homeschool and personalized learning models. Among its proposals, the bill would:

• Cut per-student funding by up to 30%, which could impact instructional programs, staffing, and services.

• Eliminate access to vendor-led instruction, limiting real-world and enrichment learning opportunities.

• Triple the fees charter schools must pay to their authorizers, pulling more funds away from students.

• Prevent schools from choosing long-standing authorizing districts based solely on district size—not experience or oversight record.

• Tie charter growth to traditional school district enrollment (ADA), potentially capping access to NCB and homeschool options.

• Expand state auditing authority and increase compliance regulations, which critics say could reduce operational autonomy for charters.

Supporters argue these changes are intended to strengthen oversight and accountability. However, many families and educators worry that the bill will instead undermine innovation, limit flexibility, and restrict access to educational models that work for diverse learners.

What You Can Do

The bill will next be reviewed by the Assembly Appropriations Committee on May 14th, where its financial impact will be evaluated. If it advances, AB 84 will go to a full Assembly vote. Now is the time to get informed and involved.

It’s time to contact your Assemblymember, even if they don’t sit on the Education or Appropriations Committees. When AB 84 reaches the floor, every vote counts.

📍 Find your representative here: https://findyourrep.legislature.ca.gov

🗣️ You can say:
“Hi, my name is [Your Name], and I’m a constituent. I’d like to share that I’m following AB 84 closely because it could significantly affect my child’s public charter school. I value personalized learning and educational options that support our family’s needs. Please keep families like ours in mind when considering this bill.”

Stay Connected

We will continue to share updates and resources as AB 84 progresses. To stay informed:

• Bookmark the Alliance of Parents for Personalized Learning Education website

• Join the A.P.P.L.E. Facebook group for real-time discussions

• Watch for upcoming webinars and advocacy tools designed for families

Your voice, story, and engagement matter. Whatever your perspective, staying informed and involved is key to protecting access and equity in public education.