DREDF submitted a letter on August 17, 2025, opposing AB 1224, a bill that would double or even triple the amount of time that current law allows a substitute teacher to work in any single classroom in California. Students with disabilities could spend up to 12 weeks of instruction, one-third of the school year, with substitute teachers who are required to have a Bachelor’s degree and pass a background check, but who may not have any preliminary training or ongoing support in classroom management, Individualized Education Plans or Section 504 Plans, or the educational needs of disabled students and English Language Learners.
DREDF believes the bill will only worsen California’s acute shortage of qualified special education teachers and specialists. The bill was last heard by the Senate Appropriations Committee on August 18, 2025.