SACRAMENTO, California (Press Release) – In another critical step forward in the fight against antisemitism, Assembly Bill 715 passed California’s Assembly Appropriations Committee Friday with a unanimous 15-0 vote. Sponsored by the Jewish Public Affairs Committee of California (JPAC), AB 715 continues to gain momentum as a comprehensive statewide legislative response to rising antisemitism in K-12 schools.
Authored by Assemblymembers Rick Chavez Zbur and Dawn Addis, and co-led by the Chairs of the Black, Latino, AAPI, and Jewish Caucuses, AB 715 is the product of months of collaboration among lawmakers and advocates. The bill reflects the need to respond to growing antisemitism with the same urgency and resolve as all forms of hate.
“This bill is a direct response to the alarming rise in antisemitic incidents in California schools,” said David Bocarsly, JPAC Executive Director. “Our message is being heard: Jewish students deserve to feel safe, seen, and supported in every classroom. We’re grateful to the authors, the Jewish Caucus, and the Assembly Appropriations Committee for their support.”
Key provisions include:
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Strengthening anti-discrimination protections based on religion and nationality
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Ensuring instruction, curriculum, textbooks, and trainings are free from antisemitic content and bias
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Expanding the Uniform Complaint Procedures (UCP) process to cover school board members and contractors, with stronger timelines for response
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Increasing accountability for school districts
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Establishing a State Antisemitism Coordinator to lead prevention and response efforts
This bill aims to empower schools to respond effectively to hate, foster inclusive learning environments, and build lasting trust among students, educators, and communities.
AB 715 has galvanized support from across California, with thousands of community members contacting their legislators and 41 Jewish organizations formally supporting the bill in its first two weeks.
With Friday’s committee approval, AB 715 now moves to the Assembly Floor, where legislators will have the opportunity to affirm California’s commitment to responding to antisemitism in K-12 schools. The Assembly must vote on this bill by June 6th. If approved, it will go to the State Senate.
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Preceding provided by the Jewish Public Affairs Committee of California.