Sen. Cortese's Statement On His SB 1445 - Restorative Justice Expulsion Hearings - Being Signed Into Law

SAN JOSE, CA – Senator Dave Cortese (D-San Jose) issued the following statement regarding his Senate Bill 1445 (SB 1445) being signed into law by Governor Newsom. SB 1445 is a student-led, restorative justice measure that will now allow student school board members across California the opportunity to weigh in on their peers’ expulsion proceedings.

“SB 1445 recognizes the invaluable perspectives students bring to discussions on student discipline and school safety,” said Senator Cortese. “By involving students in the school expulsion process, we aim to create a school system that not only corrects behavior but also heals and strengthens our school communities. I thank Governor Newsom for signing SB 1445 into law.”

“The California Association of Student Councils (CASC) is proud to sponsor SB 1445. Since its establishment in 1947 by the California Department of Education, CASC has been committed to elevating student voices and advancing key legislative initiatives. This bill, emerging directly from students all around California at CASC’s Student Advisory Board on Legislation in Education (SABLE) conference, seeks to create an inclusive and supportive educational environment for all students by focusing on resolution rather than punitive measures. SB1445 has come to life through representation of the State’s six million students and will now effect change in hundreds of school districts around California.”

Senator Dave Cortese represents Senate District 15, which encompasses San Jose and much of Santa Clara County in the heart of Silicon Valley. Visit Senator Cortese’s website: https://sd15.senate.ca.gov

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