Senator Cortese’s SB 685 Expanding Educational Opportunities for Students with Disabilities Advances Out of Assembly Appropriations Committee

SACRAMENTO, CA — Senator Dave Cortese (D-San Jose) announced that his Senate Bill 685 (SB 685) has advanced out of the Assembly Appropriations Committee, bringing the legislation one step closer to aligning California law with recent court decisions by allowing qualified religious schools to seek certification as Nonpublic Schools (NPSs) serving students with disabilities.

“We should never make families choose between the specialized education their child needs and the school environment that best reflects their values. SB 685 gives families more options while holding every school to the same rigorous standards for student safety, accountability, and educational quality. This is about putting students with disabilities first—and making sure California law keeps pace with both the courts and the needs of our families,” said Senator Dave Cortese. 

The bill follows the Ninth Circuit’s decision in Loffman v. California Department of Education, which found that California’s exclusion of religious schools from NPS certification may violate First Amendment protections. SB 685 also ensures that public funds are used only for secular educational services and preserves strong oversight and accountability.

“Students with disabilities deserve quality educational services that meet their individual needs,” Cortese said. “SB 685 gives families more options while keeping student safety, educational quality, and accountability at the center. I look forward to continuing to move this important legislation forward.”

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

Contact:

Mario B. Lopez, Communications Director

Office of Senator Dave Cortese | District 15

Phone: 408-545-8205 | Email: Mario.lopez@sen.ca.gov

For Scheduling Interviews

Natasha Waxman, Executive Assistant 

Office of Senator Dave Cortese | District 15

Email: natasha.waxman@sen.ca.gov

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