(Sacramento, CA – October 5, 2018) The Governor vetoed Senate Bill 354 which would have required school districts to translate and provide a parent with a copy of the translated individualized education plan (IEP) within 30 days of the parents’ request. This requirement would have applied if the request was for one of the District’s top eight languages. 

As one of the most diverse states in the nation, this bill would have ensured that non-English speaking communities receive their IEP in their native language. The IEP makes sure students with disabilities receive the necessary services they need for a free and appropriate public school education.  

We are disappointed the governor vetoed this bill. It would have gone a long way to guarantee that parents whose native language is not English have a timely written understanding of their child’s special education services. 

For the Governor’s Veto message, please click here to view.

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Disability Rights California is a non-profit organization founded in 1978. We protect the rights of people with disabilities. For more information, visit www.disabilityrightsca.org.

All the organizations below are in strong support of SB 354. We are disappointed the governor vetoed this bill.