Pupil instruction: animal dissection.

Assembly Member Kalra's legislation revises California's educational policies on animal dissection, establishing new protections for K-12 students who object to participating in these activities. Starting July 1, 2026, teachers must provide alternative assignments when students decline to participate in dissections, while ensuring these alternatives require comparable effort and do not impact grades.

The bill mandates written notification to students and parents regarding their rights, including the ability to request information about animal sourcing and preservation chemicals. Schools must use a standardized template, to be developed by the State Department of Education before the 2026-27 school year, when communicating these options to families. Parents must provide written documentation to substantiate their child's objection to participating in dissection activities.

These provisions apply to all public educational institutions offering courses with animal dissection components, including school districts, county offices, charter schools, and state special schools. The legislation adds dissection-related complaints to California's Uniform Complaint Procedures system, providing a formal mechanism for addressing potential violations. By July 2028, schools are encouraged to explore alternative teaching methods that do not require animal specimens.

The measure maintains existing protections while expanding documentation requirements, standardizing communication procedures, and establishing clear pathways for addressing concerns through established administrative channels. Implementation focuses on ensuring consistent application across educational settings while preserving local control over curriculum decisions.