School facilities: Civic Center Act: direct costs.

Assembly Member Mark González's school facilities measure reinstates provisions allowing California school districts to recover a broader range of costs when community organizations use their grounds and facilities. The legislation restores the expanded definition of "direct costs" that expired January 1, 2025, permitting districts to charge users for their proportional share of maintenance, repairs, and refurbishment expenses in addition to basic operational costs like utilities and janitorial services.

The measure establishes specific parameters around these charges. While districts may collect fees for maintenance of athletic fields, courts, and other nonclassroom spaces, the provisions exempt after-school programs, tutoring services, and organizations providing instruction during school hours. The bill requires maintenance-related fees to be deposited into a dedicated fund used solely for facility upkeep. Standard provisions remain in place allowing qualified nonprofits like scout troops and parent-teacher associations to use school facilities, with recreational youth sports leagues limited to charging participants no more than $60 per month on average.

The legislation maintains existing liability frameworks, with districts responsible for facility-related negligence and user groups liable for incidents during their activities. Both parties must independently maintain insurance coverage and handle their own legal defense costs. Through an urgency clause, the measure takes effect immediately upon enactment rather than following the standard implementation timeline.