School facilities: Civic Center Act: direct costs.

Assembly Member Mark González's legislation to restore expanded cost recovery options for California school districts allowing community use of their facilities reestablishes provisions that expired January 1, 2025. The measure permits districts to include a proportional share of operating, maintenance, repair and refurbishment expenses when calculating fees charged to organizations using school grounds and facilities.

The bill requires districts to deposit maintenance-related fees into a dedicated fund used exclusively for facility upkeep. These charges apply to non-classroom spaces like athletic fields, courts and other outdoor venues. The legislation maintains existing exemptions for after-school programs, tutoring, childcare and organizations providing student instruction during school hours.

Under the measure's liability provisions, school districts remain responsible for injuries resulting from facility ownership and maintenance, while user organizations bear responsibility for incidents occurring during their activities. Both parties must maintain appropriate insurance coverage and handle their own legal defense costs. The bill takes effect immediately upon enactment as an urgency statute.