Pupil instruction: transgender concepts: opt out.

Assembly Member Castillo's education bill establishes a parental opt-out system for transgender-related content in California public schools. The legislation permits parents and guardians to excuse their children from curricula, lessons, presentations, assemblies, and surveys addressing concepts such as gender identity, gender expression, and gender-affirming healthcare.

Under the proposed framework, schools must provide alternative educational activities for opted-out students and cannot impose academic penalties or disciplinary actions related to non-participation. The bill requires local educational agencies to notify parents of these rights annually and upon student enrollment. It defines "transgender concepts" to include instruction on topics like sex as a social construct, gender identity, gender dysphoria, and related subjects.

The measure creates a private right of action allowing individuals to seek damages and equitable relief, including attorney's fees, if their opt-out rights are violated. As a state-mandated local program, the bill directs the Commission on State Mandates to determine whether schools and districts require reimbursement for implementation costs. The legislation builds upon existing California law that permits parents to excuse children from health instruction that conflicts with religious beliefs.