Senate Appropriations Committee Fiscal Summary
Senator Christine Kehoe, Chair
678 (Hall)
Hearing Date: 08/27/2009 Amended: 05/06/2009
Consultant: Dan Troy Policy Vote: ED 7-1
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BILL SUMMARY: AB 678 would require the inclusion of
cyberbullying, content control software, and the use of mobile
communications technology to the existing guidelines and
criteria relating to school district education technology plans.
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Fiscal Impact (in thousands)
Major Provisions 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 Fund
Education technology plan $60 to $75, annually
General
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STAFF COMMENTS: SUSPENSE FILE.
In order to be eligible for education technology grants, school
districts are required to complete a three- to five-year
education technology plan. The Department of Education is
required to develop guidelines and criteria for use in the
development of local plans. The Department is also responsible
for maintaining the plans and making them available to the
public.
While bullying through electronic means is already an act that
can trigger suspension or expulsion, there is currently no
requirement for the inclusion of cyberbullying in the local
education technology plans. This bill would add cyberbullying,
content control software, and the use of mobile communications
technology to the elements included in existing state guidelines
for technology plans. The bill would further encourage
districts to partner with information technology companies or
non-profits to develop tools to supplement the internet safety
provisions specified in the guidelines and criteria.
As districts would not need to update their plans to conform to
the revised guidelines until the next update, this bill should
not result in any significant local costs. Plus, as technology
plans are adopted as a condition of receipt of technology
grants, no costs would be reimbursable. However, the Department
of Education reports increased workload of one half of a
consultant position to revise guidelines and criteria and to
maintain the enhanced plans. Costs would be approximately
$60,000 to $75,000 for this effort.
