CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE 20252026 REGULAR SESSION Assembly Bill No. 1163Introduced by Assembly Member ElhawaryFebruary 21, 2025 An act to add Article 6 (commencing with Section 44115) to Chapter 1 of Part 25 of Division 3 of Title 2 of, and to add Article 7 (commencing with Section 87165) to Chapter 1 of Part 51 of Division 7 of Title 3 of, the Education Code, relating to employees. LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGESTAB 1163, as introduced, Elhawary. Employees: workplace violence prevention plans: topics and trainings.Existing law requires an employer, as specified, to establish, implement, and maintain, at all times in all work areas, an effective workplace violence prevention plan containing specified information. Existing law requires the employer to provide effective training to employees on the workplace violence prevention plan, as specified, initially when the plan is first established and annually thereafter.This bill would require a workplace violence prevention plan covering employees of a school district, county office of education, charter school, or community college district, on or before July 1, 2026, to cover additional education-related topics, as provided, and to be in person and allow for questions to be asked and answered by a natural person in real time. The bill would require the training, as revised under the bill, to occur before a new employee begins their duties and as soon as practicable for existing employees, and then annually for all employees. By imposing additional duties on local educational agencies, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program.The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.This bill would provide that, if the Commission on State Mandates determines that the bill contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement for those costs shall be made pursuant to the statutory provisions noted above.Digest Key Vote: MAJORITY Appropriation: NO Fiscal Committee: YES Local Program: YES Bill TextThe people of the State of California do enact as follows:SECTION 1. Article 6 (commencing with Section 44115) is added to Chapter 1 of Part 25 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Education Code, to read: Article 6. Workplace Violence Prevention Plans44115. In addition to the requirements specified in Section 6401.9 of the Labor Code, a workplace violence prevention plan covering employees of a school district, county office of education, or charter school shall, on or before July 1, 2026, also do all of the following:(a) Require training on the plan to be in person and allow for questions to be asked and answered by a natural person in real time.(b) (1) Require training on the plan to also cover the following topics:(A) Physical and verbal deescalation techniques designed to minimize the likelihood of pupils committing violent incidents.(B) Strategies or supports to help pupils safely return to the learning environment after committing a violent incident.(2) The techniques, strategies, and supports offered pursuant to paragraph (1) shall be informed by research or experience regarding how best to accommodate, address, and interact with pupils who have exceptional needs or behavioral health issues.(c) Require training on the plan, as revised pursuant to this section, to occur before an employee hired on or after July 1, 2026, begins their duties, as soon as practicable for employees employed as of June 30, 2026, and thereafter for all employees as part of the annual training required pursuant to paragraph (2) of subdivision (e) of Section 6401.9 of the Labor Code.SEC. 2. Article 7 (commencing with Section 87165) is added to Chapter 1 of Part 51 of Division 7 of Title 3 of the Education Code, to read: Article 7. Workplace Violence Prevention Plans87165. In addition to the requirements specified in Section 6401.9 of the Labor Code, a workplace violence prevention plan covering employees of a community college district shall, on or before July 1, 2026, also do all of the following:(a) Require training on the plan to be in person and allow for questions to be asked and answered by a natural person in real time.(b) (1) Require training on the plan to also cover the following topics:(A) Physical and verbal deescalation techniques designed to minimize the likelihood of pupils committing violent incidents.(B) Strategies or supports to help pupils safely return to the learning environment after committing a violent incident.(2) The techniques, strategies, and supports offered pursuant to paragraph (1) shall be informed by research or experience regarding how best to accommodate, address, and interact with pupils who have exceptional needs or behavioral health issues.(c) Require training on the plan, as revised pursuant to this section, to occur before an employee hired on or after July 1, 2026, begins their duties, as soon as practicable for employees employed as of June 30, 2026, and thereafter for all employees as part of the annual training required pursuant to paragraph (2) of subdivision (e) of Section 6401.9 of the Labor Code.SEC. 3. If the Commission on State Mandates determines that this act contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement to local agencies and school districts for those costs shall be made pursuant to Part 7 (commencing with Section 17500) of Division 4 of Title 2 of the Government Code.
CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE 20252026 REGULAR SESSION Assembly Bill No. 1163Introduced by Assembly Member ElhawaryFebruary 21, 2025 An act to add Article 6 (commencing with Section 44115) to Chapter 1 of Part 25 of Division 3 of Title 2 of, and to add Article 7 (commencing with Section 87165) to Chapter 1 of Part 51 of Division 7 of Title 3 of, the Education Code, relating to employees. LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGESTAB 1163, as introduced, Elhawary. Employees: workplace violence prevention plans: topics and trainings.Existing law requires an employer, as specified, to establish, implement, and maintain, at all times in all work areas, an effective workplace violence prevention plan containing specified information. Existing law requires the employer to provide effective training to employees on the workplace violence prevention plan, as specified, initially when the plan is first established and annually thereafter.This bill would require a workplace violence prevention plan covering employees of a school district, county office of education, charter school, or community college district, on or before July 1, 2026, to cover additional education-related topics, as provided, and to be in person and allow for questions to be asked and answered by a natural person in real time. The bill would require the training, as revised under the bill, to occur before a new employee begins their duties and as soon as practicable for existing employees, and then annually for all employees. By imposing additional duties on local educational agencies, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program.The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.This bill would provide that, if the Commission on State Mandates determines that the bill contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement for those costs shall be made pursuant to the statutory provisions noted above.Digest Key Vote: MAJORITY Appropriation: NO Fiscal Committee: YES Local Program: YES
CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE 20252026 REGULAR SESSION
Assembly Bill
No. 1163
Introduced by Assembly Member ElhawaryFebruary 21, 2025
Introduced by Assembly Member Elhawary
February 21, 2025
An act to add Article 6 (commencing with Section 44115) to Chapter 1 of Part 25 of Division 3 of Title 2 of, and to add Article 7 (commencing with Section 87165) to Chapter 1 of Part 51 of Division 7 of Title 3 of, the Education Code, relating to employees.
LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST
## LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST
AB 1163, as introduced, Elhawary. Employees: workplace violence prevention plans: topics and trainings.
Existing law requires an employer, as specified, to establish, implement, and maintain, at all times in all work areas, an effective workplace violence prevention plan containing specified information. Existing law requires the employer to provide effective training to employees on the workplace violence prevention plan, as specified, initially when the plan is first established and annually thereafter.This bill would require a workplace violence prevention plan covering employees of a school district, county office of education, charter school, or community college district, on or before July 1, 2026, to cover additional education-related topics, as provided, and to be in person and allow for questions to be asked and answered by a natural person in real time. The bill would require the training, as revised under the bill, to occur before a new employee begins their duties and as soon as practicable for existing employees, and then annually for all employees. By imposing additional duties on local educational agencies, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program.The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.This bill would provide that, if the Commission on State Mandates determines that the bill contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement for those costs shall be made pursuant to the statutory provisions noted above.
Existing law requires an employer, as specified, to establish, implement, and maintain, at all times in all work areas, an effective workplace violence prevention plan containing specified information. Existing law requires the employer to provide effective training to employees on the workplace violence prevention plan, as specified, initially when the plan is first established and annually thereafter.
This bill would require a workplace violence prevention plan covering employees of a school district, county office of education, charter school, or community college district, on or before July 1, 2026, to cover additional education-related topics, as provided, and to be in person and allow for questions to be asked and answered by a natural person in real time. The bill would require the training, as revised under the bill, to occur before a new employee begins their duties and as soon as practicable for existing employees, and then annually for all employees. By imposing additional duties on local educational agencies, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program.
The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.
This bill would provide that, if the Commission on State Mandates determines that the bill contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement for those costs shall be made pursuant to the statutory provisions noted above.
## Digest Key
## Bill Text
The people of the State of California do enact as follows:SECTION 1. Article 6 (commencing with Section 44115) is added to Chapter 1 of Part 25 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Education Code, to read: Article 6. Workplace Violence Prevention Plans44115. In addition to the requirements specified in Section 6401.9 of the Labor Code, a workplace violence prevention plan covering employees of a school district, county office of education, or charter school shall, on or before July 1, 2026, also do all of the following:(a) Require training on the plan to be in person and allow for questions to be asked and answered by a natural person in real time.(b) (1) Require training on the plan to also cover the following topics:(A) Physical and verbal deescalation techniques designed to minimize the likelihood of pupils committing violent incidents.(B) Strategies or supports to help pupils safely return to the learning environment after committing a violent incident.(2) The techniques, strategies, and supports offered pursuant to paragraph (1) shall be informed by research or experience regarding how best to accommodate, address, and interact with pupils who have exceptional needs or behavioral health issues.(c) Require training on the plan, as revised pursuant to this section, to occur before an employee hired on or after July 1, 2026, begins their duties, as soon as practicable for employees employed as of June 30, 2026, and thereafter for all employees as part of the annual training required pursuant to paragraph (2) of subdivision (e) of Section 6401.9 of the Labor Code.SEC. 2. Article 7 (commencing with Section 87165) is added to Chapter 1 of Part 51 of Division 7 of Title 3 of the Education Code, to read: Article 7. Workplace Violence Prevention Plans87165. In addition to the requirements specified in Section 6401.9 of the Labor Code, a workplace violence prevention plan covering employees of a community college district shall, on or before July 1, 2026, also do all of the following:(a) Require training on the plan to be in person and allow for questions to be asked and answered by a natural person in real time.(b) (1) Require training on the plan to also cover the following topics:(A) Physical and verbal deescalation techniques designed to minimize the likelihood of pupils committing violent incidents.(B) Strategies or supports to help pupils safely return to the learning environment after committing a violent incident.(2) The techniques, strategies, and supports offered pursuant to paragraph (1) shall be informed by research or experience regarding how best to accommodate, address, and interact with pupils who have exceptional needs or behavioral health issues.(c) Require training on the plan, as revised pursuant to this section, to occur before an employee hired on or after July 1, 2026, begins their duties, as soon as practicable for employees employed as of June 30, 2026, and thereafter for all employees as part of the annual training required pursuant to paragraph (2) of subdivision (e) of Section 6401.9 of the Labor Code.SEC. 3. If the Commission on State Mandates determines that this act contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement to local agencies and school districts for those costs shall be made pursuant to Part 7 (commencing with Section 17500) of Division 4 of Title 2 of the Government Code.
The people of the State of California do enact as follows:
## The people of the State of California do enact as follows:
SECTION 1. Article 6 (commencing with Section 44115) is added to Chapter 1 of Part 25 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Education Code, to read: Article 6. Workplace Violence Prevention Plans44115. In addition to the requirements specified in Section 6401.9 of the Labor Code, a workplace violence prevention plan covering employees of a school district, county office of education, or charter school shall, on or before July 1, 2026, also do all of the following:(a) Require training on the plan to be in person and allow for questions to be asked and answered by a natural person in real time.(b) (1) Require training on the plan to also cover the following topics:(A) Physical and verbal deescalation techniques designed to minimize the likelihood of pupils committing violent incidents.(B) Strategies or supports to help pupils safely return to the learning environment after committing a violent incident.(2) The techniques, strategies, and supports offered pursuant to paragraph (1) shall be informed by research or experience regarding how best to accommodate, address, and interact with pupils who have exceptional needs or behavioral health issues.(c) Require training on the plan, as revised pursuant to this section, to occur before an employee hired on or after July 1, 2026, begins their duties, as soon as practicable for employees employed as of June 30, 2026, and thereafter for all employees as part of the annual training required pursuant to paragraph (2) of subdivision (e) of Section 6401.9 of the Labor Code.
SECTION 1. Article 6 (commencing with Section 44115) is added to Chapter 1 of Part 25 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Education Code, to read:
### SECTION 1.
Article 6. Workplace Violence Prevention Plans44115. In addition to the requirements specified in Section 6401.9 of the Labor Code, a workplace violence prevention plan covering employees of a school district, county office of education, or charter school shall, on or before July 1, 2026, also do all of the following:(a) Require training on the plan to be in person and allow for questions to be asked and answered by a natural person in real time.(b) (1) Require training on the plan to also cover the following topics:(A) Physical and verbal deescalation techniques designed to minimize the likelihood of pupils committing violent incidents.(B) Strategies or supports to help pupils safely return to the learning environment after committing a violent incident.(2) The techniques, strategies, and supports offered pursuant to paragraph (1) shall be informed by research or experience regarding how best to accommodate, address, and interact with pupils who have exceptional needs or behavioral health issues.(c) Require training on the plan, as revised pursuant to this section, to occur before an employee hired on or after July 1, 2026, begins their duties, as soon as practicable for employees employed as of June 30, 2026, and thereafter for all employees as part of the annual training required pursuant to paragraph (2) of subdivision (e) of Section 6401.9 of the Labor Code.
Article 6. Workplace Violence Prevention Plans44115. In addition to the requirements specified in Section 6401.9 of the Labor Code, a workplace violence prevention plan covering employees of a school district, county office of education, or charter school shall, on or before July 1, 2026, also do all of the following:(a) Require training on the plan to be in person and allow for questions to be asked and answered by a natural person in real time.(b) (1) Require training on the plan to also cover the following topics:(A) Physical and verbal deescalation techniques designed to minimize the likelihood of pupils committing violent incidents.(B) Strategies or supports to help pupils safely return to the learning environment after committing a violent incident.(2) The techniques, strategies, and supports offered pursuant to paragraph (1) shall be informed by research or experience regarding how best to accommodate, address, and interact with pupils who have exceptional needs or behavioral health issues.(c) Require training on the plan, as revised pursuant to this section, to occur before an employee hired on or after July 1, 2026, begins their duties, as soon as practicable for employees employed as of June 30, 2026, and thereafter for all employees as part of the annual training required pursuant to paragraph (2) of subdivision (e) of Section 6401.9 of the Labor Code.
Article 6. Workplace Violence Prevention Plans
Article 6. Workplace Violence Prevention Plans
44115. In addition to the requirements specified in Section 6401.9 of the Labor Code, a workplace violence prevention plan covering employees of a school district, county office of education, or charter school shall, on or before July 1, 2026, also do all of the following:(a) Require training on the plan to be in person and allow for questions to be asked and answered by a natural person in real time.(b) (1) Require training on the plan to also cover the following topics:(A) Physical and verbal deescalation techniques designed to minimize the likelihood of pupils committing violent incidents.(B) Strategies or supports to help pupils safely return to the learning environment after committing a violent incident.(2) The techniques, strategies, and supports offered pursuant to paragraph (1) shall be informed by research or experience regarding how best to accommodate, address, and interact with pupils who have exceptional needs or behavioral health issues.(c) Require training on the plan, as revised pursuant to this section, to occur before an employee hired on or after July 1, 2026, begins their duties, as soon as practicable for employees employed as of June 30, 2026, and thereafter for all employees as part of the annual training required pursuant to paragraph (2) of subdivision (e) of Section 6401.9 of the Labor Code.
44115. In addition to the requirements specified in Section 6401.9 of the Labor Code, a workplace violence prevention plan covering employees of a school district, county office of education, or charter school shall, on or before July 1, 2026, also do all of the following:
(a) Require training on the plan to be in person and allow for questions to be asked and answered by a natural person in real time.
(b) (1) Require training on the plan to also cover the following topics:
(A) Physical and verbal deescalation techniques designed to minimize the likelihood of pupils committing violent incidents.
(B) Strategies or supports to help pupils safely return to the learning environment after committing a violent incident.
(2) The techniques, strategies, and supports offered pursuant to paragraph (1) shall be informed by research or experience regarding how best to accommodate, address, and interact with pupils who have exceptional needs or behavioral health issues.
(c) Require training on the plan, as revised pursuant to this section, to occur before an employee hired on or after July 1, 2026, begins their duties, as soon as practicable for employees employed as of June 30, 2026, and thereafter for all employees as part of the annual training required pursuant to paragraph (2) of subdivision (e) of Section 6401.9 of the Labor Code.
SEC. 2. Article 7 (commencing with Section 87165) is added to Chapter 1 of Part 51 of Division 7 of Title 3 of the Education Code, to read: Article 7. Workplace Violence Prevention Plans87165. In addition to the requirements specified in Section 6401.9 of the Labor Code, a workplace violence prevention plan covering employees of a community college district shall, on or before July 1, 2026, also do all of the following:(a) Require training on the plan to be in person and allow for questions to be asked and answered by a natural person in real time.(b) (1) Require training on the plan to also cover the following topics:(A) Physical and verbal deescalation techniques designed to minimize the likelihood of pupils committing violent incidents.(B) Strategies or supports to help pupils safely return to the learning environment after committing a violent incident.(2) The techniques, strategies, and supports offered pursuant to paragraph (1) shall be informed by research or experience regarding how best to accommodate, address, and interact with pupils who have exceptional needs or behavioral health issues.(c) Require training on the plan, as revised pursuant to this section, to occur before an employee hired on or after July 1, 2026, begins their duties, as soon as practicable for employees employed as of June 30, 2026, and thereafter for all employees as part of the annual training required pursuant to paragraph (2) of subdivision (e) of Section 6401.9 of the Labor Code.
SEC. 2. Article 7 (commencing with Section 87165) is added to Chapter 1 of Part 51 of Division 7 of Title 3 of the Education Code, to read:
### SEC. 2.
Article 7. Workplace Violence Prevention Plans87165. In addition to the requirements specified in Section 6401.9 of the Labor Code, a workplace violence prevention plan covering employees of a community college district shall, on or before July 1, 2026, also do all of the following:(a) Require training on the plan to be in person and allow for questions to be asked and answered by a natural person in real time.(b) (1) Require training on the plan to also cover the following topics:(A) Physical and verbal deescalation techniques designed to minimize the likelihood of pupils committing violent incidents.(B) Strategies or supports to help pupils safely return to the learning environment after committing a violent incident.(2) The techniques, strategies, and supports offered pursuant to paragraph (1) shall be informed by research or experience regarding how best to accommodate, address, and interact with pupils who have exceptional needs or behavioral health issues.(c) Require training on the plan, as revised pursuant to this section, to occur before an employee hired on or after July 1, 2026, begins their duties, as soon as practicable for employees employed as of June 30, 2026, and thereafter for all employees as part of the annual training required pursuant to paragraph (2) of subdivision (e) of Section 6401.9 of the Labor Code.
Article 7. Workplace Violence Prevention Plans87165. In addition to the requirements specified in Section 6401.9 of the Labor Code, a workplace violence prevention plan covering employees of a community college district shall, on or before July 1, 2026, also do all of the following:(a) Require training on the plan to be in person and allow for questions to be asked and answered by a natural person in real time.(b) (1) Require training on the plan to also cover the following topics:(A) Physical and verbal deescalation techniques designed to minimize the likelihood of pupils committing violent incidents.(B) Strategies or supports to help pupils safely return to the learning environment after committing a violent incident.(2) The techniques, strategies, and supports offered pursuant to paragraph (1) shall be informed by research or experience regarding how best to accommodate, address, and interact with pupils who have exceptional needs or behavioral health issues.(c) Require training on the plan, as revised pursuant to this section, to occur before an employee hired on or after July 1, 2026, begins their duties, as soon as practicable for employees employed as of June 30, 2026, and thereafter for all employees as part of the annual training required pursuant to paragraph (2) of subdivision (e) of Section 6401.9 of the Labor Code.
Article 7. Workplace Violence Prevention Plans
Article 7. Workplace Violence Prevention Plans
87165. In addition to the requirements specified in Section 6401.9 of the Labor Code, a workplace violence prevention plan covering employees of a community college district shall, on or before July 1, 2026, also do all of the following:(a) Require training on the plan to be in person and allow for questions to be asked and answered by a natural person in real time.(b) (1) Require training on the plan to also cover the following topics:(A) Physical and verbal deescalation techniques designed to minimize the likelihood of pupils committing violent incidents.(B) Strategies or supports to help pupils safely return to the learning environment after committing a violent incident.(2) The techniques, strategies, and supports offered pursuant to paragraph (1) shall be informed by research or experience regarding how best to accommodate, address, and interact with pupils who have exceptional needs or behavioral health issues.(c) Require training on the plan, as revised pursuant to this section, to occur before an employee hired on or after July 1, 2026, begins their duties, as soon as practicable for employees employed as of June 30, 2026, and thereafter for all employees as part of the annual training required pursuant to paragraph (2) of subdivision (e) of Section 6401.9 of the Labor Code.
87165. In addition to the requirements specified in Section 6401.9 of the Labor Code, a workplace violence prevention plan covering employees of a community college district shall, on or before July 1, 2026, also do all of the following:
(a) Require training on the plan to be in person and allow for questions to be asked and answered by a natural person in real time.
(b) (1) Require training on the plan to also cover the following topics:
(A) Physical and verbal deescalation techniques designed to minimize the likelihood of pupils committing violent incidents.
(B) Strategies or supports to help pupils safely return to the learning environment after committing a violent incident.
(2) The techniques, strategies, and supports offered pursuant to paragraph (1) shall be informed by research or experience regarding how best to accommodate, address, and interact with pupils who have exceptional needs or behavioral health issues.
(c) Require training on the plan, as revised pursuant to this section, to occur before an employee hired on or after July 1, 2026, begins their duties, as soon as practicable for employees employed as of June 30, 2026, and thereafter for all employees as part of the annual training required pursuant to paragraph (2) of subdivision (e) of Section 6401.9 of the Labor Code.
SEC. 3. If the Commission on State Mandates determines that this act contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement to local agencies and school districts for those costs shall be made pursuant to Part 7 (commencing with Section 17500) of Division 4 of Title 2 of the Government Code.
SEC. 3. If the Commission on State Mandates determines that this act contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement to local agencies and school districts for those costs shall be made pursuant to Part 7 (commencing with Section 17500) of Division 4 of Title 2 of the Government Code.
SEC. 3. If the Commission on State Mandates determines that this act contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement to local agencies and school districts for those costs shall be made pursuant to Part 7 (commencing with Section 17500) of Division 4 of Title 2 of the Government Code.
### SEC. 3.