California 2025-2026 Regular Session

California Senate Bill SB539 Compare Versions

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1-Amended IN Senate April 10, 2025 Amended IN Senate March 27, 2025 CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE 20252026 REGULAR SESSION Senate Bill No. 539Introduced by Senator CabaldonFebruary 20, 2025An act to amend Section 17075.10 of, and to add Section 17254 to, the Education Code, relating to school facilities. LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGESTSB 539, as amended, Cabaldon. School facilities.(1) The Leroy F. Greene School Facilities Act of 1998 provides for the adoption of rules, regulations, and procedures, under the administration of the Director of General Services, for the allocation of state funds by the State Allocation Board for the construction and modernization of public school facilities. The act permits a school district to apply for hardship assistance in cases of extraordinary circumstances. The act requires, for health and safety projects for school facilities that are determined by the Department of General Services to pose an unacceptable risk of injury to occupants in the event of a seismic event, a school district to demonstrate that certain conditions are satisfied, including that the school facilities are needed to ensure the health and safety of pupils if the health and safety of pupils is at risk.This bill would apply the above-described provisions to health and safety projects for school facilities that are determined by the Department of General Services to pose an unacceptable risk of injury to occupants in the event of a wildfire, flood, or other state of emergency proclaimed by the Governor, and would specify that the above-described condition includes ending the disruption to the delivery of educational services due to damage to, or destruction of, school facilities. The bill, for projects approved under these provisions, would authorize a school district to employ design sequencing methods to allow for any project delivery method authorized under existing law to support concurrent coordination and approval by the State Department of Education, the State Architect, and the State Allocation Board for expedited permitting, approval, and construction processes, and would authorize those state agencies to use machine learning to automate nondiscretionary aspects of those processes. The bill would also authorize a school district to use machine learning to prepare documents and materials for the permitting process for these projects.(2) Existing law requires the State Department of Education to take specified actions relating to the construction of school facilities, including to establish standards for use by school districts to ensure that the design and construction of school facilities are educationally appropriate and promote school safety.This bill would require the department, the Division of the State Architect, the Office of Public School Construction, and the State Allocation Board, beginning July 1, 2026, and every 5 years thereafter, to engage the Government Operations Agency to collaboratively review the processes relating to school design and construction to identify short-term, intermediate, and long-term improvements that can be made to those processes. The bill would require those entities, on or before December 1, 2026, and every 5 years thereafter, to submit a report to the appropriate fiscal and policy committees of the Legislature that identifies process changes to streamline how local educational agencies receive the approval required for school construction and secure state funding. The bill would require the report required on or before December 1, 2026, to also address specified priorities, including, among other things, implementation of specific timeframes for the Division of the State Architect to review submitted proposals and the development of an alternative project delivery method specific to the need to expedite school reconstruction and repair in the aftermath of an emergency.Digest Key Vote: MAJORITY Appropriation: NO Fiscal Committee: YES Local Program: NO Bill TextThe people of the State of California do enact as follows:SECTION 1. Section 17075.10 of the Education Code is amended to read:17075.10. (a) (1) For health and safety projects for school facilities that are determined by the department to pose an unacceptable risk of injury to occupants in the event of a seismic event, wildfire, flood, or other state of emergency proclaimed by the Governor, a school district shall demonstrate both of the following to the satisfaction of the board:(A) That due to unusual circumstances that are beyond the control of the school district, excessive costs need to be incurred in the construction of school facilities.(B) That the facilities are needed to ensure the health and safety of pupils if the health and safety of pupils is at risk, including to end the disruption to the delivery of educational services due to damage to, or destruction of, school facilities.(2) For purposes of paragraph (1), health and safety projects include projects to replace the most vulnerable school facilities that are identified as a Category 2 building, as defined in the report submitted pursuant to Section 17317.(b) (1) A school district is eligible for health and safety funding to replace, reconstruct, or construct new classrooms and related facilities if the school district demonstrates there is a threat to the health and safety of pupils. To determine the applicable grant amounts, the district shall prepare and submit to the department a cost-benefit analysis that compares the minimum cost to remain in the classroom or related facility and mitigate the health and safety problem with the current replacement cost.(2) The project qualifies for modernization funding if the minimum cost is less than 50 percent of the current replacement cost of the classroom or related facility.(3) The project qualifies for replacement facilities if the cost-benefit analysis prepared pursuant to paragraph (1) demonstrates that the cost to remain in the classroom or related facility and mitigate the problem is at least 50 percent of the replacement value.(c) Notwithstanding any other law, for For health and safety projects for school facilities under this section, a school district may employ design sequencing methods to allow for any project delivery method authorized under existing law to support concurrent coordination and approval by the State Department of Education, the State Architect, and the State Allocation Board for expedited permitting, approval, and construction processes, and those state agencies may use machine learning to automate nondiscretionary aspects of those processes. A school district may also use machine learning to prepare documents and materials required for the permitting process.(d) The department shall develop regulations to define eligible health and safety projects that meet the requirements of subdivisions (a) and (b) for purposes of project approval by the board.(e)For purposes of this section, design sequencing means a method of project delivery that enables the sequencing of design activities to permit each construction phase to commence when the design for that phase is complete, instead of requiring the design for the entire project to be completed before commencing construction.SEC. 2. Section 17254 is added to the Education Code, to read:17254. The department, the Division of the State Architect, the Office of Public School Construction, and the State Allocation Board shall do both of the following:(a) Beginning July 1, 2026, and every five years thereafter, engage the Government Operations Agency to collaboratively review the processes relating to school design and construction to identify short-term, intermediate, and long-term improvements that can be made to those processes. The process review shall include collaboratively soliciting qualitative feedback from local educational agencies and school construction experts.(b) (1) Notwithstanding Section 10231.5 of the Government Code, on or before December 1, 2026, and every five years thereafter, submit a report to the appropriate fiscal and policy committees of the Legislature, in compliance with Section 9795 of the Government Code, that identifies process changes to streamline how local educational agencies receive the approval required for school construction, including the requirements of the Division of the State Architect, and secure state funding, including from the state bond funds made available pursuant to the Leroy F. Greene School Facilities Act of 1998 (Chapter 12.5 (commencing with Section 17070.10) of Part 10).(2) The report required on or before December 1, 2026, shall also address all of the following priorities:(A) Implementation of specific timeframes for the Division of the State Architect to review submitted proposals.(B) Development of an alternative project delivery method specific to the need to expedite school reconstruction and repair in the aftermath of an emergency.(C) Development of an alternate project delivery method that incorporates process changes identified in the most recent process review described in subdivision (a) and innovations in design, construction, and financial management, such as progressive design-build, design sequencing, or incremental plan review principles, as appropriate.(D) Development of legislative proposals needed to allow innovations in design, construction, and financial management to become legal pathways to facilitating school facilities construction.(E) Alternatives to current practices that unintentionally disadvantage local educational agencies, such as preferences given on a first-come-first-served basis.(3) It is the intent of the Legislature that the appropriate fiscal and policy committees of the Legislature determine the priorities to be addressed by reports required after December 1, 2026.(c) For purposes of this section, design sequencing means a method of project delivery that enables the sequencing of design activities to permit each construction phase to commence when the design for that phase is complete, instead of requiring the design for the entire project to be completed before commencing construction.
1+Amended IN Senate March 27, 2025 CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE 20252026 REGULAR SESSION Senate Bill No. 539Introduced by Senator CabaldonFebruary 20, 2025 An act to amend Section 17075.10 of of, and to add Section 17254 to, the Education Code, relating to school facilities. LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGESTSB 539, as amended, Cabaldon. School facilities: hardship assistance: health and safety projects. facilities.The(1) The Leroy F. Greene School Facilities Act of 1998 provides for the adoption of rules, regulations, and procedures, under the administration of the Director of General Services, for the allocation of state funds by the State Allocation Board for the construction and modernization of public school facilities. The act permits a school district to apply for hardship assistance in cases of extraordinary circumstances. The act requires, for health and safety projects for school facilities that are determined by the Department of General Services to pose an unacceptable risk of injury to occupants in the event of a seismic event, a school district to demonstrate that certain conditions are satisfied, including that the school facilities are needed to ensure the health and safety of pupils if the health and safety of pupils is at risk.This bill would apply the above-described provisions to health and safety projects for school facilities that are determined by the Department of General Services to pose an unacceptable risk of injury to occupants in the event of a wildfire, flood, or other state of emergency proclaimed by the Governor, and would specify that the above-described condition includes ending the disruption to the delivery of educational services due to damage to, or destruction of, school facilities. The bill, for projects approved under these provisions, would authorize a school district to employ design sequencing methods to allow for concurrent coordination and approval by the State Department of Education, the State Architect, and the State Allocation Board for expedited permitting, approval, and construction processes, and would authorize those state agencies to use machine learning to automate nondiscretionary aspects of those processes. The bill would also authorize a school district to use machine learning to prepare documents and materials for the permitting process for these projects.(2) Existing law requires the State Department of Education to take specified actions relating to the construction of school facilities, including to establish standards for use by school districts to ensure that the design and construction of school facilities are educationally appropriate and promote school safety.This bill would require the department, the Division of the State Architect, the Office of Public School Construction, and the State Allocation Board, beginning July 1, 2026, and every 5 years thereafter, to engage the Government Operations Agency to collaboratively review the processes relating to school design and construction to identify short-term, intermediate, and long-term improvements that can be made to those processes. The bill would require those entities, on or before December 1, 2026, and every 5 years thereafter, to submit a report to the appropriate fiscal and policy committees of the Legislature that identifies process changes to streamline how local educational agencies receive the approval required for school construction and secure state funding. The bill would require the report required on or before December 1, 2026, to also address specified priorities, including, among other things, implementation of specific timeframes for the Division of the State Architect to review submitted proposals and the development of an alternative project delivery method specific to the need to expedite school reconstruction and repair in the aftermath of an emergency.Digest Key Vote: MAJORITY Appropriation: NO Fiscal Committee: YES Local Program: NO Bill TextThe people of the State of California do enact as follows:SECTION 1. Section 17075.10 of the Education Code is amended to read:17075.10. (a) (1) For health and safety projects for school facilities that are determined by the department to pose an unacceptable risk of injury to occupants in the event of a seismic event, wildfire, flood, or other state of emergency proclaimed by the Governor, a school district shall demonstrate both of the following to the satisfaction of the board:(A) That due to unusual circumstances that are beyond the control of the school district, excessive costs need to be incurred in the construction of school facilities.(B) That the facilities are needed to ensure the health and safety of pupils if the health and safety of pupils is at risk, including to end the disruption to the delivery of educational services due to damage to, or destruction of, school facilities.(2) For purposes of paragraph (1), health and safety projects include projects to replace the most vulnerable school facilities that are identified as a Category 2 building, as defined in the report submitted pursuant to Section 17317.(b) (1) A school district is eligible for health and safety funding to replace, reconstruct, or construct new classrooms and related facilities if the school district demonstrates there is a threat to the health and safety of pupils. To determine the applicable grant amounts, the district shall prepare and submit to the department a cost-benefit analysis that compares the minimum cost to remain in the classroom or related facility and mitigate the health and safety problem with the current replacement cost.(2) The project qualifies for modernization funding if the minimum cost is less than 50 percent of the current replacement cost of the classroom or related facility.(3) The project qualifies for replacement facilities if the cost-benefit analysis prepared pursuant to paragraph (1) demonstrates that the cost to remain in the classroom or related facility and mitigate the problem is at least 50 percent of the replacement value.(c) Notwithstanding any other law, for health and safety projects for school facilities under this section, a school district may employ design sequencing methods to allow for concurrent coordination and approval by the State Department of Education, the State Architect, and the State Allocation Board for expedited permitting, approval, and construction processes, and those state agencies may use machine learning to automate nondiscretionary aspects of those processes. A school district may also use machine learning to prepare documents and materials required for the permitting process.(d) The department shall develop regulations to define eligible health and safety projects that meet the requirements of subdivisions (a) and (b) for purposes of project approval by the board.(e) For purposes of this section, design sequencing means a method of project delivery that enables the sequencing of design activities to permit each construction phase to commence when the design for that phase is complete, instead of requiring the design for the entire project to be completed before commencing construction.SEC. 2. Section 17254 is added to the Education Code, to read:17254. The department, the Division of the State Architect, the Office of Public School Construction, and the State Allocation Board shall do both of the following:(a) Beginning July 1, 2026, and every five years thereafter, engage the Government Operations Agency to collaboratively review the processes relating to school design and construction to identify short-term, intermediate, and long-term improvements that can be made to those processes. The process review shall include collaboratively soliciting qualitative feedback from local educational agencies and school construction experts.(b) (1) Notwithstanding Section 10231.5 of the Government Code, on or before December 1, 2026, and every five years thereafter, submit a report to the appropriate fiscal and policy committees of the Legislature, in compliance with Section 9795 of the Government Code, that identifies process changes to streamline how local educational agencies receive the approval required for school construction, including the requirements of the Division of the State Architect, and secure state funding, including from the state bond funds made available pursuant to the Leroy F. Greene School Facilities Act of 1998 (Chapter 12.5 (commencing with Section 17070.10) of Part 10).(2) The report required on or before December 1, 2026, shall also address all of the following priorities:(A) Implementation of specific timeframes for the Division of the State Architect to review submitted proposals.(B) Development of an alternative project delivery method specific to the need to expedite school reconstruction and repair in the aftermath of an emergency.(C) Development of an alternate project delivery method that incorporates process changes identified in the most recent process review described in subdivision (a) and innovations in design, construction, and financial management, such as progressive design-build, design sequencing, or incremental plan review principles, as appropriate.(D) Development of legislative proposals needed to allow innovations in design, construction, and financial management to become legal pathways to facilitating school facilities construction.(E) Alternatives to current practices that unintentionally disadvantage local educational agencies, such as preferences given on a first-come-first-served basis.(3) It is the intent of the Legislature that the appropriate fiscal and policy committees of the Legislature determine the priorities to be addressed by reports required after December 1, 2026.
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3- Amended IN Senate April 10, 2025 Amended IN Senate March 27, 2025 CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE 20252026 REGULAR SESSION Senate Bill No. 539Introduced by Senator CabaldonFebruary 20, 2025An act to amend Section 17075.10 of, and to add Section 17254 to, the Education Code, relating to school facilities. LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGESTSB 539, as amended, Cabaldon. School facilities.(1) The Leroy F. Greene School Facilities Act of 1998 provides for the adoption of rules, regulations, and procedures, under the administration of the Director of General Services, for the allocation of state funds by the State Allocation Board for the construction and modernization of public school facilities. The act permits a school district to apply for hardship assistance in cases of extraordinary circumstances. The act requires, for health and safety projects for school facilities that are determined by the Department of General Services to pose an unacceptable risk of injury to occupants in the event of a seismic event, a school district to demonstrate that certain conditions are satisfied, including that the school facilities are needed to ensure the health and safety of pupils if the health and safety of pupils is at risk.This bill would apply the above-described provisions to health and safety projects for school facilities that are determined by the Department of General Services to pose an unacceptable risk of injury to occupants in the event of a wildfire, flood, or other state of emergency proclaimed by the Governor, and would specify that the above-described condition includes ending the disruption to the delivery of educational services due to damage to, or destruction of, school facilities. The bill, for projects approved under these provisions, would authorize a school district to employ design sequencing methods to allow for any project delivery method authorized under existing law to support concurrent coordination and approval by the State Department of Education, the State Architect, and the State Allocation Board for expedited permitting, approval, and construction processes, and would authorize those state agencies to use machine learning to automate nondiscretionary aspects of those processes. The bill would also authorize a school district to use machine learning to prepare documents and materials for the permitting process for these projects.(2) Existing law requires the State Department of Education to take specified actions relating to the construction of school facilities, including to establish standards for use by school districts to ensure that the design and construction of school facilities are educationally appropriate and promote school safety.This bill would require the department, the Division of the State Architect, the Office of Public School Construction, and the State Allocation Board, beginning July 1, 2026, and every 5 years thereafter, to engage the Government Operations Agency to collaboratively review the processes relating to school design and construction to identify short-term, intermediate, and long-term improvements that can be made to those processes. The bill would require those entities, on or before December 1, 2026, and every 5 years thereafter, to submit a report to the appropriate fiscal and policy committees of the Legislature that identifies process changes to streamline how local educational agencies receive the approval required for school construction and secure state funding. The bill would require the report required on or before December 1, 2026, to also address specified priorities, including, among other things, implementation of specific timeframes for the Division of the State Architect to review submitted proposals and the development of an alternative project delivery method specific to the need to expedite school reconstruction and repair in the aftermath of an emergency.Digest Key Vote: MAJORITY Appropriation: NO Fiscal Committee: YES Local Program: NO
3+ Amended IN Senate March 27, 2025 CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE 20252026 REGULAR SESSION Senate Bill No. 539Introduced by Senator CabaldonFebruary 20, 2025 An act to amend Section 17075.10 of of, and to add Section 17254 to, the Education Code, relating to school facilities. LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGESTSB 539, as amended, Cabaldon. School facilities: hardship assistance: health and safety projects. facilities.The(1) The Leroy F. Greene School Facilities Act of 1998 provides for the adoption of rules, regulations, and procedures, under the administration of the Director of General Services, for the allocation of state funds by the State Allocation Board for the construction and modernization of public school facilities. The act permits a school district to apply for hardship assistance in cases of extraordinary circumstances. The act requires, for health and safety projects for school facilities that are determined by the Department of General Services to pose an unacceptable risk of injury to occupants in the event of a seismic event, a school district to demonstrate that certain conditions are satisfied, including that the school facilities are needed to ensure the health and safety of pupils if the health and safety of pupils is at risk.This bill would apply the above-described provisions to health and safety projects for school facilities that are determined by the Department of General Services to pose an unacceptable risk of injury to occupants in the event of a wildfire, flood, or other state of emergency proclaimed by the Governor, and would specify that the above-described condition includes ending the disruption to the delivery of educational services due to damage to, or destruction of, school facilities. The bill, for projects approved under these provisions, would authorize a school district to employ design sequencing methods to allow for concurrent coordination and approval by the State Department of Education, the State Architect, and the State Allocation Board for expedited permitting, approval, and construction processes, and would authorize those state agencies to use machine learning to automate nondiscretionary aspects of those processes. The bill would also authorize a school district to use machine learning to prepare documents and materials for the permitting process for these projects.(2) Existing law requires the State Department of Education to take specified actions relating to the construction of school facilities, including to establish standards for use by school districts to ensure that the design and construction of school facilities are educationally appropriate and promote school safety.This bill would require the department, the Division of the State Architect, the Office of Public School Construction, and the State Allocation Board, beginning July 1, 2026, and every 5 years thereafter, to engage the Government Operations Agency to collaboratively review the processes relating to school design and construction to identify short-term, intermediate, and long-term improvements that can be made to those processes. The bill would require those entities, on or before December 1, 2026, and every 5 years thereafter, to submit a report to the appropriate fiscal and policy committees of the Legislature that identifies process changes to streamline how local educational agencies receive the approval required for school construction and secure state funding. The bill would require the report required on or before December 1, 2026, to also address specified priorities, including, among other things, implementation of specific timeframes for the Division of the State Architect to review submitted proposals and the development of an alternative project delivery method specific to the need to expedite school reconstruction and repair in the aftermath of an emergency.Digest Key Vote: MAJORITY Appropriation: NO Fiscal Committee: YES Local Program: NO
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5- Amended IN Senate April 10, 2025 Amended IN Senate March 27, 2025
5+ Amended IN Senate March 27, 2025
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7-Amended IN Senate April 10, 2025
87 Amended IN Senate March 27, 2025
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109 CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE 20252026 REGULAR SESSION
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1211 Senate Bill
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1413 No. 539
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1615 Introduced by Senator CabaldonFebruary 20, 2025
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1817 Introduced by Senator Cabaldon
1918 February 20, 2025
2019
21-An act to amend Section 17075.10 of, and to add Section 17254 to, the Education Code, relating to school facilities.
20+ An act to amend Section 17075.10 of of, and to add Section 17254 to, the Education Code, relating to school facilities.
2221
2322 LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST
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2524 ## LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST
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27-SB 539, as amended, Cabaldon. School facilities.
26+SB 539, as amended, Cabaldon. School facilities: hardship assistance: health and safety projects. facilities.
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29-(1) The Leroy F. Greene School Facilities Act of 1998 provides for the adoption of rules, regulations, and procedures, under the administration of the Director of General Services, for the allocation of state funds by the State Allocation Board for the construction and modernization of public school facilities. The act permits a school district to apply for hardship assistance in cases of extraordinary circumstances. The act requires, for health and safety projects for school facilities that are determined by the Department of General Services to pose an unacceptable risk of injury to occupants in the event of a seismic event, a school district to demonstrate that certain conditions are satisfied, including that the school facilities are needed to ensure the health and safety of pupils if the health and safety of pupils is at risk.This bill would apply the above-described provisions to health and safety projects for school facilities that are determined by the Department of General Services to pose an unacceptable risk of injury to occupants in the event of a wildfire, flood, or other state of emergency proclaimed by the Governor, and would specify that the above-described condition includes ending the disruption to the delivery of educational services due to damage to, or destruction of, school facilities. The bill, for projects approved under these provisions, would authorize a school district to employ design sequencing methods to allow for any project delivery method authorized under existing law to support concurrent coordination and approval by the State Department of Education, the State Architect, and the State Allocation Board for expedited permitting, approval, and construction processes, and would authorize those state agencies to use machine learning to automate nondiscretionary aspects of those processes. The bill would also authorize a school district to use machine learning to prepare documents and materials for the permitting process for these projects.(2) Existing law requires the State Department of Education to take specified actions relating to the construction of school facilities, including to establish standards for use by school districts to ensure that the design and construction of school facilities are educationally appropriate and promote school safety.This bill would require the department, the Division of the State Architect, the Office of Public School Construction, and the State Allocation Board, beginning July 1, 2026, and every 5 years thereafter, to engage the Government Operations Agency to collaboratively review the processes relating to school design and construction to identify short-term, intermediate, and long-term improvements that can be made to those processes. The bill would require those entities, on or before December 1, 2026, and every 5 years thereafter, to submit a report to the appropriate fiscal and policy committees of the Legislature that identifies process changes to streamline how local educational agencies receive the approval required for school construction and secure state funding. The bill would require the report required on or before December 1, 2026, to also address specified priorities, including, among other things, implementation of specific timeframes for the Division of the State Architect to review submitted proposals and the development of an alternative project delivery method specific to the need to expedite school reconstruction and repair in the aftermath of an emergency.
28+The(1) The Leroy F. Greene School Facilities Act of 1998 provides for the adoption of rules, regulations, and procedures, under the administration of the Director of General Services, for the allocation of state funds by the State Allocation Board for the construction and modernization of public school facilities. The act permits a school district to apply for hardship assistance in cases of extraordinary circumstances. The act requires, for health and safety projects for school facilities that are determined by the Department of General Services to pose an unacceptable risk of injury to occupants in the event of a seismic event, a school district to demonstrate that certain conditions are satisfied, including that the school facilities are needed to ensure the health and safety of pupils if the health and safety of pupils is at risk.This bill would apply the above-described provisions to health and safety projects for school facilities that are determined by the Department of General Services to pose an unacceptable risk of injury to occupants in the event of a wildfire, flood, or other state of emergency proclaimed by the Governor, and would specify that the above-described condition includes ending the disruption to the delivery of educational services due to damage to, or destruction of, school facilities. The bill, for projects approved under these provisions, would authorize a school district to employ design sequencing methods to allow for concurrent coordination and approval by the State Department of Education, the State Architect, and the State Allocation Board for expedited permitting, approval, and construction processes, and would authorize those state agencies to use machine learning to automate nondiscretionary aspects of those processes. The bill would also authorize a school district to use machine learning to prepare documents and materials for the permitting process for these projects.(2) Existing law requires the State Department of Education to take specified actions relating to the construction of school facilities, including to establish standards for use by school districts to ensure that the design and construction of school facilities are educationally appropriate and promote school safety.This bill would require the department, the Division of the State Architect, the Office of Public School Construction, and the State Allocation Board, beginning July 1, 2026, and every 5 years thereafter, to engage the Government Operations Agency to collaboratively review the processes relating to school design and construction to identify short-term, intermediate, and long-term improvements that can be made to those processes. The bill would require those entities, on or before December 1, 2026, and every 5 years thereafter, to submit a report to the appropriate fiscal and policy committees of the Legislature that identifies process changes to streamline how local educational agencies receive the approval required for school construction and secure state funding. The bill would require the report required on or before December 1, 2026, to also address specified priorities, including, among other things, implementation of specific timeframes for the Division of the State Architect to review submitted proposals and the development of an alternative project delivery method specific to the need to expedite school reconstruction and repair in the aftermath of an emergency.
29+
30+The
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32+
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3134 (1) The Leroy F. Greene School Facilities Act of 1998 provides for the adoption of rules, regulations, and procedures, under the administration of the Director of General Services, for the allocation of state funds by the State Allocation Board for the construction and modernization of public school facilities. The act permits a school district to apply for hardship assistance in cases of extraordinary circumstances. The act requires, for health and safety projects for school facilities that are determined by the Department of General Services to pose an unacceptable risk of injury to occupants in the event of a seismic event, a school district to demonstrate that certain conditions are satisfied, including that the school facilities are needed to ensure the health and safety of pupils if the health and safety of pupils is at risk.
3235
33-This bill would apply the above-described provisions to health and safety projects for school facilities that are determined by the Department of General Services to pose an unacceptable risk of injury to occupants in the event of a wildfire, flood, or other state of emergency proclaimed by the Governor, and would specify that the above-described condition includes ending the disruption to the delivery of educational services due to damage to, or destruction of, school facilities. The bill, for projects approved under these provisions, would authorize a school district to employ design sequencing methods to allow for any project delivery method authorized under existing law to support concurrent coordination and approval by the State Department of Education, the State Architect, and the State Allocation Board for expedited permitting, approval, and construction processes, and would authorize those state agencies to use machine learning to automate nondiscretionary aspects of those processes. The bill would also authorize a school district to use machine learning to prepare documents and materials for the permitting process for these projects.
36+This bill would apply the above-described provisions to health and safety projects for school facilities that are determined by the Department of General Services to pose an unacceptable risk of injury to occupants in the event of a wildfire, flood, or other state of emergency proclaimed by the Governor, and would specify that the above-described condition includes ending the disruption to the delivery of educational services due to damage to, or destruction of, school facilities. The bill, for projects approved under these provisions, would authorize a school district to employ design sequencing methods to allow for concurrent coordination and approval by the State Department of Education, the State Architect, and the State Allocation Board for expedited permitting, approval, and construction processes, and would authorize those state agencies to use machine learning to automate nondiscretionary aspects of those processes. The bill would also authorize a school district to use machine learning to prepare documents and materials for the permitting process for these projects.
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3538 (2) Existing law requires the State Department of Education to take specified actions relating to the construction of school facilities, including to establish standards for use by school districts to ensure that the design and construction of school facilities are educationally appropriate and promote school safety.
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3740 This bill would require the department, the Division of the State Architect, the Office of Public School Construction, and the State Allocation Board, beginning July 1, 2026, and every 5 years thereafter, to engage the Government Operations Agency to collaboratively review the processes relating to school design and construction to identify short-term, intermediate, and long-term improvements that can be made to those processes. The bill would require those entities, on or before December 1, 2026, and every 5 years thereafter, to submit a report to the appropriate fiscal and policy committees of the Legislature that identifies process changes to streamline how local educational agencies receive the approval required for school construction and secure state funding. The bill would require the report required on or before December 1, 2026, to also address specified priorities, including, among other things, implementation of specific timeframes for the Division of the State Architect to review submitted proposals and the development of an alternative project delivery method specific to the need to expedite school reconstruction and repair in the aftermath of an emergency.
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3942 ## Digest Key
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4144 ## Bill Text
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43-The people of the State of California do enact as follows:SECTION 1. Section 17075.10 of the Education Code is amended to read:17075.10. (a) (1) For health and safety projects for school facilities that are determined by the department to pose an unacceptable risk of injury to occupants in the event of a seismic event, wildfire, flood, or other state of emergency proclaimed by the Governor, a school district shall demonstrate both of the following to the satisfaction of the board:(A) That due to unusual circumstances that are beyond the control of the school district, excessive costs need to be incurred in the construction of school facilities.(B) That the facilities are needed to ensure the health and safety of pupils if the health and safety of pupils is at risk, including to end the disruption to the delivery of educational services due to damage to, or destruction of, school facilities.(2) For purposes of paragraph (1), health and safety projects include projects to replace the most vulnerable school facilities that are identified as a Category 2 building, as defined in the report submitted pursuant to Section 17317.(b) (1) A school district is eligible for health and safety funding to replace, reconstruct, or construct new classrooms and related facilities if the school district demonstrates there is a threat to the health and safety of pupils. To determine the applicable grant amounts, the district shall prepare and submit to the department a cost-benefit analysis that compares the minimum cost to remain in the classroom or related facility and mitigate the health and safety problem with the current replacement cost.(2) The project qualifies for modernization funding if the minimum cost is less than 50 percent of the current replacement cost of the classroom or related facility.(3) The project qualifies for replacement facilities if the cost-benefit analysis prepared pursuant to paragraph (1) demonstrates that the cost to remain in the classroom or related facility and mitigate the problem is at least 50 percent of the replacement value.(c) Notwithstanding any other law, for For health and safety projects for school facilities under this section, a school district may employ design sequencing methods to allow for any project delivery method authorized under existing law to support concurrent coordination and approval by the State Department of Education, the State Architect, and the State Allocation Board for expedited permitting, approval, and construction processes, and those state agencies may use machine learning to automate nondiscretionary aspects of those processes. A school district may also use machine learning to prepare documents and materials required for the permitting process.(d) The department shall develop regulations to define eligible health and safety projects that meet the requirements of subdivisions (a) and (b) for purposes of project approval by the board.(e)For purposes of this section, design sequencing means a method of project delivery that enables the sequencing of design activities to permit each construction phase to commence when the design for that phase is complete, instead of requiring the design for the entire project to be completed before commencing construction.SEC. 2. Section 17254 is added to the Education Code, to read:17254. The department, the Division of the State Architect, the Office of Public School Construction, and the State Allocation Board shall do both of the following:(a) Beginning July 1, 2026, and every five years thereafter, engage the Government Operations Agency to collaboratively review the processes relating to school design and construction to identify short-term, intermediate, and long-term improvements that can be made to those processes. The process review shall include collaboratively soliciting qualitative feedback from local educational agencies and school construction experts.(b) (1) Notwithstanding Section 10231.5 of the Government Code, on or before December 1, 2026, and every five years thereafter, submit a report to the appropriate fiscal and policy committees of the Legislature, in compliance with Section 9795 of the Government Code, that identifies process changes to streamline how local educational agencies receive the approval required for school construction, including the requirements of the Division of the State Architect, and secure state funding, including from the state bond funds made available pursuant to the Leroy F. Greene School Facilities Act of 1998 (Chapter 12.5 (commencing with Section 17070.10) of Part 10).(2) The report required on or before December 1, 2026, shall also address all of the following priorities:(A) Implementation of specific timeframes for the Division of the State Architect to review submitted proposals.(B) Development of an alternative project delivery method specific to the need to expedite school reconstruction and repair in the aftermath of an emergency.(C) Development of an alternate project delivery method that incorporates process changes identified in the most recent process review described in subdivision (a) and innovations in design, construction, and financial management, such as progressive design-build, design sequencing, or incremental plan review principles, as appropriate.(D) Development of legislative proposals needed to allow innovations in design, construction, and financial management to become legal pathways to facilitating school facilities construction.(E) Alternatives to current practices that unintentionally disadvantage local educational agencies, such as preferences given on a first-come-first-served basis.(3) It is the intent of the Legislature that the appropriate fiscal and policy committees of the Legislature determine the priorities to be addressed by reports required after December 1, 2026.(c) For purposes of this section, design sequencing means a method of project delivery that enables the sequencing of design activities to permit each construction phase to commence when the design for that phase is complete, instead of requiring the design for the entire project to be completed before commencing construction.
46+The people of the State of California do enact as follows:SECTION 1. Section 17075.10 of the Education Code is amended to read:17075.10. (a) (1) For health and safety projects for school facilities that are determined by the department to pose an unacceptable risk of injury to occupants in the event of a seismic event, wildfire, flood, or other state of emergency proclaimed by the Governor, a school district shall demonstrate both of the following to the satisfaction of the board:(A) That due to unusual circumstances that are beyond the control of the school district, excessive costs need to be incurred in the construction of school facilities.(B) That the facilities are needed to ensure the health and safety of pupils if the health and safety of pupils is at risk, including to end the disruption to the delivery of educational services due to damage to, or destruction of, school facilities.(2) For purposes of paragraph (1), health and safety projects include projects to replace the most vulnerable school facilities that are identified as a Category 2 building, as defined in the report submitted pursuant to Section 17317.(b) (1) A school district is eligible for health and safety funding to replace, reconstruct, or construct new classrooms and related facilities if the school district demonstrates there is a threat to the health and safety of pupils. To determine the applicable grant amounts, the district shall prepare and submit to the department a cost-benefit analysis that compares the minimum cost to remain in the classroom or related facility and mitigate the health and safety problem with the current replacement cost.(2) The project qualifies for modernization funding if the minimum cost is less than 50 percent of the current replacement cost of the classroom or related facility.(3) The project qualifies for replacement facilities if the cost-benefit analysis prepared pursuant to paragraph (1) demonstrates that the cost to remain in the classroom or related facility and mitigate the problem is at least 50 percent of the replacement value.(c) Notwithstanding any other law, for health and safety projects for school facilities under this section, a school district may employ design sequencing methods to allow for concurrent coordination and approval by the State Department of Education, the State Architect, and the State Allocation Board for expedited permitting, approval, and construction processes, and those state agencies may use machine learning to automate nondiscretionary aspects of those processes. A school district may also use machine learning to prepare documents and materials required for the permitting process.(d) The department shall develop regulations to define eligible health and safety projects that meet the requirements of subdivisions (a) and (b) for purposes of project approval by the board.(e) For purposes of this section, design sequencing means a method of project delivery that enables the sequencing of design activities to permit each construction phase to commence when the design for that phase is complete, instead of requiring the design for the entire project to be completed before commencing construction.SEC. 2. Section 17254 is added to the Education Code, to read:17254. The department, the Division of the State Architect, the Office of Public School Construction, and the State Allocation Board shall do both of the following:(a) Beginning July 1, 2026, and every five years thereafter, engage the Government Operations Agency to collaboratively review the processes relating to school design and construction to identify short-term, intermediate, and long-term improvements that can be made to those processes. The process review shall include collaboratively soliciting qualitative feedback from local educational agencies and school construction experts.(b) (1) Notwithstanding Section 10231.5 of the Government Code, on or before December 1, 2026, and every five years thereafter, submit a report to the appropriate fiscal and policy committees of the Legislature, in compliance with Section 9795 of the Government Code, that identifies process changes to streamline how local educational agencies receive the approval required for school construction, including the requirements of the Division of the State Architect, and secure state funding, including from the state bond funds made available pursuant to the Leroy F. Greene School Facilities Act of 1998 (Chapter 12.5 (commencing with Section 17070.10) of Part 10).(2) The report required on or before December 1, 2026, shall also address all of the following priorities:(A) Implementation of specific timeframes for the Division of the State Architect to review submitted proposals.(B) Development of an alternative project delivery method specific to the need to expedite school reconstruction and repair in the aftermath of an emergency.(C) Development of an alternate project delivery method that incorporates process changes identified in the most recent process review described in subdivision (a) and innovations in design, construction, and financial management, such as progressive design-build, design sequencing, or incremental plan review principles, as appropriate.(D) Development of legislative proposals needed to allow innovations in design, construction, and financial management to become legal pathways to facilitating school facilities construction.(E) Alternatives to current practices that unintentionally disadvantage local educational agencies, such as preferences given on a first-come-first-served basis.(3) It is the intent of the Legislature that the appropriate fiscal and policy committees of the Legislature determine the priorities to be addressed by reports required after December 1, 2026.
4447
4548 The people of the State of California do enact as follows:
4649
4750 ## The people of the State of California do enact as follows:
4851
49-SECTION 1. Section 17075.10 of the Education Code is amended to read:17075.10. (a) (1) For health and safety projects for school facilities that are determined by the department to pose an unacceptable risk of injury to occupants in the event of a seismic event, wildfire, flood, or other state of emergency proclaimed by the Governor, a school district shall demonstrate both of the following to the satisfaction of the board:(A) That due to unusual circumstances that are beyond the control of the school district, excessive costs need to be incurred in the construction of school facilities.(B) That the facilities are needed to ensure the health and safety of pupils if the health and safety of pupils is at risk, including to end the disruption to the delivery of educational services due to damage to, or destruction of, school facilities.(2) For purposes of paragraph (1), health and safety projects include projects to replace the most vulnerable school facilities that are identified as a Category 2 building, as defined in the report submitted pursuant to Section 17317.(b) (1) A school district is eligible for health and safety funding to replace, reconstruct, or construct new classrooms and related facilities if the school district demonstrates there is a threat to the health and safety of pupils. To determine the applicable grant amounts, the district shall prepare and submit to the department a cost-benefit analysis that compares the minimum cost to remain in the classroom or related facility and mitigate the health and safety problem with the current replacement cost.(2) The project qualifies for modernization funding if the minimum cost is less than 50 percent of the current replacement cost of the classroom or related facility.(3) The project qualifies for replacement facilities if the cost-benefit analysis prepared pursuant to paragraph (1) demonstrates that the cost to remain in the classroom or related facility and mitigate the problem is at least 50 percent of the replacement value.(c) Notwithstanding any other law, for For health and safety projects for school facilities under this section, a school district may employ design sequencing methods to allow for any project delivery method authorized under existing law to support concurrent coordination and approval by the State Department of Education, the State Architect, and the State Allocation Board for expedited permitting, approval, and construction processes, and those state agencies may use machine learning to automate nondiscretionary aspects of those processes. A school district may also use machine learning to prepare documents and materials required for the permitting process.(d) The department shall develop regulations to define eligible health and safety projects that meet the requirements of subdivisions (a) and (b) for purposes of project approval by the board.(e)For purposes of this section, design sequencing means a method of project delivery that enables the sequencing of design activities to permit each construction phase to commence when the design for that phase is complete, instead of requiring the design for the entire project to be completed before commencing construction.
52+SECTION 1. Section 17075.10 of the Education Code is amended to read:17075.10. (a) (1) For health and safety projects for school facilities that are determined by the department to pose an unacceptable risk of injury to occupants in the event of a seismic event, wildfire, flood, or other state of emergency proclaimed by the Governor, a school district shall demonstrate both of the following to the satisfaction of the board:(A) That due to unusual circumstances that are beyond the control of the school district, excessive costs need to be incurred in the construction of school facilities.(B) That the facilities are needed to ensure the health and safety of pupils if the health and safety of pupils is at risk, including to end the disruption to the delivery of educational services due to damage to, or destruction of, school facilities.(2) For purposes of paragraph (1), health and safety projects include projects to replace the most vulnerable school facilities that are identified as a Category 2 building, as defined in the report submitted pursuant to Section 17317.(b) (1) A school district is eligible for health and safety funding to replace, reconstruct, or construct new classrooms and related facilities if the school district demonstrates there is a threat to the health and safety of pupils. To determine the applicable grant amounts, the district shall prepare and submit to the department a cost-benefit analysis that compares the minimum cost to remain in the classroom or related facility and mitigate the health and safety problem with the current replacement cost.(2) The project qualifies for modernization funding if the minimum cost is less than 50 percent of the current replacement cost of the classroom or related facility.(3) The project qualifies for replacement facilities if the cost-benefit analysis prepared pursuant to paragraph (1) demonstrates that the cost to remain in the classroom or related facility and mitigate the problem is at least 50 percent of the replacement value.(c) Notwithstanding any other law, for health and safety projects for school facilities under this section, a school district may employ design sequencing methods to allow for concurrent coordination and approval by the State Department of Education, the State Architect, and the State Allocation Board for expedited permitting, approval, and construction processes, and those state agencies may use machine learning to automate nondiscretionary aspects of those processes. A school district may also use machine learning to prepare documents and materials required for the permitting process.(d) The department shall develop regulations to define eligible health and safety projects that meet the requirements of subdivisions (a) and (b) for purposes of project approval by the board.(e) For purposes of this section, design sequencing means a method of project delivery that enables the sequencing of design activities to permit each construction phase to commence when the design for that phase is complete, instead of requiring the design for the entire project to be completed before commencing construction.
5053
5154 SECTION 1. Section 17075.10 of the Education Code is amended to read:
5255
5356 ### SECTION 1.
5457
55-17075.10. (a) (1) For health and safety projects for school facilities that are determined by the department to pose an unacceptable risk of injury to occupants in the event of a seismic event, wildfire, flood, or other state of emergency proclaimed by the Governor, a school district shall demonstrate both of the following to the satisfaction of the board:(A) That due to unusual circumstances that are beyond the control of the school district, excessive costs need to be incurred in the construction of school facilities.(B) That the facilities are needed to ensure the health and safety of pupils if the health and safety of pupils is at risk, including to end the disruption to the delivery of educational services due to damage to, or destruction of, school facilities.(2) For purposes of paragraph (1), health and safety projects include projects to replace the most vulnerable school facilities that are identified as a Category 2 building, as defined in the report submitted pursuant to Section 17317.(b) (1) A school district is eligible for health and safety funding to replace, reconstruct, or construct new classrooms and related facilities if the school district demonstrates there is a threat to the health and safety of pupils. To determine the applicable grant amounts, the district shall prepare and submit to the department a cost-benefit analysis that compares the minimum cost to remain in the classroom or related facility and mitigate the health and safety problem with the current replacement cost.(2) The project qualifies for modernization funding if the minimum cost is less than 50 percent of the current replacement cost of the classroom or related facility.(3) The project qualifies for replacement facilities if the cost-benefit analysis prepared pursuant to paragraph (1) demonstrates that the cost to remain in the classroom or related facility and mitigate the problem is at least 50 percent of the replacement value.(c) Notwithstanding any other law, for For health and safety projects for school facilities under this section, a school district may employ design sequencing methods to allow for any project delivery method authorized under existing law to support concurrent coordination and approval by the State Department of Education, the State Architect, and the State Allocation Board for expedited permitting, approval, and construction processes, and those state agencies may use machine learning to automate nondiscretionary aspects of those processes. A school district may also use machine learning to prepare documents and materials required for the permitting process.(d) The department shall develop regulations to define eligible health and safety projects that meet the requirements of subdivisions (a) and (b) for purposes of project approval by the board.(e)For purposes of this section, design sequencing means a method of project delivery that enables the sequencing of design activities to permit each construction phase to commence when the design for that phase is complete, instead of requiring the design for the entire project to be completed before commencing construction.
58+17075.10. (a) (1) For health and safety projects for school facilities that are determined by the department to pose an unacceptable risk of injury to occupants in the event of a seismic event, wildfire, flood, or other state of emergency proclaimed by the Governor, a school district shall demonstrate both of the following to the satisfaction of the board:(A) That due to unusual circumstances that are beyond the control of the school district, excessive costs need to be incurred in the construction of school facilities.(B) That the facilities are needed to ensure the health and safety of pupils if the health and safety of pupils is at risk, including to end the disruption to the delivery of educational services due to damage to, or destruction of, school facilities.(2) For purposes of paragraph (1), health and safety projects include projects to replace the most vulnerable school facilities that are identified as a Category 2 building, as defined in the report submitted pursuant to Section 17317.(b) (1) A school district is eligible for health and safety funding to replace, reconstruct, or construct new classrooms and related facilities if the school district demonstrates there is a threat to the health and safety of pupils. To determine the applicable grant amounts, the district shall prepare and submit to the department a cost-benefit analysis that compares the minimum cost to remain in the classroom or related facility and mitigate the health and safety problem with the current replacement cost.(2) The project qualifies for modernization funding if the minimum cost is less than 50 percent of the current replacement cost of the classroom or related facility.(3) The project qualifies for replacement facilities if the cost-benefit analysis prepared pursuant to paragraph (1) demonstrates that the cost to remain in the classroom or related facility and mitigate the problem is at least 50 percent of the replacement value.(c) Notwithstanding any other law, for health and safety projects for school facilities under this section, a school district may employ design sequencing methods to allow for concurrent coordination and approval by the State Department of Education, the State Architect, and the State Allocation Board for expedited permitting, approval, and construction processes, and those state agencies may use machine learning to automate nondiscretionary aspects of those processes. A school district may also use machine learning to prepare documents and materials required for the permitting process.(d) The department shall develop regulations to define eligible health and safety projects that meet the requirements of subdivisions (a) and (b) for purposes of project approval by the board.(e) For purposes of this section, design sequencing means a method of project delivery that enables the sequencing of design activities to permit each construction phase to commence when the design for that phase is complete, instead of requiring the design for the entire project to be completed before commencing construction.
5659
57-17075.10. (a) (1) For health and safety projects for school facilities that are determined by the department to pose an unacceptable risk of injury to occupants in the event of a seismic event, wildfire, flood, or other state of emergency proclaimed by the Governor, a school district shall demonstrate both of the following to the satisfaction of the board:(A) That due to unusual circumstances that are beyond the control of the school district, excessive costs need to be incurred in the construction of school facilities.(B) That the facilities are needed to ensure the health and safety of pupils if the health and safety of pupils is at risk, including to end the disruption to the delivery of educational services due to damage to, or destruction of, school facilities.(2) For purposes of paragraph (1), health and safety projects include projects to replace the most vulnerable school facilities that are identified as a Category 2 building, as defined in the report submitted pursuant to Section 17317.(b) (1) A school district is eligible for health and safety funding to replace, reconstruct, or construct new classrooms and related facilities if the school district demonstrates there is a threat to the health and safety of pupils. To determine the applicable grant amounts, the district shall prepare and submit to the department a cost-benefit analysis that compares the minimum cost to remain in the classroom or related facility and mitigate the health and safety problem with the current replacement cost.(2) The project qualifies for modernization funding if the minimum cost is less than 50 percent of the current replacement cost of the classroom or related facility.(3) The project qualifies for replacement facilities if the cost-benefit analysis prepared pursuant to paragraph (1) demonstrates that the cost to remain in the classroom or related facility and mitigate the problem is at least 50 percent of the replacement value.(c) Notwithstanding any other law, for For health and safety projects for school facilities under this section, a school district may employ design sequencing methods to allow for any project delivery method authorized under existing law to support concurrent coordination and approval by the State Department of Education, the State Architect, and the State Allocation Board for expedited permitting, approval, and construction processes, and those state agencies may use machine learning to automate nondiscretionary aspects of those processes. A school district may also use machine learning to prepare documents and materials required for the permitting process.(d) The department shall develop regulations to define eligible health and safety projects that meet the requirements of subdivisions (a) and (b) for purposes of project approval by the board.(e)For purposes of this section, design sequencing means a method of project delivery that enables the sequencing of design activities to permit each construction phase to commence when the design for that phase is complete, instead of requiring the design for the entire project to be completed before commencing construction.
60+17075.10. (a) (1) For health and safety projects for school facilities that are determined by the department to pose an unacceptable risk of injury to occupants in the event of a seismic event, wildfire, flood, or other state of emergency proclaimed by the Governor, a school district shall demonstrate both of the following to the satisfaction of the board:(A) That due to unusual circumstances that are beyond the control of the school district, excessive costs need to be incurred in the construction of school facilities.(B) That the facilities are needed to ensure the health and safety of pupils if the health and safety of pupils is at risk, including to end the disruption to the delivery of educational services due to damage to, or destruction of, school facilities.(2) For purposes of paragraph (1), health and safety projects include projects to replace the most vulnerable school facilities that are identified as a Category 2 building, as defined in the report submitted pursuant to Section 17317.(b) (1) A school district is eligible for health and safety funding to replace, reconstruct, or construct new classrooms and related facilities if the school district demonstrates there is a threat to the health and safety of pupils. To determine the applicable grant amounts, the district shall prepare and submit to the department a cost-benefit analysis that compares the minimum cost to remain in the classroom or related facility and mitigate the health and safety problem with the current replacement cost.(2) The project qualifies for modernization funding if the minimum cost is less than 50 percent of the current replacement cost of the classroom or related facility.(3) The project qualifies for replacement facilities if the cost-benefit analysis prepared pursuant to paragraph (1) demonstrates that the cost to remain in the classroom or related facility and mitigate the problem is at least 50 percent of the replacement value.(c) Notwithstanding any other law, for health and safety projects for school facilities under this section, a school district may employ design sequencing methods to allow for concurrent coordination and approval by the State Department of Education, the State Architect, and the State Allocation Board for expedited permitting, approval, and construction processes, and those state agencies may use machine learning to automate nondiscretionary aspects of those processes. A school district may also use machine learning to prepare documents and materials required for the permitting process.(d) The department shall develop regulations to define eligible health and safety projects that meet the requirements of subdivisions (a) and (b) for purposes of project approval by the board.(e) For purposes of this section, design sequencing means a method of project delivery that enables the sequencing of design activities to permit each construction phase to commence when the design for that phase is complete, instead of requiring the design for the entire project to be completed before commencing construction.
5861
59-17075.10. (a) (1) For health and safety projects for school facilities that are determined by the department to pose an unacceptable risk of injury to occupants in the event of a seismic event, wildfire, flood, or other state of emergency proclaimed by the Governor, a school district shall demonstrate both of the following to the satisfaction of the board:(A) That due to unusual circumstances that are beyond the control of the school district, excessive costs need to be incurred in the construction of school facilities.(B) That the facilities are needed to ensure the health and safety of pupils if the health and safety of pupils is at risk, including to end the disruption to the delivery of educational services due to damage to, or destruction of, school facilities.(2) For purposes of paragraph (1), health and safety projects include projects to replace the most vulnerable school facilities that are identified as a Category 2 building, as defined in the report submitted pursuant to Section 17317.(b) (1) A school district is eligible for health and safety funding to replace, reconstruct, or construct new classrooms and related facilities if the school district demonstrates there is a threat to the health and safety of pupils. To determine the applicable grant amounts, the district shall prepare and submit to the department a cost-benefit analysis that compares the minimum cost to remain in the classroom or related facility and mitigate the health and safety problem with the current replacement cost.(2) The project qualifies for modernization funding if the minimum cost is less than 50 percent of the current replacement cost of the classroom or related facility.(3) The project qualifies for replacement facilities if the cost-benefit analysis prepared pursuant to paragraph (1) demonstrates that the cost to remain in the classroom or related facility and mitigate the problem is at least 50 percent of the replacement value.(c) Notwithstanding any other law, for For health and safety projects for school facilities under this section, a school district may employ design sequencing methods to allow for any project delivery method authorized under existing law to support concurrent coordination and approval by the State Department of Education, the State Architect, and the State Allocation Board for expedited permitting, approval, and construction processes, and those state agencies may use machine learning to automate nondiscretionary aspects of those processes. A school district may also use machine learning to prepare documents and materials required for the permitting process.(d) The department shall develop regulations to define eligible health and safety projects that meet the requirements of subdivisions (a) and (b) for purposes of project approval by the board.(e)For purposes of this section, design sequencing means a method of project delivery that enables the sequencing of design activities to permit each construction phase to commence when the design for that phase is complete, instead of requiring the design for the entire project to be completed before commencing construction.
62+17075.10. (a) (1) For health and safety projects for school facilities that are determined by the department to pose an unacceptable risk of injury to occupants in the event of a seismic event, wildfire, flood, or other state of emergency proclaimed by the Governor, a school district shall demonstrate both of the following to the satisfaction of the board:(A) That due to unusual circumstances that are beyond the control of the school district, excessive costs need to be incurred in the construction of school facilities.(B) That the facilities are needed to ensure the health and safety of pupils if the health and safety of pupils is at risk, including to end the disruption to the delivery of educational services due to damage to, or destruction of, school facilities.(2) For purposes of paragraph (1), health and safety projects include projects to replace the most vulnerable school facilities that are identified as a Category 2 building, as defined in the report submitted pursuant to Section 17317.(b) (1) A school district is eligible for health and safety funding to replace, reconstruct, or construct new classrooms and related facilities if the school district demonstrates there is a threat to the health and safety of pupils. To determine the applicable grant amounts, the district shall prepare and submit to the department a cost-benefit analysis that compares the minimum cost to remain in the classroom or related facility and mitigate the health and safety problem with the current replacement cost.(2) The project qualifies for modernization funding if the minimum cost is less than 50 percent of the current replacement cost of the classroom or related facility.(3) The project qualifies for replacement facilities if the cost-benefit analysis prepared pursuant to paragraph (1) demonstrates that the cost to remain in the classroom or related facility and mitigate the problem is at least 50 percent of the replacement value.(c) Notwithstanding any other law, for health and safety projects for school facilities under this section, a school district may employ design sequencing methods to allow for concurrent coordination and approval by the State Department of Education, the State Architect, and the State Allocation Board for expedited permitting, approval, and construction processes, and those state agencies may use machine learning to automate nondiscretionary aspects of those processes. A school district may also use machine learning to prepare documents and materials required for the permitting process.(d) The department shall develop regulations to define eligible health and safety projects that meet the requirements of subdivisions (a) and (b) for purposes of project approval by the board.(e) For purposes of this section, design sequencing means a method of project delivery that enables the sequencing of design activities to permit each construction phase to commence when the design for that phase is complete, instead of requiring the design for the entire project to be completed before commencing construction.
6063
6164
6265
6366 17075.10. (a) (1) For health and safety projects for school facilities that are determined by the department to pose an unacceptable risk of injury to occupants in the event of a seismic event, wildfire, flood, or other state of emergency proclaimed by the Governor, a school district shall demonstrate both of the following to the satisfaction of the board:
6467
6568 (A) That due to unusual circumstances that are beyond the control of the school district, excessive costs need to be incurred in the construction of school facilities.
6669
6770 (B) That the facilities are needed to ensure the health and safety of pupils if the health and safety of pupils is at risk, including to end the disruption to the delivery of educational services due to damage to, or destruction of, school facilities.
6871
6972 (2) For purposes of paragraph (1), health and safety projects include projects to replace the most vulnerable school facilities that are identified as a Category 2 building, as defined in the report submitted pursuant to Section 17317.
7073
7174 (b) (1) A school district is eligible for health and safety funding to replace, reconstruct, or construct new classrooms and related facilities if the school district demonstrates there is a threat to the health and safety of pupils. To determine the applicable grant amounts, the district shall prepare and submit to the department a cost-benefit analysis that compares the minimum cost to remain in the classroom or related facility and mitigate the health and safety problem with the current replacement cost.
7275
7376 (2) The project qualifies for modernization funding if the minimum cost is less than 50 percent of the current replacement cost of the classroom or related facility.
7477
7578 (3) The project qualifies for replacement facilities if the cost-benefit analysis prepared pursuant to paragraph (1) demonstrates that the cost to remain in the classroom or related facility and mitigate the problem is at least 50 percent of the replacement value.
7679
77-(c) Notwithstanding any other law, for For health and safety projects for school facilities under this section, a school district may employ design sequencing methods to allow for any project delivery method authorized under existing law to support concurrent coordination and approval by the State Department of Education, the State Architect, and the State Allocation Board for expedited permitting, approval, and construction processes, and those state agencies may use machine learning to automate nondiscretionary aspects of those processes. A school district may also use machine learning to prepare documents and materials required for the permitting process.
80+(c) Notwithstanding any other law, for health and safety projects for school facilities under this section, a school district may employ design sequencing methods to allow for concurrent coordination and approval by the State Department of Education, the State Architect, and the State Allocation Board for expedited permitting, approval, and construction processes, and those state agencies may use machine learning to automate nondiscretionary aspects of those processes. A school district may also use machine learning to prepare documents and materials required for the permitting process.
7881
7982 (d) The department shall develop regulations to define eligible health and safety projects that meet the requirements of subdivisions (a) and (b) for purposes of project approval by the board.
8083
8184 (e) For purposes of this section, design sequencing means a method of project delivery that enables the sequencing of design activities to permit each construction phase to commence when the design for that phase is complete, instead of requiring the design for the entire project to be completed before commencing construction.
8285
83-
84-
85-SEC. 2. Section 17254 is added to the Education Code, to read:17254. The department, the Division of the State Architect, the Office of Public School Construction, and the State Allocation Board shall do both of the following:(a) Beginning July 1, 2026, and every five years thereafter, engage the Government Operations Agency to collaboratively review the processes relating to school design and construction to identify short-term, intermediate, and long-term improvements that can be made to those processes. The process review shall include collaboratively soliciting qualitative feedback from local educational agencies and school construction experts.(b) (1) Notwithstanding Section 10231.5 of the Government Code, on or before December 1, 2026, and every five years thereafter, submit a report to the appropriate fiscal and policy committees of the Legislature, in compliance with Section 9795 of the Government Code, that identifies process changes to streamline how local educational agencies receive the approval required for school construction, including the requirements of the Division of the State Architect, and secure state funding, including from the state bond funds made available pursuant to the Leroy F. Greene School Facilities Act of 1998 (Chapter 12.5 (commencing with Section 17070.10) of Part 10).(2) The report required on or before December 1, 2026, shall also address all of the following priorities:(A) Implementation of specific timeframes for the Division of the State Architect to review submitted proposals.(B) Development of an alternative project delivery method specific to the need to expedite school reconstruction and repair in the aftermath of an emergency.(C) Development of an alternate project delivery method that incorporates process changes identified in the most recent process review described in subdivision (a) and innovations in design, construction, and financial management, such as progressive design-build, design sequencing, or incremental plan review principles, as appropriate.(D) Development of legislative proposals needed to allow innovations in design, construction, and financial management to become legal pathways to facilitating school facilities construction.(E) Alternatives to current practices that unintentionally disadvantage local educational agencies, such as preferences given on a first-come-first-served basis.(3) It is the intent of the Legislature that the appropriate fiscal and policy committees of the Legislature determine the priorities to be addressed by reports required after December 1, 2026.(c) For purposes of this section, design sequencing means a method of project delivery that enables the sequencing of design activities to permit each construction phase to commence when the design for that phase is complete, instead of requiring the design for the entire project to be completed before commencing construction.
86+SEC. 2. Section 17254 is added to the Education Code, to read:17254. The department, the Division of the State Architect, the Office of Public School Construction, and the State Allocation Board shall do both of the following:(a) Beginning July 1, 2026, and every five years thereafter, engage the Government Operations Agency to collaboratively review the processes relating to school design and construction to identify short-term, intermediate, and long-term improvements that can be made to those processes. The process review shall include collaboratively soliciting qualitative feedback from local educational agencies and school construction experts.(b) (1) Notwithstanding Section 10231.5 of the Government Code, on or before December 1, 2026, and every five years thereafter, submit a report to the appropriate fiscal and policy committees of the Legislature, in compliance with Section 9795 of the Government Code, that identifies process changes to streamline how local educational agencies receive the approval required for school construction, including the requirements of the Division of the State Architect, and secure state funding, including from the state bond funds made available pursuant to the Leroy F. Greene School Facilities Act of 1998 (Chapter 12.5 (commencing with Section 17070.10) of Part 10).(2) The report required on or before December 1, 2026, shall also address all of the following priorities:(A) Implementation of specific timeframes for the Division of the State Architect to review submitted proposals.(B) Development of an alternative project delivery method specific to the need to expedite school reconstruction and repair in the aftermath of an emergency.(C) Development of an alternate project delivery method that incorporates process changes identified in the most recent process review described in subdivision (a) and innovations in design, construction, and financial management, such as progressive design-build, design sequencing, or incremental plan review principles, as appropriate.(D) Development of legislative proposals needed to allow innovations in design, construction, and financial management to become legal pathways to facilitating school facilities construction.(E) Alternatives to current practices that unintentionally disadvantage local educational agencies, such as preferences given on a first-come-first-served basis.(3) It is the intent of the Legislature that the appropriate fiscal and policy committees of the Legislature determine the priorities to be addressed by reports required after December 1, 2026.
8687
8788 SEC. 2. Section 17254 is added to the Education Code, to read:
8889
8990 ### SEC. 2.
9091
91-17254. The department, the Division of the State Architect, the Office of Public School Construction, and the State Allocation Board shall do both of the following:(a) Beginning July 1, 2026, and every five years thereafter, engage the Government Operations Agency to collaboratively review the processes relating to school design and construction to identify short-term, intermediate, and long-term improvements that can be made to those processes. The process review shall include collaboratively soliciting qualitative feedback from local educational agencies and school construction experts.(b) (1) Notwithstanding Section 10231.5 of the Government Code, on or before December 1, 2026, and every five years thereafter, submit a report to the appropriate fiscal and policy committees of the Legislature, in compliance with Section 9795 of the Government Code, that identifies process changes to streamline how local educational agencies receive the approval required for school construction, including the requirements of the Division of the State Architect, and secure state funding, including from the state bond funds made available pursuant to the Leroy F. Greene School Facilities Act of 1998 (Chapter 12.5 (commencing with Section 17070.10) of Part 10).(2) The report required on or before December 1, 2026, shall also address all of the following priorities:(A) Implementation of specific timeframes for the Division of the State Architect to review submitted proposals.(B) Development of an alternative project delivery method specific to the need to expedite school reconstruction and repair in the aftermath of an emergency.(C) Development of an alternate project delivery method that incorporates process changes identified in the most recent process review described in subdivision (a) and innovations in design, construction, and financial management, such as progressive design-build, design sequencing, or incremental plan review principles, as appropriate.(D) Development of legislative proposals needed to allow innovations in design, construction, and financial management to become legal pathways to facilitating school facilities construction.(E) Alternatives to current practices that unintentionally disadvantage local educational agencies, such as preferences given on a first-come-first-served basis.(3) It is the intent of the Legislature that the appropriate fiscal and policy committees of the Legislature determine the priorities to be addressed by reports required after December 1, 2026.(c) For purposes of this section, design sequencing means a method of project delivery that enables the sequencing of design activities to permit each construction phase to commence when the design for that phase is complete, instead of requiring the design for the entire project to be completed before commencing construction.
92+17254. The department, the Division of the State Architect, the Office of Public School Construction, and the State Allocation Board shall do both of the following:(a) Beginning July 1, 2026, and every five years thereafter, engage the Government Operations Agency to collaboratively review the processes relating to school design and construction to identify short-term, intermediate, and long-term improvements that can be made to those processes. The process review shall include collaboratively soliciting qualitative feedback from local educational agencies and school construction experts.(b) (1) Notwithstanding Section 10231.5 of the Government Code, on or before December 1, 2026, and every five years thereafter, submit a report to the appropriate fiscal and policy committees of the Legislature, in compliance with Section 9795 of the Government Code, that identifies process changes to streamline how local educational agencies receive the approval required for school construction, including the requirements of the Division of the State Architect, and secure state funding, including from the state bond funds made available pursuant to the Leroy F. Greene School Facilities Act of 1998 (Chapter 12.5 (commencing with Section 17070.10) of Part 10).(2) The report required on or before December 1, 2026, shall also address all of the following priorities:(A) Implementation of specific timeframes for the Division of the State Architect to review submitted proposals.(B) Development of an alternative project delivery method specific to the need to expedite school reconstruction and repair in the aftermath of an emergency.(C) Development of an alternate project delivery method that incorporates process changes identified in the most recent process review described in subdivision (a) and innovations in design, construction, and financial management, such as progressive design-build, design sequencing, or incremental plan review principles, as appropriate.(D) Development of legislative proposals needed to allow innovations in design, construction, and financial management to become legal pathways to facilitating school facilities construction.(E) Alternatives to current practices that unintentionally disadvantage local educational agencies, such as preferences given on a first-come-first-served basis.(3) It is the intent of the Legislature that the appropriate fiscal and policy committees of the Legislature determine the priorities to be addressed by reports required after December 1, 2026.
9293
93-17254. The department, the Division of the State Architect, the Office of Public School Construction, and the State Allocation Board shall do both of the following:(a) Beginning July 1, 2026, and every five years thereafter, engage the Government Operations Agency to collaboratively review the processes relating to school design and construction to identify short-term, intermediate, and long-term improvements that can be made to those processes. The process review shall include collaboratively soliciting qualitative feedback from local educational agencies and school construction experts.(b) (1) Notwithstanding Section 10231.5 of the Government Code, on or before December 1, 2026, and every five years thereafter, submit a report to the appropriate fiscal and policy committees of the Legislature, in compliance with Section 9795 of the Government Code, that identifies process changes to streamline how local educational agencies receive the approval required for school construction, including the requirements of the Division of the State Architect, and secure state funding, including from the state bond funds made available pursuant to the Leroy F. Greene School Facilities Act of 1998 (Chapter 12.5 (commencing with Section 17070.10) of Part 10).(2) The report required on or before December 1, 2026, shall also address all of the following priorities:(A) Implementation of specific timeframes for the Division of the State Architect to review submitted proposals.(B) Development of an alternative project delivery method specific to the need to expedite school reconstruction and repair in the aftermath of an emergency.(C) Development of an alternate project delivery method that incorporates process changes identified in the most recent process review described in subdivision (a) and innovations in design, construction, and financial management, such as progressive design-build, design sequencing, or incremental plan review principles, as appropriate.(D) Development of legislative proposals needed to allow innovations in design, construction, and financial management to become legal pathways to facilitating school facilities construction.(E) Alternatives to current practices that unintentionally disadvantage local educational agencies, such as preferences given on a first-come-first-served basis.(3) It is the intent of the Legislature that the appropriate fiscal and policy committees of the Legislature determine the priorities to be addressed by reports required after December 1, 2026.(c) For purposes of this section, design sequencing means a method of project delivery that enables the sequencing of design activities to permit each construction phase to commence when the design for that phase is complete, instead of requiring the design for the entire project to be completed before commencing construction.
94+17254. The department, the Division of the State Architect, the Office of Public School Construction, and the State Allocation Board shall do both of the following:(a) Beginning July 1, 2026, and every five years thereafter, engage the Government Operations Agency to collaboratively review the processes relating to school design and construction to identify short-term, intermediate, and long-term improvements that can be made to those processes. The process review shall include collaboratively soliciting qualitative feedback from local educational agencies and school construction experts.(b) (1) Notwithstanding Section 10231.5 of the Government Code, on or before December 1, 2026, and every five years thereafter, submit a report to the appropriate fiscal and policy committees of the Legislature, in compliance with Section 9795 of the Government Code, that identifies process changes to streamline how local educational agencies receive the approval required for school construction, including the requirements of the Division of the State Architect, and secure state funding, including from the state bond funds made available pursuant to the Leroy F. Greene School Facilities Act of 1998 (Chapter 12.5 (commencing with Section 17070.10) of Part 10).(2) The report required on or before December 1, 2026, shall also address all of the following priorities:(A) Implementation of specific timeframes for the Division of the State Architect to review submitted proposals.(B) Development of an alternative project delivery method specific to the need to expedite school reconstruction and repair in the aftermath of an emergency.(C) Development of an alternate project delivery method that incorporates process changes identified in the most recent process review described in subdivision (a) and innovations in design, construction, and financial management, such as progressive design-build, design sequencing, or incremental plan review principles, as appropriate.(D) Development of legislative proposals needed to allow innovations in design, construction, and financial management to become legal pathways to facilitating school facilities construction.(E) Alternatives to current practices that unintentionally disadvantage local educational agencies, such as preferences given on a first-come-first-served basis.(3) It is the intent of the Legislature that the appropriate fiscal and policy committees of the Legislature determine the priorities to be addressed by reports required after December 1, 2026.
9495
95-17254. The department, the Division of the State Architect, the Office of Public School Construction, and the State Allocation Board shall do both of the following:(a) Beginning July 1, 2026, and every five years thereafter, engage the Government Operations Agency to collaboratively review the processes relating to school design and construction to identify short-term, intermediate, and long-term improvements that can be made to those processes. The process review shall include collaboratively soliciting qualitative feedback from local educational agencies and school construction experts.(b) (1) Notwithstanding Section 10231.5 of the Government Code, on or before December 1, 2026, and every five years thereafter, submit a report to the appropriate fiscal and policy committees of the Legislature, in compliance with Section 9795 of the Government Code, that identifies process changes to streamline how local educational agencies receive the approval required for school construction, including the requirements of the Division of the State Architect, and secure state funding, including from the state bond funds made available pursuant to the Leroy F. Greene School Facilities Act of 1998 (Chapter 12.5 (commencing with Section 17070.10) of Part 10).(2) The report required on or before December 1, 2026, shall also address all of the following priorities:(A) Implementation of specific timeframes for the Division of the State Architect to review submitted proposals.(B) Development of an alternative project delivery method specific to the need to expedite school reconstruction and repair in the aftermath of an emergency.(C) Development of an alternate project delivery method that incorporates process changes identified in the most recent process review described in subdivision (a) and innovations in design, construction, and financial management, such as progressive design-build, design sequencing, or incremental plan review principles, as appropriate.(D) Development of legislative proposals needed to allow innovations in design, construction, and financial management to become legal pathways to facilitating school facilities construction.(E) Alternatives to current practices that unintentionally disadvantage local educational agencies, such as preferences given on a first-come-first-served basis.(3) It is the intent of the Legislature that the appropriate fiscal and policy committees of the Legislature determine the priorities to be addressed by reports required after December 1, 2026.(c) For purposes of this section, design sequencing means a method of project delivery that enables the sequencing of design activities to permit each construction phase to commence when the design for that phase is complete, instead of requiring the design for the entire project to be completed before commencing construction.
96+17254. The department, the Division of the State Architect, the Office of Public School Construction, and the State Allocation Board shall do both of the following:(a) Beginning July 1, 2026, and every five years thereafter, engage the Government Operations Agency to collaboratively review the processes relating to school design and construction to identify short-term, intermediate, and long-term improvements that can be made to those processes. The process review shall include collaboratively soliciting qualitative feedback from local educational agencies and school construction experts.(b) (1) Notwithstanding Section 10231.5 of the Government Code, on or before December 1, 2026, and every five years thereafter, submit a report to the appropriate fiscal and policy committees of the Legislature, in compliance with Section 9795 of the Government Code, that identifies process changes to streamline how local educational agencies receive the approval required for school construction, including the requirements of the Division of the State Architect, and secure state funding, including from the state bond funds made available pursuant to the Leroy F. Greene School Facilities Act of 1998 (Chapter 12.5 (commencing with Section 17070.10) of Part 10).(2) The report required on or before December 1, 2026, shall also address all of the following priorities:(A) Implementation of specific timeframes for the Division of the State Architect to review submitted proposals.(B) Development of an alternative project delivery method specific to the need to expedite school reconstruction and repair in the aftermath of an emergency.(C) Development of an alternate project delivery method that incorporates process changes identified in the most recent process review described in subdivision (a) and innovations in design, construction, and financial management, such as progressive design-build, design sequencing, or incremental plan review principles, as appropriate.(D) Development of legislative proposals needed to allow innovations in design, construction, and financial management to become legal pathways to facilitating school facilities construction.(E) Alternatives to current practices that unintentionally disadvantage local educational agencies, such as preferences given on a first-come-first-served basis.(3) It is the intent of the Legislature that the appropriate fiscal and policy committees of the Legislature determine the priorities to be addressed by reports required after December 1, 2026.
9697
9798
9899
99100 17254. The department, the Division of the State Architect, the Office of Public School Construction, and the State Allocation Board shall do both of the following:
100101
101102 (a) Beginning July 1, 2026, and every five years thereafter, engage the Government Operations Agency to collaboratively review the processes relating to school design and construction to identify short-term, intermediate, and long-term improvements that can be made to those processes. The process review shall include collaboratively soliciting qualitative feedback from local educational agencies and school construction experts.
102103
103104 (b) (1) Notwithstanding Section 10231.5 of the Government Code, on or before December 1, 2026, and every five years thereafter, submit a report to the appropriate fiscal and policy committees of the Legislature, in compliance with Section 9795 of the Government Code, that identifies process changes to streamline how local educational agencies receive the approval required for school construction, including the requirements of the Division of the State Architect, and secure state funding, including from the state bond funds made available pursuant to the Leroy F. Greene School Facilities Act of 1998 (Chapter 12.5 (commencing with Section 17070.10) of Part 10).
104105
105106 (2) The report required on or before December 1, 2026, shall also address all of the following priorities:
106107
107108 (A) Implementation of specific timeframes for the Division of the State Architect to review submitted proposals.
108109
109110 (B) Development of an alternative project delivery method specific to the need to expedite school reconstruction and repair in the aftermath of an emergency.
110111
111112 (C) Development of an alternate project delivery method that incorporates process changes identified in the most recent process review described in subdivision (a) and innovations in design, construction, and financial management, such as progressive design-build, design sequencing, or incremental plan review principles, as appropriate.
112113
113114 (D) Development of legislative proposals needed to allow innovations in design, construction, and financial management to become legal pathways to facilitating school facilities construction.
114115
115116 (E) Alternatives to current practices that unintentionally disadvantage local educational agencies, such as preferences given on a first-come-first-served basis.
116117
117118 (3) It is the intent of the Legislature that the appropriate fiscal and policy committees of the Legislature determine the priorities to be addressed by reports required after December 1, 2026.
118-
119-(c) For purposes of this section, design sequencing means a method of project delivery that enables the sequencing of design activities to permit each construction phase to commence when the design for that phase is complete, instead of requiring the design for the entire project to be completed before commencing construction.