Gavin Newsom Signs AB 126 Law, Boosting California Special Education Funding

California is bolstering its educational system with the signing of the AB 126 law, a significant initiative championed by Governor Gavin Newsom. This measure injects additional funds into special education, forming a key part of the state's 2026-2027 budget. The goal is to expand resources for students with disabilities and strengthen other existing state programs.

The AB 126 law, also referred to as the "state budget education trailer bill," introduces an extra $2.4 billion for K-12 special education in California. This represents a 43% increase compared to the 2025 budget. The funding will enable all local educational agencies across California to receive special education funding under a unified rate, raising the per-student amount to $1,340.

"I have heard directly from parents across California: your children need more and deserve better. These actions respond to that call," Newsom declared. "Today, we are making record investments in special education to build a stronger system that gives every child the opportunity to succeed and leaves California's schools better than we found them."

This investment contrasts with actions taken by the previous U.S. administration, which the California government claims dismantled federal education support, impacting service quality. Beyond the general funding increase, the budget also allocates resources to specific programs designed to enhance support for students requiring specialized attention throughout their academic journeys. The state's Board of Education president, Linda Darling-Hammond, noted that the 2026 budget solidifies educational transformation efforts over the past seven years.

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I have heard directly from parents across California: your children need more and deserve better. These actions respond to that call. Today, we are making record investments in special education to build a stronger system that gives every child the opportunity to succeed and leaves California's schools better than we found them.