The Special Education Parental Notification Act (AB 611) addresses a critical aspect of special education in California. The bill stipulates that local educational agencies must promptly inform parents and/or guardians, either through email or regular mail, within 14 days of becoming aware of any alteration in the certification status of a nonpublic school. Ensuring that parents and guardians are promptly informed about changes in a nonpublic school’s certification status allows them to make informed decisions about their child’s education. This information empowers families to consider alternative educational options if necessary and helps safeguard the quality and suitability of special education services, ultimately promoting the well-being and academic progress of students with special needs. It provides a vital layer of accountability and ensures that parents have the information they need to advocate for their children’s education effectively.

The Schools Against Hate Violence Act (AB 1327) will enhance community safety and awareness by mandating the creation of a standardized incident reporting form for tracking hate violence and hazing at high school sporting events, with results to be publicly accessible on the California Department of Education’s website. This legislation promotes transparency and accountability, empowering communities of color, and helping to create safer and more inclusive high school sporting environments while addressing racial discrimination and fostering community well-being through informed policy measures.

Akilah secured a $300 million allocation for the Equity Multiplier Funding in the 2023 budget. The Equity Multiplier Funding serves as a critical resource, specifically designated to provide evidence-based services and support to students at various school sites. With this funding, Akilah is championing evidence-based solutions that will enhance the educational experience and empower students to reach their full potential, ultimately fostering a more inclusive, prosperous, and healthy community.

Akilah successfully steered the passage of AB 2598, heralding a transformative shift in our criminal justice system by emphasizing healing and rehabilitation rather than punitive approaches. This accomplishment was further underscored by her achievement in securing $7 million in the budget, earmarked for facilitating grants to enable schools to embrace restorative justice practices, marking a pivotal moment in the promotion of these values within educational contexts.

In 2021, Akilah introduced AB 914, a crucial initiative aimed at ensuring the success of students in California’s higher education institutions. The bill mandates that the California State University (CSU) system submits an annual report detailing completion rates, earned credits, and GPAs for students during their initial three semesters. By providing this comprehensive data, AB 914 facilitates a thorough examination of potential barriers to student success and helps the Legislature make informed decisions to enhance college readiness programs. The goal is to address and eliminate long standing equity gaps within the CSU system, promoting an inclusive and supportive environment for all students pursuing higher education in California.

In 2022, Akilah introduced AB 1632, also known as the Restroom Access Act, which focuses on ensuring restroom access for individuals with certain medical conditions. The bill allows people with eligible medical conditions, such as inflammatory bowel disease or other medical conditions that require immediate access to restroom facilities, to use employee restrooms in retail establishments. This measure aims to provide essential accommodations and dignity for those who may urgently need restroom access due to their medical conditions. 

Athletic Training Practice Act, AB 796, addresses a notable gap in California’s current regulations by establishing the California Board of Athletic Training. California is currently the only state without specific requirements for proper education and training to practice athletic training. That’s why Akilah introduced this bill in 2023, to rectify this by granting the newly formed board the authority to oversee licensing, regulation, and disciplinary actions related to athletic trainers. The Act ensures that individuals cannot practice as athletic trainers or use specific titles without obtaining a license from the Board, thereby promoting standardized qualifications and professional standards in the field of athletic training within the state.