Overview
- Governor Gavin Newsom signed AB 126 on July 9, 2026, enacting a $2.4 billion, 43% increase in K–12 special education funding.
- The law raises the per‑student special education rate to $1,340 and moves all local educational agencies to a uniform funding rate to reduce variation in district support.
- The 2026 budget adds $80 million in ongoing funds to reimburse extraordinary costs and the low‑incidence disabilities add‑on for students with high‑cost or rare needs.
- One‑time investments include $30 million for the Supporting Inclusive Practices Project, $25 million for the Inclusive College Technical Assistance Center, and $10 million for alternative diploma pathways.
- Officials say districts will need to hire and train specialists, behavioral health aides, and inclusive‑practice staff to turn dollars into services, and analysts warn the plan relies on recent revenue gains that could affect long‑term sustainability.