On Friday, March 14, Assemblymember Mike Gipson signed five bills at Los Angeles Harbor College, with Assembly Bill 2181 standing out for its potential to transform educational opportunities for juvenile court school students.

Sponsored by the Los Angeles County Office of Education (LACOE) and championed by L.A. County Superintendent of Schools Debra Duardo, the bill allows students in the juvenile court school system to remain in high school and complete local graduation requirements. 

Sam Nasher, LACOE's legislative advocate, thanked Dr. Duardo for her leadership in advancing the legislation. He also noted how AB 2181 benefits juvenile court school students in Los Angeles, reaffirming LACOE’s commitment to providing all students with equal educational opportunities.

The bill allows students who transfer to juvenile court schools after their second year of high school to potentially exempt additional local graduation requirements. It prevents school districts from forcing early graduation and provides options for continued learning, including credit recovery and community college transfer opportunities. 

While Gipson signed additional bills addressing various educational and social issues, AB 2181 promises targeted support of students navigating the juvenile justice system.

The other bills signed at the event included AB 1879, AB 2975, AB 2984, and AB 3085, each addressing different aspects of educational and social policy.