SACRAMENTO— Today, Assemblymember Alanis announced that his bill, AB 1572, passed the Assembly floor with a unanimous vote, marking a significant milestone in advancing common-sense protections for high school student-athletes across California.
“This sends a clear message: anyone who is around or has contact with kids on school campuses must undergo a background check and meet the appropriate training standards,” said Assemblymember Alanis. “It’s about protecting kids.”
AB 1572 codifies the California Interscholastic Federation’s (CIF) upcoming policy, requiring high school sports officials to meet the same background check standards as other adults working with students in athletics — such as coaches and trainers — and establishes consistent statewide health, safety, and job training requirements.
“My office found more than 50 cases in the last five years alone in which sports officials in California have been arrested for felonies or sex crimes,” added Alanis. “This loophole must be closed. There is no reason why officials should not be held to the same background check standards as other adults who are in contact with kids. I am also pleased to codify the good work the CIF is doing to standardize training and eligibility standards for officials across the state.”
The bill phases in new safeguards, including a requirement that, by July 1, 2028, officials must obtain and maintain an Activity Supervisor Clearance Certificate from the Commission on Teacher Credentialing to remain eligible to officiate. This is the same standard already in place for high school coaches across the state. The remainder of the bill, including the training and eligibility requirements, would take effect on January 1, 2027.
AB 1572 will now move to the State Senate for consideration and is awaiting referral to committee.
Assemblymember Juan Alanis represents the 22nd Assembly District, which includes the communities of Modesto, Turlock, Ceres, Denair, Patterson, Gustine, Newman, Hilmar, Ballico, Snelling, Keyes, Grayson, Crows Landing, Diablo Grande, Stevinson, & Empire.
