House Resolution 87 (HR 87), authored by Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi, reflects an important recognition that the volume of planning and reporting requirements has grown significantly in recent years — earning the nickname “plandemic” — and often results in duplicative or fragmented reporting obligations that divert limited time and resources away from direct services to students. The resolution’s emphasis on applying key guiding questions before establishing new reporting requirements is particularly important.

“State planning and reporting requirements serve important purposes, including promoting the effective use of public funds and supporting the evaluation of policy initiatives. In recent years, however, education stakeholders have expressed frustration with excessive planning and reporting requirements,” said Muratsuchi in a statement to the Assembly Education Committee. “HR 87 is intended to ensure that any new requirements are not adopted without a full and thoughtful conversation about their impacts.”

Those questions include:

Purpose: Why is this information being requested and how will it be used?

Audience: Who is going to use this information?

Value: Of how much value is this information and what is the opportunity cost?

Feasibility: Is it possible to get the desired information, including from small local educational agencies?

Duplication: Is this information already reported to the state in some other form?

Duration: How long should this requirement be in effect?

“It is critical that reporting requirements remain purposeful and streamlined so that LEA staff can focus their time and expertise on supporting student learning and well-being,” wrote ACSA Legislative Advocate Diana Vu, in a letter to the state Assembly. “Thoughtful review of proposed planning and reporting requirements can help preserve the original goals of the Local Control Funding Formula.”

House resolutions do not carry the same weight as statutory law but can serve an important role in the advancement of proposed policies. For instance, another recent resolution that has passed ensures legislative policy committees review proposed laws for impacts on disadvantaged communities to ensure equitable solutions are considered and the proposed laws would not further exacerbate inequities. The questions raised by HR 87 will apply to Senate bills as well, since all measures are reviewed by both houses of the Legislature.

HR 87 passed the Assembly on consent and was co-sponsored by the California School Boards Association and the California Association of School Business Officials. This is one of three measures that ACSA is co-sponsoring related to maintaining accountability while streamlining reporting.