3 New Laws Impacting CA Schools: Gender-Neutral Bathrooms, LGBTQ+ Suicide Hotline, Limited Cellphone Use

While a slew of new laws are set to take effect July 1, there is a trio of interest around the Golden State's education system, impacting public schools, students, teachers, and staff.

The separate laws include 1) mandates on gender-neutral bathrooms for all campuses, 2) an LGBTQ suicide prevention hotline on student IDs, and 3) prohibited/limited cellphones on campuses.

Here are brief primers on the laws with links to their language:

Senate Bill 760: All-gender restrooms

Signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom in 2023, Senate Bill 760 requires that all California school campuses serving "any combination" of grades 1-12 have at least one gender-neutral bathroom.

The law mandates that signs must be posted to identify the designated bathroom as being open to all genders and available to all students.

Use of an all-gender restroom by a student is voluntary and not required, according to the law.

When former Sen. Josh Newman (D-29) authored SB 760, he released a statement: "SB 760 is a measure that aims to create a safe and inclusive environment not only for non-binary students, but to all students, by requiring each public school to establish at least one all-gender restroom."

Newman served in the California State Senate from 2016 to 2018 and again from 2020 to 2024. He represented communities in parts of Los Angeles, Orange, and San Bernardino counties. In 2024, Newman was defeated for reelection by former Assemblyman Steven Choi (R) in an upset.

AB 727: Identification cards

Signed by the governor in October 2025, AB 727 requires that ID cards for middle school, high school and college students include the phone number for The Trevor Project, a crisis and suicide prevention hotline for LGBTQ+ youth.

Assemblymember Mark González (D-54) authored the bill and said it was a direct response to President Donald Trump's termination last July of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline's LGBTQ+ Youth Specialized Services program.

"In today’s political climate, LGBTQ+ students face significant levels of bullying, harassment, and discrimination — negatively impacting their mental health and academic success," said González, who represents portions of Los Angeles. "AB 727 will provide critical resources to support LGBTQ+ youth in crisis and those who have experienced harassment."

Suicide is the second leading cause of death among children, teens and young adults ages 10 through 34, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

LGBTQ+ youth are at higher suicide risk because of how they are mistreated and stigmatized in society, according to The Trevor Project.

The Trevor Project connects people in crisis to a counselor 24/7, 365 days a year, from anywhere in the U.S via text, chat, or phone. The Trevor Project is confidential and free.

Assembly Bill 3216 (Phone-Free School Act): Limited cellphone use

School districts, county offices of education, and charter schools have until July 1 to adopt a policy prohibiting or limiting students' cellphone use during school hours.

Signed into law by the governor in 2024, the bill aims to curb classroom distractions, bullying, and addiction to devices.

California is not alone. At least 38 states and the District of Columbia require school districts to ban or restrict students’ cellphone use in schools, according to an Education Week tally.

Newsom has urged California's education leaders to restrict students' cellphone use on campuses, citing anxiety, depression and other mental health issues in children who are addicted to their phones.

According to language contained in AB 3216, "Research demonstrates that the use of cellphones by pupils during school operating hours can create significant distractions resulting in negative effects on their academic performance and mental health."

Cellphones and related technologies in classrooms may not only detract from students’ academic performance "but also contribute to higher rates of academic dishonesty and cyberbullying," according to the bill.

AB 3216 was introduced by Assemblymember Josh Hoover (D), who represents communities east of Sacramento in the 7th District.