What’s Next for Families After the Veto of Senate Bill 414 — and the Status of AB 84

California Governor Gavin Newsom has (somewhat surprisingly) vetoed Senate Bill 414, halting what would have been the most significant set of changes to California’s flex-based and homeschool charter programs in years. Here’s where things stand now, what’s next, and what families should know moving forward.

SB 414: What the Veto Means

By vetoing SB 414, the Governor effectively hit pause on new compliance requirements for charter and flex-based schools. That means:

• No immediate policy changes around attendance tracking, enrichment vendors, or audit procedures.

• Existing practices remain in place; schools like Method will continue to operate under current independent study and charter guidelines.

• Legislative pressure continues; lawmakers have made clear they’ll revisit these issues in 2026, likely with new proposals that blend oversight with operational flexibility.

AB 84: Still on Hold

Assembly Bill 84, a much broader and more restrictive measure targeting non-classroom-based programs, remains inactive for now. It could return in 2026, but for this legislative session, families can breathe easier knowing it’s off the table. We certainly are. 

What Families Should Do Now

Even with the veto, the themes behind both bills - including accountability, transparency, and responsible use of public funds - are shaping how Sacramento views charter education. Families can stay prepared by:

• Continuing to log attendance and instructional minutes accurately.

• Choosing teacher-approved, nonsectarian enrichment activities that align with learning goals.

• Staying involved and informed through school communications and board updates.

Looking Ahead

The veto of SB 414 gives charter and flex-based schools time to work collaboratively with lawmakers on balanced solutions that preserve flexibility while strengthening public trust. At Method, we’ll remain proactive in aligning with best practices - not because we’re required to, but because it’s the right thing for students and families.

In Summary

For now, nothing changes day-to-day for Method families. But these debates highlight how important your engagement is to the future of personalized, flexible public education in California. We’ll continue to keep you informed as new proposals emerge and ensure that our model remains both compliant and student-centered.