The PTA membership, through the association’s bylaws and the actions of delegates at California State PTA conventions, directs PTA actions on legislation. The California State PTA Board of Managers is responsible for conducting the affairs of the association. This includes all action on state legislation and state ballot measures. Specific activities include:
- Analyze legislation under consideration in the California Legislature and measures that will appear on statewide election ballots.
- Take PTA positions on specific bills and ballot measures as directed by the PTA legislation platform, policies, resolutions and position statements.
- Advocate for passage or defeat of selected measures.
- Work cooperatively with allied organizations or others concerned about children’s issues when appropriate.
- Inform members about PTA positions on current legislation and on statewide ballot measures, and encourage local actions when needed.
PTA follows IRS and California Fair Political Practices Commission rules on advocacy.
Action on Legislation
Action on Legislation is an integral part of PTA work. California State PTA action on legislation and ballot measures is based on the legislation platform, California State PTA position statements, and California State PTA and National PTA resolutions. The National PTA and California State PTA, as advocates for children and youth, carry out an active, effective legislation program.
Authority for PTA Action on Legislation
The California State PTA legislation platform lays the specific framework for PTA action on legislation. The platform, adopted every two years (even-numbered years) by delegates at the California State PTA Convention, establishes authority and direction for deciding what measures PTA should select for action on legislation. It defines the fields of PTA interest and the scope of legislation appropriate for PTA action.
California State PTA legislation policies, adopted every two years (odd-numbered years) by California State PTA convention delegates, guide how action on legislation may be taken by California State PTA and its unit, council and district PTAs. Procedures are adopted by the California State PTA Board of Managers.
The California State PTA legislation platform and policies direct that legislation and ballot measures selected for action by California State PTA must:
- affect the education, health, and well-being of California’s children and youth;
- be of statewide significance; and
- fit within the Purposes of the PTA association and the framework of the legislation platform and be consistent with recorded PTA positions.
Sources of authority and direction for specific PTA positions on legislative bills and statewide ballot measures include:
- Resolutions adopted by California State PTA convention delegates;
- The legislation platform principles and planks;
- Position statements and resolutions adopted by the California State PTA Board of Managers;
- National PTA resolutions;
- National PTA Board of Directors position statements and legislative directives;
- Previous PTA action on the issues; and
- Purposes of the PTA.
