Dear Chair Wicks and Honorable Members of the Appropriations Committee,
The California Catholic Conference is pleased to express its support for AB 1763, and introduced on 2/9/26, which strengthens existing law to ensure that students may be excused from school to observe religious holidays or ceremonies without unnecessary administrative barriers.
The bishops of California have long affirmed that parents are the primary educators of their children and that students should have the freedom to practice their faith fully and without impediment. Current law appropriately recognizes religious observance as a valid reason for an excused absence. AB 1763 builds on this foundation by removing procedural hurdles that can unintentionally limit or discourage students from participating in important moments of religious life.