BILL NUMBER: AB 165 VETOED DATE: 10/08/2011 To the Members of the California State Assembly: I am returning Assembly Bill 165 without my signature. This bill responds to a lawsuit filed by the ACLU against the state, alleging that some local school districts are denying students their right to a free public education by charging improper fees for classes and extracurricular activities. Local district compliance with this right is essential, and those who fail should be held accountable. But this bill takes the wrong approach to getting there. The bill would mandate that every single classroom in California post a detailed notice and that all 1,042 school districts and over 1,200 charter schools follow specific complaint, hearing and audit procedures, even where there have been no complaints, let alone evidence of any violation. This goes too far. Sincerely, Edmund G. Brown Jr.