CA ready to share protected immigrant info nationwide

In a move immigration and privacy advocates call a “betrayal,” California is preparing to share detailed information about its driver’s license holders with an outside organization. That includes information on unauthorized immigrants — despite a decade-old state law prohibiting it from doing so.

As CalMatters’ Khari Johnson and Wendy Fry explain, under a 2013 law known as Assembly Bill 60, more than 1 million undocumented California residents have been able to obtain a special license that allows them to legally drive. The law also bans the state from using information gathered in the licensing process to be used in consideration of someone’s citizenship. 

But following a meeting earlier this month with the California DMV and Gov. Gavin Newsom’s office, state authorities confirmed that they plan to share the data to a multistate verification system in compliance with the Real ID Act of 2005. If officials don’t share the data, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security could potentially refuse to accept all California licenses and IDs at federal facilities, such as airports.

The shared information would go to a national association of motor vehicle departments, but advocates fear it will make its way to the feds. It includes the last five digits of a person’s Social Security number. If a person does not have a Social Security number, states can use the placeholder “99999” — readily identifying people who may be in the country without authorization and heightening their risk of deportation. 

• Tracy Rosenberg, head of advocacy at Oakland Privacy: “It’s unclear how extreme the danger people are being put into by this decision but there’s no doubt we told people with AB 60 licenses this would never happen. But it’s happening, and that’s a direct betrayal.”

To go forward with the plan, the Legislature must approve $55 million to cover the DMV’s cost. Newsom’s office said the state “continues to lead in supporting immigrant families.” 

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Renters who own dogs and cats may be able to save money on rent and receive clearer rental rules related to their pets if two bills are signed into law.

Both proposals will be heard today in their respective judiciary committees. One bill in the Assembly would put a statewide cap on the additional rent landlords can charge tenants for their pets at no more than 1% of one month’s rent. Security pet deposits would also be capped at no more than 15% of the monthly rent. The proposal would only apply to domestic dogs and cats, and new or renewed leases signed on and after Jan. 1, 2027. 

The other measure, Senate Bill 1296, would require landlords to clearly state if they have a no pet policy on any ads, rental applications or lease agreements. If a prospective renter is no longer eligible to rent after receiving the no pet policy, they could also get a refund on their application fee.

Landlords that do allow pets must also provide tenants with clear pet policies, such as any breed and weight requirements, vaccination requirements and the number of pets allowed. The bill says it “does not require a landlord to allow pets” on their property.

To address California students’ low math scores, the Legislature is considering a bill that would screen young students on their basic math skills. But a major teachers’ union is calling the proposal unnecessary, writes CalMatters’ Carolyn Jones.

Last year, only 37% of California students performed at grade level in math. One reason for this, experts say, is because young children in the state receive uneven early education. While some have years of early math exposure, others have none. Because math is taught in a sequence, bill proponents argue that screening would help identify those who may need extra help so their learning gap doesn’t widen further.

The influential California Teachers Association opposes the bill, which would require schools to screen all kindergartners, first- and second-graders on their knowledge of basic math concepts.

The teachers association, along with the California County Superintendents and the Association of California School Administrators, argue that the state is already implementing a new math framework. They also say the screening does not factor in young children’s developmental differences. 

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