AB 1454 Passed Unanimously by the Assembly Education Committee: Onward to Budget Advocacy!

This Wednesday, April 30th, we achieved an important milestone in our collective fight for literacy justice. AB 1454 (Rivas, Muratsuchi, Rubio) passed unanimously out of the Assembly Education Committee with zero opposition from the public. By investing in teacher training, this bill is a crucial step in ensuring that more children receive high-quality reading instruction, building a strong foundation for success in school and in life.

This win builds on the momentum of AB 1121 (Rubio), which Families In Schools proudly co-sponsored alongside EdVoice, Decoding Dyslexia CA, and NAACP CA-HI. AB 1454 reflects a consensus-driven effort to advance evidence-based literacy instruction across California. The bill preserves key priorities we’ve worked hard to advance, including professional development for teachers and access to high-quality instructional materials—both aligned to reading science.

Our Commitment in Action

For more than two decades, Families In Schools has been dedicated to early literacy because we know that reading is the foundation for all learning. That commitment came to life at the Capitol on Wednesday, when we brought a delegation of parent leaders, educators, and a student to advocate for AB 1454 in person, demonstrating the power of community voice in shaping education policy.

We’re Not Done Yet

While AB 1454 reflects meaningful progress, it doesn’t include everything we fought for. Key areas such as stronger accountability and a clear mandate ensuring that all TK-5 teachers receive training on evidence-based literacy instruction were left out of this version.

We’re proud of what the bill moves forward, but we also recognize what’s missing. That’s why our advocacy will continue to ensure all students, especially our highest-need students, get the support they deserve.

“Learning to read is one of the most fundamental and essential skills that children have a right to and that they need in order to succeed in school and in life,” said Yolie Flores, President and CEO of Families In Schools. “This is why FIS will remain laser-focused on the systemic and policy changes needed. We will keep building this literacy justice movement until all our children can read and thrive.”

Read more about the legislative compromise and our shared win:

Next Up: Budget Advocacy

While AB 1454 cleared a major hurdle, its impact depends on full funding through the state budget. The fight isn’t over. We’re now turning our attention to ensuring the bill is fully funded in the Budget Act.

We’ll follow up soon with next steps on budget advocacy. We’ll need your voices to keep the pressure on. Together, we can ensure this bill doesn’t just pass—it delivers.

This is what progress looks like: led by community, rooted in collaboration, and driven by the belief that every child deserves the chance to read and thrive.

With Commitment,

Azucena Hernandez
Executive Vice President, Families In Schools