February 12, 2026
California’s Assembly Bill 218 made it possible for childhood abuse victims to sue public agencies up to their 40th birthday or five years after discovering the abuse. Advocates say the law has allowed victims to find justice and peace after life-damaging assaults.
The law sparked a flurry of lawsuits, and school districts have had to pay billions of dollars in settlements, with no end in sight. Even districts that have not faced any abuse allegations involving employees are also paying for settlements, because they pool the costs with other districts.
It’s created a difficult dilemma.
Guests:
- Tara Campanella, chief business officer, Bass Lake School District
- Thomas Peele, investigative reporter, EdSource
- California school districts pay for abuse settlements despite no claims
- California lawmakers weigh reforms to child abuse law amid costly litigation
Education Beat is a weekly podcast hosted by EdSource’s Zaidee Stavely and produced by Coby McDonald.
Subscribe: Apple, Spotify, SoundCloud, YouTube