Last Updated: May 14, 2025
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Bill: AB 601: Personal income tax: credit: qualified teacher: school supplies.
Author(s): Senators Choi and Ochoa-Bogh
Position: Neutral
Current Status: Senate Committee on Revenue and Taxation
Action: Pray (see specifics below)
Summary:
SB 267 is a new law that gives a tax credit — a direct discount on the amount of taxes owed — to newer teachers. Specifically, it applies to those in their first three years of teaching at any public, private, or charter school in California that covers kindergarten through 12th grade.
Under this law, teachers will be able to claim up to $250 each year for money they personally spend on classroom materials. The supplies that qualify include things like books, computers, educational software, and basic teaching tools. However, it does not cover sports equipment or materials related to religion. If a teacher cannot use the full amount of their credit in one year, they can carry it forward for up to two more years, giving them more time to benefit.
New teachers often spend hundreds to thousands of dollars out of pocket to stock their classrooms. This tax credit offers some financial relief, helping to ease the burden. It also supports teacher retention by giving early-career teachers more stability at a time when many leave the profession.
The goal of this credit is not to be permanent. It is scheduled to run from 2026 through 2030, allowing time for California to improve school funding. Ideally, once funding improves, teachers will no longer need to personally buy supplies. To measure this, the government will collect yearly reports on how many teachers use the credit and how much is claimed.
This bill takes effect immediately, even though teachers can first use the credit for the 2026 tax year. It does not require extra government spending upfront — it simply changes how taxes are calculated to offer a bit more help to those starting their teaching careers.
Concerns:
One major concern for homeschooling families is that they are not included in the benefits of SB 267.
Although homeschool parents often spend significant amounts of their own money on educational materials — including textbooks, technology, science kits, and other instructional supplies — this bill only offers a tax credit to teachers employed by public, private, or charter schools. As a result, families who educate their children at home would not receive any similar support, even though they also invest heavily in their children’s education.
Another concern is the sense that this bill creates an unequal system.
Homeschooling families continue to pay taxes that support the broader public education system, yet they are excluded from the financial assistance offered to school-employed teachers. This may feel unfair, as it seems to prioritize one form of education over another, even though homeschooling is a legally recognized and growing educational choice.
Additionally, families may worry that SB 267 sets a precedent for future legislation.
If support and funding continue to be tied only to government-approved or institutionally employed educators, homeschooling could become increasingly expensive and burdensome for parents who receive no comparable assistance. Over time, this could discourage families from pursuing or continuing homeschooling, even when it is the best fit for their children.
Finally, there is a concern about recognition and respect.
Homeschooling parents take on the full role of teacher — planning lessons, grading assignments, providing instruction, and nurturing their children’s educational growth. Despite this, SB 267 does not acknowledge them as “teachers” eligible for support. This lack of recognition can feel dismissive of the enormous effort and professionalism that many homeschooling families bring to their work.
Action Items:
Prayer Requests for SB 267 Advocacy
- Clarity and Wisdom
Pray for clarity, discernment, and wisdom in every conversation and written communication. Ask that the right words be given to clearly express the dangers this bill poses to homeschool families—and the solutions that will truly protect children. - Favor with Legislators
Pray for open doors and favor with the bill’s author and other lawmakers. Ask that their hearts and minds would be receptive to proposed amendments and that they would clearly see the unintended consequences of the current bill language. - Protection for Families
Pray for the physical and emotional protection of homeschooling families across California. Ask that God would cover them with peace, and that no law would be enacted that places them at greater risk. - Unity and Collaboration
Pray for unity and effective collaboration among all individuals and organizations working to address this issue. Ask that any division or confusion would be replaced with shared purpose and strong coordination. - Divine Solutions
Pray that a clear, effective, and just solution would emerge—one that protects all children without exposing homeschool families to danger. Ask for guidance beyond human wisdom. - Strength and Endurance
Pray for strength, energy, and encouragement for Nathan Pierce and the Family Protection Ministries team as they carry this burden. Ask that they would be sustained, uplifted, and confident in God’s provision and timing.