A new California bill may give teenage students more time to sleep every morning. The state Senate passed the bill, SB-328 introduced by state Sen. Anthony Portantino, D-La Cañada Flintridge, earlier this week. It calls for a mandated later school start time statewide, with classes beginning no earlier than 8:30 a.m.
The measure applies to middle and high school students. Its proponents argue studies show teenagers are not getting enough sleep. The American Academy of Pediatrics supports the bill.
Opponents of the legislation say later start times mean the school day ends later too. Some claim that is an issue for parents, whose schedules may not align with later times, and school districts should be making schedule decisions, not the state.
The legislation now heads to the state Assembly.
KPBS Evening Edition Anchor Ebone Monet talked to some parents in San Diego County about how this potential change would impact them.
