State of California
Department of Industrial Relations
Division of Labor Standards Enforcement
45 Fremont Street, Suite 3260
San Francisco, CA 94105

February, 1998

Dear Studio Teacher,

The enactment of AB776 (Baca), added to the Education Code Section 48225.5 to require that schools excuse the absences of a pupil who either:

  • Holds a permti to work in the entertainment or allied industries
    OR
  • Participates with a not-for-profit arts organization performance for a public school audience

The law limits the number of excused absences for a child holding an entertainment work permit to no more than five (5) consecutive days for a maximum of five (5) absences per school year. A child who is absent due to participation in non-profit public school audience performance is limited to five (5) excused absences per shool year.

Under AB776, children who receive excused absences for either of these reasons must be allowed to make up missed assignments. A pupil absent due to participation in a non-profit public school performance must be allowed to complete any missed assignments and to receive credit for all work satisfactorily completed. A child excused because of employment in the entertainment industry must be instructed during the absence by a studio teacher certified by the Labor Commissioner in accordance with Section 11755 of Title 8 of the California Code of Regulations. All work, grades, and credit that the pupil completes with the studio teacher must be accepted by the school district or county superintendent of schools.

The bill also specifies the hours during which the studio teacher must offer instruction. The hours are:

  • 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. for children in grades one through six
  • 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. for children in grades seven throught twelve

The new law became effective on January 1, 1998. Please refer to the attached copy of AB 776 for further details.

Sincerely,

Jose Millan
State Labor Commissioner