PTA maintains an active legislation program. PTAs can and must participate actively in the process through which public policy decisions are made.

• PTA districts, councils, and units are responsible for taking action on local issues originating in school districts, cities, regions, or counties.
• Laws enacted by local, state and national bodies are primary sources of public policy.
• Securing adequate laws for the care and protection of children and youth is one of the purposes of the organization. Therefore, PTA maintains an active legislation program.
• PTAs can and must participate actively in the process through which public policy decisions are made

California State PTA action on legislation is aimed primarily at the state government level and on ballot measures that appear on statewide election ballots. The California State PTA Board of Managers is responsible for action on state legislation and state ballot measures. The California State PTA also works with the National PTA in implementing the PTA advocacy program at the federal level. Any PTA district, council or unit may recommend action on legislation to the California State PTA Board of Managers.

SVPTA Council recommends that each unit have a designated LEGISLATION CHAIRMAN or committee to:

• Attend council, district and State PTA meetings, conferences and workshops. Know council and district PTA counterparts and consult them for advice and assistance.
• Subscribe to Fourth District PTA's "Leg Link"
• Download California State PTA Sacramento Update, available for downloading at www.capta.org.
• Study the Legislation Platform (see California State PTA Toolkit) adopted by convention delegates in even-numbered years. The Platform outlines the scope of PTA legislation activities.
• Study the Legislation Policies and Procedures (see California State PTA Toolkit) adopted by convention delegates in odd-numbered years. The Policies define how the California State PTA legislation program works; unit and member participation is guided by the Policies.
• Become familiar with PTA Resolutions and Position Statements. California State PTA Position Statements are printed in the California State PTA Toolkit. The Toolkit section 4.5 provides a list of current California State PTA Resolutions. The California State PTA Resolutions Book is available online at www.capta.org or individual resolutions are available by title from the California State PTA Fax-on-Demand service at 800.406.3680.
• National PTA position Statements and Resolutions are available online at www.pta.org.
• Contact district PTA president or legislative team for further assistance.