The US state of California enacted a new law yesterday, aimed at reducing students’ homework burden statewide. The Healthy Homework Act, signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom in September 2024, took effect on the first day of 2025. Its primary goal is to promote evidence-based homework practices to support student learning and well-being, as well as consistency and clarity in assignments.

However, the legislation does not mean the Golden State would ban homework. Instead, it requires local educational agencies to develop, adopt and regularly update homework policies for all grade levels.

To assist with the process, the California Department of Education will issue guidelines for school districts by Jan 1, 2026, providing a centralized resource for local educational agencies to develop their homework policies.