In a significant move to alleviate student stress, California has introduced the Healthy Homework Act, officially known as AB 2999. Signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom in September, this legislation aims to reshape the homework landscape across the state.

The new law does not outright ban homework; instead, it encourages school districts to implement thoughtful and evidence-based homework policies for all grades. According to the bill, the goal is to "promote evidence-based homework practices to support pupil learning and well-being" while ensuring clarity in homework assignment procedures. This initiative seeks to enhance the educational experience without overwhelming students, a concern that has gained attention amid rising psychological pressures on youth.

The legislation is particularly responsive to findings from a survey conducted by the non-profit organization Challenge Success, which involved 15,000 California high school students. The survey revealed that nearly 45% of respondents identified homework as a major source of stress, with more than half describing certain assignments as unproductive busywork. To address these issues, the Healthy Homework Act encourages schools to consider both the quality and quantity of homework assigned, factoring in students' access to necessary resources, including technology and parental support, as outlined in the report by Newsweek.

The act's primary advocate, Assemblywoman Pilar Schiavo, highlighted the need for this change by stating, "The top reason [students drop out] is because kids are getting behind... Too much homework can overwhelm them." Schiavo's concerns were echoed by her sixth-grade daughter, Sofia Johnson, who expressed, "Homework is exhausting. It’s overwhelming." (source: India Times)

As part of this initiative, the California Department of Education will release guidelines for districts to develop their homework policies by January 2026, with an aim for schools to adopt these policies by the start of the 2027-28 school year. By prioritizing mental and physical health, California hopes this legislation will lead to a more balanced educational experience for its students, fostering an environment where learning can thrive without undue stress.