The Outdoor Learning and Environmental Literacy Act of 2026

AB 2158 (Hoover, Lowenthal)

Last updated: 5-12-2026

The California Campaign for Outdoor Learning is advancing legislation in 2026

Sign Your Organization On in Support of AB 2158

• AB 2158 passed the Assembly Education Committee on April 8, 2026 with a unanimous and enthusiastic 9-0 vote! Watch the Committee Hearing here. 

• The bill now heads to the Assembly Appropriations Committee. We need to show strong support ahead of the next hearing. Please sign the letter of support by Friday, May 8!  

  • • If you sign on by Friday, you will be listed as an official supporter for the next hearing. If you sign on after Friday, you will be included on future versions of the letter as it moves through the legislative process. 

• The more organizations we rally, the stronger our message will be to legislators!

• You can easily join the coalition and sign up for updates while completing the sign-on form, too! Here’s what it means to be a coalition member.

• Be sure to verify that your organization approves support of this legislation. The letter of support will be updated periodically to showcase all signatories and their logos.

• We recently learned that legislative committees have become stricter about requiring e-signatures from all coalition letter signers. If you or your organization signed on before March 24, please upload an e-signature file here to be officially listed as a supporter. 

• You can check if you or your organization has already signed on and uploaded an e-signature here.

What's Happening?

Ten Strands, on behalf of the coalition that supports the California Campaign for Outdoor Learning, is sponsoring the Outdoor Learning and Environmental Literacy Act of 2026 (Assembly Bill 2158), authored by Asm. Josh Hoover (R) and co-authored with others (see below). This advocacy is the culmination of three years of coalition-building, research, and meaningful conversations by 100+ organizations across California.

While the Campaign initially planned to pursue legislation in 2027–28, current conditions ahead of the 2026 gubernatorial and State Superintendent of Public Instruction elections have created a timely opportunity to advance this work now!

What the Bill Does

The Outdoor Learning and Environmental Literacy Act of 2026 would:

• Recognize outdoor learning as an effective, developmentally appropriate instructional method that improves academic achievement, mental and physical health, and student engagement

• Provide statewide guidance for safe, equitable implementation, while preserving local flexibility

• Support local planning, professional learning, transportation, instructional materials, residential outdoor schools, partnerships with community based organizations, and alignment of outdoor learning with existing frameworks like Local Control Accountability Plans, Expanded Learning, Community Schools, and high school redesign

• Establish a three-year Statewide Outdoor Learning Pilot Program (following a future appropriation of funds) across six sites in Northern, Southern, and Central California to demonstrate impact and inform future policy

• Ensure equitable access to outdoor learning programming for unduplicated pupils (English learners, foster youth, and those receiving free/reduced-price meals), pupils with disabilities, and pupils from historically underserved communities

Key Resources

Why Now?

2026 Legislative Timeline

Authors

How You Can Help

Our coalition’s strength is our collective voice. Here’s how you and your organization can support this effort:

1. Sign your organization on in support of AB 2158 by Friday, April 24. Supporters of outdoor learning are encouraged to sign the letter of support and share with their networks. You may also join the coalition and receive updates through the same form. Please confirm organizational approval before signing.

   • We recently learned that legislative committees have become stricter about requiring e-signatures from all coalition letter signers. If you or your organization signed on before March 24, please upload an e-signature file here to be officially listed as a supporter for future hearings.

   • You can check if you or your organization has already signed on and uploaded an e-signature here.

2. Connect us with legislators. If you have a relationship with your local Assemblymember or Senator, we’d love your help making introductions and getting their support as all legislators will vote on the bill as it moves through the process. Contact Karen Cowe at kcowe@tenstrands.org and Craig Strang at cstrang@berkeley.edu.

3. Spread the word. Share this page with your network. We need as many Coalition members as possible!

Ten Strands’ Legislative Efforts

Stay informed: Join our contact list to receive updates and requests for letters of support for this legislation