(Sacramento, CA) – A new law, authored by Senator Thomas J. Umberg (D-Santa Ana), went into effect this month in California – and its passage was aided with the assistance of local high school student, Lawrence Kim.

Senate Bill 939 aims include protections for neurodivergent students within the anti-bullying policies alongside existing protections for other sensitive groups. Neurodivergence refers to variations in the human brain regarding sociability, learning, attention, mood, and other mental functions that differ from typical or neurotypical. It encompasses a range of conditions and traits, including but not limited to Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, and Tourette Syndrome, among others. 

Lawrence Kim, a junior at Chino High School’s Biomedical Science and Technology Academy, proposed the policy change to Senator Umberg after observing the challenges of students at his own school.  He worked with the Senator’s office throughout the year to craft a clear bill and even testified before the Senate Education Committee  (timestamp: 4:30) about his experience. In that hearing, he stated, that “Many of my neurodivergent peers are still being left out and bullied. After a lot of discussion, it seems like the root cause of this continued exclusion is the lack of awareness within the student body population.” 

The population of neurodivergent youth is rapidly increasing, which most impacts school communities. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2021–22, the number of students ages 3–21 receiving services that are provided under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (including supplementary aids and services, such as adaptive equipment or unique communication systems) in the United States increased from 6.4 million in the 2010-11 school year to 7.3 million in 2022. Taken as a percentage of total public school enrollment, this equates to a rough increase of 14%. 

According to the Journal of Attention Disorders, Nearly half of children with ADHD are victims of bullying — more than double the amount of bullying experienced by neurotypical peers. Combined, these statistics show that there is a lack of understanding of neurodivergent disorders and behaviors within the general population, but also specifically within education on the part of educators and students alike.

California allocates over $13 billion on special education, yet creating an inclusive community for all neurodivergent students must go both ways. Both educators and students must understand the definition of neurodivergence and its impact on neurodivergent students.

“I was supremely impressed with Lawrence and really enjoyed spending time with him during SB 939’s conversations last year,” said Senator Umberg.  “He is a caring and observant student.  The Cowboys are lucky to have him and I am absolutely sure I’ll be seeing him somewhere again in his bright future.”

Governor Newsom signed SB 939 into law on September 28, 2024 and Senator Umberg was thrilled to be able to share a copy of the signed bill with Lawrence in commemoration of his hard work advocating for his peers.  SB 939 officially took effect earlier this month on January 1, 2025 and schools and districts will work over the upcoming year to incorporate conversations about neurodivergence in appropriate settings.

A picture of Senator Umberg and Lawrence Kim together in Sacramento is attached for use.

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Senator Thomas J. Umberg represents the 34th Senate District, which includes the cities of Anaheim, Buena Park, Fullerton, Garden Grove, La Habra, Long Beach, Orange, Placentia, Santa Ana, and East and South Whittier. Umberg is a retired U.S. Army Colonel, former federal prosecutor, and small businessman. He and his wife, Brigadier General Robin Umberg, USA (ret.), live in Orange County.