A bill that passed the California state senate and house that would have required schools in the state to start no earlier than 8:30 am has been vetoed by California Governor Edmund G. “Jerry” Brown Jr. today.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends middle and high schools delay the start of class to 8:30 AM or later. In a policy statement, it says, “delaying school start times is an effective countermeasure to chronic sleep loss and has a wide range of potential benefits to students with regard to physical and mental health, safety, and academic achievement.”

In his veto message, Gov Brown states, “This is a one-size-fits-all approach that is opposed by teachers and school boards. Several schools have already moved to later start times. Others prefer beginning the school day earlier. These are the types of decisions best handled in the local community.”