California Settles Lawsuit, Will Enforce School Fee Ban

LOS ANGELES (AP) -- California has agreed to settle a lawsuit by enforcing a state law that bans school fees for textbooks, cheerleader outfits and other items.

The settlement announced Thursday still needs approval from a Los Angeles judge and new laws must be enacted so parents can challenge fees and receive reimbursements.

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger praised the settlement and said every California student has the right to a free public education.

The American Civil Liberties Union of Southern California sued the state in September, arguing that fees demanded by dozens of districts violated the state constitution.

ACLU attorney David Sapp says some students couldn't complete assignments because they couldn't afford $30 to $50 for a textbook.

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