Tom Harman’s misguided attempt to promote "Community Service" was unanimously passed by committee. (Wyland, Maldonado voted yes with the Democrats) The bill has changed since Harman wanted to conscript California’s youth into so-called "community service". As a side note why call it service? Service sounds like they want to do it. At least change it to community work.
Conservatives on several grounds opposed the original bill. See here. This bill is still bad and will do nothing to help kids meet state standards in math or reading. But, what legislator cares about that?
Now the bill only forces local school districts to offer elective classes in community service. See how much Republicans support local control?
The legislative analysis says that such activities should be non-partisan and “non-sectarian”.
There was some discussion of that in committee but no real resolution. Can a student counsel a homosexual student about changing their life? Can someone volunteer at a church homeless shelter? Church Youth Group? What about a pregnancy help center associated with a faith?
The answer needs to be in the bill or this elective course will ban service in God’s name and force students into programs run by Planned Parenthood, the Sierra Club and your local Gay and Lesbian Center. In other words the other side.