California Launches CleanSWEEP Student Reimbursement Program

Students unlawfully cited under a San Bernardino program can now seek reimbursement and case dismissals.

Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Secondary Education

Bold flat-color editorial illustration depicting a simplified geometric government building facade, symbolizing state-level policy correction. — The California Attorney General has launched an initiative allowing students unlawfully cited under San Bernardino's now-dismantled CleanSWEEP program to seek reimbursement and dismissal. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The California Attorney General has announced a new initiative to provide relief for students who were unlawfully cited through San Bernardino County's now-dismantled CleanSWEEP program. Eligible individuals may now apply for the dismissal of past citations and request reimbursement for associated fines.

Why it matters

The program was terminated following a state Department of Justice investigation that uncovered evidence of minors being incorrectly cited for minor infractions. Officials seek to correct past procedural errors that left students without legal representation while navigating adult traffic court.

Eligible students may request reimbursement for fines reaching $1,000 for citations issued under the program between 2016 and 2022. All reimbursement requests must be submitted by the deadline of April 18, 2027.

The players

California Attorney General

The state's top law enforcement official oversees the Department of Justice and represents the public interest in legal matters affecting state residents.

San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department

This local law enforcement agency is responsible for policing San Bernardino County and managed the oversight of the CleanSWEEP program.

Chaffey Joint Union High School District

This educational institution serves secondary students in San Bernardino County and was a party to the settlement agreements with the state.

The details

Under the previous system, school officials were trained to issue citations for infractions like daytime loitering and tobacco offenses, often forcing minors to appear in adult traffic court. The San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department has since updated policies to require sworn deputies to draft citations and mandates independent investigations for minor offenses.

The CleanSWEEP program originally launched in 1997.
Unlawful citations for those under age 12 began on January 1, 2019.
Tobacco-related citations eligible for relief started on June 6, 2019.
The program was suspended in 2022 and officially dismantled in January 2024.

Culture Shift

This settlement reflects a broader movement to limit the criminalization of students for minor behavioral issues within school environments. By scaling back school-based policing, the state is prioritizing educational outcomes over the historical reliance on municipal citation programs.

Students or families who received citations for loitering, tobacco, or fighting between 2019 and 2022 should check their eligibility to avoid further financial penalties. The reimbursement process requires action by the April 2027 deadline to secure financial relief.

The takeaway

Families should review all documentation related to past school-issued citations to determine if they qualify for these new legal remedies. Engaging with state resources early ensures that eligible individuals can recover fines and clear their records before the established cut-off date.