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A groggy teenager is an underperforming teenager.

That’s the rationale behind a state bill that would require California’s middle and high schools to begin no earlier than 8:30 a.m., a policy favored by the American Academy of Pediatrics.

The measure was crafted by State Senator Anthony Portantino, a Democrat. Asked to explain why it’s needed, he cataloged an array of benefits — including better grades, reduced risk of depression and fewer vehicle accidents — that he said was borne out by research.

“So,” he added, “what is the opposition talking about? They’re not talking about the science or the impact on teens. What they’re talking about is the impact on adults."