Bill > AB240

This bill addresses educational opportunities in five rural California counties (Amador, Alpine, Mariposa, Modoc, and Sierra) that are currently not fully included within a community college district. The bill requires the California Research Bureau to conduct a comprehensive study evaluating the current community college services and opportunities in these counties. The study must include detailed policy recommendations on how to ensure residents have access to equivalent in-person and online community college programs as those in similarly sized communities with established college districts. The research will involve convening a working group with representatives from various educational and governmental organizations, and will analyze educational and economic impacts, potential benefits of expanded services, dual enrollment opportunities, transfer pathways, current outreach efforts, potential service providers, resource needs, and funding sources. The bureau is required to submit a report with recommendations to the Assembly Committee on Higher Education, the Senate Committee on Education, and the Governor by December 31, 2027. The provisions of the bill are set to be repealed on January 1, 2032, making it a time-limited initiative specifically designed to address the unique educational challenges of these underserved rural counties.

Budget and Finance, Education

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB240