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Bill

SB 271

Public postsecondary education: students with dependent children: childcare services, resources, and programs.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Eloise Reyes

California requires public colleges and universities to develop childcare services and resources for student parents to improve educational access and completion rates.

Chaptered by Secretary of State. Chapter 600, Statutes of 2025.
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Bill Summary · SB 271

Legislative bill overview

SB 271 requires California's public postsecondary institutions (community colleges, California State University, and University of California) to develop and implement childcare services, resources, and programs for students with dependent children. The bill mandates institutions assess student childcare needs, expand access to affordable childcare options, and coordinate with existing programs to support student parents.

Why is this important

Student parents face significant barriers to educational completion due to childcare costs and availability, with studies showing they have higher dropout rates than their peers without dependents. By institutionalizing childcare support, this law aims to improve retention and graduation rates for a vulnerable student population while addressing workforce development and economic mobility. The measure acknowledges that removing childcare barriers directly impacts educational outcomes and has downstream effects on family economic stability.

Potential points of contention

  • Implementation and funding costs: Institutions must develop new services without explicit state funding allocations, potentially requiring budget reallocation from other programs or increasing operational burdens
  • Equity of access: Depending on implementation, disparities could emerge between well-resourced institutions (that can afford robust childcare) and under-resourced ones, affecting equitable access across the system
  • Definition and scope ambiguity: The bill's requirements for "services, resources, and programs" may be interpreted variably, creating inconsistent student experiences across campuses and leaving some institutions uncertain about compliance expectations

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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