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AB 240

Revises provisions relating to athletics. (BDR 34-179)

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Lisa Cole and 14 co-sponsors

Directs a statewide study to ensure Amador, Alpine, Mariposa, Modoc, and Sierra residents gain equivalent access to community college programs (in-person and online) with policy recommendations.

(Pursuant to Joint Standing Rule No. 14.3.1, no further action allowed.)
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Bill Summary · AB 240

AB 240 — Community colleges: study (Amalanis) — Summary

Status: Introduced Jan 14, 2025. Last action: In committee; held under submission (May 23, 2025). Referred to Assembly Higher Education and Assembly Appropriations earlier in 2025.

Purpose
- Require a state study and recommendations to ensure residents of five largely underserved rural counties (Amador, Alpine, Mariposa, Modoc, and Sierra) have access to postsecondary community college programs — both in-person and online — equivalent to similarly sized communities that lie fully inside a community college district.

Key provisions
1. Change to statewide policy (Education Code §74000)
- Amends the legislative policy to state that all California territory shall be included within a community college district or otherwise be provided equivalent opportunities to participate in both in-person and online community college programs and courses.

  1. New study and report (Education Code §74000.5)

    • Directs the Milton Marks “Little Hoover” Commission or the California Research Bureau (text references both) to conduct a study and prepare a report evaluating provision of postsecondary community college services and opportunities to residents of Amador, Alpine, Mariposa, Modoc, and Sierra counties where territory is not fully included in a community college district.
    • The report must include policy recommendations to ensure equivalent access to in-person and online community college programs and courses.

  2. Required content for the report (nonexclusive list)

    • Analysis of educational and economic impacts of current service deficits and benefits of providing equivalent opportunities.
    • Definition and analysis of “equivalent” services (as those provided to similarly sized communities inside district boundaries).
    • Assessment of current availability and potential to strengthen dual-enrollment and transfer pathways.
    • Identification of outreach/recruitment activities, existing providers (community colleges, four‑year public and independent institutions), and potential providers for in-person and online programs.
    • Options for implementing local in-person programs accessible to a majority of residents.
    • Opportunities for partnerships with local educational agencies, governments, nonprofits, and higher ed institutions.
    • Analysis of resource needs and potential funding sources.

  3. Stakeholder input and information authority

    • Requires convening a voluntary working group of specified representatives to inform the study.
    • Authorizes the commission/bureau to request and receive information from relevant public and private entities.

  4. Reporting deadlines and sunset

    • The bill directs submission of the report to the Legislature (appropriate fiscal and policy committees, Assembly Committee on Higher Education, Senate Committee on Education) and the Governor by a specified deadline (the text includes December 31, 2026 in earlier language and references to 2027 in later amendments).
    • The study/report provisions are set to be repealed by a specified sunset date (text includes January 1, 2031 in earlier language and 2032 in later amendments).

Who is affected
- Residents and prospective students in Amador, Alpine, Mariposa, Modoc, and Sierra counties.
- California Community Colleges, local educational agencies, four‑year public and independent colleges, county/local governments, and nonprofit partners.
- State policy makers and fiscal committees (the bill triggers review by fiscal committees).

Potential impacts
- Identifies gaps in geographic/online access and recommends practical options (e.g., service expansions, partnerships, dual‑enrollment strategies, funding approaches, and potential district inclusion or alternative delivery models).
- Could inform future legislative or budget actions to expand community college access in rural counties.

Procedural notes / legislative history
- Introduced Jan 14, 2025; referred to Higher Education (Feb 10, 2025); amended and re‑referred Mar 10, 2025; passed Higher Ed committee (Mar 19) and re‑referred to Appropriations (suspense file); set for first hearing Apr 9; held under submission May 23, 2025.
- Fiscal committee review required; bill does not appropriate funds but contemplates a study that may identify resource needs.

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

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