Sen. Cabaldon-led bill to expand community college bachelor'degree options advances from Senate Education

Senator Cabaldon presented SB 960 as an effort to create a statewide framework for community-college baccalaureate programs that focuses on students who are place-bound and on local workforce demands rather than a broad statewide ban based on CSU program offerings.

"What SB 960 says...it's about the person," the senator said, arguing the bill allows community colleges to propose bachelor's programs in regions where students cannot practically access existing campuses or where CSU programs are impacted. Joshua Hagen of the Campaign for College Opportunity told the committee the measure is one tool to meet a statewide attainment goal while addressing regional access gaps: "We need more adults with a higher education degree or credential...we need all options to be on the table."

The CSU presented respectful opposition, with Vice Chancellor Julius Gonzalez warning that the bill, as drafted, could permit community colleges to offer dozens of programs currently provided by CSU campuses without adequate fiscal, accreditation, and capacity review. Campus and faculty representatives raised concerns about program duplication, clinical placements for certain professional fields and long-term capacity effects.

Committee amendments reduce a statutory cap (from the prior 25% discussion to a 15% cap in the amendment text) and reinforce review criteria tied to workforce needs, impaction, and consultation with CSU; the committee voted to pass SB 960 as amended to the Senate Appropriations Committee.

Next steps: The bill will be considered by the Appropriations Committee where fiscal and systemwide impacts will be analyzed; sponsors and opponents said they will continue discussions about safeguards and capacity.