CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE— 2023–2024 REGULAR SESSION

Senate Bill
No. 895

Introduced by Senator Roth

January 03, 2024

An act to add and repeal Article 3.3 (commencing with Section 78045) of Chapter 1 of Part 48 of Division 7 of Title 3 of the Education Code, relating to postsecondary education.


LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST


SB 895, as introduced, Roth. Community colleges: Baccalaureate Degree in Nursing Pilot Program.
Existing law establishes the California Community Colleges, under the administration of the Board of Governors of the California Community Colleges. Existing law establishes community college districts throughout the state, under the administration of community college district governing boards, and authorizes these districts to provide instruction at the community college campuses they operate. Existing law establishes a statewide baccalaureate degree program that authorizes up to a total of 30 baccalaureate degree programs at community college districts to be approved per academic year, as provided.
This bill would require the Chancellor of the California Community Colleges to develop a Baccalaureate Degree in Nursing Pilot Program that authorizes select community college districts to offer a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. The bill would limit the pilot program to 15 community college districts statewide and would require the chancellor to identify eligible community college districts based on specified criteria. The bill would require the Legislative Analyst’s Office to conduct an evaluation of the pilot program to determine the effectiveness of the program and the need to continue or expand the program. The bill would repeal these provisions as of January 1, 2031.
Vote: MAJORITY   Appropriation: NO   Fiscal Committee: YES   Local Program: NO  

The people of the State of California do enact as follows:


SECTION 1.

 Article 3.3 (commencing with Section 78045) is added to Chapter 1 of Part 48 of Division 7 of Title 3 of the Education Code, to read:
Article  3.3. Baccalaureate Degree in Nursing Pilot Program

78045.
 (a) Notwithstanding Section 66010.4, the Chancellor of the California Community Colleges shall develop a Baccalaureate Degree in Nursing Pilot Program that authorizes select community college districts to offer a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree.
(b) (1) The pilot program shall be limited to 15 community college districts statewide. The chancellor shall identify eligible community college districts that apply based on the following criteria:
(A) There is equitable access between the northern, central, and southern parts of the state to the pilot program.
(B) Priority is given to community college districts in underserved nursing areas.
(2) The total number of participants in a pilot program at a community college district shall be limited to 25 percent of the community college district’s associate degree in nursing class size.
(c) (1) The Legislative Analyst’s Office shall conduct an evaluation of the pilot program to determine the effectiveness of the program and the need to continue or expand the program.
(2) The results of the evaluation shall be submitted to the Legislature in compliance with Section 9795 of the Government Code.
(d) This section shall remain in effect only until January 1, 2031, and as of that date is repealed.