California Assembly Bill AB1340

California 2019-2020 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/22/19
• Refer: 3/14/19
• Report Pass: 4/1/19
• Refer: 4/2/19
• Report Pass: 4/10/19
• Refer: 4/10/19
• Report Pass: 4/29/19
• Refer: 5/1/19
• Refer: 5/15/19
• Report Pass: 5/16/19
• Engrossed: 5/22/19
• Refer: 5/23/19
• Refer: 5/29/19
• Report Pass: 6/26/19
• Refer: 6/26/19
• Report Pass: 7/1/19
• Refer: 7/1/19
• Report Pass: 7/10/19
• Refer: 7/10/19
• Refer: 8/12/19
• Report Pass: 8/30/19
• Enrolled: 9/11/19
• Chaptered: 10/4/19
• Passed: 10/4/19

Caption

Private postsecondary education: California Private Postsecondary Education Act of 2009: labor market outcome data reporting.

Impact

The bill significantly impacts the regulatory landscape governing private postsecondary education by enforcing rigorous data reporting practices. Institutions will be expected to relay key statistics regarding graduate earnings and debt burdens. The Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education will carry the responsibility of aggregating these data points and making program-level statistics publicly accessible on its website, thus enhancing consumer protection and guiding potential students in their educational decisions.

Summary

Assembly Bill No. 1340, approved on October 4, 2019, enhances data reporting requirements for institutions of private postsecondary education in California under the California Private Postsecondary Education Act of 2009. The bill mandates these institutions to collect and maintain individual graduate data regarding their enrollment programs and student loan debt, effective for graduates from January 1, 2020. The purpose of this initiative is to promote transparency and accountability in private education, ensuring that prospective students are informed about post-graduation earnings and debt levels associated with their chosen programs.

Sentiment

The legislative sentiment surrounding AB 1340 appears to support the goals of increased accountability and transparency within private education institutions. Proponents argue that the requirements established by the bill will foster better informed student choices and assist in holding educational institutions responsible for the outcomes of their graduates. The sentiment is predominantly positive, emphasizing benefits for both students and state oversight, reflecting a progressive approach to education regulation.

Contention

However, there are concerns regarding the feasibility of the requirements imposed by the bill on institutions that may lack the necessary infrastructure to gather and report the data effectively. Opponents may cite challenges related to privacy issues when handling individual identifying information and the data collection process. Furthermore, the bill incorporates provisions for penalties related to unauthorized access or disclosure of the collected data, raising concerns about the additional responsibilities placed on educational institutions within California.