California Assembly Bill AB963

California 2019-2020 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/21/19
• Refer: 3/25/19
• Report Pass: 3/26/19
• Refer: 3/27/19
• Report Pass: 4/1/19
• Refer: 4/2/19
• Report Pass: 4/24/19
• Refer: 4/24/19
• Refer: 4/25/19
• Report Pass: 5/1/19
• Refer: 5/2/19
• Refer: 5/8/19
• Report Pass: 5/16/19
• Engrossed: 5/28/19
• Refer: 5/29/19
• Refer: 6/6/19
• Report Pass: 6/19/19
• Refer: 6/19/19
• Report Pass: 6/25/19
• Refer: 6/25/19
• Report Pass: 7/8/19
• Refer: 7/9/19
• Refer: 8/12/19
• Report Pass: 8/30/19
• Enrolled: 9/11/19
• Chaptered: 10/8/19
• Passed: 10/8/19

Caption

Public postsecondary education: Student Civic and Voter Empowerment Act.

Impact

The bill represents a significant effort to foster civic responsibility among students in California by integrating voter registration and civic engagement into the academic framework of public universities. By requiring the Secretary of State to evaluate the program annually, the bill establishes a framework for ongoing assessment of its effectiveness in improving student voter turnout and engagement. Furthermore, it emphasizes the role of educational institutions as voter registration agencies, promoting civic participation as a core value of higher education.

Summary

Assembly Bill No. 963, also known as the Student Civic and Voter Empowerment Act, aims to enhance student voter registration and participation in California's public postsecondary education system. This legislation mandates the California Community Colleges and California State University to distribute crucial voter registration information to students, ensuring they are aware of important voting dates and procedures through campus-wide emails and social media posts. Additionally, it calls for each campus to appoint a Civic and Voter Empowerment Coordinator responsible for developing local action plans focusing on increasing civic learning and democratic participation among students.

Sentiment

Support for AB 963 is rooted in the belief that increased civic engagement is essential to a functioning democracy and that educational institutions play a vital role in empowering young voters. Critics, however, may argue about the additional administrative burdens placed on campuses and question the effectiveness of mandated outreach efforts compared to voluntary civic engagement initiatives. Overall, the sentiment reflects a strong inclination toward enhancing civic participation among students, highlighting the importance of democracy in education.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding the bill include potential funding and resource allocation challenges that may arise from the newly imposed requirements for community colleges and universities. The act stipulates that if there are costs mandated by the state due to these new obligations, they will be reimbursed as per established procedures. This raises discussions on the financial implications of the bill and its potential impact on institutions already facing budgetary constraints. While the intent of the bill is to enhance civic engagement, the practicalities of implementation could pose challenges for some campuses.