University of California: law school.
The bill intends to appropriate funds from the General Fund annually, starting in the 2024-25 fiscal year, specifically for the creation and construction of the law school. This funding will not only support the infrastructure of the school but is also expected to drive the regional legal economy and create a local hub for legal education. The absence of a public law school in this populous region is seen as detrimental to both prospective law students and the overall legal community, as it complicates access to legal education and professional development opportunities.
Assembly Bill 951, introduced by Assembly Member Cervantes, proposes the establishment of a public law school administered by the University of California in the County of Riverside. This initiative aims to address the shortage of legal education opportunities in the Inland Empire, which has a significant population of over 4.2 million and currently lacks a UC-operated law school. The last law school opened by the University of California was in 2008 at UC Irvine, and while there is another school at UCLA, the geographical distance and traffic make attending these institutions challenging for Riverside and San Bernardino County residents.
Potential areas of contention around AB 951 may revolve around budget allocations and prioritization of funds. The bill's reliance on state funding raises questions about the fiscal responsibilities of the state, especially in light of other pressing educational or social needs. Proponents of the bill argue that the establishment of a law school is essential for fostering a robust legal infrastructure within the Inland Empire, while opponents may argue that there are more urgent educational needs that require attention and funding.