| Old | New | Differences | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | - | Amended IN Assembly | |
| 1 | + | Amended IN Assembly March 24, 2025 CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE 20252026 REGULAR SESSION Assembly Bill No. 1155Introduced by Assembly Member FongFebruary 20, 2025An act to amend Section 66010.7 of the Education Code, relating to postsecondary education. An act to add Chapter 7.5 (commencing with Section 66550) to Part 40 of Division 5 of Title 3 of the Education Code, relating to postsecondary education.LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGESTAB 1155, as amended, Fong. Postsecondary education: intersegmental collaboration and coordination. Law schools: externships: compensation.The Donahoe Higher Education Act establishes the segments of postsecondary education in the state, including the University of California and independent institutions of higher education, and sets forth the missions and functions of those segments. Existing law states that the University of California has exclusive jurisdiction in public higher education over, among others, instruction in the profession of law, and that the independent institutions of higher education provide undergraduate and graduate instruction and research in accordance with their respective missions. Provisions of the act apply to the University of California only to the extent that the Regents of the University of California act, by appropriate resolution, to make them applicable.This bill would require, beginning on or after August 1, 2026, each law school, defined to include American Bar Association-accredited or California-accredited law schools at the University of California or an independent institution of higher education, to allow law students to receive compensation from an externship site, as defined, while concurrently earning academic course credit. The bill would also require each law school to support law students seeking externships by requiring each law student to meet with the relevant externship supervisor at the law school to discuss externship opportunities. For purposes of the bill, a requirement on a law school at the University of California would be considered a request on the regents.Existing law establishes the University of California, the California State University, the California Community Colleges, independent institutions of higher education, and private postsecondary educational institutions as the segments of postsecondary education in this state. Existing law expresses the commitment of the Legislature to encourage and support collaboration among these segments. Existing law provides that the leaders responsible for public and independent institutions of higher education and the Superintendent of Public Instruction shall work together to promote and facilitate the development of intersegmental programs and other cooperative efforts aimed at improving the progress of students through the educational systems and at strengthening the teaching profession at all levels.This bill would make a nonsubstantive change to that latter provision.Digest Key Vote: MAJORITY Appropriation: NO Fiscal Committee: NOYES Local Program: NO Bill TextThe people of the State of California do enact as follows:SECTION 1. (a) The Legislature finds and declares all of the following:(1) In California, the cost of completing a Juris Doctor (J.D.) program averages nearly $175,000 at American Bar Association (ABA)-approved law schools and over $75,000 at California-accredited law schools.(2) About one-third of law students are first generation, and 35 percent of those first-generation students, law students expect to incur more than $120,000 in debt to obtain a law degree.(3) Regional costs affect the cost of attendance, particularly as California law schools are primarily located in the most expensive areas of the state, including the Sacramento, San Francisco Bay area, Los Angeles, and San Diego regions, which incur on average 20 to 70 percent higher living costs than other regions in the United States. Overall, the cost of living to attend law school in California is higher than the national average.(4) Law schools approved by the ABA must require that law students complete a minimum of six credit hours in experiential learning. Experiential learning includes field placements, which are often referred to as externships.(5) California-accredited law schools must also require that law students complete a minimum of six credit hours in experiential learning.(6) Nationally, the trend is to change law school policies to allow academic credit for paid externships. Schools that have changed their policies have not reported adverse effects on learning or program administration from implementation.(7) The ABA House of Delegates adopted Resolution 514 in August 2024, encouraging the compensation of law school externs.(b) It is the intent of the Legislature to allow law students to accept compensation while concurrently earning academic credit for externships.SEC. 2. Chapter 7.5 (commencing with Section 66550) is added to Part 40 of Division 5 of Title 3 of the Education Code, to read: CHAPTER 7.5. Law School Externships66550. For purposes of this chapter, the following definitions apply:(a) Compensation includes, but is not limited to, financial compensation in the form of travel costs, stipends, minimum or higher hourly wages, or additional wages and benefits set by employers.(b) Externship means the field placement work performed by a law student at a state agency, nongovernmental organization, nonprofit organization, or for-profit firm, as part of their legal education, that is completed within the law schools course guidelines for the purpose of receiving law school credit.(c) (1) Externship site or employer means the place of employment where a law student performs their externship that is approved by a law school to provide law students with practical field experience consistent with the requirements for academic course credit provided by the law school.(2) For purposes of this subdivision, an externship site may be in person, hybrid, or remote, and includes any externship site regardless of whether the externship site is located in California or out of state.(d) Externship site criteria means the factors or other requirements used by a law school to determine whether an externship site is eligible or approved for extern placement.(e) Law school means an American Bar Association-accredited or California-accredited law school at the University of California or an independent institution of higher education, as defined in subdivision (b) of Section 66010, that receives, or benefits from, state-funded student financial assistance or that enrolls students who receive state-funded student financial assistance.(f) Law student means an individual enrolled at a law school. For purposes of this subdivision law student includes individuals earning their Juris Doctor (J.D.), Master of Laws (LL.M.), or Doctor of Juridical Science (J.S.D.) degrees.66550.5. For purposes of this chapter, a requirement on a law school shall, regarding the University of California, be considered a request on the Regents of the University of California.66551. (a) Beginning on or after August 1, 2026, each law school shall allow law students to receive compensation from an externship site while concurrently earning academic course credit.(b) (1) This section shall not change the course requirements set by a law school to award academic course credit for externships beyond allowing the employer to offer compensation.(2) This section shall not require externships offered to law students through the law school to be compensated. The decision to offer compensation to a law student shall be at the externship sites discretion.(3) This section shall not change externship site criteria or the requirements set by each law school regarding new and existing externship sites to be offered to law students.(4) To be eligible to earn compensation from an externship site, a law student shall be in good academic standing according to the rules set forth by the law school.(c) Each law school shall support law students seeking externships by requiring each law student to meet with the relevant externship supervisor at the law school to discuss externship opportunities.(d) This section shall not apply to individuals enrolled in a paralegal certification program.(e) This section shall not bind employers or law students to an externship site for any future work because the law student received compensation.(f) (1) Compensation of a law student provided pursuant to this section shall not require an employer to provide workers compensation or other similar benefits.(2) A law school shall not receive restitution or compensation beyond tuition expenses from a law student for an externship opportunity.SECTION 1.Section 66010.7 of the Education Code is amended to read:66010.7.(a)The Legislature, through the enactment of this section, expresses its commitment to encourage and support collaboration and coordination among all segments of education.(b)Within the differentiation of segmental functions outlined in this article, the institutions of higher education shall undertake intersegmental collaboration and coordination particularly when it can do any of the following:(1)Enhance the achievement of the institutional missions shared by the segments.(2)Provide more effective planning of postsecondary education on a statewide basis.(3)Facilitate achievement of the goals of educational equity.(4)Enable public and independent higher education to meet more effectively the educational needs of a geographic region.(5)Facilitate student progress from one segment to another, particularly with regard to preparation of students for higher education as well as the transfer from the California Community Colleges to four-year institutions.(c)The leaders responsible for public and independent institutions of higher education and the Superintendent shall work together to promote and facilitate the development of intersegmental programs and other cooperative efforts aimed at improving the progress of students through the educational systems and at strengthening the teaching profession at all levels.(d)The California Postsecondary Education Commission shall have responsibility for reviewing and evaluating the effectiveness of intersegmental activities in accomplishing the established goals, and shall report its findings to the Governor and Legislature biennially. | |
| 2 | 2 | ||
| 3 | - | ||
| 3 | + | Amended IN Assembly March 24, 2025 CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE 20252026 REGULAR SESSION Assembly Bill No. 1155Introduced by Assembly Member FongFebruary 20, 2025An act to amend Section 66010.7 of the Education Code, relating to postsecondary education. An act to add Chapter 7.5 (commencing with Section 66550) to Part 40 of Division 5 of Title 3 of the Education Code, relating to postsecondary education.LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGESTAB 1155, as amended, Fong. Postsecondary education: intersegmental collaboration and coordination. Law schools: externships: compensation.The Donahoe Higher Education Act establishes the segments of postsecondary education in the state, including the University of California and independent institutions of higher education, and sets forth the missions and functions of those segments. Existing law states that the University of California has exclusive jurisdiction in public higher education over, among others, instruction in the profession of law, and that the independent institutions of higher education provide undergraduate and graduate instruction and research in accordance with their respective missions. Provisions of the act apply to the University of California only to the extent that the Regents of the University of California act, by appropriate resolution, to make them applicable.This bill would require, beginning on or after August 1, 2026, each law school, defined to include American Bar Association-accredited or California-accredited law schools at the University of California or an independent institution of higher education, to allow law students to receive compensation from an externship site, as defined, while concurrently earning academic course credit. The bill would also require each law school to support law students seeking externships by requiring each law student to meet with the relevant externship supervisor at the law school to discuss externship opportunities. For purposes of the bill, a requirement on a law school at the University of California would be considered a request on the regents.Existing law establishes the University of California, the California State University, the California Community Colleges, independent institutions of higher education, and private postsecondary educational institutions as the segments of postsecondary education in this state. Existing law expresses the commitment of the Legislature to encourage and support collaboration among these segments. Existing law provides that the leaders responsible for public and independent institutions of higher education and the Superintendent of Public Instruction shall work together to promote and facilitate the development of intersegmental programs and other cooperative efforts aimed at improving the progress of students through the educational systems and at strengthening the teaching profession at all levels.This bill would make a nonsubstantive change to that latter provision.Digest Key Vote: MAJORITY Appropriation: NO Fiscal Committee: NOYES Local Program: NO | |
| 4 | 4 | ||
| 5 | - | Amended IN Assembly April 23, 2025 Amended IN Assembly March 24, 2025 | |
| 6 | - | ||
| 7 | - | Amended IN Assembly April 23, 2025 | |
| 8 | 5 | Amended IN Assembly March 24, 2025 | |
| 9 | 6 | ||
| 10 | - | ||
| 7 | + | Amended IN Assembly March 24, 2025 | |
| 11 | 8 | ||
| 12 | 9 | CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE 20252026 REGULAR SESSION | |
| 13 | 10 | ||
| 14 | 11 | Assembly Bill | |
| 15 | 12 | ||
| 16 | 13 | No. 1155 | |
| 17 | 14 | ||
| 18 | 15 | Introduced by Assembly Member FongFebruary 20, 2025 | |
| 19 | 16 | ||
| 20 | 17 | Introduced by Assembly Member Fong | |
| 21 | 18 | February 20, 2025 | |
| 22 | 19 | ||
| 23 | - | ||
| 24 | - | ||
| 25 | - | An act to add Chapter 7.5 (commencing with Section 66550) to Part 40 of Division 5 of Title 3 of the Education Code, relating to postsecondary education. | |
| 20 | + | An act to amend Section 66010.7 of the Education Code, relating to postsecondary education. An act to add Chapter 7.5 (commencing with Section 66550) to Part 40 of Division 5 of Title 3 of the Education Code, relating to postsecondary education. | |
| 26 | 21 | ||
| 27 | 22 | LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST | |
| 28 | 23 | ||
| 29 | 24 | ## LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST | |
| 30 | 25 | ||
| 31 | - | AB 1155, as amended, Fong. Law schools: externships: compensation. | |
| 26 | + | AB 1155, as amended, Fong. Postsecondary education: intersegmental collaboration and coordination. Law schools: externships: compensation. | |
| 32 | 27 | ||
| 33 | - | The Donahoe Higher Education Act establishes the segments of postsecondary education in the state, including the University of California and independent institutions of higher education, and sets forth the missions and functions of those segments. Existing law states that the University of California has exclusive jurisdiction in public higher education over, among others, instruction in the profession of law, and that the independent institutions of higher education provide undergraduate and graduate instruction and research in accordance with their respective missions. Provisions of the act apply to the University of California only to the extent that the Regents of the University of California act, by appropriate resolution, to make them applicable.This bill would require, beginning on or after August 1, 2026, each law school, defined to include American Bar Association-accredited or California-accredited law schools at the University of California or an independent institution of higher education, to allow law students to receive compensation from an externship site, as defined, while concurrently earning academic course credit. The bill would also require each law school to support law students seeking externships by requiring each law student to meet with the relevant externship supervisor at the law school to discuss externship opportunities. For purposes of the bill, a requirement on a law school at the University of California would be considered a request on the regents. | |
| 28 | + | The Donahoe Higher Education Act establishes the segments of postsecondary education in the state, including the University of California and independent institutions of higher education, and sets forth the missions and functions of those segments. Existing law states that the University of California has exclusive jurisdiction in public higher education over, among others, instruction in the profession of law, and that the independent institutions of higher education provide undergraduate and graduate instruction and research in accordance with their respective missions. Provisions of the act apply to the University of California only to the extent that the Regents of the University of California act, by appropriate resolution, to make them applicable.This bill would require, beginning on or after August 1, 2026, each law school, defined to include American Bar Association-accredited or California-accredited law schools at the University of California or an independent institution of higher education, to allow law students to receive compensation from an externship site, as defined, while concurrently earning academic course credit. The bill would also require each law school to support law students seeking externships by requiring each law student to meet with the relevant externship supervisor at the law school to discuss externship opportunities. For purposes of the bill, a requirement on a law school at the University of California would be considered a request on the regents.Existing law establishes the University of California, the California State University, the California Community Colleges, independent institutions of higher education, and private postsecondary educational institutions as the segments of postsecondary education in this state. Existing law expresses the commitment of the Legislature to encourage and support collaboration among these segments. Existing law provides that the leaders responsible for public and independent institutions of higher education and the Superintendent of Public Instruction shall work together to promote and facilitate the development of intersegmental programs and other cooperative efforts aimed at improving the progress of students through the educational systems and at strengthening the teaching profession at all levels.This bill would make a nonsubstantive change to that latter provision. | |
| 34 | 29 | ||
| 35 | 30 | The Donahoe Higher Education Act establishes the segments of postsecondary education in the state, including the University of California and independent institutions of higher education, and sets forth the missions and functions of those segments. Existing law states that the University of California has exclusive jurisdiction in public higher education over, among others, instruction in the profession of law, and that the independent institutions of higher education provide undergraduate and graduate instruction and research in accordance with their respective missions. Provisions of the act apply to the University of California only to the extent that the Regents of the University of California act, by appropriate resolution, to make them applicable. | |
| 36 | 31 | ||
| 37 | 32 | This bill would require, beginning on or after August 1, 2026, each law school, defined to include American Bar Association-accredited or California-accredited law schools at the University of California or an independent institution of higher education, to allow law students to receive compensation from an externship site, as defined, while concurrently earning academic course credit. The bill would also require each law school to support law students seeking externships by requiring each law student to meet with the relevant externship supervisor at the law school to discuss externship opportunities. For purposes of the bill, a requirement on a law school at the University of California would be considered a request on the regents. | |
| 38 | 33 | ||
| 34 | + | Existing law establishes the University of California, the California State University, the California Community Colleges, independent institutions of higher education, and private postsecondary educational institutions as the segments of postsecondary education in this state. Existing law expresses the commitment of the Legislature to encourage and support collaboration among these segments. Existing law provides that the leaders responsible for public and independent institutions of higher education and the Superintendent of Public Instruction shall work together to promote and facilitate the development of intersegmental programs and other cooperative efforts aimed at improving the progress of students through the educational systems and at strengthening the teaching profession at all levels. | |
| 35 | + | ||
| 36 | + | ||
| 37 | + | ||
| 38 | + | This bill would make a nonsubstantive change to that latter provision. | |
| 39 | + | ||
| 40 | + | ||
| 41 | + | ||
| 39 | 42 | ## Digest Key | |
| 40 | 43 | ||
| 41 | 44 | ## Bill Text | |
| 42 | 45 | ||
| 43 | - | The people of the State of California do enact as follows:SECTION 1. (a) The Legislature finds and declares all of the following:(1) In California, the cost of completing a Juris Doctor (J.D.) program averages nearly $175,000 at American Bar Association (ABA)-approved law schools and over $75,000 at California-accredited law schools.(2)About one-third of law students are first generation, and 35 percent of those first-generation students, law students expect to incur more than $120,000 in debt to obtain a law degree.( | |
| 46 | + | The people of the State of California do enact as follows:SECTION 1. (a) The Legislature finds and declares all of the following:(1) In California, the cost of completing a Juris Doctor (J.D.) program averages nearly $175,000 at American Bar Association (ABA)-approved law schools and over $75,000 at California-accredited law schools.(2) About one-third of law students are first generation, and 35 percent of those first-generation students, law students expect to incur more than $120,000 in debt to obtain a law degree.(3) Regional costs affect the cost of attendance, particularly as California law schools are primarily located in the most expensive areas of the state, including the Sacramento, San Francisco Bay area, Los Angeles, and San Diego regions, which incur on average 20 to 70 percent higher living costs than other regions in the United States. Overall, the cost of living to attend law school in California is higher than the national average.(4) Law schools approved by the ABA must require that law students complete a minimum of six credit hours in experiential learning. Experiential learning includes field placements, which are often referred to as externships.(5) California-accredited law schools must also require that law students complete a minimum of six credit hours in experiential learning.(6) Nationally, the trend is to change law school policies to allow academic credit for paid externships. Schools that have changed their policies have not reported adverse effects on learning or program administration from implementation.(7) The ABA House of Delegates adopted Resolution 514 in August 2024, encouraging the compensation of law school externs.(b) It is the intent of the Legislature to allow law students to accept compensation while concurrently earning academic credit for externships.SEC. 2. Chapter 7.5 (commencing with Section 66550) is added to Part 40 of Division 5 of Title 3 of the Education Code, to read: CHAPTER 7.5. Law School Externships66550. For purposes of this chapter, the following definitions apply:(a) Compensation includes, but is not limited to, financial compensation in the form of travel costs, stipends, minimum or higher hourly wages, or additional wages and benefits set by employers.(b) Externship means the field placement work performed by a law student at a state agency, nongovernmental organization, nonprofit organization, or for-profit firm, as part of their legal education, that is completed within the law schools course guidelines for the purpose of receiving law school credit.(c) (1) Externship site or employer means the place of employment where a law student performs their externship that is approved by a law school to provide law students with practical field experience consistent with the requirements for academic course credit provided by the law school.(2) For purposes of this subdivision, an externship site may be in person, hybrid, or remote, and includes any externship site regardless of whether the externship site is located in California or out of state.(d) Externship site criteria means the factors or other requirements used by a law school to determine whether an externship site is eligible or approved for extern placement.(e) Law school means an American Bar Association-accredited or California-accredited law school at the University of California or an independent institution of higher education, as defined in subdivision (b) of Section 66010, that receives, or benefits from, state-funded student financial assistance or that enrolls students who receive state-funded student financial assistance.(f) Law student means an individual enrolled at a law school. For purposes of this subdivision law student includes individuals earning their Juris Doctor (J.D.), Master of Laws (LL.M.), or Doctor of Juridical Science (J.S.D.) degrees.66550.5. For purposes of this chapter, a requirement on a law school shall, regarding the University of California, be considered a request on the Regents of the University of California.66551. (a) Beginning on or after August 1, 2026, each law school shall allow law students to receive compensation from an externship site while concurrently earning academic course credit.(b) (1) This section shall not change the course requirements set by a law school to award academic course credit for externships beyond allowing the employer to offer compensation.(2) This section shall not require externships offered to law students through the law school to be compensated. The decision to offer compensation to a law student shall be at the externship sites discretion.(3) This section shall not change externship site criteria or the requirements set by each law school regarding new and existing externship sites to be offered to law students.(4) To be eligible to earn compensation from an externship site, a law student shall be in good academic standing according to the rules set forth by the law school.(c) Each law school shall support law students seeking externships by requiring each law student to meet with the relevant externship supervisor at the law school to discuss externship opportunities.(d) This section shall not apply to individuals enrolled in a paralegal certification program.(e) This section shall not bind employers or law students to an externship site for any future work because the law student received compensation.(f) (1) Compensation of a law student provided pursuant to this section shall not require an employer to provide workers compensation or other similar benefits.(2) A law school shall not receive restitution or compensation beyond tuition expenses from a law student for an externship opportunity.SECTION 1.Section 66010.7 of the Education Code is amended to read:66010.7.(a)The Legislature, through the enactment of this section, expresses its commitment to encourage and support collaboration and coordination among all segments of education.(b)Within the differentiation of segmental functions outlined in this article, the institutions of higher education shall undertake intersegmental collaboration and coordination particularly when it can do any of the following:(1)Enhance the achievement of the institutional missions shared by the segments.(2)Provide more effective planning of postsecondary education on a statewide basis.(3)Facilitate achievement of the goals of educational equity.(4)Enable public and independent higher education to meet more effectively the educational needs of a geographic region.(5)Facilitate student progress from one segment to another, particularly with regard to preparation of students for higher education as well as the transfer from the California Community Colleges to four-year institutions.(c)The leaders responsible for public and independent institutions of higher education and the Superintendent shall work together to promote and facilitate the development of intersegmental programs and other cooperative efforts aimed at improving the progress of students through the educational systems and at strengthening the teaching profession at all levels.(d)The California Postsecondary Education Commission shall have responsibility for reviewing and evaluating the effectiveness of intersegmental activities in accomplishing the established goals, and shall report its findings to the Governor and Legislature biennially. | |
| 44 | 47 | ||
| 45 | 48 | The people of the State of California do enact as follows: | |
| 46 | 49 | ||
| 47 | 50 | ## The people of the State of California do enact as follows: | |
| 48 | 51 | ||
| 49 | - | SECTION 1. (a) The Legislature finds and declares all of the following:(1) In California, the cost of completing a Juris Doctor (J.D.) program averages nearly $175,000 at American Bar Association (ABA)-approved law schools and over $75,000 at California-accredited law schools.(2)About one-third of law students are first generation, and 35 percent of those first-generation students, law students expect to incur more than $120,000 in debt to obtain a law degree | |
| 52 | + | SECTION 1. (a) The Legislature finds and declares all of the following:(1) In California, the cost of completing a Juris Doctor (J.D.) program averages nearly $175,000 at American Bar Association (ABA)-approved law schools and over $75,000 at California-accredited law schools.(2) About one-third of law students are first generation, and 35 percent of those first-generation students, law students expect to incur more than $120,000 in debt to obtain a law degree.(3) Regional costs affect the cost of attendance, particularly as California law schools are primarily located in the most expensive areas of the state, including the Sacramento, San Francisco Bay area, Los Angeles, and San Diego regions, which incur on average 20 to 70 percent higher living costs than other regions in the United States. Overall, the cost of living to attend law school in California is higher than the national average.(4) Law schools approved by the ABA must require that law students complete a minimum of six credit hours in experiential learning. Experiential learning includes field placements, which are often referred to as externships.(5) California-accredited law schools must also require that law students complete a minimum of six credit hours in experiential learning.(6) Nationally, the trend is to change law school policies to allow academic credit for paid externships. Schools that have changed their policies have not reported adverse effects on learning or program administration from implementation.(7) The ABA House of Delegates adopted Resolution 514 in August 2024, encouraging the compensation of law school externs.(b) It is the intent of the Legislature to allow law students to accept compensation while concurrently earning academic credit for externships. | |
| 50 | 53 | ||
| 51 | - | SECTION 1. (a) The Legislature finds and declares all of the following:(1) In California, the cost of completing a Juris Doctor (J.D.) program averages nearly $175,000 at American Bar Association (ABA)-approved law schools and over $75,000 at California-accredited law schools.(2)About one-third of law students are first generation, and 35 percent of those first-generation students, law students expect to incur more than $120,000 in debt to obtain a law degree | |
| 54 | + | SECTION 1. (a) The Legislature finds and declares all of the following:(1) In California, the cost of completing a Juris Doctor (J.D.) program averages nearly $175,000 at American Bar Association (ABA)-approved law schools and over $75,000 at California-accredited law schools.(2) About one-third of law students are first generation, and 35 percent of those first-generation students, law students expect to incur more than $120,000 in debt to obtain a law degree.(3) Regional costs affect the cost of attendance, particularly as California law schools are primarily located in the most expensive areas of the state, including the Sacramento, San Francisco Bay area, Los Angeles, and San Diego regions, which incur on average 20 to 70 percent higher living costs than other regions in the United States. Overall, the cost of living to attend law school in California is higher than the national average.(4) Law schools approved by the ABA must require that law students complete a minimum of six credit hours in experiential learning. Experiential learning includes field placements, which are often referred to as externships.(5) California-accredited law schools must also require that law students complete a minimum of six credit hours in experiential learning.(6) Nationally, the trend is to change law school policies to allow academic credit for paid externships. Schools that have changed their policies have not reported adverse effects on learning or program administration from implementation.(7) The ABA House of Delegates adopted Resolution 514 in August 2024, encouraging the compensation of law school externs.(b) It is the intent of the Legislature to allow law students to accept compensation while concurrently earning academic credit for externships. | |
| 52 | 55 | ||
| 53 | 56 | SECTION 1. (a) The Legislature finds and declares all of the following: | |
| 54 | 57 | ||
| 55 | 58 | ### SECTION 1. | |
| 56 | 59 | ||
| 57 | 60 | (1) In California, the cost of completing a Juris Doctor (J.D.) program averages nearly $175,000 at American Bar Association (ABA)-approved law schools and over $75,000 at California-accredited law schools. | |
| 58 | 61 | ||
| 59 | 62 | (2) About one-third of law students are first generation, and 35 percent of those first-generation students, law students expect to incur more than $120,000 in debt to obtain a law degree. | |
| 60 | 63 | ||
| 61 | - | (2) The majority of California law students, 78 percent, report taking out loans for their law degree. The median loan debt of California law students is $120,000. | |
| 62 | - | ||
| 63 | 64 | (3) Regional costs affect the cost of attendance, particularly as California law schools are primarily located in the most expensive areas of the state, including the Sacramento, San Francisco Bay area, Los Angeles, and San Diego regions, which incur on average 20 to 70 percent higher living costs than other regions in the United States. Overall, the cost of living to attend law school in California is higher than the national average. | |
| 64 | 65 | ||
| 65 | - | (4) Law schools approved by the ABA must require that law | |
| 66 | + | (4) Law schools approved by the ABA must require that law students complete a minimum of six credit hours in experiential learning. Experiential learning includes field placements, which are often referred to as externships. | |
| 66 | 67 | ||
| 67 | - | (5) California-accredited law schools must also require that law students | |
| 68 | + | (5) California-accredited law schools must also require that law students complete a minimum of six credit hours in experiential learning. | |
| 68 | 69 | ||
| 69 | - | (6) Nationally, the trend is to change law school policies | |
| 70 | + | (6) Nationally, the trend is to change law school policies to allow academic credit for paid externships. Schools that have changed their policies have not reported adverse effects on learning or program administration from implementation. | |
| 70 | 71 | ||
| 71 | - | (7) The ABA House of Delegates adopted Resolution 514 in August 2024, encouraging the compensation of law school externs. | |
| 72 | + | (7) The ABA House of Delegates adopted Resolution 514 in August 2024, encouraging the compensation of law school externs. | |
| 72 | 73 | ||
| 73 | 74 | (b) It is the intent of the Legislature to allow law students to accept compensation while concurrently earning academic credit for externships. | |
| 74 | 75 | ||
| 75 | - | SEC. 2. Chapter 7.5 (commencing with Section 66550) is added to Part 40 of Division 5 of Title 3 of the Education Code, to read: CHAPTER 7.5. Law School Externships66550. For purposes of this chapter, the following definitions apply:(a) Compensation includes, but is not limited to, financial compensation in the form of travel costs, stipends, minimum or higher hourly wages, or additional wages and benefits set by employers.(b) Externship means the field placement work performed by a law student at a state agency, nongovernmental organization, nonprofit organization, or for-profit firm, as part of their legal education, that is completed within the law schools course guidelines for the purpose of receiving law school credit.(c) (1) Externship site or employer means the place of employment where a law student performs their externship that is approved by a law school to provide law students with practical field experience consistent with the requirements for academic course credit provided by the law school.(2) For purposes of this subdivision, an externship site may be in person, hybrid, or remote, and includes any externship site regardless of whether the externship site is located in California or out of state.(d) Externship site criteria means the factors or other requirements used by a law school to determine whether an externship site is eligible or approved for extern placement.(e) Law school means an American Bar Association-accredited or California-accredited law school at the University of California or an independent institution of higher education, as defined in subdivision (b) of Section 66010, that receives, or benefits from, state-funded student financial assistance or that enrolls students who receive state-funded student financial assistance.(f) Law student means an individual enrolled at a law school. For purposes of this subdivision law student includes individuals earning their Juris Doctor (J.D.), Master of Laws (LL.M.), or Doctor of Juridical Science (J.S.D.) degrees.66550.5. For purposes of this chapter, a requirement on a law school shall, regarding the University of California, be considered a request on the Regents of the University of California.66551. (a) Beginning on or after August 1, 2026, each law school shall allow law students to receive compensation from an externship site while concurrently earning academic course credit.(b) (1) This section shall not change the course requirements set by a law school to award academic course credit for externships beyond allowing the employer to offer compensation.(2) This section shall not require externships offered to law students through the law school to be compensated. The decision to offer compensation to a law student shall be at the externship sites discretion.(3) This section shall not change externship site criteria or the requirements set by each law school regarding new and existing externship sites to be offered to law students.(4) To be eligible to earn compensation from an externship site, a law student shall be in good academic standing according to the rules set forth by the law school.(c)Each law school shall support law students seeking externships by requiring each law student to meet with the relevant externship supervisor at the law school to discuss externship opportunities.(d) | |
| 76 | + | SEC. 2. Chapter 7.5 (commencing with Section 66550) is added to Part 40 of Division 5 of Title 3 of the Education Code, to read: CHAPTER 7.5. Law School Externships66550. For purposes of this chapter, the following definitions apply:(a) Compensation includes, but is not limited to, financial compensation in the form of travel costs, stipends, minimum or higher hourly wages, or additional wages and benefits set by employers.(b) Externship means the field placement work performed by a law student at a state agency, nongovernmental organization, nonprofit organization, or for-profit firm, as part of their legal education, that is completed within the law schools course guidelines for the purpose of receiving law school credit.(c) (1) Externship site or employer means the place of employment where a law student performs their externship that is approved by a law school to provide law students with practical field experience consistent with the requirements for academic course credit provided by the law school.(2) For purposes of this subdivision, an externship site may be in person, hybrid, or remote, and includes any externship site regardless of whether the externship site is located in California or out of state.(d) Externship site criteria means the factors or other requirements used by a law school to determine whether an externship site is eligible or approved for extern placement.(e) Law school means an American Bar Association-accredited or California-accredited law school at the University of California or an independent institution of higher education, as defined in subdivision (b) of Section 66010, that receives, or benefits from, state-funded student financial assistance or that enrolls students who receive state-funded student financial assistance.(f) Law student means an individual enrolled at a law school. For purposes of this subdivision law student includes individuals earning their Juris Doctor (J.D.), Master of Laws (LL.M.), or Doctor of Juridical Science (J.S.D.) degrees.66550.5. For purposes of this chapter, a requirement on a law school shall, regarding the University of California, be considered a request on the Regents of the University of California.66551. (a) Beginning on or after August 1, 2026, each law school shall allow law students to receive compensation from an externship site while concurrently earning academic course credit.(b) (1) This section shall not change the course requirements set by a law school to award academic course credit for externships beyond allowing the employer to offer compensation.(2) This section shall not require externships offered to law students through the law school to be compensated. The decision to offer compensation to a law student shall be at the externship sites discretion.(3) This section shall not change externship site criteria or the requirements set by each law school regarding new and existing externship sites to be offered to law students.(4) To be eligible to earn compensation from an externship site, a law student shall be in good academic standing according to the rules set forth by the law school.(c) Each law school shall support law students seeking externships by requiring each law student to meet with the relevant externship supervisor at the law school to discuss externship opportunities.(d) This section shall not apply to individuals enrolled in a paralegal certification program.(e) This section shall not bind employers or law students to an externship site for any future work because the law student received compensation.(f) (1) Compensation of a law student provided pursuant to this section shall not require an employer to provide workers compensation or other similar benefits.(2) A law school shall not receive restitution or compensation beyond tuition expenses from a law student for an externship opportunity. | |
| 76 | 77 | ||
| 77 | 78 | SEC. 2. Chapter 7.5 (commencing with Section 66550) is added to Part 40 of Division 5 of Title 3 of the Education Code, to read: | |
| 78 | 79 | ||
| 79 | 80 | ### SEC. 2. | |
| 80 | 81 | ||
| 81 | - | CHAPTER 7.5. Law School Externships66550. For purposes of this chapter, the following definitions apply:(a) Compensation includes, but is not limited to, financial compensation in the form of travel costs, stipends, minimum or higher hourly wages, or additional wages and benefits set by employers.(b) Externship means the field placement work performed by a law student at a state agency, nongovernmental organization, nonprofit organization, or for-profit firm, as part of their legal education, that is completed within the law schools course guidelines for the purpose of receiving law school credit.(c) (1) Externship site or employer means the place of employment where a law student performs their externship that is approved by a law school to provide law students with practical field experience consistent with the requirements for academic course credit provided by the law school.(2) For purposes of this subdivision, an externship site may be in person, hybrid, or remote, and includes any externship site regardless of whether the externship site is located in California or out of state.(d) Externship site criteria means the factors or other requirements used by a law school to determine whether an externship site is eligible or approved for extern placement.(e) Law school means an American Bar Association-accredited or California-accredited law school at the University of California or an independent institution of higher education, as defined in subdivision (b) of Section 66010, that receives, or benefits from, state-funded student financial assistance or that enrolls students who receive state-funded student financial assistance.(f) Law student means an individual enrolled at a law school. For purposes of this subdivision law student includes individuals earning their Juris Doctor (J.D.), Master of Laws (LL.M.), or Doctor of Juridical Science (J.S.D.) degrees.66550.5. For purposes of this chapter, a requirement on a law school shall, regarding the University of California, be considered a request on the Regents of the University of California.66551. (a) Beginning on or after August 1, 2026, each law school shall allow law students to receive compensation from an externship site while concurrently earning academic course credit.(b) (1) This section shall not change the course requirements set by a law school to award academic course credit for externships beyond allowing the employer to offer compensation.(2) This section shall not require externships offered to law students through the law school to be compensated. The decision to offer compensation to a law student shall be at the externship sites discretion.(3) This section shall not change externship site criteria or the requirements set by each law school regarding new and existing externship sites to be offered to law students.(4) To be eligible to earn compensation from an externship site, a law student shall be in good academic standing according to the rules set forth by the law school.(c)Each law school shall support law students seeking externships by requiring each law student to meet with the relevant externship supervisor at the law school to discuss externship opportunities.(d) | |
| 82 | + | CHAPTER 7.5. Law School Externships66550. For purposes of this chapter, the following definitions apply:(a) Compensation includes, but is not limited to, financial compensation in the form of travel costs, stipends, minimum or higher hourly wages, or additional wages and benefits set by employers.(b) Externship means the field placement work performed by a law student at a state agency, nongovernmental organization, nonprofit organization, or for-profit firm, as part of their legal education, that is completed within the law schools course guidelines for the purpose of receiving law school credit.(c) (1) Externship site or employer means the place of employment where a law student performs their externship that is approved by a law school to provide law students with practical field experience consistent with the requirements for academic course credit provided by the law school.(2) For purposes of this subdivision, an externship site may be in person, hybrid, or remote, and includes any externship site regardless of whether the externship site is located in California or out of state.(d) Externship site criteria means the factors or other requirements used by a law school to determine whether an externship site is eligible or approved for extern placement.(e) Law school means an American Bar Association-accredited or California-accredited law school at the University of California or an independent institution of higher education, as defined in subdivision (b) of Section 66010, that receives, or benefits from, state-funded student financial assistance or that enrolls students who receive state-funded student financial assistance.(f) Law student means an individual enrolled at a law school. For purposes of this subdivision law student includes individuals earning their Juris Doctor (J.D.), Master of Laws (LL.M.), or Doctor of Juridical Science (J.S.D.) degrees.66550.5. For purposes of this chapter, a requirement on a law school shall, regarding the University of California, be considered a request on the Regents of the University of California.66551. (a) Beginning on or after August 1, 2026, each law school shall allow law students to receive compensation from an externship site while concurrently earning academic course credit.(b) (1) This section shall not change the course requirements set by a law school to award academic course credit for externships beyond allowing the employer to offer compensation.(2) This section shall not require externships offered to law students through the law school to be compensated. The decision to offer compensation to a law student shall be at the externship sites discretion.(3) This section shall not change externship site criteria or the requirements set by each law school regarding new and existing externship sites to be offered to law students.(4) To be eligible to earn compensation from an externship site, a law student shall be in good academic standing according to the rules set forth by the law school.(c) Each law school shall support law students seeking externships by requiring each law student to meet with the relevant externship supervisor at the law school to discuss externship opportunities.(d) This section shall not apply to individuals enrolled in a paralegal certification program.(e) This section shall not bind employers or law students to an externship site for any future work because the law student received compensation.(f) (1) Compensation of a law student provided pursuant to this section shall not require an employer to provide workers compensation or other similar benefits.(2) A law school shall not receive restitution or compensation beyond tuition expenses from a law student for an externship opportunity. | |
| 82 | 83 | ||
| 83 | - | CHAPTER 7.5. Law School Externships66550. For purposes of this chapter, the following definitions apply:(a) Compensation includes, but is not limited to, financial compensation in the form of travel costs, stipends, minimum or higher hourly wages, or additional wages and benefits set by employers.(b) Externship means the field placement work performed by a law student at a state agency, nongovernmental organization, nonprofit organization, or for-profit firm, as part of their legal education, that is completed within the law schools course guidelines for the purpose of receiving law school credit.(c) (1) Externship site or employer means the place of employment where a law student performs their externship that is approved by a law school to provide law students with practical field experience consistent with the requirements for academic course credit provided by the law school.(2) For purposes of this subdivision, an externship site may be in person, hybrid, or remote, and includes any externship site regardless of whether the externship site is located in California or out of state.(d) Externship site criteria means the factors or other requirements used by a law school to determine whether an externship site is eligible or approved for extern placement.(e) Law school means an American Bar Association-accredited or California-accredited law school at the University of California or an independent institution of higher education, as defined in subdivision (b) of Section 66010, that receives, or benefits from, state-funded student financial assistance or that enrolls students who receive state-funded student financial assistance.(f) Law student means an individual enrolled at a law school. For purposes of this subdivision law student includes individuals earning their Juris Doctor (J.D.), Master of Laws (LL.M.), or Doctor of Juridical Science (J.S.D.) degrees.66550.5. For purposes of this chapter, a requirement on a law school shall, regarding the University of California, be considered a request on the Regents of the University of California.66551. (a) Beginning on or after August 1, 2026, each law school shall allow law students to receive compensation from an externship site while concurrently earning academic course credit.(b) (1) This section shall not change the course requirements set by a law school to award academic course credit for externships beyond allowing the employer to offer compensation.(2) This section shall not require externships offered to law students through the law school to be compensated. The decision to offer compensation to a law student shall be at the externship sites discretion.(3) This section shall not change externship site criteria or the requirements set by each law school regarding new and existing externship sites to be offered to law students.(4) To be eligible to earn compensation from an externship site, a law student shall be in good academic standing according to the rules set forth by the law school.(c)Each law school shall support law students seeking externships by requiring each law student to meet with the relevant externship supervisor at the law school to discuss externship opportunities.(d) | |
| 84 | + | CHAPTER 7.5. Law School Externships66550. For purposes of this chapter, the following definitions apply:(a) Compensation includes, but is not limited to, financial compensation in the form of travel costs, stipends, minimum or higher hourly wages, or additional wages and benefits set by employers.(b) Externship means the field placement work performed by a law student at a state agency, nongovernmental organization, nonprofit organization, or for-profit firm, as part of their legal education, that is completed within the law schools course guidelines for the purpose of receiving law school credit.(c) (1) Externship site or employer means the place of employment where a law student performs their externship that is approved by a law school to provide law students with practical field experience consistent with the requirements for academic course credit provided by the law school.(2) For purposes of this subdivision, an externship site may be in person, hybrid, or remote, and includes any externship site regardless of whether the externship site is located in California or out of state.(d) Externship site criteria means the factors or other requirements used by a law school to determine whether an externship site is eligible or approved for extern placement.(e) Law school means an American Bar Association-accredited or California-accredited law school at the University of California or an independent institution of higher education, as defined in subdivision (b) of Section 66010, that receives, or benefits from, state-funded student financial assistance or that enrolls students who receive state-funded student financial assistance.(f) Law student means an individual enrolled at a law school. For purposes of this subdivision law student includes individuals earning their Juris Doctor (J.D.), Master of Laws (LL.M.), or Doctor of Juridical Science (J.S.D.) degrees.66550.5. For purposes of this chapter, a requirement on a law school shall, regarding the University of California, be considered a request on the Regents of the University of California.66551. (a) Beginning on or after August 1, 2026, each law school shall allow law students to receive compensation from an externship site while concurrently earning academic course credit.(b) (1) This section shall not change the course requirements set by a law school to award academic course credit for externships beyond allowing the employer to offer compensation.(2) This section shall not require externships offered to law students through the law school to be compensated. The decision to offer compensation to a law student shall be at the externship sites discretion.(3) This section shall not change externship site criteria or the requirements set by each law school regarding new and existing externship sites to be offered to law students.(4) To be eligible to earn compensation from an externship site, a law student shall be in good academic standing according to the rules set forth by the law school.(c) Each law school shall support law students seeking externships by requiring each law student to meet with the relevant externship supervisor at the law school to discuss externship opportunities.(d) This section shall not apply to individuals enrolled in a paralegal certification program.(e) This section shall not bind employers or law students to an externship site for any future work because the law student received compensation.(f) (1) Compensation of a law student provided pursuant to this section shall not require an employer to provide workers compensation or other similar benefits.(2) A law school shall not receive restitution or compensation beyond tuition expenses from a law student for an externship opportunity. | |
| 84 | 85 | ||
| 85 | 86 | CHAPTER 7.5. Law School Externships | |
| 86 | 87 | ||
| 87 | 88 | CHAPTER 7.5. Law School Externships | |
| 88 | 89 | ||
| 89 | - | ##### CHAPTER 7.5. Law School Externships | |
| 90 | - | ||
| 91 | 90 | 66550. For purposes of this chapter, the following definitions apply:(a) Compensation includes, but is not limited to, financial compensation in the form of travel costs, stipends, minimum or higher hourly wages, or additional wages and benefits set by employers.(b) Externship means the field placement work performed by a law student at a state agency, nongovernmental organization, nonprofit organization, or for-profit firm, as part of their legal education, that is completed within the law schools course guidelines for the purpose of receiving law school credit.(c) (1) Externship site or employer means the place of employment where a law student performs their externship that is approved by a law school to provide law students with practical field experience consistent with the requirements for academic course credit provided by the law school.(2) For purposes of this subdivision, an externship site may be in person, hybrid, or remote, and includes any externship site regardless of whether the externship site is located in California or out of state.(d) Externship site criteria means the factors or other requirements used by a law school to determine whether an externship site is eligible or approved for extern placement.(e) Law school means an American Bar Association-accredited or California-accredited law school at the University of California or an independent institution of higher education, as defined in subdivision (b) of Section 66010, that receives, or benefits from, state-funded student financial assistance or that enrolls students who receive state-funded student financial assistance.(f) Law student means an individual enrolled at a law school. For purposes of this subdivision law student includes individuals earning their Juris Doctor (J.D.), Master of Laws (LL.M.), or Doctor of Juridical Science (J.S.D.) degrees. | |
| 92 | 91 | ||
| 92 | + | ||
| 93 | + | ||
| 93 | 94 | 66550. For purposes of this chapter, the following definitions apply: | |
| 94 | - | ||
| 95 | - | ###### 66550. | |
| 96 | 95 | ||
| 97 | 96 | (a) Compensation includes, but is not limited to, financial compensation in the form of travel costs, stipends, minimum or higher hourly wages, or additional wages and benefits set by employers. | |
| 98 | 97 | ||
| 99 | 98 | (b) Externship means the field placement work performed by a law student at a state agency, nongovernmental organization, nonprofit organization, or for-profit firm, as part of their legal education, that is completed within the law schools course guidelines for the purpose of receiving law school credit. | |
| 100 | 99 | ||
| 101 | 100 | (c) (1) Externship site or employer means the place of employment where a law student performs their externship that is approved by a law school to provide law students with practical field experience consistent with the requirements for academic course credit provided by the law school. | |
| 102 | 101 | ||
| 103 | 102 | (2) For purposes of this subdivision, an externship site may be in person, hybrid, or remote, and includes any externship site regardless of whether the externship site is located in California or out of state. | |
| 104 | 103 | ||
| 105 | 104 | (d) Externship site criteria means the factors or other requirements used by a law school to determine whether an externship site is eligible or approved for extern placement. | |
| 106 | 105 | ||
| 107 | 106 | (e) Law school means an American Bar Association-accredited or California-accredited law school at the University of California or an independent institution of higher education, as defined in subdivision (b) of Section 66010, that receives, or benefits from, state-funded student financial assistance or that enrolls students who receive state-funded student financial assistance. | |
| 108 | 107 | ||
| 109 | 108 | (f) Law student means an individual enrolled at a law school. For purposes of this subdivision law student includes individuals earning their Juris Doctor (J.D.), Master of Laws (LL.M.), or Doctor of Juridical Science (J.S.D.) degrees. | |
| 110 | 109 | ||
| 111 | 110 | 66550.5. For purposes of this chapter, a requirement on a law school shall, regarding the University of California, be considered a request on the Regents of the University of California. | |
| 112 | 111 | ||
| 112 | + | ||
| 113 | + | ||
| 113 | 114 | 66550.5. For purposes of this chapter, a requirement on a law school shall, regarding the University of California, be considered a request on the Regents of the University of California. | |
| 114 | 115 | ||
| 115 | - | ||
| 116 | + | 66551. (a) Beginning on or after August 1, 2026, each law school shall allow law students to receive compensation from an externship site while concurrently earning academic course credit.(b) (1) This section shall not change the course requirements set by a law school to award academic course credit for externships beyond allowing the employer to offer compensation.(2) This section shall not require externships offered to law students through the law school to be compensated. The decision to offer compensation to a law student shall be at the externship sites discretion.(3) This section shall not change externship site criteria or the requirements set by each law school regarding new and existing externship sites to be offered to law students.(4) To be eligible to earn compensation from an externship site, a law student shall be in good academic standing according to the rules set forth by the law school.(c) Each law school shall support law students seeking externships by requiring each law student to meet with the relevant externship supervisor at the law school to discuss externship opportunities.(d) This section shall not apply to individuals enrolled in a paralegal certification program.(e) This section shall not bind employers or law students to an externship site for any future work because the law student received compensation.(f) (1) Compensation of a law student provided pursuant to this section shall not require an employer to provide workers compensation or other similar benefits.(2) A law school shall not receive restitution or compensation beyond tuition expenses from a law student for an externship opportunity. | |
| 116 | 117 | ||
| 117 | - | ||
| 118 | + | ||
| 118 | 119 | ||
| 119 | 120 | 66551. (a) Beginning on or after August 1, 2026, each law school shall allow law students to receive compensation from an externship site while concurrently earning academic course credit. | |
| 120 | - | ||
| 121 | - | ###### 66551. | |
| 122 | 121 | ||
| 123 | 122 | (b) (1) This section shall not change the course requirements set by a law school to award academic course credit for externships beyond allowing the employer to offer compensation. | |
| 124 | 123 | ||
| 125 | 124 | (2) This section shall not require externships offered to law students through the law school to be compensated. The decision to offer compensation to a law student shall be at the externship sites discretion. | |
| 126 | 125 | ||
| 127 | 126 | (3) This section shall not change externship site criteria or the requirements set by each law school regarding new and existing externship sites to be offered to law students. | |
| 128 | 127 | ||
| 129 | 128 | (4) To be eligible to earn compensation from an externship site, a law student shall be in good academic standing according to the rules set forth by the law school. | |
| 130 | 129 | ||
| 131 | 130 | (c) Each law school shall support law students seeking externships by requiring each law student to meet with the relevant externship supervisor at the law school to discuss externship opportunities. | |
| 132 | 131 | ||
| 133 | - | (d) | |
| 132 | + | (d) This section shall not apply to individuals enrolled in a paralegal certification program. | |
| 134 | 133 | ||
| 135 | - | ( | |
| 134 | + | (e) This section shall not bind employers or law students to an externship site for any future work because the law student received compensation. | |
| 136 | 135 | ||
| 137 | - | (e) | |
| 138 | - | ||
| 139 | - | (d) This section shall not bind employers or law students to an externship site for any future work because the law student received compensation. work. | |
| 140 | - | ||
| 141 | - | (f) | |
| 142 | - | ||
| 143 | - | (e) (1) Compensation of a law student provided pursuant to this section shall not require an employer to provide workers compensation or other similar benefits. | |
| 136 | + | (f) (1) Compensation of a law student provided pursuant to this section shall not require an employer to provide workers compensation or other similar benefits. | |
| 144 | 137 | ||
| 145 | 138 | (2) A law school shall not receive restitution or compensation beyond tuition expenses from a law student for an externship opportunity. | |
| 139 | + | ||
| 140 | + | ||
| 141 | + | ||
| 142 | + | ||
| 143 | + | ||
| 144 | + | (a)The Legislature, through the enactment of this section, expresses its commitment to encourage and support collaboration and coordination among all segments of education. | |
| 145 | + | ||
| 146 | + | ||
| 147 | + | ||
| 148 | + | (b)Within the differentiation of segmental functions outlined in this article, the institutions of higher education shall undertake intersegmental collaboration and coordination particularly when it can do any of the following: | |
| 149 | + | ||
| 150 | + | ||
| 151 | + | ||
| 152 | + | (1)Enhance the achievement of the institutional missions shared by the segments. | |
| 153 | + | ||
| 154 | + | ||
| 155 | + | ||
| 156 | + | (2)Provide more effective planning of postsecondary education on a statewide basis. | |
| 157 | + | ||
| 158 | + | ||
| 159 | + | ||
| 160 | + | (3)Facilitate achievement of the goals of educational equity. | |
| 161 | + | ||
| 162 | + | ||
| 163 | + | ||
| 164 | + | (4)Enable public and independent higher education to meet more effectively the educational needs of a geographic region. | |
| 165 | + | ||
| 166 | + | ||
| 167 | + | ||
| 168 | + | (5)Facilitate student progress from one segment to another, particularly with regard to preparation of students for higher education as well as the transfer from the California Community Colleges to four-year institutions. | |
| 169 | + | ||
| 170 | + | ||
| 171 | + | ||
| 172 | + | (c)The leaders responsible for public and independent institutions of higher education and the Superintendent shall work together to promote and facilitate the development of intersegmental programs and other cooperative efforts aimed at improving the progress of students through the educational systems and at strengthening the teaching profession at all levels. | |
| 173 | + | ||
| 174 | + | ||
| 175 | + | ||
| 176 | + | (d)The California Postsecondary Education Commission shall have responsibility for reviewing and evaluating the effectiveness of intersegmental activities in accomplishing the established goals, and shall report its findings to the Governor and Legislature biennially. |