California lawmakers push bills to let community colleges grant more bachelor's degrees

California legislators delivered two companion bills to Governor Gavin Newsom that aim to expand the ability of community colleges to award bachelor's degrees. The legislation would lift the existing prohibition on community colleges offering the same bachelor's programs taught at CSU or UC campuses, substituting a framework that responds to regional job market gaps and institutional performance metrics. Each bill becomes operative only if its counterpart passes, with a prospective start date of Jan. 1, 2028.

The California State University system, which historically opposed such moves, now supports the bills, citing student-centered benefits, while the University of California has formally dropped its objection to one of them. Sponsors contend the reforms will help adult learners, caregivers, and first-generation students access four-year credentials without relocating, while still maintaining traditional transfer routes to CSU and UC institutions.