A bill was introduced this week aimed at creating priority registration for first responders at California public colleges and universities.
The bill, AB 255, was introduced by Assemblyman Juan Alanis (R-Modesto) which would require the California State University and each community college district, and would request the University of California, with respect to each campus in their respective jurisdictions that administers a priority enrollment system, to grant priority for registration for enrollment to first responders, as defined. By requiring additional students to receive priority registration at community college districts, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program.
According to Alanis, the bill is important because of a recent change in CA law which expanded the minimum requirements for peace officers to include a bachelors degree in order to become a sworn peace officer. It’s important we keep well trained & capable public safety professionals in CA.
Last year, Governor Gavin Newsom signed AB 89 which This bill would increase the minimum qualifying age from 18 to 21 years of age for specified peace officers.
When AB 89 was originally introduced, however, before being amended, this bill aimed to increase the minimum qualifying age from 18 to 25 years of age. The bill would permit an individual under 25 years of age to qualify for employment as a peace officer if the individual has a bachelor’s or advanced degree from an accredited college or university. The bill would provide legislative findings in support of the measure.
According Assembly Bill 255:
AB 255, as introduced, Alanis. Public postsecondary education: priority registration for first responders.
Existing law establishes the California Community Colleges, the California State University, and the University of California as the 3 segments of public postsecondary education in the state. Existing law requires the California State University and each community college district, and requests the University of California, with respect to each campus in their respective jurisdictions that administers a priority enrollment system, to grant priority registration for enrollment to specified individuals, including, among others, a member or former member of the Armed Forces of the United States, as specified.
This bill would require the California State University and each community college district, and would request the University of California, with respect to each campus in their respective jurisdictions that administers a priority enrollment system, to grant priority for registration for enrollment to first responders, as defined. By requiring additional students to receive priority registration at community college districts, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program.
The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.
This bill would provide that, if the Commission on State Mandates determines that the bill contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement for those costs shall be made pursuant to the statutory provisions noted above.
