Community colleges: Baccalaureate Degree in Nursing Pilot Program.

Assembly Member Soria's proposal to establish a Bachelor of Science in Nursing pilot program at California community colleges would authorize 15 districts statewide to offer four-year nursing degrees through January 2035. The Chancellor's office would select participating districts based on geographic distribution and local needs, with priority given to areas facing nursing shortages and serving communities with persistent poverty.

The pilot program requires participating districts to maintain their existing associate degree nursing programs while limiting total BSN enrollment to either 25% of their current nursing class size or 35 students, whichever is greater. Districts must hold national nursing program accreditation to participate, though those with pending accreditation may receive provisional approval. The Chancellor's office would provide assistance to districts seeking accreditation.

The Legislative Analyst's Office would evaluate the program's effectiveness through July 2033, examining factors including enrollment numbers, completion rates, program costs, and student fees across participating districts. This assessment would inform recommendations about potentially continuing or expanding BSN offerings at community colleges beyond the pilot period. Districts must prioritize program enrollment for their associate degree nursing graduates and submit data to support the legislative evaluation.