Public postsecondary education: community colleges: baccalaureate degree program: Allan Hancock College.

Assembly Member Hart proposes modifying California's community college baccalaureate degree approval process specifically for Allan Hancock College, allowing the Board of Governors to authorize new four-year programs without requiring written agreements with objecting university segments. The change maintains existing requirements that programs must address unmet workforce needs, avoid duplicating California State University or University of California offerings, and demonstrate institutional capacity to deliver quality instruction.

The bill preserves the standard approval framework for other community colleges, which requires written agreements between the Chancellor and any university segment that identifies program duplication. Under current law, when the California State University or University of California raises duplication concerns, both parties must establish a formal agreement before program approval. The proposed exemption for Allan Hancock College would permit the Board of Governors to proceed with approval upon determining the program meets core eligibility criteria, even without university consensus.

The Legislature's findings cite limited access to four-year universities in Allan Hancock College's service area as justification for this targeted policy adjustment. The bill retains existing provisions governing program funding, student fees, enrollment reporting, and the requirement that districts maintain related associate degree pathways unless separately authorized for elimination by the Chancellor.