State Lawmakers Pushing Bill To Offer More Bachelors Degrees At Community Colleges

Lawmakers in California are pushing for a bill to allow more community colleges to offer bachelor’s degrees, despite previous vetoes by Gov. Gavin Newsom. Assembly Bill 664 recently passed the Assembly, aiming to let colleges create programs in applied fields like teaching English and web design. Newsom supports more degrees but opposes bypassing a 2021 law limiting community college bachelor’s programs to avoid duplicating university offerings. Community colleges, such as Shasta College, argue they can meet local workforce needs more affordably. Critics worry about costs and duplication. The University of California and California State University both oppose the bill. Its outcome remains uncertain as lawmakers have until August 31 to send it to the governor.