Newsom signs laws capping community college bachelor's degrees at 12 per district
Gov. Gavin Newsom signed two bills establishing a new framework for community colleges to offer bachelor's degrees. The laws allow districts to add 2 to 12 new programs annually starting in 2028, based on student success metrics and regional workforce needs. While the legislation resolves long-standing disputes with the California State University, it has drawn criticism from community college leaders who argue the new caps and tiered system create unnecessary barriers for low-income students and rural districts.