The Rural County Representatives of California (RCRC) is sponsoring Assembly Bill 240, authored by Assembly Member Juan Alanis (R-Merced). This measure would require the Little Hoover Commission to conduct a study evaluating the educational needs and opportunities that exist for the five rural counties that are not included in a California Community College (CCC) district. In 2024, an earlier version of this legislation, Senate Bill 1222, passed out of the Senate Education Committee but was held in Appropriations. This legislation originally referred to the Legislative Analyst’s Office conducting the research and compiling the report but has been updated to reflect a change to the Little Hoover Commission.
At present, the RCRC member counties of Amador, Alpine, Mariposa, Modoc, and Sierra are wholly or partially outside an existing CCC district, leaving those residents without access to the affordable postsecondary educational opportunities necessary to meet the unique challenges of workforce development, vocational training, and higher education. AB 240 would require the Little Hoover Commission to gather and analyze data and make policy recommendations in a report to the Legislature by December 31, 2026. The report, developed in consultation with a working group comprised of representatives from the public higher education system and the affected counties, will present suggested pathways that will ensure all Californians have an equitable opportunity to higher education.
For questions or additional information, contact RCRC Senior Policy Advocate, Tracy Rhine, or Policy Advocate, Eric Will.