Existing law establishes the University of California, under the administration of the Regents of the University of California, the California State University, under the administration of the Trustees of the California State University, and the California Community Colleges, under the administration of the Board of Governors of the California Community Colleges, as the 3 segments of public postsecondary education in the state.

This bill, commencing no later than the 202526 academic year, would require each campus of the California State University and the California Community Colleges, and would request each campus of the University of California, to include within first-year student and transfer student orientations the location and contact information of the campus point of contact for students who are veterans of the Armed Forces of the United States and members of the California State Guard and the California National Guard, and their dependents, make available in hard copy form at the location of the campus point of contact a document that includes information on polices, resources, and services for these students and their dependents, as specified, and post the document, along with other information available to these students and their dependents, on the campuss internet website.

By imposing new duties on community college districts, this bill would impose a state-mandated local program.

The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.

This bill would provide that, if the Commission on State Mandates determines that the bill contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement for those costs shall be made pursuant to the statutory provisions noted above.

Existing law establishes the University of California, under the administration of the Regents of the University of California, the California State University, under the administration of the Trustees of the California State University, and the California Community Colleges, under the administration of the Board of Governors of the California Community Colleges, as the 3 segments of public postsecondary education in the state.

This bill, commencing no later than the 202526 academic year, would require each campus of the California State University and the California Community Colleges, and would request each campus of the University of California, to include within first-year student and transfer student orientations the location and contact information of the campus point of contact for students who are veterans of the Armed Forces of the United States and members of the California State Guard and the California National Guard, and their dependents, make available in hard copy form at the location of the campus point of contact a document that includes information on polices, resources, and services for these students and their dependents, as specified, and post the document, along with other information available to these students and their dependents, on the campuss internet website.

By imposing new duties on community college districts, this bill would impose a state-mandated local program.

The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.

This bill would provide that, if the Commission on State Mandates determines that the bill contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement for those costs shall be made pursuant to the statutory provisions noted above.

Existing law establishes the University of California, under the administration of the Regents of the University of California, the California State University, under the administration of the Trustees of the California State University, and the California Community Colleges, under the administration of the Board of Governors of the California Community Colleges, as the 3 segments of public postsecondary education in the state.

This bill, commencing no later than the 202526 academic year, would require each campus of the California State University and the California Community Colleges, and if the Regents of the University of California adopt a resolution to make it applicable, the University of California to develop and would request each campus of the University of California, to include within first-year student orientation a supplemental module of services and resources available and transfer student orientations the location and contact information of the campus point of contact for students who are veterans of the Armed Forces of the United States and members of the California State Guard and the California National Guard, as provided. Guard, and their dependents, make available in hard copy form at the location of the campus point of contact a document that includes information on polices, resources, and services for these students and their dependents, as specified, and post the document, along with other information available to these students and their dependents, on the campuss internet website.

By imposing new duties on community college districts, this bill would impose a state-mandated local program.

The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.

This bill would provide that, if the Commission on State Mandates determines that the bill contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement for those costs shall be made pursuant to the statutory provisions noted above.

Existing law establishes the University of California, under the administration of the Regents of the University of California, the California State University, under the administration of the Trustees of the California State University, and the California Community Colleges, under the administration of the Board of Governors of the California Community Colleges, as the 3 segments of public postsecondary education in the state.

This bill, commencing no later than the 202526 academic year, would require the California State University and the California Community Colleges, and if the Regents of the University of California adopt a resolution to make it applicable, the University of California to develop and include within first-year student orientation a supplemental module of services and resources available for students who are veterans of the Armed Forces of the United States and members of the California National Guard, as provided.

By imposing new duties on community college districts, this bill would impose a state-mandated local program.

The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.

This bill would provide that, if the Commission on State Mandates determines that the bill contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement for those costs shall be made pursuant to the statutory provisions noted above.

 THIRD READING  

Bill No: AB 322

Author: Mathis (R) and Garcia (D), et al.

Amended: 3/23/23 in Assembly

Vote: 21

SENATE EDUCATION COMMITTEE: 7-0, 6/28/23

AYES: Newman, Ochoa Bogh, Cortese, Glazer, McGuire, Smallwood-Cuevas, Wilk

SENATE MILITARY & VETERANS COMMITTEE: 5-0, 7/10/23

AYES: Archuleta, Grove, Alvarado-Gil, Menjivar, Umberg

SENATE APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE: 7-0, 9/1/23

AYES: Portantino, Jones, Ashby, Bradford, Seyarto, Wahab, Wiener

ASSEMBLY FLOOR: 80-0, 5/31/23 - See last page for vote

SUBJECT: Veteran and California National Guard Supplemental Orientation Act of 2023

SOURCE: Author

DIGEST:

This bill requires that each California State University (CSU) and California Community College (CCC) campus and requests that each University of California (UC) include in transfer and first-year student orientation specified information for students who are veterans and their dependents.

ANALYSIS:

Existing law:

1. Authorizes the CSU and the CCC, and encourages the UC to coordinate services for qualified students who are veterans or members of the military by clearly designating Military and Veterans Offices and individuals to provide specified services to qualified students. Current law defines "qualified student" as a student who is any of the following: an active-duty member of the Armed Forces of the United States, the California National Guard, a reserve component of the Armed Forces of the Unites States, a veteran of the Armed Forces of the United States, and/or a family member of a person (as described above) who is a legal dependent under 28 years of age or living in the household of that person and eligible to be claimed as a dependent on federal or state tax returns. (Education Code (EC) § 69785)
2. Requires CSU, and requests UC, to provide educational and preventive information about cyberbullying to students at all campuses of their respective segments as a part of established campus orientations. (EC § 66302.5)
3. Requires the governing board of each CCC district and the CSU, and requests UC, to provide, as part of established campus orientations, educational and preventive information about sexual violence to students at all campuses of their respective segments. It additionally requires that this information and the specified sexual harassment information be provided during the regular orientation for incoming students. (EC § 67385.7)
4. Declares that:
   1. Comprehensive information about acquaintance rape and other kinds of sexual assaults should be provided at all new student orientation programs and at any campus program that students are required to attend.
   2. Colleges should provide special sexual assault seminars for all athletic coaches and administrators and members of athletic teams. These seminars should take place during a student athlete orientation program or prior to the first team meeting. Seminars should use the campus media, newspapers, radio, and television to heighten awareness of campus violence and its prevention. (EC § 67390)
5. Establishes that it is the intent of the Legislature that credit card and debt education and counseling sessions become a regular part of campus orientation of new students. (EC § 99030)

This bill:

1. Establishes the Veteran and California National Guard Supplemental Orientation Act 2023 and requires, by the 2025-26 academic year, each campus of the CSU and the CCC and requests each UC campus to include within first-year student and transfer student orientations the location and contact information of the campus point of contact for students who are veterans of the Armed Forces of the United States and members of the California State Guard and the California National Guard, and their dependents.
2. Requires, by the 2025-26 academic year, each CSU and CCC campus and requests each UC campus point of contact develop a document that includes, at a minimum, information on policies, resources, and services, including but not limited to counseling, for students who are military veterans and their dependents.
3. Requires, by the 2025-26 academic year, that each CSU and CCC campus and request that each UC campus point of contact make the specified document available in hard copy form at the location of the campus point of contact and post the document, along with other information available to students and their dependents, on the campus’s internet website.

Comments

1. Need for the bill. According to the author, “There is currently no obligation for universities or colleges to include any information for incoming students regarding veteran’s benefits or campus veteran-specific activities.

“Over the past decade, the State Legislature has required that universities and colleges within California include certain information during student orientation to ensure the safety, health, wellbeing and academic success of the incoming students, including information on sexual violence, cyberbullying, and CalFresh – amongst others. Similarly, the Student Equity and Achievement Program established the statewide goal to boost achievement for all students and ensure equal educational opportunities and to promote student success for all students, regardless of race, gender, age, disability, or economic circumstances.

“However, although many universities and colleges currently offer useful and potentially lifesaving veteran services, including staff, facilities and materials that assist with housing resources, disability accommodation, financial aid, peer mentoring, access to counselors and tutoring; many veterans and National Guard members are either unaware of these facilities, are not provided with practical information on how to access the available resources, or are not encouraged to use the services within student orientation. This critical oversight means that veterans and National Guard members are often required to seek out the services or ask for help themselves, which unfortunately commonly results in many veterans and National Guard members not receiving the assistance or resources available to them and struggling unnecessarily.”

The author further asserts, “AB 322 will ensure that each veteran and member of the National Guard is provided with information on the available resources and services, such as counselling, that the educational institution has to offer and receive the support, information and tools necessary to succeed.”

1. Existing efforts to support student veterans. There is acknowledgement among colleges of the re-entry challenges many student veterans face and the need to expand support services to help veterans successfully integrate into college life. Every CSU campus has a center focused on meeting the needs of students who have served or are serving in the military and their families through Veterans Resource Centers. Currently, mandatory fee waivers are available to dependents or survivors of disabled or deceased California veterans. At the CCCs, 114 of California’s 116 community colleges have a veteran’s resource center. These centers not only provide academic programs and career training for returning veterans but also provide assistance with transitioning to life after military service. Many centers have counselors versed in GI Bill requirements and track how veterans are progressing toward reaching benchmarks in their educational plans. This bill seeks to ensure that veterans and their dependents are aware of programming and services to meet the specific needs of this emerging student population.
2. Orientation. This bill expands the number of state-mandated disclosures that universities must provide to incoming students as part of their orientation process (outlined in the background of this analysis). The Legislature wish to consider at what point information becomes overprescribed.

FISCAL EFFECT: Appropriation: No Fiscal Com.: Yes Local: Yes

According to the Senate Appropriations Committee:

• This bill expands the number of required disclosures that community college campuses must provide to incoming students as part of their orientation process. The Chancellor’s Office estimates Proposition 98 General Fund costs of about $135,000 for the state’s 115 community college campuses to update policies and procedures, add information to general orientation, and develop and disseminate a document. This estimate assumes costs of about $1,500 for each campus. These activities may deemed to be reimbursable by the Commission on State Mandates could create pressure for the state to increase the K-12 Mandate Block Grant.
• This bill could also result in additional General Fund costs to UC and CSU campuses, potentially in the tens of thousands of dollars statewide, to update policies and procedures, add information to general orientation, and develop and disseminate a document. This assumes a cost of about $1,500 for each UC and CSU campus.

SUPPORT: (Verified 9/1/23)

American Legion, Department of California

AMVETs, Department of California

California State Commanders Veterans Council

California Teachers Association

Military Officers Association of America, California Council of Chapters

Vietnam Veterans of America, California State Council

OPPOSITION: (Verified 9/1/23)

None received

ASSEMBLY FLOOR: 80-0, 5/31/23

AYES: Addis, Aguiar-Curry, Alanis, Alvarez, Arambula, Bains, Bauer-Kahan, Bennett, Berman, Boerner, Bonta, Bryan, Calderon, Juan Carrillo, Wendy Carrillo, Cervantes, Chen, Connolly, Megan Dahle, Davies, Dixon, Essayli, Flora, Mike Fong, Vince Fong, Friedman, Gabriel, Gallagher, Garcia, Gipson, Grayson, Haney, Hart, Holden, Hoover, Irwin, Jackson, Jones-Sawyer, Kalra, Lackey, Lee, Low, Lowenthal, Maienschein, Mathis, McCarty, McKinnor, Muratsuchi, Stephanie Nguyen, Ortega, Pacheco, Papan, Jim Patterson, Joe Patterson, Pellerin, Petrie-Norris, Quirk-Silva, Ramos, Reyes, Luz Rivas, Robert Rivas, Rodriguez, Blanca Rubio, Sanchez, Santiago, Schiavo, Soria, Ta, Ting, Valencia, Villapudua, Waldron, Wallis, Ward, Weber, Wicks, Wilson, Wood, Zbur, Rendon

Prepared by: Olgalilia Ramirez / ED. / (916) 651-4105

9/4/23 8:55:07

**** END ****

SENATE COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS

Senator Anthony Portantino, Chair

2023 - 2024 Regular Session

AB 322 (Mathis) - Veteran and California National Guard Supplemental Orientation Act of 2023

Bill Summary:

This bill requires that each California State University (CSU) and California Community College (CCC) campus, and requests each University of California (UC) campus, to include specified information for students who are veterans and their dependents in transfer and first-year student orientation.

Fiscal Impact:

• This bill expands the number of required disclosures that community college campuses must provide to incoming students as part of their orientation process. The Chancellor’s Office estimates Proposition 98 General Fund costs of about $135,000 for the state’s 115 community college campuses to update policies and procedures, add information to general orientation, and develop and disseminate a document. This estimate assumes costs of about $1,500 for each campus. These activities may deemed to be reimbursable by the Commission on State Mandates could create pressure for the state to increase the K-12 Mandate Block Grant.
• This bill could also result in additional General Fund costs to UC and CSU campuses, potentially in the tens of thousands of dollars statewide, to update policies and procedures, add information to general orientation, and develop and disseminate a document. This assumes a cost of about $1,500 for each UC and CSU campus.

Background:

Existing law requires CSU, and requests UC, to provide educational and preventive information about cyberbullying to students at all campuses of their respective segments as a part of established campus orientations.

Existing law requires the governing board of each CCC district and the CSU, and requests UC, to provide, as part of established campus orientations, educational and preventive information about sexual violence to students at all campuses of their respective segments. It additionally requires that this information and the specified sexual harassment information be provided during the regular orientation for incoming students.

Proposed Law:

This bill establishes the Veteran and California National Guard Supplemental Orientation Act 2023 and requires, by the 2025-26 academic year, each campus of the CSU and the CCCs, and requests each UC campus, to include within first-year student and transfer student orientations the location and contact information of the campus point of contact for students who are veterans of the Armed Forces of the United States and members of the California State Guard and the California National Guard, and their dependents.

This bill requires, by the 2025-26 academic year, each CSU and CCC campus, and requests UC, campus point of contacts to develop a document that includes, at a minimum, information on policies, resources, and services, including but not limited to counseling, for students who are military veterans and their dependents. The bill also requires, by the 2025-26 academic year, the point of contact for each campus to make the specified document available in hard copy form at the location of the campus point of contact and post the document, along with other information available to students and their dependents, on the campus’s internet website.

-- END --

SENATE COMMITTEE ON MILITARY AND VETERANS AFFAIRS

Senator Bob Archuleta, Chair

2023 - 2024 Regular

Bill No: AB 322 Hearing Date: 7/10/23

Subject: Veteran and California National Guard Supplemental Orientation Act of 2023

DESCRIPTION

Summary:

Requires that each campus of the California State University (CSU) and the California Community Colleges (CCC) include in transfer and first-year student orientation specified information to benefit veteran students and their dependents, to develop and make available informational materials for those students, and requests the same of each campus of the University of California (UC).

Existing law:

1. Requires the Trustees of the CSU, and requests the Regents of the UC, to provide educational and preventive information about cyberbullying to students at all campuses of their respective segments as a part of established campus orientations.
2. Requires the governing board of each CCC district and the Trustees of the CSU, and requests the Regents of the UC, to provide, as part of established campus orientations, educational and preventive information about sexual violence to students at all campuses of their respective segments. For a campus with an existing on-campus orientation program, this information shall be provided, in addition to the sexual harassment information required to be provided pursuant to subdivision (e) of Section 66281.5, during the regular orientation for incoming students.
3. Declares that:
   1. Comprehensive information about acquaintance rape and other kinds of sexual assaults should be provided at all new student orientation programs and at any campus program that students are required to attend; and,
   2. Colleges should provide special sexual assault seminars for all athletic coaches and administrators and members of athletic teams. These seminars should take place during a student athlete orientation program or prior to the first team meeting. Seminars should use the campus media, newspapers, radio, and television to heighten awareness of campus violence and its prevention.
4. Establishes that it is the intent of the Legislature that credit card and debt education and counseling sessions become a regular part of campus orientation of new students.

This bill:

1. Requires that no later than the 2025–26 academic year each campus of the California State University, and the California Community Colleges include within first-year and transfer student orientations the location and contact information of the campus point of contact for students who are veterans of the Armed Forces of the United States, members of the California State Guard or the California National Guard, and their dependents.
2. Requests that each campus of the University of California include within first-year and transfer student orientations the location and contact information of the campus point of contact for students who are veterans of the Armed Forces of the United States, members of the California State Guard or the California National Guard, and their dependents.
3. Requires that no later than the 2025–26 academic year, each campus point of contact included in orientations at the California State University and the California Community Colleges shall, develop a document that includes, at a minimum, information on polices, resources, and services, including, but not limited to, counseling, for students who are veterans of the Armed Forces of the United States, members of the California State Guard or the California National Guard, and their dependents.
4. Requests each campus point of contact included in orientations at the University of California, as requested, develop a document that includes, at a minimum, information on polices, resources, and services, including, but not limited to, counseling, for students who are veterans of the Armed Forces of the United States, members of the California State Guard or the California National Guard, and their dependents.
5. Establishes that no later than the 2025–26 academic year, each campus of the California State University and the California Community Colleges shall make that document available in hard copy form at the location of the campus point of contact, and post the document on the campus’s internet website along with other information available to students who are veterans of the Armed Forces of the United States, members of the California State Guard or the California National Guard, and their dependents.
6. Request that each campus of the University of California make the document above available in hard copy form at the location of the campus point of contact described in subdivision (a), and post the document on the campus’s internet website, along with other information available to students who are veterans of the Armed Forces of the United States, members of the California State Guard or the California National Guard, and their dependents.

BACKGROUND

Over the past decade, the State Legislature required that universities and colleges within California include certain information during student orientation to ensure the safety, health, well-being, and academic success of the incoming students. This includes information on sexual violence, cyberbullying, and CalFresh – amongst others. Similarly, the Student Equity and Achievement Program established the statewide goal to boost achievement for all students and ensure equal educational opportunities and to promote student success for all students, regardless of race, gender, age, disability, or economic circumstances.

COMMENT

Servicemembers, veterans, and their dependents often qualify for numerous federal and state educational benefits. However, the benefits the individual qualifies for will vary based on when and in what capacity the person served. For example, an individual who served on active duty in the late 2010s is eligible for different benefits than someone who served as a reservist in the 1990s.

The author notes that, although many universities and colleges currently offer useful and potentially lifesaving services to veterans, including; staff, facilities, and materials that assist with housing resources, disability accommodation, financial aid, peer mentoring, access to counselors and tutoring. The author asserts that many veterans and servicemembers are either unaware of these facilities, are not provided with practical information on how to access the available resources, or are not encouraged to use the services within the student orientation.

Prior legislation

AB 543 (Davies, Chapter 561, Statutes of 2021) required campuses of the CCC and the CSU Board of Trustees, and requested the UC Board of Regents to provide all incoming students with educational information regarding the CalFresh program, including the eligibility requirements, during campus orientation.

SB 366 (Chang, Chapter 146, Statutes of 2019) required the CSU and requested the UC to provide educational and preventive information about cyberbullying to students as part of established campus orientations, at all campuses of their respective segments.

According to the author:

“AB 322 will ensure that each veteran and member of the National Guard is provided with information on the available resources and services, such as counseling, that the educational institution has to offer and receive the support, information, and tools necessary to succeed.”

“Although many universities and colleges currently offer useful and potentially lifesaving veteran services, including staff, facilities and materials that assist with housing resources, disability accommodation, financial aid, peer mentoring, access to counselors and tutoring; many veterans and National Guard members are either unaware of these facilities, are not provided with practical information on how to access the available resources, or are not encouraged to use the services within student orientation. This critical oversight means that veterans and National Guard members are often required to seek out the services or ask for help themselves, which unfortunately commonly results in many veterans and National Guard members not receiving the assistance or resources available to them and struggling unnecessarily.”

POSITIONS

Sponsor: Author.

Support:

American Legion, Department of California
AMVETs, Department of California
California State Commanders Veterans Council
California Teachers Association
Military Officers Association of America, California Council of Chapters
Vietnam Veterans of America, California State Council

Oppose: None on File.

-- END --

SENATE COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION

Senator Josh Newman, Chair

2023 - 2024 Regular

Bill No: Hearing Date: June 28, 2023

Subject: .

NOTE: This bill has been referred to the Committees on Education and Military and Veterans Affairs. A "do pass" motion should include referral to the Committee on Military and Veterans Affairs.

SUMMARY

This bill requires that each California State University (CSU) and California Community College (CCC) campus and requests that each University of California (UC) include in transfer and first-year student orientation specified information for students who are veterans and their dependents.

BACKGROUND

Existing law:

1) Authorizes the CSU and the CCC, and encourages the UC to coordinate services for qualified students who are veterans or members of the military by clearly designating Military and Veterans Offices and individuals to provide specified services to qualified students. Current law defines "qualified student" as a student who is any of the following: an active-duty member of the Armed Forces of the United States, the California National Guard, a reserve component of the Armed Forces of the Unites States, a veteran of the Armed Forces of the United States, and/or a family member of a person (as described above) who is a legal dependent under 28 years of age or living in the household of that person and eligible to be claimed as a dependent on federal or state tax returns. (Education Code (EC) § 69785)

2) Requires CSU, and requests UC, to provide educational and preventive information about cyberbullying to students at all campuses of their respective segments as a part of established campus orientations. (EC § 66302.5)

3) Requires the governing board of each CCC district and the CSU, and requests UC, to provide, as part of established campus orientations, educational and preventive information about sexual violence to students at all campuses of their respective segments. It additionally requires that this information and the specified sexual harassment information be provided during the regular orientation for incoming students. (EC § 67385.7)

4) Declares that:

a) Comprehensive information about acquaintance rape and other kinds of sexual assaults should be provided at all new student orientation programs and at any campus program that students are required to attend.

b) Colleges should provide special sexual assault seminars for all athletic coaches and administrators and members of athletic teams. These seminars should take place during a student athlete orientation program or prior to the first team meeting. Seminars should use the campus media, newspapers, radio, and television to heighten awareness of campus violence and its prevention. (EC § 67390)

5) Establishes that it is the intent of the Legislature that credit card and debt education and counseling sessions become a regular part of campus orientation of new students. (EC § 99030)

ANALYSIS

This bill:

1. Establishes the Veteran and California National Guard Supplemental Orientation Act 2023 and requires, by the 2025-26 academic year, each campus of the CSU and the CCC and requests each UC campus to include within first-year student and transfer student orientations the location and contact information of the campus point of contact for students who are veterans of the Armed Forces of the United States and members of the California State Guard and the California National Guard, and their dependents.
2. By the 2025-26 academic year, requires each CSU and CCC campus and requests each UC campus point of contact develop a document that includes, at a minimum, information on policies, resources, and services, including but not limited to counseling, for students who are military veterans and their dependents.
3. By the 2025-26 academic year, requires that each CSU and CCC campus and request that each UC campus point of contact make the specified document available in hard copy form at the location of the campus point of contact and post the document, along with other information available to students and their dependents, on the campus’s internet website.

STAFF COMMENTS

1. Need for the bill: According to the author, “There is currently no obligation for universities or colleges to include any information for incoming students regarding veteran’s benefits or campus veteran-specific activities.

Over the past decade, the State Legislature has required that universities and colleges within California include certain information during student orientation to ensure the safety, health, wellbeing and academic success of the incoming students, including information on sexual violence, cyberbullying, and CalFresh – amongst others. Similarly, the Student Equity and Achievement Program established the statewide goal to boost achievement for all students and ensure equal educational opportunities and to promote student success for all students, regardless of race, gender, age, disability, or economic circumstances.

However, although many universities and colleges currently offer useful and potentially lifesaving veteran services, including staff, facilities and materials that assist with housing resources, disability accommodation, financial aid, peer mentoring, access to counselors and tutoring; many veterans and National Guard members are either unaware of these facilities, are not provided with practical information on how to access the available resources, or are not encouraged to use the services within student orientation. This critical oversight means that veterans and National Guard members are often required to seek out the services or ask for help themselves, which unfortunately commonly results in many veterans and National Guard members not receiving the assistance or resources available to them and struggling unnecessarily.”

The author further asserts, “AB 322 will ensure that each veteran and member of the National Guard is provided with information on the available resources and services, such as counselling, that the educational institution has to offer and receive the support, information and tools necessary to succeed.”

1. Existing efforts to support student veterans. There is acknowledgement among colleges of the re-entry challenges many student veterans face and the need to expand support services to help veterans successfully integrate into college life. Every CSU campus has a center focused on meeting the needs of students who have served or are serving in the military and their families through Veterans Resource Centers. Currently, mandatory fee waivers are available to dependents or survivors of disabled or deceased California veterans. At the CCCs, 114 of California’s 116 community colleges have a veteran’s resource center. These centers not only provide academic programs and career training for returning veterans but also provide assistance with transitioning to life after military service. Many centers have counselors versed in GI Bill requirements and track how veterans are progressing toward reaching benchmarks in their educational plans. This bill seeks to ensure that veterans and their dependents are aware of programming and services to meet the specific needs of this emerging student population.
2. Orientation. This bill expands the number of state-mandated disclosures that universities must provide to incoming students as part of their orientation process (outlined in the background of this analysis). The Committee may wish to consider at what point information becomes overprescribed.

SUPPORT

American Legion, Department of California

Amvets, Department of California

California State Commanders Veterans Council

California Teachers Association

Military Officers Association of America, California Council of Chapters

Vietnam Veterans of America, California State Council

OPPOSITION

None received

-- END --

ASSEMBLY THIRD READING

ATR Bill Id:AB 322

Author:(Mathis and Garcia)

As Amended Ver:March 23, 2023

Majority vote

SUMMARY

Requires that each campus of the California State University (CSU) and the California Community Colleges (CCC) include in transfer and first-year student orientation specified information of benefit to veteran students and their dependents, develop and make available informational materials for those students, and requests the same of each campus of the

University of California (UC).

Major Provisions

1. Requires, no later than the 2025-26 academic year, each campus of the CSU and the CCC, and requests each campus of the UC, to include within first-year student and transfer student orientations the location and contact information of the campus point of contact for students who are veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces and members of the California State Guard and the California National Guard, and their dependents.
2. Requires each campus point of contact to also to develop a document that includes information on polices, resources, and services for these students and their dependents.
3. Specifies that the document is to be available in hard copy form at the location of the campus point of contact and the campus is to post the document, along with the information provided at the student orientation, on the campus's website.

COMMENTS

Background. Over the past decade, the State Legislature has required that universities and colleges within California include certain information during student orientation to ensure the safety, health, well-being, and academic success of the incoming students, including information on sexual violence, cyberbullying, and CalFresh – amongst others. Similarly, the Student Equity and Achievement Program established the statewide goal to boost achievement for all students and ensure equal educational opportunities and to promote student success for all students, regardless of race, gender, age, disability, or economic circumstances.

Servicemembers, veterans, and their dependents often qualify for numerous federal and state educational benefits. However, the benefits the individual qualifies for will vary based on when and in what capacity the person served. For example, an individual who served on active duty in the late 2010s is eligible for different benefits than someone who served as a reservist in the 1990s.

According to the Author

According to the author, "AB 322 will ensure that each veteran and member of the National Guard is provided with information on the available resources and services, such as counseling, that the educational institution has to offer and receive the support, information, and tools necessary to succeed."

"Although many universities and colleges currently offer useful and potentially lifesaving veteran services, including staff, facilities and materials that assist with housing resources, disability accommodation, financial aid, peer mentoring, access to counselors and tutoring; many veterans and National Guard members are either unaware of these facilities, are not provided with practical information on how to access the available resources, or are not encouraged to use the services within student orientation. This critical oversight means that veterans and National Guard members are often required to seek out the services or ask for help themselves, which unfortunately commonly results in many veterans and National Guard members not receiving the assistance or resources available to them and struggling unnecessarily."

The author notes that, although many universities and colleges currently offer useful and potentially lifesaving services to veterans, including; staff, facilities, and materials that assist with housing resources, disability accommodation, financial aid, peer mentoring, access to counselors and tutoring. The author asserts that many veterans and servicemembers are either unaware of these facilities, are not provided with practical information on how to access the available resources, or are not encouraged to use the services within the student orientation.

Arguments in Support

None on file.

Arguments in Opposition

None on file.

FISCAL COMMENTS

According to the Assembly Committee on Appropriations:

1. One-time and ongoing Proposition 98 General Fund costs of about $135,000 to CCCs to update policies and procedures, add information to general orientation, develop a document, and disseminate the document in paper and online. This assumes costs of about $1,500 for each of the state's 115 CCC campuses.

The state would need to reimburse these costs to CCC, if the Commission on State Mandates determines the bill's requirements to be a reimbursable state mandate.

1. One-time and ongoing General Fund costs in the tens of thousands of dollars to UCs to update policies and procedures, add information to general orientation, develop a document, and disseminate the document in paper and online. This assumes costs of about $1,500 for each of the state's nine UC campuses.
2. One-time and ongoing General Fund costs in the tens of thousands of dollars to CSUs to update policies and procedures, add information to general orientation, develop a document, and disseminate the document in paper and online. This assumes costs of about $1,500 for each of the state's 23 CSU campuses.

VOTES

ASM HIGHER EDUCATION: 12-0-0

YES: Mike Fong, Ta, Addis, Arambula, Gabriel, Irwin, Low, Ortega, Sanchez, Santiago, Wallis, Weber

ASM MILITARY AND VETERANS AFFAIRS: 11-0-0

YES: Soria, Davies, Addis, Alvarez, Boerner Horvath, Juan Carrillo, Mathis, Muratsuchi, Petrie-Norris, Ta, Valencia

ASM APPROPRIATIONS: 15-0-1

YES: Holden, Megan Dahle, Bryan, Calderon, Wendy Carrillo, Dixon, Mike Fong, Hart, Lowenthal, Mathis, Papan, Pellerin, Sanchez, Weber, Ortega

ABS, ABST OR NV: Robert Rivas

UPDATED

VERSION: March 23, 2023

CONSULTANT: Kevin J. Powers / HIGHER ED. / (916) 319-3960 FN: 0000568

Date of Hearing: May 10, 2023

ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS

Chris Holden, Chair

ABPCA Bill Id:AB 322

Author:(Mathis) – As Amended Ver:March 23, 2023

Urgency: No State Mandated Local Program: Yes Reimbursable: Yes

SUMMARY:

This bill requires the California State University (CSU) and California Community Colleges (CCC), and requests the University of California (UC), to provide certain information to students who are veterans and their dependents.

Specifically, this bill requires, no later than the 2025-26 academic year, each campus of the CSU and the CCC, and requests each campus of the UC, to include within first-year student and transfer student orientations the location and contact information of the campus point of contact for students who are veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces and members of the California State Guard and the California National Guard, and their dependents. Each campus point of contact is also to develop a document that includes information on polices, resources, and services for these students and their dependents. The document is to be available in hard copy form at the location of the campus point of contact and the campus is to post the document, along with the information provided at the student orientation, on the campus’s website.

FISCAL EFFECT:

1. One-time and ongoing Proposition 98 General Fund costs of about $135,000 to CCCs to update policies and procedures, add information to general orientation, develop a document, and disseminate the document in paper and online. This assumes costs of about $1,500 for each of the state’s 115 CCC campuses.

The state would need to reimburse these costs to CCC, if the Commission on State Mandates determines the bill’s requirements to be a reimbursable state mandate.

1. One-time and ongoing General Fund costs in the tens of thousands of dollars to UCs to update policies and procedures, add information to general orientation, develop a document, and disseminate the document in paper and online. This assumes costs of about $1,500 for each of the state’s nine UC campuses.
2. One-time and ongoing General Fund costs in the tens of thousands of dollars to CSUs to update policies and procedures, add information to general orientation, develop a document, and disseminate the document in paper and online. This assumes costs of about $1,500 for each of the state’s 23 CSU campuses.

COMMENTS:

1. Purpose. According to the author:

Although many universities and colleges currently offer useful and potentially lifesaving veteran services, including staff, facilities and materials that assist with housing resources, disability accommodation, financial aid, peer mentoring, access to counselors and tutoring; many veterans and National Guard members are either unaware of these facilities, are not provided with practical information on how to access the available resources, or are not encouraged to use the services within student orientation.

1. Background. Current law requires CCC and CSU, and requests UC, to provide students with certain information during student orientations to ensure student safety, health, well-being, and academic success, including information on sexual violence, cyberbullying, and CalFresh food benefits, among others. This bill adds information about veteran services to student orientations and requires campuses to provide other information to veteran students.

Analysis Prepared by: Natasha Collins / APPR. / (916) 319-2081

Date of Hearing: April 18, 2023

ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON MILITARY AND VETERANS AFFAIRS

Esmeralda Soria, Chair

ABPCA Bill Id:AB 322 (

Author:Mathis) – As Amended Ver:March 23, 2023

SUBJECT: Veteran and California National Guard Supplemental Orientation Act of 2023

SUMMARY: Requires that each campus of the California State University (CSU) and the California Community Colleges (CCC) include in transfer and first-year student orientation specified information of benefit to veteran students and their dependents, develop and make available informational materials for those students, and requests the same of each campus of the University of California (UC). Specifically, this bill:

1. Requires that no later than the 2025–26 academic year each campus of the California State University, and the California Community Colleges include within first-year and transfer student orientations the location and contact information of the campus point of contact for students who are veterans of the Armed Forces of the United States, members of the California State Guard or the California National Guard, and their dependents.
2. Requests that each campus of the University of California include within first-year and transfer student orientations the location and contact information of the campus point of contact for students who are veterans of the Armed Forces of the United States, members of the California State Guard or the California National Guard, and their dependents.
3. Requires that no later than the 2025–26 academic year, each campus point of contact included in orientations at the California State University and the California Community Colleges shall, develop a document that includes, at a minimum, information on polices, resources, and services, including, but not limited to, counseling, for students who are veterans of the Armed Forces of the United States, members of the California State Guard or the California National Guard, and their dependents.
4. Requests each campus point of contact included in orientations at the University of California, as requested, develop a document that includes, at a minimum, information on polices, resources, and services, including, but not limited to, counseling, for students who are veterans of the Armed Forces of the United States, members of the California State Guard or the California National Guard, and their dependents.
5. Establishes that no later than the 2025–26 academic year, each campus of the California State University and the California Community Colleges shall make that document available in hard copy form at the location of the campus point of contact, and post the document on the campus’s internet website along with other information available to students who are veterans of the Armed Forces of the United States, members of the California State Guard or the California National Guard, and their dependents.
6. Request that each campus of the University of California make the document above available in hard copy form at the location of the campus point of contact described in subdivision (a), and post the document on the campus’s internet website, along with other information available to students who are veterans of the Armed Forces of the United States, members of the California State Guard or the California National Guard, and their dependents.

EXISTING LAW:

1. Establishes the UC as a public trust to be administered by the Regents of the UC; and, grants the Regents full powers of organization and government, subject only to such legislative control as may be necessary to insure security of its funds, compliance with the terms of its endowments, statutory requirements around competitive bidding and contracts, sales of property and the purchase of materials, goods and services. (Article IX, Section (9)(a) of the California Constitution)
2. Establishes the Donahoe Higher Education Act, setting forth the mission of the UC, CSU, and CCC. (Education Code (EDC) Section 66010, et seq.)
3. Confers upon the CSU Trustees the powers, duties, and functions with respect to the management, administration, control of the CSU system and provides that the Trustees are responsible for the rule of government of their appointees and employees. (EDC Sections 66606 and 89500, et seq.)
4. Establishes the CCC under the administration of the Board of Governors of the CCC, as one of the segments of public postsecondary education in this state. The CCC shall be comprised of community college districts. (EDC Section 70900)
5. Requires the Trustees of the CSU, and requests the Regents of the UC, to provide educational and preventive information about cyberbullying to students at all campuses of their respective segments as a part of established campus orientations. (EDC Section 66302.5)
6. Requires the governing board of each CCC district and the Trustees of the CSU, and requests the Regents of the UC, to provide, as part of established campus orientations, educational and preventive information about sexual violence to students at all campuses of their respective segments. For a campus with an existing on-campus orientation program, this information shall be provided, in addition to the sexual harassment information required to be provided pursuant to subdivision (e) of Section 66281.5, during the regular orientation for incoming students. (EDC Section 67385.7)
7. Declares that:
   1. Comprehensive information about acquaintance rape and other kinds of sexual assaults should be provided at all new student orientation programs and at any campus program that students are required to attend; and,
   2. Colleges should provide special sexual assault seminars for all athletic coaches and administrators and members of athletic teams. These seminars should take place during a student athlete orientation program or prior to the first team meeting. Seminars should use the campus media, newspapers, radio, and television to heighten awareness of campus violence and its prevention. (EDC Section 67390)
8. Establishes that it is the intent of the Legislature that credit card and debt education and counseling sessions become a regular part of campus orientation of new students. (EDC Section 99030)

FISCAL EFFECT: This bill has not been analyzed by a fiscal committee.

COMMENTS: Purpose. According to the author, “AB 322 will ensure that each veteran and member of the National Guard is provided with information on the available resources and services, such as counseling, that the educational institution has to offer and receive the support, information, and tools necessary to succeed.”

“Although many universities and colleges currently offer useful and potentially lifesaving veteran services, including staff, facilities and materials that assist with housing resources, disability accommodation, financial aid, peer mentoring, access to counselors and tutoring; many veterans and National Guard members are either unaware of these facilities, are not provided with practical information on how to access the available resources, or are not encouraged to use the services within student orientation. This critical oversight means that veterans and National Guard members are often required to seek out the services or ask for help themselves, which unfortunately commonly results in many veterans and National Guard members not receiving the assistance or resources available to them and struggling unnecessarily.”

Background. Over the past decade, the State Legislature has required that universities and colleges within California include certain information during student orientation to ensure the safety, health, well-being, and academic success of the incoming students, including information on sexual violence, cyberbullying, and CalFresh – amongst others. Similarly, the Student Equity and Achievement Program established the statewide goal to boost achievement for all students and ensure equal educational opportunities and to promote student success for all students, regardless of race, gender, age, disability, or economic circumstances.

Servicemembers, veterans, and their dependents often qualify for numerous federal and state educational benefits. However, the benefits the individual qualifies for will vary based on when and in what capacity the person served. For example, an individual who served on active duty in the late 2010s is eligible for different benefits than someone who served as a reservist in the 1990s.

The author notes that, although many universities and colleges currently offer useful and potentially lifesaving services to veterans, including; staff, facilities, and materials that assist with housing resources, disability accommodation, financial aid, peer mentoring, access to counselors and tutoring. The author asserts that many veterans and servicemembers are either unaware of these facilities, are not provided with practical information on how to access the available resources, or are not encouraged to use the services within the student orientation.

Prior legislation

AB 543 (Davies, Chapter 561, Statutes of 2021) required campuses of the CCC and the CSU Board of Trustees, and requested the UC Board of Regents to provide all incoming students with educational information regarding the CalFresh program, including the eligibility requirements, during campus orientation.

SB 366 (Chang, Chapter 146, Statutes of 2019) required the CSU and requested the UC to provide educational and preventive information about cyberbullying to students as part of established campus orientations, at all campuses of their respective segments.

REGISTERED SUPPORT / OPPOSITION:

Support

None on file.

Opposition

None on file.

Analysis Prepared by: Christian Burkin / M. & V.A. / (916) 319-3550

Date of Hearing: March 21, 2023

ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON HIGHER EDUCATION

Mike Fong, Chair

ABPCA Bill Id:AB 322 (

Author:Mathis) – As Introduced Ver:January 30, 2023

[Note: This bill is doubled referred to the Assembly Committee on Military and Veterans Affairs and will be heard by that Committee as it relates to issues under its jurisdiction.]

SUBJECT: Veteran and California National Guard Supplemental Orientation Act of 2023

SUMMARY: Requires the California State University (CSU) and the California Community Colleges (CCC), and if the Regents of the University of California (UC) adopt a resolution to make it applicable, the UC to develop and include within first-year student orientation a supplemental module of services and resources available for students who are veterans of the Armed Forces of the United States and members of the California National Guard.

EXISTING LAW:

1. Establishes the UC as a public trust to be administered by the Regents of the UC; and, grants the Regents full powers of organization and government, subject only to such legislative control as may be necessary to insure security of its funds, compliance with the terms of its endowments, statutory requirements around competitive bidding and contracts, sales of property and the purchase of materials, goods and services. (Article IX, Section (9)(a) of the California Constitution)
2. Establishes the Donahoe Higher Education Act, setting forth the mission of the UC, CSU, and CCC. (Education Code (EDC) Section 66010, et seq.)
3. Confers upon the CSU Trustees the powers, duties, and functions with respect to the management, administration, control of the CSU system and provides that the Trustees are responsible for the rule of government of their appointees and employees. (EDC Sections 66606 and 89500, et seq.)
4. Establishes the CCC under the administration of the Board of Governors of the CCC, as one of the segments of public postsecondary education in this state. The CCC shall be comprised of community college districts. (EDC Section 70900)
5. Requires the Trustees of the CSU, and requests the Regents of the UC, to provide educational and preventive information about cyberbullying to students at all campuses of their respective segments as a part of established campus orientations. (EDC Section 66302.5)
6. Requires the governing board of each CCC district and the Trustees of the CSU, and requests the Regents of the UC, to provide, as part of established campus orientations, educational and preventive information about sexual violence to students at all campuses of their respective segments. For a campus with an existing on-campus orientation program, this information shall be provided, in addition to the sexual harassment information required to be provided pursuant to subdivision (e) of Section 66281.5, during the regular orientation for incoming students. (EDC Section 67385.7)
7. Declares that:
   1. Comprehensive information about acquaintance rape and other kinds of sexual assaults should be provided at all new student orientation programs and at any campus program that students are required to attend; and,
   2. Colleges should provide special sexual assault seminars for all athletic coaches and administrators and members of athletic teams. These seminars should take place during a student athlete orientation program or prior to the first team meeting. Seminars should use the campus media, newspapers, radio, and television to heighten awareness of campus violence and its prevention. (EDC Section 67390)
8. Establishes that it is the intent of the Legislature that credit card and debt education and counseling sessions become a regular part of campus orientation of new students. (EDC Section 99030)

FISCAL EFFECT: Unknown.

COMMENTS: Purpose. According to the author, “AB 322 will ensure that each veteran and member of the National Guard is provided with information on the available resources and services, such as counseling, that the educational institution has to offer and receive the support, information, and tools necessary to succeed.”

“Although many universities and colleges currently offer useful and potentially lifesaving veteran services, including staff, facilities and materials that assist with housing resources, disability accommodation, financial aid, peer mentoring, access to counselors and tutoring; many veterans and National Guard members are either unaware of these facilities, are not provided with practical information on how to access the available resources, or are not encouraged to use the services within student orientation. This critical oversight means that veterans and National Guard members are often required to seek out the services or ask for help themselves, which unfortunately commonly results in many veterans and National Guard members not receiving the assistance or resources available to them and struggling unnecessarily.”

Background. Over the past decade, the State Legislature has required that universities and colleges within California include certain information during student orientation to ensure the safety, health, well-being, and academic success of the incoming students, including information on sexual violence, cyberbullying, and CalFresh – amongst others. Similarly, the Student Equity and Achievement Program established the statewide goal to boost achievement for all students and ensure equal educational opportunities and to promote student success for all students, regardless of race, gender, age, disability, or economic circumstances.

Servicemembers, veterans, and their dependents often qualify for numerous federal and state educational benefits. However, the benefits the individual qualifies for will vary based on when and in what capacity the person served. For example, an individual who served on active duty in the late 2010s is eligible for different benefits than someone who served as a reservist in the 1990s.

The author notes that, although many universities and colleges currently offer useful and potentially lifesaving services to veterans, including; staff, facilities, and materials that assist with housing resources, disability accommodation, financial aid, peer mentoring, access to counselors and tutoring. The author asserts that many veterans and servicemembers are either unaware of these facilities, are not provided with practical information on how to access the available resources, or are not encouraged to use the services within the student orientation.

Committee comments. The Committee recommends, and the author has accepted, amendments that will instead recast the provisions of this bill to require the CSU and CCC, and request that UC, include within first-year student and transfer student orientation the location and contact information of the campus’ point of contact for students who are veterans of the Armed Forces of the United States, members of the California National Guard, the California State Guard, and their respective dependents.

Amendments would also require the CCC and CSU, and request that the UC develop a document that includes, at a minimum, information on polices, resources, and services to students in the above population, make printed versions of that document available at the location of an identified point of contact, and an electronic version of the document available on the institutions’ respective internet websites.

REGISTERED SUPPORT / OPPOSITION:

Support

None on file

Opposition

None on file

Analysis Prepared by: Kevin J. Powers / HIGHER ED. / (916) 319-3960