Existing law establishes the Cybersecurity Regional Alliances and Multistakeholder Partnerships Pilot Program to address the cybersecurity workforce gap. Existing law requires the office of the Chancellor of the California State University to select any number of California State University campuses, with preference given to campuses that have or are developing regional pipeline programs in cybersecurity with the California Community Colleges, to participate in the pilot program through an application and selection process. Existing law requires each selected campus to create a pilot program with goals and metrics, measure the impact and results of its pilot program, and annually share the impact and results with the chancellors office. Existing law requires the chancellors office to annually report the impact and results from each selected campuss pilot program to the Legislature.

This bill would require the chancellors office, on or before July 1, 2028, to submit a report to the Legislature on the pilot program, as provided.

Existing law establishes the Cybersecurity Regional Alliances and Multistakeholder Partnerships Pilot Program to address the cybersecurity workforce gap. Existing law requires the office of the Chancellor of the California State University to select any number of California State University campuses, with preference given to campuses that have or are developing regional pipeline programs in cybersecurity with the California Community Colleges, to participate in the pilot program through an application and selection process. Existing law requires each selected campus to create a pilot program with goals and metrics, measure the impact and results of its pilot program, and annually share the impact and results with the chancellors office. Existing law requires the chancellors office to annually report the impact and results from each selected campuss pilot program to the Legislature.

This bill would require the chancellors office, on or before July 1, 2028, to submit a report to the Legislature on the pilot program, as provided.

Existing law establishes the Department of Veterans Affairs, which is responsible for administering various programs and services for the benefit of veterans. Existing law also establishes, in state government, an educational institution known as the California Veterans Educational Institute, under the management and control of the department, for the purpose of providing opportunities for veterans to continue their education.

Existing law establishes the Cybersecurity Regional Alliances and Multistakeholder Partnerships Pilot Program to address the cybersecurity workforce gap, as specified. Existing law requires the office of the Chancellor of the California State University to select any number of California State University campuses, with preference given to campuses that have or are developing regional pipeline programs in cybersecurity with the California Community Colleges, to participate in the pilot program through an application process, which the bill would require the chancellors office to develop on or before March 1, 2023.

This bill would require the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Department of Technology, the California Community Colleges, and the California State University to develop a cybersecurity apprenticeship program for veterans at California community colleges and the California State University to receive training in and be able to enter the cybersecurity field. The bill would require those entities to make determinations by January 1, 2025, related to program eligibility criteria, length, and curriculum, program certification, whether participants shall receive salaries, stipends, or benefits, and program funding. The bill would require the developed program to be implemented on or before January 1, 2027.

 THIRD READING  

Bill No: AB 569

Author: Garcia (D)

Amended: 3/16/23 in Assembly

Vote: 21

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

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

SENATE APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE: Senate Rule 28.8

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

SUBJECT: California State University: Cybersecurity Regional Alliances and Multistakeholder Partnerships Pilot Program

SOURCE: Author

DIGEST:

This bill requires the California State University (CSU) Chancellor’s Office, on or before July 1, 2028, to submit a report to the Legislature on the Cybersecurity Regional Alliances and Multistakeholder Partnerships pilot program, as provided.

ANALYSIS:

Existing law:

1. Establishes the Cybersecurity Regional Alliances and Multistakeholder Partnerships Pilot Program in order to address the cybersecurity workforce gap by doing all of the following:
   1. Stimulating cybersecurity education and workforce development by bringing together stakeholders in the cybersecurity ecosystem.
   2. Aligning the cybersecurity workforce needs of employers with the education and training provided by institutions of higher education.
   3. Increasing the pipeline of students pursuing cybersecurity careers.
   4. Developing the cybersecurity workforce to meet industry needs within local or regional economies. (Education Code (EC) § 89270)
2. Requires that on or before March 1, 2023, the CSU Chancellor’s Office develop an application process, selection process, and criteria for CSU campuses seeking to participate in the pilot program, with preference given to CSU campuses that have or are developing regional pipeline programs in cybersecurity with the California Community Colleges (CCC). (EC § 89270)
3. Requires the CSU Chancellor’s Office to select any number of campuses to participate in the pilot program. (EC § 89270)
4. Requires that each selected CSU campus do all of the following:
   1. Create a pilot program with goals and metrics.
   2. Develop strategies and tactics for building successful regional alliances and multistakeholder partnerships.
   3. Measure the impact and results of its pilot program and annually share the impact and results with the CSU Chancellor’s Office. (EC § 89270)
5. Requires the CSU Chancellor’s Office to annually report the impact and results from each selected campus’s pilot program to the Legislature. (EC § 89270)

This bill requires, on or before July 1, 2028, the CSU Chancellor’s Office to submit a comprehensive report on the Cybersecurity Regional Alliances and Multistakeholder Partnerships Pilot Program to the Legislature and requires that the report include all of the following information:

1. Recommendations on how to improve the pilot program.
2. Data on enrollment in the pilot program.
3. Data on how many different groups of people have been served by the pilot program.
4. Data on the number of veterans that have participated in the pilot program.
5. Recommendations on how to recruit more veterans to participate in the pilot program.

Comments

1. Need for the bill. According to the author, “cybersecurity and privacy issues are quickly moving to the forefront of homeland security, state priorities, and state-federal policies. State legislatures have taken major action to bolster the cybersecurity of their infrastructure amid new and increasing threats. Some measures have sought to increase cybersecurity investments from the public and private sector, or create or expand state agency authorities to better deal with cyber threats. These investments should also include developing a well-trained workforce to meet the demand for cybersecurity experts. Veterans and transitioning military personnel who served and protected the nation are very well positioned to transition into these open cybersecurity jobs.”
2. Adds reporting requirements to the existing program. The 2022 Budget Act provided $4 million in one-time General Fund to create the Cybersecurity Regional Alliances and Multistakeholder Partnerships Pilot Program. The CSU is to award grants to campuses that take steps through educational programs and partnerships with employers to develop a cybersecurity workforce. Committee staff understands that CSU is in the process of implementing the program and identifying a campus lead. As noted in the background of this analysis, current law requires the CSU Chancellor’s Office to annually report the impact and results from each selected campus’s pilot program to the Legislature. This bill requires the chancellor’s office to report different information, including veteran-related information and to provide the Legislature with recommendations about how to improve the program.

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

SUPPORT: (Verified 7/10/23)

California Chamber of Commerce

OPPOSITION: (Verified 7/10/23)

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

7/12/23 14:16:48

**** END ****

SENATE COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION

Senator Josh Newman, Chair

2023 - 2024 Regular

Bill No: AB 569 Hearing Date: June 28, 2023

Subject: California State University: Cybersecurity Regional Alliances and Multistakeholder Partnerships Pilot Program.

SUMMARY

This bill requires the California State University (CSU) Chancellor’s office, on or before July 1, 2028, to submit a report to the Legislature on the Cybersecurity Regional Alliances and Multistakeholder Partnerships pilot program, as provided.

BACKGROUND

1) Establishes the Cybersecurity Regional Alliances and Multistakeholder Partnerships Pilot Program in order to address the cybersecurity workforce gap by doing all of the following:

a) Stimulating cybersecurity education and workforce development by bringing together stakeholders in the cybersecurity ecosystem.

b) Aligning the cybersecurity workforce needs of employers with the education and training provided by institutions of higher education.

c) Increasing the pipeline of students pursuing cybersecurity careers.

d) Developing the cybersecurity workforce to meet industry needs within local or regional economies. (Education Code (EC) § 89270)

2) Requires that on or before March 1, 2023, the CSU Chancellor’s develop an application process, selection process, and criteria for CSU campuses seeking to participate in the pilot program, with preference given to CSU campuses that have or are developing regional pipeline programs in cybersecurity with the California Community Colleges (CCC). (EC § 89270)

3) Requires the CSU Chancellor’s office to select any number of campuses to participate in the pilot program. (EC § 89270)

4) Requires that each selected CSU campus do all of the following:

a) Create a pilot program with goals and metrics.

b) Develop strategies and tactics for building successful regional alliances and multistakeholder partnerships.

c) Measure the impact and results of its pilot program and annually share the impact and results with the CSU Chancellor’s office. (EC § 89270)

5) Requires the office of the CSU Chancellor’s office to annually report the impact and results from each selected campus’s pilot program to the Legislature. (EC § 89270)

ANALYSIS

This bill:

1. Requires, on or before July 1, 2028, the CSU Chancellor’s office to submit a comprehensive report on the Cybersecurity Regional Alliances and Multistakeholder Partnerships Pilot Program to the Legislature and requires that the report include all of the following information:
   1. Recommendations on how to improve the pilot program.
   2. Data on enrollment in the pilot program.
   3. Data on how many different groups of people have been served by the

pilot program.

• 1. Data on the number of veterans that have participated in the pilot

program.

• 1. Recommendations on how to recruit more veterans to participate in the

pilot program.

STAFF COMMENTS

1. Need for the bill. According to the author, “cybersecurity and privacy issues are quickly moving to the forefront of homeland security, state priorities, and state-federal policies. State legislatures have taken major action to bolster the cybersecurity of their infrastructure amid new and increasing threats. Some measures have sought to increase cybersecurity investments from the public and private sector, or create or expand state agency authorities to better deal with cyber threats. These investments should also include developing a well-trained workforce to meet the demand for cybersecurity experts. Veterans and transitioning military personnel who served and protected the nation are very well positioned to transition into these open cybersecurity jobs.”
2. Adds reporting requirements to the existing program. The 2022 Budget Act provided $4 million in one-time General Fund to create the Cybersecurity Regional Alliances and Multistakeholder Partnerships Pilot Program. The CSU is to award grants to campuses that take steps through educational programs and partnerships with employers to develop a cybersecurity workforce. Committee staff understands that CSU is in the process of implementing the program and identifying a campus lead. As noted in the background of this analysis, current law requires the CSU Chancellor’s Office to annually report the impact and results from each selected campus’s pilot program to the Legislature. This bill requires the chancellor’s office to report different information, including veteran-related information and to provide the Legislature with recommendations about how to improve the program.

SUPPORT

California Chamber of Commerce

OPPOSITION

None received

-- END --

ASSEMBLY THIRD READING

ATR Bill Id:AB 569

Author:(Garcia)

As Amended Ver:March 16, 2023

Majority vote

SUMMARY

Requires, by July 1, 2028, the California State University (CSU) Chancellor's Office to submit a report on the Cybersecurity Regional Alliances and Multistakeholder Partnerships Pilot Program. The report is to include recommendations on how to improve the pilot program and other information.

Major Provisions

1. Requires that on or before July 1, 2028, the Office of the Chancellor of the CSU submit a comprehensive report to the legislature on the Cybersecurity Regional Alliances and Multistakeholder Partnerships Pilot Program.
2. Specifies that the report must include:
   1. Recommendations on how to improve the pilot program;
   2. Data on enrollment in the pilot program;
   3. Data on how many different groups of people have been served by the pilot program;
   4. Data on the number of veterans that have participated in the pilot program; and,
   5. Recommendations on how to recruit more veterans to participate in the pilot program.

COMMENTS

The Cybersecurity Regional Alliances and Multistakeholder Partnerships Pilot Program was established in last year's budget in order to fill a purported shortage of people sufficiently qualified to work in cybersecurity jobs. The program began with $4 million in one-time funding to address this shortage through the creation of cybersecurity education and workforce pilot programs on CSU campuses, with preference given to CSU campuses that are developing regional pathways programs from the CCC to CSU.

According to the California Cybersecurity Workforce Development and Education Strategy published in September 2020, "global demand for cybersecurity and information security professionals and personnel has been mounting for decades and reaching a critical point. It is imperative in this modern and information-rich era to have a strong cadre of qualified and prepared cybersecurity specialists and specialized workforce (from technicians through managers) flowing into the labor pool. Based on the reliance of technology in today's digital environment, we need coordinated and linked education, training, and workforce development programs to increase statewide cybersecurity capabilities and enhance cyber-resiliency."

In September 2016, the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education, led by the National Institute of Standards and Technology in the United States Department of Commerce, awarded funding for five pilot programs for Regional Alliances and Multistakeholder Partnerships to Stimulate Cybersecurity Education and Workforce Development. Through this federal funding opportunity, it was found that effective multi-stakeholder workforce partnerships focused on organizing multiple employers with skill shortages in specific occupations to focus on developing the skilled workforce to meet industry needs within the local or regional economy. It was also found that bringing together multiple stakeholders in the cybersecurity ecosystem – industry, government, and educational institutions – can help communities address many of the cybersecurity workforce challenges that they face today.

According to the Author

"Cybersecurity and privacy issues are quickly moving to the forefront of homeland security, state priorities, and state-federal policies. State legislatures have taken major action to bolster the cybersecurity of their infrastructure amid new and increasing threats. Some measures have sought to increase cybersecurity investments from the public and private sector, or create or expand state agency authorities to better deal with cyber threats. These investments should also include developing a well-trained workforce to meet the demand for cybersecurity experts. Veterans and transitioning military personnel who served and protected the nation are very well positioned to transition into these open cybersecurity jobs."

Arguments in Support

The California Chamber of Commerce states, "Cybersecurity is a growing field – and a necessary one for the state to improve its pipeline. But with all new state programs, legislative oversight will improve outcomes."

Arguments in Opposition

None on file.

FISCAL COMMENTS

According to the Assembly Appropriations Committee, minor one-time General Fund costs to the CSU Chancellor's Office to prepare the report.

VOTES

ASM MILITARY AND VETERANS AFFAIRS: 11-0-0

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

ASM HIGHER EDUCATION: 12-0-0

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

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 16, 2023

CONSULTANT: Christian Burkin / M. & V.A. / (916) 319-3550 FN: 0000621

Date of Hearing: May 10, 2023

ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS

Chris Holden, Chair

ABPCA Bill Id:AB 569

Author:(Garcia) – As Amended Ver:March 16, 2023

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

SUMMARY:

This bill requires, by July 1, 2028, the California State University (CSU) Chancellor’s Office to submit a report on the Cybersecurity Regional Alliances and Multistakeholder Partnerships Pilot Program. The report is to include recommendations on how to improve the pilot program and other information.

FISCAL EFFECT:

Minor one-time General Fund costs to the CSU Chancellor’s Office to prepare the report.

It is the policy of this committee to place any bill the committee concludes has the primary purpose of creating a task force, a commission, a work group, a pilot project or a pilot project extension, a report or a study, on the committee’s suspense file, regardless of cost.

COMMENTS:

Background. The 2022 Budget Act provided $4 million in one-time General Fund to create the Cybersecurity Regional Alliances and Multistakeholder Partnerships Pilot Program. The CSU is to award grants to campuses that take steps through educational programs and partnerships with employers to develop a cybersecurity workforce. Current law requires the CSU Chancellor’s Office to annually report the impact and results from each selected campus’s pilot program to the Legislature. This bill requires the chancellor’s office to report different information and to provide the Legislature with recommendations about how to improve the program.

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

Date of Hearing: April 25, 2023

ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON HIGHER EDUCATION

Mike Fong, Chair

ABPCA Bill Id:AB 569 (

Author:Garcia) – As Amended Ver:March 16, 2023

SUBJECT: California State University: Cybersecurity Regional Alliances and Multistakeholder Partnerships Pilot Program

SUMMARY: This bill requires that the Chancellor of the California State University (CSU) report to the Legislature on the Cybersecurity Regional Alliances and Multistakeholder Partnerships Pilot Program with specified program data and recommendations on how to improve the program. Specifically, this bill:

1. Requires that on or before July 1, 2028, the Office of the Chancellor of the CSU submit a comprehensive report to the legislature on the Cybersecurity Regional Alliances and Multistakeholder Partnerships Pilot Program.
2. Specifies that the report must include:
   1. Recommendations on how to improve the pilot program;
   2. Data on enrollment in the pilot program;
   3. Data on how many different groups of people have been served by the pilot program;
   4. Data on the number of veterans that have participated in the pilot program; and,
   5. Recommendations on how to recruit more veterans to participate in the pilot program.
3. States that the reporting requirement imposed by the bill is rendered inoperative on July 1,

2032, pursuant to Section 10231.5 of the Government Code.

EXISTING LAW:

1. Establishes the Cybersecurity Regional Alliances and Multistakeholder Partnerships Pilot Program in order to address the cybersecurity workforce gap by doing all of the following:
   1. Stimulating cybersecurity education and workforce development by bringing together stakeholders in the cybersecurity ecosystem;
   2. Aligning the cybersecurity workforce needs of employers with the education and training provided by institutions of higher education;
   3. Increasing the pipeline of students pursuing cybersecurity careers; and,
   4. Developing the cybersecurity workforce to meet industry needs within local or regional economies. (Education Code (EDC) Section 89270)
2. Requires that on or before March 1, 2023, the office of the Chancellor of the California State University develop an application process, selection process, and criteria for California State University campuses seeking to participate in the pilot program, with preference given to California State University campuses that have or are developing regional pipeline programs in cybersecurity with the California Community Colleges. (EDC Section 89270)
3. Requires the office of the Chancellor of the California State University to select any number of campuses to participate in the pilot program. (EDC Section 89270)
4. Requires that each selected California State University campus do all of the following:
   1. Create a pilot program with goals and metrics;
   2. Develop strategies and tactics for building successful regional alliances and multistakeholder partnerships; and,
   3. Measure the impact and results of its pilot program and annually share the impact and results with the office of the Chancellor of the California State University. (EDC Section 89270)
5. Requires the office of the Chancellor of the California State University to annually report the impact and results from each selected campus’s pilot program to the Legislature. (EDC Section 89270)

FISCAL EFFECT: Unknown.

COMMENTS: Purpose. According to the author, “cybersecurity and privacy issues are quickly moving to the forefront of homeland security, state priorities, and state-federal policies. State legislatures have taken major action to bolster the cybersecurity of their infrastructure amid new and increasing threats. Some measures have sought to increase cybersecurity investments from the public and private sector, or create or expand state agency authorities to better deal with cyber threats. These investments should also include developing a well-trained workforce to meet the demand for cybersecurity experts. Veterans and transitioning military personnel who served and protected the nation are very well positioned to transition into these open cybersecurity jobs.”

Background. According to the California Cybersecurity Workforce Development and Education Strategy published in September 2020, “global demand for cybersecurity and information security professionals and personnel has been mounting for decades and reaching a critical point. It is imperative in this modern and information-rich era to have a strong cadre of qualified and prepared cybersecurity specialists and specialized workforce (from technicians through managers) flowing into the labor pool. Based on the reliance of technology in today’s digital environment, we need coordinated and linked education, training, and workforce development programs to increase statewide cybersecurity capabilities and enhance cyber-resiliency.”

In September 2016, the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education, led by the National Institute of Standards and Technology in the U.S. Department of Commerce, awarded funding for five pilot programs for Regional Alliances and Multistakeholder Partnerships to Stimulate Cybersecurity Education and Workforce Development. Through this federal funding opportunity, it was found that effective multi-stakeholder workforce partnerships focused on organizing multiple employers with skill shortages in specific occupations to focus on developing the skilled workforce to meet industry needs within the local or regional economy. It was also found that bringing together multiple stakeholders in the cybersecurity ecosystem – industry, government, and educational institutions – can help communities address many of the cybersecurity workforce challenges that they face today.

Cybersecurity collaboration. The September 2020 California Cybersecurity Workforce Development and Education Strategy report describes the design, development, and implementation phases of the California Cybersecurity Career Education Pipeline and Pathway Project (CCCEPPP) to transform statewide cyber education and workforce development. The CCCEPPP is an initiative of the California Cybersecurity Task Force (CCTF) Workforce Development and Education Subcommittee (WDE).

The strategy report noted that, “the California Cybersecurity Workforce Development and Education Strategy discusses the alignment and coordination of cybersecurity K-12 and Higher Education model curriculum, academic standards, extra-curricular activities, cyber competitions, professional/career development, apprenticeships, and related areas to build a solid, linked cybersecurity pipeline/pathway to serve the State of California. To be successful, public and private sector key partners/major stakeholders must collaborate and work together earnestly to design education and workforce development programs that assure prospective employers program graduates can demonstrate the necessary knowledge, skills, abilities, and competencies to meet minimum job requirements upon pipeline/pathway completion and graduation.”

Committee comments. The pilot program implemented in the 2022-2023 State Budget, which granted $4 million one-time, has the potential to align local industry with students pursuing cybersecurity careers, and does including annual reporting requirements. Yet the pilot program does not include a comprehensive report capturing best practices. AB 569 (Garcia) looks to bridge the gap between annual reporting and a true comprehensive report that could better prepare CSU to scale up these programs in the future.

Prior legislation. AB 2695 (Berman, 2022) would have established the Cybersecurity Regional Alliances and Multistakeholder Partnerships pilot program described above. Held in Assembly Appropriations, the bill’s content was included in the budget trailer bill AB 183, which was signed by the Governor.

REGISTERED SUPPORT / OPPOSITION:

Support

California Chamber of Commerce

Opposition

None on file

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

Date of Hearing: March 28, 2023

ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON MILITARY AND VETERANS AFFAIRS

Esmeralda Soria, Chair

ABPCA Bill Id:AB 569 (

Author:Garcia) – As Amended Ver:March 16, 2023

SUBJECT: California State University: Cybersecurity Regional Alliances and Multistakeholder Partnerships Pilot Program

SUMMARY: This bill requires that the Chancellor of the California State University report to the legislature on the Cybersecurity Regional Alliances and Multistakeholder Partnerships Pilot Program with specified program data and recommendations on how to improve the program. Specifically, this bill:

1. Requires that on or before July 1, 2028, the office of the Chancellor of the California State University submit a comprehensive report to the legislature on the Cybersecurity Regional Alliances and Multistakeholder Partnerships Pilot Program.
2. Specifies that the report must include:
   1. Recommendations on how to improve the pilot program.
   2. Data on enrollment in the pilot program.
   3. Data on how many different groups of people have been served by the pilot program.
   4. Data on the number of veterans that have participated in the pilot program.
   5. Recommendations on how to recruit more veterans to participate in the pilot program.
3. States that the reporting requirement imposed by the bill is rendered inoperative on July 1, 2032, pursuant to Section 10231.5 of the Government Code.

EXISTING LAW:

1. Establishes the Cybersecurity Regional Alliances and Multistakeholder Partnerships Pilot Program is hereby established in order to address the cybersecurity workforce gap by doing all of the following:
   1. Stimulating cybersecurity education and workforce development by bringing together stakeholders in the cybersecurity ecosystem.
   2. Aligning the cybersecurity workforce needs of employers with the education and training provided by institutions of higher education.
   3. Increasing the pipeline of students pursuing cybersecurity careers.
   4. Developing the cybersecurity workforce to meet industry needs within local or regional economies. (Education Code §89270)
2. Requires that on or before March 1, 2023, the office of the Chancellor of the California State University develop an application process, selection process, and criteria for California State University campuses seeking to participate in the pilot program, with preference given to California State University campuses that have or are developing regional pipeline programs in cybersecurity with the California Community Colleges. (Education Code §89270)
3. Requires the office of the Chancellor of the California State University to select any number of campuses to participate in the pilot program. (Education Code §89270)
4. Requires that each selected California State University campus do all of the following:
   1. Create a pilot program with goals and metrics.
   2. Develop strategies and tactics for building successful regional alliances and multistakeholder partnerships.
   3. Measure the impact and results of its pilot program and annually share the impact and results with the office of the Chancellor of the California State University. (Education Code §89270)
5. Requires the office of the Chancellor of the California State University to annually report the impact and results from each selected campus’s pilot program to the Legislature. (Education Code §89270)

FISCAL EFFECT: This bill is keyed fiscal.

COMMENTS: There are a number of educational programs offered to eligible veterans in order to ease their transition to civilian life. The largest, popularly known as the “G.I. Bill,” was established in 1944 with the passage of the Servicemen’s Readjustment Act. The G.I. Bill has changed over the decades since its creation through a few reiterations – the Montgomery G.I. Bill, the Post-9/11 G.I. Bill, the Forever G.I. Bill, etc. -- but it remains an educational support program geared towards college and post-graduate education, though not exclusively.

With the passage in 2017 of the Forever G.I. Bill, Congress required the U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs to develop a pilot program to provide tuition and other financial support to eligible veterans who enroll in high-technology education programs through eligible training providers. USDVA’s response to this mandate is the Veterans Employment Through Technology Education Courses pilot, or VET TEC program.

VET TEC

A five-year pilot program launched in 2019, VET TEC provides vocational education assistance to veterans and active duty members within 180 days of separation, who must otherwise meet the same eligibility criteria as required under the G.I. Bill, with a minimum of one day of unexpended GI Bill entitlement remaining to them. VET TEC generally covers tuition and fees by reimbursing training providers using a milestone-based payment system: 25 percent at enrollment, 25 percent at completion, and the remaining 50 percent when a participant finds meaningful employment within 180 days of program completion.

Cybersecurity Regional Alliances and Multistakeholder Partnerships Pilot Program

This program was established in last year’s budget in order to fill a purported shortage of people sufficiently qualified to work in cybersecurity jobs. The program began with $4 million in one-time funding to address this shortage through the creation of cybersecurity education and workforce pilot programs on CSU campuses, with preference given to CSU campuses that are developing regional pathways programs from the CCC to CSU.

According to the author:

“Cybersecurity and privacy issues are quickly moving to the forefront of homeland security, state priorities, and state-federal policies. State legislatures have taken major action to bolster the cybersecurity of their infrastructure amid new and increasing threats. Some measures have sought to increase cybersecurity investments from the public and private sector, or create or expand state agency authorities to better deal with cyber threats. These investments should also include developing a well-trained workforce to meet the demand for cybersecurity experts. Veterans and transitioning military personnel who served and protected the nation are very well positioned to transition into these open cybersecurity jobs.”

Equity Impact Analysis

In background materials, the author’s staff states that trends in cybercrime indicate the poor and other members of identified vulnerable and disadvantaged groups are also more likely to become the victims of computer/internet-based crime.

As this bill introduces a novel reporting requirement, it is unlikely to have a disparate impact in itself, and may even aid in the discovery and measurement of disparate impact.

Past legislation

AB 2695 (Berman, 2022) would have established the Cybersecurity Regional Alliances and Multistakeholder Partnerships pilot program described above. Held in Assembly Appropriations, the bill’s content was included in the budget trailer bill AB 183, which was signed by the governor.

REGISTERED SUPPORT / OPPOSITION:

Support

None on file.

Opposition

None on file.

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