California law (Ed Code § 70901(b)(4)) requires the Board to provide representation, advocacy and accountability for the system before state and national legislative and executive agencies. The Board’s Procedures and Standing Orders provide guidance to the Chancellor in representing the California Community Colleges on matters pending before the California Legislature and Governor, Congress and the President. The Procedures and Standing Orders also authorize the Chancellor to take positions on pending legislation on behalf of the Board, as specified (Procedures and Standing Orders § 317).

The Governmental Relations division represents the Chancellor and the Board on state and federal policy and advocacy matters. The California Community Colleges Vision 2030, the Board of Governors Budget and Legislative Request, and prior Board positions guide the activities of the division. In general, the Governmental Relations division seeks feedback from the Consultation Council and the Board prior to taking positions on pending policy matters.

Federal Updates

H.R.1 One Big Beautiful Bill Act
Signed into law recently, H.R.1, One Big Beautiful Bill Act, reflected a number of significant federal policy and programmatic reforms, including several provisions that directly impact our higher education community. This legislation could impact institutional operations, student services, and federal compliance requirements across the California Community Colleges system. The purpose of this memo is to provide an overview of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Further guidance and clarification may be issued following the release of this memorandum, including clarification anticipated to come from a U.S Department of Education negotiated rulemaking (“NegReg”) process. Accordingly, we strongly encourage relevant campus personnel to closely monitor updates from our office.

GR 25-01 H.R. 1 Memo (PDF) 

Program Length Restrictions for Gainful Employment Programs
The recent federal regulations on program length restrictions for Gainful Employment (GE) programs represent a significant shift in ensuring educational programs align with state licensure requirements. These changes, part of a broader effort to improve student outcomes and reduce unnecessary costs, restrict GE program lengths to 100% of the state's minimum educational requirements for licensure, a departure from the previous 150% allowance. Although a preliminary injunction currently halts the enforcement of these regulations, it remains crucial for institutions to review and streamline their programs in anticipation of future compliance. We encourage you to engage in this important process to support equitable student success.

Federal Regulations Memo (PDF) 

National Resources