California 2025-2026 Regular Session

California Assembly Bill AB2019

Introduced
2/17/26  
Refer
3/9/26  
Report Pass
4/22/26  
Refer
4/22/26  

Caption

An act to add Section 87412 to the Education Code, relating to community colleges.

Impact

The implications of AB 2019 on state laws are significant, as it requires community colleges to enact new protocols surrounding faculty employment and instructional methods. Specifically, this legislation addresses the issue of retention of teaching staff who may find themselves in precarious immigration situations, ensuring that their professional duties can still be fulfilled, albeit remotely. The state’s constitution also mandates that local agencies and districts be compensated for any costs incurred as a result of this new requirement, following a determination by the Commission on State Mandates.

Summary

Assembly Bill 2019, introduced by Assembly Member Gipson, aims to support faculty from California community colleges who may leave the country due to various immigration enforcement actions. The bill establishes provisions that overlay the legal framework of California community colleges with new requirements related to faculty who are deported or detained. Essentially, AB 2019 mandates community college districts to allow qualified faculty who depart the United States under these circumstances to continue teaching through remote modalities. This can include distance education or other remote arrangements provided by the respective college districts.

Contention

The bill has generated various points of contention, particularly regarding the scope of its impact on local governance versus state mandates. Supporters argue that it provides essential protections for educators who might face unjust deportation or detention, thereby promoting educational continuity and equity. However, opponents may raise concerns regarding the financial implications of enforcing such provisions on local districts, especially during periods of budget constraints. There might also be broader discussions concerning the legal ramifications of allowing remote teaching for faculty affected by immigration actions.

Implementation

In summary, AB 2019 emphasizes the need for educational institutions to adapt to the changing landscape of immigration enforcement while ensuring that the educational needs of students are met. Faculty members who leave for specific reasons, such as threats of immigration enforcement, will need to provide documentation to their college's human resources to facilitate their remote work. The bill's implementation will require careful navigation of both state and federal laws to ensure compliance while protecting faculty rights.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

CA SB1262

Education finance: community colleges: general fund balance.

CA SB226

An act to add Article 6 (commencing with Section 74298) to Chapter 5 of Part 46 of Division 7 of Title 3 of the Education Code, relating to community colleges. An act to amend Section 53369.3 of the Government Code, relating to local government.

CA AB934

Community colleges: degrees and certificates: education plans.

CA AB1728

An act to amend Section 66725.5 of add Article 1.6 (commencing with Section 78024) to Chapter 1 of Part 48 of Division 7 of Title 3 of the Education Code, relating to public postsecondary education.

CA AB90

An act to add Section 76013 to the Education Code, relating to public postsecondary education.

CA AB861

Community colleges: students: public transportation: Los Angeles Community College District.

CA AB1829

An act to amend Sections 79204 and 79205 of the Education Code, relating to public postsecondary education.

CA AB2417

Community colleges: part-time faculty: retirement.

CA AB1462

Public postsecondary education: community colleges: baccalaureate degree program: Allan Hancock College.

CA AB363

Community colleges: CalWORKs Recipients Education Program: eligibility and services.

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