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Assembly committee advances bill to let Southwestern College pilot bachelor’s programs for South San Diego
Summary
The Assembly Higher Education Committee voted to send AB 664 to Appropriations after testimony from Southwestern College leaders, students and system offices. Proponents said the pilot would fill local workforce gaps; CSU and UC representatives warned it could circumvent the AB 927 consultation process.
Assemblymember Asimara Alvarez’s AB 664, a time‑limited pilot to allow Southwestern College to offer faculty‑led bachelor’s programs targeted to South San Diego workforce needs, was advanced to the Assembly Appropriations Committee after testimony Tuesday before the Assembly Higher Education Committee.
Alvarez told the committee the measure would address a “critical workforce and higher education gap” in South San Diego by allowing Southwestern College to develop bachelor’s degrees in fields tied to the binational economy, public safety, health and education. She said the bill includes an independent evaluation, a statutory cap and a sunset in 2035 and “does not duplicate or replace any existing university programs.”
Dr. Mark Sanchez, president of Southwestern Community Colleges, said the college serves a large regional population and described delays under the AB 927 process, which he said had stalled a proposed transborder environmental design degree after it faced a duplication challenge. A student witness described being unable to relocate with children to complete a bachelor’s program in San Jose and said AB 664 would allow students to remain in their communities while pursuing careers.
Representatives from the CSU Chancellor’s Office and the University of California urged caution. Chris Morales of the CSU said AB 664 “would undermine the collaboration at the heart of” AB 927 because that statute requires community colleges to consult with CSU, UC and other segments to avoid duplication. Jessica Dong for the UC said the AB 927 process—created in 2021—was an intersegment agreement and the bill could let other districts sidestep limits on the number and type of baccalaureate programs.
Alvarez and Southwestern College leaders responded that AB 664 contains guardrails, including statutory language (section 78047.5 cited in testimony) that requires conditions be met before programs can be implemented, and pointed to program caps and independent review as protections. Several members expressed interest in reviewing long‑term data and possibly testing similar pilots in other regions.
The committee initially recorded eight ayes and one no with the roll held open; after add‑ons the committee recorded nine ayes and one no and ordered AB 664 to the Appropriations Committee.
What’s next: AB 664 will be considered by the Appropriations Committee. Supporters highlighted workforce alignment and the bill’s sunset and evaluation requirements; system offices asked for continued consultation to avoid duplication.
