Committee clears bill to create protected medical and mental‑health leaves for college students
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Summary
AB 1669 would require higher-education institutions to create a leave-of-absence process allowing students to step away for medical or mental‑health reasons and return without reapplying; student witnesses and disability advocates described traumatic withdrawal experiences and urged committee support.
Summer Pacheco told the committee AB 1669 would create an accessible, equitable process for students to take medical or mental-health leaves and return to their studies without reapplying.
"Temporary leave allows a student to stabilize and return ready to complete their education," Pacheco said. Student witnesses testified that current withdrawal processes can be retraumatizing and may require reapplying, paying fees, and losing financial-aid priority. Jen Gallonado of Sacramento State, representing more than 31,000 students, said the bill would ensure leave policies are consistent across campuses and let students return when they are ready.
Advocates including the UC Student Association, hospital associations and campus disability leaders voiced support. The committee voted to pass AB 1669 as amended and refer it to Appropriations.
