The Donahoe Higher Education Act establishes the segments of postsecondary education in the state, including the University of California and the California State University, and sets forth the missions and functions of those segments. Existing law states that the University of California has exclusive jurisdiction in public higher education over, among others, instruction in the profession of law.
This bill would authorize a state-accredited law school that has operated continuously as an independent nonprofit institution to be incorporated into California State University, San Jose as a constituent academic unit if the law school maintains its accreditation and the governing boards of both institutions approve a merger agreement. The bill would require the law school, upon incorporation into California State University, San Jose, to operate under the university's policies and governance structure. The bill would require the California State University, San Jose to work with the Chancellor of the California State University to coordinate with the appropriate regulatory bodies to ensure compliance with all legal and accreditation requirements applicable to the law school.
This bill would make legislative findings and declarations as to the necessity of a special statute for the California State University, San Jose.

Statutes affected:
SB 550: 3073.5 LAB
02/20/25 - Introduced: 3073.5 LAB
03/26/25 - Amended Senate: 3073.5 LAB