California State University, San Jose: legal partnership pilot program.

Senator Cortese's proposal authorizes California State University, San Jose to partner with an accredited nonprofit law school for a six-year pilot program offering joint legal education programs, including a juris doctor degree. The program, which could begin in 2027, requires approval from both the CSU trustees and the law school's governing board, with the partner law school maintaining continuous accreditation for at least five years before the first cohort graduates.

Under the pilot framework, San Jose State may collaborate with the law school to provide joint undergraduate certificates and legal education programs while maintaining separate student records for undergraduate and law school enrollment. Student fees for the joint juris doctor program cannot exceed standard CSU graduate program rates. The legislation mandates comprehensive program evaluation, with the Legislative Analyst's Office conducting both an interim assessment after three years and a final review examining completion rates, workforce impacts, costs, and outcomes for underserved students.

The pilot program includes specific oversight mechanisms and conditions. Students must complete their degrees within the six-year pilot timeframe, and the program terminates if the partner law school loses accreditation without gaining American Bar Association approval. Prior to implementation, the university and law school must submit detailed plans covering administration, curriculum, enrollment projections, and documentation of regional workforce needs. The program becomes inoperative in 2041 and is repealed in 2042.