Accrediting agencies.

Senator Cabaldon's postsecondary education bill establishes a fixed recognition period for accrediting agencies currently approved by the U.S. Department of Education, maintaining their status through January 20, 2029. Under the measure, accrediting bodies recognized as of January 1, 2025, retain their standing provided they continue operating in substantially the same manner as on that date.

The legislation modifies both the Business and Professions Code and Education Code to implement these changes while preserving existing definitions of California's public higher education system - comprising the Community Colleges, California State University, and University of California - and independent institutions. The bill defines independent institutions as nonprofit corporations that grant degrees and hold accreditation from Department of Education-recognized agencies.

All provisions contain sunset clauses that repeal the changes on January 1, 2030, with replacement language taking effect January 20, 2029. The measure requires no new state appropriations and maintains current requirements for educational institutions' eligibility in state programs and for graduates seeking professional licensure through the Department of Consumer Affairs.