Postsecondary education: postsecondary education coordinating entity: interstate reciprocity agreements for distance education: out-of-state postsecondary educational institutions.

Senator Cabaldon's legislation aims to restructure California's oversight of postsecondary education by establishing a new state coordinating entity and creating a framework for interstate distance education agreements. The bill eliminates the California Postsecondary Education Commission, which lost funding in 2011, and requires the Governor to designate a state agency to coordinate postsecondary programs and potentially enter into reciprocity agreements with other states.

The designated coordinating entity would implement the Master Plan for Career Education, oversee intersegmental state policies, and manage distance education reciprocity agreements if authorized by the Governor. Before entering such agreements, the Governor must issue written findings confirming they preserve California's consumer protection authority and receive input through joint legislative committee hearings.

Beginning January 2028, out-of-state institutions offering distance education to California students must register with the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education unless approved through a reciprocity agreement. The registration process requires institutions to report adverse actions, settlements over $250,000, and changes in accreditation status. The bureau may suspend enrollment or revoke registration if it determines an institution poses substantial risk to California residents.

The legislation establishes a framework for cooperation between the coordinating entity and existing higher education systems through formal agreements. It maintains the state's authority to investigate complaints and enforce consumer protection laws while potentially expanding access to distance education through interstate partnerships. The changes aim to fill the coordination gap left by CPEC's defunding while adapting oversight to current educational delivery methods.