SACRAMENTO – A bill to expand the rights of student trustees at California community colleges has been introduced by state Assemblyman Das Williams (D-Santa Barbara). The bill, known as AB 447, would give student trustees a larger voice throughout the statewide community college system. For more information, see story below.
Story provided by Josh Molina/Communications for Assemblyman Das Williams
California Assemblyman Das Williams has introduced a bill to expand the rights of student trustees throughout the California Community College system.
The bill, AB 447, would transform what are currently trustee privileges into rights.
"Our student leaders are important and their voices should be more than just symbolic," said Assemblyman Williams, D-Santa Barbara. "Our student representatives have a deep understanding of the issues that matter most on our campuses."
With college cuts, rising tuition and low graduation rates, now more than ever our elected board leaders can benefit greatly from the advice of students and those they represent.
The bill would authorize student members to:
- Make motions and seconds.
- Cast an advisory vote (new authority, this was not previously authorized).
- Attend closed sessions except for those sessions dealing with litigation, personnel issues and collective bargaining.
- Receive a fee waiver. The bill would waive fees for the term the trustee serves. If the student receives a fee waiver already, the student would receive a stipend in the amount of the waived fee.
For more information about Assemblymember Das Williams, visit, http://asmdc.org/members/a37/. To set up an interview with Williams, email josh.molina@asm.ca.gov
