AB-1361 • 2026

University of California: branch campus of a school of medicine in the County of Kern: feasibility study.

Budget Education Healthcare

Passed Legislature

This bill passed both chambers and reached final enrollment, even if later executive action is not shown here.

Sponsor: Bains
Last action: 2026-02-02
Official status: From committee: Filed with the Chief Clerk pursuant to Joint Rule 56.
Effective date: Not listed

Plain English Breakdown

The exact details of the feasibility study's content and timing are specified by the bill, but specifics about funding allocation and stakeholder consultations remain somewhat vague.

Study for a Medical School Branch Campus in Kern County

The bill requires the University of California to conduct a feasibility study about starting a branch campus of an existing medical school in Kern County if funding is provided by the Legislature.

What This Bill Does

Requires the University of California to complete a feasibility study on or before January 1, 2027, upon appropriation by the Legislature.
The study must determine the steps necessary for establishing a branch campus of an existing medical school in Kern County.
Includes consulting with local stakeholders when conducting the study.
Requires the University of California to submit the feasibility study, including detailed findings and recommendations, to the Governor and Legislature within two years after receiving funding.

Who It Names or Affects

University of California
Local stakeholders in Kern County

Terms To Know

feasibility study: A report that looks at whether something is possible to do and how it can be done.
stakeholders: People or groups who are interested in a project because they will be affected by it.

Limits and Unknowns

The bill only requires the University of California to do a study and does not guarantee that the branch campus will actually open.
It is unclear how much money will be given for this study or when exactly it might happen.

Bill History

2026-02-02 California Legislative Information
From committee: Filed with the Chief Clerk pursuant to Joint Rule 56.
2026-01-31 California Legislative Information
Died pursuant to Art. IV, Sec. 10(c) of the Constitution.
2025-05-23 California Legislative Information
In committee: Held under submission.
2025-04-23 California Legislative Information
In committee: Set, first hearing. Referred to suspense file.
2025-04-21 California Legislative Information
Re-referred to Com. on APPR.
2025-04-10 California Legislative Information
Read second time and amended.
2025-04-09 California Legislative Information
From committee: Amend, and do pass as amended and re-refer to Com. on APPR. with recommendation: To Consent Calendar. (Ayes 10. Noes 0.) (April 8).
2025-03-27 California Legislative Information
Re-referred to Com. on HIGHER ED.
2025-03-26 California Legislative Information
From committee chair, with author's amendments: Amend, and re-refer to Com. on HIGHER ED. Read second time and amended.
2025-03-13 California Legislative Information
Referred to Com. on HIGHER ED.
2025-02-24 California Legislative Information
Read first time.
2025-02-22 California Legislative Information
From printer. May be heard in committee March 24.
2025-02-21 California Legislative Information
Introduced. To print.

Official Summary Text

AB 1361, as amended, Bains.
University of California:
branch campus of a
school of medicine in the County of Kern: feasibility study.
Existing law establishes the University of California Kern County Medical Education Endowment Fund. Upon appropriation by the Legislature, existing law requires moneys in the endowment fund to be allocated to the University of California to support the annual operating costs for the development, operation, and maintenance of a branch campus of an existing University of California School of Medicine in the County of Kern, and to conduct a feasibility study related to that campus.
This bill would require the University of California,
on or before January 1, 2027,
upon appropriation by the Legislature,
to complete a feasibility study,
in consultation with local voluntary
and reasonably attempt to consult with local
stakeholders, to determine the steps necessary to establish a
branch campus of an existing
University of California medical school in the County of Kern, and to submit the feasibility study,
on or before 2 years after the date of the appropriation,
including detailed findings, recommendations, and an implementation timeline, to the Governor and Legislature, as provided. The bill would require the feasibility study to include a comprehensive analysis of the requirements, challenges, and opportunities related to establishing a
branch campus of an existing
University of California medical school in the County of
Kern, as provided.
This bill would declare that it is to take effect immediately as an urgency statute.

Current Bill Text

Read the full stored bill text

Download Bill PDF