Plain English Breakdown
The effective date for these rules is specified as commencing with the 2027–28 academic year.
AB-1669: Medical Leave of Absence Rules for Students
Starting in the 2027–28 school year, this bill requires California colleges and universities to let students take a voluntary medical leave without officially withdrawing from their program.
What This Bill Does
- Requires schools to create a written policy allowing students to take a voluntary medical leave of absence for at least one academic year or longer if the school decides.
- Allows students facing health challenges to receive reasonable accommodations to finish their studies without providing proof of the medical challenge.
- Prohibits schools from requiring an official withdrawal notice when a student takes this type of medical leave.
- Mandates that schools post the policy on their website and email its location to students and faculty at the start of each semester.
Who It Names or Affects
- Students at University of California, California State University, or community colleges.
- Students at private postsecondary institutions in California.
- Faculty members who must be notified about where the policy is posted online.
- School administrators responsible for creating and posting these policies.
Terms To Know
- Medical leave of absence
- A temporary break from school due to a health issue that does not require the student to officially withdraw or quit their program.
- Reasonable accommodations
- Changes or help given to students so they can finish their studies despite medical challenges, without needing to provide proof of those challenges for this specific leave policy.
Limits and Unknowns
- The rules apply to University of California campuses only if the Regents vote to adopt them.
- Schools decide how long a leave lasts beyond the one-year minimum, which may vary by campus.
- Reimbursement for costs imposed on community colleges depends on whether the Commission on State Mandates determines state-mandated costs exist.