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AB-2068 • 2026

California State University: campus presidents: hiring process.

California State University: campus presidents: hiring process.

Labor
Passed Legislature

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

Sponsor
Connolly
Last action
2026-04-22
Official status
From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on APPR. (Ayes 7. Noes 3.) (April 21). Re-referred to Com. on APPR.
Effective date
Not listed

Plain English Breakdown

The official source does not provide specific details on how to choose members of the Presidential Search Committee.

California State University Campus Presidents: Hiring Process

This law sets rules for hiring new presidents at California State University campuses, including requiring written notice of resignation and establishing a search committee to recommend three finalists.

What This Bill Does

  • States the intent of the Legislature to improve the process for hiring campus presidents in the California State University system.
  • Requires current campus presidents to give written notice before leaving their job.
  • Establishes a 9-member Presidential Search Committee within 30 days after receiving resignation notice.
  • Directs the committee and Chancellor's office to create job descriptions, interview candidates, and recommend three finalists.
  • Recommends holding public forums for the final three candidates with recordings shared in closed trustee sessions.

Who It Names or Affects

  • Campus presidents of California State University
  • Trustees of California State University
  • Chancellor of California State University

Terms To Know

Presidential Search Committee
A group of nine members who help find and choose a new campus president.
Chancellor
The top leader of the California State University system.

Limits and Unknowns

  • Does not specify what happens if a current president leaves without giving proper notice.
  • Does not provide details on how to choose members for the Presidential Search Committee.
  • Does not outline consequences for failing to follow these hiring rules.

Bill History

  1. 2026-04-22 California Legislative Information

    From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on APPR. (Ayes 7. Noes 3.) (April 21). Re-referred to Com. on APPR.

  2. 2026-03-23 California Legislative Information

    Re-referred to Com. on HIGHER ED.

  3. 2026-03-19 California Legislative Information

    From committee chair, with author's amendments: Amend, and re-refer to Com. on HIGHER ED. Read second time and amended.

  4. 2026-03-19 California Legislative Information

    Referred to Com. on HIGHER ED.

  5. 2026-02-19 California Legislative Information

    From printer. May be heard in committee March 21.

  6. 2026-02-18 California Legislative Information

    Read first time. To print.

Official Summary Text

AB 2068, as amended, Connolly.
California State University: campus presidents: hiring process.
Existing law establishes the California State University, under the administration of the Trustees of the California State University, with campuses throughout the state. Existing law requires the trustees to provide by rule for the government of their appointees and employees.
This bill would state the intent of the Legislature to enact subsequent legislation to improve the process for hiring presidents of the campuses of the California State University.
This bill would prohibit the president of a campus of the California State University from resigning or vacating their position without notifying in writing the trustees and the Chancellor of the California State University of their intention to resign or vacate. The bill would require the trustees, within 30 days of receiving the written notice, and before any recruitment for the position of campus president by any employee, to establish a 9-member Presidential Search Committee, as provided. The bill would require the Presidential Search
Committee, with assistance from the office of the Chancellor of the California State University, to establish the desired qualities of the campus president and develop a job description, establish a scoring and ranking standard, conduct a recruitment effort and an initial screening of candidates, conduct interviews, and determine and recommend the final 3 candidates to the trustees and chancellor, as provided. The bill would require the chancellor, in collaboration with the Presidential Search Committee, to host a recorded public forum for the final 3 candidates. The bill would require the chancellor to share the recorded public forum in a closed session of the trustees and would require the trustees to make an offer of employment and appoint a campus president from the final 3 candidates. The bill would prohibit an offer of employment from being made to a final candidate until the candidate participates in a public forum.

Current Bill Text

Read the full stored bill text
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