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AB-602 • 2026

Public postsecondary education: student behavior: drug and alcohol use: rehabilitation programs.

Public postsecondary education: student behavior: drug and alcohol use: rehabilitation programs.

Education Healthcare
Enacted

This bill passed the Legislature and reached final enactment based on the latest official action.

Sponsor
Haney
Last action
Official status
Chaptered
Effective date
Not listed

Plain English Breakdown

The official text states provisions apply to the University of California only if the Regents act by resolution to make them applicable; this condition is noted in existing law but not explicitly repeated as a new limitation for this specific bill's requirements.

Rules for Drug and Alcohol Use at Public Universities

This law requires the University of California and California State University to prioritize student health when creating rules that allow students receiving medical treatment for drug or alcohol use to avoid disciplinary action if they complete a rehabilitation program.

What This Bill Does

  • Requires university leaders to place the highest priority on the health, safety, and well-being of the campus community when writing behavior rules.
  • Mandates that new rules regarding drug and alcohol use be adopted by July 1, 2026.
  • Stops disciplinary action for students who receive medical treatment for personal drug or alcohol use if they complete an appropriate rehabilitation program.
  • Requires universities to offer these students the chance to join an appropriate rehabilitation program.
  • Limits this protection so it applies only once per academic semester, quarter, or term.

Who It Names or Affects

  • The Regents of the University of California
  • The Trustees of the California State University
  • Students at these public universities who receive medical treatment for personal drug or alcohol use

Terms To Know

Regents of the University of California
The governing body that makes rules and decisions for the University of California system.
Trustees of the California State University
The governing body that makes rules and decisions for the California State University system.
Rehabilitation program
A treatment plan defined by university rules to help students with drug or alcohol issues.

Limits and Unknowns

  • The law does not specify the exact details of what makes a rehabilitation program 'appropriate' beyond requiring universities to define it.
  • This protection applies only once per academic semester, quarter, or term for each student; repeated incidents may still face disciplinary action.

Bill History

  1. California Legislative Information

    Chaptered

Official Summary Text

Public postsecondary education: student behavior: drug and alcohol use: rehabilitation programs.