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OPEN SEASON ON FACILITY PROCESS — Historically, bills to alter the community college facility process are rare. It looks like open season this year as a variety of bills have shown up to tweak the process in a variety of ways. Last week we discussed the joint use bills SB 1018 (Dunn) and SB 1203 (Poochigian). This week we will discuss two additional policy bills.

NEW FACILITY MODERNIZATION FUNDING PROGRAM — SB 1283 (Polanco) would implement a new funding program for the modernization of community college facilities. The measure is modeled somewhat on the SB 50 (Greene) K-12 modernization program that was enacted last year and implemented with the approval of Proposition 1A by the electorate in November 1998.

The K-12 program provides $2,246 per pupil for modernization projects with the state providing 80% of the cost. Permanent facilities in excess of 25 years of age and relocatable facilities in excess of 20 years of age are eligible for project funding. These projects are submitted to the Office of Public School Construction for funding from bond funds available from Proposition 1A. Only eligible projects are funded.

The SB 1283 program would be directed at the same age facilities as covered in K-12, and would make community college districts eligible for $104 for each weekly student contact hour. A COLA is applied to the $104 amount.

There are two big difference between the two programs. One is the funding source. The K-12 program is and has historically been specifically funded by facility bond acts. The SB 1283 program will be funded through the budget act. In its present form, this probably means Proposition 98 funds. The other difference appears to be eligibility. While K-12 modernization projects must be submitted to the Office of Public School Construction and approved by the State Allocation Board, SB 1283 appears to create eligibility for funding based on age of facilities and presence of students. Funding would be determined by a budget act appropriation. It is likely that the bill will be amended in the future to clarify these points.

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT IN CAPITAL OUTLAY PROJECTS — SB 91 (Alarcon) would required that prior to the encumbrance of any state funds for a capital outlay project, the local governing board would appoint and convene a community advisory committee. This advisory committee would make recommendations to the board regarding the planning process with respect to the proposed campus expansion or new construction.

The bill would create a new mandate for boards with approved projects, and likely delay the construction process.