HACU urges Governor Newsom to sign SB 1255, Designation of California Hispanic-Serving Institutions Act

SAN ANTONIO - The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) today called on California Governor Gavin Newsom to sign SB 1255, authored by Senator Eloise Gómez Reyes (SD-29) and coauthored by Assemblymember Mike Fong (AD-49). The legislation establishes a state-level framework for the designation of California Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs), along with an administrative framework for recognizing qualifying institutions.

"California's Hispanic-Serving Institutions open doors of opportunity for hundreds of thousands of students and help build the educated, skilled workforce our state depends on," said Senator Eloise Gómez Reyes (D-Colton). "SB 1255 gives California the opportunity to recognize these institutions not simply for who they enroll, but for their commitment to helping Latino students thrive, graduate and build a better future for themselves, their families and their communities. I am proud of the broad coalition that helped move this legislation forward, and I look forward to Governor Newsom's signature on SB 1255 so we can continue building a higher education system where every student has the opportunity to succeed."

"HACU respectfully urges Governor Newsom to sign SB 1255 establishing California's Hispanic-Serving Institution designation, a landmark moment for California's HSIs" said HACU President and CEO Antonio R. Flores. "This bill recognizes the critical role these institutions play in educational attainment, economic mobility and development of the state's future workforce. The Association is also urging all stakeholders in the state's future prosperity to join their voices with ours to ensure this next step is taken."

California has 179 HSIs, the largest concentration of these schools according to HACU's 2024-25 HSI data. HACU through its Western Regional Office in Sacramento, began developing the state designation convening higher education and policy stakeholders to develop the framework, including collaboration with California's higher education systems and institutions.

"This legislation demonstrates what is possible when California's higher education community speaks collectively," added Flores. "Legislative passage represents an important collective milestone, but enactment requires the Governor's signature."

The Gubernatorial signing of SB 1255 also represents the next stage of a broader conversation examining institutional support of student completion, transfer, workforce preparation. "Designation is the starting point, with 'servingness' the destination, connecting HSIs more intentionally with student success, workforce development and the state's long-term economic priorities" said HACU Executive Vice President for Programs and Operations, David A. Ortiz.

If signed, HACU will continue working with California's higher education systems, institutions and policymakers to support thoughtful implementation and the broader conversation around student success, workforce preparation and economic mobility.

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About HACU
The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities, founded in 1986, represents more than 400 colleges and universities in the United States, Latin America, Spain and school districts throughout the U.S. HACU programs and services are available to all students, faculty, and staff at HACU-member institutions. The Association's headquarters are in San Antonio, Texas, with offices in Washington, D.C. and Sacramento, California.