2026 Legislative Priorities

HOPE SPONSORED BILL

The Challenge:

Dual enrollment programs create early pathways to college by allowing students to earn both high school and college credit. However, access remains uneven across California. Approximately 82% of California high schools have no students enrolled in community college courses. Barriers such as complex application processes, limited course availability, and lack of flexible or online options continue to restrict participation, particularly for students who may not already see college as an option.

The Solution:

AB 1871 strengthens California’s College and Career Access Pathways (CCAP) partnerships to expand and simplify access to dual enrollment. The bill removes barriers by eliminating the principal recommendation requirement, streamlines enrollment through a single application and parent consent form, expands access to up to 15 college units per term, and improves accountability by tracking student progress toward key milestones. These reforms help more students get an early start on college and stay on track toward higher education and career success.

HOPE SUPPORTED BILL

The Challenge:

Medi-Cal provides health coverage to millions of Californians, supporting access to care for low-income individuals and families. However, new federal requirements under H.R.1 introduce additional paperwork and work-reporting rules, including a requirement to document at least 80 hours per month of work or community engagement and to complete eligibility redeterminations twice a year. Research shows these policies can lead to coverage loss due to administrative barriers rather than changes in eligibility. In California, an estimated 1.4 million people could lose Medi-Cal coverage as a result.

The Solution:

AB 2161 protects access to Medi-Cal by ensuring California does not extend these requirements beyond what federal law mandates and by preventing their application to state-funded populations. By leveraging existing data, automating eligibility processes, and codifying clear notification protections, this bill reduces unnecessary red tape and helps keep eligible Californians covered. AB 2161 helps strengthen a more accessible and efficient system so individuals and families can maintain the health care coverage they need.

HOPE CO-SPONSORED BILL

The Challenge:

The California Civil Rights Department enforces laws that protect individuals from discrimination in employment, housing, and other areas of public life. The Civil Rights Enforcement and Litigation Fund supports this work, but limited public reporting can make it difficult to assess impact and ensure accountability. Additionally, while employers are required to submit annual pay data reports to identify wage disparities, current penalties for noncompliance may not be strong enough to ensure consistent reporting.

The Solution:

SB 1237 strengthens transparency and enforcement of California’s civil rights protections. The bill requires the department to publish an annual report on fund usage, improving accountability and oversight. It also increases penalties for repeat failures to submit pay data reports to better ensure compliance. By enhancing transparency and strengthening enforcement, SB 1237 supports efforts to address workplace inequities and uphold civil rights protections.

BUDGET ASK

Championed by Assemblymember Juan Carrillo and Senator Josh Baker

The Challenge:

Undocumented and Limited English Proficient (LEP) immigrants in California contribute more than $8.4 billion in state and local taxes, yet continue to face significant economic barriers, including low wages and exclusion from key safety net programs. While the state has invested in these communities through the Social Entrepreneurs for Economic Development (SEED) Initiative, demand continues to outpace available resources, leaving many aspiring entrepreneurs without the support needed to fully participate in California’s economy.

The Solution:

SEED 4.0 builds on a proven model launched in 2020 as one of California’s most successful small business development programs. With $37.5 million invested across its first three iterations, SEED has helped small businesses statewide launch and grow, strengthening economic stability and mobility.

Championed by Assemblymember Juan Carrillo and Senator Josh Baker, the budget request proposes $45 million over the next two years for the SEED initiative to continue and expand support for immigrant entrepreneurs. The initiative funds community-based organizations to provide entrepreneurship training, technical assistance, coaching, and microgrants to immigrants and LEP individuals across California. This investment strengthens proven pathways to economic opportunity and ensures more Californians can fully participate in and contribute to the state’s economy.