Veterans: priority registration.

Existing law, the Donahoe Higher Education Act, sets forth the missions and functions of the public institutions of higher education in the state, which include the California Community Colleges, the California State University, and the University of California. Existing law requires the California State University and each community college district, and requests the University of California, to grant priority registration for enrollment to a member or former member of the Armed Forces of the United States, who is a resident of California, and who has received an honorable discharge, a general discharge, or an other than honorable discharge, and to any member or former member of the State Military Reserve who has not received a specified discharge, for any academic term attended at one of these institutions within 4 years of leaving state or federal active duty. This bill also would enact the Combat to College Act of 2012, which would authorize a qualifying student to use the 4 academic years during which these institutions are required, or requested, to grant priority registration for enrollment within 15 years of his or her leaving state or federal active duty. The bill also would require the priority registration for enrollment to apply to enrollment for all degree and certificate programs offered by the institution after the military or veteran status of the student has been verified by the institution he or she attends. The bill would require students receiving this priority to comply with specified requirements. By requiring community college districts to provide priority registration for enrollment over a longer span of time, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program. The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement. This bill would provide that, if the Commission on State Mandates determines that the bill contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement for those costs shall be made pursuant to these statutory provisions.