Existing law requires the California State University (CSU) and University of California (UC) to implement rules on student behavior and prohibit illicit drugs or alcohol on campus. The rules must impose sanctions for violations, which shall include completing a rehabilitation program as a valid sanction.
AB 602 expands existing law to require the CSU and UC to establish rules no later than July 1, 2026, that prioritize campus health and safety. The bill requires the adoption of rules and regulations governing student behavior as follows:
Students must be permitted to participate in the rehabilitation program and avoid discipline once per academic term, quarter, or semester. To avoid discipline, the student must complete the appropriate rehabilitation program within the period specified by the campus administrator or be subject to discipline. “Appropriate rehabilitation program” means an appropriate counseling, treatment, rehabilitation, or other diversion program, and may include, but is not limited to, participating in meetings with a school counselor or attending a drug education group.
The bill does not prohibit disciplining students who receive medical treatment for personal use of drugs or alcohol from sanctions for additional violations of CSU’s or UC’s rules and regulations.
The bill further provides that it does not modify or affect the requirement under state or federal law for the reporting of crimes that occur on campus as it pertains to drug possession, drug manufacturing, drug distribution, and drug use.
(AB 602 amends Section 66300 of the Education Code.)