Assembly Bill 1555 Successfully Passes Senate Executive Committee with Bipartisan Support

For Immediate Release: June 4, 2026

Public Relations Office
Dawnie Slabaugh
Phone: (530) 938-5373
Email: slabaugh@siskiyous.edu

Weed / COS – On June 3, 2026, gaining momentum after a persuasive presentation by Assemblywoman Heather Hadwick and key testimony delivered by Dr. Char Perlas, Assembly Bill 1555, authored by Assemblywoman Hadwick (R-Alturas), cleared a major legislative hurdle by successfully passing through the Senate Education Committee with bipartisan support. Assemblywoman Hadwick presented the bill while Dr. Char Perlas, College of the Siskiyous Superintendent/President, testified. AB 1555 addresses a localized geographic and financial barrier. For many residents in southern Oregon, the unique career technical programs, fire technology academy, and nursing pathways at the College of the Siskiyous offer the most viable, affordable, and practical route to their career goals.

Data consistently shows that students are highly likely to settle, work, and pay taxes near the communities where they attend college. 'By drawing neighboring talent to the College of the Siskiyous, we are feeding the workforce pipeline of our northernmost communities, boosting local economies that struggle with rural workforce shortages', stated Dr. Char Perlas, Superintendent/President.

The measure creates a targeted, limited exemption allowing up to 200 low-income or eligible students from adjacent Oregon counties (Jackson, Josephine, and Klamath) to attend the College of the Siskiyous at in-state tuition rates.

The bill utilizes an established, successful California precedent currently granted to Lake Tahoe Community College, adapting it to solve the distinct geographic and economic challenges of the state's northernmost rural communities.

The bill will now progress to the Senate and Assembly. Once passed by both the Senate and Assembly, the bill will be sent to the Governor. The Governor will have 30 days to sign the bill into law, veto it, or allow it to become law without a signature. If signed by the Governor, the bill typically goes into effect on January 1st of the following year, allowing the Siskiyou Joint Community College District to begin adopting the necessary local rules and regulations for the registration process.

The College looks forward to welcoming a new cohort of dedicated nursing professionals as this important program relaunches in July 2026.