Legislative Update: Financial Aid, Rape Kit Bills, Childcare Payments

The Assembly Appropriations Committee recently approved several bills penned by California  Assemblymember Anthony Portantino and will now move to the Assembly Floor, the legislator's office has announced. The bills, approved Friday, will be heard by the full Assembly later in the session.

Portantino (D-La Canada Flintridge) represents California's 44th district in the state legislature, which encompasses Eagle Rock, Highland Park, La Cañada Flintridge, South Pasadena, Altadena and parts of Monrovia and Arcadia. Besides an open carry gun bill (AB 144) that he introduced and which passed by a 45-29 vote in the Assembly—the bill is currently in the State Senate—Portantino has proposed the following other legislations:

• AB 91 Community College Financial Aid requires the Chancellor’s office to establish a three-year pilot program to increase student participation in state and federal financial aid programs, so it's easier for students to apply for aid.

• AB 322 Rape Kit Reporting requires law enforcement agencies to report annually the number of rape kits collected and tested during the past year.

• AB 2 Higher Ed Accountability provides parents, students and teachers with a report card to measure the successes or deficiencies of the California Community Colleges, Cal State Universities, and University of California.

• AB 160 Concurrent Enrollment makes it easier for high school students to attend community colleges, and encourages school districts to enter into partnerships with community college districts.

• AB 245 Childcare Payments requires the State Controller to pay child care contractors via direct deposit.