September 30, 2026
SAN ANTONIO — In what education advocates are hailing as a monumental step forward for educational equity and economic development, the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) has officially applauded the signing of Senate Bill 1255 by California Governor Gavin Newsom. This historic legislation marks a transformative milestone not only for California’s extensive network of Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) but also for the millions of students and diverse communities they support across the Golden State.
The enactment of Senate Bill 1255 establishes a pioneering state-level HSI designation framework designed to align institutional recognition directly with California’s overarching state priorities. These priorities are squarely focused on enhancing student success, elevating workforce preparation, driving economic mobility, and securing long-term prosperity for the state as a whole. By formally connecting state support with measurable institutional outcomes, California is setting a new precedent for how higher education systems can empower historically underrepresented student populations.
Reflecting on the significance of the new law, HACU President and CEO Antonio R. Flores emphasized the collaborative nature of the achievement. “This is a historic moment for California’s HSIs and a testament to what can be accomplished through partnership and collective advocacy,” said Flores. He extended formal commendations to Governor Newsom, the bill’s author Senator Eloise Gómez Reyes, California’s higher education leaders, and the countless institutional representatives, faculty members, students, and advocates whose dedicated leadership helped bring this vision to fruition.
The journey toward the passage of Senate Bill 1255 was deeply rooted in rigorous research, stakeholder engagement, and strategic advocacy. HACU played a critical role in advancing the state-level HSI designation framework, ensuring that the model was informed by the firsthand perspectives, academic research, and practical expertise of higher education stakeholders. Crucially, the framework evaluates and recognizes institutions based on how effectively they support student completion, foster economic mobility, and deliver strong workforce outcomes. Rather than relying solely on traditional enrollment metrics, the new law emphasizes institutional accountability and real-world results for students entering a rapidly evolving modern economy.
Senator Eloise Gómez Reyes, who championed the legislation through the state legislature, highlighted the profound grassroots effort that powered the bill to the Governor’s desk. “This victory belongs to the students who showed up, spoke out and fought for the future they deserve,” said Senator Reyes. She pointed to the broader national landscape, noting that the legislation sends a powerful message during a period of considerable uncertainty for higher education and Latino students nationwide. “At a time of tremendous uncertainty for higher education and for Latino students across this country, California is making our priorities clear: we believe in our students, we value their potential, and we will invest in institutions committed to helping them succeed. I am incredibly proud of the students and advocates who carried this effort forward, and grateful to Governor Newsom for signing SB 1255 into law.”
The impact of Hispanic-Serving Institutions extends far beyond individual campuses, serving as a cornerstone of educational opportunity in the United States. Nationally, HSIs educate approximately six million students across 645 colleges and universities. California holds a particularly vital position within this national landscape, serving as home to 179 HSIs—representing the largest concentration of such institutions in the entire country. Given this immense footprint, the implementation of Senate Bill 1255 in California is expected to serve as a bellwether for higher education policy across the nation.
Looking ahead, the work of turning the legislative vision of Senate Bill 1255 into daily reality is already underway. HACU has confirmed that it will continue working in close partnership with the Governor’s administration, the California State University—which will serve as the program’s managing entity—and HSI stakeholders statewide. This collaborative effort will focus on supporting the successful implementation of the law while simultaneously advancing a shared, comprehensive understanding of what it truly means to effectively serve students in higher education today.
About HACU
The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities, founded in 1986, represents more than 400 colleges and universities in the United States, Latin America, Spain, and school districts throughout the United States. HACU programs and services are designed to be accessible and beneficial to all students, faculty, and staff at HACU-member institutions, fostering academic excellence and professional development on a broad scale. The Association maintains its national headquarters in San Antonio, Texas, alongside key regional offices located in Washington, D.C., and Sacramento, California, allowing the organization to effectively advocate for educational equity at both the federal and state levels.
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