Improved transfer of unused sick leave
Assembly Bill 2295 (Ridley-Thomas, D-Los Angeles) makes it easier for part-timers to transfer unused sick leave from a previous community college employer to a new one by extending the transfer period from a mere one year to three academic years.
This new law will primarily benefit part-timers who have taught in multiple districts by adding previously uncounted sick leave to the total amount accrued upon retirement, potentially increasing the retirement benefit for part-time instructors.
Workload reduction to avoid health coverage disallowed
Assembly Concurrent Resolution 95 (Gomez, D-Northeast Los Angeles) expresses the will of the California Legislature that community college districts shall not reduce the workloads of part-time faculty or classified employees to disqualify them from health coverage through the Affordable Care Act.
Anecdotal evidence suggests that some districts have engaged in this practice already to reduce their financial obligations to currently employed part-timers. This resolution, signed into law by the governor, does not change existing law but paves the way for future legislation protecting access to health care coverage for part-time faculty in the community colleges.