SACRAMENTO, CA (September 15, 2025) – Assemblywoman Esmeralda Soria’s Nursing Education bill has passed through the legislature. This bill will help alleviate the critical nursing workforce shortage throughout California.
The Nursing Education bill (AB 1400) would direct the Chancellor of the California Community Colleges (CCC) to establish a pilot program to allow up to 10 community college districts to offer a Bachelor of Science in nursing degree (BSN).
“In order to meet our nursing workforce needs, we must expand the role of our community college system,” said Soria. “AB 1400 is the solution to solving the nursing workforce crisis in California. According to a recent report, California will be short 65,000 registered nurses by 2037. Inaction will mean fewer nurses, longer wait times for care, more strain on hospitals, and higher healthcare costs for everyone. We urge the Governor to act now—so that no communities experience what happened in Madera, and every Californian has access to the care they deserve.”
While California’s Community College system does offer associates degrees in nursing, the needs of the healthcare workforce more frequently demand a bachelor’s degree.
“This bill addresses and fixes the leak in the nursing education pipeline—keeping talented, committed students on track toward the careers our healthcare system urgently needs,” said Dr. Carole Goldsmith, Chancellor for the State Center Community College District. “Community colleges are ready to deliver high-quality, affordable Bachelors of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs that meet the moment.”
AB 1400 passed both the Assembly and the Senate with broad bipartisan support. Stay tuned on our website and social media handles for the most updated information on our current legislation.
Facebook: @Assemblymember Esmeralda Soria
Instagram: @asmesmeraldasoria
BlueSky: @esmeraldasoria.bsky.social
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Assemblywoman Esmeralda Soria represents the 27th Assembly District, which includes communities in Fresno, Madera, and Merced counties
