CA AB417

Establishes the Rising Scholars Network program allowing the Chancellor of the California Community Colleges to enter agreements with up to 50 community colleges to provide additional funding for services supporting justice-involved students.

Defines "justice-involved" as persons currently or formerly incarcerated in California correctional facilities or detained in juvenile facilities.

Requires funded colleges to provide academic counseling, tutoring, financial aid assistance, peer mentoring, career counseling, and support services for both incarcerated and formerly incarcerated students.

Mandates the Board of Governors adopt regulations requiring participating colleges to designate a program director, provide dedicated meeting space, maintain relationships with criminal justice partners, and help students apply and persist to graduation.

Requires the Board of Governors to submit reports to the Department of Finance and legislative committees by December 31, 2023, and every two years thereafter, with recommendations on expanding the program to all community college districts and campuses; program is operative only if funded in the annual Budget Act or other statute.