CA SB1491

Expands the definition of "sexual orientation" under the Equity in Higher Education Act to include asexuality and pansexuality, in addition to existing categories.

Requires California State University and community college districts to designate a campus employee as a point of contact for LGBTQ+ faculty, staff, and students (including asexual, pansexual, transgender, gender-nonconforming, intersex, and two-spirit individuals), with their contact information published on campus websites and directories.

Prohibits designated LGBTQ+ point-of-contact employees from being considered "responsible employees" required to report sexual harassment allegations, protecting confidentiality of disclosures made to them.

Requires the Student Aid Commission to notify students receiving state financial aid beginning in 2026-27 school year whether their institution has an exemption from Title IX or state discrimination protections, including contact information for the U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights.

Requires California State University and community college districts to adopt and publish policies addressing harassment, intimidation, and bullying as part of student conduct rules, with requests that the University of California do the same.