CA SB1255

Establishes the "Designation of California Hispanic-Serving Institutions" program to recognize UC, CSU, community college, and independent institution campuses that excel at providing academic resources to Latino students

Requires eligible institutions to have at least 25% of their graduation rate identifying as Latino students and submit applications including academic goals, equity goals, and strategic plans for improving Latino student outcomes

Creates an 8-member governing board including the Lieutenant Governor, legislative appointees, and representatives from each higher education segment to approve designations by two-thirds vote

Initial and renewal designations are valid for 5 years, with applications requiring data on retention rates, graduation rates, and time-to-degree completion for Latino students compared to the overall student population

Cites uncertainty around federal Hispanic-Serving Institution funding as context for establishing a state-level recognition program, noting California has over 170 federally designated HSIs