Community College League of California affirm’s state audit on Fifty Percent Law

A statement from Larry Galizio, Ph.D., regarding the California State Auditor’s audit report regarding California Community Colleges (2023-126)

“The League affirms the audit’s findings as reflected in the auditor’s cover letter,” said Larry Galizio, President & CEO, Community College League of California.

“My office determined that the 50 Percent Law limits districts’ ability to fund services outside of the classroom that may better support student success. The modern higher education landscape is vastly different than when the 50 Percent Law was passed in 1961, and the law in its current form does not account for these changes, such as the larger role of support from counselors and librarians, and technological changes,” noted Grant Parks, California State Auditor.

“We look forward to working with legislators to make changes to the law to benefit students,” Galizio concluded.

In March 2025, the Community College League of California released a report calling for reform of the Fifty Percent Law, which limits funding flexibility and restricts colleges from fully investing in critical student support services. Read the report here.

The California State Auditor’s report California Community Colleges (2023-126) can be found on the auditor’s website.