(Sacramento, CA) — On Monday, March 9th, Assemblymember Jessica Caloza (D-Los Angeles), joined hundreds of students at the Capitol to announce ACA 18: the Student Regent Empowerment Amendment, which she is championing to increase the total number of voting UC Student Regents from one to two. Currently, both governing boards of the California State University system and the California Community Colleges include two student members with full voting rights.
“Students deserve more than a seat in the room—they deserve a vote that counts. For too long, the UC Board of Regents has made decisions about tuition, housing, and student life without meaningful student representation,” said Assemblymember Jessica Caloza, UCSD Alum. “ACA 18 is about fairness, accountability, and representation—it expands student voting power and ensures the voices of those most impacted by these decisions are heard loud and clear. Our students deserve a real say in the decisions that shape their education. It’s time to put students first.”
As federal attacks on higher education and student rights continue, increasing student representation in shared governance is more important than ever. That is why the bill is sponsored by the University of California Students Association (UCSA) and jointly led by Assemblymember Patrick Ahrens (D-Silicon Valley).
“ACA 18 is a huge step in the right direction of strengthening the student voice in a time where we are constantly being silenced. By increasing the number of student regents, more students will be able to represent their diverse campus needs and develop professionally,” stated Samantha Zavala, UCweVote Campaign Vice Chair.
“As the University of California’s primary stakeholder, students’ needs should be the primary consideration of the UC Regents and there is no better way to ensure their needs are met than to increase student representation on the Board of Regents,” said Assemblymember Patrick Ahrens, UCLA Alum. “ACA 18 will give Californians the opportunity to expand student representation on the UC Board of Regents so students can better help forge a UC that meets their needs.”
If ACA 18 is passed by the Legislature by June 25, 2026, this measure would go before California voters in the General Election on November 3rd, 2026. If approved by the voters, for the first time ever, the voting membership of the UC Board of Regents would include representation from both an undergraduate and graduate Student Regent.
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Assemblymember Jessica Caloza proudly represents the 52nd Assembly District, which includes the Los Angeles County communities of Angelino Heights, Atwater Village, City Terrace, Cypress Park, Eagle Rock, East Hollywood, East Los Angeles, Echo Park, El Sereno, Elysian Heights, Elysian Valley, Glassell Park, Garvanza, Highland Park, Hillside Village, Lincoln Heights, Montecito Heights, Monterey Hills, Mount Washington, Silver Lake, South Glendale, University Hills, and Vista Hermosa.
