(a) An institution that qualifies as a public institution of higher education pursuant to subdivision (b) of Section 94858.5, that is operated by another state, and that maintains a physical presence in this state may apply for an approval to operate from the bureau.

(b) (1) With regard to a public institution of higher education approved pursuant to this section, the bureau shall administer and enforce this chapter, and the regulations adopted pursuant to this chapter, in the same manner and to the same extent as if such institutions were private postsecondary educational institutions, as defined in Section 94858.

(2) A public institution of higher education approved pursuant to this section is subject to the provisions of, and the regulations adopted pursuant to, this chapter in the same manner and to the same extent as if it was a private postsecondary educational institution, as defined in Section 94858, including the provisions related to fees, annual reports, compliance inspections, and the Student Tuition Recovery Fund.

(3) Approval of a public institution of higher education pursuant to this section does not, in and of itself, qualify the institution for participation in the Cal Grant Program established pursuant to Chapter 1.7 (commencing with Section 69430) of Part 42 of Division 5.

(c) As necessary or appropriate, the bureau shall publish public guidance regarding the application of this chapter and the regulations adopted pursuant to this chapter to a public institution of higher education approved pursuant to this section. The bureau’s development and publication of any such guidance is exempt from the requirements of Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 11340) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code. The bureau shall, on or before July 1, 2024, amend any regulations that conflict with this section.

(Added by Stats. 2022, Ch. 544, Sec. 19. (SB 1433) Effective January 1, 2023. Repealed as of January 1, 2027, pursuant to Section 94950.)