For many students with disabilities, the transition from high school to college comes with unnecessary barriers. Even when a student already has a documented disability, an Individualized Education Plan, or a Section 504 Plan, they can still be required to complete duplicative paperwork, meet different verification standards, or seek a new diagnosis just to access the accommodations they need.
AB 1713 helps make the path to college support simpler, faster, and more consistent.
AB 1713 was brought to Assemblymember Rhodesia Ransom by Stockton paraeducator Madellyn Hill through Assembly District 13’s There Oughta Be A Law program.
Assemblymember Rhodesia Ransom is ensuring students receive timely support
Assemblymember Rhodesia Ransom, along with Stockton paraeducator Madellyn Hill, have authored AB 1713 to ensure students with disabilities receive timely academic accommodations without being forced to restart the process, complete duplicative paperwork, or seek a costly new diagnosis for a condition that has already been documented.
The Measure will:
- Require California colleges and universities to accept a student’s existing medical diagnosis, along with their IEP or Section 504 Plan, as proof of their disability.
- Help students access academic accommodations more quickly when transitioning into higher education.
- Reduce duplicative paperwork and unnecessary re-diagnosis requirements.
- Support a more consistent and inclusive process for students with disabilities across California’s higher education system.
Less red tape for students across California
AB 1713 helps disabled students start college with fewer delays and fewer unnecessary hurdles. Instead of being sent through another round of paperwork or asked to pay for a new diagnosis, eligible students will move more quickly toward receiving the academic support they need.
For students, that means less time proving what has already been documented and more time focusing on classes, campus life, and their future.
Have an Idea for a New Law?
AB 1713 is proof that good ideas can come directly from the community. Through Assemblymember Ransom’s There Oughta Be A Law program, residents from Assembly District 13 can submit ideas for new legislation based on the issues they see in their schools, workplaces, neighborhoods, and everyday lives.
