New Bill Aims to Ease College Access for Students with Disabilities

AB 1713 would allow California colleges to accept existing K-12 disability plans as proof of disability

Apr. 17, 2026 at 1:56am

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A brightly colored, abstract grid of graduation cap icons in neon shades of blue, pink, and yellow, conceptually representing the inclusive and empowering spirit of a new law aimed at supporting students with disabilities in higher education.A celebratory illustration representing the bill's goal of making the college experience more accessible and achievable for students with disabilities.Stockton Today

A new bill inspired by Stockton paraeducator Madellyn Hill would require California colleges and universities to accept existing K-12 disability plans, such as IEPs and 504s, as proof of a student's disability. The measure, known as AB 1713, is designed to streamline the process for students with disabilities transitioning to higher education and speed up their access to necessary accommodations.

Why it matters

Currently, many students with disabilities face additional barriers when entering college, as institutions often require new and costly diagnostic testing to verify their condition, even if they already have an established disability plan from their K-12 education. This can be a significant financial and emotional burden that sometimes leads students to drop out. AB 1713 aims to remove this 'roadblock' and make the college experience more accessible for students with disabilities.

The details

AB 1713, introduced by Assemblymember Rhodesia Ransom (D-Tracy), would prohibit California public colleges and universities from requiring new disability tests if a student can provide their existing IEP or 504 plan from high school. While institutions could still request additional information to determine accommodation needs, the bill is designed to streamline the process and reduce the stress and costs associated with repeated testing.

  • AB 1713 was introduced in the California State Assembly in April 2026.
  • The bill received a unanimous vote from the Assembly Higher Education Committee on April 14, 2026.
  • If approved, the measure would go into effect starting in September 2026, coinciding with the start of the next academic year.

The players

Madellyn Hill

A Stockton paraeducator who is set to graduate with an associate degree this June and inspired the creation of AB 1713 based on her own experiences navigating disability services in higher education.

Assemblymember Rhodesia Ransom

The California State Assembly member who introduced AB 1713, which was inspired by Hill's story and the 'hundreds' of similar experiences shared through Ransom's 'There Oughta Be A Law' contest.

Kholoud Rashid

A nonprofit disability service center worker who spoke in favor of AB 1713, citing how repeatedly having to 'prove' a disability can take a toll on students' confidence and sometimes lead them to leave school altogether.

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What they’re saying

“Being sent off for a new diagnosis, especially for students with chronic conditions, is stressful, time consuming and often costly. This is just another road block our education system sets in their way.”

— Rhodesia Ransom, California Assemblymember

“This is not just a bill about my story. It's about the future of (the) students we serve.”

— Madellyn Hill, Stockton Paraeducator

“What should be an exciting step often becomes frustrating and discouraging.”

— Kholoud Rashid, Nonprofit Disability Service Center Worker

What’s next

AB 1713 now awaits another committee review focused on the bill's cost before making its way through both the California State Assembly and Senate.

The takeaway

This bill represents a significant step forward in making higher education more accessible and inclusive for students with disabilities in California. By eliminating the need for repeated and costly diagnostic testing, it has the potential to improve college retention and graduation rates for this underserved population.