Brown Signs 'Promise Bills,' Measures On Cyberbullying

California Governor Jerry Brown has signed a package of so-called ‘Promise Bills’ to help more California State University and community college students graduate in a total of four years. 

The goal of these laws is to help students avoid the extra student debt that can pile up as college stretches on and on. One of the laws gives students who pledge to take 30 units per year priority registration and academic advising. Another allows community college districts across the state to administer these promise programs and receive money for them.

Brown signed these bills on the same day the Cal State Board of Trustees approved an initiative to double the number of students graduating in four years to 40 percent. 

The governor also signed a law that expands the state’s definition of bullying to include the posting of harassing videos. Supporters say it will protect students who are more likely to commit suicide after they are bullied.

Brown also signed a bill to prevent concessionaires from trademarking historic names in California state parks. It’s in response to the controversial renaming of several landmarks in Yosemite National Park earlier this year.

And finally, the governor signed a bill to educate nail salon owners about workplace laws. Its goal is to improve conditions for salon workers. 

The cyberbullying and trademarking laws go into effect Jan. 1. The nail salon law goes into effect in July.