The California State Senate Appropriations Committee met on May 12, 2025, to discuss Senate Bill 226, which addresses a historical injustice in Yolo County's community college districting. The bill, presented by a senator on behalf of the local community, seeks to allow the Board of Governors of the California Community Colleges to rectify the placement of two Latino cities, Woodland and Winters, into the Yuba Community College District against the wishes of local voters in 1972.

The senator emphasized that the bill is permissive, meaning it does not mandate action but provides the option to correct what has been described as a significant act of educational redlining in California's history. The fiscal analysis presented by the committee staff indicated that the bill would incur only minor and absorbable costs for the state. However, the senator raised concerns about inflated cost estimates submitted by the affected districts, which claimed expenses exceeding $25 million. These estimates were characterized as "absurd" and aimed at undermining the bill's intent.

The senator pointed out discrepancies in the districts' financial reports, noting that one district claimed substantial costs for administrative positions and operational expenses without acknowledging potential savings. He argued that accurate fiscal estimates are crucial for the committee's decision-making process and highlighted that similar past bills did not result in additional costs to the state or the chancellor's office.

The meeting concluded with no public testimony in support of the bill and a recognition of the significant disagreement regarding the local fiscal estimates. The bill remains a suspense file candidate, pending further consideration by the committee.