Bill Banning Junior College Attendance Restrictions OKd

A bill that would allow junior college students to attend any school they choose, without restriction, was approved by the state Assembly on Tuesday and is before Gov. George Deukmejian for approval.

The “free-flow” bill, AB 2061 by Assemblyman Tom Hayden (D-Santa Monica), was approved 60-10. If signed, the bill will prohibit junior college districts from imposing restrictions on attendance by students from other districts.

The free flow ostensibly benefits junior college football programs eager to recruit talent from territory that previously had been off-limits.

Valley Coach Chuck Ferrero doesn’t see it that way.

“The trend in college football has been to limit recruiting--this goes the other way.” Ferrero said. “It opens up a new can of worms recruiting-wise. A few junior colleges like Bakersfield and Taft will greatly benefit because they have housing for players.

“It won’t really affect the Valley-area kid who wants to go to Santa Barbara. He still has to be able to afford to live there.”