Image of Olympian Running
New Bill Paves the Way to Affordable Education for Olympic and Paralympic Hopefuls Training in California

CALIFORNIA GOVERNOR SIGNS LA28-SPONSORED BILL INTO LAW

Today, California Governor Gavin Newsom joined Olympians and Paralympians from across the state to sign AB 2747 into law. This important legislation, introduced by Assemblymember Adrin Nazarian and sponsored by the LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games, will provide in-state tuition eligibility for U.S. Olympians and Paralympians training in California beginning January 2023. 

 

“The Olympics and Paralympics are coming to California in 2028, and we’re using this opportunity to bring more of the nation’s top athletes to our universities to learn and train – giving these talented young people the ability to qualify for in-state tuition to thrive at our top-tier institutes for higher education,” said Governor Gavin Newsom.

 

With unanimous, bipartisan support in both the State Senate and Assembly, the legislation offers Team USA athletes certified by the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee classification for in-state college tuition, supporting long-term wellness and career transition for elite athletes.

 

“We’re grateful to Governor Newsom, Assemblymember Nazarian and everyone who championed this significant education legislation for athletes,” said LA28 Chairperson Casey Wasserman. “There’s never been a more important time to support athletes on and off the field of play. California is an incredible place for sports and this legislation will bring greater opportunities to elite athletes, strengthening the Olympic and Paralympic movement in the U.S.”  

 

Assemblymember Adrin Nazarian added: "I am grateful to the Governor for his decision to sign AB 2747, which will deposit some of our nation's most talented young people in California and make our great state the hub for both elevated education and elite-level training. As the Chair of the Assembly Select Committee on the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic games, I am proud to offer eligible Olympic and Paralympic athletes resident classification for tuition and fee purposes until the athlete has resided in the state the minimum time necessary to become a resident."

 

“This bill creates a new and promising reality for Olympians and Paralympians who train in the many amazing facilities we have across California,” said LA28 Chief Athlete Officer and 5-time Olympic medalist Janet Evans. “We’re giving these deserving athletes crucial off-field support by providing pathways to affordable, top-tier education.”

 

The U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee, the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic National Governing Body Council, the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Athlete Advisory Council and the U.S. Olympians and Paralympians Association, which comprises Team USA alumni, also endorsed the bill.

 

The LA28 Games will mark Los Angeles’ third time hosting the Olympic Games – previously hosted in 1984 and 1932 – and first time hosting the Paralympic Games. Los Angeles is expected to host more than 15,000 athletes in 2028 as it welcomes Paralympians and Olympians from around the world to compete on the biggest stage that sports have to offer.

 

The LA28 Games are independently operated by a privately funded, non-profit organization with revenue from corporate partners, licensing agreements, hospitality and ticketing programs and a significant contribution from the International Olympic Committee.