Student financial aid: waiver or deferment of fees and costs: foster youth.

Legislative status

1. Introduced
2. In Committee
3. Reported by Committee
4. Floor Vote Scheduled
5. Passed One Chamber
6. Passed Both Chambers
7. Sent to Executive
8. Enacted

Summary

Starting in the 2027‑28 school year, California State Universities, community colleges and private post‑secondary schools that receive state aid must waive or defer enrollment fees for students who are current or former foster youth and have filed a FAFSA or California Dream Act application. The waiver lasts until the student’s first financial‑aid disbursement, and schools must give information on other resources if they cannot cover book or supply costs. The measure aims to reduce financial barriers for foster youth entering higher education.

AI-generated summary — may be incomplete or inaccurate. Verify against the official bill text.

Vote

Senate amendments concurred in. To Engrossing and Enrolling. (Ayes 79. Noes 0. Page 6606.). · Aug 26, 2026

Hearings

• Appropriations Committee Hearing
  Appropriations · Aug 13, 2026
• Appropriations Committee Hearing
  Appropriations · Aug 3, 2026
• Education Committee Hearing
  Education · Jun 24, 2026
• Appropriations Committee Hearing
  Appropriations · May 14, 2026
• Appropriations Committee Hearing
  Appropriations · May 6, 2026

History

1. Jun 3, 2026Referred to Com. on ED.
2. May 27, 2026In Senate. Read first time. To Com. on RLS. for assignment.
3. May 26, 2026Read third time. Passed. Ordered to the Senate. (Ayes 78. Noes 0.)
4. May 18, 2026Read second time. Ordered to third reading.
5. May 14, 2026From committee: Do pass. (Ayes 15. Noes 0.) (May 14).
6. May 6, 2026In committee: Set, first hearing. Referred to APPR. suspense file.
7. Apr 22, 2026From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on APPR. with recommendation: To Consent Calendar. (Ayes 10. Noes 0.) (April 21). Re-referred to Com. on APPR.
8. Mar 16, 2026Referred to Com. on HIGHER ED.
9. Feb 21, 2026From printer. May be heard in committee March 23.
10. Feb 20, 2026Read first time. To print.

Sponsors

• Patrick Ahrens (D) · sponsor
• Ahrens

Bill text

Opens the legislature’s own copy.

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