AB-1035 • 2026

Community colleges: California College Promise: fee waiver eligibility.

Budget Education

Passed Legislature

This bill passed both chambers and reached final enrollment, even if later executive action is not shown here.

Sponsor: Mark González
Last action: 2026-02-02
Official status: From committee: Filed with the Chief Clerk pursuant to Joint Rule 56.
Effective date: Not listed

Plain English Breakdown

The official source does not provide details on how additional funding will be provided and whether it affects currently enrolled students.

Expanding Fee Waiver Eligibility in Community Colleges

This law extends the California College Promise fee waiver eligibility for an additional two academic years to first-time and returning community college students who enter upper division courses of a baccalaureate degree program.

What This Bill Does

Extends fee waiver eligibility under the California College Promise for an additional two academic years to first-time and returning community college students who matriculate into upper division coursework of a baccalaureate degree program.

Who It Names or Affects

First-time and returning community college students enrolled in upper division coursework of a baccalaureate degree program.

Terms To Know

California College Promise: A program that provides funding to waive fees for eligible community college students.
Baccalaureate Degree Program: An upper-level degree program offered by some community colleges.

Limits and Unknowns

The bill does not specify how the additional funding will be provided.
It is unclear if this change affects students who are already enrolled in community college programs.

Bill History

2026-02-02 California Legislative Information
From committee: Filed with the Chief Clerk pursuant to Joint Rule 56.
2026-01-31 California Legislative Information
Died pursuant to Art. IV, Sec. 10(c) of the Constitution.
2025-05-23 California Legislative Information
In committee: Held under submission.
2025-04-23 California Legislative Information
In committee: Set, first hearing. Referred to suspense file.
2025-04-09 California Legislative Information
From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on APPR. (Ayes 8. Noes 2.) (April 8). Re-referred to Com. on APPR.
2025-04-09 California Legislative Information
Coauthors revised.
2025-03-10 California Legislative Information
Referred to Com. on HIGHER ED.
2025-02-21 California Legislative Information
From printer. May be heard in committee March 23.
2025-02-20 California Legislative Information
Read first time. To print.

Official Summary Text

AB 1035, as introduced, Mark González.
Community colleges: California College Promise: fee waiver eligibility.
Existing law establishes the California College Promise, under the administration of the Chancellor of the California Community Colleges, to provide funding, upon appropriation by the Legislature, to each community college meeting prescribed requirements. Existing law authorizes a community college to use that funding to waive some or all of the fees for 2 academic years for first-time community college students and returning community college students, as defined, who are enrolled in 12 or more semester units or the equivalent, or less for students certified as “full time,” as specified, and who complete and submit either a Free Application for Federal Student Aid or a California Dream Act application, except as provided.
This bill would authorize extending the term of eligibility of the California College Promise for an additional 2 academic
years for first-time community college students and returning community college students who matriculate into upper division coursework of a community college baccalaureate degree program, as specified.

Current Bill Text

Read the full stored bill text

Download Bill PDF