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AB-1202 • 2026

Student loans: California Legislative Staff Education Loan Repayment Program.

Student loans: California Legislative Staff Education Loan Repayment Program.

Budget Crime Education Labor
Passed Legislature

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

Sponsor
Ahrens
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 specific details on the number of applicants expected or the potential impact on perjury laws beyond this program.

California Legislative Staff Education Loan Repayment Program

This bill establishes a program that helps California state assembly and senate employees pay off up to $50,000 in student loans over 20 years if they have worked there for at least one year.

What This Bill Does

  • Establishes the California Legislative Staff Education Loan Repayment Program under the Student Aid Commission.
  • Provides up to $50,000 in loan repayment per applicant, disbursed monthly over 20 years.
  • Requires applicants to be full-time employees of the State Assembly or Senate for at least one year.
  • Needs proof from supervisors that the employee is doing well and has no issues with their job under penalty of perjury.
  • Creates a fund where donations can go to support this loan repayment program.

Who It Names or Affects

  • Full-time employees of the California State Assembly or Senate who have worked there for at least one year.

Terms To Know

Student Aid Commission
The main state agency that runs student financial aid programs in California.
Penalty of perjury
A legal requirement to tell the truth when making a statement under oath, with serious consequences for lying.

Limits and Unknowns

  • The program's operation is contingent upon an appropriation in the annual Budget Act or another statute.
  • It does not specify how many people might apply or receive help from this program.
  • Expanding the crime of perjury could affect more than just this loan repayment program.

Bill History

  1. 2026-02-02 California Legislative Information

    From committee: Filed with the Chief Clerk pursuant to Joint Rule 56.

  2. 2026-01-31 California Legislative Information

    Died pursuant to Art. IV, Sec. 10(c) of the Constitution.

  3. 2025-04-22 California Legislative Information

    In committee: Set, first hearing. Hearing canceled at the request of author.

  4. 2025-03-25 California Legislative Information

    Re-referred to Com. on HIGHER ED.

  5. 2025-03-24 California Legislative Information

    From committee chair, with author's amendments: Amend, and re-refer to Com. on HIGHER ED. Read second time and amended.

  6. 2025-03-24 California Legislative Information

    Referred to Com. on HIGHER ED.

  7. 2025-02-24 California Legislative Information

    Read first time.

  8. 2025-02-22 California Legislative Information

    From printer. May be heard in committee March 24.

  9. 2025-02-21 California Legislative Information

    Introduced. To print.

Official Summary Text

AB 1202, as amended, Ahrens.
Legislative staff: loan forgiveness program.
Student loans: California Legislative Staff Education Loan Repayment Program.
Existing law establishes the Student Aid Commission as the primary state agency for the administration of state-authorized student financial aid programs available to students attending all segments of postsecondary education.
This bill would establish the California Legislative Staff Education Loan Repayment Program, under the administration of the commission, to provide up to $50,000 in student loan repayment per applicant, disbursed in equal monthly installments over 20 years, as specified. The bill would require applicants for the program to be full-time eligible employees, as defined, of the California State Assembly or the California State Senate who have served for a minimum of 12 months. The bill would require an applicant to provide proof of full-time
employment and for the applicant’s supervisor or manager to attest, under penalty of perjury, that the applicant is in good standing with their employer. By expanding the crime of perjury, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program. The bill would create the California Legislative Staff Education Loan Repayment Fund and authorize the commission to accept donations for purposes of the program and deposit them in the fund. The bill would require the commission to monitor the program for fraud and to annually report to the Legislature on the program, as specified. The bill would make the operation of the program contingent upon an appropriation in the annual Budget Act or another statute.
The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.
This
bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.
Existing law establishes the Student Aid Commission as the primary state agency for the administration of state-authorized student financial aid programs available to students attending all segments of postsecondary education.
This bill would state the intent of the Legislature to enact future legislation that would establish a legislative staff loan forgiveness program with the purpose of encouraging individuals to enter and continue employment as full-time legislative staff.

Current Bill Text

Read the full stored bill text 
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