Plain English Breakdown
The official status label indicates the bill passed both chambers and reached final enrollment, but the last action listed shows it was held under submission on August 29, 2025. This creates uncertainty about whether the law is currently in effect or if further executive action is required.
AB-537: Changes to the California College Promise
This law lowers the number of classes a student must take to get fee waivers and sets new rules for how colleges name this program.
What This Bill Does
- Lowers the required class load from 12 units to 9 units per term for students to qualify for fee waivers under the California College Promise.
- Allows students certified by disabled student services staff to enroll in fewer than 9 units if they commit to a workload similar to 9 units.
- Requires colleges and districts to stop calling any other financial aid program the 'California College Promise' as a condition of receiving funding for this program.
- Mandates that colleges give written notices to new recipients explaining their two-year eligibility for fee waivers.
Who It Names or Affects
- First-time community college students in California who meet enrollment requirements.
- Returning community college students who meet enrollment requirements.
- Students with disabilities certified by disabled student services staff as eligible based on a workload commitment.
- California community colleges and districts that receive state funding for the program.
Terms To Know
- Semester units
- A measure of class work; students must take at least 9 to qualify, unless certified otherwise by disabled student services staff.
- Fee waiver
- When the college uses state funding to waive some or all fees for eligible students.
Limits and Unknowns
- Funding is provided only upon appropriation by the Legislature.
- Students must submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid or a California Dream Act application to qualify, except as otherwise provided in existing law.
- The program applies only to community colleges meeting prescribed requirements.