Seymour-Campbell Student Success Act of 2012: Free Application for Federal Student Aid and California Dream Act application.

Plain English Breakdown

The bill summary and digest do not provide specific details on the consequences for non-compliance or exact implementation costs.

Seymour-Campbell Student Success Act of 2012: Helping Students with Financial Aid

This act requires California community colleges to provide information and support for students applying for financial aid through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the California Dream Act application, starting from the 2026-27 academic year.

What This Bill Does

• Requires community colleges to give students information about how to complete and submit FAFSA and the California Dream Act application starting in 2026-27.
• Commits community colleges to confirm that eligible students have completed these applications by 2027-28, unless they choose not to participate.
• Directs community college districts to help students who need assistance with completing their financial aid applications.
• Requires the Student Aid Commission to create rules and forms for handling student information in a way that follows privacy laws.

Who It Names or Affects

• California community college students
• Community college staff and administrators

Terms To Know

Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

A form that helps determine eligibility for federal financial aid, including grants, loans, and work-study programs.

California Dream Act

A law in California that allows certain undocumented students to apply for state-funded financial aid.

Limits and Unknowns

• The bill does not specify what happens if a student fails to complete the required applications.
• It is unclear how much it will cost community colleges to implement these new requirements.
• The exact details of the opt-out forms and acceptable use policies are yet to be determined by the Student Aid Commission.

Official Summary Text

SB 305, as amended, Reyes.
Seymour-Campbell Student Success Act of 2012: Free Application for Federal Student Aid and California Dream Act application.
Existing law, known as the Seymour-Campbell Student Success Act of 2012, provides that the act’s purpose is to increase California community college student access and success by providing effective core matriculation services, including orientation, assessment and placement, counseling, and other education planning services, and academic interventions.
This bill would require, as part of the act, community colleges to provide, commencing with the 2026–27 academic year, students with specified information related to completing and submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid and the California Dream Act application, and to confirm, commencing with the 2027–28 academic year, that students who have not opted out have completed and submitted the Free Application for Federal Student Aid or the California Dream Act application, as
specified. The bill would require community college districts to ensure that students are directed to services to assist students in complying with the bill’s requirements, and that the information shared by students is handled in compliance with state and federal privacy laws. The bill would require the Student Aid Commission to adopt regulations that include model opt-out forms and acceptable use policies, as specified. By imposing new duties on community college districts, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program.
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, if the Commission on State Mandates determines that the bill contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement for those costs shall be made
pursuant to the statutory provisions noted above.

Current Bill Text

Download Bill PDF