Bill > SB685

This bill establishes the Financial Assistance for Students Experiencing Homelessness Pilot Program at three California State University (CSU) campuses to support students who were homeless during high school. The program will provide financial assistance to qualifying students who are California residents or exempt from nonresident tuition, are between 17-26 years old, and were identified as homeless during high school. Starting in the 2026-27 academic year, participating campuses will cover the remaining balance of a student's total cost of attendance after other financial aid (excluding federal loans) for the first four years. To receive assistance, students must complete the FAFSA or California Dream Act application, apply for all eligible grants, be enrolled full-time in courses leading to their first bachelor's degree, and maintain satisfactory academic progress. Each participating campus will designate an employee liaison to help qualifying students and provide information about support services. The Student Aid Commission will enter into a data-sharing agreement with the State Department of Education to identify and support potential students. The CSU Chancellor's office will collect data on student retention, housing, and food security, and submit a report to the Legislature by December 31, 2030. The pilot program will become inoperative on July 1, 2031, and fully repealed on January 1, 2032, making it a time-limited initiative to support students who have experienced homelessness.

Budget and Finance, Education

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260SB685