Bill > AB131

This bill aims to expand access to student financial aid for individuals who are exempt from paying nonresident tuition, a status often granted to students who have met specific residency requirements or have other qualifying circumstances, such as those who are victims of human trafficking or have been granted certain immigration statuses. Specifically, it requires the Trustees of the California State University and the Board of Governors of the California Community Colleges to establish procedures allowing these students to apply for and receive all student aid programs to the fullest extent permitted by federal law, while ensuring that existing aid for California resident students is not reduced. The bill also requests the Regents of the University of California to adopt similar procedures. Additionally, it clarifies that if a court finds certain provisions related to tuition waivers unlawful, any equitable relief ordered will be limited to terminating waivers, and no monetary damages or retroactive relief will be awarded, with the state's higher education segments being immune from such awards. The bill also makes these students eligible for state-administered financial aid programs, with a specific provision that they can only receive Competitive Cal Grant A and B Awards after all eligible California resident students have received theirs, and it mandates that community college districts waive fees for qualifying students.