CaliforniaStarting in 2027–28, covered colleges must waive or defer foster students’ fees
From 2027–28, covered colleges must waive or defer unpaid fees for verified foster and former foster students who apply for student aid and first enroll.
What it does
Starting in 2027–28, covered colleges must waive or defer eligible foster students’ unpaid enrollment costs when they first enroll; the University of California is asked to follow the rule.
If a school cannot waive or defer required books and course supplies, it must clearly tell eligible students about campus, school, or community help that may cover those costs.
Argument forEligible students could start college without paying covered costs upfront, or wait to pay until their first financial aid payment arrives.
Argument againstColleges might have to carry unpaid balances until a student’s first aid payment arrives, leaving less money available to cover those costs meanwhile.
More detail
Covered colleges must waive or defer eligible students’ unpaid enrollment fees and costs. This applies when a foster or former foster student first enrolls at a California State University, community college district, or covered private or independent college. Foster youth status must meet the law’s definition. Students must submit a federal student aid application or, when applicable, a California Dream Act Application, and a school financial aid administrator must verify their foster youth status. The University of California is asked to follow this rule. Private and independent colleges are covered only if they receive state financial assistance. The requirement starts with the 2027–28 academic year and applies upon a student’s initial enrollment. A college may defer payment until the student receives an initial financial aid disbursement.
Schools that cannot waive or defer required book and course supply costs must tell students about available help. This applies to books, supplies, materials, and equipment required for an eligible student’s enrolled courses. The information must clearly describe available campus resources, school programs, or community assistance that could help cover those costs.
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Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed Assembly
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2026
- Sep 27Chaptered by Secretary of State - Chapter 637, Statutes of 2026.Latest
- Sep 27Approved by the Governor Gavin Newsom.Became Law
- Sep 3Enrolled and presented to the Governor at 4 p.m.To Governor
- Aug 26Senate amendments concurred in. To Engrossing and Enrolling. (Ayes 79. Noes 0. Page 6606.).Major
- Vote recorded AB 2768 Ahrens Concurrence in Senate Amendments. Result: pass.Lower
- Aug 26In Assembly. Concurrence in Senate amendments pending.
- Aug 25Read third time. Passed. Ordered to the Assembly. (Ayes 39. Noes 0.).Passed Senate
- Vote recorded 3rd Reading AB2768 Ahrens et al. By Pérez. Result: pass.Upper
- Aug 17Read second time. Ordered to third reading.Minor
- Aug 13Read second time and amended. Ordered returned to second reading.Major
- Vote recorded Do pass as amended. Result: pass.Upper
- Aug 13From committee: Amend, and do pass as amended. (Ayes 7. Noes 0.) (August 13).Major
- Aug 3In committee: Referred to APPR. suspense file.Minor
- Vote recorded Placed on suspense file. Result: pass.Upper
- Jun 25From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on APPR. (Ayes 7. Noes 0.) (June 24). Re-referred to Com. on APPR.Minor
- Jun 24
- Vote recorded Do pass, but first be re-referred to the Committee on [Appropriations]. Result: pass.Upper
- Jun 15From committee chair, with author's amendments: Amend, and re-refer to committee. Read second time, amended, and re-referred to Com. on ED.Major
- Jun 3Referred to Com. on ED.Minor
- May 27In Senate. Read first time. To Com. on RLS. for assignment.Minor
- Vote recorded AB 2768 Ahrens Assembly Third Reading. Result: pass.Lower
- May 26Read third time. Passed. Ordered to the Senate. (Ayes 78. Noes 0. Page 5345.)Passed Assembly
- May 18Read second time. Ordered to third reading.Minor
- May 14From committee: Do pass. (Ayes 15. Noes 0.) (May 14).Minor
- Vote recorded Do pass. Result: pass.Lower
- May 6In committee: Set, first hearing. Referred to APPR. suspense file.Minor
- Apr 22From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on APPR. with recommendation: To Consent Calendar. (Ayes 10. Noes 0.) (April 21). Re-referred to Com. on APPR.Minor
- Apr 21
- Vote recorded Do pass and be re-referred to the Committee on [Appropriations] with recommendation: To Consent Calendar. Result: pass.Lower
- Mar 16Referred to Com. on HIGHER ED.Minor
- Feb 21From printer. May be heard in committee March 23.
- Feb 20Read first time. To print.Introduced
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