AB 1091: Student financial aid: Cal Grant Program.
- Session Year: 2015-2016
- House: Assembly
- Latest Version Date: 2015-10-08
The Cal Grant Program establishes the Cal Grant A and B Entitlement awards, the California Community College Transfer Entitlement awards, the Competitive Cal Grant A and B awards, the Cal Grant C award, and the Cal Grant T award under the administration of the Student Aid Commission, and establishes eligibility requirements for awards under these programs for participating students attending qualifying institutions. As part of these eligibility requirements, existing law requires the commission to require that a grade point average be submitted to it electronically for all grade 12 pupils at public schools, including charter schools, each academic year, except as specified.
This bill would require this electronic submission to be on a standardized form. The bill would also authorize the commission to require that verification of high school graduation or its equivalent be electronically submitted for all former grade 12 pupils who graduated from public schools, including charter schools, in the prior academic year, except for pupils who have opted out, as specified. By requiring the electronic submission of grade point average information to be on a standardized form, and authorizing the commission to additionally require verification of graduation information of prior grade 12 pupils, this 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 these statutory provisions.
The Cal Grant Program establishes the Cal Grant A and B Entitlement awards, the California Community College Transfer Entitlement awards, the Competitive Cal Grant A and B awards, the Cal Grant C award, and the Cal Grant T award under the administration of the Student Aid Commission, and establishes eligibility requirements for awards under these programs for participating students attending qualifying institutions. As part of these eligibility requirements, existing law requires the commission to require that a grade point average be submitted to it electronically for all grade 12 pupils at public schools, including charter schools, each academic year, except as specified.
This bill would require this electronic submission to be on a standardized form. The bill would also authorize the commission to require that verification of high school graduation or its equivalent be electronically submitted for all former grade 12 pupils who graduated from public schools, including charter schools, in the prior academic year, except for pupils who have opted out, as specified. By requiring the electronic submission of grade point average information to be on a standardized form, and authorizing the commission to additionally require verification of graduation information of prior grade 12 pupils, this 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 these statutory provisions.
The Cal Grant Program establishes the Cal Grant A and Cal Grant B Entitlement awards, the California Community College Transfer Entitlement awards, the Competitive Cal Grant A and B awards, the Cal Grant C award, and the Cal Grant T award under the administration of the Student Aid Commission, and establishes eligibility requirements for awards under these programs for participating students attending qualifying institutions. As part of these eligibility requirements, existing law requires the commission to require that a grade point average be submitted to it electronically for all grade 12 pupils at public schools, including charter schools, each academic year, except as specified.
This bill would require the commission to develop and make available on its Internet Web site to each school district, (1) a graduation verification template for the school district to input and upload graduation data concerning its pupils for use by the commission, and (2) a report that lists the names of all grade 12 pupils within a school district who have and have not completed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid or the California Dream Act application for use by the school district. The bill would require the commission, to the greatest extent feasible, to align the collection and reporting of information between the United States Department of Educations Free Application for Federal Student Aid system, the commission, and school districts, that is used to determine whether applicants are eligible for Cal Grants and whether to issue Cal Grant awards. this electronic submission to be on a standardized form. The bill would also authorize the commission to require that verification of high school graduation or its equivalent be electronically submitted for all former grade 12 pupils who graduated from public schools, including charter schools, in the prior academic year, except for pupils who have opted out, as specified. By requiring the electronic submission of grade point average information to be on a standardized form, and authorizing the commission to additionally require verification of graduation information of prior grade 12 pupils, this 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 these statutory provisions.
The Cal Grant Program establishes the Cal Grant A and Cal Grant B Entitlement awards, the California Community College Transfer Entitlement awards, the Competitive Cal Grant A and B awards, the Cal Grant C award, and the Cal Grant T award under the administration of the Student Aid Commission, and establishes eligibility requirements for awards under these programs for participating students attending qualifying institutions.
This bill would require the commission to: (1) to develop and make available on its Internet Web Site site to each school district, (1) a graduation verification template for the school district to input and upload graduation data concerning its pupils for use by the commission, and (2) a report that lists the names of all grade 12 pupils within a school district who have and have not completed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid or the California Dream Act application for use by the school district, and (2) district. The bill would require the commission, to the greatest extent feasible, to align the collection and reporting of information between the United States Department of Educations Free Application for Federal Student Aid system, the commission, and school districts, that is used to determine whether applicants are eligible for Cal Grants and whether to issue Cal Grant awards. The bill would also authorize the commission to require that verification of high school graduation or its equivalent be electronically submitted for all former grade 12 pupils who graduated from public schools, including charter schools, in the prior academic year, except for pupils who have opted out, as specified.
The Cal Grant Program establishes the Cal Grant A and Cal Grant B Entitlement awards, the California Community College Transfer Entitlement awards, the Competitive Cal Grant A and B awards, the Cal Grant C award, and the Cal Grant T award under the administration of the Student Aid Commission, and establishes eligibility requirements for awards under these programs for participating students attending qualifying institutions.
This bill would make nonsubstantive changes in provisions relating to the California Community College Transfer Entitlement awards. require the commission to: (1) develop and make available on its Internet Web Site to each school district, a graduation verification template for the school district to input and upload graduation data concerning its pupils for use by the commission, and a report that lists the names of all grade 12 pupils within a school district who have and have not completed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid or the California Dream Act application for use by the school district, and (2) align the collection and reporting of information between the United States Department of Educations Free Application for Federal Student Aid system, the commission, and school districts, that is used to determine whether applicants are eligible for Cal Grants and whether to issue Cal Grant awards.
The Cal Grant Program establishes the Cal Grant A and Cal Grant B Entitlement awards, the California Community College Transfer Entitlement awards, the Competitive Cal Grant A and B awards, the Cal Grant C award, and the Cal Grant T award under the administration of the Student Aid Commission, and establishes eligibility requirements for awards under these programs for participating students attending qualifying institutions.
This bill would make nonsubstantive changes in provisions relating to the California Community College Transfer Entitlement awards.
(a)A Cal Grant applicant shall submit a complete official financial aid application pursuant to Section 69433 and applicable regulations adopted by the commission. Each pupil enrolled in grade 12 in a California public school, including a charter school, other than pupils who opt out as provided in subdivision (d), shall be deemed to be a Cal Grant applicant.
(b)Financial need shall be determined to establish an applicants initial eligibility for a Cal Grant award and a renewing recipients continued eligibility using the federal financial need methodology pursuant to subdivision (a) of Section 69506 and applicable regulations adopted by the commission, and as established by Title IV of the federal Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended (20 U.S.C. Secs. 1070 et seq.).
(1)Expected family contribution, with respect to an applicant or renewing recipient, shall be determined using the federal methodology pursuant to subdivision (a) of Section 69506 (as established by Title IV of the federal Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended (20 U.S.C. Secs. 1070 et seq.)) and applicable rules and regulations adopted by the commission.
(2)Financial need means the difference between the students cost of attendance as determined by the commission and the expected family contribution. The calculation of financial need shall be consistent with Title IV of the federal Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended (20 U.S.C. Secs. 1070 et seq.).
(3)(A)The minimum financial need required for receipt of an initial and renewal Cal Grant A or C award shall be no less than the maximum annual award value for the applicable institution, plus an additional one thousand five hundred dollars ($1,500) of financial need.
(B)The minimum financial need required for receipt of an initial and renewal Cal Grant B award shall be no less than seven hundred dollars ($700).
(c)(1)The commission shall require that a grade point average be submitted to it for all Cal Grant A and B applicants, except for those permitted to provide test scores in lieu of a grade point average.
(2)The commission shall require that a grade point average be submitted to it electronically on a standardized form for all grade 12 pupils at public schools, including charter schools, each academic year, except for pupils who have opted out as provided in subdivision (d). Social security numbers shall not be included in the information submitted to the commission. However, if the commission determines that a social security number is required to complete the application for financial aid, the school, school district, or charter school may obtain permission from the parent or guardian of the pupil, or the pupil, if he or she is 18 years of age, to submit the pupils social security number to the commission.
(3)The commission shall require that each report of a grade point average include a certification, executed under penalty of perjury, by a school official, that the grade point average reported is accurately reported. The certification shall include a statement that it is subject to review by the commission or its designee.
(4)The commission shall adopt regulations that establish a grace period for receipt of the grade point average and any appropriate corrections, and that set forth the circumstances under which a student may submit a specified test score designated by the commission, by regulation, in lieu of submitting a qualifying grade point average.
(5)It is the intent of the Legislature that high schools and institutions of higher education certify the grade point averages of their students in time to meet the application deadlines imposed by this chapter.
(6)It is the intent of the Legislature that the commission make available to each high school and school district a report identifying all grade 12 pupils within the high school or school district, respectively, who have and have not completed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid or the California Dream Act Application.
(d)(1)The school district or charter school shall, no later than October 15 of a pupils grade 12 academic year, notify, in writing, each grade 12 pupil and, for a pupil under 18 years of age, his or her parent or guardian that, pursuant to subdivision (a), the pupil will be deemed a Cal Grant applicant unless the pupil opts out within a period of time specified in the notice, which shall not be less than 30 days. The required notice shall indicate when the school will first send grade point averages to the commission. The school district or charter school shall provide an opportunity for the pupil to opt out of being automatically deemed a Cal Grant applicant.
(2)Until a pupil turns 18 years of age, only a parent or guardian may opt the pupil out. Once a pupil turns 18 years of age, only the pupil may opt himself or herself out and, if prior to the conclusion of the notice period, the pupil may opt in over the prior decision of a parent or guardian to opt out.
SEC. 2.Section 69432.92 is added to the Education Code, to read:69432.92.(a)The commission may require verification of high school graduation or its equivalent to be electronically submitted for all former grade 12 pupils who graduated from public schools, including charter schools, in the prior academic year, except for pupils who have opted out as provided in subdivision (d) of Section 69432.9.
(b)It is the intent of the Legislature that high schools or high school districts verify the graduation of their pupils in time to meet the deadlines imposed by subdivision (e) of Section 69433.9.
SEC. 3.If the Commission on State Mandates determines that this act contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement to local agencies and school districts for those costs shall be made pursuant to Part 7 (commencing with Section 17500) of Division 4 of Title 2 of the Government Code.
(a)A Cal Grant applicant shall submit a complete official financial aid application pursuant to Section 69433 and applicable regulations adopted by the commission. Each pupil enrolled in grade 12 in a California public school, including a charter school, other than pupils who opt out as provided in subdivision (d), shall be deemed to be a Cal Grant applicant.
(b)Financial need shall be determined to establish an applicants initial eligibility for a Cal Grant award and a renewing recipients continued eligibility using the federal financial need methodology pursuant to subdivision (a) of Section 69506 and applicable regulations adopted by the commission, and as established by Title IV of the federal Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended (20 U.S.C. Secs. 1070 et seq.).
(1)Expected family contribution, with respect to an applicant or renewing recipient, shall be determined using the federal methodology pursuant to subdivision (a) of Section 69506 (as established by Title IV of the federal Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended (20 U.S.C. Secs. 1070 et seq.)) and applicable rules and regulations adopted by the commission.
(2)Financial need means the difference between the students cost of attendance as determined by the commission and the expected family contribution. The calculation of financial need shall be consistent with Title IV of the federal Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended (20 U.S.C. Secs. 1070 et seq.).
(3)(A)The minimum financial need required for receipt of an initial and renewal Cal Grant A or C award shall be no less than the maximum annual award value for the applicable institution, plus an additional one thousand five hundred dollars ($1,500) of financial need.
(B)The minimum financial need required for receipt of an initial and renewal Cal Grant B award shall be no less than seven hundred dollars ($700).
(c)(1)The commission shall require that a grade point average be submitted to it for all Cal Grant A and B applicants, except for those permitted to provide test scores in lieu of a grade point average.
(2)The commission shall require that a grade point average be submitted to it electronically on a standardized form for all grade 12 pupils at public schools, including charter schools, each academic year, except for pupils who have opted out as provided in subdivision (d). Social security numbers shall not be included in the information submitted to the commission. However, if the commission determines that a social security number is required to complete the application for financial aid, the school, school district, or charter school may obtain permission from the parent or guardian of the pupil, or the pupil, if he or she is 18 years of age, to submit the pupils social security number to the commission.
(3)The commission shall require that each report of a grade point average include a certification, executed under penalty of perjury, by a school official, that the grade point average reported is accurately reported. The certification shall include a statement that it is subject to review by the commission or its designee.
(4)The commission shall adopt regulations that establish a grace period for receipt of the grade point average and any appropriate corrections, and that set forth the circumstances under which a student may submit a specified test score designated by the commission, by regulation, in lieu of submitting a qualifying grade point average.
(5)It is the intent of the Legislature that high schools and institutions of higher education certify the grade point averages of their students in time to meet the application deadlines imposed by this chapter.
(6)It is the intent of the Legislature that the commission make available to each high school and school district a report identifying all grade 12 pupils within the high school or school district, respectively, who have and have not completed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid or the California Dream Act Application.
(d)(1)The school district or charter school shall, no later than October 15 of a pupils grade 12 academic year, notify, in writing, each grade 12 pupil and, for a pupil under 18 years of age, his or her parent or guardian that, pursuant to subdivision (a), the pupil will be deemed a Cal Grant applicant unless the pupil opts out within a period of time specified in the notice, which shall not be less than 30 days. The required notice shall indicate when the school will first send grade point averages to the commission. The school district or charter school shall provide an opportunity for the pupil to opt out of being automatically deemed a Cal Grant applicant.
(2)Until a pupil turns 18 years of age, only a parent or guardian may opt the pupil out. Once a pupil turns 18 years of age, only the pupil may opt himself or herself out and, if prior to the conclusion of the notice period, the pupil may opt in over the prior decision of a parent or guardian to opt out.
SEC. 2.Section 69432.92 is added to the Education Code, to read:69432.92.(a)The commission may require verification of high school graduation or its equivalent to be electronically submitted for all former grade 12 pupils who graduated from public schools, including charter schools, in the prior academic year, except for pupils who have opted out as provided in subdivision (d) of Section 69432.9.
(b)It is the intent of the Legislature that high schools or high school districts verify the graduation of their pupils in time to meet the deadlines imposed by subdivision (e) of Section 69433.9.
SEC. 3.If the Commission on State Mandates determines that this act contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement to local agencies and school districts for those costs shall be made pursuant to Part 7 (commencing with Section 17500) of Division 4 of Title 2 of the Government Code.
(a)A Cal Grant applicant shall submit a complete official financial aid application pursuant to Section 69433 and applicable regulations adopted by the commission. Each pupil enrolled in grade 12 in a California public school, including a charter school, other than pupils who opt out as provided in subdivision (d), shall be deemed to be a Cal Grant applicant.
(b)Financial need shall be determined to establish an applicants initial eligibility for a Cal Grant award and a renewing recipients continued eligibility using the federal financial need methodology pursuant to subdivision (a) of Section 69506 and applicable regulations adopted by the commission, and as established by Title IV of the federal Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended (20 U.S.C. Secs. 1070 et seq.).
(1)Expected family contribution, with respect to an applicant or renewing recipient, shall be determined using the federal methodology pursuant to subdivision (a) of Section 69506 (as established by Title IV of the federal Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended (20 U.S.C. Secs. 1070 et seq.)) and applicable rules and regulations adopted by the commission.
(2)Financial need means the difference between the students cost of attendance as determined by the commission and the expected family contribution. The calculation of financial need shall be consistent with Title IV of the federal Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended (20 U.S.C. Secs. 1070 et seq.).
(3)(A)The minimum financial need required for receipt of an initial and renewal Cal Grant A or C award shall be no less than the maximum annual award value for the applicable institution, plus an additional one thousand five hundred dollars ($1,500) of financial need.
(B)The minimum financial need required for receipt of an initial and renewal Cal Grant B award shall be no less than seven hundred dollars ($700).
(c)(1)The commission shall require that a grade point average be submitted to it for all Cal Grant A and B applicants, except for those permitted to provide test scores in lieu of a grade point average.
(2)The commission shall require that a grade point average be submitted to it electronically on a standardized form for all grade 12 pupils at public schools, including charter schools, each academic year, except for pupils who have opted out as provided in subdivision (d). Social security numbers shall not be included in the information submitted to the commission. However, if the commission determines that a social security number is required to complete the application for financial aid, the school, school district, or charter school may obtain permission from the parent or guardian of the pupil, or the pupil, if he or she is 18 years of age, to submit the pupils social security number to the commission.
(3)The commission shall require that each report of a grade point average include a certification, executed under penalty of perjury, by a school official, that the grade point average reported is accurately reported. The certification shall include a statement that it is subject to review by the commission or its designee.
(4)The commission shall adopt regulations that establish a grace period for receipt of the grade point average and any appropriate corrections, and that set forth the circumstances under which a student may submit a specified test score designated by the commission, by regulation, in lieu of submitting a qualifying grade point average.
(5)It is the intent of the Legislature that high schools and institutions of higher education certify the grade point averages of their students in time to meet the application deadlines imposed by this chapter.
(6)It is the intent of the Legislature that the commission make available to each high school and school district a report identifying all grade 12 pupils within the high school or school district, respectively, who have and have not completed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid or the California Dream Act Application.
(d)(1)The school district or charter school shall, no later than October 15 of a pupils grade 12 academic year, notify, in writing, each grade 12 pupil and, for a pupil under 18 years of age, his or her parent or guardian that, pursuant to subdivision (a), the pupil will be deemed a Cal Grant applicant unless the pupil opts out within a period of time specified in the notice, which shall not be less than 30 days. The required notice shall indicate when the school will first send grade point averages to the commission. The school district or charter school shall provide an opportunity for the pupil to opt out of being automatically deemed a Cal Grant applicant.
(2)(A)Until a pupil turns 18 years of age, only a parent or guardian may opt the pupil out. Once a pupil turns 18 years of age, only the pupil may opt himself or herself out and, if prior to the conclusion of the notice period, the pupil may opt in over the prior decision of a parent or guardian to opt out.
SEC. 2.Section 69432.92 is added to the Education Code, to read:69432.92.(a)The commission may require verification of high school graduation or its equivalent to be electronically submitted for all former grade 12 pupils who graduated from public schools, including charter schools, in the prior academic year, except for pupils who have opted out as provided in subdivision (d) of Section 69432.9.
(b)It is the intent of the Legislature that high schools or high school districts verify the graduation of their pupils in time to meet the deadlines imposed by subdivision (e) of Section 69433.9.
SEC. 3.Section 69433.92 is added to the Education Code, to read:69433.92.(a)The commission shall develop, and make available on its Internet Web site to each school district, a graduation verification template for use by the school district to input and upload graduation verification data for its pupils, so that the commission can determine if those pupils are eligible for Cal Grants.
(b)The commission shall, to the greatest extent feasible, align the collection and reporting of information between the United States Department of Educations Free Application for Federal Student Aid system, the commission, and school districts that is used to determine if applicants are eligible for Cal Grants and whether to issue Cal Grant awards for students who attend qualifying institutions.
SEC. 4.Section 69519.2 is added to the Education Code, to read:69519.2.The commission shall develop, and make available on its Internet Web site to each school district for the districts use, a standard report that lists the names of all grade 12 pupils within the school district who have and have not completed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid or the California Dream Act application.
SEC. 3.If the Commission on State Mandates determines that this act contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement to local agencies and school districts for those costs shall be made pursuant to Part 7 (commencing with Section 17500) of Division 4 of Title 2 of the Government Code.
(a)A Cal Grant applicant shall submit a complete official financial aid application pursuant to Section 69433 and applicable regulations adopted by the commission. Each pupil enrolled in grade 12 in a California public school, including a charter school, other than pupils who opt out as provided in subdivision (d), shall be deemed to be a Cal Grant applicant.
(b)Financial need shall be determined to establish an applicants initial eligibility for a Cal Grant award and a renewing recipients continued eligibility using the federal financial need methodology pursuant to subdivision (a) of Section 69506 and applicable regulations adopted by the commission, and as established by Title IV of the federal Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended (20 U.S.C. Secs. 1070 et seq.).
(1)Expected family contribution, with respect to an applicant or renewing recipient, shall be determined using the federal methodology pursuant to subdivision (a) of Section 69506 (as established by Title IV of the federal Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended (20 U.S.C. Secs. 1070 et seq.)) and applicable rules and regulations adopted by the commission.
(2)Financial need means the difference between the students cost of attendance as determined by the commission and the expected family contribution. The calculation of financial need shall be consistent with Title IV of the federal Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended (20 U.S.C. Secs. 1070 et seq.).
(3)(A)The minimum financial need required for receipt of an initial and renewal Cal Grant A or C award shall be no less than the maximum annual award value for the applicable institution, plus an additional one thousand five hundred dollars ($1,500) of financial need.
(B)The minimum financial need required for receipt of an initial and renewal Cal Grant B award shall be no less than seven hundred dollars ($700).
(c)(1)The commission shall require that a grade point average be submitted to it for all Cal Grant A and B applicants, except for those permitted to provide test scores in lieu of a grade point average.
(2)The commission shall require that a grade point average be submitted to it electronically for all grade 12 pupils at public schools, including charter schools, each academic year, except for pupils who have opted out as provided in subdivision (d). Social security numbers shall not be included in the information submitted to the commission. However, if the commission determines that a social security number is required to complete the application for financial aid, the school, school district, or charter school may obtain permission from the parent or guardian of the pupil, or the pupil, if he or she is 18 years of age, to submit the pupils social security number to the commission.
(3)The commission shall require that each report of a grade point average include a certification, executed under penalty of perjury, by a school official, that the grade point average reported is accurately reported. The certification shall include a statement that it is subject to review by the commission or its designee.
(4)The commission shall adopt regulations that establish a grace period for receipt of the grade point average and any appropriate corrections, and that set forth the circumstances under which a student may submit a specified test score designated by the commission, by regulation, in lieu of submitting a qualifying grade point average.
(5)It is the intent of the Legislature that high schools and institutions of higher education certify the grade point averages of their students in time to meet the application deadlines imposed by this chapter.
(6)It is the intent of the Legislature that the commission make available to each high school and school district a report identifying all grade 12 pupils within the high school or school district, respectively, who have and have not completed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid or the California Dream Act Application.
(d)(1)The school district or charter school shall, no later than October 15 of a pupils grade 12 academic year, notify, in writing, each grade 12 pupil and, for a pupil under 18 years of age, his or her parent or guardian that, pursuant to subdivision (a), the pupil will be deemed a Cal Grant applicant unless the pupil opts out within a period of time specified in the notice, which shall not be less than 30 days. The required notice shall indicate when the school will first send grade point averages to the commission. The school district or charter school shall provide an opportunity for the pupil to opt out of being automatically deemed a Cal Grant applicant.
(2)(A)Until a pupil turns 18 years of age, only a parent or guardian may opt the pupil out. Once a pupil turns 18 years of age, only the pupil may opt himself or herself out and, if prior to the conclusion of the notice period, the pupil may opt in over the prior decision of a parent or guardian to opt out.
SEC. 2.Section 69432.92 is added to the Education Code, to read:69432.92.(a)The commission may require verification of high school graduation or its equivalent to be electronically submitted for all former grade 12 pupils who graduated from public schools, including charter schools, in the prior academic year, except for pupils who have opted out as provided in subdivision (d) of Section 69432.9.
(b)It is the intent of the Legislature that high schools or high school districts verify the graduation of their pupils in time to meet the deadlines imposed by subdivision (e) of Section 69433.9.
SECTION 1. SEC. 3.Section 69433.92 is added to the Education Code, to read:69433.92.(a)The commission shall develop, and make available on its Internet Web site to each school district, a graduation verification template for use by the school district to input and upload graduation verification data for its pupils, so that the commission can determine if those pupils are eligible for Cal Grants.
(b)The commission shall, to the greatest extent feasible, align the collection and reporting of information between the United States Department of Educations Free Application for Federal Student Aid system, the commission, and school districts that is used to determine if applicants are eligible for Cal Grants and whether to issue Cal Grant awards for students who attend qualifying institutions.
SEC. 2. SEC. 4.Section 69519.2 is added to the Education Code, to read:69519.2.The commission shall develop, and make available on its Internet Web site to each school district for the districts use, a standard report that lists the names of all grade 12 pupils within the school district who have and have not completed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid or the California Dream Act application.
(a)The commission shall develop, and make available on its Internet Web site to each school district, a graduation verification template for use by the school district to input and upload graduation verification data for its pupils, so that the commission can determine if those pupils are eligible for Cal Grants.
(b)The commission shall, to the greatest extent feasible, align the collection and reporting of information between the United States Department of Educations Free Application for Federal Student Aid system, the commission, and school districts that is used to determine if applicants are eligible for Cal Grants and whether to issue Cal Grant awards for students who attend qualifying institutions.
SEC. 2.Section 69519.2 is added to the Education Code, to read:69519.2.The commission shall develop, and make available on its Internet Web site to each school district for the districts use, a standard report that lists the names of all grade 12 pupils within the school district who have and have not completed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid or the California Dream Act application.
SECTION 1.Section 69436 of the Education Code is amended to read:69436.(a)A student who was not awarded a Cal Grant A or Cal Grant B award pursuant to Article 2 (commencing with Section 69434) or Article 3 (commencing with Section 69435) at the time of his or her high school graduation but, at the time of transfer from a California community college to a qualifying baccalaureate program, meets all of the criteria set forth in subdivision (b), shall be entitled to a Cal Grant A or Cal Grant B award.
(b)A California resident transferring from a California community college to a qualifying institution that offers a baccalaureate degree is entitled to receive, and the commission, or a qualifying institution pursuant to Article 8 (commencing with Section 69450), shall award, a Cal Grant A or Cal Grant B award depending on the eligibility determined pursuant to subdivision (c), if all of the following criteria are met:
(1)A complete official financial aid application has been submitted or postmarked pursuant to Section 69432.9, no later than the March 2 of the year immediately preceding the award year.
(2)The student demonstrates financial need pursuant to Section 69433.
(3)The student has earned a community college grade point average of at least 2.4 on a 4.0 scale and is eligible to transfer to a qualifying institution that offers a baccalaureate degree.
(4)The students household has an income and asset level not exceeding the limits set forth in Section 69432.7.
(5)The student is pursuing a baccalaureate degree that is offered by a qualifying institution.
(6)He or she is enrolled at least part time.
(7)The student meets the general Cal Grant eligibility requirements set forth in Article 1 (commencing with Section 69430).
(8)The student will not be 28 years of age or older by December 31 of the award year.
(9)The student graduated from a California high school or its equivalent during or after the 200001 academic year.
(10)(A)Except as provided for in subparagraph (B), the student attended a California community college in the academic year immediately preceding the academic year for which the award will be used.
(B)A student otherwise eligible to receive an award pursuant to this section, who attended a California community college in the 201112 academic year, may use the award for the 201213 and 201314 academic years.
(c)The amount and type of the award pursuant to this article shall be determined as follows:
(1)For applicants with income and assets at or under the Cal Grant A limits, the award amount shall be the amount established pursuant to Article 2 (commencing with Section 69434).
(2)For applicants with income and assets at or under the Cal Grant B limits, the award amount shall be the amount established pursuant to Article 3 (commencing with Section 69435).
(d)(1)A student meeting the requirements of paragraph (9) of subdivision (b) by means of high school graduation, rather than its equivalent, shall be required to have graduated from a California high school, unless that California resident graduated from a high school outside of California due solely to orders received from a branch of the United States Armed Forces by that student or by that students parent or guardian that required that student to be outside of California at the time of high school graduation.
(2)For the purposes of this article, both of the following are exempt from the requirements of subdivision (e) of Section 69433.9 and paragraph (9) of subdivision (b) of this section:
(A)A student for whom a claim under this article was paid prior to December 1, 2005.
(B)A student for whom a claim under this article for the 200405 award year or the 200506 award year was or is paid on or after December 1, 2005, but no later than October 15, 2006.
(3)(A)The commission, or a qualifying institution pursuant to Article 8 (commencing with Section 69450), shall make preliminary awards to all applicants currently eligible for an award under this article. At the time an applicant receives a preliminary award, the commission, or a qualifying institution pursuant to Article 8 (commencing with Section 69450), shall require that applicant to affirm, in writing, under penalty of perjury, that he or she meets the requirements set forth in subdivision (e) of Section 69433.9, paragraph (9) of subdivision (b) of this section, and paragraph (1) of this subdivision. The commission, or a qualifying institution pursuant to Article 8 (commencing with Section 69450), shall notify each person who receives a preliminary award under this paragraph that his or her award is subject to an audit pursuant to subparagraph (B).
(B)The commission shall select, at random, a minimum of 10 percent of the new and renewal awards made under subparagraph (A), and shall require, prior to the disbursement of Cal Grant funds to the affected postsecondary institution, that the institution verify that the recipient meets the requirements of subdivision (e) of Section 69433.9, paragraph (9) of subdivision (b) of this section, and paragraph (1) of this subdivision. An award that is audited under this paragraph and found to be valid shall not be subject to a subsequent audit.
(C)Pursuant to Section 69517.5, the commission shall seek repayment of any and all funds found to be improperly disbursed under this article.
(D)On or before November 1 of each year, the commission shall submit a report to the Legislature and the Governor including, but not necessarily limited to, both of the following:
(i)The number of awards made under this article in the preceding 12 months.
(ii)The number of new and renewal awards selected, in the preceding 12 months, for verification under subparagraph (B), and the results of that verification with respect to students at the University of California, at the California State University, at independent nonprofit institutions, and at independent for-profit institutions.
(a)A student who was not awarded a Cal Grant A or Cal Grant B award pursuant to Article 2 (commencing with Section 69434) or Article 3 (commencing with Section 69435) at the time of his or her high school graduation but, at the time of transfer from a California community college to a qualifying baccalaureate program, meets all of the criteria set forth in subdivision (b), shall be entitled to a Cal Grant A or Cal Grant B award.
(b)Any A California resident transferring from a California community college to a qualifying institution that offers a baccalaureate degree is entitled to receive, and the commission, or a qualifying institution pursuant to Article 8 (commencing with Section 69450), shall award, a Cal Grant A or Cal Grant B award depending on the eligibility determined pursuant to subdivision (c), if all of the following criteria are met:
(1)A complete official financial aid application has been submitted or postmarked pursuant to Section 69432.9, no later than the March 2 of the year immediately preceding the award year.
(2)The student demonstrates financial need pursuant to Section 69433.
(3)The student has earned a community college grade point average of at least 2.4 on a 4.0 scale and is eligible to transfer to a qualifying institution that offers a baccalaureate degree.
(4)The students household has an income and asset level not exceeding the limits set forth in Section 69432.7.
(5)The student is pursuing a baccalaureate degree that is offered by a qualifying institution.
(6)He or she is enrolled at least part time.
(7)The student meets the general Cal Grant eligibility requirements set forth in Article 1 (commencing with Section 69430).
(8)The student will not be 28 years of age or older by December 31 of the award year.
(9)The student graduated from a California high school or its equivalent during or after the 200001 academic year.
(10)(A)Except as provided for in subparagraph (B), the student attended a California community college in the academic year immediately preceding the academic year for which the award will be used.
(B)A student otherwise eligible to receive an award pursuant to this section, who attended a California community college in the 201112 academic year, may use the award for the 201213 and 201314 academic years.
(c)The amount and type of the award pursuant to this article shall be determined as follows:
(1)For applicants with income and assets at or under the Cal Grant A limits, the award amount shall be the amount established pursuant to Article 2 (commencing with Section 69434).
(2)For applicants with income and assets at or under the Cal Grant B limits, the award amount shall be the amount established pursuant to Article 3 (commencing with Section 69435).
(d)(1)A student meeting the requirements of paragraph (9) of subdivision (b) by means of high school graduation, rather than its equivalent, shall be required to have graduated from a California high school, unless that California resident graduated from a high school outside of California due solely to orders received from a branch of the United States Armed Forces by that student or by that students parent or guardian that required that student to be outside of California at the time of high school graduation.
(2)For the purposes of this article, both of the following are exempt from the requirements of subdivision (e) of Section 69433.9 and paragraph (9) of subdivision (b) of this section:
(A)A student for whom a claim under this article was paid prior to December 1, 2005.
(B)A student for whom a claim under this article for the 200405 award year or the 200506 award year was or is paid on or after December 1, 2005, but no later than October 15, 2006.
(3)(A)The commission, or a qualifying institution pursuant to Article 8 (commencing with Section 69450), shall make preliminary awards to all applicants currently eligible for an award under this article. At the time an applicant receives a preliminary award, the commission, or a qualifying institution pursuant to Article 8 (commencing with Section 69450), shall require that applicant to affirm, in writing, under penalty of perjury, that he or she meets the requirements set forth in subdivision (e) of Section 69433.9, paragraph (9) of subdivision (b) of this section, and paragraph (1) of this subdivision. The commission, or a qualifying institution pursuant to Article 8 (commencing with Section 69450), shall notify each person who receives a preliminary award under this paragraph that his or her award is subject to an audit pursuant to subparagraph (B).
(B)The commission shall select, at random, a minimum of 10 percent of the new and renewal awards made under subparagraph (A), and shall require, prior to the disbursement of Cal Grant funds to the affected postsecondary institution, that the institution verify that the recipient meets the requirements of subdivision (e) of Section 69433.9, paragraph (9) of subdivision (b) of this section, and paragraph (1) of this subdivision. An award that is audited under this paragraph and found to be valid shall not be subject to a subsequent audit.
(C)Pursuant to Section 69517.5, the commission shall seek repayment of any and all funds found to be improperly disbursed under this article.
(D)On or before November 1 of each year, the commission shall submit a report to the Legislature and the Governor including, but not necessarily limited to, both of the following:
(i)The number of awards made under this article in the preceding 12 months.
(ii)The number of new and renewal awards selected, in the preceding 12 months, for verification under subparagraph (B), and the results of that verification with respect to students at the University of California, at the California State University, at independent nonprofit institutions, and at independent for-profit institutions.
|
Date
|
Status
|
|---|---|
| Jun 3, 2015 | In Senate. Read first time. To Com. on RLS. for assignment. |
| Oct 8, 2015 | Chaptered by Secretary of State - Chapter 637, Statutes of 2015. |
| Oct 8, 2015 | Approved by the Governor. |
| Sep 16, 2015 | Enrolled and presented to the Governor at 4 p.m. |
| Sep 3, 2015 | Read third time. Passed. Ordered to the Assembly. (Ayes 40. Noes 0. Page 2458.). |
| Sep 3, 2015 | Read third time. Passed. Ordered to the Assembly. |
| Sep 3, 2015 | In Assembly. Ordered to Engrossing and Enrolling. |
| Aug 31, 2015 | Read second time. Ordered to third reading. |
| Aug 27, 2015 | From committee: Do pass. (Ayes 7. Noes 0.) (August 27). |
| Aug 17, 2015 | In committee: Referred to APPR. suspense file. |
| Jul 15, 2015 | From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on APPR. (Ayes 9. Noes 0.) (July 15). Re-referred to Com. on APPR. |
| Jun 18, 2015 | Referred to Com. on ED. |
| Jun 3, 2015 | Read third time. Passed. Ordered to the Senate. (Ayes 77. Noes 2. Page 1874.) |
| Jun 3, 2015 | Read third time. Passed. Ordered to the Senate. |
| Feb 27, 2015 | Introduced. To print. |
| Jun 2, 2015 | Read second time. Ordered to third reading. |
| Jun 1, 2015 | Read second time and amended. Ordered returned to second reading. |
| May 28, 2015 | From committee: Amend, and do pass as amended. (Ayes 12. Noes 1.) (May 28). |
| May 13, 2015 | In committee: Set, first hearing. Referred to APPR. suspense file. |
| May 4, 2015 | Re-referred to Com. on APPR. |
| Apr 30, 2015 | Read second time and amended. |
| Apr 29, 2015 | From committee: Amend, and do pass as amended and re-refer to Com. on APPR. (Ayes 12. Noes 1.) (April 28). |
| Apr 6, 2015 | Re-referred to Com. on HIGHER ED. |
| Mar 26, 2015 | Referred to Com. on HIGHER ED. |
| Mar 26, 2015 | From committee chair, with author's amendments: Amend, and re-refer to Com. on HIGHER ED. Read second time and amended. |
| Mar 2, 2015 | Read first time. |
| Mar 1, 2015 | From printer. May be heard in committee March 31. |
|
Date
|
Description
|
Location
|
Votes
|
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 3, 2015 | Assembly 3rd Reading AB1091 Eduardo Garcia By Block | Senate Floor |
Passed |
|
| Aug 27, 2015 | Do pass | Senate Standing Committee on Appropriations |
Passed |
|
| Aug 17, 2015 | Placed on suspense file | Senate Standing Committee on Appropriations |
Passed |
|
| Jul 15, 2015 | Do pass, but first be re-referred to the Committee on [Appropriations] | Senate Standing Committee on Education |
Passed |
|
| Jun 3, 2015 | AB 1091 GARCIA, E. Assembly Third Reading | Assembly Floor |
Passed |
|
| May 28, 2015 | Do pass as amended. | Assembly Standing Committee on Appropriations |
Passed |
|
| Apr 28, 2015 | Do pass as amended and be re-referred to the Committee on [Appropriations] | Assembly Standing Committee on Higher Education |
Passed |
This list shows positions taken on this bill by organizations on the date displayed, which is linked to the original source.
Positions by individuals are not included.
|
Organization
|
Position
|
Date
|
|---|---|---|
| California Community College Chancellor's Office | * Support | Jul 15, 2015 |
| California School Boards Association | ** Support | Sep 3, 2015 |
| California Student Aid Commission | ** Support | Apr 28, 2015 |
| California Student Aide Commission | * Support | Jul 15, 2015 |
| Coachella Valley Economic Partnership | ** Support | Sep 3, 2015 |
| Education Trust West | * Support | Jul 15, 2015 |
| Student Center for California Community Colleges | * Indeterminate | Apr 28, 2015 |
| u None received. | ** Against | Jul 15, 2015 |
AB 1091
Page 4
|
Office of Senate Floor Analyses (916) 651-1520 Fax: (916) 327-4478 |
THIRD READING
Bill No: AB 1091
Amended: 6/1/15 in Assembly
SENATE EDUCATION COMMITTEE: 9-0, 7/15/15
AYES: Liu, Runner, Block, Hancock, Leyva, Mendoza, Monning, Pan, Vidak
SENATE APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE: 7-0, 8/27/15
AYES: Lara, Bates, Beall, Hill, Leyva, Mendoza, Nielsen
ASSEMBLY FLOOR: 77-2, 6/3/15 - See last page for vote
SUBJECT: Student financial aid: Cal Grant Program
DIGEST: This bill authorizes the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) to require verification of high school graduation to be electronically submitted for high school graduates for the purpose of determining financial aid eligibility, as specified, and requires the electronic submission of grade point average (GPA) information on a standardize form.
Existing law:
Authorizes the Cal Grant program, administered by the CSAC, to provide grants to financially needy students to attend a college or university. The Cal Grant programs include both the entitlement and the competitive Cal Grant awards. The program consists of the Cal Grant A, Cal Grant B, and Cal Grant C programs, and eligibility is based upon financial need, GPA, California residency and other criteria. (Education Code § 69430-69433)
Prohibits a school district from permitting access to pupil records without written parental consent but makes some exceptions, as specified. Existing law authorizes school districts to release information from pupil records to agencies or organizations in connection with the application of a pupil for, or receipt of, financial aid. However, information permitting the personal identification of a pupil or his or her parents, may be disclosed only as necessary for the purpose to determine the eligibility of the pupil for financial aid, to determine the amount of the financial aid, to determine the conditions that will be imposed regarding the financial aid, or to enforce the terms or conditions of the financial aid. (EC § 49076)
Requires GPAs for Cal Grant A and B applicants to be submitted to CSAC; requires GPAs to include a certification by a school official that the GPA is accurately reported; authorizes CSAC to establish grace periods for the receipt of GPAs and corrections; and, establishes legislative intent that high schools and institutions of higher education certify GPAs of students in time to meet Cal Grant application deadlines. (EC § 69432)
Requires a GPA for all high school seniors at public schools to be submitted to CSAC electronically by a school or school district official. Requires a school district to provide an opportunity for a student and/or guardian to opt out and requires students and/or guardians to be notified of the opportunity to opt out. (EC § 96432.9)
This bill:
Authorizes the CSAC to require verification of high school graduation to be electronically submitted for high school graduates who graduated from a public school, including charter schools, in the prior academic year.
Provides for an exception to the electronic submission of high school graduation information for students who have opted out, as specified under existing law.
Requires the electronic submission of GPA information on a standardize form.
Declares legislative intent that high school districts verify the graduation of their students in time to meet the established deadlines and that the CSAC make available to high schools or high school districts a list of seniors who have and have not completed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the California Dream Act Application.
Establishes if the Commission on State Mandates determines that this bill contains costs mandated by the state, the state shall reimburse the applicable entities.
Comments
Need for the bill? According to author, many students often times become overwhelmed with the Cal Grant application process and fail to submit verification of high school graduation to CSAC. The author further asserts that missing this important step could make the difference between a student attending college or not. This bill aims to streamline the financial aid process and increase Cal Grant and FAFSA completion rates by requiring the electronic submission of high school graduation information.
Existing process for verification. According to the CSAC the method for providing verification varies depending on the school district. For the most part, it is the responsibility of the school district to submit the information to CSAC; however, if the district fails to provide the information, the responsibility falls on the student. Generally, most submissions are electronic, but thousands of paper forms are submitted that have to be keyed in manually. This bill seeks to give the CSAC the authority to create a standardized process for collecting information directly from school districts when determining Cal Grant eligibility.
Privacy rights? The federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act applies to all schools that receive federal funding through the U.S. Department of Education and protects the privacy of student educational records. Generally, schools must have written permission from the parent or eligible student in order to release any information from a student's educational record. However, schools are authorized to disclose records without consent to specific parties or under specific conditions, including to appropriate parties in connection with financial aid to a student. This exemption is currently used to authorize the provision of the student’s GPA and graduation information to CSAC when a student is applying for financial aid.
FISCAL EFFECT: Appropriation: No Fiscal Com.: Yes Local: Yes
According to the Senate Appropriations Committee:
The CSAC indicates one position and $120,000 will be needed to design, implement, and provide support to schools and school districts for the new tool within its existing Grant Delivery System. (General Fund)
Unknown, potentially significant reimbursable state mandate costs if the Commission on State Mandates determines this bill to impose a mandate should the CSAC require verification of high school graduation to be electronically submitted for all former grade 12 students who graduated. The potential for it to be determined a mandate is unclear. If so determined, it could create pressure to increase funding for the K-12 Mandate Block Grant, to reflect the inclusion of the new mandate.
California School Boards Association
Coachella Valley Economic Partnership
The Education Trust-West
OPPOSITION: (Verified 8/27/15)
None received
ASSEMBLY FLOOR: 77-2, 6/3/15
AYES: Achadjian, Alejo, Travis Allen, Baker, Bloom, Bonilla, Bonta, Brough, Brown, Burke, Calderon, Campos, Chang, Chau, Chávez, Chiu, Chu, Cooley, Cooper, Dababneh, Dahle, Daly, Dodd, Eggman, Frazier, Gallagher, Cristina Garcia, Eduardo Garcia, Gatto, Gipson, Gomez, Gonzalez, Gordon, Gray, Grove, Hadley, Harper, Roger Hernández, Holden, Irwin, Jones, Jones-Sawyer, Kim, Lackey, Levine, Linder, Lopez, Low, Maienschein, Mathis, Mayes, McCarty, Medina, Melendez, Mullin, Nazarian, Obernolte, O'Donnell, Olsen, Patterson, Perea, Quirk, Rendon, Ridley-Thomas, Rodriguez, Salas, Santiago, Steinorth, Mark Stone, Ting, Wagner, Waldron, Weber, Wilk, Williams, Wood, Atkins
NOES: Bigelow, Beth Gaines
NO VOTE RECORDED: Thurmond
Prepared by: Olgalilia Ramirez / ED. / (916) 651-4105
8/31/15 11:43:40
**** END ****
AB 1091 (Eduardo Garcia) Page 2 of 2
SENATE COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS
Senator Ricardo Lara, Chair
2015 - 2016 Regular Session
AB 1091 (Eduardo Garcia) - Student financial aid: Cal Grant Program
|
|
Version: June 1, 2015 |
Policy Vote: ED. 9 - 0 |
Urgency: No |
Mandate: Yes |
Hearing Date: August 17, 2015 |
Consultant: Jillian Kissee |
This bill meets the criteria for referral to the Suspense File.
Bill Summary:
This bill authorizes the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) to require verification of high school graduation to be electronically submitted for high school graduates for the purpose of determining financial aid eligibility, and requires the electronic submission of grade point average information on a standardized form.
Fiscal Impact:
The CSAC indicates one position and $120,000 will be needed to design, implement, and provide support to schools and school districts for the new tool within its existing Grant Delivery System. (General Fund)
Unknown, potentially significant reimbursable state mandate costs if the Commission on State Mandates determines this bill to impose a mandate should the CSAC require verification of high school graduation to be electronically submitted for all former grade 12 students who graduated. The potential for it to be determined a mandate is unclear. If so determined, it could create pressure to increase funding for the K-12 Mandate Block Grant, to reflect the inclusion of the new mandate. See staff comments. (Proposition 98)
Background:
Existing law authorizes the Cal Grant program, administered by the CSAC, to provide grants to financially needy students to attend a college or university. The Cal Grant programs include both the entitlement and the competitive Cal Grant awards. The program consists of the Cal Grant A, Cal Grant B, and Cal Grant C programs, and eligibility is based upon financial need, grade point average (GPA), California residency, and other criteria. (Education Code § 69430-69433)
Existing law, requires GPAs for Cal Grant A and B applicants to be electronically submitted to CSAC except for students that have opted out; requires GPAs to include a certification by a school official that the GPA is accurately reported; authorizes CSAC to establish grace periods for the receipt of GPAs and corrections; and, establishes Legislative intent that high schools and institutions of higher education certify GPAs of students in time to meet Cal Grant application deadlines. (EC § 69432.9)
Proposed Law:
This bill authorizes the CSAC to require verification of high school graduation to be electronically submitted for high school graduates, including from charter schools, except for students that opted out. This bill requires that when submitting GPAs electronically to the CSAC for Cal Grant A or B awards, that they use a standardized form.
This bill also provides Legislative intent that the CSAC make available to each high school and school district a report identifying all grade 12 students who have not completed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid or the California Dream Act Application.
Staff Comments:
It is unclear whether this bill will result in a new reimbursable state mandate. The determination will depend on the interpretation of the Commission on State Mandates. Schools might claim reimbursement for any start-up activities to meet the new requirement such as training on the tool that the CSAC develops to upload the information. Some schools may have to make changes to their electronic data systems to enable uploading required information. To the extent each high school trains one staff member for two hours, reimbursable costs to the state could run in the hundreds of thousands. Increased operational efficiency in the application process for Cal grants could result in savings for both school districts and the CSAC and potentially reduce barriers in students applying for grants, which could in turn increase state Cal Grant costs.
Staff notes that the Budget Act of 2015 provided the CSAC $840,000 and three positions to support the modernization of the Grant Delivery System.
-- END --
AB 1091 (Eduardo Garcia) Page 3 of 3
SENATE COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION
Senator Carol Liu, Chair
2015 - 2016 Regular
Bill No: AB 1091
Author: |
Eduardo Garcia |
||
Version: |
June 1, 2015 Hearing Date: July 15, 2015 |
||
Urgency: |
No |
Fiscal: |
Yes |
Consultant: |
Olgalilia Ramirez |
||
Subject: Student financial aid: Cal Grant Program
SUMMARY
This bill authorizes the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) to require verification of high school graduation to be electronically submitted for high school graduates for the purpose of determining financial aid eligibility, as specified and requires the electronic submission of grade point average information on a standardize form.
BACKGROUND
Existing law authorizes the Cal Grant program, administered by the CSAC, to provide grants to financially needy students to attend a college or university. The Cal Grant programs include both the entitlement and the competitive Cal Grant awards. The program consists of the Cal Grant A, Cal Grant B, and Cal Grant C programs, and eligibility is based upon financial need, grade point average, California residency and other criteria. (Education Code § 69430-69433)
A school district is prohibited from permitting access to pupil records without written parental consent but makes some exceptions, as specified. Current law authorizes school districts to release information from pupil records to agencies or organizations in connection with the application of a pupil for, or receipt of, financial aid. However, information permitting the personal identification of a pupil or his or her parents, may be disclosed only as necessary for the purpose to determine the eligibility of the pupil for financial aid, to determine the amount of the financial aid, to determine the conditions that will be imposed regarding the financial aid, or to enforce the terms or conditions of the financial aid. (EC § 49076)
Existing Law, requires grade point averages (GPAs) for Cal Grant A and B applicants to be submitted to CSAC; requires GPAs to include a certification by a school official that the GPA is accurately reported; authorizes CSAC to establish grace periods for the receipt of GPAs and corrections; and, establishes Legislative intent that high schools and institutions of higher education certify GPAs of students in time to meet Cal Grant application deadlines. (EC § 69432)
Existing law requires a GPA for all high school seniors at public schools to be submitted to CSAC electronically by a school or school district official and requires a school district to provide an opportunity for a student and/or guardian to opt out and requires students and/or guardians to be notified of the opportunity to opt out.
(EC § 96432.9)
ANALYSIS
This bill:
Authorizes the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) to require verification of high school graduation to be electronically submitted for high school graduates who graduated from a public school, including charter schools, in the prior academic year.
Provides for an exception to the electronic submission of high school graduation information for students who have opted out, as specified under current law.
Requires the electronic submission of grade point average information on a standardize form.
Declares legislative intent that high school districts verify the graduation of their students in time to meet the established deadlines and that the CSAC make available to high schools or high school districts a list of seniors who have and have not completed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid or the California Dream Act Application.
Establishes if the Commission on State Mandates determines that this act contains costs mandated by the state, the state shall reimburse the applicable entities.
STAFF COMMENTS
Need for the bill. According to the author, the Cal Grant process can be improved to eliminate barriers that will help student’s better access the aid they need to attend college, and help school districts identify students who have not completed the FAFSA. The author asserts that many students often times become overwhelmed in the Cal Grant process or do not have access to internet or other resources, and fail to complete this important step that makes the difference between whether they attend college or not.
This bill aims to streamline the financial aid process and increase Cal Grant and FAFSA completion rates by requiring the electronic submission of high school graduation information.
Existing process for verification: According to the CSAC the method for providing verification varies depending on the school district. For the most part, it is the responsibility of the school district to submit the information to CSAC; however, if the district fails to provide the information, the responsibility falls on the student. Generally, most submissions are electronic, but thousands of paper forms are submitted that have to be keyed in manually. This bill seeks to give the CSAC the authority to create a consistent process to collect information necessary for determining Cal Grant eligibility.
Privacy rights. The federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) applies to all schools that receive federal funding through the U.S. Department of Education and protects the privacy of student educational records. Generally, schools must have written permission from the parent or eligible student in order to release any information from a student's educational record. However, schools are authorized to disclose records without consent to specific parties or under specific conditions, including to appropriate parties in connection with financial aid to a student. This exemption is currently used to authorize the provision of the student’s grade point average and graduation information to California Student Aid Commission when a student is applying for financial aid.
SUPPORT
California School Boards Association
Coachella Valley Economic Partnership
Education Trust West
OPPOSITION
None received.
-- END --
AB 1091
Page 3
ASSEMBLY THIRD READING
AB 1091
(Eduardo Garcia)
As Amended June 1, 2015
Majority vote
Committee |
Votes |
Ayes |
Noes |
Higher Education |
12-1 |
Medina, Baker, Bloom, Harper, Irwin, Jones-Sawyer, Levine, Linder, Low, Santiago, Weber, Williams |
Chávez |
Appropriations |
12-1 |
Gomez, Bonta, Calderon, Daly, Eggman, Eduardo Garcia, Gordon, Holden, Quirk, Rendon, Weber, Wood |
Bigelow |
SUMMARY: Requires the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) to take specified actions to improve information sharing between school districts and CSAC for purposes of determining student Cal Grant eligibility. Specifically, this bill:
Authorizes CSAC to require that verification of high school graduation or its equivalent be electronically submitted for those who graduated from public schools in the prior academic year, except for those who opted out of having their information sent to the commission during their senior year, and declares legislative intent that this be accomplished by districts within established deadlines.
Declares legislative intent that the commission make available to each school district listing seniors who have and have not completed a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or Dream Act application.
EXISTING LAW:
Requires grade point averages (GPAs) for Cal Grant A and B applicants to be submitted to CSAC; requires GPAs to include a certification by a school official that the GPA is accurately reported; authorizes CSAC to establish grace periods for the receipt of GPAs and corrections; and, establishes legislative intent that high schools and institutions of higher education certify GPAs of students in time to meet Cal Grant application deadlines. (Education Code (EDC) Section 69432)
Requires a GPA for all high school seniors at public schools to be submitted to CSAC electronically by a school or school district official and requires a school district to provide an opportunity for a student and/or guardian to opt out and requires students and/or guardians to be notified of the opportunity to opt out. (EDC Section 96432.9)
Authorizes school districts to release information from pupil records to agencies or organizations in connection with the application of a pupil for, or receipt of, financial aid. However, information permitting the personal identification of a pupil or his or her parents may be disclosed only as may be necessary for purposes as to determine the eligibility of the pupil for financial aid, to determine the amount of the financial aid, to determine the conditions that will be imposed regarding the financial aid, or to enforce the terms or conditions of the financial aid. (EDC Section 49076)
FISCAL EFFECT: According to the Assembly Appropriations Committee:
For graduation verification, CSAC will need $120,000 GF for an additional position to program and implement the additional data system function. (CSAC has an aging Grants Delivery System, and the Governor's 2015-16 budget proposal includes $840,000 and three positions for a system upgrade.) CSAC indicates that the FAFSA and Dream Act application information can be provided to districts within existing resources.
To the extent CSAC requires districts to submit verification data, this will create a state-reimbursable mandate. At least some districts could incur additional programming costs to be able to provide the information electronically in a format specified by the commission. These one-time costs could exceed $150,000 statewide. [GF-Prop 98]
COMMENTS: Background. To apply for a Cal Grant award, students (or parents of dependent students) are required, by March 2nd, to: 1) complete and submit the FAFSA; and, 2) file a verified GPA with CSAC. In 2013, the Education Trust-West (ETW) issued a report finding that only 54% of California's 12th graders completed a FAFSA in 2012, and only 50% completed both steps of the requirements to apply for a Cal Grant by the March 2nd deadline. ETW found that one high-impact practice to encourage financial aid applications employed by districts is to submit GPAs electronically for all students. ETW research indicates that districts that piloted using electronic GPA verification and other data-driven practices found a 15% increase in Cal Grant completion. In 2014, AB 2160 (Ting), Chapter 679, required all high schools to submit a GPA for all high school seniors to CSAC electronically (electronic submission occurs through the CSAC WebGrants system).
WebGrants. WebGrants is CSAC's internet-based access for Cal Grant applications. It provides high schools with the ability to upload student GPAs and determine if a student has completed a FAFSA, schools can also search and edit records, download CSAC policy memos and bulletins, print School of Origin Reports, and use other high school GPA collection tools. In addition to the recently enacted requirement for high school pupil GPA data to be uploaded electronically, according to the California Community College Chancellor's Office, currently all community colleges are using WebGrants to upload GPAs for students enrolled in the last two years. According to CSAC, when a student for whom CSAC has received a GPA but not a FAFSA is identified, CSAC provides a report to the schools. Ideally a school is using that information to contact students to ensure FAFSA completion.
Purpose of this bill. The author intends for this proposal to build upon the foundation of AB 2160 by ensuring the following:
Authorizing CSAC to require electronic submission of graduation verification data (an eligibility condition of Cal Grant) for students. According to CSAC, because of high school campus closures following the end of the school year, it is important that this information is submitted to CSAC promptly to ensure that student awards are not delayed. It is important to note that CSAC does authorize students to self-certify high school graduation. This bill is not intended to change the student self-certification process.
Establishing Legislative intent that CSAC provide to high schools and school districts a list of all high school pupils who have not completed a FAFSA or Dream Act application. The goal of this provision is to support high schools and districts in encouraging FAFSA/Dream Act completion.
Analysis Prepared by: Laura Metune / HIGHER ED. / (916) 319-3960 FN: 0000745
AB 1091
Page 2
Date of Hearing: May 13, 2015
ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS
Jimmy Gomez, Chair
AB 1091
(Eduardo Garcia) – As Amended April 30, 2015
Policy Committee: |
Higher Education |
Vote: |
12 - 1 |
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Urgency: No State Mandated Local Program: No Reimbursable: No
SUMMARY:
This bill:
Authorizes the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) to require that verification of high school graduation or its equivalent be electronically submitted for those who graduated from public schools in the prior academic year, except for those who opted out of having their information sent to the commission during their senior year, and declares legislative intent that this be accomplished by districts within established deadlines.
Declares legislative intent that the commission make available to each school district listing seniors who have and have not completed a (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) FAFSA or Dream Act application.
FISCAL EFFECT:
For graduation verification, CSAC will need $120,000 GF for an additional position to program and implement the additional data system function. (CSAC has an aging Grants Delivery System, and the Governor's 2015-16 budget proposal includes $840,000 and three positions for a system upgrade.) CSAC indicates that the FAFSA and Dream Act application information can be provided to districts within existing resources.
To the extent CSAC requires districts to submit verification data, this will create a state-reimbursable mandate. At least some districts could incur additional programming costs to be able to provide the information electronically in a format specified by the commission. These one-time costs could exceed $150,000 statewide. [GF-Prop 98]
COMMENTS:
Background. To apply for a Cal Grant award, students (or parents of dependent students) are required, by March 2nd, to: (1) complete and submit the FAFSA; and, (2) file a verified GPA with CSAC. In 2013, the Education Trust-West (ETW) issued a report finding that only 54% of California's 12th graders completed a FAFSA in 2012, and only 50% completed both steps of the requirements to apply for a Cal Grant by the March 2nd deadline. ETW found that districts' use of electronic GPA verification and other data-driven practices resulted in a 15% increase in Cal Grant completion. In 2014, AB 2160 (Ting), Chapter 679, required all high schools to submit GPAs for all high school seniors to CSAC electronically.
Purpose. Currently, students are required to submit graduation verification at the back-end of the Cal Grant process to ensure that they in fact graduated, yet many fail to complete this important step that makes a difference in their eligibility for state financial aid. This bill builds on AB 2160 by requiring school districts to also verify a student’s graduation.
In addition, through CSAC’s Webgrants system, high schools can identify which students have or have not completed the FAFSA or California Dream Act. However, particularly as it relates to the FAFSA, the list accessible to the high schools contains the names of all students in the state, as well as those who graduated as long as five to ten years ago. This creates a tedious and costly task for schools when trying to identify their senior who have or have not completed their FAFSA. AB 1091, by requiring a list containing only those seniors within a particular district, will allow high schools to more effectively following-up with students who have not completed their financial aid applications.
Analysis Prepared by: Chuck Nicol / APPR. / (916) 319-2081
AB 1091
Page 3
Date of Hearing: April 28, 2015
ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON HIGHER EDUCATION
Jose Medina, Chair
AB 1091
(Eduardo Garcia) – As Amended March 26, 2015
SUBJECT: Student financial aid: Cal Grant Program
SUMMARY: Requires the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) to take specified actions to improve information sharing between school districts and CSAC for purposes of determining student Cal Grant eligibility. Specifically, this bill:
Requires CSAC to develop, and make available on its Internet Web site to each school district, a graduation verification template for use by the school district to input and upload graduation verification data for its pupils, so that the commission can determine if those pupils are eligible for Cal Grants.
Requires CSAC to, to the greatest extent feasible, align the collection and reporting of information between the United States Department of Education’s Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) system, CSAC, and school districts that is used to determine if applicants are eligible for Cal Grants and whether to issue Cal Grant awards for students who attend qualifying institutions.
Requires CSAC to develop, and make available on its Internet Web site to each school district for the district’s use, a standard report that lists the names of all grade 12 pupils within the school district who have and have not completed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid or the California Dream Act application.
EXISTING LAW:
Requires grade point averages (GPAs) for Cal Grant A and B applicants to be submitted to CSAC; requires GPAs to include a certification by a school official that the GPA is accurately reported; authorizes CSAC to establish grace periods for the receipt of GPAs and corrections; and, establishes Legislative intent that high schools and institutions of higher education certify GPAs of students in time to meet Cal Grant application deadlines. (Education Code Section 69432)
Requires a GPA for all high school seniors at public schools to be submitted to CSAC electronically by a school or school district official and requires a school district to provide an opportunity for a student and/or guardian to opt out and requires students and/or guardians to be notified of the opportunity to opt out. (EDC 96432.9)
Authorizes school districts to release information from pupil records to agencies or organizations in connection with the application of a pupil for, or receipt of, financial aid. However, information permitting the personal identification of a pupil or his or her parents may be disclosed only as may be necessary for purposes as to determine the eligibility of the pupil for financial aid, to determine the amount of the financial aid, to determine the conditions that will be imposed regarding the financial aid, or to enforce the terms or conditions of the financial aid. (EDC 49076)
FISCAL EFFECT: Unknown
COMMENTS: Background. To apply for a Cal Grant award, students (or parents of dependent students) are required, by March 2nd, to: (1) complete and submit the FAFSA; and, (2) file a verified GPA with CSAC. In 2013, the Education Trust-West (ETW) issued a report finding that only 54% of California's 12th graders completed a FAFSA in 2012, and only 50% completed both steps of the requirements to apply for a Cal Grant by the March 2nd deadline. ETW found that one high-impact practice to encourage financial aid applications employed by districts is to submit GPAs electronically for all students. ETW research indicates that districts that piloted using electronic GPA verification and other data-driven practices found a 15% increase in Cal Grant completion. In 2014, AB 2160 (Ting), Chapter 679, required all high schools to submit a GPA for all high school seniors to CSAC electronically (electronic submission occurs through the CSAC WebGrants system).
WebGrants. WebGrants is CSAC's internet-based access for Cal Grant applications. It provides high schools with the ability to upload student GPAs and determine if a student has completed a FAFSA, schools can also search and edit records, download CSAC policy memos and bulletins, print School of Origin Reports, and use other high school GPA collection tools. In addition to the recently enacted requirement for high school pupil GPA data to be uploaded electronically, according to the California Community College Chancellor's Office (CCCCO), currently all community colleges are using WebGrants to upload GPAs for students enrolled in the last two years. According to CSAC, when a student for whom CSAC has received a GPA but not a FAFSA is identified, CSAC provides a report to the schools. Ideally a school is using that information to contact students to ensure FAFSA completion.
Purpose of this bill. The author intends for this proposal to build upon the foundation of AB 2160 by ensuring the following:
Authorizing CSAC to require electronic submission of graduation verification data (an eligibility condition of Cal Grant) for students. According to CSAC, because of high school campus closures following the end of the school year, it is important that this information is submitted to CSAC promptly to ensure that student awards are not delayed. It is important to note that CSAC does authorize students to self-certify high school graduation. This bill is not intended to change the student self-certification process.
Establishing Legislative intent that CSAC provide to high schools and school districts a list of all high school pupils who have not completed a FAFSA or Dream Act application. The goal of this provision is to support high schools and districts in encouraging FAFSA/Dream Act completion.
Recommended amendments. Consistent with the author's intent, Committee staff recommends removing the current language and redrafting the provisions of this bill, as follows:
69432.9 (c)(2) The commission shall require that a grade point average, and may require verification of high school graduation or its equivalent, as required pursuant to section 69433.9(e)(3), be submitted to it electronically for all grade 12 pupils at public schools, including charter schools, each academic year, except for pupils who have opted out as provided in subdivision (d). Social security numbers shall not be included in the information submitted to the commission.
69432.9 (c)(5) It is the intent of the Legislature that high schools or high school districts and institutions of higher education certify the grade point averages and verify the graduation of their students in time to meet the application deadlines imposed by this chapter.
69432.9 (c)(7) It is the intent of the Legislature that the commission make available to each high school and each school district a report identifying all grade 12 pupils within the high school or school district, respectively, who have and have not completed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid or the California Dream Act application.
REGISTERED SUPPORT / OPPOSITION:
Support
California Student Aid Commission
Opposition
None on File
Analysis Prepared by: Laura Metune / HIGHER ED. / (916) 319-3960
Bill Author
Bill Co-Author(s):