AB 2165: Pupil instruction: financial aid application.

Existing law requires the governing body of a school district, county office of education, or charter school to confirm that a grade 12 pupil who has not opted out, as specified, completes and submits a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or, if the pupil is exempt from paying nonresident tuition under existing law, completes and submits a form for purposes of the California Dream Act, as provided. Under existing law, a local educational agency that determines that a pupil is unable to complete these requirements is required to (1) exempt the pupil or, if applicable, the pupils parent or legal guardian, from completing and submitting a FAFSA, a form for purposes of the California Dream Act, or an opt-out form, and (2) complete and submit an opt-out form on the pupils behalf.

This bill would require a local educational agency, before exempting a pupil or the pupils parent or legal guardian from the above-described requirement to complete and submit a FAFSA, a form for purposes of the California Dream Act, or an opt-out form, to provide specified information to the pupil and the pupils parent or legal guardian, as provided. The bill would also require a local educational agency that exempts the pupil from the above-described requirement to notify the pupils parent or legal guardian. By imposing new duties on local educational agencies, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program.

The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.

This bill would provide that, if the Commission on State Mandates determines that the bill contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement for those costs shall be made pursuant to the statutory provisions noted above.