SB 305: Seymour-Campbell Student Success Act of 2012: Free Application for Federal Student Aid and California Dream Act application.

Official summary

Legislative Counsel’s Digest (official, as of the latest version). Written by nonpartisan legislative staff; reproduced verbatim.

Existing law, known as the Seymour-Campbell Student Success Act of 2012, provides that the act’s purpose is to increase California community college student access and success by providing effective core matriculation services, including orientation, assessment and placement, counseling, and other education planning services, and academic interventions.

This bill would require, as part of the act, community colleges to provide, commencing with the 2026–27 academic year, students with specified information related to completing and submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid and the California Dream Act application, and to confirm, commencing with the 2027–28 academic year, that students who have not opted out have completed and submitted the Free Application for Federal Student Aid or the California Dream Act application, as specified. The bill would require community college districts to ensure that students are directed to services to assist students in complying with the bill’s requirements, and that the information shared by students is handled in compliance with state and federal privacy laws. The bill would require the Student Aid Commission to adopt regulations that include model opt-out forms and acceptable use policies, as specified. By imposing new duties on community college districts, 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.

Sponsors

Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Democratic 1

“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.

Recent official actions

1. February 2, 2026Returned to Secretary of Senate pursuant to Joint Rule 56.
2. May 23, 2025May 23 hearing: Held in committee and under submission.
3. May 16, 2025Set for hearing May 23.
4. May 5, 2025May 5 hearing: Placed on APPR. suspense file.
5. April 25, 2025Set for hearing May 5.
6. April 23, 2025From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on APPR. (Ayes 7. Noes 0. Page 865.) (April 23). Re-referred to Com. on APPR.
7. April 10, 2025From committee with author's amendments. Read second time and amended. Re-referred to Com. on ED.
8. April 4, 2025Set for hearing April 23.
9. April 2, 2025Re-referred to Com. on ED.
10. March 24, 2025From committee with author's amendments. Read second time and amended. Re-referred to Com. on RLS.
11. February 19, 2025Referred to Com. on RLS.
12. February 11, 2025From printer. May be acted upon on or after March 13.