Public postsecondary education: waiver of tuition and fees: California Military Department GI Bill Award Program: extended education courses.

Senator Seyarto's proposal expands California's higher education fee waiver programs to cover extended education courses at the University of California and California State University when those courses fulfill undergraduate degree requirements. The measure modifies both the existing tuition waiver system and the California Military Department GI Bill Award Program.

Under the proposed changes, qualifying students - including children of disabled or deceased veterans, Medal of Honor recipients and their children, and eligible foster youth - would receive waivers for extended education courses that count toward undergraduate degrees. The bill maintains current eligibility criteria, such as income limits based on the state poverty level and California residency requirements. For UC campuses, these provisions would take effect only upon approval by the UC Board of Regents.

The legislation also amends the California Military Department GI Bill to allow recipients to use awards for extended education courses that meet undergraduate degree requirements at UC or CSU campuses. Recipients must maintain active membership in the California National Guard, State Guard, or Naval Militia and commit to two years of service after completing their education. The program continues to cap annual awards at 1,000 recipients, with selection priority based on military skills needs identified by the Adjutant General.