Student financial aid: Cal Grant Program and the California Community College Expanded Entitlement Program.
- Increases maximum Cal Grant tuition awards to $9,708 for students at independent colleges starting 2026-27.
- Removes funding restrictions for community college students transferring to independent institutions.
- Requires independent colleges to meet transfer student targets to qualify for higher award amounts.
- Maintains financial aid eligibility for students transferring between California higher education institutions.
Assembly Member Patel's proposal to modify California's Cal Grant Program would increase the maximum tuition award amount for students attending independent institutions to $9,708 beginning in the 2026-27 academic year, provided institutions meet established targets for accepting community college transfer students. The current maximum award of $9,358 would rise by $350, contingent upon state funding appropriations.
The legislation also revises eligibility requirements for the California Community College Expanded Entitlement Program, removing existing conditions that tie award retention to General Fund availability when students transfer to independent institutions. Under the changes, community college students who receive these awards would maintain their eligibility upon transfer regardless of state budget forecasts or specific funding allocations.
The bill preserves the existing framework requiring independent institutions to demonstrate commitment to accepting associate degrees for transfer, with annual reporting requirements to track implementation. Award amounts remain tied to institutions meeting prescribed targets for accepting transfer students, maintaining the connection between financial aid levels and transfer pathway accessibility.
 Steven ChoiR Senator | Committee Member |  Not Contacted | |
 Eloise ReyesD Senator | Committee Member | Not Contacted | |
 Lena GonzalezD Senator | Committee Member | Not Contacted | |
 Dave CorteseD Senator | Committee Member | Not Contacted | |
 Rosilicie Ochoa BoghR Senator | Committee Member | Not Contacted |
Email the authors or create an email template to send to all relevant legislators.
Introduced By
Latest Voting History
| Ayes | Noes | NVR | Total | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 79 | 0 | 0 | 79 | PASS |
- Increases maximum Cal Grant tuition awards to $9,708 for students at independent colleges starting 2026-27.
- Removes funding restrictions for community college students transferring to independent institutions.
- Requires independent colleges to meet transfer student targets to qualify for higher award amounts.
- Maintains financial aid eligibility for students transferring between California higher education institutions.
Email the authors or create an email template to send to all relevant legislators.
Introduced By
Assembly Member Patel's proposal to modify California's Cal Grant Program would increase the maximum tuition award amount for students attending independent institutions to $9,708 beginning in the 2026-27 academic year, provided institutions meet established targets for accepting community college transfer students. The current maximum award of $9,358 would rise by $350, contingent upon state funding appropriations.
The legislation also revises eligibility requirements for the California Community College Expanded Entitlement Program, removing existing conditions that tie award retention to General Fund availability when students transfer to independent institutions. Under the changes, community college students who receive these awards would maintain their eligibility upon transfer regardless of state budget forecasts or specific funding allocations.
The bill preserves the existing framework requiring independent institutions to demonstrate commitment to accepting associate degrees for transfer, with annual reporting requirements to track implementation. Award amounts remain tied to institutions meeting prescribed targets for accepting transfer students, maintaining the connection between financial aid levels and transfer pathway accessibility.
Latest Voting History
| Ayes | Noes | NVR | Total | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 79 | 0 | 0 | 79 | PASS |
Steven ChoiR Senator | Committee Member | Not Contacted | |
Eloise ReyesD Senator | Committee Member | Not Contacted | |
Lena GonzalezD Senator | Committee Member | Not Contacted | |
Dave CorteseD Senator | Committee Member | Not Contacted | |
Rosilicie Ochoa BoghR Senator | Committee Member | Not Contacted |