Public postsecondary education: students with dependent children: childcare services, resources, and programs.

Here's a clear, neutral summary of SB 271's key provisions and changes:

Senator Reyes proposes expanding support services for student parents across California's public higher education systems through comprehensive amendments to campus Basic Needs Centers and financial aid processes. The legislation requires California State University and Community College campuses, while requesting University of California participation, to incorporate childcare assistance into their existing basic needs frameworks.

The bill redefines basic needs services to explicitly include childcare support, requiring Basic Needs Centers to provide information about affordable childcare options, connect students with local childcare resources, and assist with applications for state and federal childcare subsidies. Campus financial aid offices must inform student parents about available childcare facilities, refer them to Basic Needs Centers, and ensure awareness of supplemental awards like the Cal Grant for students with dependent children.

New coordination requirements mandate that campus child development centers and preschools refer student parents to both Basic Needs Centers and financial aid offices. The legislation establishes reporting mechanisms to track service utilization, requiring campuses to collect data on the number of students served, demographic information, and retention outcomes. Annual reports to the Legislature between 2026 and 2030 will document implementation progress and effectiveness.

The measure includes provisions for state reimbursement to local agencies and school districts for costs associated with these new mandates, as determined by the Commission on State Mandates. Implementation deadlines extend through 2025, allowing institutions time to establish or modify required services and reporting systems.