Community colleges: California College Promise.

Assembly Member Ahrens proposes modifications to the California College Promise program that would reduce the minimum unit requirement from 12 to 9 semester units for students seeking fee waivers at community colleges. The legislation maintains an exception for students with disabilities, who may qualify with fewer units if they commit to a workload analogous to 9 units as certified by disabled student services staff.

The bill establishes new requirements for community colleges participating in the program. Institutions must provide written notifications to initial fee waiver recipients detailing the two-year eligibility period, unit requirements for completing degree programs within that timeframe, and information about alternative financial aid options. Additionally, colleges must refrain from using the "California College Promise" designation for any other financial aid programs or services.

Special provisions preserve eligibility for military service members called to active duty, allowing them to pause and resume participation without penalty. The legislation also clarifies that high school students enrolling in community college after graduation qualify as first-time students under the program. The Chancellor's office retains authority to require annual reporting from participating institutions on fund usage and compliance with program conditions.