The bill is expected to have a significant impact on the financial accessibility of community college education for low-income students and other qualifying individuals. The implementation of an electronic application process will potentially reduce bureaucratic hurdles and allow for quicker processing of fee waivers. By facilitating a more straightforward application method, AB 559 aligns with the goal of increasing enrollment among disadvantaged populations who may struggle with the current fee structure.
Summary
Assembly Bill No. 559, introduced by Assembly Member Santiago, aims to amend Section 76300 of the Education Code concerning enrollment fee waivers at California Community Colleges. This bill mandates that the Board of Governors of the California Community Colleges make an electronic application for fee waivers available to students by January 1, 2019. Currently, students are required to pay a $46 enrollment fee per unit per semester, with provisions allowing for the fee to be waived under certain conditions. The introduction of an electronic application process is designed to streamline access for students in need of financial assistance, promoting wider participation in community college programs.
Contention
Notable points of contention surrounding AB 559 include concerns over the financial implications of increased enrollment and waivers for community college districts. If the application processes and resulting fee waivers lead to a significantly higher number of students qualifying for free enrollment, community colleges may face budgetary challenges unless the state implements adequate funding measures. There is also the overarching worry about the potential administrative burden placed on community colleges to comply with the new requirements while ensuring proper support for students to meet the eligibility criteria for waivers.
Public postsecondary education: exemption from tuition and fees: qualifying survivors of persons providing medical or emergency services deceased during COVID-19 California state of emergency.