College affordability advocates in California are pushing for changes to improve access to financial aid amid ongoing federal financial aid system reforms and concerns about data use by the Trump administration. The California Student Aid Commission, which manages the state’s financial aid system, is sponsoring four bills to simplify the process for students to obtain grants, loans, scholarships, and work-study opportunities.
One of the proposed bills, AB 313, would allow the commission to extend financial aid application deadlines if the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is delayed. Another bill, SB 323, aims to make the California Dream Act Application accessible to all residents, addressing issues faced by students from mixed-status families who are concerned about data usage. SB 416 proposes creating a work group to simplify financial aid offer letters, making them easier for students to understand.
As of Thursday, AB 313 has passed the Assembly and is awaiting referral in the Senate, while the three Senate bills are under additional review. In late May, lawmakers will decide which bills will proceed to a vote.
CalMatters reports that fewer California high school seniors are completing FAFSA applications, partly due to fears that the Trump administration might use their data for immigration enforcement. The number of applications has decreased by 25%, with a significant drop among students with undocumented parents.
The California Dream Act Application, which is not shared with federal agencies, provides access to state financial aid and has been expanded to include students with non-citizen parents. However, opting out of FAFSA could mean missing out on federal aid, which is a concern for many families.
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