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AB 148

Higher education budget trailer bill.

2025-2026 Regular Session

AB 148 enhances California community colleges by expanding basic needs services, improving scholarships, and funding educational resources, boosting student success and access.

Ordered to inactive file at the request of Senator Grayson.
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Bill Summary · AB 148

Summary of AB 148 - Higher Education Budget Trailer Bill

Bill Overview

  • Bill Number: AB 148
  • Title: Higher Education Budget Trailer Bill
  • Status: Ordered to inactive file at the request of Senator Grayson
  • Introduced: January 8, 2025
  • Classification: Bill, Appropriation
  • Subject: Higher Education Budget Trailer Bill

Purpose and Intent

AB 148 aims to amend and enhance various aspects of California's higher education funding and support systems, particularly focusing on community colleges. The bill seeks to address basic needs for students, improve scholarship programs, and support educational resources, thereby promoting accessibility and success in higher education.

Key Provisions

  1. Basic Needs Services Expansion:

    • Requires California Community Colleges to provide classified employees access to food pantry services at Basic Needs Centers for the fiscal years 2026–27 and 2027–28.
    • Mandates reporting of data related to this access to the Chancellor's office, which will be included in annual reports.

  2. Middle Class Scholarship Program (MCSP) Adjustments:

    • Clarifies that if a student receives a need-based scholarship, grant, or fee waiver of less than $300, it will not necessitate recalculating the MCSP award.
    • Requires institutions participating in the MCSP to sign an agreement to administer the program.

  3. Zero-Textbook-Cost Degree Grant Program Enhancements:

    • Expands the use of grant funds to include professional development for creating open educational resources.
    • Authorizes the Chancellor's office to allocate unallocated resources for establishing statewide open educational resources infrastructure.

  4. Payment Adjustments for Community College Districts:

    • References specific appropriations in the Budget Act of 2025 as the funding source for deferring $243,693,000 in apportionments to community college districts from the 2024–25 fiscal year to the 2025–26 fiscal year.

  5. Public School System Stabilization Account Appropriation:

    • Appropriates $49,734,000 from the Public School System Stabilization Account to support community college districts.

  6. MESA Program Funding Regulations:

    • Limits the Chancellor's ability to reserve more than 3.5% of MESA program funds for administrative costs, directing funds towards statewide coordination and enhancement of MESA programs.

  7. Emergency Financial Assistance Grants:

    • Authorizes the Chancellor's office to reallocate $20,000,000 in emergency financial assistance grants to ensure all eligible California Dream Act application (CADAA) filers receive a grant.

Impact

  • Who is Affected:

    • Students enrolled in California Community Colleges, particularly those facing food insecurity and financial challenges.
    • Community college districts that will receive additional funding and support for educational programs and resources.

  • Potential Benefits:

    • Improved access to basic needs services for students, promoting their academic success.
    • Enhanced financial support through scholarships and emergency grants, making higher education more accessible.
    • Development of educational resources that reduce costs for students, thereby facilitating timely degree completion.

Procedural Timeline

  • 2025-09-13: Ordered to inactive file at the request of Senator Grayson.
  • 2025-09-11: Read second time; ordered to third reading.
  • 2025-09-10: Passed from committee with unanimous support.
  • 2025-09-08: Suspended Senate Rule 29.3(b) for expedited consideration.
  • 2025-04-02: Referred to the Senate Committee on Budget and Fiscal Review.
  • 2025-03-20: Passed in the Assembly and sent to the Senate.

This summary provides a comprehensive overview of AB 148, detailing its purpose, key provisions, and the potential impact on California's higher education landscape.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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