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AB 402

Student financial aid: Cal Grant Program and the California Community College Expanded Entitlement Program.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Darsh Patel

AB 402 expands California's Cal Grant and community college student aid programs to automatically provide more financial assistance to eligible students, increasing higher education access.

In committee: Referred to suspense file.
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Bill Summary · AB 402

Legislative bill overview

AB 402 expands California's student financial aid programs by modifying the Cal Grant Program and establishing or expanding the California Community College Expanded Entitlement Program. The bill aims to increase access to financial aid for community college students and potentially adjust eligibility requirements or award amounts for existing Cal Grant recipients.

Why is this important

California's higher education affordability is a persistent policy concern, particularly for low- and middle-income students. Expanding entitlement programs ensures more students automatically qualify for aid without additional application requirements, potentially increasing college completion rates and reducing student debt burden.

Potential points of contention

  • Fiscal impact: Expansion of entitlement programs creates ongoing budget obligations that may strain state resources during budget downturns or require cuts elsewhere
  • Eligibility scope: Unclear whether expanded eligibility serves intended populations or creates windfall benefits for higher-income students who could afford college without aid
  • Implementation complexity: Community college system coordination across 116 colleges statewide may face administrative challenges in uniform implementation
  • Substitute aid displacement: Expansion may shift rather than increase total aid if federal or institutional aid is reduced accordingly

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

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