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AB 88

Student financial aid: Cal Grants: Middle Class Scholarship Program: eligibility: dependents of members of the armed services stationed outside of California.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Juan Alanis and 8 co-sponsors

AB 88 expands California's Middle Class Scholarship Program to include dependents of armed services members stationed outside the state, removing prior geographic eligibility restrictions.

Chaptered by Secretary of State - Chapter 608, Statutes of 2025.
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Bill Summary · AB 88

Legislative bill overview

AB 88 expands California's Middle Class Scholarship Program to include dependents of armed services members stationed outside California. Previously, only dependents of service members stationed within California were eligible. The bill was signed into law in October 2025.

Why is this important

Military families are highly mobile due to duty station assignments, and this change removes a geographic barrier that previously excluded qualified students whose parents are deployed or stationed abroad. This affects educational access for a specific population that often faces unique financial and stability challenges due to military service obligations.

Potential points of contention

  • Funding source clarity: The bill's fiscal impact on California's already-strained education budget is not specified in the summary; unclear whether new funding was allocated or existing funds redirected
  • Definition of "stationed outside California": Ambiguity about whether this includes all overseas deployments, temporary assignments, or only permanent change-of-station moves
  • Reciprocity questions: Potential concerns about whether California should fund aid for dependents who may not have California residency or whose families may not pay California taxes

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

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