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ACR 40

Student financial aid: Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) data.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Dawn Addis and 62 co-sponsors

California concurrent resolution establishing state guidelines for secure handling and appropriate use of FAFSA student financial aid data by educational institutions.

Ordered to inactive file at the request of Senator Grayson.
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Bill Summary · ACR 40

Legislative bill overview

ACR 40 is a California concurrent resolution that addresses the use and handling of Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) data by state educational institutions. The bill establishes parameters for how California schools and agencies should access, manage, and protect student financial aid application information. It appears designed to ensure consistent, secure, and appropriate use of FAFSA data across the state's education system.

Why is this important

FAFSA data contains sensitive personal and financial information about students and families pursuing higher education. How this data is collected, stored, and used directly affects student privacy and could influence institutional practices in financial aid distribution. Clear state guidance on FAFSA data handling helps protect vulnerable student populations while ensuring institutions can effectively administer aid programs.

Potential points of contention

  • Data privacy vs. institutional access: Balancing student privacy protections with legitimate educational institution needs to review FAFSA information for aid determination and enrollment purposes
  • Compliance burden: Requirements for data security and handling may create administrative costs and complexity for schools, particularly smaller institutions with limited IT resources
  • Federal-state coordination: Potential conflicts between California's requirements and federal FAFSA administration rules, or unclear responsibility allocation between state and federal authorities

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

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