Community colleges: enrollment fee waiver.

Existing law establishes the California Community Colleges, under the administration of the Board of Governors of the California Community Colleges, as one of the segments of public postsecondary education in this state. Existing law authorizes the establishment of community college districts under the administration of community college governing boards, and authorizes these districts to provide instruction at community college campuses throughout the state. Existing law requires community college district governing boards to charge students an enrollment fee of $46 per unit per semester. Existing law provides for the waiver of this fee under certain circumstances, including, among others, that the student either (1) at the time of enrollment is a recipient under the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program, the Supplemental Security Income/State Supplementary Payment Program, or a general assistance program, (2) demonstrates eligibility according to income standards established by regulation of the board of governors, or (3) demonstrates financial need in accordance with methodology set forth in federal law or regulation for determining the expected family contribution of students seeking aid. This bill would lower the amount of unmet financial need a student needs to demonstrate to qualify for a fee waiver to at least one dollar. To the extent the bill would impose new duties on community college districts, it would constitute a state-mandated local program. The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement. This bill would provide that, if the Commission on State Mandates determines that the bill contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement for those costs shall be made pursuant to these statutory provisions.