Pupil instruction: information about completion of applications for student financial aid.

(1) Existing law establishes a system of public elementary and secondary schools pursuant to which local educational agencies, including school districts and charter schools throughout the state, provide instruction to pupils in kindergarten and grades 1 to 12, inclusive. This bill would require, commencing with the 2020–21 school year, the governing board of a school district and the governing body of a charter school, as appropriate, to ensure that each of its pupils receives information on how to properly complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the California Dream Act Application, as appropriate, at least once before the pupil enters grade 12. The bill would provide that the manner in which information is provided pursuant to the bill would be at the discretion of the governing board of the school district or the governing body of the charter school, as appropriate. The bill would specify several types of material that would be required to be provided under the bill. The bill would require the governing boards of school districts and the governing bodies of charter schools to ensure that a paper copy of the FAFSA or the California Dream Act Application is provided to a pupil upon the request of that pupil or upon request of a parent or guardian of that pupil. The bill would also require the governing boards of school districts and the governing bodies of charter schools to ensure that any information shared by parents, guardians, and pupils pursuant to the bill is handled according to applicable state and federal privacy laws and regulations. Because the bill would impose new duties on school districts and charter schools, it would constitute a state-mandated local program. (2) 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 the statutory provisions noted above.