Seymour-Campbell Student Success Act of 2012: Free Application for Federal Student Aid and California Dream Act application.

Added an entirely new Section 78217 to the Education Code imposing requirements on community colleges related to FAFSA and California Dream Act application completion. The bill now covers both amending Section 78210 (title fix) and adding Section 78217.

Starting with the 2026-27 academic year, community colleges must provide continuing students and newly enrolled students (during orientation) with information about completing and submitting FAFSA or the California Dream Act application.

Starting with the 2027-28 academic year, community colleges must confirm that each student who has not opted out or been exempted has completed and submitted FAFSA to the U.S. Department of Education, or if exempt from nonresident tuition under Section 68130.5, has submitted a California Dream Act form to the Student Aid Commission.

Community college districts must ensure students are directed to support services including outreach programs, postsecondary immigration resource centers, college readiness organizations, community-based organizations, and legal resource organizations. Student information must be handled in compliance with FERPA and state privacy laws regardless of immigration status.

Defined 'student' as one enrolled in a community college who has declared an educational goal to obtain a degree, certificate, or transfer to another institution. Students may opt out by submitting a form developed by the Student Aid Commission. Colleges must exempt students who are unable to complete requirements after providing specific information about purposes, benefits, consequences, and the option to complete later.

Added definitions for 'opt-out form' (a form developed by the Student Aid Commission), 'outreach program' (501(c)(3) nonprofits or public entities with experience assisting students with financial aid applications or serving Dream Act-eligible students), and 'student' (enrolled community college student with a declared degree, certificate, or transfer goal).

The Student Aid Commission must adopt regulations including model opt-out forms and acceptable use policies by July 1, 2026, and post them on its website.

Added a no-penalty provision stating that students who do not fulfill the requirements shall not be penalized or punished, and the section shall not affect a student's ability to enroll.

Added Section 2 providing that if the Commission on State Mandates determines the act contains state-mandated costs, reimbursement to local agencies and school districts shall be made pursuant to Government Code Part 7 (commencing with Section 17500).

Fiscal committee designation changed from 'no' to 'yes' and state-mandated local program designation changed from 'no' to 'yes', reflecting the new obligations imposed on community college districts.