An act to add Chapter 15.8 (commencing with Section 67394) to Part 40 of Division 5 of Title 3 of the Education Code, relating to public postsecondary education.
Summary
AB 885 would create the Debt Free College at the UC and the CSU College Access for All Fund in the State Treasury. Money in the fund would be available, upon legislative appropriation, to the University of California and the California State University to reduce the cost of undergraduate attendance.
The bill allows the funds to be used in one of three ways: tuition reductions, loan repayment programs, or a combination of both. Its findings section frames the measure as a response to rising tuition, student debt, and the need for a more educated workforce, citing the high cost of attendance at UC and CSU and the broader economic burden of student debt.
Impact
The bill would add Chapter 15.8 to the Education Code and create a new state special fund dedicated to lowering undergraduate costs at UC and CSU. It does not directly mandate tuition cuts or loan forgiveness, but it establishes a funding mechanism that could support those purposes if the Legislature appropriates money into the fund. The measure would affect the University of California, the California State University, and undergraduate students who may benefit from reduced tuition or debt relief.
Sentiment
The available voting history suggests generally favorable committee sentiment, with the bill receiving a 10-0 do pass vote before being re-referred to Appropriations. The bill’s framing is strongly supportive of affordability and student access, and the digest indicates it moved as a fiscal measure. No committee transcript is available here, so the record shows support in committee but does not provide detailed debate or opposition arguments.
Contention
The main point of contention is likely fiscal: the bill creates a fund but does not identify a dedicated revenue source, meaning its effectiveness depends on future appropriations. That raises questions about budget priorities and whether state dollars should be directed to tuition reduction or loan repayment at UC and CSU. The bill’s findings also reference current budget proposals jeopardizing enrollment, suggesting debate may center on whether this is the right mechanism to address affordability and access versus other higher-education funding approaches.
An act to add Article 4.95 (commencing with Section 66048) to Chapter 2 of Part 40 of Division 5 of Title 3 of the Education Code, relating to public postsecondary education.
An act to amend Sections 44671 and 49600 of, and to add Chapter 8 (commencing with Section 52210) to Part 28 of Division 4 of Title 2 of, the Education Code, relating to pupil instruction.
An act to add Article 1.7 (commencing with Section 66728) to Chapter 9.2 of Part 40 of Division 5 of Title 3 of the Education Code, relating to public postsecondary education.
An act to add Article 14 (commencing with Section 66098) to Chapter 2 of Part 40 of Division 5 of Title 3 of the Education Code, relating to public postsecondary education.
An act to add Section 37224 to, and to add Article 12 (commencing with Section 66095) to Chapter 2 of Part 40 of Division 5 of Title 3 of, the Education Code, and to amend Sections 11131 and 54961 of the Government Code, relating to holidays.
An act to add Article 7.6 (commencing with Section 66077) to Chapter 2 of Part 40 of Division 5 of Title 3 of the Education Code, relating to postsecondary education.