SACRAMENTO – Today, Assemblywoman Megan Dahle (R-Bieber) is proud to announce her legislation, AB 1342, has
been signed into law by the Governor of California. This crucial bill addresses the loophole in the California College
Promise program that has been negatively impacting high school students participating in dual enrollment programs. With the passage of AB 1342, these students will now be designated as “first-time students” and will remain eligible for the California College Promise program.

The California College Promise Program offers first-time students at California Community Colleges (CCC) the opportunity to receive two years of free tuition. However, until now, some high school students who enrolled in CCC
through dual enrollment or under a College and Career Access Pathways (CCAP) agreement were unable to access this program. As they were technically already enrolled in college, they were considered ineligible for the fee waiver, resulting in financial burdens for these students and their families.

Assemblywoman Megan Dahle expressed her satisfaction with the passage of AB 1342, stating, “I am incredibly proud to have authored AB 1342 and to see it signed into law by the Governor. As a strong advocate for students and equal opportunities to education across the state, I recognize that often rural students do not have the same opportunities as their urban counterparts. This bill is a significant step toward ensuring all students across California have equal access to educational opportunities. It is my firm belief that every student, regardless of their background, deserves a fair chance at pursuing higher education and achieving their dreams.”

AB 1342 has received strong support from key stakeholders, including the Los Angeles Unified School District, League
of Women Voters of California, and City of Ceres District 2 Councilmember. The Los Angeles Unified School District
commended the bill for aligning with their priorities of college and career readiness and ensuring students receive support for financial aid options. City of Ceres District 2 Councilmember emphasized the importance of AB 1342 in addressing financial barriers to college education and its potential to uplift the community by increasing college degree attainment. The League of Women Voters of California expressed their support for the bill’s efforts in promoting equitable access to higher education and supporting programs that increase degree completion rates.

The bill’s passage underscores the commitment of Assemblywoman Megan Dahle and her colleagues to support the
academic success of all California students.

Assemblywoman Megan Dahle represents the 1st Assembly District in the California Legislature, which includes portions of El Dorado and Placer counties, along with Alpine, Amador, Lassen, Modoc, Nevada, Plumas, Shasta, Sierra, and Siskiyou counties.

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