The bill amends the Education Code to expand the eligibility criteria for students to participate in the Financial Aid for Swift Transfer (FAST) program. It allows students enrolled in private schools, including home schools, to qualify for dual credit courses at no cost, provided they meet certain conditions, such as being educationally disadvantaged in the four years prior to enrollment. Additionally, it mandates that school districts, charter schools, and private schools determine and report a student's eligibility based on their records or other authorized methods.

Furthermore, the bill ensures that institutions of higher education participating in the FAST program receive funding based on the number of eligible students enrolled in dual credit courses, including those from private schools. The changes will take effect starting with the 2025-2026 school year, and the bill will be enacted immediately if it receives a two-thirds majority vote in both houses of the legislature.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Education Code 28.0095, Education Code 61.059 (Education Code 28, Education Code 61)