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 high schools, including private schools and home schools, to enroll in dual credit courses at no cost if they meet specific criteria, including being educationally disadvantaged in the four years prior to enrollment. Additionally, it mandates that school districts, charter schools, and private schools determine and notify higher education institutions of a student's eligibility based on their records or other authorized methods.

Furthermore, the bill ensures that funding for the FAST program includes provisions for students enrolled in private schools, allowing institutions of higher education to receive tuition allotments for eligible students. 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; otherwise, it will take effect on September 1, 2025.

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