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 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. It also includes provisions for the coordinating board to allocate funds for eligible students in private schools. The changes will take effect starting with the 2025-2026 school year, and the bill will become effective 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)