CA SB971

Exempts low-income nonresident students from California community college tuition fees if they are residents of regions impacted by war or regional conflict, as defined by the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs travel advisories.

Applies only to students registering for lower division courses at Glendale Community College District or Contra Costa Community College District who have indicated they sought California residency to escape identified conflicts in their nation of origin.

Limits exemptions to no more than 75 full-time equivalent (FTES) students per community college district per academic year.

Requires participating community college governing boards to adopt uniform policies determining student residence classification, establishing appeal procedures, and determining low-income status.

Requires a joint report to the Legislature by January 1, 2029, including demographics, attendance rates, and class completion rates of exempted students; provisions become inoperative January 1, 2029.