CA AB402

Beginning with the 2026–27 award year, and subject to appropriation, the maximum Cal Grant A and B tuition award for new recipients at independent institutions of higher education would increase to $9,708 (from $9,358) if those institutions meet targets for accepting associate degree for transfer students

The higher $9,708 award amount would also apply to renewal recipients whose initial award was made before the 2026–27 award year, subject to appropriation

If independent institutions fail to meet associate degree for transfer commitment targets, the maximum award drops to $8,056 for new recipients

Removes conditional requirements for students receiving California Community College Expanded Entitlement Awards who transfer to independent institutions, allowing them to remain eligible for the award without needing General Fund availability or Budget Act funding provisions

Repeals the conditional version of Section 69435.5 that required specific fiscal conditions for transfer eligibility to independent institutions