CA SB323

Requires the Student Aid Commission to update the California Dream Act application and grant processing systems by the 2026-27 financial aid cycle to clarify that any student eligible for state financial aid can use it, regardless of federal aid eligibility

Mandates the commission consult with California's public and private colleges and universities to promote the California Dream Act application effectively and inform students of their financial aid application options

Requires the commission to prominently display on its website and the application the eligibility criteria, types of financial aid available through each application, and key distinctions between applications

Requires applicants to actively acknowledge before completing the California Dream Act application that they will not be considered for federal student financial aid programs

Applies to students exempt from nonresident tuition under existing law (AB 540 students/undocumented students) who are eligible for state-administered financial aid programs