Sen. Adegin's SB 632 would allow part‑time community college students to qualify for College Promise waivers; committee approves on split vote

Senator Adegin presented SB 632, which would make part‑time community college students (for example, those enrolled in nine units) eligible for the California College Promise tuition waiver. Adegin said the current 12‑unit requirement excludes many low‑income students who attend part time because of work or caregiving responsibilities.

"The current criteria for the California College Promise grama leaves a significant majority of community college students ineligible for the current tuition fee waiver," Adegin said, arguing the bill would expand access and allow local districts to waive part or all fees for eligible part‑time students.

Mark McDonald (Los Angeles College Faculty Guild) and Tiffany Mok (California Federation of Teachers) testified in support, noting that many community college students attend part time and that fee waivers targeted at 6–9 units could incentivize increased enrollment in 9 units.

Senator Cabaldon spoke in opposition, stressing that the College Promise was designed to nudge students toward 12 units and that completion rates correlate with full‑time enrollment: "I remain opposed to the to this bill... the full time nature of the of that promise is an essential design element." Committee members and the author agreed monitoring completion rates would be important if the bill becomes law.

A motion to concur in assembly amendments passed on roll call with five yes votes and two no votes (Ochoa Bog and Cabaldon opposed). Clerks recorded the bill as moving out of committee with a 5–2 tally.