Co-sponsored by What We All Deserve and authored by Assemblymember Jessica Caloza (D-52), the law protects students from penalties and extends certain enrollment and payment deadlines when financial aid is delayed through no fault of their own.
SACRAMENTO, Calif. – What We All Deserve (WWAD) celebrates Governor Gavin Newsom's signing of AB 2422: Student financial aid: delayed financial aid awards, which protects California college students from penalties caused by financial aid delays beyond their control.
Beginning with the 2027-28 academic year AB 2422 requires the California State University, each community college district, and private postsecondary and independent institutions receiving state funding to extend certain enrollment and payment deadlines for affected students and refrain from punitive actions. The law also requests that the University of California adopt these protections.
Financial aid delays, including FAFSA or California Dream Act Application processing delays, delayed Cal Grant, Pell Grant, or Middle Class Scholarship disbursements, institutional processing errors, and federal loan delays–can prevent students from enrolling in classes or meeting required payments. AB 2422 prohibits institutions from restricting future enrollment, charging late fees or interest, or placing administrative or registration holds on a student’s transcript when delays are outside the student’s control.
“We are excited that California has taken a crucial step to protect students across the state,” said WWAD Executive Director Tanaya Safi. “As a youth-led organization, we know just how much delayed financial aid can impact students education. Thanks to AB 2422, we can better ensure that all of California's students have the right to the education they deserve.”
WWAD thanks Governor Newsom for signing AB 2422, Assemblymember Caloza for her leadership and partnership, and the advocates who helped make this youth-driven policy a reality. Follow @whatwealldeserve for updates on AB 2422 and other efforts advancing equity for all.
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