(Press Release) On Thursday Governor Jerry Brown signed AB 970, the Working Families Student Fee Transparency & Accountability Act. Authored by Assembly member Paul Fong and sponsored by CSSA and the UC Student Association (UCSA), AB 970 ensures better transparency and accountability for students and families in the determination of tuition increases at the California State University (CSU) and University of California (UC) systems.
The new law stipulates a student consultation period at least 30-days prior to public notice for a proposed tuition increase, as well as requires that an increase become effective no less than 90 days after adoption. AB 970 requires the CSU Board of Trustees to provide a justification for the fee increase, efforts to mitigate impacts of fees on needy students, the potential impact to loan burden, and alternative proposals to be considered in lieu of a fee increase.
“This is a big victory for every student paying tuition at a California public university,” said David Allison, CSSA President. “Dramatic state budget reductions and ensuing tuition increases make it difficult for students and families to plan their budgets. With the passage of AB 970, the tuition-setting process will benefit from increased student input and a longer timeline for students and families to prepare.”
Students were not alone in advocating for passage of a statutory fee policy. Both the California Student Aid Commission and the California State University system supported the bill. As a result of the bill being signed, CSSA’s student leaders and CSU administrators will now meet to develop a procedure for carrying out the provisions of the law.
TXT 24
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