§ 69411

(a) To be eligible for a Cal Grant Reform Act Program award under this chapter, a student shall be all of the following:

(1) A citizen of the United States, or an eligible noncitizen, as defined for purposes of financial aid programs under Title IV of the federal Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended from time to time (20 U.S.C. Sec. 1070 et seq.).

(2) Either of the following:

(A) A resident of California at the time of high school graduation or its equivalent.

(B) A student who has residence, pursuant to Article 5 (commencing with Section 68060) of Chapter 1 of Part 41, in the state for more than three years immediately preceding July 1 of the award year.

(3) Not in default on any student loan within the meaning of Section 69507.5.

(b) Notwithstanding paragraphs (1) and (2) of subdivision (a), a student who is exempt from paying nonresident tuition pursuant to Section 68130.5 shall be eligible for an award pursuant to this chapter if they meet all other eligibility requirements.

(c) Notwithstanding paragraph (2) of subdivision (a), a student who is a dependent natural or adopted child, stepchild, or spouse of a member of the Armed Forces of the United States stationed outside of California on active duty, if the member of the Armed Forces of the United States otherwise maintains California as their state of legal residence, shall be eligible for an award pursuant to this chapter if the student meets all other eligibility requirements.

(Amended by Stats. 2025, Ch. 648, Sec. 1. (SB 67) Effective January 1, 2026. Conditionally operative as prescribed in Sections 69405 and 69428.)