Section 69508.5.

(a) Notwithstanding any other law, and except as provided for in subdivision (c), a student who meets the requirements of subdivision (a) of Section 68130.5, or who meets equivalent requirements adopted by the Regents of the University of California, is eligible to apply for, and participate in, any student financial aid program administered by the State of California to the full extent permitted by federal law. The Legislature finds and declares that this section is a state law within the meaning of Section 1621(d) of Title 8 of the United States Code.

(b) Notwithstanding any other law, the Student Aid Commission shall establish procedures and forms that enable students who are exempt from paying nonresident tuition under Section 68130.5, or who meet equivalent requirements adopted by the regents, to apply for, and participate in, all student financial aid programs administered by the State of California to the full extent permitted by federal law.

(c) A student who is exempt from paying nonresident tuition under Section 68130.5 shall not be eligible for Competitive Cal Grant A and B Awards unless funding remains available after all California students not exempt pursuant to Section 68130.5 have received Competitive Cal Grant A and B Awards for which they are eligible.

(d) This section shall become operative on January 1, 2013.

(Amended by Stats. 2012, Ch. 162, Sec. 39. Effective January 1, 2013.)