Ed. Code, § 69506.5

Notwithstanding Section 69506, the Student Aid Commission may, whenever it is determined to be in the best interest of the state, develop and adopt regulations that modify the methodology set forth in federal law or regulation for determining the expected family contribution of students seeking any state-funded financial assistance or the federal definition for establishing the dependent and independent status of students seeking any state-funded financial assistance. It is the Legislature’s intent that these regulations promote consistency between federal and state standards, encourage the maximum contribution from parents while being sensitive to individual student financial and personal circumstances, and encourage a simple financial aid application process.

(a) The regulations developed pursuant to this section shall be adopted as Student Aid Commission regulations in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 11340) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code.

(b) Prior to adopting or amending regulations pursuant to this section, the commission shall conduct, and make public, a full analysis which includes at least an examination and explanation of the cost of the change, the effect on student applicant and recipient eligibility and award levels, and the effects of implementing the criteria on those programs administered by the commission.

(c) Not later than July 1 of the year following any modifications to the methodology for determining expected family contribution or the federal definition of student dependence or independence made pursuant to this section, the commission shall report to the Governor and the Legislature the impact of the changes on those programs administered by the commission.