Governor Signs Historic Free College Bill for West Valley-Mission Community College District into Law, Expanding Access to Thousands.
For Immediate Release
SACRAMENTO – This weekend, Governor Gavin Newsom signed AB 3158 into law, marking a major victory for students in the West Valley-Mission Community College District (WVMCCD). The groundbreaking legislation, authored by Assemblymember Marc Berman (D-Menlo Park), grants WVMCCD the ability to waive tuition fees for all residents living within its service area, expanding access to higher education and removing financial barriers for thousands.
Assemblymember Marc Berman, author of AB 3158, reaffirmed his commitment to supporting local students: “The passage of AB 3158 is a huge win for all students of the West Valley-Mission Community College District and I am grateful to Governor Newsom for his signature to guarantee free tuition for thousands of local students,” said Assemblymember Marc Berman. “Two-thirds of California’s community college students struggle with basic needs insecurities such as food and housing, a reality mirrored in West Valley-Mission Community College District’s student population. This new law will ensure students don’t have to choose between taking the extra class they need to graduate or working an extra shift so they can afford groceries or pay rent. I applaud the leadership at West Valley-Mission Community College District for doing everything they can to support their students as they achieve their higher education dreams.”
AB 3158 addresses the Bay Area's high cost of living by eliminating state-mandated tuition fees. WVMCCD, funded by local property taxes, has balanced its budget without collecting student fees, thanks to its College Promise Scholarship. Chancellor Bradley Davis shared that while thousands of students have enrolled in the scholarship in the last year, many others were unable to qualify due to the complexity of forms and state-mandated requirements—especially non-traditional students and those with language barriers. This bill will dramatically simplify the process.
“With AB 3158, every student in our service area—whether full-time, part-time, or returning to school—will have access to free, high-quality education without the financial or procedural obstacles that have held many back. This law cuts out complicated forms and delays, making it as easy as enrolling and attending. It's a significant step forward in our mission to remove barriers for our students,” said Chancellor Davis.
Trustee Adrienne Grey emphasized the importance of expanding access to a diverse range of students: “Community colleges serve students from all walks of life, many of whom don’t fit into the traditional college mold. This bill opens doors for people retooling their careers, balancing family responsibilities, or lacking the support to navigate complex financial aid forms. It’s a vital step toward ensuring equity in education and making sure no one is left behind.”
Trustee Robert Owens highlighted the district's fiscal responsibility in enacting the bill: “This isn’t just about waiving fees—it’s about smart governance. AB 3158 allows us to use our local resources more effectively, without increasing the District’s budget or asking for more state funding. It’s a win-win for students and taxpayers alike.”
Former West Valley College Student Trustee Melanie Ho shared her perspective as a student, acknowledging the personal impact of the law: “Because of the soaring costs of living in the Bay Area, many students are trapped in a cycle of living paycheck to paycheck.” By increasing access, Ho notes that this bill will “ease financial strain and foster a more equitable learning environment.”
Following the COVID-19 Pandemic, WVMCCD has seen a resurgence in overall enrollment. With new bachelor’s degrees and workforce development programs on the horizon, the district is set to broaden its impact with more comprehensive educational pathways.
“This bill comes during a renaissance of opportunity for our district, underscoring our commitment to inclusivity and educational enrichment. It is a testament to our belief that unrestricted access to education is a fundamental right, pivotal in unlocking the full potential within our community,” shared Chancellor Davis.
AB 3158 received broad bipartisan support, with State Senators Josh Becker and Dave Cortese serving as principal co-authors, and Assemblymembers Evan Low and Gail Pellerin signing on as co-authors. Their leadership, along with Assemblymember Berman’s championing of the bill, reflects the wide recognition of the value of free community college access.
The signing of AB 3158 marks a significant milestone in the district’s ongoing mission to remove financial barriers and create new educational opportunities for all. As the district continues to broaden its academic programs and workforce development initiatives, this law positions it to better serve students and the broader community in the years to come, ensuring that no student is held back from achieving their full potential.
Student testimonials and remarks from Assemblymember Berman and Chancellor Davis will be provided at the “AB 3158: Beyond the Promise—Free College for Every Student” press conference on Monday, September 30th, from 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM at the Student Services Courtyard of West Valley College. For press inquiries, please contact Cade Story-Yetto, Chief of Staff, at cade.story-yettoFREEWVM.
