(a) This section is intended to reduce redundancy, improve efficiency and transparency, and provide students, parents, and counselors with an easy to use, and simple to understand, one-stop automated process to provide all of the following:

(1) Clear, concise, and consistent messaging and tools to increase and monitor student readiness for college admission and attendance.

(2) A single point of entry to submit California college and university applications and applications for student financial aid, including the Free Application for Student Financial Aid and the California Dream Act Application.

(3) Other technological efficiencies that shift the burden away from students and families and to the institutions serving them.

(b) Operational tools, as defined by Section 10861, shall be provided by the data system for use by both of the following:

(1) Public schools offering any of grades 6 to 12, inclusive, to facilitate college readiness and transition.

(2) Institutions of higher education in the state, to facilitate streamlined application, admissions, assessments, and placements.

(c) The requirements of subdivision (a) shall be phased in within five years of the enactment of Article 1 (commencing with Section 10850), based on a timeline to be developed by the governing board pursuant to subdivision (d) of Section 10866.

(d) Notwithstanding Section 49073.1, a local educational agency shall not be required to issue a formal contract with a provider of operational tools, as defined in Section 10861.

(Added by Stats. 2021, Ch. 144, Sec. 8. (AB 132) Effective July 27, 2021.)