Bill > HB1344

This bill requires the Hawaii Department of Education's existing Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) working group to develop a comprehensive state plan to make FAFSA completion (or an opt-out waiver) a mandatory statewide graduation requirement by the 2027-2028 school year. The working group must be expanded to include representatives from the non-profit sector, high school counselors, and public charter schools, and is tasked with considering the needs of public and private universities, exploring additional resources and support mechanisms, and developing a simple opt-out process for parents. The group must also examine privacy protections for undocumented families, consider pilot programs, and provide guidance to help students successfully complete college applications and enrollments. The legislation is motivated by the fact that Hawaii left nearly $14 million in federal Pell Grants unclaimed in 2023, and draws inspiration from Louisiana's successful FAFSA completion initiative, which increased completion rates to 78%. The working group is required to submit a detailed report with findings and recommendations to the legislature, superintendent, and complex area superintendents by twenty days before the 2026 legislative session, with members serving without compensation but receiving expense reimbursement.

Education

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=1344&year=2026