Bill > S921

This bill establishes a comprehensive approach to increase student financial aid application rates in Massachusetts by requiring high school students to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) while providing flexible opt-out provisions. Specifically, the bill mandates that before graduating, students must complete the FAFSA, but allows exemptions through signed forms by parents, guardians, or students themselves, ensuring no personal sensitive information like citizenship status is required. The bill also creates a FAFSA Trust Fund administered by the commissioner of elementary and secondary education, which can receive public and private funds to support FAFSA submission efforts, with a focus on underserved and economically disadvantaged communities. School districts must provide language-accessible support, make multiple personalized communication attempts with families, and annually report FAFSA submission data broken down by demographic categories. The legislation includes provisions for transparency, such as publicly reviewing private funding sources and requiring an annual report detailing fund activities, sources, and expenditures. The FAFSA submission requirement will take effect in October 2026, while the trust fund will be established in October 2025, giving schools and districts time to prepare for implementation.

Education

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S921