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Bill > S779


NJ S779

NJ S779
Requires students to complete free application for federal student aid as part of high school graduation requirements or request an exemption.


summary

Introduced
01/13/2026
In Committee
01/13/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead

Introduced Session

2026-2027 Regular Session

Bill Summary

This bill requires that local graduation requirements adopted by boards of education will include a requirement that students complete and submit the free application for federal student aid, generally referred to as the FAFSA, beginning with the grade eleven class of the first full school year following the date of enactment of the bill. Students will be exempted from the requirement if a parent or guardian, or the student if the student is at least 18 years of age, signs and submits a form requesting the exemption. The bill also requires that the Commissioner of Education, in consultation with the Executive Director of the Higher Education Student Assistance Authority, publish a list of resources for school districts, parents and students, including instructions on how to complete and submit the FAFSA.

AI Summary

This bill mandates that starting with the eleventh-grade class of the first full school year after the bill becomes law, all students must complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), a form used to determine eligibility for federal student financial aid, as part of their high school graduation requirements. However, students can be exempted from this requirement if their parent or guardian, or the student themselves if they are 18 or older, signs and submits a form requesting the exemption. Additionally, the Commissioner of Education, working with the Executive Director of the Higher Education Student Assistance Authority, will provide resources and instructions to help school districts, parents, and students navigate the FAFSA application process.

Committee Categories

Education

Sponsors (2)

Last Action

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Education Committee (on 01/13/2026)

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