Public and charter schools would require students to submit financial aid forms

Public and charter schools would require students to complete and submit a State or federal financial aid application before receiving a diploma. The requirement covers students in public high schools and charter schools, with a parent or guardian involved when applicable. A student is exempt if the student or a parent or guardian submits a signed waiver. A student age 18 or older may sign the waiver personally. A school counselor may approve a waiver for a student under 18 when a parent or guardian's signature cannot reasonably be obtained, as regulations allow. Waiver forms may require only the student's name, telephone number, email address, date, and the submitter's signature. If enacted, the act would take effect immediately and would apply beginning with the 2023-2024 grade 11 class; the application requirement would continue without the removed two-school-year limit.