High school students required to complete FAFSA or state financial aid application, and commissioners of the Office of Higher Education and Department of Education required to establish FAFSA working group.
Impact
If adopted, HF1195 will amend Minnesota Statutes related to educational requirements for graduation. The overarching goal is to increase the number of students who access federal and state financial resources to support their higher education aspirations. This legislation highlights a significant shift in educational policy, reflecting an increasing recognition of the bridge between financial aid applications and student success in post-secondary education. It also inoculates high schools against potential drawbacks by requiring support resources to be provided to both students and counselors.
Summary
House File 1195, introduced in the Minnesota House, mandates that high school students complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or a state financial aid application as a condition for graduation starting in the 2024-2025 academic year. This requirement aims to encourage students to pursue post-secondary education by ensuring they apply for necessary financial support. The bill provides an alternative option for students who cannot complete the FAFSA, allowing them to file a waiver through their school, given that certain conditions are met regarding their eligibility.
Contention
There may be debates surrounding HF1195 as it places a new obligation on students and schools, which could be perceived as an increased regulatory burden. Schools are tasked with encouraging and assisting students in this process, which may raise concerns about resource allocation and the administrative impacts on school counseling staff. Critics may argue that while the intent is noble, the mandate could disproportionately affect students from underserved backgrounds or those facing unique challenges that complicate their ability to navigate financial aid applications.
Implementation
The bill mandates the formation of a FAFSA working group comprised of various stakeholders to devise resources and strategies to support high schools and students. This group will address educational outreach about the new requirements and ensure adequacy in counselor training to assist students effectively. Furthermore, an appropriation of $500,000 from the general fund is proposed to facilitate these outreach efforts, reflecting legislative commitment to addressing potential inequalities in financial aid access.
Education: graduation requirements; completion of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by pupils; require as condition of graduation. Amends 1976 PA 451 (MCL 380.1 - 380.1852) by adding sec. 1278e.
Higher education: financial aid; written disclosure from individuals who distributes FAFSA applications of potential payback situations for federal higher education tuition assistance that one might benefit from by filling out the FAFSA; require. Amends sec. 260 of 1979 PA 94 (MCL 388.1860).
Relating to a study and report by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board on best practices to assist certain students in completing the free application for federal student aid (FAFSA).
Relating to completion and submission of a financial aid application for costs of higher education as a condition of high school graduation for public school students.
Health care guaranteed to be available and affordable for every Minnesotan; Minnesota Health Plan, Minnesota Health Board, Minnesota Health Fund, Office of Health Quality and Planning, ombudsman for patient advocacy, and auditor general for the Minnesota Health Plan established; Affordable Care Act 1332 waiver requested; and money appropriated.
A House resolution expressing the sense of the Minnesota House of Representatives reaffirming its commitment to the strengthening and deepening of the sister ties between the state of Minnesota and Taiwan.