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.
The bill amends Section 28.025 of the Education Code, introducing a new subsection that outlines the process and exceptions regarding the financial aid application requirement. It is set to apply to students who are in 12th grade during the 2020-2021 school year and later. This legislative change is expected to significantly impact the practices of school districts and charter schools as they will need to accommodate this requirement into their graduation criteria and ensure that appropriate forms and processes are in place.
House Bill 535 is an education reform initiative that mandates the completion and submission of a financial aid application as a precondition for high school graduation for public school students. Specifically, this requires students to file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or, where applicable, a Texas Application for State Financial Aid (TASFA) before earning their diplomas. This requirement aims to encourage students to seek financial support to pursue higher education and decrease barriers to college enrollment.
House Bill 535 reflects an ongoing effort to connect public education outcomes with post-secondary opportunities. By institutionalizing financial aid applications as a graduation requirement, the state of Texas aims to confront barriers to higher education funding and encourages students to consider their higher educational aspirations seriously.
While proponents argue that this bill will enhance college access and completion rates among high school graduates, critics may raise concerns regarding its implications for students who may not wish to apply for financial aid or may face challenges in the application process. The bill provides for exceptions where a parent or the student can decline the requirement through a signed form, indicating a recognition of individual student circumstances. Nonetheless, the potential for additional bureaucratic hurdles could be a point of contention.