The bill aims to amend the Code of West Virginia by adding a new section, 18-2-46, which mandates that public high school students complete and submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) prior to graduation. Starting with the 2025-2026 school year, high schools will be required to provide necessary support and assistance to students and their parents or guardians in filing the FAFSA. If a student or their guardian chooses not to file, they must report their understanding of the FAFSA and its potential benefits on a form created by the state board.

Additionally, the bill includes provisions for the state board to adopt rules to ensure compliance with federal and state laws regarding student information privacy. It also stipulates that any personal data collected for this purpose must not be retained by the high school for more than one year. The bill reinforces the importance of financial aid access for students pursuing post-secondary education while ensuring that their personal information is handled appropriately.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 18-5G-3, 18-2-46
Engrossed Version: 18-5G-3, 18-2-46