This bill amends the Code of West Virginia to require public high school students to complete and submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) prior to graduation. It introduces a new section, 18-2-46, which mandates that starting in the 2025-2026 school year, high schools must provide necessary support to students and their parents or guardians to facilitate the FAFSA filing process. If a student or their guardian chooses not to file, they must report their understanding of the FAFSA and the opportunities it presents 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 aims to promote access to post-secondary education by ensuring that students are informed and supported in the financial aid application process.

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