MA H1467

Requires all Massachusetts high school students to submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) before graduating, effective October 1, 2026

Allows exemptions if a parent/guardian or student (18+ or emancipated) signs an opt-out form, or if the school district files a form after making at least 3 personalized contact attempts with the family

Creates the FAFSA Trust Fund, administered by the Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education, to support districts with staff training, workshops, and community outreach for FAFSA completion

Requires school districts to annually report FAFSA completion and exemption data by September 30, broken down by race, ethnicity, and city/town of residence

Mandates opt-out forms be written in accessible language, translated into families' preferred languages, and prohibits collecting citizenship status information