MD HB688

Beginning in the 2026–2027 school year, Maryland public high school students must complete and submit either the FAFSA to the U.S. Department of Education or the Maryland State Financial Aid Application (MSFAA) to the Maryland Higher Education Commission as a graduation requirement

Students or parents/guardians may opt out by submitting a signed form stating they understand the FAFSA/MSFAA but decline to complete it

County boards must waive the requirement if a student's principal attests the student made a good faith effort to complete the application, or if a parent/guardian requests a waiver due to extenuating circumstances

County boards must report annually to the General Assembly from 2027 through 2032 on the number of students who completed, declined, or received waivers from the requirement

The act takes effect October 1, 2025