NC H987

Requires completion and submission of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) during each student's senior year as a high school graduation requirement in North Carolina public schools.

Allows exemptions through either a signed waiver from a parent/legal guardian or emancipated student certifying understanding and declining completion, or a principal waiver for extenuating circumstances.

Applies the same FAFSA requirement to charter schools and laboratory schools to align with public school graduation standards.

Appropriates $100,000 in nonrecurring funds for the 2024-2025 fiscal year to the Department of Public Instruction to train school units on implementing the requirement.

Takes effect beginning with the 2025-2026 school year, with funding provisions effective July 1, 2024.