NY A08953

Requires each local educational agency to ensure high school seniors complete either the FAFSA, TAP application, or a signed waiver form before graduation, though students cannot be prevented from graduating for non-compliance.

Mandates data sharing agreements between the State Higher Education Services Corporation and schools to track FAFSA and TAP application submission and acceptance rates while maintaining strict data security and privacy protections.

Requires schools to provide notice of the requirement at least four times per school year to seniors and twice to juniors, with information on state scholarships and financial aid support services.

Directs the corporation to compile and publish monthly FAFSA and TAP application data disaggregated by school, county, district, parental education level, race/ethnicity, income, age, gender, and student aid index on an online dashboard.

Creates a uniform waiver form in the 12 most common non-English languages that students or parents must sign if choosing not to file FAFSA or TAP applications, with no requirement to explain their reasons.