Education - High School Graduation Requirements - Financial Aid Application

HB 688 requires Maryland public high school students to complete and submit either the federal FAFSA or Maryland's MSFAA financial aid application as a graduation requirement starting in the 2026-2027 school year. It directly affects all public high school students in Maryland, with exceptions allowing students to decline (via a signed form) or for counties to grant waivers based on principal attestation or extenuating circumstances. The bill mandates annual reporting by county boards to state education committees on submission rates, declines, and waivers. It amends Maryland's education code to implement these requirements and includes provisions for student support in completing the forms. The bill takes effect October 1, 2025.