Section 193:26-a - Graduation Requirements; Free Application For Federal Student AidI. Beginning with the 2024-2025 school year, and each year thereafter, the school board of a school district, the governing body of a public academy, and the governing body of a chartered public school, as appropriate, shall ensure that each of its pupils eligible for graduation from high school shall have the opportunity to receive information on how to properly complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The manner in which information is provided pursuant to this section shall be at the discretion of the school board of the school district, the governing body of a public academy, or the governing body of the chartered public school, as appropriate, and may include, but not necessarily be limited to, information dissemination through in-class instruction, an existing post-secondary information program, family information sessions, or group or individual sessions with school counselors. Information provided shall include, but not be limited to: (a) Eligibility requirements for student financial aid that may be applied for using the FAFSA.(b) Application timelines and submission deadlines.(c) The importance of submitting applications early, especially when student financial aid may be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.II. The school board of a school district, the governing body of a public academy, or the governing body of a chartered public school shall ensure that either a copy of, or the online availability of, the FAFSA is provided or available to each pupil upon request by that pupil or upon request of a parent or guardian of that pupil.III. The school board of a school district, the governing body of a public academy, or the governing body of a chartered public school shall ensure that any information shared by parents, guardians, and pupils under this section is handled according to applicable state and federal privacy laws, regulations, and administrative rules.Amended by 2024, 59:1, eff. 7/1/2024.Added by 2021 , 209: I-1, eff. 7/1/2023.