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Senate Engrossed
school safety; identification system; appropriation (now: FAFSA; financial aid awareness program) |
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State of Arizona Senate Fifty-seventh Legislature Second Regular Session 2026
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SENATE BILL 1798 |
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AN ACT
amending title 15, chapter 2, article 2, Arizona Revised Statutes, by adding section 15-249.20; relating to the department of education.
(TEXT OF BILL BEGINS ON NEXT PAGE)
Be it enacted by the Legislature of the State of Arizona:
Section 1. Title 15, chapter 2, article 2, Arizona Revised Statutes, is amended by adding section 15-249.20, to read:
15-249.20. Financial aid awareness program; eligibility requirements; annual determination; designation; definitions
A. The financial aid awareness program is established within the department of education to recognize schools in this state that provide financial aid awareness activities and support for completing the free application for federal student aid. The department shall administer the program and shall collaborate with the Arizona board of regents in administering the program. Beginning in the 2027-2028 school year, any school in this state may elect to participate in the program by notifying the department and by demonstrating that the school meets all of the following eligibility requirements:
1. designates at least one employee as the school's point of contact for the free application for federal student aid. Each designated employee shall:
(a) Complete an initial orientation program for the free application for federal student aid that is approved or recognized by either the Arizona board of regents or a free application for federal student aid support partner. The designated employee may receive continuing education credits for:
(i) Completing the orientation program required by this subdivision.
(ii) Completing any training and education after the orientation program to learn about updates to federal policies and processes relating to the free application for federal student aid.
(b) PROVIDE information about the free application for federal student aid, including information about available resources and assistance, to students and families of students.
2. Annually reports to the Arizona board of regents and the department of education the name and contact information of each employee who is designated pursuant to paragraph 1 of this subsection.
3. includes the name and contact information of each employee who is designated pursuant to paragraph 1 of this subsection in the student handbook and in at least one communication from the school to students and parents of students.
4. posts the name and contact information of each employee who is designated pursuant to paragraph 1 of this subsection on the school's website.
5. develops and implements a free application for federal student aid awareness strategy that is aligned with education and career action plan requirements adopted by the state board of education. If the school provides instruction to high school students, The strategy that is developed pursuant to this paragraph must provide, through the school's messaging system, social media accounts, email accounts and student information system portal, the following information in grade-level communications to students in each of grades nine through twelve:
(a) The purpose of the free application for federal student aid.
(b) The benefits of completing the free application for federal student aid.
(c) The role of financial aid in postsecondary education and career pathways.
6. If the school provides instruction to high school students, provides, through the school's messaging system, social media accounts, email accounts and student information system portal, the following information to the parents of students who are in grade twelve:
(a) The importance of completing the parent or contributor portion of the free application for federal student aid.
(b) Any school-based or statewide support that is available for completing the free application for federal student aid.
(c) Any relevant deadlines or resources.
B. The department of education shall annually determine whether each school that elects to participate in the program meets the eligibility requirements prescribed by subsection A of this section. The department may require participating schools to submit reports or other evidence of eligibility in a form and manner prescribed by the department.
C. A school that elects to participate in the financial aid awareness program and that meets the eligibility requirements, as determined by the department pursuant to subsection B of this section, may include the financial aid awareness program designation in the school report card required by section 15-746 and on the school's website, communications and promotional materials.
D. For the purposes of this section:
1. "free application for federal student aid" means the application that is required by 20 United States Code section 1090 for individuals seeking to apply for federal financial aid.
2. "School" means a school that is operated by a school district or charter school.