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HB 3096

SCH CD-FAFSA CONTACT

104th Regular Session Introduced by Christopher Belt and 33 co-sponsors

Public high schools must designate a FAFSA contact and provide annual support to help students complete the FAFSA or a state aid waiver for graduation starting 2025-26.

Public Act . . . . . . . . . 104-0013
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Bill Summary · HB 3096

Summary — HB 3096 / Public Act 104-0013

Status: Enacted (Public Act 104-0013)

Purpose

Amend Section 22-87 of the Illinois School Code to strengthen local support for student completion of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or a state financial aid application/waiver by requiring each high school to designate a staff contact for FAFSA-related matters and to facilitate communication and training between schools and State agencies.

Key provisions

  • Retains existing graduation prerequisite (established 2020–2021): before receiving a public high school diploma, a student (or parent/guardian) must either
    1. File the FAFSA (or, if applicable, a state financial aid application); or
    2. File a State Board–created waiver with the school district stating they understand FAFSA/state aid and choose not to file.
  • Requires each school district with a high school to provide necessary support and assistance to help students/parents comply with the FAFSA/waiver requirement.
  • Beginning with the 2025–2026 school year, each high school must:
    • Designate at least one staff member as the school’s FAFSA contact.
    • Annually provide that person’s name and contact information to the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) and the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) in the form and manner those agencies prescribe.
    • Inform high school seniors that the designated contact is available to answer questions or refer students to resources (including ISAC).
  • The designated contact will:
    • Serve as the point of contact for ISBE/ISAC communications and free resources related to FAFSA compliance.
    • Be required to complete an initial orientation and be encouraged to participate in annual briefings.
    • Be eligible to receive professional development (continuing professional development) hours for the orientation and annual briefings.
  • Allows a school district to award a diploma to a student unable to meet the FAFSA/waiver requirement due to extenuating circumstances if:
    1. The student has met all other graduation requirements, and
    2. The principal attests the district made a good-faith effort to assist in filing an application or waiver.
  • Grants the State Board of Education rulemaking authority to implement the Section (105 ILCS 5/22-87).

Who is affected

  • Public high schools and school districts (administration, counselors, college advisers).
  • High school seniors and their parents/guardians.
  • Designated staff members who will serve as FAFSA contacts.
  • ISBE and ISAC (will receive contact data, provide resources/training).

Timeline / Effective date

  • Bill introduced Feb 2025; passed both chambers and enrolled.
  • Governor signed: May 24, 2025 (legislative record).
  • Public Act recorded as 104-0013 (June 30, 2025). The enrolled bill text states the Act “takes effect upon becoming law.” The school-designation requirement is specified to begin with the 2025–2026 school year.

Practical implications / considerations

  • Likely to increase FAFSA awareness and completion by giving students a clear school-based resource.
  • Imposes modest administrative duties on schools (designation, annual reporting, staff orientation/training); no dedicated funding is specified in the Act.
  • Professional development credit may help schools staff the function without creating a certification barrier.
  • The diploma exception for extenuating circumstances preserves local discretion and prevents penalizing students when districts have made documented good-faith efforts.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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