Singh’s Bill Requiring Application to Student Aid Advances
Loudounnow: Singh’s Bill Requiring Application to Student Aid Advances
By Hanna Pampaloni - February 4, 2026
A bill by Del. JJ Singh (D-26) that would require students to sign up for federal or state student aid programs prior to graduating high school received approval this week from a House committee.
The legislation allows parents to opt out of the process if desired, but Singh said he hopes this legislation helps families take advantage of existing programs, designed to make college more affordability.
He told a House Education subcommittee on Tuesday that parents are “leaving money on the table” because only 56% of seniors are applying for FAFSA. That is leaving an estimated $85 million in Pell grants on the table, he said.
“We don’t want to make this an impediment to graduating,” Singh said. “So, it is a requirement without a stick, if you want to view that way. Or you can view it as a permissive bill.”