Leising: FAFSA and School Board Meeting Bills Pass Senate

Both bills now head to the House for consideration.

Jean Leising. File photo.

INDIANAPOLIS - Two bills authored by State Sen. Jean Leising (R-Oldenburg) that would help students complete their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and allow public comment at school corporation meetings passed the Senate today.

Senate Bill 82 would require students in their senior year of high school to complete and submit the FAFSA. SB 82 is designed to help students who don't think they may afford college realize how much financial aid they can qualify for and how college may be a viable option for them. This bill passed the Senate with a vote of 30-19.

Senate Bill 83 would require the governing body of a school corporation or charter school to allow public comment at all regular meetings. The bill would only permit schools to have an electronic meeting instead of an in-person meeting when there is a state of emergency and at least one school in the district is closed due to the emergency. SB 83 passed the Senate with a vote of 45-4.

"These bills will work to not just benefit our education system, but our students, too," Leising said. "The FAFSA can open up many opportunities for students, especially those from rural Indiana, and allowing public comment can give parents and students the freedom to express opinions about their child's education. I look forward to seeing these bill advance and make a lasting impact on education in Indiana."

SB 82 and 83 will now move to the Indiana House of Representatives for further consideration. To learn more about these bills or to watch the legislative session, visit iga.in.gov.