The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:

Section 1. Section 305 of the education law is amended by adding a new subdivision 60 to read as follows:

60. a. Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, the commissioner shall promulgate rules and regulations to require as a condition of awarding a high school diploma to a student, the parent or guardian of such student or, if the student is eighteen years of age or older or legally emancipated, such student, to comply with one of the following:

(i) complete and submit the free application for federal student aid (FAFSA) for such student; or

(ii) complete a waiver form promulgated by the department, to be filed with the student's school district indicating that the parent or guardian or, if the student is eighteen years of age or older or legally emancipated, the student, understands what the FAFSA is and has chosen not to file an application pursuant to the provisions of subparagraph (i) of this paragraph.

b. Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, the commissioner shall promulgate rules and regulations to require each school district with at least one high school to provide each eligible high school student and, if applicable, his or her parent or guardian any support or assistance necessary for compliance with the rules and regulations promulgated pursuant to paragraph a of this subdivision.

c. The commissioner shall promulgate rules and regulations requiring each high school to give notice, no less than four times during each school year, with an explanation to each high school senior of the state-sponsored scholarships, financial aid and assistance available to students attending college or post-secondary education.

Section 2. This act shall take effect on the first of July next succeeding the date on which it shall have become a law. Effective immediately, the addition, amendment and/or repeal of any rule or regulation necessary for the implementation of this act on its effective date are authorized to be made and completed on or before such effective date.