In-state tuition and state financial aid eligibility: protection of student and family information from disclosure

Section 9 of chapter 15A of the General Laws makes an individual, other than a nonimmigrant alien, who attended high school in Massachusetts for at least 3 years and graduated there eligible for in-state tuition and fees at public institutions of higher education and for state-funded financial assistance at public and state-approved private, independent nonprofit institutions of higher education.

To receive either, the individual gives the institution a high school transcript or certificate and a valid social security number, a document reflecting issuance of an individual taxpayer identification number, an affidavit from an individual who is not a citizen or legal permanent resident stating that the individual has applied or will apply for citizenship or legal permanent residence, or documentation of selective service registration, if applicable.

Student or family information obtained in implementing the provision must be protected from disclosure under the public records exemption in subclause (c) of clause Twenty-sixth of section 7 of chapter 4, chapter 66A, chapter 93H and other applicable privacy laws. The Board of Higher Education must issue regulations to implement the provision.