An Act to modernize financial aid access

HD 2461 modernizes Massachusetts' MassGrant program, which provides need-based financial aid to undergraduate students. The bill establishes new eligibility criteria requiring MA residency, citizenship/permanent residency, enrollment at qualifying institutions (defined by specific accreditation and location standards), and demonstrated financial need. Key mechanisms include creating a streamlined digital application system with accessibility requirements (mobile support, multilingual access, 24/7 availability), mandating a faster appeals process (10-day initial response), and forming a Financial Aid Access Commission to review program effectiveness. This directly affects MA undergraduate students seeking state financial aid at participating colleges.