Bill > HB2490

This bill addresses student access to academic records by establishing new rules for public institutions of higher education and career schools or colleges regarding the withholding of transcripts and diplomas due to financial obligations. Specifically, institutions are now prohibited from withholding a student's transcript or diploma if the outstanding financial obligation is less than $500 or has been outstanding for more than five years. If a student has an outstanding financial obligation of $500 or more, the institution can require the student to enter into a repayment plan before releasing their transcript or diploma, and must release the document once the student initiates payment under the plan. The bill also allows these institutions to charge a fee for releasing transcripts or diplomas, but the fee cannot exceed the actual cost of printing, mailing, or electronically sending the document. This legislation aims to provide students with more accessible academic records and a fair pathway to resolving financial obligations, ensuring that smaller or older debts do not permanently prevent students from obtaining their academic documentation. The new rules will take effect on September 1, 2025, and apply to both higher education institutions and career schools or colleges.

Education

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB2490