Bill > SB2376

This bill addresses student access to academic records at public higher education institutions and career schools by establishing new rules about withholding transcripts and diplomas for 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 balance 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 on that 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 producing and sending the document. This applies to both traditional institutions of higher education and career schools/colleges, and covers current and former students. The provisions of this bill will take effect on September 1, 2025, providing institutions time to update their policies and systems to comply with the new requirements.

Education

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=SB2376