The bill amends Chapter 15A of the General Laws to ensure that institutions of higher education cannot withhold a student's official academic transcripts for any courses where the tuition and mandatory fees have been fully paid. Specifically, it establishes that transcripts can only be withheld for courses where the tuition and fees remain unpaid. Additionally, the bill clarifies that institutions may still withhold diplomas or degrees if a student has outstanding financial obligations, such as loan payments or other fees.

This new section, designated as Section 19H, applies to all postsecondary institutions, including public universities, private occupational schools, and private colleges. Furthermore, the bill mandates that the department of higher education create regulations to facilitate the implementation of these provisions.