The bill amends Chapter 16-59 of the General Laws, specifically adding a new section 16-59-29, which addresses the issue of student access to academic transcripts. The new legal language inserted into the law stipulates that institutions of higher education are prohibited from withholding a student's academic transcripts solely due to the student's failure to pay loans, fines, fees, tuition, or other expenses owed to the institution. However, the institution may withhold academic credits and grades for any course if the tuition and mandatory course fees for that course have not been paid in full. This provision also applies to students paying on a per-semester basis, allowing institutions to withhold credits or grades for courses taken in a semester where tuition and mandatory fees are unpaid.

The bill further clarifies that while transcripts cannot be withheld for unpaid debts, institutions are still allowed to withhold a student's diploma or degree for such reasons. Additionally, the council is tasked with promulgating rules and regulations consistent with this new section. The explanation provided by the legislative council indicates that the purpose of the act is to prevent colleges and universities from using transcripts as leverage against students who owe money, while still permitting the withholding of academic credits, grades, diplomas, or degrees for unpaid expenses. The act is set to take effect immediately upon passage.