H.B. No. 538 amends the Education Code to enhance student access to academic records, specifically transcripts and certificates of completion. The bill mandates that postsecondary educational institutions must release these documents upon a student's request, except under certain conditions related to financial obligations. If a student has not fulfilled their financial obligations, the institution is required to release the records only if the student has not been enrolled for at least five years, provides evidence of job application or enrollment in another institution, and demonstrates a good faith effort to meet their financial obligations. Additionally, transcripts or certificates must be sent directly to the requesting employer or institution.

The bill also introduces provisions allowing institutions to charge a reasonable fee for the release of transcripts or certificates, with the stipulation that the fee must be uniform for all students, although lower fees may be offered based on criteria unrelated to financial obligations. Furthermore, the bill repeals Section 132.062 and modifies existing sections to clarify the definitions and requirements surrounding the issuance of academic records. The act is set to take effect immediately upon receiving a two-thirds vote from both houses or on September 1, 2025, if that threshold is not met.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Education Code 51.9715, Education Code 54.057, Education Code 132.055, Education Code 132.062 (Education Code 54, Education Code 51, Education Code 132)
House Committee Report: Education Code 51.9715, Education Code 54.057, Education Code 132.055, Education Code 132.062 (Education Code 54, Education Code 51, Education Code 132)
Engrossed: Education Code 51.9715, Education Code 54.057, Education Code 132.055, Education Code 132.062 (Education Code 54, Education Code 51, Education Code 132)