S.B. No. 365 amends the Education Code to establish new guidelines for public institutions of higher education regarding the academic fresh start policy for undergraduate admissions. The bill introduces two new subsections, (c-1) and (c-2), to Section 51.931. Subsection (c-1) allows institutions to disregard academic course credits or grades earned by an applicant more than 10 years prior to the semester they wish to enroll, with the stipulation that grades or credits from the five years immediately preceding that date cannot be disregarded. Subsection (c-2) mandates that each institution must adopt and publicly post a policy detailing how they will apply this fresh start provision, including the specific time frame for which an applicant's previous academic performance will be considered.

Additionally, the bill modifies Section 61.0595(c) to clarify that semester credit hours earned by a student more than 10 years before starting a new degree program, and which are disregarded under the institution's policy, will not count towards the total credit hours previously earned by the student. The changes will take effect for admissions starting in the fall semester of 2025, and funding recommendations related to these changes will apply to the state fiscal biennium beginning September 1, 2025. If the bill does not receive the necessary votes for immediate effect, it will take effect on the specified date.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Education Code 51.931, Education Code 61.0595 (Education Code 61, Education Code 51)
Senate Committee Report: Education Code 51.931, Education Code 61.0595 (Education Code 61, Education Code 51)
Engrossed: Education Code 51.931, Education Code 61.0595 (Education Code 61, Education Code 51)
House Committee Report: Education Code 51.931, Education Code 61.0595 (Education Code 61, Education Code 51)
Enrolled: Education Code 51.931, Education Code 61.0595 (Education Code 61, Education Code 51)