House Bill No. 2490 aims to enhance student access to academic records, specifically transcripts and diplomas, from public institutions of higher education and career schools or colleges. The bill introduces a new section, 51.9716, to the Education Code, which stipulates that institutions cannot withhold a student's transcript or diploma due to unpaid financial obligations if the amount is less than $500 or if the obligation has been outstanding for more than five years. Additionally, if a student has a financial obligation of $500 or more, the institution may require them to enter into a repayment plan before releasing their transcript or diploma, which must be provided upon the student's initiation of payment.

The bill also amends Section 132.062 of the Education Code, aligning the rules for career schools and colleges with those for institutions of higher education regarding the withholding of transcripts and certificates of completion. Similar provisions are included, allowing these institutions to charge a fee for the release of transcripts or certificates, with the fee not exceeding the cost of materials used for printing or sending the documents. The bill is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Education Code 132.062 (Education Code 132)