H.B. No. 5180 introduces a new provision to the Texas Education Code regarding diploma designations for institutions of higher education that undergo a merger or name change. Specifically, the bill adds Section 51.997, which mandates that any institution that merges or changes its name must provide students enrolled at the time of the change the option to receive a diploma reflecting either the new institution name or the former institution name.

The provisions of this bill will take effect starting with the 2025-2026 academic year, and the law will be enacted on September 1, 2025. This legislation aims to ensure that students have the flexibility to choose how their academic achievements are represented on their diplomas following significant institutional changes.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: ()