H.B. No. 5180 introduces a new provision to the Education Code, specifically Section 51.995, which mandates that public institutions of higher education provide students with two diplomas if the institution undergoes a merger, acquisition, or name change during the student's enrollment. The first diploma will reflect the original name of the institution at the time of the student's initial enrollment, while the second diploma will display the institution's name post-merger, acquisition, or name change. To qualify for this provision, students must graduate within six years of the institutional change, and institutions are prohibited from charging additional fees for the issuance of these diplomas.

The new section will take effect starting with diplomas issued for the 2025-2026 academic year. The bill requires a two-thirds majority vote for immediate effect; otherwise, it will become effective on September 1, 2025.

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