This bill, titled the "Student Access to Academic Transcripts Act," seeks to amend Chapter 16-59 of the General Laws to prohibit institutions of higher education from withholding a student's academic transcripts solely due to the student's failure to pay any loan payments, fines, fees, tuition, or other expenses owed to the institution. However, the bill does allow institutions to withhold a student's academic credits and grades for any course for which the student's tuition and mandatory course fees are not paid in full. Additionally, the bill allows institutions to withhold a student's diploma or degree if the student fails to pay any loan payments, fines, fees, tuition, or other expenses owed to the institution. The bill also grants the council the authority to promulgate rules and regulations consistent with this section. The bill would take effect upon passage.