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H 1452

An Act banning legacy preferences in higher education

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Mike Moran

Summary of H 1452: An Act Banning Legacy Preferences in Higher Education Purpose and IntentThis bill, H 1452, seeks to prohibit the use of "legacy" or "familial" admissions prefere

Accompanied a new draft, see H4406
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Bill Summary · H 1452

Summary of H 1452: An Act Banning Legacy Preferences in Higher Education

Purpose and Intent

This bill, H 1452, seeks to prohibit the use of "legacy" or "familial" admissions preferences by colleges and universities in the state. Legacy preferences grant preferential treatment in the admissions process to applicants who have a family member that previously attended the institution. The bill aims to eliminate this practice, which has been criticized for giving unfair advantages to students from more privileged backgrounds and disadvantaging applicants from underrepresented or lower-income communities.

Key Provisions

  • Prohibits all public and private non-profit higher education institutions from considering an applicant's legacy or familial ties to the school as a factor in admissions decisions.
  • Requires colleges and universities to publicly disclose data on the use of legacy preferences in prior admissions cycles.
  • Empowers the state's attorney general to investigate and enforce compliance with the ban on legacy preferences.
  • Establishes civil penalties of up to $50,000 per violation for institutions found to be illegally using legacy status in admissions.

Impact and Affected Parties

If enacted, this legislation would impact the admissions practices of all colleges and universities operating within the state. Prospective students, especially those from underrepresented or disadvantaged backgrounds, could see increased opportunities for admission without the barriers posed by legacy preferences.

Conversely, applicants from families with a history of attending a particular institution may lose a significant admissions advantage. Colleges and universities would also need to adjust their admissions procedures and criteria to comply with the new law.

Procedural Timeline

H 1452 was introduced in the state legislature on February 27, 2025. It has been accompanied by a new draft, H4406, which may contain revisions or amendments to the original bill. The legislative process is ongoing, and the bill's ultimate fate remains to be determined through further debate and votes in the state's House and Senate.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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