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H 1449

An Act ensuring students' access to academic transcripts

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Rodney Elliott and 6 co-sponsors

Bill H 1449 ensures Massachusetts students can access academic transcripts regardless of unpaid fees, promoting educational equity and easing transfer opportunities.

Hearing scheduled for 10/16/2025 from 01:00 PM-05:00 PM in A-2
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Bill Summary · H 1449

Summary of Bill H 1449: An Act Ensuring Students' Access to Academic Transcripts

Bill Number: H 1449
Introduced On: February 27, 2025
Status: Hearing scheduled for October 16, 2025, from 01:00 PM to 05:00 PM in A-2
Filed Under: House Docket No. 737
Presented By: Representative David Henry Argosky LeBoeuf and co-sponsors

Purpose and Intent

Bill H 1449 aims to ensure that students at institutions of higher education in Massachusetts have access to their academic transcripts, regardless of any outstanding financial obligations to the institution. The intent is to prevent students from being denied access to their academic records solely due to unpaid fees, tuition, or loans, thereby promoting educational equity and facilitating students' ability to transfer or pursue further education.

Key Provisions

The bill proposes the following changes to Chapter 15A of the General Laws:

  1. Access to Transcripts:

    • Institutions of higher education cannot withhold a student's academic transcripts solely due to unpaid loans, fines, fees, or tuition.
    • However, academic credits and grades may be withheld for any course if the tuition and mandatory fees for that course are not fully paid.

  2. Withholding Diplomas:

    • The bill allows institutions to withhold a student's diploma or degree if the student has not paid any financial obligations.

  3. Scope of Application:

    • The provisions apply to all postsecondary institutions, including:
      • Public institutions of higher education
      • Private occupational schools
      • Private colleges and universities

  4. Regulatory Authority:

    • The Department of Higher Education is tasked with promulgating regulations necessary for the implementation of this section.

Affected Parties

  • Students: The primary beneficiaries of this bill are students who may face barriers in accessing their academic transcripts due to financial issues.
  • Higher Education Institutions: Colleges and universities will need to adjust their policies regarding the withholding of transcripts and diplomas in accordance with the new regulations.

Procedural Aspects

  • The bill was referred to the Committee on Higher Education on the same day it was introduced.
  • A hearing is scheduled for October 16, 2025, allowing stakeholders to discuss the implications of the bill.

Related Legislation

  • This bill replaces a similar matter filed in the previous session, identified as House No. 1277 of 2023-2024.

By ensuring that students have access to their academic transcripts, Bill H 1449 seeks to alleviate some of the financial pressures that can hinder educational progress and opportunities for students in Massachusetts.

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

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