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Bill

Bill

S 1653

Establishes limits on transcript release restrictions at institutions of higher education and certain proprietary institutions.

2026-2027 Regular Session Introduced by Shirley Turner and 1 co-sponsor

Legislation limiting higher education institutions' ability to withhold student transcripts for unpaid fees; rendered moot by prior enactment of similar provisions.

Withdrawn Because Approved P.L.2025, c.353.
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Bill Summary · S 1653

Legislative bill overview

S 1653 was introduced to establish limits on when institutions of higher education and proprietary schools can restrict the release of student transcripts. The bill was withdrawn on the same day it was introduced because its provisions were already enacted into law through P.L.2025, c.353, making the separate bill unnecessary.

Why is this important

Transcript release restrictions can prevent students from transferring schools, applying to graduate programs, or seeking employment if they have outstanding financial obligations to their institution. Limiting these restrictions increases student mobility and access to their educational records, which can reduce barriers to educational and economic advancement.

Potential points of contention

  • Balance between institutional interests and student rights: Schools argue transcript holds protect their ability to collect outstanding tuition and fees, while students contend such holds unfairly prevent them from pursuing opportunities elsewhere
  • Definition of permissible holds: Disagreement over which financial obligations (tuition only vs. library fines, parking tickets, etc.) justify transcript restrictions
  • Implementation burden: Questions about administrative costs and complexity for institutions to comply with new transcript release protocols

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

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