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Bill

A 4885

Prohibits elementary and secondary schools from withholding student transcripts for failure to pay tuition

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Demond Meeks and 1 co-sponsor

Prohibits K-12 schools from withholding transcripts for unpaid tuition; requires release to current/prospective schools or colleges, regardless of debt.

PRINT NUMBER 4885A
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Bill Summary · A 4885

Summary of Bill A 4885 (Prohibits transcript withholding for nonpayment of tuition)

Overview

  • Bill number: A 4885
  • Title: Prohibits elementary and secondary schools from withholding student transcripts for failure to pay tuition
  • Status: Print Number 4885A; Amended and Recommitted to Higher Education (3/6/2025); Print version 4885A (3/6/2025)
  • Introduced: February 10, 2025
  • Prime sponsor: Yudelka Tapia (primary); Demond Meeks (cosponsor)
  • Committee: Referred to and subsequently amended/recommitted to the Higher Education committee

Purpose and intent

The bill seeks to prevent elementary and secondary schools from refusing or delaying the release of a student’s transcripts due to unpaid tuition. The underlying intent is to avoid educational disruption and barriers to student transitions (e.g., transferring to another school or applying to colleges) caused by outstanding tuition obligations.

Key provisions (as indicated by the bill’s title and status)

  • Prohibition on withholding transcripts for nonpayment of tuition by elementary and secondary schools.
  • Responsibility placed on schools to provide transcripts to current or prospective institutions/parties regardless of tuition status.
  • The current available text does not specify implementation mechanics, enforcement mechanisms, penalties, or effective dates; these details are expected in the final enacted version or accompanying amendments.

Affected parties

  • Students in grades K–12 enrolled in elementary and secondary schools (including privately run or otherwise non-public institutions that charge tuition).
  • Parents/guardians seeking to obtain or transfer transcripts for their students.
  • Sending schools or districts that would be required to release transcripts without regard to nonpayment.
  • Potential downstream institutions (colleges, other K–12 schools, or sponsors) awaiting transcripts to complete admissions or enrollment processes.

Legislative history and timeline

  • 2/10/2025: Referred to Higher Education.
  • 3/6/2025: Amendments filed (T) and recommitted to Higher Education; Print 4885A released.
  • The bill has companion and related bills in the same legislative cycle:
    • Related/companion bills: S 3824 (Senate)
    • Prior-session related bills: A 9949, A 4252, A 2330

Potential impacts and considerations

  • Positive outcomes: Improves student mobility and access to enrollment or transfer opportunities by ensuring transcript access regardless of tuition status; reduces potential adverse effects on college applications or admissions timelines.
  • Administrative considerations: Schools would need clear processes to release transcripts promptly when requested, irrespective of debt. The final language may address timelines, exceptions, or partial transcripts (if any) and any enforcement provisions.
  • Fiscal and operational effects: Possible shifts in school administrative workload; potential revenue considerations if tuition collection practices are altered. Specific fiscal impact would be clarified in fiscal notes accompanying the final bill.
  • Policy context: Aligns with broader efforts to minimize barriers to education access and transitions, particularly for students facing financial hardship.

Next steps

  • Await the final enacted language to confirm:
    • Any definitions (e.g., what constitutes a “transcript” and eligible requests)
    • Applicable age/grade ranges and types of schools covered
    • Enforcement, penalties, and remedies for noncompliance
    • Effective date and transitional provisions

This summary reflects the information available from the bill’s introduction and subsequent committee actions.

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

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