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SB 1779

Relating to the issuance of a transcript by a public institution of higher education to a student who fails to pay certain student fees.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by Borris Miles

Requires Texas public universities to release academic transcripts to students regardless of unpaid student fees, removing institutions' withholding leverage.

Referred to Education K-16
#education--higher--general(i0231) #education--higher--studentfees(i0234)
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Bill Summary · SB 1779

Legislative bill overview

SB 1779 would require Texas public colleges and universities to issue academic transcripts to students even if they have unpaid student fees. Currently, many institutions withhold transcripts from students with outstanding fee balances, preventing them from transferring credits or enrolling elsewhere.

Why is this important

Transcript withholding can trap students in debt cycles and block educational advancement. Students may be unable to transfer to other institutions, apply for graduate programs, or prove credentials to employers—even if their academic work is complete. This affects low-income students most severely, as they're more likely to struggle with non-tuition fees.

Potential points of contention

  • Revenue impact: Universities rely on fee collection leverage; withholding transcripts is a significant collection tool that losing could reduce institutional revenue
  • Debt accountability: Institutions argue transcript holds incentivize students to pay all obligations, not just tuition
  • Implementation scope: Unclear whether this applies to all fees (parking, library, housing) or only educational fees, and whether holds for other debts (library fines, parking tickets) would be affected

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

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