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HB 2697

To prohibit colleges, universities, and community colleges to charge for students for transcripts

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Geno Chiarelli and 9 co-sponsors

HB 2697 eliminates transcript fees at state-funded colleges, ensuring all students and alumni can access their academic records for free, promoting educational equity.

Markup Discussion
#education(higher)
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Bill Summary · HB 2697

Summary of HB 2697: Prohibition of Transcript Fees in Higher Education

Bill Overview

Bill Number: HB 2697
Title: To prohibit colleges, universities, and community colleges from charging students for transcripts
Introduced: February 4, 2025
Status: Markup Discussion
Classification: Bill
Subject: Education (Higher)

Purpose and Intent

The primary purpose of HB 2697 is to eliminate the financial burden on students, former students, and graduates by prohibiting state-funded colleges, universities, and community colleges from charging fees for transcripts. This legislation aims to ensure that access to educational records is free, thereby promoting educational equity and facilitating the transition of students into the workforce or further education.

Key Provisions

  • Prohibition of Charges: The bill explicitly forbids all state-funded higher education institutions, including colleges, universities, community colleges, and technical colleges, from imposing any fees for the issuance of transcripts.
  • Scope of Application: The prohibition applies to all students, former students, and graduates of these institutions, ensuring that no individual is charged for accessing their academic records.

Impact

  • Affected Parties: The bill will directly benefit students and alumni of state-funded higher education institutions in Illinois by removing financial barriers associated with obtaining transcripts.
  • Institutional Changes: Colleges and universities will need to adjust their policies and practices regarding transcript issuance to comply with this new requirement.

Legislative Timeline

  • February 4, 2025: Bill filed with the Clerk by Rep. Curtis J. Tarver, II.
  • February 6, 2025: First reading and referred to the Rules Committee.
  • February 20, 2025: Introduced in the House and referred to the Committee on Education then Finance.
  • March 4, 2025: Assigned to the Revenue & Finance Committee.
  • March 5, 2025: Sent to the House Higher Education Committee.
  • March 6, 2025: Reviewed by the Tax Policy: Income Tax Subcommittee.
  • March 11, 2025: Markup discussion held.
  • March 21, 2025: Re-referred to the Rules Committee.

Conclusion

HB 2697 represents a significant step towards making higher education more accessible by removing financial barriers related to transcript fees. If enacted, this legislation will ensure that all students can obtain their academic records without incurring additional costs, thereby supporting their educational and professional aspirations.

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

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