Relating to student access to certain academic records held by a public institution of higher education or career school or college; authorizing fees.

This bill (SB 2376) prevents public colleges and universities in Texas from withholding student transcripts or diplomas due to unpaid fees. Specifically, institutions cannot deny these records if a student’s debt is under $500 or has been outstanding for over five years. For debts of $500 or more, schools may require students to start a repayment plan before releasing records, but must provide the documents once payments begin. Schools may charge a fee only for actual printing, mailing, or electronic delivery costs - not for administrative purposes. The law applies to current and former students at public higher education institutions and career schools.