Texas House Bill HB524

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to transcript notation requirements for public institutions of higher education.

Impact

The bill will amend the Education Code by adding Section 51.9364, which creates a mandatory reporting obligation for institutions of higher education concerning certain disciplinary actions. This requirement aims to enhance transparency regarding student behavior and the institution's actions associated with sex offenses. The intention is to inform potential future educational institutions or employers about serious disciplinary issues, thereby fostering a safer educational environment overall.

Summary

House Bill 524 seeks to establish specific requirements for the notation of disciplinary actions related to sex offenses on the transcripts of students attending public institutions of higher education in Texas. Under this legislation, if a school determines that a student violated its code of conduct due to committing a sex offense, this violation must be documented on the student's transcript. The notation will indicate the nature of the misconduct and whether the student was suspended or expelled as a result of the disciplinary process.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding HB 524 include concerns over the potential long-term implications for students who have received such notations. Critics of the bill argue that publicly documenting disciplinary actions on transcripts could disproportionately affect students' academic and career prospects, potentially leading to a stigma that hampers their future opportunities. Supporters, however, contend that the need for accountability outweighs these concerns, advocating that institutions must take a firm stance against sexual misconduct.