Georgia House Bill HB39

Georgia 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/23/23

Caption

Education; issuance of transcripts when a student owes a debt to an institution of higher education; provide

Impact

This legislation addresses a significant gap in student rights concerning academic transcripts and financial debts. By prohibiting institutions from withholding transcripts, the law aims to facilitate students' ability to apply for jobs or transfer to other colleges and universities. It recognizes that financial struggles should not hinder a student's academic or professional progress, promoting a more equitable educational landscape for current and former students.

Summary

House Bill 39 aims to amend Georgia's education laws regarding the issuance of academic transcripts for students who owe debts to institutions of higher education. The bill stipulates that no educational institution can refuse to provide an unofficial transcript on the basis of outstanding debts. This provision is designed to ensure that students can still have access to their academic records, which are crucial for job applications and further educational opportunities, regardless of their financial obligations to the institution.

Contention

Opponents of the bill may raise concerns regarding the balancing act between a student's financial responsibilities and their academic rights. Educators and administrators could argue that withholding transcripts is often a necessary measure to ensure debts are paid and that not allowing institutions to enforce this could lead to a loss of revenue and impact overall institutional funding. Nonetheless, proponents advocate for the importance of access to education and employment opportunities that could help alleviate these debts in the long run.