Prohibits institutions of higher education from withholding student transcripts because of unpaid tuition and fees
Impact
The passage of HB1789 would amend Chapter 173 of the Revised Statutes of Missouri by adding a new section specifically addressing the issuance of transcripts by higher education institutions. The bill explicitly prohibits schools from conditioning transcript provision on the payment of debts or charging higher fees based on a student's financial obligations. Such changes are expected to positively impact students who previously faced barriers to accessing their transcripts due to financial constraints.
Summary
House Bill 1789 introduces a significant change to the way institutions of higher education handle student transcripts in Missouri. The bill aims to prohibit these institutions from withholding transcripts from students based on their unpaid debts, including tuition and fees. By disallowing the refusal of transcript requests due to financial obligations, the bill seeks to ensure that students have access to their academic records without being penalized for outstanding debts. This is particularly important for students who may need their transcripts for job applications, further education, or other opportunities.
Contention
While the bill presents a positive step for student access to educational resources, there may be contention surrounding its implications for institutional financial management. Institutions may voice concerns over the potential loss of leverage they have in enforcing debt collection. Critics may argue that this could lead to financial strain on educational institutions, especially those already operating with tight budgets. Balancing the need for student access with institutional financial health will likely be a topic of discussion as the bill advances.