Texas House Bill HB755

Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Caption

Relating to consumer information regarding career schools and colleges.

Impact

If enacted, HB 755 would improve transparency in the education sector by ensuring prospective students have access to critical financial information about career schools. Schools will be required to furnish this information before a student enrolls, thus promoting accountability and potentially helping to mitigate the risks associated with high student debt. The bill is designed to empower students, granting them the tools necessary to evaluate their educational choices more effectively.

Summary

House Bill 755 proposes a set of amendments to the Texas Education Code aimed at enhancing consumer information regarding career schools and colleges. The bill mandates that the Texas Workforce Commission maintain a searchable database of licensed career schools that includes essential consumer statistics such as student loan default rates and average per-student loan debt. By requiring that these metrics be made readily accessible, the bill seeks to facilitate informed decision-making among prospective students when choosing educational institutions.

Contention

Although HB 755 has general support for its aim to provide consumer protection and transparency, there could be contention surrounding the implications for career schools. Critics may argue that the requirements imposed by the bill could create additional burdens for these institutions, particularly smaller or less-resourced schools that may struggle to comply with new data reporting requirements. The debate might also focus on whether the data provided gives a comprehensive picture of a school's performance and value in relation to the educational outcomes experienced by students.