New Jersey Assembly Bill A1198

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/11/22
• Refer: 1/11/22
• Report Pass: 10/13/22
• Engrossed: 12/15/22
• Refer: 12/15/22
• Report Pass: 12/14/23

Caption

Establishes limits on transcript release restrictions at institutions of higher education and certain proprietary institutions.

Impact

If enacted, A1198 would change the landscape of how educational institutions handle student transcripts. It stipulates that transcript withholding cannot be used as a coercive tool for debt collection, which aligns with a growing trend toward increased access to educational resources for students from various financial backgrounds. This legislation would protect students’ rights to access their educational records and could potentially facilitate their ability to find employment or continue their education without being impeded by previous debts.

Summary

Assembly Bill A1198 aims to create legal limitations on the withholding of student transcripts by institutions of higher education and certain proprietary schools due to outstanding debts. The bill establishes that if a current or former student requests a transcript for purposes such as transferring to another institution, applying for graduate programs, or seeking employment, schools cannot refuse the request based on any non-mandatory charges if those charges do not exceed $2,000. This ensures that students are not hindered by financial obligations when they need access to their educational credentials.

Sentiment

The general sentiment surrounding A1198 appears to be positive among advocates for student rights and educational access. Supporters argue that the bill is a necessary step to ensure that financial burdens do not limit academic and professional opportunities for students. However, there may be concerns from institutions regarding the enforcement of these new guidelines and how they could affect revenue from tuition and fees not deemed mandatory under the bill's provisions.

Contention

Notable points of contention may arise regarding the specifics of what constitutes non-mandatory charges and the implications of a potential increase in administrative burdens on educational institutions. Additionally, the definition of 'debt' included in the bill, which distinguishes between mandatory and non-mandatory charges, presents a critical factor in compliance. Institutions may worry about the fine line between lawful practices for providing transcripts and the mechanisms used for recovering funds owed by students.