Texas House Bill HB2156

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Caption

Relating to the creation by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board of a repository of student transcripts for certain private postsecondary educational institutions; authorizing fees and providing administrative penalties.

Impact

If enacted, HB2156 will alter the operational landscape for private postsecondary institutions in Texas, as it mandates compliance in maintaining records and penalties for failure to report. Institutions that are certified and then close must ensure that their student transcript records are provided to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, thus enhancing transparency and access to educational records for students. This is particularly significant in a state where private educational institutions have historically varied in quality and accountability.

Summary

House Bill 2156 aims to establish a repository for student transcripts from certain private postsecondary educational institutions. This bill seeks to facilitate the maintenance and accessibility of student records from institutions that have closed, ensuring that students can retrieve their educational credentials even after the institution has ceased operations. The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board is tasked with overseeing this repository, which includes stipulations for private institutions to submit student records biennially or at the time of closure. The legislation outlines the potential for fees associated with transcript retrieval, specifically not to exceed the costs associated with the process.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB2156 has been predominantly positive, especially among advocates for educational reform and transparency. They argue that the bill safeguards students' interests by centralizing transcript management and ensuring that records are preserved and accessible even after a school shuts down. However, there are concerns from some quarters regarding the administrative burden on smaller private institutions and the potential for fees to create barriers for students seeking their transcripts. Overall, discussions emphasize the need for balance between regulation and institutional autonomy.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the fees that could be charged for retrieving transcripts, along with the administrative penalties outlined for institutions that fail to comply with the reporting requirements. Critics have raised questions about the implications of these fees on students, particularly those with limited financial means. Furthermore, there are concerns about the accountability of the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board in managing the repository and ensuring that it functions efficiently and equitably deliver to the students who need their records.