89R24192 RDR-F
By: Wilson H.B. No. 5180
Substitute the following for H.B. No. 5180:
By: Lalani C.S.H.B. No. 5180
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the issuance of a diploma to a student graduating from a
public institution of higher education that has undergone a merger,
acquisition, or name change.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Subchapter Z, Chapter 51, Education Code, is
amended by adding Section 51.995 to read as follows:
Sec. 51.995. DIPLOMA DESIGNATION IN EVENT OF MERGER,
ACQUISITION, OR NAME CHANGE. (a) In this section, "institution of
higher education" has the meaning assigned by Section 61.003.
(b) Subject to Subsection (c), if, during the period of a
student's enrollment at an institution of higher education, the
institution merges with or is acquired by another postsecondary
educational institution or changes the institution's name, the
institution shall provide to the student on the student's
graduation from the institution two diplomas as follows:
(1) one diploma in the same style, design, or format,
including symbols or other insignia, designating the original name
of the institution on the date the student initially enrolled; and
(2) one diploma designating the name of the
institution after the merger, acquisition, or name change.
(c) A student is eligible to receive two diplomas under this
section only if the student graduates from the institution of
higher education within six years of the merger, acquisition, or
name change.
(d) An institution of higher education may not charge a
student an additional fee to receive a diploma under this section.
SECTION 2. Section 51.995, Education Code, as added by this
Act, applies beginning with a diploma provided by a public
institution of higher education to a student for the 2025-2026
academic year.
SECTION 3. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives
a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as
provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this
Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this
Act takes effect September 1, 2025.