Us Congress House Bill HB4179

Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 6/15/23
• Refer: 6/15/23

Caption

Reverse Transfer Efficiency Act of 2023

Impact

If enacted, HB 4179 would significantly impact how educational institutions manage and share student records. By allowing institutions greater access to a student's academic history, it is expected that the transition of students between different educational programs will become smoother. The provision for student consent ensures that privacy concerns are addressed while still promoting efficiency in credentialing, which may lead to more individuals being awarded postsecondary credentials they may not have otherwise received.

Summary

House Bill 4179, titled the 'Reverse Transfer Efficiency Act of 2023', aims to amend the General Education Provisions Act to enhance the efficiency of transferring education records. This bill specifically seeks to facilitate the release of education records to assist in awarding recognized postsecondary credentials. By enabling institutions to access transcripts and credits previously earned by students, the bill intends to streamline the process by which these students can complete their degrees or credentials based on their prior coursework.

Contention

The introduction of HB 4179 has sparked discussions about the balance between efficiency in education and student privacy. Supporters of the bill argue that enhanced transferability of credits can lead to higher completion rates for postsecondary credentials, ultimately benefiting the workforce and the economy. However, there may be opposition from privacy advocates who are concerned about the implications of sharing education records and whether students' consent mechanisms are adequately safeguarding their personal information. Consequently, the bill may face scrutiny regarding how effectively it addresses these privacy concerns while promoting educational efficiency.