Virginia House Bill HB1365

Virginia 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/15/24
• Refer: 1/15/24
• Report Pass: 2/7/24
• Engrossed: 2/12/24
• Refer: 2/14/24
• Report Pass: 2/29/24
• Enrolled: 3/8/24
• Chaptered: 4/8/24
• Passed: 4/8/24

Caption

Higher educational institutions, public; release of student transcripts.

Impact

The implementation of HB 1365 is significant as it changes the existing policies concerning the release of academic transcripts. Under the new law, institutions cannot condition the transcript release on the settling of debts less than $500 or debts below $1,000 in cases where the student received a Federal Pell Grant or is enrolled in a repayment plan. This aims to promote greater access to employment opportunities for students, particularly those from lower-income backgrounds who may struggle to pay off educational debts immediately.

Summary

House Bill 1365 aims to amend the Code of Virginia to facilitate the release of academic transcripts by public institutions of higher education directly to employers or prospective employers upon request from former or current students. The bill seeks to ensure that students are not hindered in their job applications due to financial barriers, particularly in relation to outstanding debts owed to the institution. By eliminating the need for students to clear their debts prior to transcript release, the bill is geared towards improving job access for graduates.

Sentiment

General sentiment around HB 1365 appears to be positive, especially among proponents who advocate for greater accessibility in higher education. Supporters view it as a progressive step towards dismantling barriers that restrict students' opportunities, aligning with efforts to make the workforce more accessible to graduates struggling with financial issues. Conversely, some concerns may arise from institutions regarding how this could impact their ability to manage outstanding debts more effectively and ensure their financial sustainability.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding HB 1365 may include the potential pushback from educational institutions concerning the management of debts and how this legislation could strain their financial practices. Questions could be raised regarding how institutions will adapt to the new requirement and the implications it may have on their debt recovery processes. Additionally, there could be discussions about the extent of support for former students who may wish to access their transcripts and how those records will be handled in light of outstanding financial obligations.