The bill prohibits a postsecondary institution from: •
Refusing to provide a transcript or diploma for a current or former student on the grounds that the student owes a debt;
•
Conditioning the provision of a transcript or diploma on the payment of a debt, other than a fee charged to provide the transcript or diploma;
•
Charging a higher fee to obtain a transcript or diploma or providing less favorable treatment in response to a transcript or diploma request because a current or former student owes a debt; or
•
Using transcript or diploma issuance as a tool for debt collection.
The bill provides a civil right of action to a current or former
student whose transcript or diploma is withheld for any of the prohibited reasons and entitles the person to injunctive relief, a civil penalty of up to $500 for each violation, and reasonable attorney fees and costs.
The bill authorizes the administrator of the Uniform Consumer
Credit Code to enjoin the practice of withholding a transcript or diploma and assess a postsecondary institution a penalty of $500 for each violation.
