NJ A2098

Prohibits New Jersey colleges and universities from withholding transcripts from students who owe $2,000 or less in non-mandatory charges, and bars using transcript issuance as a debt collection tool.

Allows institutions to require a good faith repayment plan and first payment before releasing transcripts for students owing any amount for tuition, room and board, mandatory fees, or more than $2,000 in non-mandatory charges.

Requires institutions to release transcripts without conditions when students need them to apply for or refinance student loans, and when credits were paid using federal Title IV aid or state financial aid programs.

Bars institutions from withholding transcripts due to debts resulting from the institution's own administrative errors, fraud, or employee misconduct.

Violations constitute unlawful practices under the New Jersey Consumer Fraud Act, though the law does not forgive student debts and institutions may still withhold diplomas and pursue debt collection through other legal means.