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NJ S1653
Bill
Status
Passed
1/13/2026
Primary Sponsor
Andrew Zwicker
Click for details
AI Summary
- Higher education institutions cannot withhold transcripts from students owing $2,000 or less in non-mandatory charges, and cannot use transcript issuance as a debt collection tool
- Institutions may require students owing tuition, room and board, mandatory fees, or more than $2,000 in non-mandatory charges to enter a repayment plan and submit a first payment before releasing transcripts
- Transcripts must be released without conditions when students attest they need them to apply for or refinance student loans
- Institutions must provide transcripts for payment periods where credits were paid using federal Title IV aid or New Jersey state financial aid programs when those institutional charges were paid or under a payment agreement
- Violations constitute unlawful practices under the New Jersey Consumer Fraud Act, though transcript release does not forgive student debt or prevent institutions from withholding diplomas
Legislative Description
Establishes limits on transcript release restrictions at institutions of higher education and certain proprietary institutions.
Withdrawn Because Approved
Last Action
Withdrawn Because Approved P.L.2025, c.353.
1/13/2026
Committee Referrals
Higher Eduction1/13/2026
Full Bill Text
No bill text available