Texas 2023 - 88th Regular

Texas House Bill HB4523

Voted on by House
 
Out of Senate Committee
 
Voted on by Senate
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to the period for which an applicant for admission as an undergraduate student to a public institution of higher education is entitled to an academic fresh start.

Impact

The provisions of HB 4523 will directly influence the admissions policies of public higher education institutions in Texas. With its implementation beginning with the 2023 fall semester, applicants who meet the criteria will find it easier to gain admission without the concern of previous poor academic performance affecting their applications. This change could potentially increase enrollment numbers and subsequently benefit the institutions’ funding and investment in resources for new students.

Summary

House Bill 4523 aims to amend the Texas Education Code with respect to the academic fresh start that applicants for undergraduate admission to public higher education institutions can utilize. This bill seeks to reduce the period from which past academic courses or grades may be considered from ten years to five years prior to the application date. By enabling more applicants to seek admission without the weight of old academic records, this bill intends to provide a second chance for those wishing to return to school after an extended absence.

Sentiment

Sentiment around HB 4523 appears to be largely positive among educational stakeholders, particularly those advocating for increased access to higher education. Proponents argue that the bill could support non-traditional students and those looking to change career paths. However, there could be dissent from traditionalists who believe that academic records should reflect a student's history regardless of time elapsed, emphasizing accountability in the educational system.

Contention

A notable point of contention in the discussions surrounding HB 4523 focuses on the implications of reducing the evaluation period for previous academic performance. Critics may argue that this could lead to an influx of students who are not adequately prepared for the rigors of higher education since their past academic challenges would not be reviewed as thoroughly. Conversely, supporters advocate for the benefits of allowing students to move beyond their past and succeed academically, suggesting that an initial poor academic record is not always indicative of future potential.

Companion Bills

TX SB200

Very Similar Relating to the period for which an applicant for admission as an undergraduate student to a public institution of higher education is entitled to an academic fresh start.

Previously Filed As

TX SB365

Relating to the period for which an applicant for admission as an undergraduate student to a public institution of higher education is entitled to an academic fresh start.

TX HB1330

Relating to the period for which an applicant for admission as an undergraduate student to a public institution of higher education is entitled to an academic fresh start.

TX HB3027

Relating to the admission of nonresident undergraduate and graduate students to public institutions of higher education.

TX HB3068

Relating to the consideration of an alternative assessment instrument score in undergraduate admissions at certain public institutions of higher education.

TX HB3452

Relating to inquiries into the criminal and disciplinary history of an applicant for undergraduate admission to a public institution of higher education.

TX HB2722

Higher educational institutions, public; admissions and enrollment.

TX SB2314

Relating to the creation of an electronic platform and submission portal, known as My Texas Future, to facilitate public high school students' awareness of and application to institutions of higher education using the electronic common admission application form.

TX A2359

Requires undergraduate students to file degree plan and requires institutions of higher education and certain propriety institutions to develop pathway systems to graduation.

TX SF244

A bill for an act providing for general education requirements for undergraduate students at regents institutions and including applicability provisions.

TX S1480

Requires undergraduate students to file degree plan and requires institutions of higher education and certain proprietary institutions to develop pathway systems to graduation.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.