Texas 2023 - 88th Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB200

Filed
11/14/22  
Out of Senate Committee
4/11/23  
Voted on by Senate
4/17/23  
Out of House Committee
5/19/23  
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 passage of SB 200 will assist in making higher education more accessible to individuals who may have faced challenges in the past, thereby potentially increasing enrollment rates among adult learners. By allowing educational institutions the discretion to waive older academic records, it addresses the barrier that previous academic failures may pose for prospective students. This is expected to foster a more inclusive educational environment strengthening workforce qualifications across Texas.

Summary

Senate Bill 200 aims to provide Texas residents who are seeking to reenroll in higher education with the opportunity to waive their previous academic records. This legislation is in line with the existing academic fresh start law but amends the criteria by allowing institutions to choose to disregard academic course records from five to ten years prior to the application date. This flexibility is designed to encourage adult learners and others returning to education to begin anew without the burden of past academic performance weighing against them.

Sentiment

Overall, the sentiment surrounding SB 200 appears to be positive with support from various stakeholders within the educational community. Advocates argue that it signifies a progressive step toward meeting the needs of a changing workforce and aligns with broader initiatives aimed at improving adult education. However, there are concerns that unspecified changes could create inconsistencies across institutions in Texas regarding the admission processes for returning students.

Contention

Notable points of contention stem from the range of years that institutions can choose to disregard, which could lead to varying standards across different colleges. While some lawmakers and education professionals support a broader application of the academic fresh start policy, others caution against the potential trivialization of academic standards. As institutions adopt their own policies under this act, it may pose challenges in maintaining uniformity, leading to disparities in how returning students are treated across the public higher education system.

Companion Bills

TX HB4523

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

CA AB850

Institutional Debt Transparency Act.

NJ A2359

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

NJ S1480

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

CA AB2771

California Private Postsecondary Education Act of 2009.

NJ S1504

Establishes process for merger or consolidation of public institution of higher education with other institutions of higher education or certain proprietary institutions; requires executive and legislative approval of merger or consolidation.

NJ A2133

Establishes process for merger or consolidation of public institution of higher education with other institutions of higher education or certain proprietary institutions; requires executive and legislative approval of merger or consolidation.

TX HB5180

Relating to the issuance of a diploma to a student graduating from a public institution of higher education that has undergone a merger, acquisition, or name change.

CA AB1098

California Education Interagency Council.