All Roll Calls
Yes: 110 • No: 0
New JerseyA4254220th Legislature (2024-2025)HouseWALLET
Establishes limits on transcript release restrictions at institutions of higher education and certain proprietary institutions.
Sponsored By: Linda S. Carter (Democratic), Verlina Reynolds-Jackson (Democratic), Shirley K. Turner (Democratic), Benjie E. Wimberly (Democratic), Andrew Zwicker (Democratic)
Signed by Governor
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Students get clearer, enforceable transcript rules
Beginning January 20, 2026, colleges and licensed proprietary degree-granting schools must post their transcript-release policies on their websites. The policies must explain transcript access for current and former students with unpaid debt. Violating this law is an unlawful practice under New Jersey’s Consumer Fraud Act. That act’s remedies and penalties apply.
Students gain more transcript access rights
Beginning January 20, 2026, schools must provide official transcripts for qualifying aid-funded payment periods when current or former students request them. Covered aid includes federal Title IV aid and state aid administered by the Higher Education Student Assistance Authority, including NJCLASS loans. Charges for that period must be paid or covered by an agreement to pay when the transcript is requested. Schools cannot withhold transcripts or take other adverse action over debt caused by their federal student-aid errors or school or employee fraud or misconduct. For transcripts released under this law, students can choose delivery to themselves or an authorized third party.
Students gain protection against transcript holds
Beginning January 20, 2026, New Jersey colleges and licensed proprietary degree-granting schools face new limits on transcript holds. Schools cannot block transcripts, demand debt payment, charge higher fees, or give worse treatment over $2,000 or less in non-mandatory charges. These are charges other than tuition, room and board, and required fees; the standard transcript fee remains allowed. This protection covers credits in payment periods not paid with federal Title IV aid or state aid administered by the Higher Education Student Assistance Authority, including NJCLASS loans. The debt protection excludes students living outside the United States who are noncitizens or are or were aid-eligible under the cited 2018 state law. Schools also cannot restrict transcripts when students attest they need them to apply for new student loans or refinance existing loans.
Some students face transcript payment conditions
Beginning January 20, 2026, schools may require a good-faith repayment plan and its first payment before releasing a transcript. This option covers unpaid tuition, room and board, required fees, or more than $2,000 in non-mandatory charges. It applies to credits not paid with federal Title IV aid or state aid administered by the Higher Education Student Assistance Authority, including NJCLASS loans. Schools cannot impose this condition when students attest they need the transcript to apply for or refinance student loans. Getting a transcript does not erase debt or stop lawful collection, and schools may still withhold diplomas for unpaid debt.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsors
Linda S. Carter
Democratic • House
Verlina Reynolds-Jackson
Democratic • House
Shirley K. Turner
Democratic • Senate
Benjie E. Wimberly
Democratic • Senate
Andrew Zwicker
Democratic • Senate
Cosponsors
Rosaura Bagolie
Democratic • House
Hall, Garnet R.
Affiliation unavailable
Carmen Theresa Morales
Democratic • House
Ellen J. Park
Democratic • House
Gabriel Rodriguez
Democratic • House
Shanique Speight
Democratic • House
Lisa Swain
Democratic • House
Chris Tully
Democratic • House
Roll Call Votes
Senate vote • 1/12/2026
3RDG FINAL PASSAGE
Yes: 39 • No: 0
House vote • 12/19/2024
3RDG FINAL PASSAGE
Yes: 71 • No: 0 • Other: 2
Actions Timeline
Approved by Governor — P.L.2025, c.353.
1/20/2026GovernorPassed Senate, PBH — (39-0)
1/12/2026SenateSubstituted for S3280 (1R)
1/12/2026SenateReported, 2nd Reading in Senate
2/10/2025SenateReceived in Senate, Referred to Senate Higher Education Committee
1/14/2025SenatePassed Assembly — (71-0-2)
12/19/2024HouseAA, 2nd Reading in Assembly — (Wimberly)
10/28/2024HouseREP/ACA, 2nd Reading in Assembly
9/23/2024HouseIntroduced, 1st Reading in Assembly, Referred to Assembly Higher Education Committee
5/2/2024House
Bill Text
Version PL2025
8/7/2026
Version AL2025
7/6/2026
Assembly 10/28/24 2R
1/13/2026
Senate Higher Education Substitute (2/10/25 2R)
2/11/2025
Assembly 10/28/24 1R
10/29/2024
Assembly Higher Education (9/23/24 1R)
9/24/2024
Assembly Higher Education Substitute (9/23/24)
9/24/2024
As Introduced
9/23/2024
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