Washington House passes bill to release college transcripts despite fees

high-school-transcript-1200-1200x794

The Washington House has passed a bill under which college graduates could get their transcripts even if there’s a hold on their account due to unpaid parking or library fees. Bill sponsor Democratic Representative Vandana Slatter, of Bellevue, says many colleges withhold transcripts, which limits a student’s ability to use them to apply for financial assistance or for jobs. Her measure, sent to the Senate on a 59-39 vote, prevents universities and colleges from denying students their transcripts because of unpaid fees. Schools could only withhold a transcript if a student has not paid tuition fees, and could only withhold registration privileges if there’s unpaid tuition or room and board. The bill also requires colleges and universities to report to the state annually on their transcript withholding practices. (Spokesman-Review)