Relating to student access to certain academic records held by a public institution of higher education or career school or college; authorizing fees.

HB 2490 ensures Texas public colleges and career schools cannot withhold student transcripts or diplomas due to unpaid fees under $500 or if fees are over five years old. For debts of $500 or more, institutions may require students to begin a repayment plan before releasing records, but must provide the transcript or diploma once payments start. The bill also limits fees for transcript or diploma release to actual printing, mailing, or electronic costs. This directly affects current and former students at Texas public higher education institutions and career schools.