Sen. Vitelli bill to ensure Mainers have access to school transcripts passes committee

AUGUSTA — On Thursday, a bill from Sen. Eloise Vitelli, D-Arrowsic, to help ensure graduates in Maine have access to their own transcripts received committee approval. Members of the Education and Cultural Affairs Committee passed an amended version of LD 1838, “An Act To Improve Student Access to Postsecondary School Transcripts and Diplomas,” in a vote of 7-5 with one member absent. 

“Students’ inability to access their transcripts is a barrier to their career advancement. When universities withhold transcript because of unpaid fees, it prevents students and graduates from furthering their education and starting their careers. When schools withhold transcripts or diplomas, it gets in the way of a student’s ability to move forward and be in a better position to actually pay down their debt,” said Sen. Vitelli. “As amended, this bill creates a pathway for Mainers to move forward in their education and career, and for schools to regain the money they are owed. I appreciate the committee’s careful consideration and support of this bill.”

As amended, LD 1838 would require postsecondary schools in Maine to provide a transcript or diploma for a student — if that student needs the transcript or diploma to apply for a job, for further education or other career training, the military, financial aid or similar services — and prompt the student and school to open communications about any past-due fees or debt. It would require the student and school to develop a mutually agreed upon repayment plan if the student owes a certain amount of money. The amended bill also would require schools to compile data on transcripts released and related repayment plans, relative to this measure, and to have consistent, fair treatment for all students.

“From my own personal experience, and from my years working with high school students, I know how important education is. I also know how important having access to the copy of a transcript can be for qualifying for better career opportunities,” said Sen. Joe Rafferty, D-Kennebunk, who serves as chair of the Education and Cultural Affairs Committee. “I believe this bill represents a fair compromise that will help Mainers as well as Maine schools.”

“All too often, people will begin their postsecondary academic journey, but find themselves in situations that prevent them from moving forward. These factors are often financial, as the cost of education has risen exponentially over the past 20 years. When a person leaves a postsecondary program because they can’t pay their bill, it leaves them with no opportunity to advance. If they can’t advance, then they won’t be able to pay their bill. It is a catch 22 that does not benefit anyone,” said Monique Roy, with Maine Adult Education Association, in testimony supporting the bill.

LD 1838 also is supported by Pine Tree Legal, the Student Borrower Protection Center, Coastal Enterprises Inc., The Biddeford and Saco Chamber of Commerce, Maine People’s Alliance and the Penobscot Nation.

Sen. Vitelli is a longtime advocate for Maine students and graduates. She sponsored the Student Loan Bill of Rights in 2019, which created a registry of public lenders and created rights for borrowers to protect them from predatory lending practices. Last year, the Legislature passed a bill she sponsored to extend many of these rights to private student loan borrowers and their cosigners.

LD 1838 now faces votes before the Senate and House.