H259 - 2023 Appropriations Act. (SL 2023-134)

Overview: Section 8A.15 of S.L. 2023-134 requires the State Education Assistance Authority (SEAA), in consultation with the Department of Public Instruction, the Community Colleges System Office, and The University of North Carolina System Office, to contract with the College Foundation, Inc., to design, develop, and maintain a common digital transcript for students enrolled in a public school unit, community college, or constituent institution of The University of North Carolina. The transcript must meet at least the following criteria:

• Be available to all students.
• Be secure and confidential.
• Be compatible with data systems used by eligible public education entities.
• Be free of cost to students who are enrolled in or have been enrolled in an eligible public education entity.

By March 15, 2024, SEAA must report to the Joint Legislative Education Oversight Committee on the progress made by the College Foundation, Inc., in designing and developing the digital transcript, including at least the following:

• Any additional steps to be taken for this purpose and a timeline for completing those steps and publishing the transcript to students.
• Estimates of additional costs needed to design, develop, and maintain the digital transcript, including operational costs.

This section became effective July 1, 2023.