FALSE ACADEMIC CREDENTIALS

Senate Bill 136

Sponsor:  Sen. Tom George

House Committee:  Higher Education and Career Preparation

Senate Committee:  Education

Complete to 4-6-05

A SUMMARY OF SENATE BILL 136 AS PASSED BY THE SENATE 3-16-05

The bill would create a new act to be known as the Authentic Credentials in Education Act, which would allow civil actions to be brought against those who issue, manufacture, or use false academic credentials to recover costs, reasonable attorney fees, and the greater of either actual damages or $10,000.

Under the bill, a person would be prohibited from knowingly issuing or manufacturing a false academic credential in the state.  An individual would be prohibited from knowingly using a false or academic credential to obtain employment; obtain a promotion or higher compensation; to obtain admission to an institution of higher education or similar institution; or in connection with any loan, business, trade, profession, or occupation.  Further, an individual who did not have an academic credential could not knowingly use or claim to have that credential for any of those purposes.

FISCAL IMPACT:

If the bill resulted in the filing of additional lawsuits, it could increase local court costs.

                                                                                           Legislative Analyst:   Chris Couch 

                                                                                                  Fiscal Analyst:   Marilyn Peterson

■ This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan House staff for use by House members in their deliberations, and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.