Summary

Allows postsecondary institutions to share a former student's postsecondary coursework and credit records with a previously attended postsecondary institution so those credits can be applied toward a recognized postsecondary credential, but only if the student gives written consent before receiving the credential. The change amends FERPA’s list of permitted disclosures to add this limited, consented record-sharing option and makes small punctuation edits to accommodate the new clause.

• Adds a new FERPA exception allowing postsecondary institutions to share coursework and credit records with a previously attended postsecondary institution.
• Disclosure is limited to the purpose of applying those credits toward a recognized postsecondary credential (WIOA definition).
• Student must provide written consent before the credential is awarded for the disclosure to occur.
• No new funding, programs, or enforcement mechanisms are created—this is a narrow privacy-law amendment.
• Institutions will need processes for collecting consent and securely transferring records for reverse transfer or credential awarding.
• The change aims to facilitate awarding credentials based on combined credits from multiple institutions.
• Privacy protections remain in place outside this specific, consented disclosure; institutions must comply with existing FERPA rules.
• Does not specify an effective date or alter other statutory definitions beyond referencing WIOA's credential definition.