Relating to fraudulent practices involving academic credentials or professional or occupational licenses, and making penalties applicable

Where it is now

1. ✓
   Done: IntroducedJanuary 15, 2026
2. ✓
   Done: SubcommitteeJanuary 21, 2026
3. ✓
   Done: House committeeFebruary 4, 2026
4. ✓
   Done: Passes the HouseMarch 12, 202690–1
5. ✓
   Done: Senate committeeMarch 19, 2026
6. ✓
   Done: Passes the SenateMarch 30, 202646–0
7. ✓
   Done: To the GovernorApril 16, 2026
8. ✓
   Done: Signed into lawApril 16, 2026

Signed into law What’s a funnel?

What’s in it

AI summary People who lie about having a college degree or other school credentials to get a job or other benefits would be committing a crime. This law makes that action a felony. If found guilty, a person could face up to five years in prison and have to pay a fine.¹

Changed since by amendments S-5137, H-8178, H-8074; see Amendments.

Full bill text · What changed before it passed²

Senate subcommittee

Named March 17, 2026. Meeting: Thursday, March 19 · 10:00 AM · Room 315.

• Sen. Jeff Taylor REmail
• Sen. Lynn Evans REmail
• Sen. Izaah Knox DEmail

Three legislators hear a bill first and recommend what the committee should do; it’s the best time to weigh in. How to take part

Fiscal note

Cost: up to $12,200 Compare with other bills

AI summary This bill makes it a crime to falsely claim to have academic degrees or professional licenses to obtain employment or personal gain. The fiscal impact of the bill cannot be determined because the number of new convictions cannot be estimated. If convictions occur, the average state cost per aggravated misdemeanor is between $8,300 and $12,200, affecting the Judicial Branch, the Indigent Defense Fund, and the Department of Corrections.³

From the note: The fiscal impact of the Bill cannot be determined because the number of new convictions cannot be estimated. The average State cost per aggravated misdemeanor is between $8,300 and $12,200. The estimated impact to the General Fund includes operating costs incurred by the Judicial Branch, the Indigent Defense Fund, and the DOC.

• Final Fiscal Note — Fraud, False Educational Credentials · May 13, 2026 · $12,200
• Fraud, False Educational Credentials · March 31, 2026 · $12,200
• Fraud, False Educational Credentials · March 18, 2026
• Fraud, False Educational Credentials · March 2, 2026 · $18,100

Reading a fiscal note⁵

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