HB 415 — The evidentiary standard used by a public institution of

90R531 CMO-D By: Wilson H.B. No. 415 relating to the evidentiary standard used by a public institution of higher education to evaluate an allegation of student academic dishonesty.

SECTION 1. Subchapter Z, Chapter 51, Education Code, is amended by adding Section 51.9792 to read as follows: Sec. 51.9792. ACADEMIC DISHONESTY: EVIDENTIARY STANDARD. (a) In this section: (1) "Academic dishonesty" means the term used by an institution of higher education in the institution's student code of conduct to describe an act that misrepresents or attempts to misrepresent the student's work, knowledge, or achievement to gain an unfair advantage, such as cheating or plagiarism. (2) "Institution of higher education" has the meaning assigned by Section 61.003. (3) "Reasonable doubt" means a doubt based on reason and common sense after a careful and impartial consideration of all the evidence in an adjudication hearing. (b) An institution of higher education may not take disciplinary action against a student for violating the institution's student code of conduct regarding academic dishonesty unless the institution determines beyond a reasonable doubt that the student engaged in the alleged misconduct.

SECTION 2. Section 51.9792, Education Code, as added by this Act, applies beginning with the 2027-2028 academic year.

SECTION 3. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this Act takes effect September 1, 2027.