A UC Merced survey found that 24 of California’s 115 community colleges continue to state on their websites that unpaid balances can block transcript release, despite a 2020 state law banning the practice. Colleges insist they comply with the statute, and the Chancellor’s office said the messaging errors are clerical and should be corrected. Student advocates argue inaccurate public information undermines trust and may deter students from transferring or seeking employment. The issue highlights gaps between institutional communications, operational practices and legal compliance across a decentralized community college system.