Connecticut House Bill HB06869

Connecticut 2017 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/25/17
• Refer: 1/25/17

Caption

An Act Concerning Legislative Approval For Tuition Increases At Public Institutions Of Higher Education.

Impact

The implications of HB 06869 could be significant for the management of public higher education institutions. By imposing a requirement for legislative approval of tuition increases, the bill seeks to provide a check on the financial decisions made by educational boards. Proponents of the bill may argue that it offers a form of consumer protection for students and families by ensuring that tuition changes are justified and publicly debated. On the other hand, such a measure could complicate the ability of institutions to quickly respond to financial challenges or changes in state funding, potentially limiting their fiscal flexibility.

Summary

House Bill 06869 proposes to amend the general statutes to require that any tuition increase at public institutions of higher education must receive approval from both chambers of the General Assembly. This means that the Boards of Regents for Higher Education and the Board of Trustees for The University of Connecticut will no longer have unilateral authority to set tuition rates; they will need to present their proposed increases to the legislature for a vote. This bill aims to enhance legislative oversight and accountability in the administration of tuition policies at public colleges and universities.

Contention

One notable point of contention surrounding this bill is the balance between institutional autonomy and legislative oversight. Opponents might argue that while oversight is necessary, overly stringent legislative controls could hinder universities' ability to make timely decisions regarding tuition, particularly in times of budget constraints or other financial pressures. The debate may center on whether the proposed framework could lead to political influences complicating the fiscal management of public higher education, thereby impacting students and their families.