Connecticut House Bill HB05037

Connecticut 2018 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/8/18
• Refer: 2/8/18

Caption

An Act Establishing The Division Of Postsecondary Education.

Impact

If enacted, the bill will amend existing laws to streamline the functions of the Office of Higher Education and bolster its role in administering various financial aid programs. This will involve the creation of a separate account dedicated to the planning commission for higher education, which will handle public and private funding aimed at supporting educational programs. Additionally, the Division of Postsecondary Education will have the authority to implement initiatives that focus on minority advancement and the recruitment of quality teachers, particularly in underserved communities.

Summary

House Bill 05037 seeks to establish the Division of Postsecondary Education within the Department of Education in Connecticut. The primary objective of this bill is to enhance the regulatory framework governing higher education institutions, ensuring better oversight and support for students and educational programs. This includes managing funds allocated for student financial assistance, developing programs that assist veterans in their pursuit of higher education, and promoting partnerships between educational institutions and local school systems to prepare students for postsecondary education.

Contention

Some points of contention surrounding HB 05037 relate to the management of educational funding and the extent of oversight that the new division will have over existing institutions. Critics may argue that establishing a new division could lead to increased bureaucracy or inefficiency, while proponents emphasize the need for a dedicated body to focus on evolving educational needs and financial support systems. The bill's success hinges on balancing these perspectives, ensuring accountability while fostering innovation in the higher education sector.