Connecticut House Bill HB05207

Connecticut 2019 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/11/19
• Refer: 1/11/19

Caption

An Act Eliminating The Board Of Regents For Higher Education.

Impact

The impact of HB 05207 on state laws will be substantial, as it aims to remove an entire governing body responsible for the regulation and oversight of public higher education. By abolishing the Board of Regents, the bill would shift governance directly to the individual institutions, which may lead to increased diversity in administrative practices and policies across the state’s colleges and universities. However, this move raises concerns regarding the standardization of educational quality and the equitable distribution of resources among institutions of varying sizes and challenges. Critics worry that without a centralized governing body, there could be discrepancies in the educational and operational support provided to different institutions.

Summary

House Bill 05207, titled 'An Act Eliminating The Board Of Regents For Higher Education,' proposes a significant restructuring of the governance of higher education within the state. The primary objective of the bill is to dismantle the Board of Regents for Higher Education, which oversees public higher education institutions. Proponents of the bill argue that eliminating this board could streamline decision-making processes and improve overall governance in the higher education sector. They suggest that such changes might lead to more responsive and accountable educational leadership, allowing institutions to operate with greater autonomy.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding HB 05207 include debates about the effectiveness and accountability of existing governance structures. Opponents of the bill argue that the Board of Regents plays a critical role in ensuring fair oversight and long-term strategic planning for the state's higher education system. They express concerns that dismantling this board could lead to fragmentation and a lack of cohesive policy development, which is vital for managing state-wide educational goals. Additionally, the bill raises questions about how to maintain educational standards and address the challenges of rising costs and access to higher education without a centralized governing entity.