Connecticut House Bill HB07253

Connecticut 2019 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/28/19
• Refer: 2/28/19
• Report Pass: 3/12/19
• Refer: 3/22/19
• Report Pass: 3/28/19
• Engrossed: 4/24/19
• Report Pass: 4/25/19
• Chaptered: 6/25/19
• Enrolled: 6/28/19
• Passed: 7/9/19

Caption

An Act Concerning Distance Learning Programs Operated By Institutions Of Higher Education Outside Of The State.

Impact

The enactment of HB 7253 is expected to significantly impact the operational landscape for distance education in Connecticut. By adopting a reciprocity agreement, the bill simplifies the regulatory burden on both in-state and out-of-state institutions, allowing broader access to educational programs. This could enhance competition among educational institutions and potentially offer a wider variety of programs to students, facilitating increased enrollment and greater educational diversity.

Summary

House Bill 7253, known as the Act Concerning Distance Learning Programs Operated By Institutions Of Higher Education Outside Of The State, aims to establish a framework for higher education institutions outside of Connecticut to conduct distance learning programs within the state. The bill mandates that the Office of Higher Education enter into a multistate or regional reciprocity agreement, which allows participating institutions to meet uniform standards for distance learning programs. This makes it easier for out-of-state institutions to offer their programs to Connecticut residents without undergoing the traditional state authorization processes.

Sentiment

Overall sentiment regarding HB 7253 appears to be positive among proponents who argue that it will promote accessibility and flexibility in higher education for Connecticut residents. The bill is seen as a progressive step toward modernizing educational offerings. Critics, however, may raise concerns about the quality and oversight of distance learning programs provided by out-of-state institutions, which could lead to debates over academic integrity and the preservation of educational standards.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding the bill involve the implications for state oversight and the potential challenges that might arise from allowing many out-of-state institutions to bypass conventional regulatory frameworks. Critics emphasize the necessity of maintaining robust state evaluation systems for all educational entities to ensure quality education, while supporters argue that the reciprocity agreement provides a level of standardization that enhances education accessibility without undermining quality.