Connecticut House Bill HB05362

Connecticut 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/29/24
• Refer: 2/29/24

Caption

An Act Defining Connecticut Institution Of Higher Education And Out-of-state Institution Of Higher Education For The Purposes Of The State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement.

Impact

The bill requires the Office of Higher Education to develop and implement a multistate or regional reciprocity agreement that permits both Connecticut institutions and out-of-state institutions conforming to uniform standards to operate distance learning programs. This initiative is intended to enhance accessibility to educational resources for students in Connecticut by streamlining the approval process for out-of-state institutions seeking to offer programs in the state. The changes are expected to provide students with a broader array of distance learning options, thus fostering educational choice and enhancing the competitive position of Connecticut's higher education offerings.

Summary

House Bill 05362 aims to define what constitutes a Connecticut institution of higher education and an out-of-state institution for the purpose of participating in the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA). This agreement seeks to establish uniform standards for distance learning programs across states and eliminates the need for states to assess the quality of distance learning programs offered by out-of-state institutions through their own authorization, licensing, and accreditation processes. By clearly defining these institutions, the bill provides a framework for such institutions to operate more seamlessly within Connecticut's educational landscape.

Contention

While the bill is primarily focused on standardizing distance education regulations, it may also raise concerns regarding the oversight of educational quality, particularly about out-of-state institutions that may not adhere to the same rigorous standards expected of Connecticut institutions. Stakeholders may question the adequacy of the regulatory framework established by the Office of Higher Education for assessing and monitoring these programs. As the educational landscape evolves, there may be debates about balancing increased access to education with the need for maintaining high educational standards and accountability for all institutions operating within the state.