Connecticut House Bill HB05361

Connecticut 2014 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/26/14
• Refer: 2/26/14
• Report Pass: 3/13/14
• Refer: 3/26/14
• Report Pass: 4/1/14
• Refer: 4/8/14
• Report Pass: 4/15/14
• Refer: 4/17/14
• Engrossed: 4/28/14
• Report Pass: 4/30/14
• Chaptered: 5/14/14
• Enrolled: 5/21/14
• Passed: 6/6/14

Caption

An Act Concerning A Plan For Participation In A State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement Regarding Distance Learning Programs.

Impact

The implementation of HB 5361 is set to have significant implications on state laws governing higher education. By adopting this reciprocity agreement, Connecticut will not require out-of-state institutions to go through the state’s traditional authorization, licensing, and accreditation processes for their distance learning programs. This change is predicted to increase access to higher education for students as it allows a wider range of institutions to offer their programs without the intricacies of each state’s regulatory framework.

Summary

House Bill 5361 aims to facilitate the participation of Connecticut institutions of higher education in a nationwide State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA) related to distance learning programs. This legislation will enable Connecticut to develop a plan that is expected to streamline the regulatory framework for online education by establishing uniform standards across states. By joining SARA, the bill seeks to alleviate the burden of different states' approval processes, making it easier for institutions to offer distance learning programs to students nationwide.

Sentiment

The general sentiment surrounding HB 5361 appears to be positive, particularly among educational institutions that view the bill as a progressive step towards enhancing access to education. Proponents argue that this will not only benefit students by broadening their options but also strengthen Connecticut’s position in the rapidly evolving field of online education. However, there are concerns about the potential oversight and quality assurance of programs offered by out-of-state institutions under the new framework.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the balance between ensuring educational quality and expanding access. Critics of the bill have raised questions about how quality will be maintained without the stringent oversight that comes with state-level accreditation. Additionally, discussions focused on potential disparities in how different states might implement the reciprocity agreement, raising concerns about varying standards and practices that could affect students’ educational experiences.