Connecticut House Bill HB06474

Connecticut 2019 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/28/19
• Refer: 1/28/19

Caption

An Act Concerning The Merger Or Closure Of Institutions Within The Connecticut State Colleges And Universities.

Impact

If enacted, this bill would amend section 10a-6 of the Connecticut General Statutes and create a framework whereby the closure or merger processes of institutions would require explicit authorization from the General Assembly. The intention behind this legislation is to safeguard the stability of educational programs and resources available to students and to enhance accountability in decisions that can significantly impact local communities and the educational fabric of Connecticut.

Summary

House Bill 06474 is an act that seeks to regulate the merger or closure of educational institutions within the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities system. The primary emphasis of this bill is to prohibit the Board of Regents for Higher Education from merging or closing these institutions without a proper reporting plan being presented to the Connecticut General Assembly. This legislative oversight aims to ensure that any significant changes to the educational landscape undergo thorough evaluation and approval from elected representatives before implementation.

Contention

While proponents of HB 06474 argue that it promotes transparency and accountability in higher education governance, there is likely to be opposition from those who believe it may hinder the Board of Regents' flexibility to make timely decisions in response to financial challenges or changing educational demands. This could lead to a debate about local control versus state oversight, determining how best to manage higher education resources in a way that is pragmatic and responsive to the needs of students and educational institutions.