Connecticut House Bill HB05136

Connecticut 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/16/22
• Refer: 2/16/22
• Report Pass: 3/3/22
• Refer: 3/8/22
• Report Pass: 3/15/22
• Refer: 4/13/22

Caption

An Act Addressing The Needs Of Housing-insecure Students At Public Institutions Of Higher Education.

Impact

The bill's implementation will require public institutions to provide financial assistance to qualifying students, especially during periods when they face housing-related challenges, including instances when classes are in session and during school closures longer than seven days. Additionally, it necessitates the establishment of dedicated support teams and liaisons to ensure effective outreach and access to crucial resources, including mental health and housing assistance.

Summary

House Bill 05136 aims to address the needs of housing-insecure students attending public institutions of higher education in the state. The bill mandates that the Board of Trustees of The University of Connecticut and the Board of Regents for Higher Education formulate a policy to support students facing homelessness or housing instability. This policy is designed to encourage collaboration with various stakeholders to better understand and address the challenges these students encounter, further supported by annual surveys to gather relevant data.

Sentiment

Overall, the sentiment surrounding HB 05136 is supportive, with various stakeholders acknowledging the vital need to enhance support for housing-insecure students. Legislators and educational administrators have generally expressed optimism that the bill will improve educational outcomes by addressing basic needs, while advocates for student welfare view it as a critical intervention to help at-risk populations.

Contention

Despite its broad support, there are some contentions regarding resource allocation and the ability of institutions to effectively implement the provisions outlined in the bill. Critics raise concerns about the potential challenges public institutions may face in operationalizing such policies, especially when it comes to securing adequate funding for the proposed assistance programs and ensuring sufficient staffing to provide the necessary support and training.