The proposed bill, General Assembly Proposed Bill No. 461, aims to enhance access to higher education for children who are under the guardianship of grandparents or other relatives. It seeks to amend titles 10a and 17a of the general statutes by introducing new provisions that require the Commissioner of Children and Families to extend financial support for higher education, which is currently available to foster children, to these children under relative guardianship. Additionally, the bill mandates that the Board of Regents for Higher Education, in collaboration with the commissioner, broaden access to the debt-free community college program for these children.

Furthermore, the bill emphasizes the need for the commissioner and the Board of Regents to provide additional resources to support the educational goals of children in the care of their grandparents or other relatives. This legislative effort is designed to promote educational equity and ensure that children in these unique family situations have the necessary support to pursue higher education opportunities.