Substitute House Bill No. 6445, also known as Public Act No. 25-99, seeks to enhance dual credit opportunities and improve college readiness and remedial support programs in Connecticut's higher education system. The bill introduces new definitions for "Connecticut institution of higher education" and "out-of-state institution of higher education," and requires the Office of Higher Education to establish a multistate or regional reciprocity agreement by July 1, 2025. This agreement aims to streamline participation in a nationwide state authorization reciprocity agreement, which sets uniform standards for distance learning programs. Additionally, the bill outlines conditions under which certificates to operate private career schools may be denied, emphasizing financial soundness and compliance with local regulations. Key amendments include the stipulation that no certificate to operate a private career school shall be renewed if the school has not enrolled students for two consecutive years, and the extension of the renewal period for certificates from sixty to ninety days for good cause. The bill also mandates that all institutions offering concurrent enrollment courses obtain accreditation from the National Alliance of Concurrent Enrollment Partnerships by July 1, 2028, and establishes a comprehensive database of credentials to be created by January 1, 2023. Furthermore, it requires institutions to report annually on high school students enrolled in dual or concurrent enrollment courses, ensuring transparency and accountability in the state's higher education landscape.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill:
HED Joint Favorable Substitute:
File No. 156:
Public Act No. 25-99: 10-221x, 10-221w