The General Assembly Raised Bill No. 6445 seeks to enhance the regulatory framework for higher education institutions in Connecticut by implementing recommendations from the Office of Higher Education. Key provisions include the repeal of Section 10a-57f, replaced with new definitions for "Connecticut institution of higher education" and "out-of-state institution of higher education." The bill mandates the Office of Higher Education to engage in multistate or regional reciprocity agreements to streamline participation in a nationwide state authorization reciprocity agreement, which aims to standardize distance learning program assessments and reduce the need for individual state evaluations of out-of-state institutions. Additionally, the bill introduces new requirements for private career schools, such as the appointment of a director at each location and compliance with local regulations, while also establishing that a certificate of authorization cannot be issued without an irrevocable letter of credit for student protection.

Further amendments include stipulations that a private career school's operating certificate will not be renewed if it has not enrolled students for two consecutive years, and it allows for a letter of credit to be payable to the student protection account in cases of non-compliance or closure. The bill also modifies the duration for extending a certificate of authorization from sixty to ninety days for good cause. It expands definitions related to higher education, mandates the review of program modifications and ownership changes by the Office of Higher Education, and outlines a nine-month application process for program or institution authorization. Exemptions for independent institutions from needing approval for new programs are included, provided they meet specific criteria. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, and includes provisions to define in-state and out-of-state institutions, prohibit reauthorization of inactive private career schools, and require approval for ownership changes in higher education institutions.

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