Substitute Senate Bill No. 1297, also known as Public Act No. 25-22, introduces comprehensive amendments to the governance and operational structure of higher education in Connecticut, primarily transitioning from the "regional community-technical college system" to the "Connecticut State Community College." The bill replaces references to the "Board of Trustees" with the "Board of Regents for Higher Education," thereby centralizing oversight and management of various educational institutions, including the Connecticut State University System and Charter Oak State College. Key provisions include the establishment of a debt-free community college program, the introduction of a nursing incentive program, and the creation of a permanent Endowment Fund to encourage private donations for scholarships and program enhancements. The bill also mandates the Board of Regents to submit annual and biannual reports on expenditures and program outcomes, ensuring transparency and accountability.

Additionally, the bill streamlines various processes related to funding, governance, and educational offerings. It modifies the eligibility criteria for grants and tuition waivers, enhances collaboration between educational institutions and industry, and establishes new committees to oversee compliance with policies governing faculty consulting and research activities. The legislation aims to improve educational access, align programs with workforce needs, and enhance the overall efficiency of Connecticut's higher education system. By repealing outdated references and substituting new language, the bill modernizes the legal framework governing higher education, reflecting the current structure and needs of the state's educational institutions.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 3-27a, 4-29, 4-124z, 4-124gg, 5-177, 5-199d, 10-98b, 10-155, 10-264n, 29-251b, 29-298a, 32-6j, 32-70d, 48-9
HED Joint Favorable Substitute: 3-27a, 4-29, 4-124z, 4-124gg, 5-177, 5-199d, 10-98b, 10-155, 10-264n, 29-251b, 29-298a, 32-6j, 32-70d, 48-9
File No. 376: 3-27a, 4-29, 4-124z, 4-124gg, 5-177, 5-199d, 10-98b, 10-155, 10-264n, 29-251b, 29-298a, 32-6j, 32-70d, 48-9
Public Act No. 25-22: 3-27a, 4-29, 4-124z, 4-124gg, 5-177, 5-199d, 10-98b, 10-155, 10-264n, 29-251b, 29-298a, 32-6j, 32-70d, 48-9