Substitute Senate Bill No. 1297, also known as Public Act No. 25-22, proposes significant revisions to the governance and operational structure of higher education in Connecticut, particularly through the establishment of the Connecticut State Community College and the Board of Regents for Higher Education. The bill replaces references to "regional community-technical colleges" with "Connecticut State Community College" throughout the legislation, reflecting a reorganization of the community college system. It also updates the governing body terminology from "Board of Trustees" to "Board of Regents for Higher Education," which will oversee various educational institutions, including the Connecticut State University System. The bill mandates the Board of Regents to submit comprehensive expenditure plans, including tuition revenue contributions and appropriations for building projects, while ensuring that any significant facility repairs over one million dollars require legislative approval.

Additionally, the bill introduces provisions aimed at enhancing educational access and support for students, particularly veterans and financially needy individuals. It establishes a debt-free community college program, known as the "Mary Ann Handley Award," which provides financial awards for qualifying students at the Connecticut State Community College. The bill also outlines the responsibilities of the Board of Regents regarding tuition waivers, financial aid policies, and the management of endowment funds, ensuring that funds are allocated equitably. Furthermore, it emphasizes the importance of partnerships between educational institutions and local communities to address workforce needs and improve curriculum alignment. Overall, the legislation seeks to modernize the higher education framework in Connecticut, enhance operational efficiency, and strengthen the connection between education and workforce development.

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