Substitute Senate Bill No. 1297, also known as Public Act No. 25-22, introduces significant revisions to Connecticut's higher education statutes, primarily focusing on the establishment of the Connecticut State Community College and the governance structure under the Board of Regents for Higher Education. Key changes include the repeal of the "Trustees of the Community-Technical Colleges" and the "Regional Community-Technical College System," replaced with the "Board of Regents for Higher Education" and "Connecticut State Community College," respectively. The bill also establishes a Short Term Investment Fund administered by the State Treasurer, allowing for the sale of participation certificates to various state funds, with interest allocated to respective boards. Additionally, it mandates the Board of Regents to develop a comprehensive expenditure plan and submit reports on financial operations, ensuring transparency and accountability.

The bill further enhances educational opportunities by establishing a debt-free community college program, which provides financial awards to qualifying students, and mandates the review of certification and degree programs to align with industry standards. It also introduces provisions for the creation of industry advisory committees, the establishment of a Connecticut Apprenticeship and Education Committee, and the development of a general education core curriculum. Other notable amendments include the establishment of an Endowed Chair Investment Fund, the creation of a permanent Endowment Fund for the Connecticut State Community College, and the introduction of new policies for financial aid disbursement. Overall, the bill aims to streamline governance, improve financial management, and enhance educational access and support for students in Connecticut.

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