Substitute House Bill No. 7216 proposes significant reforms to the Connecticut Technical Education and Career System (TECS) by establishing an executive director appointed by the Governor to oversee its operations, administration, and financial accountability. This new role includes the authority to organize the system, approve contracts, and collaborate with educational institutions. The bill also mandates that the executive director communicate directly with the Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management regarding staffing requests, emphasizing the need for instructional staff. Additionally, the bill repeals Section 10-95r and introduces new provisions to enhance the structure and funding of technical education, particularly for underserved populations.

Moreover, the bill modifies Section 10a-174 to broaden the definition of "eligible institutional costs" to include expenses for adult education programs at TECS, and it updates the definition of "qualifying student" to encompass those enrolled in technical education and career schools. The Mary Ann Handley Award program is expanded to include adult education students, with the Board of Regents for Higher Education responsible for administering the awards. The bill also requires the Office of Policy and Management to review staffing requests within 30 days and mandates reporting on student awards each semester. The changes are set to take effect on July 1, 2025, with an estimated annual cost of up to $2.7 million.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 10-95r
ED Joint Favorable Substitute Change of Reference: 10-95r
APP Joint Favorable: 10-95r
File No. 861: 10-95r