The proposed legislation, General Assembly Raised Bill No. 396, aims to allow institutions of higher education in the state to offer degree programs that can be completed with a minimum of ninety credit hours. This new provision is introduced as subsection (m) in Section 10a-34 of the general statutes and will take effect on July 1, 2026. The Office of Higher Education will be responsible for reviewing applications for these degree programs, ensuring that they have the necessary accreditation recognized by the Secretary of the United States Department of Education.

The bill does not include any deletions from current law but introduces new legal language to facilitate the establishment of these ninety-credit degree programs. The intent of the legislation is to expand educational opportunities and provide more flexible pathways for students seeking to earn degrees in higher education.

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Raised Bill: