The proposed bill establishes the "Higher Education Opportunities for Students with Disabilities Act," which aims to provide inclusive educational opportunities for students with disabilities, specifically those aged eighteen to twenty-one, and up to twenty-two in certain cases. The act allows these students, who receive special education services and have disabilities including severe intellectual disabilities, severe autism spectrum disorders, or other severe developmental disabilities, to attend state colleges and universities. They may participate in continuing education, credit and noncredit courses, and develop independent living and employment skills.

The act emphasizes inclusivity by ensuring that students with disabilities can engage in academic and non-academic activities alongside their non-disabled peers without being subjected to standard admission requirements such as standardized tests, high school diplomas, minimum academic course requirements, or minimum GPA thresholds.

Public institutions of higher education are required to create guidelines for selecting participating students and to provide access to academic and non-academic opportunities. The act specifies that costs associated with supporting participation in higher education will be considered approved expenses as special education services and will not impose additional costs on school districts beyond what is required under state or federal special education law.

Additionally, the bill mandates annual reporting on the participation and outcomes of students with disabilities in higher education, including data on demographics, courses taken, extracurricular activities, and employment outcomes. This reporting aims to ensure accountability and facilitate the sharing of best practices among institutions. The act is designed to foster a supportive educational environment that prepares students with disabilities for adult life and will take effect upon passage.