Higher Education and Employment Advancement Committee
JOINT FAVORABLE REPORT
Bill No.: HB-5467
AN ACT ESTABLISHING A "FEE-FREE DAY" AT PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS OF
Title: HIGHER EDUCATION.
Vote Date: 3/22/2021
Vote Action: Joint Favorable
PH Date: 2/18/2021
File No.: 332
Disclaimer: The following JOINT FAVORABLE Report is prepared for the benefit of the
members of the General Assembly, solely for purposes of information, summarization and
explanation and does not represent the intent of the General Assembly or either chamber
thereof for any purpose.
SPONSORS OF BILL:
REP. HAINES, 34th Dist.
REASONS FOR BILL:
To establish November 1st as a "Fee-Free Day" at public institutions of higher learning, where
application fees are waived for high school students in the state who complete a Free
Application for Federal Student Aid.
RESPONSE FROM ADMINISTRATION/AGENCY:
Sean Bradbury, Senior Director of Government Relations and External Affairs,
Connecticut State Colleges & Universities (CSCU):
On behalf of CSCU, Mr. Bradbury says, "We appreciate the attention to initiatives such as
this to drive more cost-conscious enrollment efforts at our public institutions. The CSCU
system already offers a number of fee-free application opportunities including completely fee-
free applications at Connecticuts community colleges. We are currently working with the
Governors Office to expand these opportunities with an application fee-free guaranteed
admissions program for the state universities. We look forward to working with the committee
to find ways to incorporate this with our ongoing efforts, including the Governors proposal to
require FAFSA completion as a condition of graduation from a Connecticut high school, while
mitigating possible administrative concerns."
Nathan Fuerst, Vice-President for Enrollment Planning & Management, University of
Connecticut (UConn):
Submitted written testimony in opposition. Mr. Fuerst says, "we have concerns about whether
the bill as proposed is feasible due to how the college application process works. For
logistical reasons the proposed legislation is unlikely to result in meaningful progress towards
the elimination of barriers for students. Students tend to apply for admission prior to
submitting a FAFSA. This is because the admissions applications deadlines typically precede
priority filing deadlines for the FAFSA. This sequencing is important since by asking students
to apply for admission first, institutions then have opportunities to conduct targeted outreach
to students to encourage them to submit a FAFSA."
NATURE AND SOURCES OF SUPPORT:
John Board
Submitted written testimony in support with substitute language. Mr. Board says, "Passage
and implementation of this policy will provide relief to our students and will boost enrollment
at our public institutions of higher education." He explains how similar legislation has
succeeded in Colorado and suggests removing the FAFSA completion "hurdle."
NATURE AND SOURCES OF OPPOSITION:
None expressed.
Reported by: Jeremy Salyer Date: 04/09/2021
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