Bill Text: CT HB05037 | 2018 | General Assembly | Introduced
Bill Title: An Act Establishing The Division Of Postsecondary Education.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 4-0)
Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2018-02-23 - Public Hearing 02/27 [HB05037 Detail]
Download: Connecticut-2018-HB05037-Introduced.html
General Assembly |
Governor's Bill No. 5037 | ||
February Session, 2018 |
LCO No. 106 | ||
*00106__________* | |||
Referred to Committee on HIGHER EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT ADVANCEMENT |
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Introduced by: |
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REP. ARESIMOWICZ, 30th Dist. REP. RITTER M., 1st Dist. SEN. LOONEY, 11th Dist. SEN. DUFF, 25th Dist. |
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AN ACT ESTABLISHING THE DIVISION OF POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Assembly convened:
Section 1. Section 10a-1d of the 2018 supplement to the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2018):
(a) There is established [an Office of Higher Education] a division of postsecondary education within the Department of Education. The [Office of Higher Education] division shall administer the programs set forth in sections 10-155d, as amended by this act, 10a-10a, as amended by this act, 10a-11, as amended by this act, 10a-11a, as amended by this act, 10a-17, as amended by this act, 10a-17d, as amended by this act, [10a-19g] 10a-19e, as amended by this act, 10a-19f, as amended by this act, 10a-19i, as amended by this act, 10a-34 to 10a-34f, inclusive, as amended by this act, 10a-35, as amended by this act, 10a-55g, as amended by this act, 10a-166, 10a-168a, as amended by this act, 10a-169a, 10a-169b and 10a-173, as amended by this act. The [Office of Higher Education] division shall be responsible for approving any action taken pursuant to sections 10a-34 to 10a-34f, inclusive, as amended by this act.
(b) [The Governor shall appoint an executive director of the Office of Higher Education in accordance with the provisions of sections 4-5 to 4-8, inclusive.] The Commissioner of Education shall select, subject to the approval of the State Board of Education, a division chief of the division of postsecondary education. The [executive director] division chief shall have the responsibility for implementing the policies and directives of the [office] division and shall have additional responsibilities as the [board] State Board of Education, in consultation with the Planning Commission for Higher Education, may prescribe.
(c) The division of postsecondary education may make recommendations to the Commissioner of Education for changes (1) in program administration, including, but not limited to, the programs described in sections 10-155d, as amended by this act, 10a-10a, as amended by this act, 10a-11, as amended by this act, 10a-11a, as amended by this act, 10a-17, as amended by this act, 10a-17d, as amended by this act, 10a-19e, as amended by this act, 10a-19f, as amended by this act, 10a-19i, as amended by this act, 10a-34 to 10a-34f, inclusive, as amended by this act, 10a-35, as amended by this act, 10a-55g, as amended by this act, 10a-166, 10a-168a, as amended by this act, 10a-169a, 10a-169b and 10a-173, as amended by this act, (2) in the provisions of sections 10a-34 to 10a-34f, inclusive, as amended by this act, and (3) the operation of section 10a-10, as amended by this act.
(d) The division of postsecondary education shall serve as staff to the Planning Commission for Higher Education. The division shall report on the progress of and make recommendations regarding the implementation of the higher education strategic master plan for higher education in Connecticut, as described in section 10a-11b, as amended by this act, to the Planning Commission for Higher Education.
Sec. 2. Section 10-3a of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2018):
(a) There shall be a Department of Education which shall serve as the administrative arm of the State Board of Education. The department shall be under the direction of the Commissioner of Education, whose appointment shall be recommended to the Governor by the State Board of Education for a term of four years to be coterminous with the term of the Governor. Such appointment shall be in accordance with the provisions of sections 4-5 to 4-7, inclusive. The Commissioner of Education shall be the administrative officer of the department and shall administer, coordinate and supervise the activities of the department in accordance with the policies established by the board.
(b) The State Board of Education shall organize the Department of Education into such bureaus, divisions and other units as may be necessary for the efficient conduct of the business of the department, and may, from time to time, create, abolish, transfer or consolidate within the department any bureau, division or other unit as may be necessary for the efficient conduct of the business of said board. Upon such organization or reorganization the board shall adopt regulations pursuant to the provisions of chapter 54. The board may create such advisory boards as it deems necessary for the efficient conduct of the business of the department.
(c) The Department of Education shall constitute a successor department, in accordance with the provisions of sections 4-38d, 4-38e and 4-39, to the Office of Higher Education. Where any order or regulation of said department and office conflict, the State Board of Education may implement policies or procedures consistent with the provisions of this title and title 10a while in the process of adopting such policies or procedures in regulation form, provided notice of intent to adopt such regulations is published in the Connecticut Law Journal not later than twenty days after implementation. Any such policies or procedures shall be valid until the time final regulations are adopted. The Commissioner of Education, in accordance with policies established by the State Board of Education, may appoint and remove members of the staff of the division of postsecondary education.
Sec. 3. Section 3-22e of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2018):
(a) There is established a Connecticut Higher Education Trust Advisory Committee which shall consist of the State Treasurer, the [executive director of the Office of Higher Education] division chief of the division of postsecondary education within the Department of Education, established pursuant to section 10a-1d, as amended by this act, the Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management and the cochairpersons and ranking members of the joint standing committees of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to education and finance, revenue and bonding, or their designees, and one student financial aid officer and one finance officer at a public institution of higher education in the state, each appointed by the Board of Regents for Higher Education, and one student financial aid officer and one finance officer at an independent institution of higher education in the state, each appointed by the Connecticut Conference of Independent Colleges. The advisory committee shall meet at least annually. The State Treasurer shall convene the meetings of the committee.
(b) Within six months from the date of the trust's annual report, the State Treasurer and the [executive director of the Office of Higher Education] division chief of the division of postsecondary education shall jointly report, in accordance with section 11-4a, to the joint standing committees of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to education and finance, revenue and bonding on an evaluation of the Connecticut Higher Education Trust and recommendations, if any, for improvements in the program.
Sec. 4. Subsection (a) of section 4-61bb of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2018):
(a) For the purposes of this section, "licensing authority" means the Department of Consumer Protection, the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection, the Labor Department, the Department of Motor Vehicles, the Department of Public Health, the Board of Regents for Higher Education, the [Office of Higher Education] division of postsecondary education within the Department of Education, established pursuant to section 10a-1d, as amended by this act, the Board of Trustees of The University of Connecticut or the Police Officer Standards and Training Council; "service member" means a member of the armed forces or the National Guard or a veteran; "armed forces" has the same meaning as set forth in section 27-103; and "veteran" means any person who was discharged or released under conditions other than dishonorable from active service in the armed forces.
Sec. 5. Subdivision (2) of subsection (a) of section 4-67n of the 2018 supplement to the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2018):
(2) "Executive agency" means any agency with a department head, as defined in section 4-5, a constituent unit of higher education, as defined in section 10a-1, or the [Office of Higher Education] division of postsecondary education within the Department of Education, established by section 10a-1d, as amended by this act; and
Sec. 6. Subsection (f) of section 4-89 of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2018):
(f) The provisions of this section shall not apply to appropriations to the [Office of Higher Education] division of postsecondary education within the Department of Education, established pursuant to section 10a-1d, as amended by this act, for student financial assistance for the Roberta B. Willis Scholarship program established under section 10a-173, as amended by this act, or to the Board of Regents for Higher Education for Connecticut higher education centers of excellence established under section 10a-25h, to the [Office of Higher Education] division of postsecondary education within the Department of Education for the minority advancement program established under subsection (b) of section 10a-11, as amended by this act, or to the operating funds of the constituent units of the state system of higher education established pursuant to sections 10a-105, as amended by this act, 10a-99, as amended by this act, and 10a-77, as amended by this act. Such appropriations shall not lapse until the end of the fiscal year succeeding the fiscal year of the appropriation except that centers of excellence appropriations deposited by the Board of Regents for Higher Education in the Endowed Chair Investment Fund, established under section 10a-20a, as amended by this act, shall not lapse but shall be held permanently in the Endowed Chair Investment Fund and any moneys remaining in higher education operating funds of the constituent units of the state system of higher education shall not lapse but shall be held permanently in such funds. On or before September first, annually, the [Office of Higher Education] division of postsecondary education within the Department of Education and Board of Regents for Higher Education shall submit a report to the joint standing committee of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to appropriations and the budgets of state agencies, through the Office of Fiscal Analysis, concerning the amount of each such appropriation carried over from the preceding fiscal year.
Sec. 7. Subdivision (5) of subsection (b) of section 4-124dd of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2018):
(5) The Commissioners of Public Health and Education, the president of the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities and the [executive director of the Office of Higher Education] division chief of the division of postsecondary education within the Department of Education, established pursuant to section 10a-1d, as amended by this act, or their designees;
Sec. 8. Section 10-8c of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2018):
The Department of Education, [in cooperation with the Office of Higher Education] utilizing its division of postsecondary education, established pursuant to section 10a-1d, as amended by this act, shall, within available appropriations, (1) establish an accelerated cross endorsement process for each subject shortage area pursuant to section 10-8b to allow certified teachers to add a new endorsement to their certificates, and (2) establish a program for formerly certified teachers to regain certification.
Sec. 9. Subsection (b) of section 10-16p of the 2018 supplement to the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2018):
(b) (1) The office shall be the lead agency for school readiness. For purposes of this section and section 10-16u, school readiness program providers eligible for funding from the office shall include local and regional boards of education, regional educational service centers, family resource centers and providers of child care centers, as defined in section 19a-77, Head Start programs, preschool programs and other programs that meet such standards established by the commissioner. The office shall establish standards for school readiness programs. The standards may include, but need not be limited to, guidelines for staff-child interactions, curriculum content, including preliteracy development, lesson plans, parent involvement, staff qualifications and training, transition to school and administration. The office shall develop age-appropriate developmental skills and goals for children attending such programs. The commissioner, in consultation with the president of the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities, the Commissioners of Education and Social Services and other appropriate entities, shall develop a professional development program for the staff of school readiness programs.
(2) For purposes of this section:
(A) Prior to July 1, 2018, "staff qualifications" means there is in each classroom an individual who has at least the following: (i) A childhood development associate credential or an equivalent credential issued by an organization approved by the commissioner and twelve credits or more in early childhood education or child development, as determined by the commissioner or the president of the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities, after consultation with the commissioner, from an institution of higher education (I) accredited by the Board of Regents for Higher Education or [Office of Higher Education] the division of postsecondary education within the Department of Education, established pursuant to section 10a-1d, as amended by this act, and (II) regionally accredited; (ii) an associate degree with twelve credits or more in early childhood education or child development, as determined by the commissioner or the president of the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities, after consultation with the commissioner, from such an institution; (iii) a four-year degree with twelve credits or more in early childhood education or child development, as determined by the commissioner or the president of the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities, after consultation with the commissioner, from such an institution; (iv) certification pursuant to section 10-145b, as amended by this act, with an endorsement in early childhood education or special education; (v) an associate degree with a concentration in early childhood education from an institution of higher education that is regionally accredited; or (vi) a bachelor's degree with a concentration in early childhood education from an institution of higher education that is regionally accredited;
(B) From July 1, 2018, until June 30, 2021, "staff qualifications" means that for each early childhood education program accepting state funds for infant, toddler and preschool spaces associated with such program's child care program or school readiness program, (i) at least fifty per cent of those individuals with the primary responsibility for a classroom of children (I) hold certification pursuant to section 10-145b, as amended by this act, with an endorsement in early childhood education or early childhood special education, (II) have been issued an early childhood teacher credential, pursuant to section 10-520b, as amended by this act, (III) hold at least a bachelor's degree with a concentration in early childhood education from an institution of higher education that is regionally accredited, or (IV) satisfy the requirements of subdivision (3), (4) or (5) of this subsection, and (ii) such remaining individuals with the primary responsibility for a classroom of children hold an associate degree with a concentration in early childhood education from an institution of higher education that is regionally accredited; and
(C) On and after July 1, 2021, "staff qualifications" means that for each early childhood education program accepting state funds for infant, toddler and preschool spaces associated with such program's child care program or school readiness program, one hundred per cent of those individuals with the primary responsibility for a classroom of children (i) hold certification pursuant to section 10-145b, as amended by this act, with an endorsement in early childhood education or early childhood special education, (ii) have been issued an early childhood teacher credential, pursuant to subdivision (2) of section 10-520b, as amended by this act, (iii) hold at least a bachelor's degree with a concentration in early childhood education from an institution of higher education that is regionally accredited, or (iv) satisfy the requirements of subdivision (3), (4) or (5) of this subsection.
(3) Any individual with a bachelor's degree in early childhood education or child development or a bachelor's degree and twelve credits or more in early childhood education or child development, who, on or before June 30, 2015, is employed by an early childhood education program that accepts state funds for infant, toddler and preschool spaces associated with such program's child care program or school readiness program shall be considered to meet the staff qualifications required under subparagraphs (B) and (C) of subdivision (2) of this subsection. No such early childhood education program shall terminate any such individual from employment for purposes of meeting the staff qualification requirements set forth in subparagraph (B) or (C) of subdivision (2) of this subsection.
(4) Any individual with an associate degree or bachelor's degree in early childhood education or child development or an associate degree or a bachelor's degree and twelve credits or more in early childhood education or child development from an institution of higher education that is regionally accredited, other than an associate degree or a bachelor's degree with a concentration in early childhood education, may submit documentation concerning such degree for review and assessment by the office as to whether such degree has a sufficient concentration in early childhood education so as to satisfy the requirements set forth in subparagraphs (B) and (C) of subdivision (2) of this subsection.
(5) Any individual with an associate degree with twelve credits or more in early childhood education or child development, as determined by the commissioner or the president of the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities, after consultation with the commissioner, from an institution of higher education (A) accredited by the Board of Regents for Higher Education or [Office of Higher Education] the division of postsecondary education within the Department of Education, established pursuant to section 10a-1d, as amended by this act, and (B) regionally accredited, who has been employed in the same early childhood education program that accepts state funds for infant, toddler and preschool spaces associated with such program's child care program or school readiness program since 1995 shall be considered to meet the staff qualifications required under subparagraphs (B) and (C) of subdivision (2) of this subsection until June 30, 2025. On and after July 1, 2025, such individual shall hold a childhood development associate credential or an equivalent credential, described in subparagraph (A) of subdivision (2) of this subsection, or otherwise meet the staff qualifications required under subparagraph (C) of subdivision (2) of this subsection. Any such individual who terminates his or her employment with such early childhood education program on or before June 30, 2025, and accepts a position at another early childhood education program accepting state funds for spaces associated with such program's child care program or school readiness program shall submit documentation of such individual's progress toward meeting the staff qualification requirements set forth in subparagraph (B) or (C) of subdivision (2) of this subsection in a manner determined by the office.
Sec. 10. Subsection (a) of section 10-145b of the 2018 supplement to the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2018):
(a) The State Board of Education, upon receipt of a proper application, shall issue an initial educator certificate to any person who (1) holds a bachelor's degree from an institution of higher education accredited by the Board of Regents for Higher Education or [Office of Higher Education] the division of postsecondary education within the Department of Education, established pursuant to section 10a-1d, as amended by this act, or is regionally accredited, and (2) has completed (A) an educator preparation program approved by the State Board of Education or the appropriate governing body in the state in which the institution of higher education is located, or (B) an alternate route to certification program approved by the State Board of Education or the appropriate governing body in the state in which such alternate route to certification program is located, and satisfies the requirements for a temporary ninety-day certificate, pursuant to subsection (c) of this section, or a resident teacher certificate, pursuant to section 10-145m, as amended by this act. In addition, on and after July 1, 1993, each applicant shall have completed a subject area major as defined by the State Board of Education, except as provided in section 10-145l. Each such initial educator certificate shall be valid for three years, except as provided in subsection (c) of this section, and may be extended by the Commissioner of Education for an additional year for good cause upon the request of the superintendent in whose school district such person is employed or upon the request of the assessment team reviewing such person's performance.
Sec. 11. Subparagraph (B) of subdivision (1) of subsection (c) of section 10-145b of the 2018 supplement to the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2018):
(B) The applicant meets the following requirements, except as otherwise provided in subparagraph (C) of this subdivision:
(i) Holds a bachelor's degree from an institution of higher education accredited by the Board of Regents for Higher Education or [Office of Higher Education] the division of postsecondary education within the Department of Education, established pursuant to section 10a-1d, as amended by this act, or regionally accredited with a major either in or closely related to the certification endorsement area in which the requesting board of education is placing the applicant or, in the case of secondary or special subject or field endorsement area, possesses at least the minimum total number of semester hours of credit required for the content area, except as provided in section 10-145l;
(ii) Has met the requirements pursuant to subsection (b) of section 10-145f;
(iii) Presents a written application on such forms as the Commissioner of Education shall prescribe;
(iv) Has successfully completed an alternate route to certification program provided by the Board of Regents for Higher Education or the [Office of Higher Education] division of postsecondary education within the Department of Education or public or independent institutions of higher education, regional educational service centers or private teacher or administrator training organizations and approved by the State Board of Education;
(v) Possesses an undergraduate college overall grade point average of at least "B" or, if the applicant has completed at least twenty-four hours of graduate credit, possesses a graduate grade point average of at least "B"; and
(vi) Presents supporting evidence of appropriate experience working with children; and
Sec. 12. Subsection (a) of section 10-145m of the 2018 supplement to the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2018):
(a) The State Board of Education, upon receipt of a proper application, shall issue a resident teacher certificate to any applicant in the certification endorsement areas of elementary education, middle grades education, secondary academic subjects, special subjects or fields, special education, early childhood education and administration and supervision, who (1) holds a bachelor's degree from an institution of higher education accredited by the Board of Regents for Higher Education or [Office of Higher Education] the division of postsecondary education within the Department of Education, established pursuant to section 10a-1d, as amended by this act, or regionally accredited, (2) possesses a minimum undergraduate college cumulative grade point average of 3.00, (3) has achieved a qualifying score, as determined by the State Board of Education, on the appropriate State Board of Education approved subject area assessment, and (4) is enrolled in an alternate route to certification program, approved by the State Board of Education, that meets the guidelines established by the No Child Left Behind Act, P.L. 107-110.
Sec. 13. Subsection (a) of section 10-145n of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2018):
(a) Subject to the provisions of subsection (g) of this section, the State Board of Education, upon the request of a local or regional board of education or a regional educational service center, may issue an adjunct instructor permit to any applicant with specialized training, experience or expertise in the arts, as defined in subsection (a) of section 10-16b. Such permit shall authorize a person to hold a part-time position, of no more than fifteen classroom instructional hours per week at a part-time interdistrict arts magnet high school in existence on July 1, 2009, and approved pursuant to section 10-264l or the Cooperative Arts and Humanities Magnet High School, as a teacher of art, music, dance, theater or any other subject related to such holder's artistic specialty. Except as provided in subsection (g) of this section, such applicant shall (1) hold a bachelor's degree from an institution of higher education accredited by the Board of Regents for Higher Education or [Office of Higher Education] the division of postsecondary education within the Department of Education, established pursuant to section 10a-1d, as amended by this act, or regionally accredited, (2) have a minimum of three years of work experience in the arts, or one year of work experience and two years of specialized schooling related to such applicant's artistic specialty, and (3) attest to the State Board of Education that he or she has at least one hundred eighty hours of cumulative experience working with children, in a private or public setting, including, but not limited to, after school programs, group lessons, children's theater, dance studio lessons and artist-in-residence programs, or at least two years experience as a full-time faculty member at an institution of higher education.
Sec. 14. Subsection (a) of section 10-145p of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2018):
(a) The Department of Education shall review and approve proposals for alternate route to certification programs for school administrators. In order to be approved, a proposal shall provide that the alternate route to certification program (1) be provided by a public or independent institution of higher education, a local or regional board of education, a regional educational service center or a private, nonprofit teacher or administrator training organization approved by the State Board of Education; (2) accept only those participants who (A) hold a bachelor's degree from an institution of higher education accredited by the Board of Regents for Higher Education or [Office of Higher Education] the division of postsecondary education within the Department of Education, established pursuant to section 10a-1d, as amended by this act, or regionally accredited, (B) (i) have at least forty school months teaching experience, of which at least ten school months are in a position requiring certification at a public school, in this state or another state, or (ii) have less than ten months teaching experience in a public school in another state while holding professional certification, provided (I) such participant provides a statement of justification for participation in such alternate route to certification program and receives approval from the department for such participant's participation in such alternate route to certification program, and (II) the number of such participants shall not be greater than ten per cent of the total number of participants in such alternate route to certification program for a school year, and (C) are recommended by the immediate supervisor or district administrator of such person on the basis of such person's performance; (3) require each participant to (A) complete a one-year residency that requires such person to serve (i) in a position requiring an intermediate administrator or supervisor endorsement, and (ii) in a full-time position for ten school months at a local or regional board of education in the state under the supervision of (I) a certified administrator, and (II) a supervisor from an institution or organization described in subdivision (1) of this subsection, or (B) have ten school months experience in a full-time position as an administrator in a public or nonpublic school in another state that is approved by the appropriate state board of education in such other state; and (4) meet such other criteria as the department requires.
Sec. 15. Subsection (d) of section 10-145p of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2018):
(d) Notwithstanding the provisions of subparagraph (B) of subdivision (2) of subsection (a) of this section, any entity described in subdivision (1) of subsection (a) of this section that administers an alternate route to certification program for school administrators, approved by the Department of Education under this section, shall permit any person who has provided service to a local or regional board of education in a supervisory or managerial role for at least forty school months and held a professional educator certificate for at least ten school months during such forty school months, to participate in such alternate route to certification program for school administrators, provided such person holds a bachelor's degree from an institution of higher education accredited by the Board of Regents for Higher Education or [Office of Higher Education] the division of postsecondary education within the Department of Education or regionally accredited and is recommended by the immediate supervisor or district administrator of such person on the basis of such person's performance.
Sec. 16. Section 10-145t of the 2018 supplement to the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2018):
(a) For purposes of this section, "school support staff" means any person employed by a local or regional board of education as a board certified behavior analyst or board certified assistant behavior analyst, as such terms are defined in section 20-185i, athletic coach, as defined in section 10-149d, or school paraprofessional.
(b) The Department of Education shall review and approve proposals for alternate route to certification programs for persons employed as school support staff. In order to be approved, a proposal shall provide that the alternate route to certification program (1) be provided by a public or independent institution of higher education, a local or regional board of education, a regional educational service center or a private, nonprofit teacher or administrator training organization approved by the State Board of Education; (2) accept only those participants who (A) hold a bachelor's degree from an institution of higher education accredited by the Board of Regents for Higher Education or the [Office of Higher Education] division of postsecondary education within the Department of Education, established pursuant to section 10a-1d, as amended by this act, or regionally accredited, (B) have been employed as school support staff by a local or regional board of education for at least forty school months, and (C) are recommended by the immediate supervisor or district administrator of such person on the basis of such person's performance; (3) require each participant to complete a one-year residency that requires such person to serve (A) in a position requiring professional certification, and (B) in a full-time position for ten school months at a local or regional board of education in the state under the supervision of (i) a certified administrator or teacher, and (ii) a supervisor from an institution or organization described in subdivision (1) of this subsection; and (4) meet such other criteria as the department requires.
(c) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (d) of section 10-145b, on and after July 1, 2016, the State Board of Education, upon receipt of a proper application, shall issue an initial educator certificate, which shall be valid for three years, to any person who (1) successfully completed the alternate route to certification program under this section, and (2) meets the requirements established in subsection (b) of section 10-145f.
(d) Notwithstanding any regulation adopted by the State Board of Education pursuant to section 10-145b, any person who successfully completed the alternate route to certification program under this section and was issued an initial educator certificate in the endorsement area of administration and supervision shall obtain a master's degree not later than five years after such person was issued such initial educator certificate. If such person does not obtain a master's degree in such time period, such person shall not be eligible for a professional educator certificate.
*Note: On and after July 1, 2018, subsection (a) of this section, as amended by section 196 of public act 17-2 of the June special session, is to read as follows:
"(a) For purposes of this section, "school support staff" means any person employed by a local or regional board of education as a behavior analyst or assistant behavior analyst, as such terms are defined in section 20-185i athletic coach, as defined in section 10-149d, or school paraprofessional."
Sec. 17. Section 10-155d of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2018):
(a) The [Office of Higher Education] Department of Education, utilizing its division of postsecondary education, established pursuant to section 10a-1d, as amended by this act, shall encourage and support experimentation and research in the preparation of teachers for public elementary and secondary schools. To help fulfill the purposes of this section, the [Office of Higher Education] department shall appoint an advisory council composed of qualified professionals which shall render assistance and advice to the [office] department. In carrying out its activities pursuant to this section, the [office] department shall consult with the State Board of Education and such other agencies as it deems appropriate to assure coordination of all activities of the state relating to the preparation of teachers for public elementary and secondary schools.
(b) The [Office of Higher Education, with the approval of the] Commissioner of Education, shall expand, within available appropriations, participation in its summer alternate route to certification program and its weekend and evening alternate route to certification program. The [office] department shall expand the weekend and evening program for participants seeking certification in a subject shortage area pursuant to section 10-8b. The [office] department, in collaboration with the Department of Education, shall develop (1) a regional alternate route to certification program targeted to the subject shortage areas, and (2) an alternate route to certification program for former teachers whose certificates have expired and who are interested in resuming their teaching careers.
(c) The [Office of Higher Education, in consultation with the Department of Education] department, utilizing its division of postsecondary education, shall develop alternate route to certification programs for (1) school administrators and superintendents, and (2) early childhood education teachers. The programs shall include mentored apprenticeships and criteria for admission to the programs.
Sec. 18. Subdivision (1) of subsection (c) of section 10-155l of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2018):
(1) A fellows program leading to the eligibility for an educator certificate for minority individuals who have (A) completed an intensive summer session focusing on classroom management and methodology, (B) received a bachelor's degree from an institution of higher education accredited by the Board of Regents for Higher Education or [Office of Higher Education] the division of postsecondary education within the Department of Education, established pursuant to section 10a-1d, as amended by this act, or regionally accredited, (C) achieved a satisfactory score on the examination required pursuant to section 10-145f or have had such requirement waived pursuant to said section, and (D) have such other qualifications for the issuance of an educator certificate as are required for individuals participating in the alternate route to certification program under section 10-155d, as amended by this act;
Sec. 19. Section 10-156cc of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2018):
Not later than July 1, 2017, and annually thereafter, the Department of Education shall submit a report using results-based accountability measures to assess the effectiveness of minority teacher recruitment programs in the state to the joint standing committees of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to education and appropriations, in accordance with the provisions of section 11-4a. Such minority teacher recruitment programs shall include, but not be limited to, any program administered by a regional educational service center pursuant to section 10-155l, as amended by this act, and the minority teacher incentive program, established pursuant to section 10a-168a, as amended by this act, and administered by the [Office of Higher Education pursuant to section 10a-168a] division of postsecondary education within the Department of Education, established pursuant to section 10a-1d, as amended by this act.
Sec. 20. Subsections (f) and (g) of section 10-221a of the 2018 supplement to the general statutes are repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2018):
(f) Determination of eligible credits shall be at the discretion of the local or regional board of education, provided the primary focus of the curriculum of eligible credits corresponds directly to the subject matter of the specified course requirements. The local or regional board of education may permit a student to graduate during a period of expulsion pursuant to section 10-233d, if the board determines the student has satisfactorily completed the necessary credits pursuant to this section. The requirements of this section shall apply to any student requiring special education pursuant to section 10-76a, except when the planning and placement team for such student determines the requirement not to be appropriate. For purposes of this section, a credit shall consist of not less than the equivalent of a forty-minute class period for each school day of a school year except for a credit or part of a credit toward high school graduation earned (1) at an institution accredited by the Board of Regents for Higher Education or [Office of Higher Education] the division of postsecondary education within the Department of Education, established pursuant to section 10a-1d, as amended by this act, or regionally accredited, (2) through on-line coursework that is in accordance with a policy adopted pursuant to subsection (g) of this section, or (3) through a demonstration of mastery based on competency and performance standards, in accordance with guidelines adopted by the State Board of Education.
(g) Only courses taken in grades nine to twelve, inclusive, and that are in accordance with the state-wide subject matter content standards, adopted by the State Board of Education pursuant to section 10-4, shall satisfy the graduation requirements set forth in this section, except that a local or regional board of education may grant a student credit (1) toward meeting the high school graduation requirements upon the successful demonstration of mastery of the subject matter content described in this section achieved through educational experiences and opportunities that provide flexible and multiple pathways to learning, including cross-curricular graduation requirements, career and technical education, virtual learning, work-based learning, service learning, dual enrollment and early college, courses taken in middle school, internships and student-designed independent studies, provided such demonstration of mastery is in accordance with such state-wide subject matter content standards; (2) toward meeting a specified course requirement upon the successful completion in grade seven or eight of any course, the primary focus of which corresponds directly to the subject matter of a specified course requirement in grades nine to twelve, inclusive; (3) toward meeting the high school graduation requirement upon the successful completion of a world language course (A) in grade six, seven or eight, (B) through on-line coursework, or (C) offered privately through a nonprofit provider, provided such student achieves a passing grade on an examination prescribed, within available appropriations, by the Commissioner of Education and such credits do not exceed four; (4) toward meeting the high school graduation requirement upon achievement of a passing grade on a subject area proficiency examination identified and approved, within available appropriations, by the Commissioner of Education, regardless of the number of hours the student spent in a public school classroom learning such subject matter; (5) toward meeting the high school graduation requirement upon the successful completion of coursework during the school year or summer months at an institution accredited by the Board of Regents for Higher Education or [Office of Higher Education] the division of postsecondary education within the Department of Education or regionally accredited. One three-credit semester course, or its equivalent, at such an institution shall equal one-half credit for purposes of this section; (6) toward meeting the high school graduation requirement upon the successful completion of on-line coursework, provided the local or regional board of education has adopted a policy in accordance with this subdivision for the granting of credit for on-line coursework. Such a policy shall ensure, at a minimum, that (A) the workload required by the on-line course is equivalent to that of a similar course taught in a traditional classroom setting, (B) the content is rigorous and aligned with curriculum guidelines approved by the State Board of Education, where appropriate, (C) the course engages students and has interactive components, which may include, but are not limited to, required interactions between students and their teachers, participation in on-line demonstrations, discussion boards or virtual labs, (D) the program of instruction for such on-line coursework is planned, ongoing and systematic, and (E) the courses are (i) taught by teachers who are certified in the state or another state and have received training on teaching in an on-line environment, or (ii) offered by institutions of higher education that are accredited by the Board of Regents for Higher Education or [Office of Higher Education] the division of postsecondary education within the Department of Education or regionally accredited; or (7) toward meeting the high school graduation requirement upon the successful completion of the academic advancement program, pursuant to section 10-5c.
Sec. 21. Section 10-264n of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2018):
The Commissioner of Education shall consult with (1) the Board of Trustees for Community-Technical Colleges, (2) the Board of Trustees of the Connecticut State University System, (3) the boards of trustees for higher education institutions licensed and accredited by the Board of Regents for Higher Education or [Office of Higher Education] the division of postsecondary education within the Department of Education, established pursuant to section 10a-1d, as amended by this act, or (4) the Board of Trustees for The University of Connecticut and may consult with any not-for-profit corporation approved by the Commissioner of Education to initiate collaborative planning for establishing additional interdistrict magnet schools in the Sheff region, as defined in subsection (q) of section 10-266aa.
Sec. 22. Subsection (b) of section 10-520 of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2018):
(b) On and after July 1, 2015, the Office of Early Childhood shall, during a review and assessment pursuant to subdivision (4) of subsection (b) of section 10-16p, as amended by this act, collect data relating to bachelor's degree programs in early childhood education or child development that have not been approved by the Board of Regents for Higher Education or the [Office of Higher Education] division of postsecondary education within the Department of Education, established pursuant to section 10a-1d, as amended by this act, and the Office of Early Childhood from institutions of higher education that are regionally accredited. The office shall, at least quarterly, use such data to conduct a trend analysis of such bachelor's degree programs for the purpose of determining (1) whether such bachelor's degree programs align with the teacher preparation standards of the National Association for the Education of Young Children, and (2) which courses and concentrations offered as part of such bachelor's degree programs align with such teacher preparation standards.
Sec. 23. Subsection (a) of section 10a-6 of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2018):
(a) The Board of Regents for Higher Education shall: (1) Establish policies and guidelines for the Connecticut State University System, the regional community-technical college system and Charter Oak State College; (2) develop a master plan for higher education and postsecondary education at the Connecticut State University System, the regional community-technical college system and Charter Oak State College consistent with the goals identified in section 10a-11c; (3) establish tuition and student fee policies for the Connecticut State University System, the regional community-technical college system and Charter Oak State College; (4) monitor and evaluate the effectiveness and viability of the state universities, the regional community-technical colleges and Charter Oak State College in accordance with criteria established by the board; (5) merge or close institutions within the Connecticut State University System, the regional community-technical college system and Charter Oak State College in accordance with criteria established by the board, provided (A) such recommended merger or closing shall require a two-thirds vote of the board, and (B) notice of such recommended merger or closing shall be sent to the committee having cognizance over matters relating to education and to the General Assembly; (6) review and approve mission statements for the Connecticut State University System, the regional community-technical college system and Charter Oak State College and role and scope statements for the individual institutions and campuses of such constituent units; (7) review and approve any recommendations for the establishment of new academic programs submitted to the board by the state universities within the Connecticut State University System, the regional community-technical colleges and Charter Oak State College, and, in consultation with the affected constituent units, provide for the initiation, consolidation or termination of academic programs; (8) develop criteria to ensure acceptable quality in (A) programs at the Connecticut State University System, the regional community-technical college system and Charter Oak State College, and (B) institutions within the Connecticut State University System and the regional community-technical college system and enforce standards through licensing and accreditation; (9) prepare and present to the Governor and General Assembly, in accordance with section 10a-8, consolidated operating and capital expenditure budgets for the Connecticut State University System, the regional community-technical college system and Charter Oak State College developed in accordance with the provisions of said section 10a-8; (10) review and make recommendations on plans received from the Connecticut State University System, the regional community-technical college system and Charter Oak State College to implement the goals identified in section 10a-11c; (11) appoint advisory committees with representatives from public and independent institutions of higher education to study methods and proposals for coordinating efforts of the public institutions of higher education under its jurisdiction with The University of Connecticut and the independent institutions of higher education to implement the goals identified in section 10a-11c; (12) evaluate (A) means of implementing the goals identified in section 10a-11c, and (B) any recommendations made by the Planning Commission for Higher Education in implementing the strategic master plan pursuant to section 10a-11b, as amended by this act, through alternative and nontraditional approaches such as external degrees and credit by examination; (13) coordinate programs and services among the Connecticut State University System, the regional community-technical college system and Charter Oak State College; (14) assess opportunities for collaboration with The University of Connecticut and the independent institutions of higher education to implement the goals identified in section 10a-11c; (15) make or enter into contracts, leases or other agreements in connection with its responsibilities under this part, provided all acquisitions of real estate by lease or otherwise shall be subject to the provisions of section 4b-23; (16) be responsible for the care and maintenance of permanent records of institutions of higher education dissolved after September 1, 1969; (17) prepare and present to the Governor and General Assembly legislative proposals affecting the Connecticut State University System, the regional community-technical college system and Charter Oak State College; (18) develop and maintain a central higher education information system and establish definitions and data requirements for the Connecticut State University System, the regional community-technical college system and Charter Oak State College; (19) report all new programs and program changes at the Connecticut State University System, the regional community-technical college system and Charter Oak State College to the [Office of Higher Education] division of postsecondary education within the Department of Education, established pursuant to section 10a-1d, as amended by this act; and (20) undertake such studies and other activities as will best serve the higher educational interests of the Connecticut State University System, the regional community-technical college system and Charter Oak State College.
Sec. 24. Section 10a-8b of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2018):
There is established a Higher Education State Matching Grant Fund to be administered by the [Office of Higher Education] division of postsecondary education within the Department of Education, established pursuant to section 10a-1d, as amended by this act. Moneys required to be appropriated by the state for purposes of the state match of endowment fund eligible gifts under subdivision (2) of subsection (a) of section 10a-143a, as amended by this act, subdivision (2) of subsection (a) of section 10a-77a, as amended by this act, subdivision (2) of subsection (a) of section 10a-99a, as amended by this act, and subdivision (2) of subsection (b) of section 10a-109i, as amended by this act, shall be deposited in the fund. The fund shall be held separate and apart from all other funds and accounts of the state and the board. The [Office of Higher Education] division shall transfer, in accordance with said subdivisions, from the fund amounts each fiscal year for deposit in the endowment funds established for the benefit of each constituent unit pursuant to subdivision (1) of subsection (a) of section 10a-143a, subdivision (1) of subsection (a) of section 10a-77a, subdivision (1) of subsection (a) of section 10a-99a and subdivision (1) of subsection (b) of section 10a-109i. The amount transferred shall be certified based on agreed upon procedures developed by an independent certified accountant or, upon request, the Auditors of Public Accounts to determine compliance with this section. Such procedures shall be mutually agreed upon by each constituent unit and the [Office of Higher Education] division prior to commencement of the certification. State matching funds shall be maintained in such manner that such funds and any earnings derived from such funds may be accounted for fully.
Sec. 25. Section 10a-8c of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2018):
(a) Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, notwithstanding the provisions of sections 10a-77a, as amended by this act, 10a-99a, as amended by this act, 10a-109c, 10a-109i, as amended by this act, and 10a-143a, as amended by this act, no funds shall be appropriated to the [Office of Higher Education] division of postsecondary education within the Department of Education, established pursuant to section 10a-1d, as amended by this act, for grants pursuant to subdivision (2) of subsection (a) of section 10a-77a, as amended by this act, subdivision (2) of subsection (a) of section 10a-99a, as amended by this act, subdivision (2) of subsection (b) of section 10a-109i, as amended by this act, and subdivision (2) of subsection (a) of section 10a-143a, as amended by this act: (1) Until such time as the amount in the Budget Reserve Fund, established in section 4-30a, equals ten per cent of the net General Fund appropriations for the fiscal year in progress, (2) the amount of the grants appropriated shall be reduced proportionately if the amount available is less than the amount required for such grants, and (3) the amount of funds available to be appropriated during any fiscal year for such grants shall not exceed twenty-five million dollars.
(b) Endowment fund eligible gifts that meet the criteria set forth in subdivision (2) of subsection (a) of section 10a-77a, as amended by this act, subdivision (2) of subsection (a) of section 10a-99a, as amended by this act, subdivision (2) of subsection (b) of section 10a-109i, as amended by this act, and subdivision (2) of subsection (a) of section 10a-143a, as amended by this act, made by donors during the period from January 1, 2005, to June 30, 2005, shall be matched by the [Office of Higher Education] division in an amount equal to one-half of the total amount of endowment fund eligible gifts received. The board shall transfer the amount of the match to the endowment funds of the constituent units in accordance with section 10a-8b, as amended by this act.
Sec. 26. Section 10a-10 of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2018):
The [Office of Higher Education] division of postsecondary education within the Department of Education, established pursuant to section 10a-1d, as amended by this act, shall establish an [Office of Educational Opportunity in the Office of Higher Education] office of educational opportunity within the division, within the limits of funds appropriated for such purpose. The [Office of Educational Opportunity] office shall assist the [Office of Higher Education] division in state-wide efforts to increase enrollment, retention and graduation of disadvantaged students.
Sec. 27. Section 10a-10a of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2018):
The [Office of Higher Education] division of postsecondary education within the Department of Education, established pursuant to section 10a-1d, as amended by this act, shall develop, within available appropriations, an alternate route to certification for persons seeking certification as bilingual education teachers and teachers of English as a second language.
Sec. 28. Section 10a-11 of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2018):
(a) The [Office of Higher Education] division of postsecondary education within the Department of Education, established pursuant to section 10a-1d, as amended by this act, shall, in consultation with the institutions of the state system of higher education and the constituent unit boards of trustees, develop a strategic plan, consistent with the affirmative action plan submitted to the Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities in accordance with section 46a-68, to ensure that students, faculty, administrators and staff at each institution are representative of the racial and ethnic diversity of the total population of the state. For each institution, there shall be an approved plan which shall include goals, programs and timetables for achieving those goals, and a procedure to monitor annually the results of these programs and a procedure to take corrective action if necessary. The [Office of Higher Education] division shall also develop policies to guide equal employment opportunity officers and programs in all constituent units and at each institution of public higher education.
(b) The [Office of Higher Education] division shall [report] annually submit a report to the [Governor and General Assembly] Commissioner of Education on the activities undertaken by the [office] division in accordance with subsection (a) of this section. The Commissioner of Education shall forward such report to the Governor and General Assembly. The report shall include institutional goals and plans for attaining such goals, as well as changes in enrollment and employment at the state's institutions of public higher education. If it is determined that an institution has failed to achieve the goals set out pursuant to this section, such institution shall develop a plan of corrective procedures to ensure that such goals are achieved, subject to the approval of the [Office of Higher Education] division. The [Office of Higher Education] division may establish a minority advancement program to reward and support efforts by institutions within the state system of higher education towards meeting the goals established in the strategic plan developed pursuant to subsection (a) of this section.
Sec. 29. Section 10a-11a of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2018):
(a) As part of the minority advancement program, the [Office of Higher Education] division of postsecondary education within the Department of Education, established pursuant to section 10a-1d, as amended by this act, shall establish a Connecticut collegiate awareness and preparation program to develop linkages with public school systems targeted by the [office] division for the purpose of providing motivation and skills development for middle school or high school underachievers.
(b) Funding for said program shall be on a competitive basis open to all Connecticut institutions of higher education. The [Office of Higher Education] division shall issue a request for proposals to all Connecticut higher educational institutions. A panel shall review applications on the basis of an evaluation format developed by said [office] division. Payment will be made under contractual agreements between the [office] division and the grant recipients.
Sec. 30. Section 10a-11d of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2018):
On and after July 1, 2015, within available appropriations, the [Office of Higher Education] division of postsecondary education within the Department of Education, established pursuant to section 10a-1d, as amended by this act, shall annually submit a report on teacher candidate demographics in teacher preparation programs leading to professional certification offered at institutions of higher education in the state to the State Board of Education and the joint standing committee of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to education, in accordance with the provisions of section 11-4a. Such report shall include, but not be limited to, teacher candidate enrollment by subgroups, such as race, ethnicity and gender, with respect to the recruitment, preparation and retention of quality minority teachers, as defined in section 10-155l, as amended by this act.
Sec. 31. Section 10a-12 of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2018):
There shall be [an Office of Veterans Affairs for Higher Education] a veterans affairs for higher education unit within the [Office of Higher Education] division of postsecondary education within the Department of Education, established pursuant to section 10a-1d, as amended by this act. The [Office of Veterans Affairs for Higher Education] unit shall assist veterans seeking a postsecondary education by providing administrative services for veteran affairs programs, including but not limited to: (1) Promoting a comprehensive state-wide outreach program which coordinates existing funds and programs, (2) collecting and disseminating information on the availability of public and private funds for educational programs for veterans, (3) advising and counseling organizations and institutions applying for funds to aid veterans in their pursuit of higher education, and (4) acting as a clearinghouse for such other information as may be helpful to veterans seeking a postsecondary education.
Sec. 32. Section 10a-13 of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2018):
The Board of Regents for Higher Education and the [Office of Higher Education] division of postsecondary education within the Department of Education, established pursuant to section 10a-1d, as amended by this act, may receive any federal funds made available to the board and the [office] division, respectively, for postsecondary educational purposes and may receive funds from private sources for the support of said board's and said [office's] division's activities.
Sec. 33. Section 10a-14 of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2018):
The Board of Regents for Higher Education and the [Office of Higher Education] division of postsecondary education within the Department of Education, established pursuant to section 10a-1d, as amended by this act, shall be designated the State Postsecondary Education Commission to plan postsecondary education and to receive and administer federal funds.
Sec. 34. Section 10a-17d of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2018):
The [Office of Higher Education] division of postsecondary education within the Department of Education, established pursuant to section 10a-1d, as amended by this act, may, within the limits of available appropriations, federal funds available under the National Service Act and any other funds available, assist in providing tutors for eligible students. Such tutors may be members of the National Service Corps, as designated by the [Office of Higher Education] division, or students at a public or independent institution of higher education in Connecticut. Any student assigned as a tutor pursuant to this section shall receive academic credit pursuant to section 10a-149b.
Sec. 35. Subsection (a) of section 10a-19j of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2018):
(a) There is established an English language learner educator incentive program to be administered by the [Office of Higher Education] division of postsecondary education within the Department of Education, established pursuant to section 10a-1d, as amended by this act.
Sec. 36. Section 10a-20a of the 2018 supplement to the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2018):
(a) The [Office of Higher Education] division of postsecondary education within the Department of Education, established pursuant to section 10a-1d, as amended by this act, may establish and administer a fund to be known as the Endowed Chair Investment Fund. Within the limits of funds available, the [office] division may approve an application, submitted pursuant to subsection (b) of this section, for the establishment of an endowed chair and deposit state funds for such endowed chair to an account within said fund in an amount not less than five hundred thousand dollars.
(b) The Board of Trustees of The University of Connecticut and the Board of Trustees of the Connecticut State University System may submit an application for the establishment of an endowed chair to be supported by a grant of not less than five hundred thousand and not more than one million dollars from the Endowed Chair Investment Fund and a matching nonstate contribution. Applications for endowed chairs shall be accepted on October first and April first in each year in which funds are available. To apply for the state grant, the board of trustees shall notify the [office] division that it has raised a matching nonstate contribution and that it is eligible for a grant of state funds to establish an endowed chair in a specific academic discipline. The board of trustees shall submit for the [office's] division's review and approval evidence that the chair will be established in a center of excellence, as defined in subsection (b) of section 10a-25h.
(c) Following approval of an application for an endowed chair by the [office] division, the board of trustees of the institution at which such endowed chair is established shall select candidates to fill such endowed chair and shall develop a budget for expenditures associated with such endowed chair.
(d) Any state funds deposited by the [office] division to the Endowed Chair Investment Fund shall be invested by the State Treasurer, except a duly established foundation of The University of Connecticut or the Connecticut State University System, as appropriate, may request the [office] division to transfer any state funds relating to an approved application for an endowed chair to such duly established foundation for the purpose of investing such state funds in accordance with the provisions of subsection (f) of this section.
(e) Any interest income earned on state funds invested by the State Treasurer pursuant to subsection (d) of this section shall be deposited to the Endowed Chair Investment Fund and, following establishment of an endowed chair under this section shall be allocated annually, upon request, to The University of Connecticut or to the Connecticut State University System, as appropriate, to support the endowed chair. Nonstate matching contributions shall be held by a duly established foundation of The University of Connecticut or the Connecticut State University System and the interest on such contributions shall be used to support the endowed chair.
(f) For the fiscal year ending June 30, 2018, and each fiscal year thereafter, The University of Connecticut or the Connecticut State University System may request, and the [office] division shall transfer, any state funds deposited in the Endowed Chair Investment Fund to a duly established foundation of The University of Connecticut or the Connecticut State University System, as appropriate, for an endowed chair established under this section. Such duly established foundation shall invest such state funds, and any interest income earned on such state funds shall be used to support the endowed chair. Such duly established foundation shall (1) account for such state funds separately from the nonstate matching contributions, (2) hold such state funds as a permanently restricted asset for the endowed chair, and (3) manage such state funds in accordance with the Connecticut Uniform Prudent Management of Institutional Funds Act (UPMIFA), pursuant to sections 45a-535 to 45a-535i, inclusive, and in a manner consistent with such foundation's investment and expenditure policies. No interest income earned from the state funds in any fiscal year shall be used to support the endowed chair when, at the close of the fiscal year, the market value of such state funds is less than the principal value. At the close of the fiscal year, such duly established foundation shall restore the original amount of state funds deposited in the Endowed Chair Investment Fund to a duly established foundation of The University of Connecticut or the Connecticut State University System, as appropriate, at the beginning of the next fiscal year.
(g) The boards of trustees shall submit annual reports, in accordance with the provisions of section 11-4a, to the [office] division and the joint standing committee of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to higher education concerning the management of the endowed chair. For a duly established foundation administering an endowed chair in a manner described in subsection (e) of this section, such report shall include, but not be limited to, the expenditures of the endowed chair. For a duly established foundation administering an endowed chair in a manner described in subsection (f) of this section, such report shall include, but not be limited to, (1) expenditures, (2) the balance of state funds in each of the two previous fiscal years, (3) the balance of nonstate matching contributions in each of the two previous fiscal years, and (4) the amount of interest income earned for the state funds and nonstate matching contributions for the previous fiscal year.
Sec. 37. Section 10a-22 of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2018):
(a) In order to secure for the citizens of Connecticut the additional advantages which would accrue from more efficient use of the educational resources of the state, the Board of Regents for Higher Education and the [Office of Higher Education] division of postsecondary education within the Department of Education, established pursuant to section 10a-1d, as amended by this act, are authorized to enter into contracts involving two or more of the public institutions or any combination of public institutions, independent institutions and licensed postsecondary proprietary schools, with participation involving at least two of these sectors, one of which shall be a public institution. Such contracts shall encourage and promote (1) cooperative arrangements for the joint use of facilities, programs and services, (2) development of cooperative academic programs to meet changing societal needs, and (3) improved planning and evaluation processes related to institutional or programmatic consolidations, retrenchment or phase-out. The board and the [office] division may allocate funds appropriated for the purposes of this section to a participating independent institution, public institution, or licensed postsecondary proprietary school. Participating institutions or schools shall be required to contribute a total amount equal to at least twenty-five per cent of the amount of the contract award, provided the participating institutions shall identify the nature and amount of said contribution requirement in the proposal submitted for consideration in accordance with the provisions of this section. Contracting for activities supported by this section shall be for a period of one year. In special circumstances, activities may be eligible for a second year of support if the applicants can demonstrate the feasibility for continuation of the activity from other funding sources beyond the second year.
(b) For the purposes of this section: (1) A program is defined as a course of study leading to certification, licensure, certificate, or degree at all postsecondary levels; (2) a facility is defined as a building or an area within a building, a group of buildings, a special area, or specialized items of equipment used for educational purposes; (3) a service is defined as a formal activity designed to explore scientific, technological or humanistic problems, to find solutions to contemporary societal problems or to provide selected public service or student service activities; (4) an independent institution is a college or university located in this state which is not included in the Connecticut system of public higher education and whose primary function is other than the preparation of students for religious vocation; and (5) a licensed postsecondary proprietary school is an educational institution so licensed by the [Office of Higher Education] division of postsecondary education within the Department of Education.
(c) The Board of Regents for Higher Education and [Office of Higher Education] the division of postsecondary education within the Department of Education shall provide continuing evaluation of the effectiveness of such contracts and shall submit on or before February first, annual reports and recommendations to the Governor and the joint standing committee of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to education. In administering this section, the Board of Regents for Higher Education and [Office of Higher Education] the division of postsecondary education within the Department of Education shall develop and use fiscal procedures designed to insure accountability of public funds.
Sec. 38. Subdivisions (3) and (4) of section 10a-22a of the 2018 supplement to the general statutes are repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2018):
(3) "Branch" means a subdivision of a school (A) located at a different facility and geographical site from the school, except for a site that is an additional classroom site as determined by the [executive director] division chief, or the [executive director's] division chief's designee, and (B) that (i) offers one or more complete programs leading to a diploma or certificate; (ii) operates under the school's certificate of operation; (iii) meets the same conditions of authorization as the school; and (iv) exercises administrative control and is responsible for its own academic affairs;
(4) ["Executive director" means the executive director of the Office of Higher Education] "Division chief" means the division chief of the division of postsecondary education within the Department of Education, established pursuant to section 10a-1d, as amended by this act; and
Sec. 39. Section 10a-22b of the 2018 supplement to the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2018):
(a) No person, board, association, partnership, corporation, limited liability company or other entity shall offer instruction in any form or manner in any trade or in any industrial, commercial, service, professional or other occupation unless such person, board, association, partnership, corporation, limited liability company or other entity first receives from the [executive director] division chief a certificate authorizing the occupational instruction to be offered.
(b) Except for initial authorizations, the [executive director] division chief shall accept institutional accreditation by an accrediting agency recognized by the United States Department of Education, in satisfaction of the requirements of this section and section 10a-22d, as amended by this act, including the evaluation and attendance requirement, unless the [executive director] division chief finds reasonable cause not to rely upon such accreditation. Except for initial authorizations, the [executive director] division chief may accept programmatic accreditation in satisfaction of the requirements of this section and section 10a-22d, as amended by this act, with regard to instruction offered by a hospital pursuant to subsection (h) of this section unless the [executive director] division chief finds reasonable cause not to rely upon such accreditation.
(c) Each person, board, association, partnership, corporation, limited liability company or other entity which seeks to offer occupational instruction shall submit to the [executive director] division chief, or the [executive director's] division chief's designee, in such manner as the [executive director] division chief, or the [executive director's] division chief's designee, prescribes, an application for a certificate of authorization which includes, but need not be limited to, (1) the proposed name of the school; (2) ownership and organization of the school including the names and addresses of all principals, officers, members and directors; (3) names and addresses of all stockholders of the school, except for applicants which are listed on a national securities exchange; (4) addresses of any building or premises on which the school will be located; (5) description of the occupational instruction to be offered; (6) the proposed student enrollment agreement, which includes for each program of occupational instruction offered a description, in plain language, of any requirements for employment in such occupation or barriers to such employment pursuant to state law or regulations; (7) the proposed school catalog, which includes for each program of occupational instruction offered a description of any requirements for employment in such occupation or barriers to such employment pursuant to state law or regulations; (8) financial statements detailing the financial condition of the school pursuant to subsection (d) of this section and subsection (g) of section 10a-22d, as amended by this act, prepared by management and reviewed or audited, or, for a nonaccredited school annually enrolling fewer than ten students, compiled, by an independent licensed certified public accountant or independent licensed public accountant; and (9) an agent for service of process. Each application for initial authorization shall be accompanied by a nonrefundable application fee made payable to the private occupational school student protection account in the amount of two thousand dollars for the private occupational school and two hundred dollars for each branch of a private occupational school in this state.
(d) Each person, board, association, partnership, corporation, limited liability company or other entity seeking to offer occupational instruction shall have a net worth consisting of sufficient liquid assets or produce other evidence of fiscal soundness to demonstrate the ability of the proposed private occupational school to operate, achieve all of its objectives and meet all of its obligations, including those concerning staff and students, during the period of time for which the authorization is sought.
(e) Upon receipt of a complete application pursuant to subsection (c) of this section, the [executive director] division chief shall cause to be conducted an evaluation of the applicant school. Not later than sixty days (1) after receipt of a complete application for initial authorization, or (2) prior to expiration of the authorization of a private occupational school applying to renew its certificate of authorization pursuant to section 10a-22d, as amended by this act, the [executive director] division chief, or the [executive director's] division chief's designee, shall appoint an evaluation team, pursuant to subsection (f) of this section, to conduct such evaluation of the applicant school. Not later than one hundred twenty days following the completed appointment of the evaluation team, the [executive director] division chief shall notify the applicant school of authorization or nonauthorization. The [executive director] division chief may consult with the Labor Department and may request the advice of any other state agency which may be of assistance in making a determination. In the event of nonauthorization, the [executive director] division chief shall set forth the reasons therefor in writing and the applicant school may request in writing a hearing before the [executive director] division chief. Such hearing shall be held in accordance with the provisions of chapter 54.
(f) For purposes of an evaluation of an applicant school, the [executive director] division chief, or the [executive director's] division chief's designee, shall appoint an evaluation team which shall include (1) at least two members representing the [Office of Higher Education] division of postsecondary education within the Department of Education, established pursuant to section 10a-1d, as amended by this act, and (2) at least one member for each of the areas of occupational instruction for which authorization is sought who shall be experienced in such occupation. The applicant school shall have the right to challenge any proposed member of the evaluation team for good cause shown. A written challenge shall be filed with the [executive director] division chief within ten business days following the appointment of such evaluation team. In the event of a challenge, a decision shall be made thereon by the [executive director] division chief within ten business days from the date such challenge is filed, and if the challenge is upheld the [executive director] division chief shall appoint a replacement. Employees of the state or any political subdivision of the state may be members of evaluation teams. The [executive director] division chief, or the [executive director's] division chief's designee, shall not appoint any person to an evaluation team unless the [executive director] division chief, or such designee, has received from such person a statement that the person has no interest which is in conflict with the proper discharge of the duties of evaluation team members as described in this section. The statement shall be on a form prescribed by the [executive director] division chief and shall be signed under penalty of false statement. Except for any member of the evaluation team who is a state employee, members may be compensated for their service at the discretion of the [executive director] division chief and shall be reimbursed for actual expenses, which expenses shall be charged to and paid by the applicant school.
(g) The evaluation team appointed pursuant to subsection (f) of this section shall: (1) Conduct an on-site inspection; (2) submit a written report outlining any evidence of noncompliance; (3) give the school thirty days from the date of the report to provide evidence of compliance; and (4) submit to the [executive director] division chief a written report recommending authorization or nonauthorization not later than one hundred twenty days after the on-site inspection. The evaluation team shall determine whether (A) the quality and content of each course or program of instruction, including, but not limited to, residential, on-line, home study and correspondence, training or study shall reasonably and adequately achieve the stated objective for which such course or program is offered; (B) the school has adequate space, equipment, instructional materials and personnel for the instruction offered; (C) the qualifications of directors, administrators, supervisors and instructors shall reasonably and adequately assure that students receive education consistent with the stated objectives for which a course or program is offered; (D) students and other interested persons shall be provided with a catalog or similar publication describing the courses and programs offered, course and program objectives, length of courses and programs, schedule of tuition, fees and all other charges and expenses necessary for completion of the course or program, and termination, withdrawal and refund policies; (E) upon satisfactory completion of the course or program, each student shall be provided appropriate educational credentials by the school; (F) adequate records shall be maintained by the school to show attendance and grades, or other indicators of student progress, and standards shall be enforced relating to attendance and student performance; (G) the applicant school shall be financially sound and capable of fulfilling its commitments to students; (H) any student housing owned, leased, rented or otherwise maintained by the applicant school shall be safe and adequate; and (I) the school and any branch of the school in this state has a director located at the school or branch who is responsible for daily oversight of the school's or branch's operations. The evaluation team may also indicate in its report such recommendations as may improve the operation of the applicant school.
(h) Any hospital offering postsecondary career instruction in any form or manner in any trade, industrial, commercial, service, professional or other occupation for any remuneration, consideration, reward or promise, except to hospital employees, members of the medical staff and training for contracted workers, shall obtain a certificate of authorization from the [executive director] division chief for the occupational instruction offered. Each hospital-based occupational school submitting an application for initial authorization shall pay an application fee of two hundred dollars made payable to the private occupational school student protection account. The [executive director] division chief shall develop a process for prioritizing the authorization of hospital-based occupational schools based on size and scope of occupational instruction offered. Such schools shall be in compliance with this section when required pursuant to the [executive director's] division chief's process, or by 2012, whichever is earlier.
(i) Any program, school or other entity offering postsecondary career instruction in any form or manner in barbering or hairdressing for any remuneration, consideration, reward or fee shall obtain a certificate of authorization from the [executive director of the Office of Higher Education] division chief for the occupational instruction offered. Each program, school or entity approved on or before July 1, 2013, by the Connecticut Examining Board for Barbers, Hairdressers and Cosmeticians pursuant to chapter 368 or 387 that submits an application for initial authorization shall pay an application fee of five hundred dollars made payable to the private occupational school student protection account. The [executive director of the Office of Higher Education] division chief shall develop a process for prioritizing the authorization of such barber and hairdressing programs, schools and entities. Such programs, schools and entities shall be in compliance with this section on or before July 1, 2015, or when required pursuant to the [executive director's] division chief's process, whichever is earlier. No person, board, association, partnership corporation, limited liability company or other entity shall establish a new program, school or other entity that offers instruction in any form or manner in barbering or hairdressing on or after July 1, 2013, unless such person, board, association, partnership, corporation, limited liability company or other entity first receives from the [executive director of the Office of Higher Education] division chief a certificate authorizing the barbering or hairdressing occupational instruction to be offered in accordance with the provisions of this section.
Sec. 40. Section 10a-22c of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2018):
(a) No certificate to operate a private occupational school shall be authorized by the [executive director] division chief, or the [executive director's] division chief's designee, if (1) any principal, officer, member or director of the applicant school has acted in a similar capacity for a private occupational school which has had its authorization revoked pursuant to section 10a-22f, as amended by this act; (2) the applicant school does not have a net worth consisting of sufficient liquid assets or other evidence of fiscal soundness to operate for the period of time for which authorization is sought; (3) the applicant school or any of its agents engages in advertising, sales, collection, credit or other practices which are false, deceptive, misleading or unfair; (4) the applicant school has any policy which discourages or prohibits the filing of inquiries or complaints regarding the school's operation with the [executive director] division chief; (5) the applicant school fails to satisfactorily meet the criteria set forth in subsection (g) of section 10a-22b, as amended by this act; (6) a private occupational school that has previously closed fails to follow the procedures for school closure under section 10a-22m, as amended by this act; or (7) the applicant school does not have a director located at the school and at each of its branches in this state.
(b) The [executive director] division chief may deny a certificate of authorization if the person who owns or intends to operate a private occupational school has been convicted in this state, or any other state, of larceny in violation of section 53a-122 or 53a-123; identity theft in violation of section 53a-129b or 53a-129c; forgery in violation of section 53a-138 or 53a-139; or has a criminal record in this state, or any other state, that the [executive director] division chief reasonably believes renders the person unsuitable to own and operate a private occupational school. A refusal of a certificate of authorization under this subsection shall be made in accordance with the provisions of sections 46a-79 to 46a-81, inclusive.
(c) No certificate to operate a private occupational school shall be issued by the [executive director] division chief pursuant to section 10a-22d, as amended by this act, until such private occupational school seeking authorization files with the [executive director] division chief certificates indicating that the buildings and premises for such school meet all applicable state and local fire and zoning requirements. Such certificates shall be attested to by the fire marshal and zoning enforcement officer within the municipality in which such school is located.
(d) No certificate to operate a new private occupational school shall be issued by the [executive director] division chief pursuant to section 10a-22d, as amended by this act, until such private occupational school seeking authorization files with the [executive director] division chief an irrevocable letter of credit issued by a bank with its main office or branch located within this state in the penal amount of forty thousand dollars guaranteeing the payments required of the school to the private occupational school student protection account in accordance with the provisions of section 10a-22u, as amended by this act. The letter of credit shall be payable to the private occupational school student protection account in the event that such school fails to make payments to the account as provided in subsection (a) of section 10a-22u, as amended by this act, or in the event the state takes action to reimburse the account for a tuition refund paid to a student pursuant to the provisions of section 10a-22v, as amended by this act, provided the amount of the letter of credit to be paid into the private occupational school student protection account shall not exceed the amounts owed to the account. In the event a private occupational school fails to close in accordance with the provisions of section 10a-22m, as amended by this act, the [executive director] division chief may seize the letter of credit, which shall be made payable to the private occupational school protection account. The letter of credit required by this subsection shall be released twelve years after the date of initial approval, provided evidence of fiscal soundness has been verified.
(e) The [executive director] division chief shall notify the applicant private occupational school, by certified mail, return receipt requested of the decision to grant or deny a certificate of authorization not later than sixty days after receiving the written report of the evaluation team appointed pursuant to subsection (f) of section 10a-22b, as amended by this act.
Sec. 41. Section 10a-22d of the 2018 supplement to the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2018):
(a) After the initial year of approval and for the next three years of operation as a private occupational school, renewal of the certificate of authorization shall be required annually.
(b) Following the fourth year of continuous authorization, a renewal of the certificate of authorization, if granted, shall be for a period not to exceed five years and may be subject to an evaluation pursuant to subsections (f) and (g) of section 10a-22b, as amended by this act, provided no private occupational school shall operate for more than five additional years from the date of any renewal without the completion of an evaluation pursuant to subsections (f) and (g) of section 10a-22b, as amended by this act.
(c) Renewal of the certificate of authorization shall be granted only upon (1) payment of a nonrefundable renewal fee to the [Office of Higher Education] division of postsecondary education within the Department of Education, established pursuant to section 10a-1d, as amended by this act, in the amount of two hundred dollars for the private occupational school and two hundred dollars for each branch of a private occupational school, (2) submission of any reports or audits, as prescribed by the [executive director] division chief or the [executive director's] division chief's designee, concerning the fiscal condition of the private occupational school or its continuing eligibility to participate in federal student financial aid programs, (3) the filing with the [executive director] division chief of a complete application for a renewed certificate of authorization not less than one hundred twenty days prior to the termination date of the most recent certificate of authorization, and (4) a determination that the private occupational school meets all the conditions of its recent authorization, including, but not limited to, at the discretion of the [executive director] division chief, evidence that such school is current on its rent or mortgage obligations, and the filing of documentation with the [executive director] division chief that the private occupational school has a passing financial ratio score as required by 34 CFR 668, as amended from time to time.
(d) If the [executive director] division chief, or the [executive director's] division chief's designee, determines, at any time during a school's authorization period, that such school is out of compliance with the conditions of authorization under sections 10a-22a to 10a-22o, inclusive, as amended by this act, and any applicable regulations of Connecticut state agencies, the school may be placed on probation for a period not to exceed one year. If, after the period of one year of probationary status, the school remains out of compliance with the conditions of authorization, the [executive director] division chief may revoke such school's certificate of authorization to operate as a private occupational school pursuant to section 10a-22f, as amended by this act. During the school's period of probation, the school shall post its probationary certificate of authorization in public view. The [Office of Higher Education] division of postsecondary education within the Department of Education may publish the school's probationary certificate of authorization status.
(e) Notwithstanding the provisions of sections 10a-22a to 10a-22o, inclusive, as amended by this act, the [executive director] division chief may authorize the extension of the most recent certificate of authorization for a period not to exceed sixty days for good cause shown, provided such extension shall not change the date of the original certificate's issuance or the date for each renewal.
(f) After the first year of authorization, each private occupational school shall pay a nonrefundable annual fee to the private occupational school student protection account in the amount of two hundred dollars for the private occupational school and two hundred dollars for each branch of a private occupational school. The annual fee shall be due and payable for each year after the first year of authorization that the private occupational school and any branch of a private occupational school is authorized by the [executive director] division chief to offer occupational instruction. Such annual fee shall be in addition to any renewal fee assessed under this section.
(g) Each private occupational school shall keep financial records in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles. An annual financial statement detailing the financial status of the school shall be prepared by school management and reviewed or audited, or, for a nonaccredited school annually enrolling fewer than ten students, compiled, by a licensed certified public accountant or licensed public accountant in accordance with standards established by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. A copy of such financial statement shall be filed with the [executive director] division chief on or before the last day of the fourth month following the end of the school's fiscal year, except in the case of a nationally accredited school recognized by the United States Department of Education, in which case such financial statement shall be due on or before the last day of the sixth month following the end of the school's fiscal year. Only audited financial statements shall be accepted from a nationally accredited school. Upon a nonaccredited school's written request, the [executive director] division chief may authorize, for good cause shown, a filing extension for a period not to exceed sixty days. No filing extensions shall be granted to a nationally accredited school.
Sec. 42. Section 10a-22e of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2018):
(a) During any period of authorization by the [executive director] division chief to operate as a private occupational school pursuant to sections 10a-22a to 10a-22o, inclusive, as amended by this act, and sections 10a-22u to 10a-22w, inclusive, as amended by this act, such private occupational school may request revision of the conditions of its authorization. Such school shall make such request to the [executive director] division chief, in the manner and on such forms prescribed by the [executive director] division chief sixty days prior to the proposed implementation date of any intended revision. Such revision shall include, but not be limited to, changes in (1) courses or programs; (2) ownership of the school; (3) name of the school; (4) location of the school's main campus; or (5) location of any of the school's additional classroom sites or branch campuses. A private occupational school requesting revision of the conditions of its authorization based on a change in ownership of the school shall submit an application and letter of credit pursuant to sections 10a-22b and 10a-22c, as amended by this act, accompanied by a nonrefundable change of ownership fee made payable to the private occupational school student protection account under section 10a-22u, as amended by this act, in the amount of two thousand dollars for the private occupational school and two hundred dollars for each branch of a private occupational school in this state.
(b) The [executive director] division chief, or the [executive director's] division chief's designee, may, not later than thirty days after receipt of a request to revise the conditions of authorization, issue an order prohibiting any such change if it would constitute a material or substantial deviation from the conditions of authorization.
(c) If the [executive director] division chief, or the [executive director's] division chief's designee, fails to take action upon a request for revision by the thirtieth day following the proposed implementation date of the intended revision, such request shall be deemed approved, and the private occupational school's certificate of authorization shall be so revised for the same period as its current authorization.
Sec. 43. Section 10a-22f of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2018):
(a) A certificate of authorization issued to a private occupational school pursuant to sections 10a-22a to 10a-22o, inclusive, as amended by this act, and sections 10a-22u to 10a-22w, inclusive, as amended by this act, may be revoked by the [executive director] division chief if such school (1) ceases to meet the conditions of its authorization; (2) commits a material or substantial violation of sections 10a-22a to 10a-22o, inclusive, as amended by this act, or sections 10a-22u to 10a-22w, inclusive, as amended by this act, or the regulations prescribed thereunder; (3) makes a false statement about a material fact in application for authorization or renewal; or (4) fails to make a required payment to the private occupational school student protection account pursuant to section 10a-22u, as amended by this act.
(b) The [executive director] division chief, or the [executive director's] division chief's designee, shall serve written notice, by certified mail, return receipt requested upon a private occupational school indicating that revocation of the school's authorization is under consideration and the [executive director] division chief shall set forth the reasons such revocation is being considered. Not later than forty-five days after mailing such written notice, the [executive director] division chief, or the [executive director's] division chief's designee, shall hold a compliance conference with the private occupational school.
(c) If, after the compliance conference, the [executive director] division chief determines that revocation of the certificate of authorization is appropriate, the [executive director] division chief shall issue an order and serve written notice by certified mail, return receipt requested upon the private occupational school, which notice shall include, but not be limited to, the date of the revocation.
(d) A private occupational school aggrieved by the order of the [executive director] division chief revoking its certificate of authorization pursuant to subsection (c) of this section shall, not later than fifteen days after such order is mailed, request in writing a hearing before the [executive director] division chief. Such hearing shall be held in accordance with the provisions of chapter 54.
Sec. 44. Section 10a-22g of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2018):
(a) A private occupational school which is authorized by the [executive director] division chief pursuant to sections 10a-22a to 10a-22o, inclusive, as amended by this act, and sections 10a-22u to 10a-22w, inclusive, as amended by this act, may request authorization to establish and operate additional classroom sites or branch schools for the purpose of offering the occupational instruction authorized by the [executive director] division chief, provided the additional classroom site or branch school complies with the provisions of subsection (b) of this section. Such school shall make such request for authorization to operate an additional classroom site or branch school, in the manner and on such forms as prescribed by the [executive director] division chief, at least sixty days prior to the proposed establishment of such additional classroom site or branch school.
(b) The buildings and premises for such additional classroom site or branch school shall meet all applicable state and local fire and zoning requirements, and certificates attesting the same signed by the local fire marshal and zoning enforcement officer shall be filed with the [executive director] division chief prior to offering such occupational instruction. The additional classroom site or branch school shall be in compliance with the relevant requirements set forth in subsection (g) of section 10a-22b, as amended by this act.
(c) The [executive director] division chief, or the [executive director's] division chief's designee, not later than thirty days after the proposed date for establishment of a branch school, may issue an order prohibiting any such establishment of a branch school if it would constitute a material or substantial deviation from the conditions of authorization or if the private occupational school fails to meet the requirements set forth in subsection (b) of this section.
(d) If the [executive director] division chief, or the [executive director's] division chief's designee, fails to take action upon the request for revision by the thirtieth day after the proposed date for establishment of such additional classroom site or branch school, such request shall be deemed approved.
Sec. 45. Section 10a-22h of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2018):
(a) No representative of a private occupational school not authorized pursuant to sections 10a-22a to 10a-22o, inclusive, as amended by this act, and sections 10a-22u to 10a-22w, inclusive, as amended by this act, shall visit the residence of any prospective student, solicit enrollments, sell occupational instruction in any form or manner, make representations or give counsel to prospective students without first obtaining a permit from the [executive director] division chief. Such permit shall not be represented to constitute approval of the school itself. Any contract entered into in violation of this section shall not be enforceable by such school.
(b) Any person seeking to represent an out-of-state private occupational school not authorized pursuant to sections 10a-22a to 10a-22o, inclusive, as amended by this act, and sections 10a-22u to 10a-22w, inclusive, as amended by this act, shall file an application with the [Office of Higher Education] division of postsecondary education within the Department of Education, established pursuant to section 10a-1d, as amended by this act, on forms prescribed by the [executive director] division chief. Upon issuance of a permit, such representative shall pay a nonrefundable fee of five hundred dollars into the private occupational student protection account. The permit shall be valid for a period of one year from date of issuance.
Sec. 46. Section 10a-22i of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2018):
(a) The [executive director] division chief may assess any person, board, partnership, association, corporation, limited liability company or other entity which violates any provision of sections 10a-22a to 10a-22o, inclusive, as amended by this act, sections 10a-22u to 10a-22w, inclusive, as amended by this act, or regulations adopted pursuant to section 10a-22k, as amended by this act, an administrative penalty in an amount not to exceed five hundred dollars for each day of such violation.
(b) The [executive director] division chief shall serve written notice upon a private occupational school when the assessment of such an administrative penalty is under consideration. The notice shall set forth the reasons for the assessment of the penalty. Not later than forty-five days after mailing such notice to the private occupational school, the [executive director] division chief, or the [executive director's] division chief's designee, shall hold a compliance conference with the private occupational school.
(c) If, after the compliance conference, the [executive director] division chief determines that imposition of an administrative penalty is appropriate, the [executive director] division chief shall issue an order and serve written notice by certified mail, return receipt requested upon the private occupational school.
(d) A private occupational school aggrieved by the order of the [executive director] division chief imposing an administrative penalty pursuant to subsection (c) of this section shall, not later than fifteen days after such order is mailed, request in writing a hearing before the [executive director] division chief. Such hearing shall be held in accordance with the provisions of chapter 54.
Sec. 47. Section 10a-22j of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2018):
The [executive director] division chief, through the Attorney General, may seek an order from the Superior Court to prevent any violation of sections 10a-22a to 10a-22o, inclusive, as amended by this act, or sections 10a-22u to 10a-22w, inclusive, as amended by this act.
Sec. 48. Section 10a-22k of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2018):
The [Office of Higher Education] Department of Education shall adopt regulations in accordance with the provisions of chapter 54 in order to carry out the provisions of sections 10a-22a to 10a-22o, inclusive, as amended by this act, and sections 10a-22u to 10a-22w, inclusive, as amended by this act.
Sec. 49. Subsection (b) of section 10a-22l of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2018):
(b) The [executive director] division chief, or the [executive director's] division chief's designee, may conduct an investigation and, through the Attorney General, maintain an action in the name of the state against any person to restrain or prevent the establishment or operation of an institution that does not have a certificate of authorization.
Sec. 50. Section 10a-22m of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2018):
(a) A private occupational school shall notify the [executive director] division chief, in writing, at least sixty days prior to closure of such school. The private occupational school shall provide evidence prior to closing that: (1) All course work is or will be completed by current students at the school; (2) there are no refunds due any students; (3) all student records will be maintained as prescribed in section 10a-22n, as amended by this act; (4) final payment has been made to the private occupational school student protection account; (5) a designation of service form has been filed with the [executive director] division chief; and (6) the certificate of authorization has been returned to the [executive director] division chief.
(b) Any private occupational school that fails to meet the requirements outlined in subsection (a) of this section shall be fined not more than five hundred dollars per day for each day of noncompliance and, pursuant to subdivision (6) of subsection (a) of section 10a-22c, as amended by this act, shall be ineligible to be issued a certificate of authorization upon application to operate a private occupational school. Funds collected pursuant to this subsection shall be placed in the private occupational student protection account established pursuant to section 10a-22u, as amended by this act.
(c) If the [executive director] division chief revokes a private occupational school's certificate of authorization, such school shall comply with the requirements of subsection (a) of this section. Failure to comply shall result in further penalties at the discretion of the [executive director] division chief.
(d) In the event a private occupational school fails to meet the requirements set forth in subsection (a) of this section and closes prior to graduating all current students, the [executive director] division chief may seize the letter of credit filed by the private occupational school pursuant to subsection (d) of section 10a-22c, as amended by this act, and such letter of credit shall be made payable to the private occupational school student protection account. The [executive director] division chief may expend funds from the private occupational school student protection account up to the amount necessary to facilitate a teach-out of any remaining students up to and including the issuance of a certificate of completion pursuant to subsection (e) of this section. For purposes of this subsection and subsection (e) of this section, (1) "teach-out" means the completion of instruction of a course or program of study in which a student was enrolled, provided the teach-out includes instruction of the entire program of study when a course is a part of such program of study, and (2) "certificate of completion" means the credential, documented in writing, that is issued to a student who completes a course or program of study offered by a private occupational school.
(e) In the event of a private occupational school closure that fails to meet the requirements set forth in subsection (a) of this section, the [executive director] division chief may issue a certificate of completion to each student that, in the [executive director's] division chief's determination, has successfully completed the student's course or program of study in which the student was enrolled at the private occupational school.
Sec. 51. Section 10a-22n of the 2018 supplement to the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2018):
(a) A private occupational school shall maintain, preserve and protect, in a manner approved by the [executive director] division chief, or the [executive director's] division chief's designee, all school records including, but not limited to: (1) Student or academic transcripts, including, in a separate file, a duplicate copy of the academic transcript of each student who graduated from such school, and a duplicate copy of the academic transcript of each student enrolled at such school that contains the student's name, address, program of study, length of such program of study, grade point average and courses completed; (2) attendance records or other indicators of student progress; (3) copies of individual enrollment agreements or contracts; (4) evidence of tuition payments; and (5) any other documentation as prescribed by the [executive director] division chief.
(b) The [executive director] division chief, or the [executive director's] division chief's designee, may at any time during regular business or school hours, with or without notice, visit a private occupational school. During such visitation, the [executive director] division chief, or the [executive director's] division chief's designee, may request an officer or director of the school to produce, and shall be provided with immediate access to, such records or information as are required to verify that the school continues to meet the conditions of authorization. If the [executive director] division chief determines that such private occupational school has not maintained, preserved or protected school records in accordance with this section, the [executive director] division chief may assess an administrative penalty on such private occupational school pursuant to section 10a-22i, as amended by this act.
(c) If a school ceases to operate as a private occupational school, it shall (1) immediately transmit all student or academic transcripts, described in subdivision (1) of subsection (a) of this section, to the [executive director] division chief, and (2) keep the [executive director] division chief advised in writing as to the location and availability of all other student records or shall file all such other student records with the [executive director] division chief.
(d) The [executive director] division chief shall maintain all records, files and other documents associated with private occupational schools in a manner consistent with the mission and responsibilities of the [Office of Higher Education] division of postsecondary education within the Department of Education, established pursuant to section 10a-1d, as amended by this act.
Sec. 52. Section 10a-22o of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2018):
(a) The [executive director] division chief, through the Attorney General, may petition the superior court for the judicial district of Hartford for the enforcement of any order issued by the [executive director] division chief, and for other appropriate relief. The court may issue such orders as are appropriate to aid in enforcement.
(b) The [executive director] division chief, or the [executive director's] division chief's designee, may conduct any necessary review, inspection or investigation regarding applications for certificates of authorization or possible violations of sections 10a-22a to 10a-22o, inclusive, as amended by this act, or of any applicable regulations of Connecticut state agencies. In connection with any investigation, the [executive director] division chief, or the [executive director's] division chief's designee, may administer oaths, issue subpoenas, compel testimony and order the production of any record or document. If any person refuses to appear, testify or produce any record or document when so ordered, the [executive director] division chief may seek relief pursuant to subsection (a) of this section.
Sec. 53. Section 10a-22r of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2018):
There is established an advisory committee to the [executive director] division chief consisting of seven members appointed by the [executive director] division chief, including a representative of the private occupational schools, a representative from the [Office of Higher Education] division of postsecondary education within the Department of Education, established pursuant to section 10a-1d, as amended by this act, and five members chosen from business or industry, state legislators, private occupational school alumni and the general public. Three of the members first appointed to the committee shall be appointed for a term of three years and four of the members first appointed shall be appointed for a term of two years. Thereafter, all members shall be appointed for a term of two years. The [executive director] division chief shall administer the private occupational school student benefit account with the advice of the advisory committee and may assess the account for all direct expenses incurred in the implementation of this section. The account shall be used to award financial aid grants for the benefit of private occupational school students. The grants shall be paid to the private occupational school designated by the grant recipient to be applied against the tuition expenses of such recipient. If the balance of the student protection account is five per cent or less of the annual net tuition income of the schools which make payments to the account pursuant to section 10a-22u, as amended by this act, any unallocated funds in the student benefit account shall be transferred to the student protection account.
Sec. 54. Section 10a-22s of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2018):
The [executive director] division chief, with the advice of the advisory committee, shall establish the criteria for awarding financial aid grants. Applications for grants shall be submitted on such forms and in such manner as the [executive director] division chief, with the advice of the advisory committee, shall prescribe. The [executive director] division chief shall establish policies, with the advice of the advisory committee, for the return of any portion of a financial aid grant, representing tuition of a student, which would otherwise be refundable.
Sec. 55. Section 10a-22t of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2018):
The Treasurer shall pay financial aid grants, approved and ordered to be paid by the [executive director] division chief with the advice of the advisory committee, from the student benefit account.
Sec. 56. Section 10a-22u of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2018):
(a) There shall be an account to be known as the private occupational school student protection account within the General Fund. Each private occupational school authorized in accordance with the provisions of sections 10a-22a to 10a-22o, inclusive, as amended by this act, shall pay to the State Treasurer an amount equal to four-tenths of one per cent of the tuition received by such school per calendar quarter exclusive of any refunds paid, except that distance learning and correspondence schools authorized in accordance with the provisions of sections 10a-22a to 10a-22o, inclusive, as amended by this act, shall contribute to said account only for Connecticut residents enrolled in such schools. Payments shall be made by January thirtieth, April thirtieth, July thirtieth and October thirtieth in each year for tuition received during the three months next preceding the month of payment. In addition to amounts received based on tuition, the account shall also contain any amount required to be deposited into the account pursuant to sections 10a-22a to 10a-22o, inclusive, as amended by this act. Said account shall be used for the purposes of section 10a-22v, as amended by this act. Any interest, income and dividends derived from the investment of the account shall be credited to the account. All direct expenses for the maintenance of the account may be charged to the account upon the order of the State Comptroller. The [executive director] division chief may assess the account for all direct expenses incurred in the implementation of the purposes of this section which are in excess of the normal expenditures of the [Office of Higher Education] division of postsecondary education within the Department of Education, established pursuant to section 10a-1d, as amended by this act.
(b) Payments required pursuant to subsection (a) of this section shall be a condition of doing business in the state and failure to make any such payment within thirty days following the date on which it is due shall result in the loss of authorization under section 10a-22f, as amended by this act. Such authorization shall not be issued or renewed if there exists a failure to make any such payment in excess of thirty days following the date on which it is due.
(c) If an audit conducted by the [Office of Higher Education] division of postsecondary education within the Department of Education determines that a school has paid into the private occupational school student protection account an amount less than was required, the school shall pay such amount plus a penalty of ten per cent of the amount required to the State Treasurer within thirty days of receipt of notice from the [executive director] division chief or [his] the division chief's designee of the amount of the underpayment and penalty.
(d) If an audit conducted by the [Office of Higher Education] division of postsecondary education within the Department of Education determines that a school has paid into the private occupational school student protection account an amount more than was required, subsequent payment or payments by the school shall be appropriately credited until such credited payment or payments equal the amount of the overpayment.
Sec. 57. Section 10a-22v of the 2018 supplement to the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2018):
Any student enrolled in a private occupational school authorized in accordance with the provisions of sections 10a-22a to 10a-22o, inclusive, as amended by this act, who is unable to complete an approved course or unit of instruction at such school because of the insolvency or cessation of operation of the school and who has paid tuition for such course or unit of instruction, may, not later than two years after the date on which such school became insolvent or ceased operations, make application to the [executive director] division chief for a refund of tuition from the account established pursuant to section 10a-22u, as amended by this act, to the extent that such account exists or has reached the level necessary to pay outstanding approved claims, except that in the case of distance learning and correspondence schools authorized in accordance with the provisions of sections 10a-22a to 10a-22o, inclusive, as amended by this act, only Connecticut residents enrolled in such schools may be eligible for such refund. Upon such application, the [executive director] division chief shall determine whether the applicant is unable to complete a course or unit of instruction because of the insolvency or cessation of operation of the school to which tuition has been paid. The [executive director] division chief may summon by subpoena any person, records or documents pertinent to the making of a determination regarding insolvency or cessation of operation. For the purpose of making any tuition refund pursuant to this section, a school shall be deemed to have ceased operation whenever it has failed to complete a course or unit of instruction for which the student has paid a tuition fee and, as a result, the school's authorization has been revoked pursuant to section 10a-22f, as amended by this act. If the [executive director] division chief finds that the applicant is entitled to a refund of tuition because of the insolvency or cessation of operation of the school, the [executive director] division chief shall determine the amount of an appropriate refund which shall be equal to the tuition paid for the uncompleted course or unit of instruction. Thereafter the [executive director] division chief shall direct the State Treasurer to pay, per order of the Comptroller, the refund to the applicant or persons, agencies or organizations indicated by the applicant who have paid tuition on the student's behalf. If the student is a minor, payment shall be made to the student's parent, parents or legal guardian. In no event shall a refund be made from the student protection account for any financial aid provided to or on behalf of any student in accordance with the provisions of Title IV, Part B of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended from time to time. Each recipient of a tuition refund made in accordance with the provisions of this section shall assign all rights to the state of any action against the school or its owner or owners for tuition amounts reimbursed pursuant to this section. Upon such assignment, the state may take appropriate action against the school or its owner or owners in order to reimburse the student protection account for any expenses or claims that are paid from the account and to reimburse the state for the reasonable and necessary expenses in undertaking such action. Any student who falsifies information on an application for tuition reimbursement shall lose his or her right to any refund from the account.
Sec. 58. Section 10a-22x of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2018):
The [Office of Higher Education] Department of Education shall adopt such regulations as are necessary to carry out the purposes of this chapter.
Sec. 59. Section 10a-22z of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2018):
The [Office of Higher Education] division of postsecondary education within the Department of Education, established pursuant to section 10a-1d, as amended by this act, is authorized to issue certificates of completion to every student who has been determined by said [office] division to have successfully completed such student's course of study at the Butler Business School located in the city of Bridgeport or the Sawyer School located in the town of Hamden and the city of Hartford.
Sec. 60. Section 10a-33 of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2018):
The Board of Regents for Higher Education, The University of Connecticut and the [Office of Higher Education] division of postsecondary education within the Department of Education, established pursuant to section 10a-1d, as amended by this act, may enter into agreements with appropriate agencies and institutions of higher education in other states and foreign countries providing for the reciprocal exchange of students in higher educational institutions in this state and such other states or countries. Such agreements may include provisions for waiver or reduction of nonresident tuition for designated categories of students and may include contractual payments to such other state or country, subject to the availability of appropriations. Such agreements shall have as their purpose the mutual improvement of educational advantages for residents of this state and such other states or countries with whom agreements may be made.
Sec. 61. Section 10a-34 of the 2018 supplement to the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2018):
(a) For the purposes of this section, (1) "program of higher learning" means any course of instruction for which it is stated or implied that college or university-level credit may be given or may be received by transfer; (2) "degree" means any letters or words, diploma, certificate or other symbol or document which signifies satisfactory completion of the requirements of a program of higher learning; (3) "institution of higher education" means any person, school, board, association, limited liability company or corporation which is licensed or accredited to offer one or more programs of higher learning leading to one or more degrees; (4) "license" means the authorization by the [Office of Higher Education] division of postsecondary education within the Department of Education, established pursuant to section 10a-1d, as amended by this act, to operate a program of higher learning or institution of higher education for a specified initial period; (5) "accreditation" means the authorization by said [office] division to continue operating a program of higher learning or institution of higher education for subsequent periods, and in such periods to confer specified degrees; (6) "program modification" means (A) a change in a program of higher learning that does not clearly qualify as a new program of higher learning or a nonsubstantive change, including, but not limited to, a new program of higher learning consisting primarily of course work for a previously approved program of higher learning, (B) an approved program of higher learning to be offered at an off-campus location, (C) a change in the title of a degree, or (D) a change in the title of a program of higher learning; and (7) "nonsubstantive change" means (A) a new undergraduate certificate program, within an existing program of higher learning, of not more than thirty semester credit hours that falls under an approved program of higher learning, (B) a new baccalaureate minor of not more than eighteen semester credit hours, (C) a new undergraduate option or certificate program of not more than fifteen semester credit hours, or (D) a new graduate option or certificate program of not more than twelve semester credit hours.
(b) The [Office of Higher Education] division of postsecondary education within the Department of Education shall establish regulations, in accordance with chapter 54, concerning the requirements for licensure and accreditation, such regulations to concern administration, finance, faculty, curricula, library, student admission and graduation, plant and equipment, records, catalogs, program announcements and any other criteria pertinent thereto, as well as the periods for which licensure and accreditation may be granted, and the costs and procedures of evaluations as provided in subsections (c), (d) and (i) of this section. Said [office] division shall establish academic review commissions to hear each appeal of a denial by said [office] division of an application by an institution of higher education for licensure or accreditation of a program of higher learning or institution of higher education. For each individual appeal, the [executive director] division chief of said [office] division, or the [executive director's] division chief's designee, shall select a commission that is comprised of four higher education representatives and five business and industry representatives chosen from a panel of thirty-five members, who shall be appointed as follows: (1) The Governor shall appoint five members; (2) the speaker of the House of Representatives shall appoint five members; (3) the president pro tempore of the Senate shall appoint five members; (4) the majority leader of the House of Representatives shall appoint five members; (5) the majority leader of the Senate shall appoint five members; (6) the minority leader of the House of Representatives shall appoint five members; and (7) the minority leader of the Senate shall appoint five members. The [executive director] division chief of said [office] division, or the [executive director's] division chief's designee, shall ensure that each commission contains at least one member appointed by each of the appointing authorities. Each appointing authority shall select both higher education representatives and business and industry representatives, but not more than three from either category of representatives.
(c) No person, school, board, association or corporation shall confer any degree unless authorized by act of the General Assembly. No application for authority to confer any such degree shall be approved by the General Assembly or any committee thereof, nor shall any such authority be included in any charter of incorporation until such application has been evaluated and approved by the [Office of Higher Education] division of postsecondary education within the Department of Education in accordance with regulations established by the [Office of Higher Education] Department of Education.
(d) The [Office of Higher Education] division of postsecondary education within the Department of Education shall review all requests and applications for program modifications, nonsubstantive changes, licensure and accreditation. The [office] division shall review each application in consideration of the academic standards set forth in the regulations for licensure and accreditation adopted by said [office] division in accordance with the provisions of subsection (b) of this section. Notwithstanding the provisions of section 10a-34e, as amended by this act, any application that is determined by the [office] division to be for (1) a program modification that meets all such academic standards, (2) a nonsubstantive change, (3) licensure, or (4) accreditation shall be deemed approved, and the [office] division shall notify the institution of such approval, not later than forty-five days from the date the [office] division receives such application without requiring any further action from the applicant.
(e) If the [executive director of the Office of Higher Education] division chief of the division of postsecondary education within the Department of Education, or the [executive director's] division chief's designee, determines that further review of an application is needed due at least in part to the applicant offering instruction in a new program of higher learning or new degree level, then the [executive director] division chief or the [executive director's] division chief's designee shall conduct a focused or on-site review. Such applicant shall have an opportunity to state any objection regarding any individual selected to review an application on behalf of the [executive director] division chief. For purposes of this subsection, "focused review" means a review by an out-of-state curriculum expert; and "on-site review" means a full team evaluation by the [office] division at the institution of higher education.
(f) The [executive director of the Office of Higher Education] division chief of the division of postsecondary education within the Department of Education, or the [executive director's] division chief's designee, may require (1) a focused or on-site review of any program application in a field requiring a license to practice in Connecticut, and (2) evidence that a program application in a field requiring a license to practice in Connecticut meets the state or federal licensing requirements for such license.
(g) Any application for licensure of a new institution in this state shall be subject to an on-site review upon a determination by the [Office of Higher Education] division of postsecondary education within the Department of Education that the application is complete and shall be reviewed at the institutional level for each program as described in subsection (b) of this section. Such process shall be completed not later than nine months from the date said [office] division receives the application.
(h) If the [Office of Higher Education] division of postsecondary education within the Department of Education denies an application for licensure or accreditation of a program or institution of higher education, the applicant may appeal the denial not later than ten days from the date of denial. The academic review commission shall review the appeal and make a decision on such appeal not later than thirty days from the date the applicant submits the appeal to said [office] division.
(i) No person, school, board, association or corporation shall operate a program of higher learning or an institution of higher education unless it has been licensed or accredited by the [Office of Higher Education] division of postsecondary education within the Department of Education, nor shall it confer any degree unless it has been accredited in accordance with this section. The [office] division shall accept regional accreditation, in satisfaction of the requirements of this subsection unless the [office] division finds cause not to rely upon such accreditation. If any institution of higher education provides evidence of programmatic accreditation, the [office] division may consider such accreditation in satisfaction of the requirements of this subsection and deem the program at issue in the application for accreditation to be accredited in accordance with this section. National accreditation for Connecticut institutions of higher education accredited prior to July 1, 2013, shall be accepted as being in satisfaction of the requirements of this subsection unless the [office] division finds cause not to rely on such national accreditation.
(j) No person, school, board, association or corporation shall use in any way the term "junior college" or "college" or "university" or use any other name, title, literature, catalogs, pamphlets or descriptive matter tending to designate that it is an institution of higher education, or that it may grant academic or professional degrees, unless the institution possesses a license from, or has been accredited by, the [office] division, nor shall it offer any program of higher learning without approval of the [Office of Higher Education] division.
(k) Accreditation of any program or institution or authority to award degrees granted in accordance with law prior to July 1, 1965, shall continue in effect.
(l) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsections (b) to (j), inclusive, of this section and subject to the authority of the State Board of Education to regulate teacher education programs, new programs of higher learning and program modifications proposed by an independent institution of higher education, as defined in section 10a-173, as amended by this act, shall not be subject to approval by the [Office of Higher Education] division of postsecondary education within the Department of Education, until July 1, 2018, provided (1) the institution maintains eligibility to participate in financial aid programs governed by Title IV, Part B of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended from time to time, (2) the United States Department of Education has not determined that the institution has a financial responsibility score that is less than 1.5 for the most recent fiscal year for which the data necessary for determining the score is available, and (3) the institution has been located in the state and accredited as a degree-granting institution in good standing for ten years or more by a regional accrediting association recognized by the Secretary of the United States Department of Education and maintains such accreditation status. All institutions that are exempt from program approval by the [Office of Higher Education] division under this subsection shall file with said [office] division not later than July first, and annually thereafter, (A) a list and brief description of any new programs of higher learning introduced by the institution in the preceding academic year and any existing programs of higher learning discontinued by the institution in the preceding academic year, (B) the institution's current program approval process, and (C) the institution's financial responsibility composite score, as determined by the United States Department of Education, for the most recent fiscal year for which the data necessary for determining the score is available.
Sec. 62. Section 10a-34a of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2018):
(a) The [executive director of the Office of Higher Education] division chief of the division of postsecondary education within the Department of Education, established pursuant to section 10a-1d, as amended by this act, may assess any person, school, board, association or corporation which violates any provision of section 10a-34 or 10a-35, as amended by this act, an administrative penalty in an amount not to exceed five hundred dollars for each day of such violation.
(b) (1) The [executive director of the Office of Higher Education] division chief shall serve written notice upon the person, school, board, association or corporation when the assessment of such an administrative penalty is under consideration. The notice shall set forth the reasons for the assessment of the penalty.
(2) Not later than forty-five days after the [executive director] division chief or the [executive director's] division chief's designee mails notice pursuant to subdivision (1) of this subsection to such person, school, board, association or corporation, the [executive director] division chief or the [executive director's] division chief's designee shall hold a compliance conference with such person, school, board, association or corporation.
(c) If, after the compliance conference pursuant to subsection (b) of this section, the [executive director] division chief determines that imposition of the administrative penalty is appropriate, the [executive director] division chief shall issue an order and serve written notice by certified mail, return receipt requested upon the person, school, board, association or corporation.
(d) The person, school, board, association or corporation aggrieved by the order of the [executive director] division chief imposing an administrative penalty pursuant to subsection (c) of this section shall, not later than fifteen days after such order is mailed, request, in writing, a hearing before the [Office of Higher Education] division of postsecondary education within the Department of Education. Such hearing shall be held in accordance with the provisions of chapter 54.
Sec. 63. Section 10a-34c of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2018):
The [executive director of the Office of Higher Education] division chief of the division of postsecondary education within the Department of Education, established pursuant to section 10a-1d, as amended by this act, may conduct an investigation and, through the Attorney General, maintain an action in the name of the state against any person, school, board, association or corporation to restrain or prevent the establishment or operation of an institution that is not licensed, accredited or authorized to award degrees by the [Office of Higher Education] division of postsecondary education within the Department of Education, pursuant to the provisions of section 10a-34, as amended by this act.
Sec. 64. Section 10a-34d of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2018):
The [Office of Higher Education] division of postsecondary education within the Department of Education, established pursuant to section 10a-1d, as amended by this act, through the Attorney General, may petition the superior court for the judicial district of Hartford for the enforcement of any order issued by the [office] division or the [executive director] division chief of the division of postsecondary education within the Department of Education, and for other appropriate relief. The court may issue such orders as are appropriate to aid in enforcement.
Sec. 65. Section 10a-34e of the 2018 supplement to the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2018):
(a) The [Office of Higher Education] division of postsecondary education within the Department of Education, established pursuant to section 10a-1d, as amended by this act, may conduct any necessary review, inspection or investigation regarding applications for licensure or accreditation or possible violations of this section and sections 10a-34 to 10a-34d, inclusive, as amended by this act, or of any applicable regulations of Connecticut state agencies. In connection with any investigation, the [executive director] division chief of the division of postsecondary education within the Department of Education or the [executive director's] division chief's designee, may administer oaths, issue subpoenas, compel testimony and order the production of any record or document. If any person refuses to appear, testify or produce any record or document when so ordered, the [executive director] division chief may seek relief pursuant to section 10a-34d, as amended by this act.
(b) If the [executive director of the Office of Higher Education] division chief determines that an institution of higher education that is not regionally accredited is exhibiting financial and administrative indicators that such institution is in danger of closing, the [executive director] division chief may require such institution to facilitate a teach-out, as defined in section 10a-22m, as amended by this act, provided the [executive director] division chief and such institution previously discussed a teach-out that ensures that current students of such institution are able to complete their programs without significant impact.
Sec. 66. Section 10a-34f of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2018):
The [Office of Higher Education] Department of Education shall adopt regulations in accordance with the provisions of chapter 54 in order to carry out the provisions of sections 10a-34a to 10a-34e, inclusive, as amended by this act.
Sec. 67. Section 10a-35 of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2018):
No person, school, board, association or corporation which, prior to July 1, 1935, was granted authority to confer any standard academic, professional or graduate degree and which did not, prior to July 1, 1935, exercise such authority shall confer any such degree until it is determined by the [Office of Higher Education] division of postsecondary education within the Department of Education, established pursuant to section 10a-1d, as amended by this act, that its organization and equipment are such that it is fully competent to meet the degree standards set and maintained by similar institutions. Any degree granted in violation of the provisions of this section shall be null and void. Any person, school, board, association or corporation which violates any provision of this section shall be fined not more than one thousand dollars.
Sec. 68. Section 10a-35a of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2018):
(a) Notwithstanding sections 10a-34 to 10a-35, inclusive, as amended by this act, the Board of Regents for Higher Education shall have the authority, in accordance with the provisions of said sections and the standards set forth in any regulations promulgated thereunder, to (1) review and approve recommendations for the establishment of new academic programs for the universities within the Connecticut State University System, the regional community-technical colleges and Charter Oak State College, and (2) report all new programs and program changes to the [Office of Higher Education] division of postsecondary education within the Department of Education, established pursuant to section 10a-1d, as amended by this act.
(b) Notwithstanding sections 10a-34 to 10a-35, inclusive, as amended by this act, the Board of Trustees for The University of Connecticut shall (1) have the authority, in accordance with the provisions of said sections and the standards set forth in any regulations promulgated thereunder, to review and approve recommendations for the establishment of new academic programs at the university, and (2) report all new programs and program changes to the [Office of Higher Education] division of postsecondary education within the Department of Education.
Sec. 69. Section 10a-42h of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2018):
When any independent institution of higher education provides, upon request, student data or records containing information that is confidential under federal or state law to a local or regional board of education or any department or agency of the state, including, but not limited to, the Board of Regents for Higher Education, The University of Connecticut, the [Office of Higher Education] division of postsecondary education within the Department of Education, established pursuant to section 10a-1d, as amended by this act, and the Labor Department, in accordance with such federal or state law and pursuant to the terms of a written agreement with such board, department or agency, such independent institution of higher education shall not be held liable for any breach of confidentiality, use, retention, or destruction of such student data or records that results from the actions or omissions of such board, department, or agency or of any person providing access to such student data or records obtained by such board, department or agency. For purposes of this section, confidential student data or records includes, but is not limited to, personally identifiable information, as defined in the regulations implementing the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, 20 USC 1232g, as from time to time amended, at 34 CFR 99.3.
Sec. 70. Section 10a-45 of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2018):
The Board of Regents for Higher Education and the [Office of Higher Education] division of postsecondary education within the Department of Education, established pursuant to section 10a-1d, as amended by this act, may serve as the agency of the state with respect to any federal program under any Act of Congress or administrative ruling pursuant thereto pertaining to higher education, and, in such capacity, may apply for, accept and expend funds allocated or payable to the state for state, local and other expenditures, may establish and administer or supervise the administration of any state-wide plan which is now or may hereafter be required as a condition for receipt of federal funds and may take such other action as may be reasonable and necessary to fulfill the purposes of the federal requirements.
Sec. 71. Section 10a-46 of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2018):
Notwithstanding the power granted to said Board of Regents for Higher Education or [Office of Higher Education] the division of postsecondary education within the Department of Education, established pursuant to section 10a-1d, as amended by this act, by section 10a-45, as amended by this act, the Governor may, if in his judgment it is more appropriate for a particular federal program or programs pertaining to higher education to be administered by an agency other than said board or [office] division, designate any commissioner, officer or agency of the state, or any group or committee of commissioners or officers of the state, to serve as the sole agency of the state in performing the functions enumerated in the preceding section, and any such agency so designated by the Governor may perform said functions.
Sec. 72. Section 10a-48 of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2018):
(a) The [Office of Higher Education] division of postsecondary education within the Department of Education, established pursuant to section 10a-1d, as amended by this act, shall, in addition to its other powers and duties and in consultation with the Connecticut Campus Compact for Student Community Service established pursuant to subsection (c) of this section, provide for a comprehensive, coordinated and state-wide system of college and university community service programs designed to assist in the identification and solution of community problems in urban, suburban and rural areas, and, as a part thereof, shall (1) identify problems, matters or areas relevant to the interests and welfare of the citizens of the state which it deems should be made the subject of community service programs, (2) support community service programs regarding such problems, matters or areas through any public or private institution of higher education in the state, through any combination of such institutions, and through any joint, collective, regional, representative or other organization established by such institutions or by professional staff members designated by such institutions, (3) provide an information service about community service programs in institutions of higher education in the state, (4) publish such documents as will, in its judgment, further its activities, and (5) in consultation with institutions of higher education in the state, develop a plan to improve the integration of student community service programs with academic course offerings and submit the plan to the joint standing committee of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to education not later than June 30, 1991.
(b) The [office] division of postsecondary education within the Department of Education may expend its appropriations and receipts received for the purpose of initiating and supporting community service programs by means of contracts, grants or other arrangements which it deems effective and appropriate, provided nothing in this section or section 10a-48a, as amended by this act, shall prevent the [Office of Higher Education] division of postsecondary education within the Department of Education from accepting volunteer services or receiving and expending federal or private funds for purposes of this section and section 10a-48a, as amended by this act.
(c) There is established a Connecticut Campus Compact for Student Community Service to review opportunities and initiatives for, and develop plans to encourage and support, student community service programs at institutions of higher education in the state or which involve cooperation and coordination among such institutions. The compact shall be composed of the chief executive officer or president of each public and independent institution of higher education in the state and the [executive director of the Office of Higher Education] division chief of the division of postsecondary education within the Department of Education, or their designees. On or before October 1, 1989, and at least annually thereafter, the [executive director of the Office of Higher Education] division chief of the division of postsecondary education within the Department of Education shall convene the members of the compact.
Sec. 73. Section 10a-48a of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2018):
There is established within the [Office of Higher Education] division of postsecondary education within the Department of Education, established pursuant to section 10a-1d, as amended by this act, a student community service fellowship program to develop community service leadership and activities for students at institutions of higher education in the state. For each fiscal year in which funds are appropriated the program shall provide a fellowship or fellowships. Fellowships shall be awarded for one academic year, except that fellowships to undergraduate students shall be awarded on a semester basis. Fellowship recipients shall work throughout the state to develop and coordinate programs in which students provide community service, train students who are providing or are interested in providing community service, be responsible for publicizing opportunities for students to provide community service, work with faculty and administrators at institutions of higher education in the state to promote student community service and assist in the implementation of the provisions of section 10a-48, as amended by this act. To be eligible for a fellowship pursuant to this subsection, an applicant's residence shall be as defined in section 10a-28.
Sec. 74. Section 10a-48b of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2018):
The [Office of Higher Education] division of postsecondary education within the Department of Education, established pursuant to section 10a-1d, as amended by this act, may, within the limits of available appropriations, provide grants on a competitive basis to public and nonprofit service entities seeking to participate in the federal National and Community Service Trust Program pursuant to 42 USC 12501 et seq., in order to assist such service entities in meeting federal matching fund requirements for service placements, provided no grant shall exceed one-half of the federally unreimbursed cost to the service entity for providing such placements. Applications for grants pursuant to this section shall be made at such time and in such manner as the [executive director of the Office of Higher Education] division chief of the division of postsecondary education within the Department of Education prescribes.
Sec. 75. Subsection (b) of section 10a-55i of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2018):
(b) The [Office of Higher Education] division of postsecondary education within the Department of Education, established pursuant to section 10a-1d, as amended by this act, shall enter into a memorandum of understanding with the Office of Legislative Management providing that up to one hundred thousand dollars appropriated to said [Office of Higher Education] division shall be used by the Higher Education Consolidation Committee to hire a consultant to assist said committee in fulfilling its duties.
Sec. 76. Section 10a-57 of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2018):
The [executive director of the Office of Higher Education] division chief of the division of postsecondary education within the Department of Education, established pursuant to section 10a-1d, as amended by this act, shall report on or before March 1, 2013, and annually thereafter, in accordance with the provisions of section 11-4a, to the joint standing committees of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to higher education and appropriations and the budgets of state agencies on state, regional and national trends regarding Connecticut higher education, including, but not limited to, expenditures, funding, enrollment, faculty and staff positions, cost sharing and student financial aid. The [Office of Higher Education] division of postsecondary education within the Department of Education shall collect such data and information as it deems necessary for the development of such annual report.
Sec. 77. Section 10a-57b of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2018):
(a) Each institution of higher education and private occupational school in the state shall submit data for the prior academic year to the [Office of Higher Education] division of postsecondary education within the Department of Education, established pursuant to section 10a-1d, as amended by this act, in a uniform format prescribed by said [office] division, regarding its for-credit sub-baccalaureate programs and the types of for-credit certificates it offers not later than January 1, 2018, and annually thereafter, and regarding its noncredit sub-baccalaureate certificate programs and the types of noncredit certificates it offers not later than January 1, 2019, and annually thereafter. Such data shall include, but need not be limited to, the following for each sub-baccalaureate certificate program:
(1) Name and subject matter area of such program;
(2) Total enrollment in such program;
(3) Any entry-level requirements for enrollment in such program;
(4) Number and type of certificates awarded by such program;
(5) Tuition and fees charged for completion of such program in the time period prescribed by such program;
(6) Estimated range of costs relating to the purchase of books and supplies, unless such costs are included as part of the tuition and fees of such institution or school for such program;
(7) Median loan debt incurred by students who complete such program, to the extent such information has been reported to the financial aid office of the institution of higher education or private occupational school offering such program, separately by Title IV loans and other education debt, including private and institutional loans;
(8) Basic demographic information, to the extent available, of the students enrolled in such program, including, but not limited to, gender, age, race and ethnicity;
(9) Percentage of students in each student cohort who completed such program in the time period prescribed by such program;
(10) Whether there is a clear pathway from successful completion of such program to enrollment in a related associate degree program;
(11) Whether such program leads to a credential recognized by the industry for which such program prepares a student;
(12) Whether a student may combine the certificate awarded upon successful completion of such program with any other certificate awarded upon the successful completion of another sub-baccalaureate certificate program in order to achieve a heightened level of qualification for a particular trade or occupation;
(13) Average length of time to complete such program;
(14) Employment rates, to the extent available, for students who have completed such program at six months after completion of such program;
(15) Student cohort pass rate, to the extent available, for national certification programs; and
(16) Student cohort licensure rate, to the extent available, for positions requiring the certificate and state licensure.
(b) The [Office of Higher Education] division of postsecondary education within the Department of Education shall collect for each sub-baccalaureate certificate program offered by an institution of higher education or private occupational school in the state (1) the average starting salary for entry-level positions requiring the certificate, and (2) the average salary for jobs requiring the certificate, based on available Labor Department statistics, for each for-credit program, not later than January 1, 2018, and annually thereafter, and for each noncredit program, not later than January 1, 2019, and annually thereafter.
(c) Not later than January 1, 2020, and annually thereafter, the [Office of Higher Education] division of postsecondary education within the Department of Education shall compile the data submitted pursuant to subsection (a) of this section and collected pursuant to subsection (b) of this section for purposes of comparing the sub-baccalaureate certificate programs offered by the institutions of higher education and private occupational schools and determining (1) which programs are similar to other programs, (2) student interest in each program and similar programs, and (3) the necessity of offering each program. Not later than July 1, 2020, and annually thereafter, said [office] division shall make such data available on its Internet web site for the purpose of enabling a student or prospective student to make an informed decision about whether to enroll in a sub-baccalaureate certificate program and, if so, which program is the best fit for such student.
Sec. 78. Section 10a-57c of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2018):
Not later than July 1, 2019, and annually thereafter, the [Office of Higher Education] division of postsecondary education within the Department of Education, established pursuant to section 10a-1d, as amended by this act, shall develop and post on its Internet web site a one-page fact sheet for each sub-baccalaureate certificate program offered by each institution of higher education and private occupational school in the state. Such fact sheet shall contain data submitted and collected pursuant to section 10a-57b, as amended by this act, including, but not limited to, tuition, fees, costs of books and supplies, graduation and, to the extent available, job placement rates and average student debt. Not later than seven days after [the office] said division posts the fact sheet on its Internet web site, and annually thereafter, each institution of higher education and private occupational school shall make such fact sheet available to its current and prospective students by means, including, but not limited to, posting such fact sheet on its Internet web site.
Sec. 79. Section 10a-57e of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2018):
Not later than July 1, 2019, the [Office of Higher Education] division of postsecondary education within the Department of Education, established pursuant to section 10a-1d, as amended by this act, shall develop a program to annually review not less than a sample of student data from all for-credit and noncredit sub-baccalaureate certificate programs offered by the institutions of higher education and the private occupational schools. Said [office] division shall not disclose any personally identifiable information of any student obtained as a result of performing the annual review.
Sec. 80. Subsections (a) and (b) of section 10a-57f of the general statutes are repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2018):
(a) Not later than January 1, 2017, the [Office of Higher Education] division of postsecondary education within the Department of Education, established pursuant to section 10a-1d, as amended by this act, shall enter into a multistate or regional reciprocity agreement for purposes of enabling the state and Connecticut institutions of higher education to participate in a nation-wide state authorization reciprocity agreement (1) establishing uniform standards for distance learning programs across states, and (2) eliminating the need for a state participating in the state authorization reciprocity agreement to assess the quality of a distance learning program offered by an out-of-state institution of higher education through the participating state's authorization, licensing and accreditation process. Notwithstanding the provisions of part III of this chapter and upon the [Office of Higher Education] division of postsecondary education within the Department of Education entering into the multistate or regional reciprocity agreement, an out-of-state institution of higher education that participates in the state authorization reciprocity agreement may operate a distance learning program in the state in accordance with the uniform standards.
(b) Any Connecticut institution of higher education that seeks to participate in the nation-wide state authorization reciprocity agreement under subsection (a) of this section shall submit an application with the [Office of Higher Education] division of postsecondary education within the Department of Education on a form prescribed by [the office. The office] said division. Said division shall approve or reject the institution's application in accordance with the terms of such agreement. Authorization by [the office] said division to participate in such agreement shall be valid for a period of one year and may be renewed by [the office] said division for additional one-year periods. [The office] Said division shall establish a schedule of application and renewal fees for all Connecticut institutions of higher education that participate in such agreement. The fee schedule shall be graduated based on the number of full-time equivalent students at each Connecticut institution of higher education.
Sec. 81. Subsection (c) of section 10a-77 of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2018):
(c) Commencing December 1, 1984, and thereafter not later than sixty days after the close of each quarter, the board of trustees shall submit to the joint standing committee of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to appropriations and the budgets of state agencies, the [Office of Higher Education] division of postsecondary education within the Department of Education, established pursuant to section 10a-1d, as amended by this act, and the Office of Policy and Management a report on the actual expenditures of the Regional Community-Technical Colleges Operating Fund.
Sec. 82. Subdivision (2) of subsection (a) of section 10a-77a of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2018):
(2) (A) For each of the fiscal years ending June 30, 2000, to June 30, 2006, inclusive, as part of the state contract with donors of endowment fund eligible gifts, the [Office of Higher Education] division of postsecondary education within the Department of Education, established pursuant to section 10a-1d, as amended by this act, in accordance with section 10a-8b, as amended by this act, shall deposit in the Endowment Fund for the Community-Technical College System a grant in an amount equal to half of the total amount of endowment fund eligible gifts received by or for the benefit of the community-technical college system as a whole and each regional community-technical college for the calendar year ending the December thirty-first preceding the commencement of such fiscal year, as certified by the chairperson of the board of trustees by February fifteenth to (i) the Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management, (ii) the joint standing committee of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to appropriations and the budgets of state agencies, and (iii) the [executive director of the Office of Higher Education] division chief of the division of postsecondary education within the Department of Education, provided such sums do not exceed the endowment fund state grant maximum commitment for the fiscal year in which the grant is made.
(B) For each of the fiscal years ending June 30, 2007, to June 30, 2014, inclusive, as part of the state contract with donors of endowment fund eligible gifts, the [Office of Higher Education] division of postsecondary education within the Department of Education, in accordance with section 10a-8b, as amended by this act, shall deposit in the Endowment Fund for the Community-Technical College System a grant in an amount equal to one-quarter of the total amount of endowment fund eligible gifts, except as provided in this subdivision, received by or for the benefit of the community-technical college system as a whole and each regional community-technical college for the calendar year ending the December thirty-first preceding the commencement of such fiscal year, as certified by the chairperson of the board of trustees by February fifteenth to (i) the Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management, (ii) the joint standing committee of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to appropriations and the budgets of state agencies, and (iii) the [executive director of the Office of Higher Education] division chief of the division of postsecondary education within the Department of Education, provided such sums do not exceed the endowment fund state grant maximum commitment for the fiscal year in which the grant is made. Endowment fund eligible gifts that meet the criteria set forth in this subdivision, made by donors during the period from January 1, 2005, to June 30, 2005, shall continue to be matched by the [Office of Higher Education] division of postsecondary education within the Department of Education in an amount equal to one-half of the total amount of endowment fund eligible gifts received. Commitments by donors to make endowment fund eligible gifts for two or more years that meet the criteria set forth in this subdivision and that are made for the period prior to December 31, 2004, but ending before December 31, 2012, shall continue to be matched by the [Office of Higher Education] division of postsecondary education within the Department of Education in an amount equal to one-half of the total amount of endowment fund eligible gifts received through the commitment.
(C) In any such fiscal year in which the total of the eligible gifts received by the community-technical colleges exceeds the endowment fund state grant maximum commitment for such fiscal year the amount in excess of such endowment fund state grant maximum commitment shall be carried forward and be eligible for a matching state grant in any succeeding fiscal year from the fiscal year ending June 30, 2000, to the fiscal year ending June 30, 2014, inclusive, subject to the endowment fund state grant maximum commitment. Any endowment fund eligible gifts that are not included in the total amount of endowment fund eligible gifts certified by the chairperson of the board of trustees pursuant to this subdivision may be carried forward and be eligible for a matching state grant in any succeeding fiscal year from the fiscal year ending June 30, 2000, to the fiscal year ending June 30, 2014, inclusive, subject to the endowment fund state matching grant commitment for such fiscal year.
Sec. 83. Subsection (b) of section 10a-77a of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2018):
(b) For the purposes of this section: (1) "Endowment fund eligible gift" means a gift to or for the benefit of a regional community-technical college or the community-technical college system as a whole of cash or assets which may be reduced to cash or which has a value that is ascertainable by such regional community-technical college or the community-technical college system as a whole which the donor has specifically designated for deposit in the endowment fund or which explicitly or implicitly by the terms of the gift the regional community-technical college or community-technical college system as a whole may and does deposit or permit to be deposited in the endowment funds. (2) "Endowment fund state grant" means moneys that are transferred by the [Office of Higher Education] division of postsecondary education within the Department of Education from the fund established pursuant to section 10a-8b, as amended by this act, to the endowment fund established pursuant to this section in an aggregate amount not exceeding the endowment fund state grant maximum commitment. (3) "Endowment fund state grant maximum commitment" means an amount not exceeding two million dollars for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2000, two and one-half million dollars for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2001, three million dollars for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2002, three and one-half million dollars for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2003, and five million dollars for each of the fiscal years ending June 30, 2004, to June 30, 2014, inclusive.
Sec. 84. Subsection (c) of section 10a-99 of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2018):
(c) Commencing December 1, 1984, and thereafter not later than sixty days after the close of each quarter, the board of trustees shall submit to the joint standing committee of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to appropriations and the budgets of state agencies, the [Office of Higher Education] division of postsecondary education within the Department of Education, established pursuant to section 10a-1d, as amended by this act, and the Office of Policy and Management a report on the actual expenditures of the Connecticut State University System Operating Fund.
Sec. 85. Subdivision (2) of subsection (a) of section 10a-99a of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2018):
(2) (A) For each of the fiscal years ending June 30, 2000, to June 30, 2006, inclusive, as part of the state contract with donors of endowment fund eligible gifts, the [Office of Higher Education] division of postsecondary education within the Department of Education, established pursuant to section 10a-1d, as amended by this act, in accordance with section 10a-8b, as amended by this act, shall deposit in the Endowment Fund for the Connecticut State University System a grant in an amount equal to half of the total amount of endowment fund eligible gifts received by or for the benefit of the Connecticut State University System as a whole and each state university for the calendar year ending the December thirty-first preceding the commencement of such fiscal year, as certified by the chairperson of the board of trustees by February fifteenth to (i) the Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management, (ii) the joint standing committee of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to appropriations and the budgets of state agencies, and (iii) the [executive director of the Office of Higher Education] division chief of the division of postsecondary education within the Department of Education, provided such sums do not exceed the endowment fund state grant maximum commitment for the fiscal year in which the grant is made.
(B) For each of the fiscal years ending June 30, 2007, to June 30, 2014, inclusive, as part of the state contract with donors of endowment fund eligible gifts, the [Office of Higher Education] division of postsecondary education within the Department of Education, in accordance with section 10a-8b, as amended by this act, shall deposit in the Endowment Fund for the Connecticut State University System a grant in an amount equal to one-quarter of the total amount of endowment fund eligible gifts, except as provided for in this subdivision, received by or for the benefit of the Connecticut State University System as a whole and each state university for the calendar year ending the December thirty-first preceding the commencement of such fiscal year, as certified by the chairperson of the board of trustees by February fifteenth to (i) the Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management, (ii) the joint standing committee of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to appropriations and the budgets of state agencies, and (iii) the [executive director of the Office of Higher Education] division chief of the division of postsecondary education within the Department of Education, provided such sums do not exceed the endowment fund state grant maximum commitment for the fiscal year in which the grant is made. Endowment fund eligible gifts that meet the criteria set forth in this subdivision, made by donors during the period from January 1, 2005, to June 30, 2005, shall continue to be matched by the [Office of Higher Education] division of postsecondary education within the Department of Education in an amount equal to one-half of the total amount of endowment fund eligible gifts received. Commitments by donors to make endowment fund eligible gifts for two or more years that meet the criteria set forth in this subdivision and that are made for the period prior to December 31, 2004, but ending before December 31, 2012, shall continue to be matched by the [Office of Higher Education] division of postsecondary education within the Department of Education in an amount equal to one-half of the total amount of endowment fund eligible gifts received.
(C) In any such fiscal year in which the total of the eligible gifts received by the Connecticut State University System as a whole and each state university exceed the endowment fund state grant maximum commitment for such fiscal year the amount in excess of such endowment fund state grant maximum commitment shall be carried forward and be eligible for a matching state grant in any succeeding fiscal year from the fiscal year ending June 30, 2000, to the fiscal year ending June 30, 2014, inclusive, subject to the endowment fund state grant maximum commitment. Any endowment fund eligible gifts that are not included in the total amount of endowment fund eligible gifts certified by the chairperson of the board of trustees pursuant to this subdivision may be carried forward and be eligible for a matching state grant in any succeeding fiscal year from the fiscal year ending June 30, 2000, to the fiscal year ending June 30, 2014, inclusive, subject to the endowment fund state matching grant maximum commitment for such fiscal year.
Sec. 86. Subsection (b) of section 10a-99a of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2018):
(b) For the purposes of this section: (1) "Endowment fund eligible gift" means a gift to or for the benefit of any of the state universities of the Connecticut State University System or the system as a whole of cash or assets which may be reduced to cash or which has the value that is ascertainable by the state universities or the system as a whole and which the donor has specifically designated for deposit in the endowment fund or which explicitly or implicitly by the terms of the gift, the universities or the system as a whole may and does deposit or permit to be deposited in the endowment funds. (2) "Endowment fund state grant" means moneys transferred by the [Office of Higher Education] division of postsecondary education within the Department of Education from the fund established pursuant to section 10a-8b, as amended by this act, to the endowment fund established pursuant to this section in an aggregate amount not exceeding the endowment fund state grant maximum commitment. (3) "Endowment fund state grant maximum commitment" means an amount not exceeding two and one-half million dollars in the fiscal year ending June 30, 2000, five million dollars for each of the fiscal years ending June 30, 2001, and June 30, 2002, and seven million five hundred thousand dollars for each of the fiscal years ending June 30, 2003, to June 30, 2014, inclusive.
Sec. 87. Subsection (a) of section 10a-104 of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2018):
(a) The Board of Trustees of The University of Connecticut shall: (1) Make rules for the government of the university and shall determine the general policies of the university, including those concerning the admission of students and the establishment of schools, colleges, divisions and departments, which policies shall be consistent with the goals identified in section 10a-11c, and shall direct the expenditure of the university's funds within the amounts available; (2) develop the mission statement for The University of Connecticut, and all campuses thereof, that shall be consistent with such goals and include, but not be limited to, the following elements: (A) The educational needs of and constituencies served by said university and campuses; (B) the degrees offered by said university; and (C) the role and scope of each institution and campus within the university system, which shall include each institution's and campus' particular strengths and specialties; (3) establish policies for the university system and for the individual institutions and campuses under its jurisdiction; (4) review and approve recommendations for the establishment of new academic programs; (5) report all new programs and program changes to the [Office of Higher Education] division of postsecondary education within the Department of Education, established pursuant to section 10a-1d, as amended by this act; (6) make recommendations, when appropriate, regarding institutional or campus mergers or closures; (7) coordinate the programs and services of the institutions and campuses under its jurisdiction; (8) be authorized to enter into agreements, consistent with the provisions of section 5-141d, to save harmless and indemnify sponsors of research grants to The University of Connecticut, provided such an agreement is required to receive the grant and limits liability to damages or injury resulting from acts or omissions related to such research by employees of the university; (9) promote fund-raising to assist the university and report to the [executive director of the Office of Higher Education] division chief of the division of postsecondary education within the Department of Education and the joint standing committee of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to education by January 1, 1994, and biennially thereafter, on such fund-raising; (10) charge the direct costs for a building project under its jurisdiction to the bond fund account for such project, provided (A) such costs are charged in accordance with a procedure approved by the Treasurer and (B) nothing in this subdivision shall permit the charging of working capital costs, as defined in the applicable provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, or any subsequent corresponding internal revenue code of the United States, as from time to time amended, or costs originally paid from sources other than the bond fund account; (11) exercise the powers delegated to it pursuant to section 10a-109d; and (12) establish by October 1, 1997, policies governing the acceptance of gifts made by a foundation established pursuant to sections 4-37e and 4-37f to the university or its employees for reimbursement of expenditures or payment of expenditures on behalf of the university or its employees.
Sec. 88. Subsection (d) of section 10a-105 of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2018):
(d) Commencing December 1, 1981, and thereafter not later than sixty days after the close of each quarter, the board of trustees shall submit to the joint standing committee of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to appropriations and the budgets of state agencies, the [Office of Higher Education] division of postsecondary education within the Department of Education, established pursuant to section 10a-1d, as amended by this act, and the Office of Policy and Management a report on the actual expenditures of The University of Connecticut Operating Fund and The University of Connecticut Health Center Operating Fund containing such relevant information as the Office of Policy and Management may require in the form prescribed by the board of regents in accordance with subsection (a) of section 10a-8.
Sec. 89. Subparagraphs (A) and (B) of subdivision (2) of subsection (b) of section 10a-109i of the general statutes are repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2018):
(2) (A) For each of the fiscal years ending June 30, 1999, to June 30, 2006, inclusive, as part of the state contract with donors of endowment fund eligible gifts, the [Office of Higher Education] division of postsecondary education within the Department of Education, established pursuant to section 10a-1d, as amended by this act, in accordance with section 10a-8b, as amended by this act, shall deposit in the endowment fund for the university a grant in an amount equal to half of the total amount of endowment fund eligible gifts, except as provided in this subparagraph, received by the university or for the benefit of the university for the calendar year ending the December thirty-first preceding the commencement of such fiscal year, as certified by the chairperson of the board of trustees by February fifteenth to (i) the Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management, (ii) the joint standing committee of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to appropriations and the budgets of state agencies, and (iii) the [executive director of the Office of Higher Education] division chief of the division of postsecondary education within the Department of Education, provided such sums do not exceed the endowment fund state grant maximum commitment for the fiscal year in which the grant is made. For the fiscal years ending June 30, 1999, and June 30, 2000, the [Office of Higher Education] division of postsecondary education within the Department of Education shall deposit in the endowment fund for the university grants in total amounts which shall not exceed the endowment fund state grant, as defined in subdivision (7) of section 10a-109c of the general statutes, revision of 1958, revised to January 1, 1997, and which shall be equal to the amounts certified by the chairperson of the board of trustees for each such fiscal year of endowment fund eligible gifts received by the university or for the benefit of the university and for which written commitments were made prior to July 1, 1997. For the fiscal year ending June 30, 1999, the funds required to be deposited in the endowment fund pursuant to this subparagraph shall be appropriated to the university for such purpose and not appropriated to the fund established pursuant to section 10a-8b, as amended by this act.
(B) For each of the fiscal years ending June 30, 2007, to June 30, 2014, inclusive, as part of the state contract with donors of endowment fund eligible gifts, the [Office of Higher Education] division of postsecondary education within the Department of Education, in accordance with section 10a-8b, as amended by this act, shall deposit in the endowment fund for the university a grant in an amount equal to one-quarter of the total amount of endowment fund eligible gifts, except as provided in this subdivision, received by the university or for the benefit of the university for the calendar year ending the December thirty-first preceding the commencement of such fiscal year, as certified by the chairperson of the board of trustees by February fifteenth to (i) the Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management, (ii) the joint standing committee of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to appropriations and the budgets of state agencies, and (iii) the [executive director of the Office of Higher Education] division chief of the division of postsecondary education within the Department of Education, provided such sums do not exceed the endowment fund state grant maximum commitment for the fiscal year in which the grant is made. Endowment fund eligible gifts that meet the criteria set forth in this subdivision, made by donors during the period from January 1, 2005, to June 30, 2005, shall continue to be matched by the [Office of Higher Education] division of postsecondary education within the Department of Education in an amount equal to one-half of the total amount of endowment fund eligible gifts received. Commitments by donors to make endowment fund eligible gifts for two or more years that meet the criteria set forth in this subdivision and that are made for the period prior to December 31, 2004, but ending before December 31, 2012, shall continue to be matched by the [Office of Higher Education] division of postsecondary education within the Department of Education in an amount equal to one-half of the total amount of endowment fund eligible gifts received through the commitment.
Sec. 90. Subsection (f) of section 10a-143 of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2018):
(f) The Board of Regents for Higher Education shall establish and administer a fund to be known as the Board of Regents for Higher Education for Charter Oak State College Operating Fund, which shall be a separate account within the General Fund. The operating fund shall be used for the expenses of Charter Oak State College, including personnel expenses and equipment, and for the support of college activities pursuant to this section, including validation and evaluation of learning, guidance and public information services, projects of research and development for the improvement of learning materials and the technology of delivery systems, and for the purchase of such services, materials and equipment as are required for use in connection with said activities. Appropriations from general revenues of the state, all fees and proceeds of the board's activities on behalf of Charter Oak State College, including grants and donations, not required by statute or regulation to be deposited to the credit of the General Fund, shall be credited to and become a part of the resources of said operating fund. Any balance of receipts above expenditures shall remain in said operating fund. Not later than sixty days after the close of each quarter, the Board of Regents for Higher Education shall submit to the joint standing committee of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to appropriations and the budgets of state agencies, the [Office of Higher Education] division of postsecondary education within the Department of Education, established pursuant to section 10a-1d, as amended by this act, and the Office of Policy and Management a report on the actual expenditures of the Board of Regents for Higher Education for Charter Oak State College Operating Fund.
Sec. 91. Subdivision (2) of subsection (a) of section 10a-143a of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2018):
(2) (A) For each of the fiscal years ending June 30, 2000, to June 30, 2006, inclusive, as part of the state contract with donors of endowment fund eligible gifts, the [Office of Higher Education] division of postsecondary education within the Department of Education, established pursuant to section 10a-1d, as amended by this act, in accordance with section 10a-8b, as amended by this act, shall deposit in the Endowment Fund for Charter Oak State College a grant in an amount equal to half of the total amount of endowment fund eligible gifts received by or for the benefit of Charter Oak State College for the calendar year ending the December thirty-first preceding the commencement of such fiscal year, as certified by the chairperson of the Board of Regents for Higher Education by February fifteenth to (i) the Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management, (ii) the joint standing committee of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to appropriations and the budgets of state agencies, and (iii) the [executive director of the Office of Higher Education] division chief of the division of postsecondary education within the Department of Education, provided such sums do not exceed the endowment fund state grant maximum commitment for the fiscal year in which the grant is made.
(B) For each of the fiscal years ending June 30, 2007, to June 30, 2014, inclusive, as part of the state contract with donors of endowment fund eligible gifts, the [Office of Higher Education] division of postsecondary education within the Department of Education, in accordance with section 10a-8b, as amended by this act, shall deposit in the Endowment Fund for Charter Oak State College a grant in an amount equal to one-quarter of the total amount of endowment fund eligible gifts, except as provided in this subdivision, received by or for the benefit of Charter Oak State College for the calendar year ending the December thirty-first preceding the commencement of such fiscal year, as certified by the chairperson of the Board of Regents for Higher Education by February fifteenth to (i) the Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management, (ii) the joint standing committee of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to appropriations and the budgets of state agencies, and (iii) the [executive director of the Office of Higher Education] division chief of the division of postsecondary education within the Department of Education, provided such sums do not exceed the endowment fund state grant maximum commitment for the fiscal year in which the grant is made. Endowment fund eligible gifts that meet the criteria set forth in this subdivision, made by donors during the period from January 1, 2005, to June 30, 2005, shall continue to be matched by the [Office of Higher Education] division of postsecondary education within the Department of Education in an amount equal to one-half of the total amount of endowment fund eligible gifts received. Commitments by donors to make endowment fund eligible gifts for two or more years that meet the criteria set forth in this subdivision and that are made for the period prior to December 31, 2004, but ending before December 31, 2012, shall continue to be matched by the [Office of Higher Education] division of postsecondary education within the Department of Education in an amount equal to one-half of the total amount of endowment fund eligible gifts received through the commitment.
(C) In any such fiscal year in which the total of the eligible gifts received by Charter Oak State College exceeds the endowment fund state grant maximum commitment for such fiscal year the amount in excess of such endowment fund state grant maximum commitment shall be carried forward and be eligible for a matching state grant in any succeeding fiscal year from the fiscal year ending June 30, 2000, to the fiscal year ending June 30, 2014, inclusive, subject to the endowment fund state grant maximum commitment. Any endowment fund eligible gifts that are not included in the total amount of endowment fund eligible gifts certified by the chairperson of the Board of Regents for Higher Education pursuant to this subdivision may be carried forward and be eligible for a matching state grant in any succeeding fiscal year from the fiscal year ending June 30, 2000, to the fiscal year ending June 30, 2014, inclusive, subject to the endowment fund state matching grant maximum commitment for such fiscal year.
Sec. 92. Subsection (b) of section 10a-143a of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2018):
(b) For the purposes of this section: (1) "Endowment fund eligible gift" means a gift to or for the benefit of Charter Oak State College of cash or assets which may be reduced to cash or which has a value that is ascertainable by such college which the donor has specifically designated for deposit in the endowment fund or which explicitly or implicitly by the terms of the gift Charter Oak State College may and does deposit or permit to be deposited in the endowment fund. (2) "Endowment fund state grant" means moneys that are transferred by the [Office of Higher Education] division of postsecondary education within the Department of Education from the fund established pursuant to section 10a-8b, as amended by this act, to the endowment fund established pursuant to this section in an aggregate amount not exceeding the endowment fund state grant maximum commitment. (3) "Endowment fund state grant maximum commitment" means an amount not exceeding one hundred thousand dollars for each fiscal year from the fiscal year ending June 30, 2000, to the fiscal year ending June 30, 2014, inclusive.
Sec. 93. Section 10a-161 of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2018):
The [Office of Higher Education] division of postsecondary education within the Department of Education, established pursuant to section 10a-1d, as amended by this act, shall: (1) Establish state-wide policy pertaining to student financial assistance; (2) establish procedure by regulation, for the award of financial assistance under sections 10a-167 and 10a-173, as amended by this act; (3) review and approve applications for financial assistance under sections 10a-168 and 10a-173, as amended by this act; (4) receive and review records of all financial assistance granted pursuant to section 10a-167; (5) increase the availability of the state financial assistance programs to all segments of the state population, with significant attention to those with special needs; and (6) assist financial aid officers at institutions of higher education and secondary school guidance counselors in becoming better informed about matters concerning student financial assistance affairs.
Sec. 94. Section 10a-161a of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2018):
The president of the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities and the [Office of Higher Education] division of postsecondary education within the Department of Education, established pursuant to section 10a-1d, as amended by this act, shall report, biennially, in accordance with the provisions of section 11-4a, to the joint standing committee of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to higher education on state, northeast regional and national trends in (1) the cost of attendance at public and independent institutions of higher education and private occupational schools, and (2) the availability and utilization of all forms of student financial aid for academic and noncredit vocational courses and programs relative to economic conditions and personal income.
Sec. 95. Section 10a-168 of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2018):
If the [Office of Higher Education] division of postsecondary education within the Department of Education, established pursuant to section 10a-1d, as amended by this act, determines that no approved program of teacher education within the state is available for the preparation of teachers of children requiring special education as defined in part V of chapter 164, said [office] division may provide scholarship aid for such undergraduate and graduate students as it may designate to attend approved programs in institutions in other states. The [office] division may determine the amount of such scholarship aid in each case. In order to be eligible for such scholarship aid, any applicant shall agree to teach children requiring special education in Connecticut for at least three years.
Sec. 96. Subsections (a) and (b) of section 10a-168a of the general statutes are repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2018):
(a) There is established a Connecticut minority teacher incentive program administered by the [Office of Higher Education] division of postsecondary education within the Department of Education, established pursuant to section 10a-1d, as amended by this act.
(b) Within available appropriations, the program shall provide grants to minority students (1) in teacher education programs for their junior or senior year, or both such years, at any four-year institution of higher education, (2) completing the requirements of such a teacher education program as a graduate student, provided such student received a grant pursuant to this section for one year at the undergraduate level, or (3) enrolled in the alternate route to certification program administered through the [Office of Higher Education] division of postsecondary education within the Department of Education. No student shall receive a grant under the program for more than two years. Maximum grants shall not exceed five thousand dollars per year. The [office] division of postsecondary education within the Department of Education shall ensure that at least ten per cent of the grant recipients are minority students who transfer from a Connecticut regional community-technical college.
Sec. 97. Section 10a-173 of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2018):
(a) For the purposes of this section:
(1) "Family contribution" means the expected family contribution for educational costs as computed from the student's Free Application for Federal Student Aid;
(2) "Full-time or part-time undergraduate student" means a student who is enrolled at an institution of higher education in a course of study leading to such student's first associate or bachelor's degree and who is carrying, for a full-time student, twelve or more semester credit hours, or, for a part-time student, between six and eleven semester credit hours at such institution of higher education;
(3) "Independent institution of higher education" means a nonprofit institution established in this state (A) that has degree-granting authority in this state; (B) that has its main campus located in this state; (C) that is not included in the Connecticut system of public higher education; and (D) whose primary function is not the preparation of students for religious vocation;
(4) "Public institution of higher education" means the constituent units of the state system of higher education identified in subdivisions (1) to (4), inclusive, of section 10a-1;
(5) "Eligible educational costs" means the tuition and required fees for an individual student that are published by each institution of higher education participating in the grant program established under this section, plus a fixed amount for required books and educational supplies as determined by the [Office of Higher Education] division of postsecondary education within the Department of Education, established pursuant to section 10a-1d, as amended by this act.
(b) The state, acting through the [Office of Higher Education] division of postsecondary education within the Department of Education, established pursuant to section 10a-1d, as amended by this act, shall establish the Governor's Scholarship program to annually make need-based financial aid available for eligible educational costs for Connecticut residents enrolled at Connecticut's public and independent institutions of higher education as full-time or part-time undergraduate students beginning with new or transfer students in the fiscal year ending June 30, 2014. On and after July 1, 2016, said program shall be known as the "Roberta B. Willis Scholarship program". Any award made to a student in the fiscal year ending June 30, 2013, under the capitol scholarship grant program, established under section 10a-169 of the general statutes, revision of 1958, revised to January 1, 2013, the Connecticut aid to public college students grant program, established under section 10a-164a of the general statutes, revision of 1958, revised to January 1, 2013, Connecticut aid to Charter Oak, established under subsection (c) of section 10a-164a of the general statutes, revision of 1958, revised to January 1, 2013, or the Connecticut independent college student grant program, established under section 10a-36 of the general statutes, revision of 1958, revised to January 1, 2013, shall be offered under the Roberta B. Willis Scholarship program and be renewable for the life of the original award, provided such student meets and continues to meet the need and academic standards established for purposes of the program under which such student received the original award.
(c) Within available appropriations, the Roberta B. Willis Scholarship program shall include a need and merit-based grant, a need-based grant and a Charter Oak grant. The need and merit-based grant shall be funded at not less than twenty per cent but not more than thirty per cent of available appropriations. The need-based grant shall be funded at up to eighty per cent of available appropriations. The Charter Oak grant shall be not less than one hundred thousand dollars of available appropriations. There shall be an administrative allowance based on one-quarter of one per cent of the available appropriations, but not less than one hundred thousand dollars. In addition to the amount of the annual appropriation allocated to the regional community-technical colleges under subsection (e) of this section, and to regional community-technical college students under subsection (d) of this section, not less than two and one-half per cent of the annual appropriation shall be allocated to the regional community-technical colleges to be used for financial aid purposes.
(d) The Roberta B. Willis Scholarship need and merit-based grant shall be available to any Connecticut resident who is a full-time or part-time undergraduate student at any public or independent institution of higher education. The [Office of Higher Education] division of postsecondary education within the Department of Education shall determine eligibility by financial need based on family contribution and eligibility by merit based on either previous high school academic achievement or performance on standardized academic aptitude tests. The [Office of Higher Education] division of postsecondary education within the Department of Education shall make awards according to a sliding scale, annually determined by said [office] division, up to a maximum family contribution and based on available appropriations and eligible students. The Roberta B. Willis Scholarship need and merit-based grant shall be awarded in a higher amount than the need-based grant awarded pursuant to subsection (e) of this section. Recipients of the need and merit-based grant shall not be eligible to receive an additional need-based award. The order of institutions of higher education provided by a student on the student's Free Application for Federal Student Aid shall not affect the student's eligibility for an award under this subsection. The accepting institution of higher education shall disburse sums awarded under the need and merit-based grant for payment of the student's eligible educational costs.
(e) The Roberta B. Willis Scholarship need-based grant shall be available to any Connecticut resident who is a full-time or part-time undergraduate student at any public or independent institution of higher education. The amount of the annual appropriation to be allocated to each institution of higher education shall be determined by its actual full-time equivalent enrollment of undergraduate students who are Connecticut residents with a family contribution during the fall semester of the fiscal year two years prior to the grant year of an amount not greater than two hundred per cent of the maximum family contribution eligible for a federal Pell grant award for the academic year one year prior to the grant year. Not later than July first, annually, each institution of higher education shall report such enrollment data to the [Office of Higher Education] division of postsecondary education within the Department of Education. Not later than October first, annually, the [Office of Higher Education] division of postsecondary education within the Department of Education shall (1) publish such enrollment data on its Internet web site, and (2) notify each institution of higher education of the proportion of the annual appropriation that such institution of higher education will receive the following fiscal year and publish the proportions for each institution of higher education on its Internet web site. Participating institutions of higher education shall make awards (A) to eligible full-time students in an amount up to four thousand five hundred dollars, and (B) to eligible part-time students in an amount that is prorated according to the number of credits each student will earn for completing the course or courses in which such student is enrolled, such that a student enrolled in a course or courses earning (i) at least nine but less than twelve credits is eligible for up to seventy-five per cent of the maximum award, and (ii) at least six but less than nine credits is eligible for up to fifty per cent of the maximum award. Each participating institution of higher education shall expend all of the moneys received under the Roberta B. Willis Scholarship program as direct financial assistance only for eligible educational costs.
(f) Participating institutions of higher education shall annually provide the [Office of Higher Education] division of postsecondary education within the Department of Education with data and reports on all Connecticut students who applied for financial aid, including, but not limited to, students receiving a Roberta B. Willis Scholarship grant, in a form and at a time determined by said [office] division. If an institution of higher education fails to submit information to the [Office of Higher Education] division of postsecondary education within the Department of Education as directed, such institution shall be prohibited from participating in the scholarship program in the fiscal year following the fiscal year in which such institution failed to submit such information. Each participating institution of higher education shall maintain, for a period of not less than three years, records substantiating the reported number of Connecticut students and documentation utilized by the institution of higher education in determining eligibility of the student grant recipients. Such records shall be subject to audit or review. Funds not obligated by an institution of higher education shall be returned by May first in the fiscal year the grant was made to the [Office of Higher Education] division of postsecondary education within the Department of Education for reallocation. Financial aid provided to Connecticut residents under this program shall be designated as a grant from the Roberta B. Willis Scholarship program.
(g) The Roberta B. Willis Scholarship Charter Oak grant shall be available to any full-time or part-time undergraduate student enrolled in Charter Oak State College. The [Office of Higher Education] division of postsecondary education within the Department of Education shall allocate any appropriation to Charter Oak State College to be used to provide grants for eligible educational costs to residents of this state who demonstrate substantial financial need and who are matriculated in a degree program at Charter Oak State College. Individual awards shall not exceed a student's calculated eligible educational costs. Financial aid provided to Connecticut residents under this program shall be designated as a grant from the Roberta B. Willis Scholarship program.
(h) In administering the Roberta B. Willis Scholarship program, the [Office of Higher Education] division of postsecondary education within the Department of Education shall develop and utilize fiscal procedures designed to ensure accountability of the public funds expended. Such procedures shall include provisions for compliance reviews that shall be conducted by the [Office of Higher Education] division of postsecondary education within the Department of Education on any institution of higher education that participates in the program. Commencing with the fiscal year ending June 30, 2015, and biennially thereafter, each such institution of higher education shall submit the results of an audit done by an independent certified public accountant for each year of participation in the program. Any institution of higher education determined by the [Office of Higher Education] division of postsecondary education within the Department of Education not to be in substantial compliance with the provisions of the Roberta B. Willis Scholarship program shall be ineligible to receive funds under the program for the fiscal year following the fiscal year in which the institution of higher education was determined not to be in substantial compliance. Funding shall be restored when the [Office of Higher Education] division of postsecondary education within the Department of Education determines that the institution of higher education has returned to substantial compliance.
Sec. 98. Subparagraph (J) of subdivision (37) of subsection (a) of section 12-407 of the 2018 supplement to the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2018):
(J) Business analysis, management, management consulting and public relations services, excluding (i) any environmental consulting services, (ii) any training services provided by an institution of higher education licensed or accredited by the Board of Regents for Higher Education or [Office of Higher Education] the division of postsecondary education within the Department of Education, established pursuant to section 10a-1d, as amended by this act, pursuant to sections 10a-35a and 10a-34, respectively, as amended by this act, and (iii) on and after January 1, 1994, any business analysis, management, management consulting and public relations services when such services are rendered in connection with an aircraft leased or owned by a certificated air carrier or in connection with an aircraft which has a maximum certificated take-off weight of six thousand pounds or more;
Sec. 99. Subsection (b) of section 20-37a of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2018):
(b) Notwithstanding the requirements of section 20-37, no license to practice naturopathic medicine is required of:
(1) Students enrolled in a college or program of naturopathic medicine if (A) the college or program is recognized by the Council on Naturopathic Medical Education or licensed or accredited by the Board of Regents for Higher Education or [Office of Higher Education] the division of postsecondary education within the Department of Education, established pursuant to section 10a-1d, as amended by this act, and (B) the practice that would otherwise require a license is pursuant to a course of instruction or assignments from an instructor and under the supervision of the instructor; or
(2) Licensed faculty members providing the didactic and clinical training necessary to meet the accreditation standards of the Council on Naturopathic Medical Education at a college or program recognized by the council or licensed or accredited by the Board of Regents for Higher Education or [Office of Higher Education] the division of postsecondary education within the Department of Education.
Sec. 100. Subsection (d) of section 20-206bb of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2018):
(d) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (b) of this section, the department shall, prior to September 1, 2005, issue a license to any applicant who presents to the department satisfactory evidence that the applicant has (1) earned, or successfully completed requirements for, a master's degree in acupuncture from a program that includes a minimum of one thousand three hundred fifty hours of didactic and clinical training, five hundred of which are clinical, from an institution of higher education accredited by the Board of Regents for Higher Education or [Office of Higher Education] the division of postsecondary education within the Department of Education, established pursuant to section 10a-1d, as amended by this act, at the time of the applicant's graduation, (2) passed all portions of the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine acupuncture examination, including the acupuncture portion of the comprehensive written examination in acupuncture, the clean needle technique portion of the comprehensive written examination in acupuncture and the practical examination of point location skills, and (3) successfully completed a course in clean needle technique offered by the Council of Colleges of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine.
Sec. 101. Subsection (i) of section 20-206bb of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2018):
(i) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (a) of this section, no license to engage in the practice of acupuncture is required of: (1) Students enrolled in a college or program of acupuncture if (A) the college or program is recognized by the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine or licensed or accredited by the Board of Regents for Higher Education or [Office of Higher Education] the division of postsecondary education within the Department of Education, established pursuant to section 10a-1d, as amended by this act, and (B) the practice that would otherwise require a license is pursuant to a course of instruction or assignments from a licensed instructor and under the supervision of the instructor; or (2) faculty members providing the didactic and clinical training necessary to meet the accreditation standards of the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine at a college or program recognized by the commission or licensed or accredited by the Board of Regents for Higher Education or [Office of Higher Education] the division of postsecondary education within the Department of Education. For purposes of this subsection, "licensed instructor" means a faculty member or instructor licensed under this section or otherwise authorized to engage in the practice of acupuncture in this state.
Sec. 102. Section 30-20a of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2018):
(a) (1) A university permit for beer shall allow the retail sale of beer on land and in a building which is subject to the care, custody and control of an institution offering a program of higher learning, as defined in section 10a-34, as amended by this act, which has been accredited by the Board of Regents for Higher Education or [Office of Higher Education] the division of postsecondary education within the Department of Education, established pursuant to section 10a-1d, as amended by this act, or otherwise is authorized to award a degree pursuant to section 10a-34, as amended by this act. Such beverages shall be available for consumption on the premises by students, faculty and staff of the institution or their guests. Such permits shall be under the supervision and control of the Department of Consumer Protection. The annual fee for a university permit for beer shall be three hundred dollars.
(2) A university permit for wine and beer shall allow the retail sale of wine and beer on land and in a building which is subject to the care, custody and control of an institution offering a program of higher learning, as defined in section 10a-34, as amended by this act, which has been accredited by the Board of Regents for Higher Education or [Office of Higher Education] the division of postsecondary education within the Department of Education or otherwise is authorized to award a degree pursuant to section 10a-34, as amended by this act. Such beverages shall be available for consumption on the premises by students, faculty and staff of the institution or their guests. Such permits shall be under the supervision and control of the Department of Consumer Protection. The annual fee for a university permit for beer and wine shall be seven hundred dollars.
(b) A university liquor permit shall allow the retail sale of alcoholic liquor: (1) In a room that is subject to the care, custody and control of The University of Connecticut Board of Trustees, or (2) on land or in a building situated on or abutting a golf course which is subject to the care, custody and control of an institution offering a program of higher learning, as defined in section 10a-34, as amended by this act, which has been accredited by the Board of Regents for Higher Education or [Office of Higher Education] division of postsecondary education within the Department of Education or otherwise is authorized to award a degree pursuant to section 10a-34, as amended by this act. Such permits shall be under the supervision and control of the Department of Consumer Protection. The annual fee for a university liquor permit shall be three hundred dollars.
Sec. 103. Subdivision (1) of subsection (b) of section 36a-25 of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2018):
(1) Receive, review and attempt to resolve any complaints from student loan borrowers, including, but not limited to, attempts to resolve such complaints in collaboration with institutions of higher education, student loan servicers, as defined in section 36a-846, and any other participants in student loan lending, including, but not limited to, The University of Connecticut, the Board of Regents for Higher Education, the [Office of Higher Education] the division of postsecondary education within the Department of Education, established pursuant to section 10a-1d, as amended by this act, or the Connecticut Higher Education Supplemental Loan Authority;
Sec. 104. Section 10-520b of the 2018 supplement to the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2018):
The Office of Early Childhood, upon receipt of a proper application and in a manner prescribed by the Commissioner of Early Childhood, shall issue an early childhood teacher credential to any person who holds (1) an associate degree with a concentration in early childhood education from an institution of higher education that is regionally accredited, provided such associate degree program is approved by (A) the Board of Regents for Higher Education or the [Office of Higher Education] division of postsecondary education within the Department of Education, established pursuant to section 10a-1d, as amended by this act, and (B) the Office of Early Childhood, or (2) a bachelor's degree with a concentration in early childhood education from an institution of higher education that is regionally accredited, provided such bachelor's degree program is approved by (A) the Board of Regents for Higher Education or [Office of Higher Education] the division of postsecondary education within the Department of Education, and (B) the Office of Early Childhood. Any early childhood teacher credential issued pursuant to subdivision (1) of this section shall be valid until June 30, 2021. For purposes of this section, "concentration in early childhood education" has the same meaning as provided in section 10-16p, as amended by this act.
Sec. 105. Section 10a-17 of the 2018 supplement to the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2018):
The [Office of Higher Education] division of postsecondary education within the Department of Education, established pursuant to section 10a-1d, as amended by this act, shall (a) be responsible for obtaining information on new programs and methods of education that are being developed in the public schools and colleges of the state and nation, keeping such records current and publicizing information concerning these programs; and (b) encourage and aid in the development of new and improved programs and methods of education in order to recruit, prepare and train or retrain personnel needed in such programs.
Sec. 106. Section 10a-19e of the 2018 supplement to the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2018):
(a) There is established an "Engineering Connecticut" loan reimbursement grant program, administered by the [Office of Higher Education] division of postsecondary education within the Department of Education, established pursuant to section 10a-1d, as amended by this act, for persons who have graduated from institutions of higher education with undergraduate or graduate degrees in engineering.
(b) Within available appropriations, the program shall provide student loan reimbursement grants for persons who (1) attended any institution of higher education, (2) have been awarded an undergraduate or graduate degree in engineering, and (3) are newly employed in Connecticut on or after January 1, 2006, as engineers.
(c) Persons who qualify under subsection (b) of this section shall be reimbursed on an annual basis for qualifying student loan payments in amounts as determined by the [executive director of the Office of Higher Education] division chief of the division of postsecondary education within the Department of Education. A person qualifying under subsection (b) of this section shall only be reimbursed for loan payments made while such person is employed in the state as an engineer. The [Office of Higher Education] division of postsecondary education within the Department of Education shall develop eligibility requirements for recipients of such reimbursements. Such requirements may include income guidelines. Persons may apply for grants to the [Office of Higher Education] division of postsecondary education within the Department of Education at such time and in such manner as the [executive director of the Office of Higher Education] division chief of the division of postsecondary education within the Department of Education prescribes.
(d) Any unexpended funds appropriated for purposes of this section shall not lapse at the end of the fiscal year but shall be available for expenditure during the next fiscal year.
(e) The [Office of Higher Education] division of postsecondary education within the Department of Education may use up to two per cent of the funds appropriated for purposes of this section for program administration, promotion and recruitment activities.
Sec. 107. Section 10a-19f of the 2018 supplement to the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2018):
(a) There is established a "You Belong" loan reimbursement grant program, administered by the [Office of Higher Education] division of postsecondary education within the Department of Education, established pursuant to section 10a-1d, as amended by this act, for graduates of doctoral programs who are employed in Connecticut in economically valuable fields.
(b) Within available appropriations, the program shall provide student loan reimbursement grants for persons who (1) have been awarded a doctoral degree from any institution of higher education, and (2) are newly employed in Connecticut in an economically valuable field, as determined by the Department of Economic and Community Development, on or after January 1, 2006, by a company or an institution of higher education that has registered with or otherwise been qualified under the program by the Department of Economic and Community Development.
(c) Persons who qualify under subsection (b) of this section shall receive reimbursement grants on an annual basis for qualifying student loan payments in amounts as determined by the [executive director of the Office of Higher Education] division chief of the division of postsecondary education within the Department of Education. A person qualifying under subsection (b) of this section shall only be reimbursed for loan payments made while such person is employed in Connecticut by a qualifying company or in research at an institution of higher education in an economically valuable field. The [Office of Higher Education] division of postsecondary education within the Department of Education shall develop eligibility requirements for recipients of such reimbursement grants in consultation with the Department of Economic and Community Development. Such requirements may include income guidelines. Persons may apply for grants to the [Office of Higher Education] division of postsecondary education within the Department of Education at such time and in such manner as the [executive director of the Office of Higher Education] division chief of the division of postsecondary education within the Department of Education prescribes.
(d) Any unexpended funds appropriated for purposes of this section shall not lapse at the end of the fiscal year but shall be available for expenditure during the next fiscal year.
(e) The [Office of Higher Education] division of postsecondary education within the Department of Education may use up to two per cent of the funds appropriated for purposes of this section for program administration, promotion and recruitment activities.
Sec. 108. Section 10a-19i of the 2018 supplement to the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2018):
(a) As used in subsections (a) to (e), inclusive, of this section:
(1) "Green technology" means technology that (A) promotes clean energy, renewable energy or energy efficiency, (B) reduces greenhouse gases or carbon emissions, or (C) involves the invention, design and application of chemical products and processes to eliminate the use and generation of hazardous substances;
(2) "Life science" means the study of genes, cells, tissues and chemical and physical structures of living organisms and biomedical engineering and the manufacture of medical devices; and
(3) "Health information technology" means the creation, execution or implementation of electronic data systems that record or transmit medical or health information.
(b) There is established a Connecticut green technology, life science and health information technology loan reimbursement program to be administered by the [Office of Higher Education] division of postsecondary education within the Department of Education, established pursuant to section 10a-1d, as amended by this act.
(c) A Connecticut resident who graduated on or after May 1, 2010, from an institution of higher education in this state with a bachelor's degree in a field relating to green technology, life science or health information technology and who has been employed in this state for at least two years after graduation by a business in the field of green technology, life science or health information technology and whose federal adjusted gross income for the year prior to the initial reimbursement year does not exceed one hundred fifty thousand dollars shall be eligible for reimbursement of federal or state educational loans up to a maximum of two thousand five hundred dollars per year or five per cent of the amount of such loans per year, whichever is less, for up to four years.
(d) A Connecticut resident who graduated on or after May 1, 2010, from an institution of higher education in this state with an associate degree relating to green technology, life science or health information technology and who has been employed in this state for at least two years after graduation by a business in the field of green technology, life science or health information technology and whose federal adjusted gross income for the year prior to the initial reimbursement year does not exceed one hundred fifty thousand dollars shall be eligible for reimbursement of federal or state educational loans up to a maximum of two thousand five hundred dollars per year or five per cent of the amount of such loans per year, whichever is less, for up to two years.
(e) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsections (c) and (d) of this section, the total combined dollar value of loan reimbursements available under this and any other provision of the general statutes shall not exceed five thousand dollars per recipient of an associate degree and ten thousand dollars per recipient of a bachelor's degree.
(f) The [Office of Higher Education] Department of Education may adopt regulations, in accordance with the provisions of chapter 54, to carry out the provisions of subsections (a) to (e), inclusive, of this section.
Sec. 109. Section 10a-55g of the 2018 supplement to the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2018):
The [Office of Higher Education, in consultation with the] Department of Education, utilizing its division of postsecondary education established pursuant to section 10a-1d, as amended by this act, shall annually prepare and publish on [the Office of Higher Education's] said division's Internet web site a list of every green jobs course and green jobs certificate and degree program offered by technical education and career schools and public institutions of higher education and an inventory of green jobs related equipment used by such technical education and career schools and institutions of higher education.
Sec. 110. Section 10a-44c of the 2018 supplement to the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2018):
The [Office of Higher Education] division of postsecondary education within the Department of Education, established pursuant to section 10a-1d, as amended by this act, and the constituent units of the state system of higher education, as defined in section 10a-1, may each establish guidelines that encourage institutions of higher education in this state to implement programs that reduce the cost of textbooks and other educational resources for students.
Sec. 111. Section 10a-19k of the 2018 supplement to the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2018):
(a) For purposes of this section:
(1) "Public service employer" means an organization, agency or entity that is a public service organization, including, but not limited to, each local and regional board of education. "Public service employer" does not include a federal or tribal nation government organization, agency or entity, or a tribal nation institution of higher education;
(2) "Employment certification form" means the form used by the United States Department of Education to certify an individual's employment at a public service organization for the purposes of the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program;
(3) "Public Service Loan Forgiveness program" means the loan forgiveness program as administered under 34 CFR 685.219, as amended from time to time;
(4) "Public service organization" means a public service organization as defined in 34 CFR 685.219, as amended from time to time; and
(5) "Teacher Loan Forgiveness program" means a loan forgiveness program administered under 34 CFR 685.217, as amended from time to time.
(b) The [Office of Higher Education] division of postsecondary education within the Department of Education, established pursuant to section 10a-1d, as amended by this act, shall create and distribute informational materials that increase awareness of the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program and Teacher Loan Forgiveness program to public service employers. Such informational materials shall include, but need not be limited to, the following:
(1) A standardized letter to (A) notify employees of the eligibility and participation requirements of the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program or Teacher Loan Forgiveness program, and (B) recommend that employees contact a student loan servicer for additional information regarding such programs;
(2) A detailed fact sheet describing the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program or Teacher Loan Forgiveness program, and containing the telephone number and electronic mail address for the [Office of Higher Education] division of postsecondary education within the Department of Education, which an employee may use to report any alleged violations of the provisions of subsection (e) of this section; and
(3) A document containing frequently asked questions concerning the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program or Teacher Loan Forgiveness program and the answers to such questions.
(c) The [Office of Higher Education] division of postsecondary education within the Department of Education may distribute any document published by a federal agency that meets the requirements of informational materials set forth in subsection (b) of this section.
(d) The [Office of Higher Education] division of postsecondary education within the Department of Education shall make the informational materials described in subsection (b) or (c) of this section available on [the Office of Higher Education's] said division's Internet web site. Each biennium the [Office of Higher Education] division of postsecondary education within the Department of Education shall verify the accuracy of the informational materials and update any informational materials that are incorrect or obsolete.
(e) A public service employer that employs more than ten full-time employees shall:
(1) Provide new employees with the informational materials described in subsection (b) or (c) of this section two weeks after the employee's start date by mail, electronic mail or in-person;
(2) Provide its employees with a copy of the employment certification form upon request of an employee; and
(3) Conspicuously display the fact sheet, described in subdivision (2) of subsection (b) of this section, on its premises.
(f) (1) All complaints received by the [Office of Higher Education] division of postsecondary education within the Department of Education regarding any alleged violations of the provisions of subsection (e) of this section by a public service employer shall be (A) investigated not later than thirty days after the complaint was made, and (B) made publically available. The [Office of Higher Education] division of postsecondary education within the Department of Education shall order corrective actions to a public service employer that has violated this section. A public service employer may contest such corrective actions ordered under this subdivision not later than fifteen days after its issuance.
(2) Nothing in this section shall be construed to affect the authority of the Attorney General to bring an action in a court of competent jurisdiction to enforce the provisions of this section.
Sec. 112. Section 10a-55w of the 2018 supplement to the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2018):
(a) The [Office of Higher Education] division of postsecondary education within the Department of Education, established pursuant to section 10a-1d, as amended by this act, shall publish on its Internet web site, links to the existing transfer and articulation programs developed between the Connecticut state colleges and universities and The University of Connecticut. Each institution within the jurisdiction of the constituent units shall include on its Internet web site a link to [the Officer of Higher Education's] said division's Internet web site and provide information regarding such transfer and articulation programs. Each institution of higher education in this state, receiving federal funding pursuant to the Higher Education Act of 1965, shall provide on its Internet web site a link to the institution's most recent institutional profile provided on the National Center for Education Statistic's Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System Internet web site.
(b) The Connecticut State Colleges and Universities shall provide any student who has been accepted for admission to an institution within the jurisdiction of the regional community-technical college system with information about the existing transfer and articulation programs between the regional technical-community colleges and four-year public institutions of higher education.
(c) Not later than January 1, 2018, and annually thereafter, the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities and The University of Connecticut shall each submit a report, in accordance with the provisions of section 11-4a, to the joint standing committee of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to higher education. Such report shall analyze the existing transfer and articulation programs utilized by students who attended a regional technical-community college and who transferred to a four-year public institution of higher education, including, but not limited to, (1) enrollment of transfer students, (2) the average number of credits accepted by the four-year public institution, and (3) graduation rates of transfer students.
Sec. 113. Subsection (a) of section 10a-11b of the 2018 supplement to the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2018):
(a) There is established a Planning Commission for Higher Education to develop and ensure the implementation of a higher education strategic master plan in Connecticut.
(1) The commission shall consist of the following voting members: (A) The president of the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities, the president of The University of Connecticut, or their designees from the Board of Regents and Board of Trustees; (B) the provost of the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities and the provost of The University of Connecticut; (C) the chair of the Board of Regents for the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities, and the Board of Trustees for The University of Connecticut, or the chairs' designees; (D) the president, vice president or chair of the board of a large independent institution of higher education in the state, to be selected by the president of the Connecticut Conference of Independent Colleges; (E) the president, vice president or chair of the board of a small independent institution of higher education in the state, to be selected by the president of the Connecticut Conference of Independent Colleges; (F) a representative from a private occupational school, to be selected by the Commissioner of Education; (G) a teaching faculty representative from the Connecticut State Universities, to be selected by the president of the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities; (H) a teaching faculty representative from the regional community-technical colleges, to be selected by the president of the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities; (I) a teaching faculty representative from The University of Connecticut, to be selected by the president of The University of Connecticut; (J) a teaching faculty representative from a private occupational school in the state, to be selected by the Commissioner of Education; (K) one member appointed by the president pro tempore of the Senate, who shall be a representative of a large manufacturing employer in the state; (L) one member appointed by the speaker of the House of Representatives, who shall be a representative of a large financial or insurance services employer in the state; (M) one member appointed by the majority leader of the Senate, who shall be a representative of an information technology or digital media employer in the state; (N) one member appointed by the minority leader of the Senate, who shall be a representative of a small business employer in the state; (O) one member appointed by the majority leader of the House of Representatives, who shall be a representative of a health care employer in the state; and (P) one member appointed by the minority leader of the House of Representatives, who shall be a representative of a small business employer in the state. The commission membership shall, where feasible, reflect the state's geographic, racial and ethnic diversity.
(2) The following persons shall serve as ex-officio nonvoting members on the commission: (A) The Commissioner of Education, the Commissioner of Economic and Community Development and the Labor Commissioner, or their designees; (B) the president of the Connecticut Conference of Independent Colleges, or the president's designee; (C) a member of the State Board of Education, as designated by the chairperson of the state board; (D) the superintendent of the technical high school system, or the superintendent's designee; (E) the chief executive officer of Connecticut Innovations, Incorporated, or the chief executive officer's designee; (F) the [director of the Office of Higher Education] division chief of the division of postsecondary education within the Department of Education, established pursuant to section 10a-1d, as amended by this act; (G) the chairpersons and ranking members of the joint standing committee of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to higher education and employment advancement; and (H) the Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management, or the secretary's designee.
(3) The Governor shall appoint the chairperson from among the commission's members. The commission shall elect a vice-chairperson at its first meeting. Any vacancies shall be filled by the appointing authority. The term of each appointed member of the commission shall be three years from the date of appointment. The commission members shall serve without compensation. The commission may seek the advice and participation of any person, organization or state or federal agency it deems necessary to carry out the provisions of this section. The commission may, within available appropriations, retain consultants to assist in carrying out its duties. The commission may receive funds from any public or private sources to carry out its activities. The commission shall be within the [Office of Higher Education] division of postsecondary education within the Department of Education, established pursuant to section 10a-1d, as amended by this act, and shall be responsible for implementing any policies developed by the commission.
Sec. 114. Section 10a-11e of the 2018 supplement to the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2018):
The [Office of Higher Education] division of postsecondary education within the Department of Education, established pursuant to section 10a-1d, as amended by this act, may solicit and accept for use any gift of money or property made by will or otherwise, and any grant of money, services or property from the federal government, the state or any political subdivision thereof or any private source for the purpose of administering the Planning Commission of Higher Education. Such funds shall be deposited in an account to be known as the "Planning Commission for Higher Education Fund" which shall be a separate, nonlapsing account within the General Fund.
Sec. 115. (Effective July 1, 2018) The Legislative Commissioners' Office shall, in codifying the provisions of sections 1 to 117, inclusive, of this act, make any technical, grammatical and punctuation changes as are necessary to carry out the purposes of said sections.
Sec. 116. Subsection (b) of section 10-15h of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2018):
(b) The pilot program shall require the local or regional board of education for a priority school district to partner with the Board of Regents for Higher Education on behalf of a regional community-technical college or a state university, the Board of Trustees for The University of Connecticut on behalf of the university or the governing board of an independent institution of higher education on behalf of such institution to (1) evaluate and align curricula, (2) evaluate students in grade ten or eleven using a college readiness assessment developed or adopted by the Department of Education, (3) use the results of such evaluations to assess college readiness, and (4) offer a plan of support to any student in grade twelve who is found to be not ready for college based on such student's results on the college readiness assessment. Such local or regional board of education shall annually report such test results and assessments to the Department of Education, the Board of Regents for Higher Education [, the Office of Financial and Academic Affairs for Higher Education] and The University of Connecticut.
Sec. 117. Section 10a-1f of the general statutes is repealed. (Effective July 1, 2018)
This act shall take effect as follows and shall amend the following sections: | ||
Section 1 |
July 1, 2018 |
10a-1d |
Sec. 2 |
July 1, 2018 |
10-3a |
Sec. 3 |
July 1, 2018 |
3-22e |
Sec. 4 |
July 1, 2018 |
4-61bb(a) |
Sec. 5 |
July 1, 2018 |
4-67n(a)(2) |
Sec. 6 |
July 1, 2018 |
4-89(f) |
Sec. 7 |
July 1, 2018 |
4-124dd(b)(5) |
Sec. 8 |
July 1, 2018 |
10-8c |
Sec. 9 |
July 1, 2018 |
10-16p(b) |
Sec. 10 |
July 1, 2018 |
10-145b(a) |
Sec. 11 |
July 1, 2018 |
10-145b(c)(1)(B) |
Sec. 12 |
July 1, 2018 |
10-145m(a) |
Sec. 13 |
July 1, 2018 |
10-145n(a) |
Sec. 14 |
July 1, 2018 |
10-145p(a) |
Sec. 15 |
July 1, 2018 |
10-145p(d) |
Sec. 16 |
July 1, 2018 |
10-145t |
Sec. 17 |
July 1, 2018 |
10-155d |
Sec. 18 |
July 1, 2018 |
10-155l(c)(1) |
Sec. 19 |
July 1, 2018 |
10-156cc |
Sec. 20 |
July 1, 2018 |
10-221a(f) and (g) |
Sec. 21 |
July 1, 2018 |
10-264n |
Sec. 22 |
July 1, 2018 |
10-520(b) |
Sec. 23 |
July 1, 2018 |
10a-6(a) |
Sec. 24 |
July 1, 2018 |
10a-8b |
Sec. 25 |
July 1, 2018 |
10a-8c |
Sec. 26 |
July 1, 2018 |
10a-10 |
Sec. 27 |
July 1, 2018 |
10a-10a |
Sec. 28 |
July 1, 2018 |
10a-11 |
Sec. 29 |
July 1, 2018 |
10a-11a |
Sec. 30 |
July 1, 2018 |
10a-11d |
Sec. 31 |
July 1, 2018 |
10a-12 |
Sec. 32 |
July 1, 2018 |
10a-13 |
Sec. 33 |
July 1, 2018 |
10a-14 |
Sec. 34 |
July 1, 2018 |
10a-17d |
Sec. 35 |
July 1, 2018 |
10a-19j(a) |
Sec. 36 |
July 1, 2018 |
10a-20a |
Sec. 37 |
July 1, 2018 |
10a-22 |
Sec. 38 |
July 1, 2018 |
10a-22a(3) and (4) |
Sec. 39 |
July 1, 2018 |
10a-22b |
Sec. 40 |
July 1, 2018 |
10a-22c |
Sec. 41 |
July 1, 2018 |
10a-22d |
Sec. 42 |
July 1, 2018 |
10a-22e |
Sec. 43 |
July 1, 2018 |
10a-22f |
Sec. 44 |
July 1, 2018 |
10a-22g |
Sec. 45 |
July 1, 2018 |
10a-22h |
Sec. 46 |
July 1, 2018 |
10a-22i |
Sec. 47 |
July 1, 2018 |
10a-22j |
Sec. 48 |
July 1, 2018 |
10a-22k |
Sec. 49 |
July 1, 2018 |
10a-22l(b) |
Sec. 50 |
July 1, 2018 |
10a-22m |
Sec. 51 |
July 1, 2018 |
10a-22n |
Sec. 52 |
July 1, 2018 |
10a-22o |
Sec. 53 |
July 1, 2018 |
10a-22r |
Sec. 54 |
July 1, 2018 |
10a-22s |
Sec. 55 |
July 1, 2018 |
10a-22t |
Sec. 56 |
July 1, 2018 |
10a-22u |
Sec. 57 |
July 1, 2018 |
10a-22v |
Sec. 58 |
July 1, 2018 |
10a-22x |
Sec. 59 |
July 1, 2018 |
10a-22z |
Sec. 60 |
July 1, 2018 |
10a-33 |
Sec. 61 |
July 1, 2018 |
10a-34 |
Sec. 62 |
July 1, 2018 |
10a-34a |
Sec. 63 |
July 1, 2018 |
10a-34c |
Sec. 64 |
July 1, 2018 |
10a-34d |
Sec. 65 |
July 1, 2018 |
10a-34e |
Sec. 66 |
July 1, 2018 |
10a-34f |
Sec. 67 |
July 1, 2018 |
10a-35 |
Sec. 68 |
July 1, 2018 |
10a-35a |
Sec. 69 |
July 1, 2018 |
10a-42h |
Sec. 70 |
July 1, 2018 |
10a-45 |
Sec. 71 |
July 1, 2018 |
10a-46 |
Sec. 72 |
July 1, 2018 |
10a-48 |
Sec. 73 |
July 1, 2018 |
10a-48a |
Sec. 74 |
July 1, 2018 |
10a-48b |
Sec. 75 |
July 1, 2018 |
10a-55i(b) |
Sec. 76 |
July 1, 2018 |
10a-57 |
Sec. 77 |
July 1, 2018 |
10a-57b |
Sec. 78 |
July 1, 2018 |
10a-57c |
Sec. 79 |
July 1, 2018 |
10a-57e |
Sec. 80 |
July 1, 2018 |
10a-57f(a) and (b) |
Sec. 81 |
July 1, 2018 |
10a-77(c) |
Sec. 82 |
July 1, 2018 |
10a-77a(a)(2) |
Sec. 83 |
July 1, 2018 |
10a-77a(b) |
Sec. 84 |
July 1, 2018 |
10a-99(c) |
Sec. 85 |
July 1, 2018 |
10a-99a(a)(2) |
Sec. 86 |
July 1, 2018 |
10a-99a(b) |
Sec. 87 |
July 1, 2018 |
10a-104(a) |
Sec. 88 |
July 1, 2018 |
10a-105(d) |
Sec. 89 |
July 1, 2018 |
10a-109i(b)(2)(A) and (B) |
Sec. 90 |
July 1, 2018 |
10a-143(f) |
Sec. 91 |
July 1, 2018 |
10a-143a(a)(2) |
Sec. 92 |
July 1, 2018 |
10a-143a(b) |
Sec. 93 |
July 1, 2018 |
10a-161 |
Sec. 94 |
July 1, 2018 |
10a-161a |
Sec. 95 |
July 1, 2018 |
10a-168 |
Sec. 96 |
July 1, 2018 |
10a-168a(a) and (b) |
Sec. 97 |
July 1, 2018 |
10a-173 |
Sec. 98 |
July 1, 2018 |
12-407(a)(37)(J) |
Sec. 99 |
July 1, 2018 |
20-37a(b) |
Sec. 100 |
July 1, 2018 |
20-206bb(d) |
Sec. 101 |
July 1, 2018 |
20-206bb(i) |
Sec. 102 |
July 1, 2018 |
30-20a |
Sec. 103 |
July 1, 2018 |
36a-25(b)(1) |
Sec. 104 |
July 1, 2018 |
10-520b |
Sec. 105 |
July 1, 2018 |
10a-17 |
Sec. 106 |
July 1, 2018 |
10a-19e |
Sec. 107 |
July 1, 2018 |
10a-19f |
Sec. 108 |
July 1, 2018 |
10a-19i |
Sec. 109 |
July 1, 2018 |
10a-55g |
Sec. 110 |
July 1, 2018 |
10a-44c |
Sec. 111 |
July 1, 2018 |
10a-19k |
Sec. 112 |
July 1, 2018 |
10a-55w |
Sec. 113 |
July 1, 2018 |
10a-11b(a) |
Sec. 114 |
July 1, 2018 |
10a-11e |
Sec. 115 |
July 1, 2018 |
New section |
Sec. 116 |
July 1, 2018 |
10-15h(b) |
Sec. 117 |
July 1, 2018 |
Repealer section |
Statement of Purpose:
To implement the Governor's budget recommendations.
[Proposed deletions are enclosed in brackets. Proposed additions are indicated by underline, except that when the entire text of a bill or resolution or a section of a bill or resolution is new, it is not underlined.]