AN ACT CONCERNING TUITION WAIVERS FOR NURSING HOME RESIDENTS WHO TAKE ONLINE COURSES AT REGIONAL COMMUNITY-TECHNICAL COLLEGES.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Jane Garibay

Authorizes tuition waivers for nursing home residents taking online courses at regional community-technical colleges, expanding access to postsecondary learning for long-term care residents.

TABLED FOR HOUSE CALENDAR

#communitycolleges #dependents #distancelearning #militaryfamilies #nursinghomepatients #tuitionwaivers

Purpose / Intent

The bill would create (or authorize) tuition waivers for nursing home residents who enroll in online courses offered by the state's regional community‑technical colleges. The stated intent is to expand access to postsecondary learning for long‑term care residents by removing the tuition barrier for distance education delivered by the community‑technical college system.

Key provisions (based on available summary)

Authorizes tuition waivers for nursing home residents taking online courses at regional community‑technical colleges.

Applies specifically to distance/online coursework rather than on‑campus instruction.

The bill title and subject listing indicate a focus on community colleges and nursing home patients; no bill text was provided here, so finer eligibility criteria (e.g., residency proof, course limits, credits covered, or duration of waivers) are not available in the provided materials.

Who would be affected

Primary beneficiaries: nursing home residents in Connecticut who wish to take online classes at regional community‑technical colleges.

Educational institutions: the regional community‑technical college system (may see changes in enrollment patterns and administrative responsibilities to implement waivers).

State fiscal actors: depending on how waivers are funded, the state budget, Office of Fiscal Analysis, and possibly the Finance, Revenue and Bonding Committee could be affected if the waivers create a cost to the state or shift revenue sources.

Nursing homes and residents: could see increased access to educational programming; may require on‑site technology support or coordination with colleges.

Procedural history / timeline (highlights)

2025-02-20: Referred to Joint Committee on Aging (bill introduced).

2025-02-28: Public hearing scheduled/held (record shows PUBLIC HEARING 0228).

March–May 2025: Reviewed by committees (Higher Education and Employment Advancement; Finance, Revenue and Bonding). Multiple “Joint Favorable” reports noted (March 4; April 1; May 5).

2025-03-18: Favorable report; placed on House Calendar (House Calendar No. 103, File No. 118).

2025-05-06: Reported out of LCO and Tabled for House Calendar. Also referred to Office of Legislative Research and Office of Fiscal Analysis for review.

Fiscal and implementation notes

No bill text was provided here; no specific dollar amounts or funding provisions are indicated in the available record.

The Office of Fiscal Analysis (OFA) and Office of Legislative Research (OLR) were asked to review the bill; interested parties should consult OFA/OLR analyses for projected costs and implementation details once available.

Next steps / how to follow

Review the bill text and any committee reports or fiscal analyses (OFA/OLR) for precise eligibility rules, the scope of waivers, and fiscal impact.

Monitor House calendar for scheduling of floor action and any amendments that would change scope or funding.

Check final enacted legislation (if passed) for effective dates and administrative guidance to colleges and nursing homes.

Bill