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Bill Summary · SB 396

Summary of bill: SB 396 (2026) – Connecticut

Purpose

  • Permit Connecticut institutions of higher education to offer degree programs earned after completion of at least 90 credit hours.
  • The policy change requires accreditation recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education and authorizes the Office of Higher Education (OHE) to review such applications.

Key provisions

  • New authority: Section 10a-34(m) is added.
  • Eligibility for new programs: Institutions may submit applications for degree programs where a degree is awarded after completing not fewer than 90 credit hours.
  • Accreditation prerequisite: Programs must have accreditation recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
  • OHE review process: The Office of Higher Education must review each application under existing statutory review procedures, including the possibility of focused or on-site reviews if necessary.
  • Effective date: July 1, 2026.

Who/what is affected

  • Higher education institutions in Connecticut: Eligible to apply for 90-credit degree programs.
  • Students: Potential access to degree programs requiring 90 credits for completion (subject to accreditation and OHE approval).
  • OHE: Responsible for evaluating and approving new 90-credit programs, ensuring alignment with accreditation standards and state policy.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Application process: Institutions must submit an application to the OHE for a new 90-credit degree program.
  • Review process: OHE may conduct focused reviews or on-site visits if necessary as part of the evaluation.
  • Effective date: The statutory change takes effect July 1, 2026, with program eligibility potentially beginning after approval.

Additional notes

  • The bill does not specify the fields of study, program lengths beyond the 90-credit threshold, tuition policies, or transfer credit implications.
  • The bill emphasizes alignment with recognized accreditation, ensuring programs meet external quality standards.
  • Public hearing and committee actions occurred in March 2026, with the bill introduced in February 2026 and referred to the Higher Education and Employment Advancement Committee.

Potential implications

  • Increased flexibility for institutions to design non-traditional degree pathways (e.g., for adult learners or professional mid-career entrants).
  • Possible impacts on program development, enrollment strategies, and articulation with prior credits or experiential learning, subject to accreditation and OHE oversight.
  • State oversight remains through OHE review to maintain program quality and consistency with Connecticut’s higher education goals.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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