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SB 978

AN ACT REQUIRING CAFETERIAS ON THE CAMPUSES OF CONNECTICUT STATE COMMUNITY COLLEGE.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Mae Flexer

SB 978 requires all Connecticut State Community College campuses to operate on-campus cafeterias to improve student food access and retention.

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Bill Summary · SB 978

Legislative bill overview

SB 978 mandates that all Connecticut State Community College campuses must operate cafeterias. The bill appears designed to ensure students have access to on-campus food services across the entire community college system, rather than allowing individual campuses to operate without dining facilities.

Why is this important

Food access is a documented barrier to student success and retention, particularly for low-income and commuting students who may lack time or resources to leave campus. Community college students often work while studying, making convenient meal availability a practical support for academic completion. This requirement could reduce student hunger and improve overall campus functionality.

Potential points of contention

  • Operational costs and funding: Cafeteria operations require significant capital investment and ongoing subsidies; the bill does not specify who funds construction, staffing, or operating losses
  • Campus size disparities: Smaller campuses may lack sufficient student populations to sustain profitable cafeteria operations, raising questions about service viability
  • Vendor flexibility: The mandate may conflict with existing vendor contracts or alternative food service models (food trucks, partnerships with external vendors) that some campuses prefer
  • Enforcement mechanism: The bill lacks clarity on penalties or oversight if campuses fail to establish or maintain cafeteria services

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

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