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HB 5426

AN ACT REQUIRING THE AVAILABILITY OF AN ADVISOR DURING DISCIPLINARY PROCEEDINGS AT INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER EDUCATION.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Eilish Collins Main and 1 co-sponsor

Connecticut bill requiring students access to advisors during higher education disciplinary proceedings to ensure procedural fairness and legal support.

SENATE CALENDAR NUMBER 562
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Bill Summary · HB 5426

Legislative bill overview

HB 5426 would mandate that students at Connecticut higher education institutions have access to an advisor during disciplinary proceedings. The bill ensures students can bring a support person or representative to assist them through the institution's conduct process, similar to protections in other states' higher education systems.

Why is this important

Disciplinary proceedings can significantly impact a student's academic future, including potential expulsion or suspension. Having an advisor present helps ensure students understand their rights, navigate complex procedures, and have equal footing with institutional representatives, which is particularly important given power imbalances in these proceedings.

Potential points of contention

  • Institutional autonomy concerns: Colleges may argue that mandated advisor requirements infringe on their independent authority to manage student conduct and tailor disciplinary procedures to their specific contexts.
  • Definition ambiguity: The bill lacks clarity on who qualifies as an "advisor" (attorney, peer, faculty member, etc.), which could create implementation challenges and disputes about appropriate representation.
  • Cost and resource implications: Institutions may face increased administrative burden and costs if advisors must be provided, particularly for smaller colleges with limited personnel.
  • Balancing complainant protections: Questions remain about whether similar advisor access applies to accused students' accusers, and how this affects due process for all parties involved.

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

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