CT SB01139

Transfers authority for licensing and accrediting higher education institutions and programs from the State Board of Education to the Office of Higher Education, effective July 1, 2013.

Establishes automatic approval of applications for program modifications, nonsubstantive changes, licensure, and accreditation within 45 days if they meet academic standards, without further action required from applicants.

Creates academic review commissions composed of higher education and business representatives to hear appeals of denied applications for licensure or accreditation, with decisions required within 30 days.

Defines new categories including "program modification" and "nonsubstantive change" to streamline approval processes for changes to existing programs and new certificate or minor programs within specified credit hour limits.

Protects independent institutions of higher education from liability for breaches of confidentiality when sharing student data with state boards or agencies in compliance with federal and state law.