CT HB05071

Office of Higher Education must enter into a multistate or regional reciprocity agreement by January 1, 2017 to enable Connecticut institutions to participate in a nation-wide state authorization reciprocity agreement for distance learning programs.

The reciprocity agreement establishes uniform standards for distance learning programs across states and eliminates the need for participating states to separately assess quality of out-of-state institutions' distance learning programs through their own authorization, licensing, and accreditation processes.

Out-of-state institutions of higher education participating in the state authorization reciprocity agreement may operate distance learning programs in Connecticut in accordance with uniform standards, notwithstanding existing Connecticut law.

Effective date is July 1, 2016.