Bill Summary: SB 00969

• Establishes a division of higher education within the Department of Education to replace the independent Office of Higher Education, effective July 1, 2017.

• Reorganizes the Planning Commission for Higher Education with voting members representing Connecticut state universities, community colleges, University of Connecticut, independent institutions, faculty, and business employers, replacing the prior legislative appointment structure.

• Adds the chairperson of the Planning Commission for Higher Education as an ex-officio voting member to the State Board of Education.

• Removes the independent executive director position and makes the division chief appointed by the State Board of Education upon recommendation by the Commissioner of Education in consultation with the Planning Commission.

• Creates two standing subcommittees within the Planning Commission focused on data/metrics/accountability and implementation of the strategic master plan, with authority to establish working groups as needed.