CT HB05373

Authorizes public institutions of higher education to establish emergency expense grant programs to provide financial assistance to students experiencing unexpected hardships (childcare, medical care, transportation) that impede degree completion.

Students may apply for grants or be nominated by institution employees; applications must include explanation of hardship, documentation of expenses, and other information required by the institution.

Public institutions may fund programs through private donations, state and institutional funds, or by applying to the Office of Higher Education for state matching grants.

Office of Higher Education provides state matching grants equal to funds deposited in each institution's grant account, with total annual state matching grants capped at $500,000 and distributed on pro rata basis if applications exceed available funds.

Institutions receiving matching grants must submit annual reports by July 1, 2019 and thereafter detailing number of applications, grant amounts, purposes, graduation rates of recipients, and other information required by the Office of Higher Education.