Connecticut Bill 7120 Summary

• Requires Board of Regents for Higher Education to develop closure criteria for institutions and full-service campuses, with a two-thirds board vote needed for non-full-service campus closures and stricter procedures for full-service campuses and entire institutions.

• Mandates the board hold public hearings with at least 15 days' notice and attendance by the president and board majority before approving any closure criteria or closure plans.

• Establishes closure criteria must address state higher education policy goals, geographic access to institutions, minimizing negative effects on students and communities, and preserving unique or regionally important academic programs.

• Requires closure plans to include explanations of closure reasons, cost analyses, provisions for student completion of degrees, program preservation strategies, and alternatives to closing.

• Grants General Assembly power to reject closure plans by majority vote within 30 days or three session days, with rejected plans allowing the board to develop alternatives.