CT SB00302

Commission on Fire Prevention and Control and Connecticut State Firefighters Association must develop a plan by January 1, 2021 for the state fire school and regional fire schools to qualify as eligible educational institutions under the Connecticut Higher Education Trust.

Qualified fire schools would allow designated beneficiaries to use Connecticut Higher Education Trust funds to pay fees and expenses for fire school training and education programs.

Fire schools must seek regional accreditation, licensure, or certification in accordance with sections 10a-34 or 10a-22a of the general statutes to become eligible educational institutions.

Commission and Association must submit annual progress reports to the joint standing committee on higher education until fire schools achieve qualification as eligible educational institutions.

Labor Commissioner must post information by January 1, 2021 on the Labor Department website and send to apprenticeship program sponsors information about registering apprenticeships with the U.S. Department of Labor to allow apprentices to use Connecticut Higher Education Trust funds for apprenticeship program fees and expenses.