CT HB05895

Establishes a task force to study student loan debt in Connecticut and examine average debt amounts compared to other states and nationally.

Task force shall examine reasons for debt differences between states, options for reducing debt, program recommendations, and relationships between debt and demographic factors including race, ethnicity, gender identity, sex, and age.

Comprises 13+ members including financial aid officers from four-year public institutions, community-technical colleges and independent colleges; a banking industry expert; current students; parents; recent graduates; and executive directors of the Office of Higher Education and Connecticut Higher Education Supplemental Loan Authority.

Requires all initial appointments within 30 days of enactment and first meeting within 60 days of enactment.

Task force must submit findings and recommendations to the joint standing committee on higher education no later than January 1, 2022, and terminates upon report submission or January 1, 2022, whichever is later.