S.B. 945 Summary

• Creates "provisional authorization" framework allowing degree-granting institutions with accepted accreditation applications to operate for up to five years while pursuing accreditation from U.S. Department of Education-recognized agencies.

• Requires candidates for accreditation to provide accreditation plans, required documentation, written student disclosures about contingent approval status, pay $5,000 annual fees, and maintain $50,000 surety bonds to protect student tuition.

• Mandates institutions must provide written notice to students before enrollment agreements that degree program approval is contingent on subsequent accreditation, with student and institutional initials required.

• Establishes automatic suspension of provisional authorization if institutions lose surety bond coverage or fail to obtain accreditation within the required timeframe, and requires refunds for classes not yet completed.

• Allows director to grant temporary waivers of accreditation requirements for good cause to protect students facing imminent financial hardship.