Bill > SB00005

This bill modifies the Roberta B. Willis Scholarship program to update several key provisions related to financial aid for higher education students in Connecticut. The bill changes terminology from "family contribution" to "student aid index" and establishes that need-based grants will be equal to $4,500 for full-time students, with prorated amounts for part-time students based on their credit hours. The Office of Higher Education will now determine financial need and merit based on the student aid index and either high school academic achievement or standardized test performance. The bill requires the Office of Higher Education to disburse scholarship funds earlier than previously mandated, specifically not later than the academic semester preceding the semester in which grants are to be awarded. Additionally, the bill maintains the program's structure of offering need and merit-based grants, as well as a specific grant for Charter Oak State College students, while ensuring accountability through compliance reviews and requiring participating institutions to submit detailed student financial aid data and undergo periodic audits. These changes aim to improve the accessibility and administration of financial aid for Connecticut students pursuing higher education.

Budget and Finance, Education

Higher Education and Employment Advancement Committee (J)

https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=SB00005&which_year=2025