Rep. Haines Praises Bipartisan Passage of Higher Education Omnibus Bill

HARTFORD – State Rep. Irene Haines (R-East Haddam), Ranking Member of the Higher Education and Employment Advancement Committee, praised the passage of HB 6402 June 1 as including positive changes for Connecticut institutions of higher education and their students.

HB 6402, An Act Concerning Higher Education, was an “omnibus” or “aircraft carrier” bill, meaning it was amended to include the language multiple bills discussed and voted out of the Higher Education and Employment Advancement Committee.

The amended bill included measures such as:

• Requiring Connecticut colleges and universities to establish a mental health coalition of representatives from each campus to assess the presence of mental health services and programs;
• Requiring the Board of Regents to develop and adopt guidelines to award college credits for a student’s military training, coursework and education;
• Removal of all graduation fees for community-technical colleges, Connecticut State University schools and the University of Connecticut; and
• Allowing student athletes to earn compensation from such students’ name, image or likeness or from employment in activities unrelated to an intercollegiate athletic program.

“These proposals were carefully considered by our committee and I am so proud that they have made it past the House,” said Rep. Haines. “The sections of the bill dealing with mental health are especially important to me. The assessments made by these coalitions will show us the strengths and weaknesses we face when it comes to student mental health and bring about opportunities for improvements across the university system. As we face new challenges and realities when it comes to mental health, this legislation is incredibly timely and impactful.”

At the time of writing, the bill awaits passage in the Senate and action from the governor before it becomes law.