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HB 5270 Connecticut House · 2026 Regular Session

AN ACT EXTENDING FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FOR THE POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION EXPENSES OF FOSTER YOUTH.

This bill extends financial aid for college or job training programs to youth formerly in foster care. It raises the age for eligibility from 21 to 26 years and extends the timeframe to complete programs from 23 to 28 years. As a condition of funding, youth must submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and apply for other scholarships each year. The policy directly affects youth committed to the Department of Children and Families as minors who meet program requirements.
Issues: ✓ EducationSupports EducationExtends financial aid for foster youth's postsecondary education, raising eligibility age and timeframe, directly expanding access and funding for higher education.95% confidence
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2026
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Feb 19, 2026 Last action Mar 6, 2026
Maddy AI version diff · 1 comparison

What changed between versions

Raised Bill → KID Joint Favorable Substitute Change of Reference · 3 edits
MINOR
This bill changes the effective date of postsecondary education funding for foster youth from July 1, 2025 to July 1, 2026, and adjusts the age eligibility criteria from 21 to 26 years old. The bill also updates the bill type from a 'Raised Bill' to a 'Substitute Bill' with a favorable substitute change reference.
Scope change
The bill's scope remains focused on postsecondary education funding for foster youth, but the age eligibility threshold was modified from 21 to 26 years old.
TIMELINE

The effective date for the new funding provisions was changed from July 1, 2025 to July 1, 2026, delaying implementation by one year.

ELIGIBILITY

The age limit for foster youth to receive postsecondary education funding was increased from 21 years old to 26 years old.

TECHNICAL

The bill type was changed from 'Raised Bill' to 'Substitute Bill' with a 'Joint Favorable Substitute Change of Reference' designation, indicating legislative refinement.

Floor votes

How they voted

No floor votes recorded yet.
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
7
Key actions
1
Committee
2
Mar 3, 2026
Lower · Passed
Joint Favorable Substitute Change of Reference APP
lower
Feb 19, 2026
Committee
REF. TO JOINT COMM. ON Committee on Children
lower
0 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors

No sponsor information available.