Key legislators
Who's moving education in Connecticut
Showing 11–13 of 13
bills
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HB 5426 requires all state institutions of higher education to allow students to bring an advisor or support person of their choice to disciplinary meetings starting July 1, 2026. This directly affects students facing disciplinary actions at public colleges and universities, ensuring they can have support during these proceedings. The policy must be adopted by August 1, 2026, with two key conditions: the advisor cannot delay the meeting, and for sexual assault, stalking, or intimate partner violence cases, existing state policies (Section 10a-55m) override this rule if they differ. The bill does not change disciplinary outcomes but mandates institutional policy changes to provide student support.
This bill proposes the approval of a collective bargaining agreement between the University of Connecticut Board of Trustees and the Graduate Employee Union, which represents graduate student employees at the university. The agreement covers a four-year period from July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2030, and includes provisions for wage increases, adjustments to health insurance premiums, and changes to university fee credits. By ratifying this contract, the Connecticut General Assembly formally authorizes the university to implement these terms, which are expected to result in net costs to the university's operating fund totaling approximately $29.6 million over the agreement's duration.
HB 5035 requires all public K-12 school districts in the state to ban students from using wireless communication devices (like cell phones, tablets, and smartwatches) during the school day, except for instructional purposes or specific exceptions. The law mandates devices be powered off and stored securely, with exceptions for students needing them under individualized education plans (IEPs) or for medical reasons approved by healthcare providers. It also prohibits access to social media during school hours unless for classroom instruction. School districts must create and share policies with parents about these rules, including emergency communication procedures and disciplinary steps for violations. The bill takes effect July 1, 2027.
