OLR Bill Analysis

SB 796

AN ACT CONCERNING IN-STATE DIRECTORS OF PRIVATE OCCUPATIONAL SCHOOLS.

SUMMARY:

This bill prohibits the Department of Higher Education (DHE) commissioner, or his designee, from authorizing a private occupational school to operate in this state if it does not have an on-site director at the school and each of its in-state branches. This requirement would apply to private occupational schools applying for or renewing a certificate of authorization. Although the bill does not appear to cover schools currently authorized, by law, the commissioner may place a school on probation, and ultimately revoke its authorization, if it fails to comply with any of the authorization requirements.

By law, the commissioner, or his designee, appoints a team to evaluate, based on specified criteria, a private occupational school seeking an initial certificate of authorization to operate in this state. The bill requires the team to determine whether the school and each of its in-state branches has an on-site director responsible for overseeing daily operations.

EFFECTIVE DATE: July 1, 2009

BACKGROUND

Related Bills

The Higher Education and Employment Advancement Committee reported several other bills related to the authorization of private occupational schools:

SB 766 increases the amount of the letter of credit a new private occupational school must file with the DHE commissioner, requires it be issued by a bank with an office in the state, and extends the period for which the school must maintain it.

SB 812 conforms to current practice the annual fee, change of ownership fee, and other fees a private occupational school must pay in applying for or renewing its certificate of authorization.

HB 6291 requires a private occupational school, when renewing its certificate of authorization, to submit financial reports or audits as the commissioner, or his designee, prescribes.

COMMITTEE ACTION

Higher Education and Employment Advancement Committee

Joint Favorable