HB 5158 Connecticut House · 2026 Regular Session

AN ACT PROHIBITING SCHOLARSHIP DISPLACEMENT.

HB 5158 prohibits colleges in the state from reducing a student's financial aid package simply because the student receives a scholarship from any source (private or public). It directly affects students receiving scholarships and public/private institutions of higher education. The bill defines "financial aid" to include scholarships, grants, and federal/state aid (but excludes student loans), and allows reductions only if total aid already covers the student's full cost of attendance or to comply with athletic aid rules for NCAA athletes. This takes effect July 1, 2026.

Issues: ✓ Education

Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared

Introduction

Feb 2026

Committee Review

Floor Vote

Governor

Introduced Feb 11, 2026 Last action Mar 24, 2026

Maddy AI version diff · 1 comparison

What changed between versions

Raised Bill → HED Joint Favorable Substitute · 4 edits

MODERATE

The bill was reclassified from a 'Raised Bill' to a 'Substitute Bill' with a 'Joint Favorable Substitute' status, indicating it has been amended and approved by both legislative chambers. The core policy change allows institutions of higher education to reduce financial aid for students who receive outside scholarships if the total aid exceeds the cost of attendance, aligns with specific athletic association rules, or if the student receives a specific state scholarship (Roberta B. Willis). Previously, the text suggested a broader prohibition on reducing aid, but the new version clarifies that reductions are permitted under these specific conditions to manage institutional budgets and compliance.

Scope change

The bill's scope remains focused on institutions of higher education and student financial aid, but the applicability of the rule has expanded to include specific athletic compliance scenarios and a new state scholarship program as valid reasons for reducing aid.

ELIGIBILITY

Changed the rule from a general prohibition on reducing aid to a conditional allowance, permitting reductions when total aid meets or exceeds the cost of attendance.

Added a specific condition allowing aid reduction if it is necessary to comply with financial aid restrictions set by athletic associations or conferences like the NCAA.

Added a new exception allowing aid reduction if the student receives a grant under the Roberta B. Willis Scholarship program.

TECHNICAL

Updated the bill title and status from 'Raised Bill' to 'Substitute Bill' with 'Joint Favorable Substitute' designation, reflecting legislative approval.

Floor votes

How they voted

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Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Mar 12, 2026

Lower · Passed

Joint Favorable Substitute

lower

Feb 11, 2026

Committee

REF. TO JOINT COMM. ON Higher Education and Employment Advancement

lower

14 primary · 0 co-sponsors