SB 8 Connecticut Senate · 2026 Regular Session

AN ACT SUPPORTING GRADUATE STUDENTS IN THE STATE.

SB 8 creates a new Supplemental Graduate Student Loan Program administered by Connecticut's Higher Education Supplemental Loan Authority. It provides state-funded loans to graduate students enrolled in eligible programs (requiring a bachelor's degree) starting July 1, 2026, with funding secured through a $10 million state bond issue. The program uses a dedicated account to issue loans for graduate education, with repayment terms established by the loan authority. This directly affects Connecticut graduate students seeking financial support for advanced degree programs.

Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared

Introduction

Feb 2026

Committee Review

Floor Vote

Governor

Introduced Feb 4, 2026 Last action Mar 9, 2026

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What changed between versions

Committee Bill → HED Joint Favorable Substitute · 5 edits

MODERATE

The bill was amended to increase the total bond authorization from $10 million to $30 million, with $20 million of that increase becoming effective in July 2027. Additionally, the administrative language for establishing loan eligibility was reorganized to align with existing state statutes, and the document was renumbered as a 'Substitute Bill' reflecting its status after committee review.

Scope change

The scope of funding available for the Supplemental Graduate Student Loan Program was significantly expanded through a higher bond ceiling.

FISCAL

The maximum aggregate amount of bonds the State Bond Commission can authorize was increased from ten million dollars to thirty million dollars.

TIMELINE

A new provision was added stating that twenty million dollars of the increased bond authorization will not be effective until July 1, 2027.

TECHNICAL

The section establishing eligibility criteria was reorganized to explicitly reference written procedures adopted pursuant to subdivision (6) of section 10a-224.

The description of how account funds are used was slightly simplified by removing the word 'reasonable' before 'necessary expenses'.

The document header was updated from 'Committee Bill No. 8' to 'Substitute Bill No. 8' to reflect its current legislative status.

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Committee

Feb 24, 2026

Upper · Passed

Joint Favorable Substitute

upper

Feb 11, 2026

Committee

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

upper

Feb 10, 2026

Upper · Passed

DRAFTED BY COMMITTEE

upper

Feb 4, 2026

Committee

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

upper

49 primary · 0 co-sponsors

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