As a member of the Education Committee, Heagney helped pass a bill that permanently bans anyone convicted of a serious felony from teaching in Connecticut and fought for expediting special education reimbursement for excess or unforeseen costs.
In 2003, Heagney introduced legislation that requires the state's community-technical colleges, Connecticut State University System, and the University of Connecticut to allow members of the armed services that are called into active duty during the school year to take the classes they paid for without additional charges upon their return.