Date: 05/01/2015

Final
BILL SUMMARY for HB15-1027

SENATE COMMITTEE ON STATE, VETERANS, & MILITARY AFFAIRS

Votes: View--> Action Taken:
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07:57 PM -- HB15-1027

Senator Guzman, sponsor, presented House Bill 15-1027 to the committee. Beginning with the 2015-16 academic year, this reengrossed bill extends in-state tuition classification to any Native American student who is a registered member of a federally recognized American Indian tribe with historical ties to Colorado. Students classified for in-state tuition may be counted as a resident for other purposes, including eligibility for state-funded financial aid; however, these students are not eligible for stipends from the College Opportunity Fund (COF). The bill applies to all state institutions of higher education except Fort Lewis College, which already provides free tuition for any Native American.

Senator Guzman discussed the tribes with historical ties to Colorado. She noted benefits of allowing students from these tribes to qualify for in-state tuition.

Senator Guzman presented written testimony from Matthew Campbell, representing the Native American Rights Fund (Attachment E). She also read testimony from Guyrene Ben, describing Ms. Ben's experience growing up in the Four Corners region just outside of Colorado.

15SenateState0501AttachE.pdf15SenateState0501AttachE.pdf

08:06 PM

Committee members commented on the bill. The bill was laid over until May 4, 2015.