Date: 04/23/2009
Final
BILL SUMMARY for HB09-1313
SENATE COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION
| Votes: View--> | Action Taken: |
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02:29 PM -- House Bill 09-1313
Senator Bacon, sponsor of House Bill 09-1313, presented the bill to the committee. The bill permits the governing boards of institutions of higher education to create a policy to allow members of the student body to place a proposed optional fee on the ballot at a regular student election. If approved, the fee will be charged to all students, but any student who does not want to pay the fee may request a refund.
02:31 PM
The following persons testified on the bill:
02:32 PM -- Aaron Jack Wylie, representing Associated Students of Colorado, testified in support of the bill. Mr. Wylie described his organization and said the bill restores students' ability to implement fees for student-directed purposes to meet the needs of their campuses.
02:34 PM
Senator King asked for clarification of the purpose of the bill.
02:34 PM -- Andrew Bateman, representing himself, testified in support of the bill. Mr. Bateman explained that he is a student at Metropolitan State College of Denver. He described issues he has faced at his institution around use of student funds. Mr. Bateman responded to committee questions, including a question from Senator Spence about how fees might be used for student advocacy purposes. Senator Bacon reiterated that the bill gives governing boards the authority to allow the students to vote on a fee. Committee discussion with the witness on these issues ensued.
02:40 PM -- Jeff Knetsch, representing ACLU of Colorado, testified in support of the bill. Mr. Knetsch said the bill is a reasonable plan to extend the ability for students to advocate effectively.
02:41 PM
Senator Bacon asked that the bill be laid over for action to the end of the committee calendar.