SB 25-247: Tuition Waiver & Colorado National Guard Members

Official summary

Abstract published by the legislature (via Open States). Text as published by the legislature; reproduced verbatim.

The act changes the tuition assistance program for eligible members of the Colorado National Guard (member) to a tuition waiver program (program). The act allows a member, upon being accepted for enrollment at a designated institution of higher education (institution), to pursue studies that lead to a postgraduate degree, a bachelor's degree, an associate degree, or a certificate of completion with all tuition waived. For a member, the tuition waiver must not exceed more than 65 credit hours at a designated 2-year institution of higher education and no more than 130 credit hours at a designated 4-year institution of higher education; except that the total credit hours for a member who attends both a 2-year institution and a 4-year institution must not exceed more than 145 credit hours. The department of military and veterans affairs (department) shall administer the program. In order to qualify for the program, a member must: Be accepted by an institution; Be in good standing with the Colorado National Guard; and Complete a Colorado application for state financial aid or a free application for federal student aid. Each institution shall determine if a member enrolled with the institution remains in satisfactory academic standing in accordance with the academic policies of the institution and is making progress toward the completion of the requirements of the education program in which the member is enrolled. If the institution finds that the member is not in satisfactory academic standing in accordance with the academic policies of the institution or is not making progress toward the completion of a degree, the member must reimburse the department for the amount of the tuition waived for that academic term. The act makes an appropriation of $562,787 to the department. (Note: This summary applies to this bill as enacted.)

Sponsors

Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Democratic 18 · Republican 10

“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.

Recent official actions

1. May 1, 2025Governor Signed
2. April 25, 2025Signed by the Speaker of the House
3. April 25, 2025Sent to the Governor
4. April 24, 2025Signed by the President of the Senate
5. April 10, 2025House Third Reading Passed - No Amendments
6. April 9, 2025House Second Reading Special Order - Passed - No Amendments
7. April 8, 2025House Committee on Appropriations Refer Unamended to House Committee of the Whole
8. April 3, 2025Senate Third Reading Passed - No Amendments
9. April 3, 2025Introduced In House - Assigned to Appropriations
10. April 2, 2025Senate Second Reading Special Order - Passed with Amendments - Committee
11. April 1, 2025Senate Committee on Appropriations Refer Amended - Consent Calendar to Senate Committee of the Whole
12. March 31, 2025Introduced In Senate - Assigned to Appropriations