Bill > SB247

This bill modifies the tuition waiver program for members of the Colorado National Guard, expanding and clarifying the existing program. The bill defines a list of designated higher education institutions where National Guard members can receive tuition waivers, including various state universities, community colleges, and technical colleges. Members of the Colorado National Guard who are accepted into these institutions can pursue postgraduate degrees, bachelor's degrees, associate degrees, or certificates with tuition fully waived, with credit hour limits (65 hours for two-year institutions and 130 hours for four-year institutions, with a maximum of 145 credit hours if attending both). The bill establishes enrollment caps and mechanisms to prevent financial hardship for institutions, requiring the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs to administer the program, track enrollment, and potentially adjust funding. To qualify, National Guard members must be in good standing, accepted by a designated institution, and complete financial aid applications. The bill also outlines requirements for maintaining academic standing and potential repayment obligations if a member leaves the National Guard during an academic term. Additionally, the bill includes an appropriation of $562,787 for the 2025-26 fiscal year to support the tuition waiver program, demonstrating a commitment to supporting National Guard members' educational opportunities.

Budget and Finance

https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/sb25-247