Senator Bridges’ Bipartisan Bills to Support Students Pursuing Postsecondary Degrees and Course Credit Passes Committee

April 3, 2019

Denver, CO -- The Senate Education Committee today voted to advance two bipartisan bills sponsored by Senator Jeff Bridges (D-Greenwood Village) that would provide academic supports and greater opportunity for students pursuing advanced education: SB19-176, Expanding Concurrent Enrollment Opportunities, and HB19-1206, Higher Education Supplemental Academic Instruction.

SB19-176 would expand opportunities for students to earn postsecondary course credit while enrolled in high school. The bill passed the Senate Education Committee unanimously and now heads to the Senate Appropriations Committee for consideration.

“This bill will help reduce student debt by making sure that every kid in Colorado can earn college credit in high school. It either helps them get to a degree faster, which means less money, or it ensures they are ready to take on a good paying job right out of high school,” said Senator Bridges.

HB19-1206 would address equity gaps in higher education by ensuring more students have access to supplemental academic instruction. The bill passed the Senate Education Committee unanimously and now heads to the Committee of the Whole with a recommendation that it be placed on the consent calendar.

“You shouldn’t have to pay for college classes that don’t count towards a college degree. Both bills make sure that students save time and money earning and ensure that every student, no matter where they come from, has a fair shot at success," added Senator Bridges. 

For more information on these bill, please visit https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/sb19-176 and https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/hb19-1206.