Buckner’s Bipartisan Student’s Bill of Rights Bill Moves Through Committee

Legislation aims to improve consumer information, enhance transfer pathways, and fortify accountability in education systems

DENVER, CO – The Senate Education Committee today approved bipartisan legislation sponsored by Senator Janet Buckner, D-Aurora, to improve transparency requirements for higher education institutions and increase the rights of higher education students. 

A major challenge transfer students face is the transferability of postsecondary credits. On average, transfer students lose a full semester of credits, which translates to time and money lost. Recognizing these challenges, SB24-164, cosponsored by Senate Minority Leader Paul Lundeen, R-Monument, would make it easier to transfer college credits, improve transparency in higher education reporting, and add rights for students enrolled in postsecondary institutions, including:

• Transparency of the cost of postsecondary education;
   

• Seamless transfer of general education and transfer pathway courses;
   

• Transparency regarding if credits are accepted or rejected from an institutions; and 
   

• The ability to appeal an institution’s decision not to accept transfer credits.

“Through my time as an educator and Chair of the Senate Education Committee, it’s clear that bolstering the ways students can transfer hard-earned credits is essential to improving student outcomes,” said Buckner. “This bill is a pivotal step towards creating a more inclusive, transparent, and student-centric higher education system in Colorado. By prioritizing the needs of students, we can pave the way for greater educational outcomes and economic mobility for students and families.”

Methods currently exist within Colorado’s higher education framework to ease transitions between higher education institutions such as transferable lower division courses, common course numbering, and guaranteed transfer pathways, and SB24-164 would build onto that work. 

SB24-164 now heads to the Senate floor for further consideration. Follow its progress HERE.