Hinrichsen Bill to Increase Higher Ed Opportunities for Veterans Clears Senate
Legislation will expand educational opportunities for veterans, prepare them for future success
DENVER, CO – The Senate today passed a bill sponsored by Senator Nick Hinrichsen, D-Pueblo, that would expand educational opportunities for veterans, preparing them for future success.
HB22-1407 will increase higher education opportunities for veterans by allowing them to audit courses without impacting class availability or accessibility for other students. Colleges that have a program or policy that allows someone to audit a course must permit a veteran to utilize the program.
“We need to ensure that the brave men and women who have served our country are set up for success and equipped with the tools necessary to transition back to civilian life,” said Hinrichsen. “As a veteran myself, I know how challenging that can be, which is why I’m proud to sponsor this bill to allow more veterans to access higher education opportunities in Colorado while simultaneously working a stable job to support their financial futures.”
These college courses would teach veterans new skills, improve job placement, and refine abilities that can be applied to real world careers. Furthermore, because spots would only be available for veterans if there’s extra class space, there is no need to increase per-pupil funding. This bill only applies to public colleges and universities.
The bill would allow veterans to learn a new skill or subject, fill class seats that would have otherwise been left empty, and reward veterans for their service to our country.
Finally, many veterans cannot afford to become full-time students after their service, even if it’s fully paid for by the Servicemen's Readjustment Act of 1944, commonly known as the G.I. Bill, because they might have a family to care for or need to work full time. Auditing classes under the bill would allow veterans to gain valuable knowledge by taking just one course.
This bill is modeled after Utah Senate Bill 45, which allows veterans to audit college-level courses without paying the hefty entrance fee.
HB22-1407 now moves to the Governor's desk for his signature. Track the progress of the bill HERE.