Colorado House Bill HB1393

Colorado 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/20/22
• Refer: 4/20/22
• Report Pass: 4/25/22
• Refer: 4/25/22
• Report Pass: 4/28/22
• Refer: 4/28/22
• Engrossed: 4/29/22
• Refer: 4/29/22
• Report Pass: 5/3/22
• Refer: 5/3/22
• Report Pass: 5/6/22
• Refer: 5/6/22
• Engrossed: 5/23/22
• Engrossed: 5/25/22
• Enrolled: 5/25/22
• Passed: 6/8/22

Caption

Displaced Aurarian Scholarship

Impact

The implementation of HB1393 will significantly impact state laws concerning educational funding and community reparations. By allocating $2,000,000 from the general fund for the 2022-23 state fiscal year, the bill aims to create a sustainable scholarship scheme that not only enables descendants to obtain higher education but also acknowledges the historical context of displacement. This law will require higher education institutions involved to establish eligibility criteria for recipients, thereby formalizing the state's role in supporting those affected by past actions against the community.

Summary

House Bill 1393, known as the Displaced Aurarian Scholarship, aims to facilitate educational opportunities for the descendants of residents displaced during the development of the Auraria Higher Education Center in the 1970s. This bill reaffirms the state’s commitment to equity and restorative justice by providing financial assistance for tuition and fees to those lineal descendants attending higher education institutions such as the Metropolitan State University of Denver, the University of Colorado at Denver, and the Community College of Denver. The scholarship seeks to address the historical injustices faced by the Aurarian community, primarily comprised of Hispanic families that were displaced during urban redevelopment.

Sentiment

Overall, sentiment regarding HB1393 appears to be supportive among legislators advocating for restorative justice and educational equity. The bill has garnered bipartisan support, highlighting a collective recognition of the need to address historical grievances. However, it has also faced scrutiny from those who question the funding methodologies and criteria for scholarship allocation, indicating a level of contention surrounding the bill's implementation and the financial commitments required from the state.

Contention

Notable points of contention include discussions about the adequacy of funding and the criteria for defining 'lineal descendants' and 'eligible recipients.' While advocates argue that the scholarship promotes equity and restores trust with the Aurarian community, some lawmakers express concerns about potential misallocation of funds and whether the bill does enough to ensure that descendants understand their eligibility and access to these educational benefits. This reflects a broader debate about how best to approach historical injustices through contemporary legislative measures.