Second Regular Session
Seventy-fourth General Assembly
STATE OF COLORADO
INTRODUCED
LLS NO. 24-0660.01 Chelsea Princell x4335
SENATE BILL 24-164
Senate Committees House Committees
Education
A BILL FOR AN ACT
C
ONCERNING TRANSPARENCY REQUIREM ENTS FOR INSTITUTIONS OF101
HIGHER EDUCATION.102
Bill Summary
(Note: This summary applies to this bill as introduced and does
not reflect any amendments that may be subsequently adopted. If this bill
passes third reading in the house of introduction, a bill summary that
applies to the reengrossed version of this bill will be available at
http://leg.colorado.gov
.)
The bill adds the following rights to the rights of higher education
students:
! Cost transparency regarding a postsecondary education
program;
! A timely response on whether transfer credit will be
accepted by a public institution of higher education
SENATE SPONSORSHIP
Buckner and Lundeen,
HOUSE SPONSORSHIP
McCluskie and Pugliese,
Shading denotes HOUSE amendment. Double underlining denotes SENATE amendment.
Capital letters or bold & italic numbers indicate new material to be added to existing law.
Dashes through the words or numbers indicate deletions from existing law. (institution); and
! The right to appeal an institution's decision not to accept a
student's request to transfer credits.
The bill makes changes to the statewide common course
numbering system to guarantee certain course transfer credits between
community colleges, local district colleges, and area technical colleges.
The bill requires the department of higher edcation to establish an
appeal process if an institution wrongfully denies a student's transfer
credit.
The bill requires an institution to issue a decision to a student
regarding the acceptance or denial of transfer credits within 30 days after
the date the student submits a request for transfer credit.
Beginning January 1, 2025, the bill requires an institution to
provide a financial aid and cost disclosure form to a student prior to the
student decision deadline to accept admission to the institution.
Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Colorado:1
SECTION 1. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 23-1-125, amend (1)2
introductory portion, (1)(e), (1)(f), (3), (4), (4.5), and (5)(a)(II); and add3
(1)(h), (1)(i), (1)(j), (1.5), and (6) as follows:4
23-1-125. Commission directive - student bill of rights - degree5
requirements - implementation of core courses - competency test -6
prior learning - prior work-related experience - policies - definitions-7
repeal. (1) Student bill of rights. The general assembly hereby
finds8
that students enrolled in public institutions of higher education shall have9
the following rights:10
(e) Students, upon completion of core LOWER-DIVISION general11
education courses
IN THE GUARANTEED TRANSFER PATHWAY MATRIX12
SYSTEM, regardless of the delivery method, should
MUST have those13
courses satisfy the core course
AND MAJOR requirements of all Colorado
14
public institutions of higher education INSTITUTIONS. CREDITS MUST15
TRANSFER SEAMLESSLY TO A RECEIVING INSTITUTION ;16
(f) Students have a right to know if courses from one or more17
SB24-164-2- public higher education institutions satisfy the students' degree1
requirements;2
(h) S
TUDENTS HAVE A RIGHT TO TRANSPARENCY OF THE COST OF3
POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION PROGRAMS , INCLUDING INFORMATION ON4
FEES, ASSOCIATED EXPENSES, AND FINANCIAL AID IN THE FORM OF5
SCHOLARSHIPS, GRANTS, AND LOANS;6
(i) S
TUDENTS HAVE THE RIGHT TO SEAMLESS TRANSFER OF7
GENERAL EDUCATION COURSES AND GUARANTEED TRANSFER PATHWAY8
COURSES; TRANSPARENCY IN THE PROCESS FOR TRANSFERRING CREDITS ;9
A TIMELY RESPONSE ON APPLICATIONS FOR TRANSFERRING CREDITS ; AND10
TRANSPARENCY IN HOW AND WHY A CREDIT IS ACCEPTED OR REJECTED BY11
AN INSTITUTION AND HOW AND WHY A CREDIT IS OR IS NOT APPLIED12
TOWARD DEGREE REQUIREMENTS ; AND13
(j) S
TUDENTS HAVE THE RIGHT TO APPEAL AN INSTITUTION 'S14
FAILURE TO ACCEPT THE STUDENT'S REQUEST FOR TRANSFER CREDIT.15
(1.5) Policies. (a) O
N OR BEFORE OCTOBER 15, 2024, THE16
DEPARTMENT SHALL CONSULT WITH A REPRESENTATIVE FROM EACH17
INSTITUTION TO CREATE GUIDELINES ON HOW TO BEST IMPLEMENT THE18
RIGHTS DESCRIBED IN SUBSECTIONS (1)(h) TO (1)(j) OF THIS SECTION.19
(b) O
N OR BEFORE APRIL 1, 2025, THE DEPARTMENT SHALL ADOPT20
POLICIES BASED ON THE GUIDELINES CREATED PURSUANT TO SUBSECTION21
(1.5)(a)
OF THIS SECTION.22
(c) T
HIS SUBSECTION IS REPEALED, EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2025.23
(3) Core courses. The department, in consultation with each24
Colorado public
institution of higher education, is directed to MUST25
outline a plan to implement a core course concept that defines the general26
education course guidelines for all public institutions. of higher27
SB24-164
-3- education. The core of courses shall MUST be designed to ensure that1
students demonstrate competency in reading, critical thinking, written2
communication, mathematics, and technology. The core of courses shall3
MUST consist of at least thirty credit hours but shall not exceed forty credit4
hours. Individual institutions of higher education shall conform their own5
core course requirements with the guidelines developed by the department6
and shall identify the specific courses that meet the general education7
course guidelines. Any such guidelines developed by the department shall8
be submitted to the commission for its approval. THE DEPARTMENT SHALL9
SUBMIT ANY GUIDELINES IT DEVELOPS TO THE COMMISSION FOR10
APPROVAL. In creating and adopting the guidelines, the department and11
the commission, in collaboration with the public institutions of higher12
education INSTITUTIONS, may make allowances for baccalaureate13
programs that have additional degree requirements recognized by the14
commission. If a statewide matrix of core courses is adopted by the15
commission, the courses identified by the individual institutions as16
meeting the general education course guidelines shall MUST be included17
in the matrix. The commission shall adopt such policies to ensure that18
institutions develop the most effective way to implement the19
transferability of core course credits.20
(4) Competency testing. On or before July 1, 2010, the21
commission shall, in consultation with each public institution, of higher22
education, define a process for students to test out of core courses,23
including specifying use of a national test or the criteria for approving24
institutionally devised tests. Beginning in the 2010-11 academic year,25
each public institution of higher education shall grant full course credits26
to students for the core courses they successfully test out of, free of27
SB24-164
-4- tuition for those courses.1
(4.5) Prior learning. Beginning in the 2013-14 academic year,2
each public institution of higher education shall adopt and make public3
a policy or program to determine academic credit for prior learning.4
(5) Nonpublic institutions of higher education. (a) (II) The core5
course requirements that a nonpublic institution of higher education6
conforms or adopts pursuant to this paragraph (a) SUBSECTION (5)(a) shall7
comply with the number of credit hours required by the department and8
shall include courses in each of the subject areas identified by the9
department. The nonpublic institution of higher education shall submit to10
the department a description of its core course requirements with the11
initial review fee established pursuant to paragraph (c) of this subsection12
(5) SUBSECTION (5)(c) OF THIS SECTION, and the department shall13
determine whether the nonpublic institution's core course requirements14
comply with the department's general education course guidelines. If the15
department determines that the nonpublic institution of higher education's16
core course requirements comply with the guidelines, then the nonpublic17
institution's core course credits shall be ARE transferable to public18
institutions of higher education INSTITUTIONS, and the nonpublic19
institution of higher education shall accept transfers of core course credits20
from the public institutions of higher education INSTITUTIONS.21
(6) Definitions. A
S USED IN THIS SECTION, UNLESS THE CONTEXT22
OTHERWISE REQUIRES:23
(a) "G
ENERAL EDUCATION COURSE " MEANS A SPECIFIC24
LOWER-DIVISION COURSE OFFERED BY AN INSTITUTION THAT ANY25
DEGREE-SEEKING STUDENT ENROLLED AT THE INSTITUTION MUST26
SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETE IN ORDER TO OBTAIN AN ASSOCIATE 'S DEGREE27
SB24-164
-5- OR A BACHELOR'S DEGREE FROM THE INSTITUTION.1
(b) "G
UARANTEED TRANSFER PATHWAY COURSE " MEANS A2
COURSE REQUIRED FOR A SPECIFIC PROGRAM OFFERED BY AN INSTITUTION3
THAT EVERY STUDENT ENROLLED IN THE SPECIFIC PROGRAM AT THE4
INSTITUTION MUST SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETE IN ORDER TO TRANSFER5
FROM AN AREA TECHNICAL COLLEGE , AS DESCRIBED IN SECTION6
23-60-802,
TO A COMMUNITY COLLEGE, OR FROM A COMMUNITY COLLEGE7
OR LOCAL DISTRICT COLLEGE TO A STATE UNIVERSITY OR COLLEGE , AND8
IS EQUIVALENT TO THE SAME COURSE OFFERED BY ANOTHER INSTITUTION .9
(c) "I
NSTITUTION OF HIGHER EDUCATION " OR "INSTITUTION"10
MEANS A STATE INSTITUTION OF HIGHER EDUCATION , AS DEFINED IN11
SECTION 23-18-102 (10)(a), THAT IS LOCATED IN COLORADO; A LOCAL12
DISTRICT COLLEGE, AS DEFINED IN SECTION 23-71-102; OR AN AREA13
TECHNICAL COLLEGE, AS DEFINED IN SECTION 23-60-103.14
(d) "L
OWER-DIVISION COURSE" MEANS A COURSE, NUMBERED15
FROM ONE HUNDRED TO TWO HUNDRED AND NINETY -NINE, OR ONE16
THOUSAND TO TWO THOUSAND NINE HUNDRED AND NINETY -NINE, TAKEN17
AT AN INSTITUTION OR A COURSE OFFERED AT THE FRESHMAN OR18
SOPHOMORE LEVEL AT A FOUR -YEAR COLLEGE OR UNIVERSITY19
REGARDLESS OF THE TITLE OR CONTENT OF THE COURSE .20
SECTION 2. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 23-1-108.5, amend21
(1), (2)(c), (3)(a), (3)(b), (4)(a), (4)(b), (5), and (6); repeal (2)(d); and22
add (2)(e), (2)(f), (2)(g), (3)(d.5), (3)(d.7), (6.5), and (8) as follows:23
23-1-108.5. Duties and powers of the commission with regard24
to common course numbering system - council of higher education25
representatives - rules - definitions - repeal. (1) The general assembly26
hereby
finds that, for many students, the ability to transfer among all27
SB24-164
-6- state-supported institutions of higher education INSTITUTIONS is critical1
to their success in achieving a degree. The general assembly further finds2
that it is necessary for the state to have sound transfer policies that3
provide the broadest and simplest mechanisms feasible while protecting4
the academic quality of the institutions of higher education and their5
undergraduate degree programs. The general assembly finds, therefore,6
that it is in the best interests of the state for the commission to oversee the7
adoption of a statewide articulation matrix system of course numbering8
for general education courses
AND GUARANTEED TRANSFER PATHWAY9
COURSES, that includes all state-supported institutions of higher education
10
INSTITUTIONS and that will ensure that the quality of and requirements11
that pertain to general education courses
AND GUARANTEED TRANSFER12
PATHWAY COURSES are comparable and transferable systemwide.13
(2) As used in this section, unless the context otherwise requires:14
(c) "General education courses
COURSE" means the group of15
courses offered by an institution of higher education that every student16
enrolled in the institution must successfully complete to attain an17
associate's or bachelor's degree A SPECIFIC COURSE OFFERED BY AN18
INSTITUTION THAT A STUDENT ENROLLED AT THE INSTITUTION MUST19
SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETE IN ORDER TO OBTAIN AN ASSOCIATE 'S DEGREE20
OR A BACHELOR'S DEGREE FROM THE INSTITUTION.21
(d) "Higher education institution" means a state-supported22
institution of higher education.23
(e) "G
UARANTEED TRANSFER PATHWAY COURSE " MEANS A COURSE24
REQUIRED FOR A SPECIFIC PROGRAM OFFERED BY AN INSTITUTION THAT25
EVERY STUDENT ENROLLED IN THE SPECIFIC PROGRAM AT THE INSTITUTION26
MUST SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETE IN ORDER TO TRANSFER FROM AN AREA27
SB24-164
-7- TECHNICAL COLLEGE, AS DESCRIBED IN SECTION 23-60-802, TO A1
COMMUNITY COLLEGE , OR FROM A COMMUNITY COLLEGE OR LOCAL2
DISTRICT COLLEGE TO A STATE UNIVERSITY OR COLLEGE AND IS3
EQUIVALENT TO THE SAME COURSE OFFERED BY ANOTHER INSTITUTION .4
(f) "I
NSTITUTION OF HIGHER EDUCATION " OR "INSTITUTION"5
MEANS A STATE INSTITUTION OF HIGHER EDUCATION , AS DEFINED IN6
SECTION 23-18-102 (10)(a), THAT IS LOCATED IN COLORADO; A LOCAL7
DISTRICT COLLEGE, AS DEFINED IN SECTION 23-71-102; OR AN AREA8
TECHNICAL COLLEGE, AS DEFINED IN SECTION 23-60-103.9
(g) "L
OWER-DIVISION COURSE" MEANS A COURSE, NUMBERED10
FROM ONE HUNDRED TO TWO HUNDRED AND NINETY -NINE, OR ONE11
THOUSAND TO TWO THOUSAND NINE HUNDRED AND NINETY -NINE, TAKEN12
AT AN INSTITUTION, OR A COURSE OFFERED AT THE FRESHMAN OR13
SOPHOMORE LEVEL AT A FOUR -YEAR COLLEGE OR UNIVERSITY14
REGARDLESS OF THE TITLE OR CONTENT OF THE COURSE .15
(3) (a) On or before July 1, 2001, the commission shall convene16
a council consisting of representatives from each of the higher education17
governing boards and each of the four-year higher education
institutions,18
a representative sample of the two-year higher education institutions, and19
a representative of the commission. The commission shall consult with20
the governing boards when convening representatives from the higher21
education institutions. By July 1, 2011, the council shall create a process22
through which it shall seek input from and consult with various higher23
education student organizations for each articulation agreement and for24
the review of general education courses and the course numbering system25
as required in paragraph (c) of this subsection SUBSECTION (3)(c) OF THIS26
SECTION.27
SB24-164
-8- (b) The council shall recommend to the commission a statewide1
articulation matrix system of common course numbering to which the2
general education courses for each higher education institution may be3
mapped.4
(d.5) O
N OR BEFORE DECEMBER 31, 2024, THE DEPARTMENT, IN5
CONSULTATION WITH THE INSTITUTION , SHALL ADD ADDITIONAL6
REPRESENTATIVES, AS NECESSARY, TO THE COUNCIL TO ENSURE EQUAL7
REPRESENTATION OF INSTITUTIONS ON THE COUNCIL .8
(d.7) O
N OR BEFORE OCTOBER 1, 2025, AND EVERY OCTOBER 19
THEREAFTER, THE COUNCIL SHALL REVIEW THE LIST OF GENERAL10
EDUCATION COURSES AND GUARANTEED TRANSFER PATHWAY COURSES ,11
AND MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE COMMISSION AS NECESSARY TO12
MAKE CHANGES AND MAINTAIN ACCURACY . AS PART OF THE REVIEW, THE13
COUNCIL SHALL IDENTIFY THE FOLLOWING :14
(I) T
HE HIGHEST ENROLLMENT AND TRANSFER ACTIVITY FOR THE15
GENERAL EDUCATION COURSES AND GUARANTEED TRANSFER PATHWAY16
COURSES WITHIN THE EXISTING STATEWIDE ARTICULATION MATRIX17
SYSTEM OF COMMON COURSE NUMBERING ;18
(II) C
OURSES THAT STUDENTS ARE LESS LIKELY TO RECEIVE FULL19
CREDIT FOR THAT APPLY TOWARD THE STUDENT 'S CHOSEN ACADEMIC20
PROGRAM UPON TRANSFER ; AND21
(III) W
HERE THE NUMBER OF CREDIT HOURS DIFFERS AMONG22
INSTITUTIONS AND WHERE MISALIGNMENT OCCURS BETWEEN A COURSE23
THAT IS OFFERED FOR GENERAL EDUCATION CREDIT AND A COURSE THAT24
IS APPLIED TOWARD OTHER ACADEMIC PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS .25
(4) (a) Following adoption of the course numbering system, each26
higher education
institution shall review its course offerings and identify27
SB24-164
-9- those general education courses AND GUARANTEED TRANSFER PATHWAY1
COURSES offered by the institution that correspond with the courses2
included in the course numbering system. The higher education institution3
shall submit its list of identified courses, including course descriptions4
and, upon request of the commission, summaries of course syllabi, for5
review and approval by the commission on or before March 1, 2003,
AND6
ON MARCH 1 OF EACH ODD-NUMBERED YEAR THEREAFTER .7
(b) Beginning with the fall semester of 2003, each higher
8
education institution shall publish, and update as necessary, a list of9
course offerings that identifies those general education courses offered by10
the institution that correspond with the courses included in the course11
numbering system.12
(5) (a) All credits earned by a student in any A general education13
course
OR GUARANTEED TRANSFER PATHWAY COURSE identified as14
corresponding with a course included in the course numbering system15
shall be
ARE automatically transferable AND APPLICABLE among all higher16
education institutions upon transfer and enrollment of the student. All17
higher education institutions in Colorado shall participate in the course18
numbering system. The commission shall adopt such policies and19
guidelines as may be necessary for the implementation of this section.20
Each governing board shall modify its existing policies as may be21
necessary to accept the transfer of these credits.22
(b) A
LL LOWER-DIVISION GENERAL EDUCATION COURSES OFFERED23
IN THE GUARANTEED TRANSFER PATHWAY MATRIX SYSTEM MUST QUALIFY24
AS A GUARANTEED TRANSFER PATHWAY COURSE AT THE RECEIVING25
INSTITUTION, BY COURSE AND DISCIPLINE TYPE , IRRESPECTIVE OF THE26
TOTAL CREDITS ASSIGNED TO THE COURSE .27
SB24-164
-10- (c) A RECEIVING INSTITUTION MUST NOT REQUIRE ADDITI ONAL1
LOWER-DIVISION GENERAL EDUCATION COURSES FROM A TRANSFER2
STUDENT WHO HAS SATISFIED COURSES IN THE GUARANTEED TRANSFER3
PATHWAY MATRIX SYSTEM , regardless of whether the student earned an4
associate's degree prior to transfer.5
(6) (a) The council shall devise and recommend to the commission6
procedures for exchanging information to document students' success in7
transferring among higher education institutions. The commission shall8
adopt and implement such procedures.9
(b) The commission, in consultation with the governing boards10
and the higher education institutions, shall design and implement a11
statewide database to implement the provisions of this section.12
(6.5) (a) N
OTWITHSTANDING SECTION 24-1-136 (11)(a)(I),13
BEGINNING JANUARY 2026, AND EVERY JANUARY THEREAFTER , THE14
DEPARTMENT SHALL INCLUDE AS PART OF ITS "SMART ACT" HEARING15
REQUIRED BY SECTION 2-7-203, A COMPILED REPORT OF INFORMATION16
RECEIVED FROM EACH INSTITUTION THAT INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING :17
(I) T
HE NUMBER OF STUDENTS TRANSFERRING TO THE18
INSTITUTION, DIFFERENTIATED BY THE INSTITUTION THAT A STUDENT IS19
TRANSFERRING FROM;20
(II) T
HE NUMBER OF CREDITS ACCEPTED AND DENIED FOR A21
STUDENT TRANSFERRING TO THE INSTITUTION ;22
(III) T
HE NUMBER OF CREDITS APPLIED TO A STUDENT'S DEGREE OR23
PROGRAM COMPARED TO THE CREDITS NOT APPLIED TO THE STUDENT 'S24
DEGREE OR PROGRAM;25
(IV) T
HE AVERAGE NUMBER OF CREDITS NEEDED TO COMPLETE A26
BACHELOR'S DEGREE FOR A TRANSFER STUDENT COMPARED TO A27
SB24-164
-11- NON-TRANSFER STUDENT;1
(V) T
HE AVERAGE FINANCIAL COST TO OBTAIN A BACHELOR 'S2
DEGREE FOR A TRANSFER STUDENT COMPARED TO A NON -TRANSFER3
STUDENT;4
(VI) T
HE AVERAGE TIME NEEDED TO COMPLETE A BACHELOR 'S5
DEGREE FOR A TRANSFER STUDENT COMPARED TO A NON -TRANSFER6
STUDENT; AND7
(VII) T
HE NUMBER OF CREDITS ACCEPTED AND APPLIED RELATED8
TO GUARANTEED TRANSFER PATHWAY COURSES , GENERAL EDUCATION9
COURSES, AND OTHER COURSE EQUIVALENTS .10
(b) I
NFORMATION INCLUDED IN THE REPORT REQUIRED BY THIS11
SUBSECTION (6.5) MUST BE DISAGGREGATED BY STUDENT DEMOGRAPHICS ,12
INCLUDING AGE, GENDER, RACE, ETHNICITY, INCOME, FIRST-GENERATION13
UNDERGRADUATE STUDENT , MILITARY, AND DISABILITY STATUS, AND14
DEIDENTIFIED BY THE DEPARTMENT IN ORDER TO KEEP THE IDENTITY OF15
THE STUDENTS CONFIDENTIAL.16
(8) (a) T
HE DEPARTMENT HAS EXCLUSIVE AUTHORITY TO BRING17
AN ACTION ON BEHALF OF THE STATE AGAINST AN INSTITUTION FOR A18
VIOLATION OF THIS SECTION.19
(b) P
RIOR TO AN ENFORCEMENT ACTION PURSUANT TO SUBSECTION20
(8)(a)
OF THIS SECTION, THE DEPARTMENT MUST ISSUE A NOTICE OF21
VIOLATION TO THE INSTITUTION AND EXPLAIN HOW THE INSTITUTION MAY22
REMEDY THE VIOLATION , IF POSSIBLE. IF THE INSTITUTION FAILS TO23
REMEDY THE VIOLATION WITHIN THREE MONTHS AFTER RECEIPT OF THE24
NOTICE OF VIOLATION, THE DEPARTMENT MAY BRING AN ACTION AGAINST25
THE INSTITUTION.26
(c) T
HE DEPARTMENT HAS THE AUTHORITY TO OVERTURN A27
SB24-164
-12- COURSE TRANSFER DECISION MADE BY AN INSTITUTION THAT IS IN1
VIOLATION OF THIS SECTION.2
(d) T
HE COMMISSION AND DEPARTMENT MAY PROMULGATE RULES3
AS NECESSARY TO IMPLEMENT THIS SUBSECTION (8).4
SECTION 3. In Colorado Revised Statutes, add 23-1-109.9 as5
follows:6
23-1-109.9. Duties and powers of the commission with respect7
to an appeal process for students - definition. (1) T
HE DEPARTMENT,8
IN CONSULTATION WITH AN INSTITUTION, SHALL ESTABLISH A PROCESS FOR9
STUDENTS TO APPEAL A REQUEST FOR TRANSFER CREDIT THAT IS DENIED10
BY AN INSTITUTION. AT A MINIMUM, THE APPEAL PROCESS MUST:11
(a) A
LLOW THE AGGRIEVED STUDENT TO APPEAL AN INSTITUTION 'S12
DECISION REGARDING THE ACCEPTANCE OF THE STUDENT 'S TRANSFER13
CREDIT;14
(b) R
EQUIRE THE INSTITUTION TO DEMONSTRATE THAT THE DENIAL15
OF THE STUDENT'S TRANSFER CREDIT IS MATERIAL; AND16
(c) B
E COMPLETED WITHIN NINETY DAYS AFTER THE APPEAL IS17
REQUESTED.18
(2) A
S USED IN THIS SECTION, UNLESS THE CONTEXT OTHERWISE19
REQUIRES, "INSTITUTION OF HIGHER EDUCATION" OR "INSTITUTION" MEANS20
A STATE INSTITUTION OF HIGHER EDUCATION , AS DEFINED IN SECTION21
23-18-102 (10)(a),
THAT IS LOCATED IN COLORADO; A LOCAL DISTRICT22
COLLEGE, AS DEFINED IN SECTION 23-71-102; OR AN AREA TECHNICAL23
COLLEGE, AS DEFINED IN SECTION 23-60-103.24
SECTION 4. In Colorado Revised Statutes, add 23-5-150 as25
follows:26
23-5-150. Transfer credit review process and nontransferable27
SB24-164
-13- credit - notice - reports - definition. (1) (a) A N INSTITUTION SHALL1
PROVIDE A STUDENT SEEKING TRANSFER CREDIT FROM THE INSTITUTION2
WITH A DETERMINATION REGARDING THE ACCEPTANCE OR DENIAL OF THE3
STUDENT'S REQUEST FOR TRANSFER CREDIT WITHIN THIRTY DAYS AFTER4
THE DATE THE STUDENT SUBMITS A REQUEST FOR TRANSFER CREDIT .5
(b) A
N INSTITUTION SHALL PUBLISH THE INSTITUTION'S PROCESS6
AND TIMELINE FOR REVIEWING AND MAKING A DECISION REGARDING7
TRANSFER CREDIT REQUESTS ON THE INSTITUTION 'S WEBSITE. AN8
INSTITUTION SHALL UPDATE ITS WEBSITE WITHIN THIRTY DAYS AFTER9
MAKING A CHANGE TO ITS PROCESS AND TIMELINE FOR REVIEWING AND10
ISSUING DECISIONS REGARDING TRANSFER CREDIT REQUESTS .11
(2) N
O LATER THAN OCTOBER 31, 2024, AN INSTITUTION SHALL12
PREPARE AND SUBMIT TO THE DEPARTMENT , IN THE FORM AND MANNER13
PRESCRIBED BY THE DEPARTMENT , A REPORT DETAILING THE14
INSTITUTION'S PROCESS FOR REVIEWING TRANSFER CREDIT APPLICATIONS .15
(3) (a) N
O LATER THAN NOVEMBER 1, 2024, AND EACH NOVEMBER16
1
THEREAFTER, IN THE FORM AND MANNER PRESCRIBED BY THE17
DEPARTMENT, AN INSTITUTION SHALL SUBMIT A REPORT TO THE18
DEPARTMENT DESCRIBING DENIALS OF TRANSFER CREDITS ISSUED BY THE19
INSTITUTION IN RESPONSE TO STUDENTS' REQUESTS FOR:20
(I) A
CADEMIC CREDIT AT THE RECEIVING INSTITUTION ; AND21
(II) I
F A STUDENT HAS DECLARED A MAJOR AND HAS NOT CHANGED22
MAJORS, ACADEMIC CREDIT TOWARD THE STUDENT 'S MAJOR AT THE23
RECEIVING INSTITUTION.24
(b) T
HE REPORT REQUIRED BY THIS SUBSECTION (3) MUST25
INDICATE:26
(I) T
HE COURSE NAME, TYPE, ASSOCIATED COURSE CREDIT HOURS,27
SB24-164
-14- AND A BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE TOPICS COVERED IN THE COURSE TAKEN1
AND THE COURSE FOR WHICH THE STUDENT REQUESTED TRANSFER CREDIT ;2
(II) T
HE STUDENT REQUESTING TRANSFER CREDIT 'S DECLARED3
MAJOR OR ACADEMIC PROGRAM , IF THE STUDENT IS REQUESTING TRANSFER4
CREDITS TO APPLY TOWARDS CREDITS REQUIRED FOR THE STUDENT 'S5
DECLARED MAJOR OR ACADEMIC PROGRAM ;6
(III) W
HICH INSTITUTION PROVIDED ACADEMIC CREDIT FOR THE7
COURSE; AND8
(IV) T
HE REASON THE RECEIVING INSTITUTION DID NOT GRANT9
ACADEMIC CREDIT FOR THE COURSE .10
(4) B
EGINNING IN 2025, AND ANNUALLY THEREAFTER , THE11
DEPARTMENT SHALL CREATE A REPORT SUMMARIZING THE REPORTS12
RECEIVED PURSUANT TO SUBSECTION (3) OF THIS SECTION AND SUBMIT13
THE REPORT TO THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES EDUCATION COMMITTEE14
AND THE SENATE EDUCATION COMMITTEE , OR THEIR SUCCESSOR15
COMMITTEES.16
(5) N
OTWITHSTANDING THE REQUIREMENT IN SECTION 24-1-13617
(11)(a)(I),
THE REQUIREMENT TO SUBMIT THE REPORT REQUIRED IN THIS18
SECTION CONTINUES INDEFINITELY.19
(6) A
S USED IN THIS SECTION, UNLESS THE CONTEXT OTHERWISE20
REQUIRES, "INSTITUTION" MEANS A STATE INSTITUTION OF HIGHER21
EDUCATION, AS DEFINED IN SECTION 23-18-102 (10)(a), THAT IS LOCATED22
IN COLORADO; A LOCAL DISTRICT COLLEGE , AS DEFINED IN SECTION23
23-71-102;
OR AN AREA TECHNICAL COLLEGE , AS DEFINED IN SECTION24
23-60-103.25
SECTION 5. In Colorado Revised Statutes, add 23-5-151 as26
follows:27
SB24-164
-15- 23-5-151. Financial aid and cost disclosure requirements -1
definition. (1) B
EGINNING JANUARY 1, 2025, AN INSTITUTION SHALL2
PROVIDE A FINANCIAL AID AND COST DISCLOSURE FORM TO A STUDENT3
WITH THE STUDENT'S INITIAL FINANCIAL AID PACKET PRIOR TO THE4
STUDENT DECISION DEADLINE TO ACCEPT ADMISSION FROM THE5
INSTITUTION.6
(2) A
N INSTITUTION SHALL INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING7
INFORMATION ON THE FINANCIAL AID AND COST DISCLOSURE FORM :8
(a) C
OSTS ASSOCIATED WITH ATTENDANCE , INCLUDING:9
(I) G
ENERAL AND INSTRUCTIONAL FEES ;10
(II) R
OOM AND BOARD OR A REASONABLE ESTIMATE OF ROOM AND11
BOARD IF THE STUDENT HAS NOT SELECTED A ROOM AND BOARD PLAN ;12
AND13
(III) S
PECIAL FEES THAT THE INSTITUTION CHARGES AT THE TIME14
THE FINANCIAL AID AND COST DISCLOSURE FORM IS CREATED ;15
(b) A
LL AVAILABLE SOURCES OF FINANCIAL AID OFFERED BY THE16
INSTITUTION FOR WHICH THE STUDENT IS ELIGIBLE , INCLUDING THE17
FOLLOWING:18
(I) A
NY GRANT OR SCHOLARSHIP THE INSTITUTION OFFERS ,19
INCLUDING A DESCRIPTION OF REQUIREMENTS FOR MAINTAINING THE20
GRANT OR SCHOLARSHIP; AND21
(II) W
ORK-STUDY PROGRAMS, INCLUDING A DESCRIPTION OF22
REQUIREMENTS FOR MAINTAINING THE WORK -STUDY PROGRAM BENEFITS;23
(c) T
HE STUDENT'S EXPECTED NET COST OF ATTENDANCE AFTER24
THE STUDENT'S AGGREGATE FINANCIAL AID, INCLUDING THE STUDENT'S25
GRANTS, SCHOLARSHIPS, LOANS, AND WORK-STUDY PROGRAMS, IS APPLIED26
TO THE STUDENT'S AGGREGATE COST OF ATTENDANCE .27
SB24-164
-16- (3) THIS SECTION DOES NOT REQUIRE AN INSTITUTION TO PROVIDE1
MORE THAN ONE FINANCIAL AID AND COST DISCLOSURE FORM TO A2
STUDENT. IF AN INSTITUTION CURRENTLY PROVIDES A FINANCIAL AID AND3
COST DISCLOSURE FORM , THE INSTITUTION MUST UPDATE THE4
INSTITUTION'S FORM TO REFLECT THE INFORMATION REQUIRED IN5
SUBSECTION (2) OF THIS SECTION.6
(4) A
S USED IN THIS SECTION, UNLESS THE CONTEXT OTHERWISE7
REQUIRES, "INSTITUTION OF HIGHER EDUCATION " OR "INSTITUTION"8
MEANS A STATE INSTITUTION OF HIGHER EDUCATION , AS DEFINED IN9
SECTION 23-18-102 (10)(a), THAT IS LOCATED IN COLORADO; A LOCAL10
DISTRICT COLLEGE, AS DEFINED IN SECTION 23-71-102; OR AN AREA11
TECHNICAL COLLEGE, AS DEFINED IN SECTION 23-60-103.12
SECTION 6. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 23-70-103, amend13
(3) as follows:14
23-70-103. Responsibility of governing boards of constituent15
institutions. (3) The respective governing boards of the constituent16
institutions shall provide that credits earned at each of the constituent17
institutions shall
MUST be transferable between institutions insofar as they18
meet the degree and grade requirements of the student's chosen program19
of studies at one of the constituent institutions as determined by the20
degree-granting institution AS REQUIRED BY SECTION 23-1-108.5.21
SECTION 7. Safety clause. The general assembly finds,22
determines, and declares that this act is necessary for the immediate23
preservation of the public peace, health, or safety or for appropriations for24
the support and maintenance of the departments of the state and state25
institutions.26
SB24-164
-17-