CO HB1027

Requires state-supported higher education institutions to classify registered members of federally recognized American Indian tribes with historical ties to Colorado as in-state students for tuition purposes, effective with the 2015-16 academic year

Designates the Colorado Commission of Indian Affairs, in consultation with the Office of Archeology and Historic Preservation at History Colorado, to identify which tribes qualify as having historical ties to the state

Allows eligible students to be counted as residents for any purpose under higher education law and makes them eligible for state-funded financial aid, but excludes them from College Opportunity Fund stipends

Exempts Fort Lewis College from the in-state tuition requirement due to its historic commitment to Native American education

Anticipates a total reduction of $2,666,718 in tuition revenue across Colorado's higher education institutions for the 2015-16 fiscal year