CO HB1187

Colorado students did not claim approximately $50 million in available federal Pell grants during the 2015-16 academic year due to incomplete free application for federal student aid (FAFSA) submissions, disproportionately affecting low-income students.

Appropriates $250,000 annually for fiscal years 2019-20, 2020-21, and 2021-22 to the school counselor corps grant program for developing informational materials, training school counselors on FAFSA completion best practices, and organizing assistance events for students and families.

Requires education providers receiving grants to report annually on student completion of FAFSA or state student aid applications, with comparison data showing increases across years the provider receives the grant.

The additional appropriation and reporting requirements expire July 1, 2023.

Declares the act necessary for immediate preservation of public peace, health, and safety.