CO SB131

Local education providers operating P-tech schools may apply to the Department of Education for reimbursement of tuition, fees, and book costs for college courses successfully completed by enrolled students beginning in the 2020-21 budget year.

Reimbursement amounts are based on the average in-state tuition cost per credit hour for local district colleges or community colleges, depending on which type of institution provides the course, and payments are made only for successfully completed credit hours.

The State Board of Education must promulgate rules requiring applications at the end of each school year and minimizing required documentation to demonstrate enrollment and successful course completion.

The General Assembly must appropriate at least $2 million annually for reimbursements beginning in the 2020-21 budget year, with provisions for supplemental appropriations if funding is insufficient.

The Department of Education must submit annual reports to the Joint Budget Committee estimating reimbursement amounts for current and future budget years, with reporting requirements continuing indefinitely.