House committee sends bill adding two voting student seats on CCHE to Appropriations, 10–3

The House Education Committee voted 10–3 to send HB 26-1029 to the Appropriations Committee on Feb. 13. The bill would expand the Colorado Commission on Higher Education (CCHE) by adding two voting student members — one representing a graduate/research or other 4‑year institution and one representing a community college or area technical college — and would replace CCHE's current nonvoting student advisory seat.

Sponsor Rep. Hamrick told the committee the change is intended to ensure that "students are the people most directly impacted by CCHE policies" have not only a voice but a vote on matters including affordability, transfer pathways and program alignment. The bill sets two-year terms for student members, allows a student who graduates during their term to finish the term, and requires the governor to make initial student appointments by July 1, 2027.

Students and civic organizations testified in favor. Jakai Nunley, Colorado State University student body president, said student leaders help shape future policy and urged the committee to “help them find the logical choice in advancing the mission of access and opportunity for students.” Braxton Deese, a former student government officer, and Dylan Rankin of Colorado Common Cause also supported the proposal, focusing on student perspectives about affordability and governance.

Several members raised concerns about whether student appointees should be required to be Colorado residents and whether student seats should be subject to the statute's political-affiliation diversity limits. Rep. Johnson asked about residency; Rep. Hamrick said some governing boards allow nonresident student members and that the governor will vet applicants. Rep. Garcia Sander asked why the bill excludes student members from the statutory requirement that no more than a simple majority of commissioners belong to the same political party; student witnesses argued campus experience exposes them to diverse viewpoints and warned against statutorily constraining student appointments by party.

Rep. Hamrick moved the bill to Appropriations with a favorable recommendation; Vice Chair Martinez seconded. The clerk called roll and the motion passed 10–3. The three recorded no votes were Rep. Flannell, Rep. Garcia Sander and Rep. Johnson.

Next steps: HB 26-1029 will be reviewed by the Appropriations Committee.