Committee advances OER grant and repository bill (HB 10‑16) to Appropriations after witnesses cite cost savings and members question fiscal note

Sponsors presented House Bill 10‑16 as a five‑year continuation of Colorado's OER program, which supports faculty grants to adopt or create open educational resources, funds a state conference, maintains a repository and pays for a dedicated CDHE staff member.

Witnesses from the Colorado Department of Higher Education and institutions described measurable student savings and academic benefits. Carl Einhaus (CDHE) said the state invested just over $5 million to date and that the OER program has saved students nearly $60 million, calling it an "11 times return on investment." Nicholas Swails (vice chair, OER Council) and faculty witnesses described increased course success and expanded ZTC (zero‑textbook‑cost) degree pathways. Student speaker Stella Knowles said OER enabled access to required materials on day one.

Several senators pressed sponsors on the bill's $522,000 fiscal note and asked whether the program could be scaled or funded from gifts and grants. Witnesses and sponsors agreed to pursue a smaller appropriation option and work on an amendment for Appropriations (a staff back‑of‑the‑napkin figure of $275,000 was discussed). Committee members emphasized preserving the repository and the single FTE who administers the program while finding ways to reduce near‑term costs if needed.

Senator Marchman moved HB 10‑16 to the Appropriations Committee with the committee recording a unanimous voice vote to advance the bill, though several members noted reservations about the fiscal note and asked sponsors to return with alternatives for appropriations.