Committee backs bill to add two nonvoting student members to state higher‑education commission

Senator Marchman told the committee House Bill 10 29 would expand the Colorado Commission on Higher Education from 11 to 13 members by adding two nonvoting student members, improving representation for working adult and community‑college students.

"Let the students have a spot on the commission," Marchman said in closing remarks, arguing students affected by tuition and program decisions deserve a formal voice. The bill also applies the standard political‑balance requirement to the full commission, including student members, according to a technical amendment noted in committee.

The committee moved the bill to the Committee on Appropriations by recorded poll, 4‑1, and sponsors said the change is intended to improve policy outcomes by elevating student perspectives from diverse postsecondary settings.