(1) Notwithstanding any provision of this article 7.4 or article 7 of this title 23 to the contrary, on or before January 1, 2021, the state board for community colleges and occupational education shall adopt and implement a policy granting in-state tuition status at a community college for an active member of the armed forces of the United States or a veteran of the armed forces of the United States, or a dependent of said member or veteran, regardless of whether the person satisfies Colorado domicile or residency status.
(2) (a) A person who is eligible for in-state tuition status pursuant to this section is not counted as a resident for any purpose other than tuition classification, except as provided by subsection (2)(b) of this section.
(b) Notwithstanding subsection (2)(a) of this section or any provision to the contrary, on or before January 1, 2021, a person who is classified for in-state tuition status pursuant to this section is eligible to receive a stipend from the college opportunity fund pursuant to part 2 of article 18 of this title 23.
(3) As used in this section, unless the context otherwise requires:
"Community college" means a community college described in section 23-60-205 that is governed by the state board for community colleges and occupational education.
"Dependent" means either:
A spouse of an active member of the armed forces of the United States or a veteran,living or deceased, of the armed forces of the United States, at the time the spouse is requesting in-state tuition classification; or
A child under twenty-three years of age either born to or legally adopted by an activemember of the armed forces of the United States or a veteran, living or deceased, of the armed forces of the United States.
Source: L. 2020: Entire section added, (HB 20-1275), ch. 95, p. 374, § 1, effective September 14.