Education
Bill to provide in-state tuition for Natives advances


The New Mexico House voted 37-0 on Thursday on a bill to allow all members of New Mexico tribes to pay in-state tuition at state colleges.

Currently, students qualify for in-state tuition only if they have lived in the state for 12 months prior to admission. Sen. Leonard Tsosie, a Democrat, said this hurts tribal members who want to return home to attend school.

So SB482 changes the definition of "resident student" to include members of any New Mexico tribe regardless of their current residence. Some lawmakers raised concerns but all ended up voting for it.

The bill goes to the House for consideration.

Get the Story:
Bill provides for native education (The Farmington Daily Times 2/25)

Get the Bill:
NATIVE AMERICAN RESIDENT STUDENT DEFINITION (SB482)