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House approves alternate three‑year route to in‑state tuition for part‑time students
Summary
The Utah House passed House Bill 138 to allow part‑time students who attend continuously for three years to qualify for in‑state tuition regardless of credits earned, preserving but not replacing the existing 60‑credit path; the amendment to shorten the period to two years failed.
The Utah House of Representatives on the floor passed House Bill 138 on a 59–7 vote, creating an alternate pathway for some nonresident students to qualify for in‑state tuition.
Representative Lawrence, the bill sponsor, told colleagues the change was meant to help students who attend part time. "After 3 years, whether they have 1 credit hour or 10 or 50 credit hours, they would still become a resident at that time," Lawrence said, arguing the language clarifies an already existing option rather than replaces the statutory 60‑credit route.
Lawrence repeatedly framed the bill as offering two routes: the existing statutory route that makes a student a resident after earning 60 semester credit hours and a new pathway for students who attend part time for three continuous years. Opponents said the three‑year option risked undercutting the 60‑credit standard and reducing nonresident tuition revenue. Representative Morgan moved an amendment to change the period from three years to two; Morgan said, "If they have continuous residency here, then I think it should be 2 years." The sponsor and other members opposed that amendment, arguing it would create an easier route that would discourage the 60‑credit investment. The motion to amend failed.
Supporters said the compromise balances fairness for part‑time students and the state's interest in tuition contributions. Representative King noted the change limits the maximum time for part‑time students to obtain in‑state status to three years instead of the many years some currently face.
The House approved the bill and referred it to the Senate for further consideration. The final vote on HB138 was 59 yes, 7 no. Next steps include the Senate committee process and any potential conference work if the Senate alters the language.
What the bill does not do: HB138 does not remove or alter the existing statutory 60‑credit requirement for students who choose that route; it adds an alternative path for continuous part‑time enrollment. The bill text includes cross‑references to existing residency rules and Board of Regents interpretations; questions raised on the floor about residency standards and definitions were answered by the sponsor but may be revisited in the Senate.
