DENVER (AP) – Illegal immigrants are closer to being eligible for in-state tuition in Colorado. The state Senate gave final approval to the idea Monday with the support of the first Republicans in the chamber ever to agree to the tuition measure.

The Senate voted 23-12 to allow Colorado residents to receive in-state tuition rates regardless of immigration status.

The tuition measure has cleared the Democratic Senate before. But Monday’s vote was the first to include Republicans. Three members of the GOP voted for the bill. It passed without debate.

The tuition measure now heads to the Democratic House.

LINK: Senate Bill 33

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