Senate approves SB87 on academic adjustments for students with disabilities after divided vote

Senate Bill 87, a measure to establish academic adjustments for students with disabilities at institutions of higher education, passed the Colorado Senate on March 4 on a 21-12 roll call.

Senator Marchman, who brought the bill to the floor, moved SB87 on third reading and final passage. The motion drew multiple recorded no votes; the clerk read the roll call that included a mix of yes and no votes leading to the 21-12 outcome.

Supporters said the bill codifies academic adjustments to help students with disabilities access higher-education programs; cosponsors listed on the floor included Senators Weisman and others. Opponents recorded no votes during the roll call; the transcript lists the senators who voted no as part of the official tally.

The final tally was 21 ayes, 12 noes, 0 absent, 1 excused, and 1 vacant. With the recorded vote, SB87 moves forward for enrollment and subsequent steps in the legislative process.