DENVER – More students will be able to get a head start on college – and be able to cut down its cost – because Gov. John Hickenlooper signed House Bill 1052 into last week.

Students already can rack up college and technical education credits before they finish high school. However, the community college in their “service area,” as set by the Colorado Commission on Higher Education, has to be able to fit them in. Under the new law, students could seek a spot in another Colorado community college’s early enrollment program, which also helps even out participation at other two-year schools.

It also would apply if a course a student needs is not offered at their nearest community college. The law takes effect Aug. 8.

“We’ve got a number of gaps,” one of the bill’s sponsors, Rep. Paul Lundeen, R-Monument, said in a statement. “We have places in the state where opportunities are not being given to students. Where a student lives should not preclude them from participating in concurrent enrollment options.

“It’s my goal to pursue learning opportunities for students anywhere I can. This is a small but meaningful step for students in Colorado.”

The bill also was sponsored by Rep. Jeff Bridges, D-Greenwood Village, with Sen. Nancy Todd, D-Aurora.

House Bill 1052 got unanimous votes in the House and Senate education committees, as well as when it passed the floor of both chambers.