The governor yesterday signed into law a bill by state Rep. Frank McNulty, R-Highlands Ranch, to extend in-state tuition status to armed services members, and their dependents, when they have been transferred to Colorado on a temporary basis.

"This is the right thing to do," McNulty said. "These families have made incredible sacrifices for our country and this is just one small way that we can say 'thanks.' We should welcome each and every one of these brave men and women to our state and while they are here we should treat them with the same respect and deference that we treat long-time Coloradans."

Previously, a member of the armed forces and his or her dependents could receive in-state tuition rates if they were in Colorado on a permanent change-of-station basis. House Bill 1163 extends that privilege to those on temporary assignment duty in Colorado.

The new law also extends the privilege to members of the Colorado National Guard and their dependents.

"This new law represents a small token of our appreciation for the men and women of the armed services and their families," McNulty said.

HB 1163 was passed by the House on a 60-5 vote and by the Senate on a vote of 33-1. The bill became effective upon the governor's signature.