The Oregon House of Representatives passed the so-called tuition equity bill (House Bill 2787) this afternoon (Feb. 22), following an emotional debate by lawmakers.

In the end, the bill was approved by a vote of 38-18. It will now go to the Oregon Senate, where it is expected to pass.

UO President Michael Gottfredson testified earlier this month in favor of the bill, which would grant in-state tuition eligibility to undocumented students who have lived in the U.S. for at least five years; graduated from an Oregon high school after studying there for at least three years; been accepted to an Oregon university; and shown an intention to become a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident.

House Republicans unsuccessfully proposed an alternative version that would have let the bill expire in 2016, and would have limited tuition equity to undocumented immigrants in the U.S. by July 1.