DENVER - A bill to grant illegal immigrants the same tuition rate as legal state residents advanced in the Colorado House, with Republicans joining Democrats in support of the measure.

The bill lets illegal immigrants who graduate from Colorado high schools attend college at the in-state rate, instead of the more expensive out-of-state rate.

The House Education Committee passed the bill on a 9-4 vote on Wednesday, with two Republicans voting yes with Democrats.

Republican Rep. Kevin Priola cited his faith as one of the reasons for supporting the bill. Republican Rep. Jim Wilson says he's conflicted about the proposal, but that it deserves to be debated by the full House.

Both parties have blocked the bill in previous years. This year, the bill is expected to become law.