Connecticut Gov. Malloy hails passage of immigrant in-state tuition bill

BRIDGEPORT, CT - NOVEMBER 04: Democratic Connecticut Governor Dan Malloy stops at a polling station on November 4, 2014 in Bridgeport, Connecticut. Around the country voters are turning out to decide the 2014 midterm elections. In Connecticut voters will decide on whether to keep Democratic Malloy who is currently in a dead heat with Republican Tom Foley. Polls show a tight race in many states with most analysts predicting that the Republicans are on track to make gains and possibly control the U.S. Senate. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images) (2014 Getty Images)

Gov. Dannel P. Malloy is thanking Connecticut lawmakers for passing a bill that attempts to help students brought to the U.S. illegally as children with the cost of college tuition.

The Senate voted 19-13 Friday in favor of the bill, which previously cleared the House of Representatives on a narrow 78-70 vote.

The bill reduces, from four years to two, the number of years of high school education that an eligible student must complete in Connecticut in order to receive the favorable in-state tuition rate at the state's colleges and universities.

In-state tuition is also extended to other groups, including human trafficking victims.

Malloy offered the bill for consideration this session. A spokesman said the bill "helps us build a brighter future" for children and the state's long-term economy.