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Primary Sponsor

Last Action

Re-ref Com On Appropriations2026-06-10

Vote Breakdown

No floor votes recorded.

Plain Language Summary

This bill expands tuition waivers at North Carolina community colleges to include children (ages 17-24) of law enforcement officers, experienced correctional officers (10+ years), and firefighters. Students would attend community college tuition-free while still meeting admission standards and other college requirements, with the waiver covering the duration of their educational program.

Arguments in Favor

• •Supporters argue this bill honors public safety workers by providing educational benefits to their families and helps offset the costs families face while parents serve their communities.
• •The waiver removes financial barriers for these children to access community college education, which can lead to better career opportunities and economic mobility for families of police officers, firefighters, and correctional officers.

Arguments Against

• •Opponents may question the cost to the state and community college systems and whether tuition waivers should be limited to certain professions' families rather than offered more broadly based on financial need.
• •Some may argue that while honoring public service is important, similar benefits could be extended to children of other essential public employees, raising concerns about fairness and equitable allocation of educational resources.