Education (Student Financial Aid)

in committee · North Carolina · Senate Mar 26, 2025

SB 601: Revise Private Need-Based Scholarship.

SB 601 revises eligibility rules for North Carolina's need-based scholarships at private colleges. It requires qualifying institutions to hold specific regional accreditation (like SACSCOC) and meet campus standards, directly affecting private colleges seeking state scholarship funding and their students. The bill updates definitions in law to clarify which schools qualify, adding new accreditation criteria and distinguishing between "main permanent" and "permanent" campuses. These changes apply to scholarships awarded starting in the 2025-2026 academic year. The bill does not alter scholarship amounts or create new programs, only refining which institutions can participate.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationUpdates scholarship eligibility to require regional accreditation, ensuring state funding targets qualified institutions and strengthens program integrity for higher education access.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education Student Financial Aid

Track

in committee · North Carolina · House Mar 27, 2025

HB 540: Additional Funds for Patriot Star Scholarship.

HB 540 allocates $2 million in recurring state funds from the General Fund to the UNC Board of Governors for the 2025-2026 fiscal year. This funding will be directed to the Patriot Foundation to support its existing North Carolina Patriot Star Family Scholarship Program. The bill specifically provides financial resources for the program's operation, without creating new eligibility rules or altering the scholarship's structure. It becomes effective July 1, 2025, and directly affects the scholarship program's budget for that fiscal year.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesAllocates $2M recurring state funds from General Fund to expand scholarship program, directly increasing budget allocation for education and veterans' support.92% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationAllocates $2M recurring funds to expand Patriot Star Scholarship program, directly increasing financial aid access for higher education students without restrictions.95% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransAllocates $2M to fund existing Patriot Star Family Scholarship Program for veterans' families, directly advancing veteran education benefits per bill's subjects and summary.95% confidence

Sub-Topics State Budget Student Financial Aid Veteran Education

Track

in committee · North Carolina · House Apr 3, 2025

HB 689: Expanding Workforce and Education Act.

HB 689 allows North Carolina high school graduates who attended NC public or nonpublic schools for four consecutive years before graduation to pay in-state tuition at state colleges and universities, provided they hold a NC driver's license, have a Social Security number, and enroll immediately after high school. It directly affects qualifying NC high school graduates who would otherwise pay out-of-state tuition rates. Key provisions include requiring proof of NC residency through driver's license and school attendance records each semester, with all application information kept confidential. The bill takes effect for the 2025-2026 academic year and does not change residency status for other purposes.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill expands higher education access by reducing tuition barriers for qualifying NC graduates, directly advancing educational opportunity through in-state tuition eligibility.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education K-12 Education Student Financial Aid

Track

in committee · North Carolina · House Apr 8, 2025

HB 815: Voucher School Accountability Act.

HB 815 revises North Carolina's Opportunity Scholarship Program, which provides state-funded vouchers for private school tuition. It expands eligibility to include students in foster care, military families, and those previously enrolled in public school, while prioritizing low-income students (households at or below 200% of the federal free/reduced lunch income threshold) for full tuition coverage (90% for full-time, 45% for part-time). Nonpublic schools receiving funds must meet reporting standards, and the program now requires schools to document student enrollment and academic progress. This bill directly affects low-income families, military-connected students, and participating private schools seeking state-funded tuition assistance.

Topics ✗ Budget & TaxesOpposes Budget & TaxesBill diverts state funds from public education to private school vouchers, defunding essential public services per its state-funded voucher allocation.85% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationExpands educational access for low-income students via state-funded private school vouchers, increasing options beyond public schools while prioritizing underserved groups.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education School Choice Student Financial Aid

Track

in committee · North Carolina · House Apr 14, 2025

HB 910: Developing a Representative and Inclusive Vision for Education (DRIVE) Recommendations/Teacher Diversity.

HB 910 creates a $2 million recurring grant program to increase teacher diversity in North Carolina public schools, primarily benefiting school districts, colleges, and community organizations. The bill funds partnerships that support recruitment, training, and retention of educators of color through specific initiatives like dual enrollment programs, paid clinical experiences, mentorship, and financial aid for aspiring teachers. Grants require evidence-based proposals addressing recruitment or retention gaps and must include long-term sustainability plans. Local school systems and institutions of higher education will administer the program, with annual reporting required to track progress toward diversifying the educator workforce.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesAllocates $2M recurring grant for teacher diversity programs, directly funding educational initiatives through state appropriations as indicated in subjects and summary.92% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill creates $2M recurring grant program to fund teacher diversity initiatives (recruitment, training, retention) in public schools, directly advancing educator representation and equity in education.95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentFunds teacher diversity initiatives through $2M grants, directly supporting recruitment/retention in education employment (subjects: EMPLOYMENT, TEACHERS).90% confidence

Sub-Topics Student Financial Aid Teachers

Track

passed · North Carolina · House Apr 16, 2025

HB 69: Military and Veterans Educational Promise Act.

HB 69, the Military and Veterans Educational Promise Act, provides two key benefits for military-affiliated individuals and veterans at North Carolina's University of North Carolina (UNC) schools. First, it requires UNC institutions to allow eligible military members (including reservists) and their spouses to defer admission for up to five years (for active duty) or two years (for reserve service) upon enrollment notice. Second, it establishes in-state tuition rates for honorably discharged veterans who served at least 90 days in the military, graduated from a North Carolina high school after 2004, had a North Carolina duty station, or received a Purple Heart. The bill applies to all UNC institutions beginning in the 2025-2026 academic year.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationExpands higher education access for veterans via in-state tuition benefits and admission deferral options at UNC institutions.95% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransProvides in-state tuition and admission deferral for veterans, directly expanding educational benefits and access to UNC schools.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education K-12 Education Student Financial Aid National Guard & Reserve Veteran Benefits Veteran Education

Track

in committee · North Carolina · House May 6, 2025

HB 581: Career Pathways Transparency Act.

HB 581, the Career Pathways Transparency Act, requires the State Education Assistance Authority to create a "Know Before You Go" website. This website will provide students and parents with information on projected employment needs, associated salary ranges, and relevant college majors. It will also detail specific outcome data for public and private institutions of higher education and vocational schools, including tuition, student loan debt, completion rates, and post-graduation employment and salary information. Local school boards will be mandated to provide this "Know Before You Go" information to high school sophomores to help them make informed decisions about their postsecondary education and career paths. A grant program will be established to assist local boards in implementing these programs.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationProvides transparency on career outcomes, salaries, and educational data to inform student decisions, enhancing educational access and choice within career pathways.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Career & Technical Education K-12 Education Student Financial Aid

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signed · North Carolina · House Jun 3, 2026

HB 87: Educational Choice for Children Act (ECCA).

HB 87 (Educational Choice for Children Act) allows North Carolina to participate in a federal tax credit program that encourages donations to private scholarship organizations. The bill requires the State Education Assistance Authority to maintain and publish an annual list of qualifying scholarship groups operating in North Carolina, enabling donors to claim federal tax credits for contributions. These scholarships can cover elementary and secondary school costs, including homeschooling expenses, as permitted under federal law. The law becomes effective after 2026, with the Authority needing to establish necessary rules by July 2026 to comply with federal requirements.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesEnables federal tax credits for education donations, directly advancing tax credit mechanisms under tax policy.95% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationEnables tax-credit funded private scholarships for K-12, expanding educational access options beyond public schools per bill's purpose.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Tax Credits K-12 Education School Choice Student Financial Aid