Bill in NC House seeks to extend tuition waivers for children of public safety workers

A recent measure from Rep. Allen Chesser would broaden tuition waiver eligibility for children of law enforcement officers, correctional officers, and firefighters enrolling in community colleges, according to the North Carolina State House.

Filed April 30 as HB 1203 for the 2025 regular session, the bill carries the short title: ‘Family Support for Those Who Serve Act.’

Below is our summary, derived from the actual bill text, with additional explanation for clarity on main provisions.

This legislation would expand an existing North Carolina tuition waiver program for families and survivors of qualifying public safety employees, creating a new waiver for children of law enforcement officers, correctional officers with at least 10 years of service, and firefighters to attend community college tuition-free. Applicants must be North Carolina residents between ages 17 and 23, and can receive a waiver only for the duration required to finish the intended program. The bill maintains admission standards, clarifies relevant terms, and would go into effect with the 2026-27 academic year.

Chesser leads as principal sponsor and introduced the most bills—64—during the 2025 regular session.

North Carolina legislation follows a multi-part process before it becomes law. Legislation is initially filed by a member and referred to committee for consideration. Each chamber then reads the measure three times. If one chamber amends the bill after passage by another, both must concur on final wording. Once the measure passes both chambers in identical form, it proceeds to the governor, who has 10 days (or 30, if lawmakers are adjourned) to sign, veto, or allow it to become law without signature.

Additional information on this and related bills is available here.

Chesser earned his BS from North Carolina Wesleyan University in 2019.

A Republican, Chesser was elected to the House in 2023 for District 25, succeeding James Gailliard.