Rep. Chesser files bill in North Carolina House to offer tuition discounts

A new bill filed by State Rep. Allen Chesser in the North Carolina House seeks to provide tuition discounts for military and employer-supported students within the UNC system, according to the North Carolina State House.

The bill, filed as HB 373 on March 11 during the 2025 regular session, was formally listed with the short title: ‘UNC Tuition Discounts for Certain Students.’

The following is our breakdown, based on the actual bill text, and may include interpretation to clarify its provisions.

In essence, this bill allows institutions within the University of North Carolina system to offer discounted tuition rates to two specific groups of students: those receiving military tuition assistance and those part of an employer-sponsored financial support program. For qualifying military students, the discount can be up to the difference between their military tuition assistance funds and the applicable tuition rate. Qualifying military students must be residents for tuition purposes and receive either federal or state military tuition assistance. For students in an employer-sponsored program, the discount is up to the difference between the employer’s provided financial support and the applicable tuition. The Board of Governors will annually report on the number of students receiving discounts and the financial impact on institutions. The act becomes effective upon becoming law, applying from the 2025-26 academic year.

Of the four sponsors of this bill, Grant L. Campbell, MD proposed the most bills (23) during the 2025 regular session.

Bills in North Carolina follow a multi-step process before becoming law. A lawmaker starts by filing a bill, which is assigned to a committee for review. The bill must be read three times in each chamber. If one chamber changes the bill after the other passes it, both must agree on the final version. Once both chambers approve the same bill, it goes to the governor, who has 10 days (or 30 if the legislature is not in session) to sign, veto, or let it become law without a signature.

You can read more about the bills and other measures here.

Chesser graduated from North Carolina Wesleyan University in 2019 with a BS.

Chesser, a Republican, was elected to the North Carolina State House in 2023 to represent the state’s 25th House district, replacing previous state representative James Gailliard.