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--- version:Edition 1
+++ version:Filed
@@ -1,13 +1,13 @@
 GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF NORTH CAROLINA
 SESSION 2025
-S 1
-SENATE BILL 125
+S D
+SENATE BILL DRS35057-NG-30
 
 Short Title: Reorganization of Chapter 115D. (Public)
 Sponsors: Senators Lee, Corbin, and Jones (Primary Sponsors).
-Referred to: Rules and Operations of the Senate
-February 24, 2025
-*S125-v-1*
+Referred to:
+
+*DRS35057-NG-30*
 A BILL TO BE ENTITLED 1
 AN ACT TO REORGANIZE CHAPTER 115D OF THE GENERAL STATUTES AND MAKE 2
 NECESSARY CONFORMING CHANGES. 3
@@ -29,23 +29,27 @@
 of basic, high school level, academic education needed in order to profit from vocational and 19
 technical education, for students who are high school graduates or who are beyond the 20
 compulsory age limit of the public school system and who have left the public schools, provided, 21
-juveniles of any age committed to the Division of Juvenile Justice of the Departm ent of Public 22
+juveniles of any age committed to the Division of Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public 22
 Safety by a court of competent jurisdiction may, if approved by the director of the youth 23
 development center to which they are assigned, take courses offered by institutions of the system 24
 if they are otherwise qualified for admission. 25
-The Com munity Colleges System Office is designated as the primary lead agency for 26
+The Community Colleges System Office is designated as the primary lead agency for 26
 delivering workforce development training, adult literacy training, and adult education programs 27
 in the State. 28
 … 29
-"§ 115D-1.3.  Accreditation of secondary school located in North Car olina shall not be a 30
+"§ 115D-1.3.  Accreditation of secondary school located in North Carolina shall not be a 30
 factor in admissions, loans, scholarships, or other educational policies. 31
 (a) For purposes of this section, the term "accreditation" shall include certification or any 32
 other similar approval process. 33
-(b) The State Board of Community Co lleges shall adopt a policy that prohibits any 34
+(b) The State Board of Community Colleges shall adopt a policy that prohibits any 34
 community college from soliciting or using information regarding the accreditation of a 35
 secondary school located in North Carolina that a person attended as a factor affecting 36
-General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025
-Page 2  Senate Bill 125-First Edition
+FILED SENATE
+Feb 21, 2025
+S.B. 125
+PRINCIPAL CLERK
+General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025
+Page 2  DRS35057-NG-30
 admissions, loans, scholarships, or other educational activity at the community college, unless 1
 the accreditation was conducted by a State agency. 2
 … 3
@@ -61,7 +65,7 @@
 education. 13
 (d) The State Board of Community Colleges shall develop appropriate criteria and 14
 standards to regulate the addition of the college transfer program to institutions. 15
-(e) The State Board o f Community Colleges shall develop appropriate criteria and 16
+(e) The State Board of Community Colleges shall develop appropriate criteria and 16
 standards to regulate the operation of college transfer programs. 17
 (f) The Board of Governors of The University of North Carolina shall report to each 18
 community college and to the State Board of Community Colleges in accordance with 19
@@ -73,34 +77,34 @@
 steps it is taking to remedy problems that it finds. 25
 (g) The Community Colleges System Office shall report by April 15, 2011, and annually 26
 thereafter, to the Joint Legislative Education Oversight Committee, the State Board of Education, 27
-the Office of State  Budget and Management, and the Fiscal Research Division of the General 28
+the Office of State Budget and Management, and the Fiscal Research Division of the General 28
 Assembly on the implementation of the UNC -NCCCS 2+2 E -Learning Initiative. This report 29
 shall include: 30
 (1) The courses and programs within the 2+2 E-Learning Initiative; 31
 (2) The total number of prospective teachers that have taken or are taking part in 32
 this initiative to date broken down by the current academic period and each of 33
 the previous academic periods since the program’s inception; 34
-(3) The total number of teachers currently in th e State’s classrooms, by local 35
+(3) The total number of teachers currently in the State’s classrooms, by local 35
 school administrative unit, who have taken part in this initiative; 36
 (4) The change in the number of teachers available to schools since the program’s 37
 inception; 38
-(5) The qualitative data from students, teachers, local school a dministrative unit 39
+(5) The qualitative data from students, teachers, local school administrative unit 39
 personnel, university personnel, and community college personnel as to the 40
 impact of this initiative on our State’s teaching pool; and 41
 (6) An explanation of the expenditures and collaborative programs between the 42
-North Carolina Community  College System and The University of North 43
+North Carolina Community College System and The University of North 43
 Carolina, including recommendations for improvement. 44
 "§ 115D -5.  Administration of institutions by State Board of Community Colleges; 45
 personnel exempt from North Carolina Human Resources Act; extension 46
-courses; t uition waiver; in -plant training; contracting, etc., for establishment 47
+courses; tuition waiver; in -plant training; contracting, etc., for establishment 47
 and operation of extension units of the community college system; use of existing 48
 public school facilities. 49
-(a) The State Board of Community Colleges may adopt and execute such policies , 50
+(a) The State Board of Community Colleges may adopt and execute such policies, 50
 regulations and standards concerning the establishment, administration, and operation of 51
 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025
-Senate Bill 125-First Edition  Page 3
+DRS35057-NG-30  Page 3
 institutions as the State Board may deem necessary to insure the quality of educational programs, 1
-to promote the systematic meeting of educational needs of the State , and to provide for the 2
+to promote the systematic meeting of educational needs of the State, and to provide for the 2
 equitable distribution of State and federal funds to the several institutions. 3
 The State Board of Community Colleges shall establish standards and scales for salaries and 4
 allotments paid from funds administered by the State Board, and all employees of the institutions 5
@@ -117,7 +121,7 @@
 procedures. 16
 The State Board of Community Colleges shall require each community college to meet the 17
 faculty credential requirements of its accrediting agency for all community college programs. 18
-(a1) Notwithstanding G.S. 66-58(c)(3) or any other provisions of law, the State  Board of 19
+(a1) Notwithstanding G.S. 66-58(c)(3) or any other provisions of law, the State Board of 19
 Community Colleges may adopt rules governing the expenditure of funds derived from bookstore 20
 sales by community colleges. These expenditures shall be consistent with the mission and 21
 purpose of the Community College System. Profits may be used in the support and enhancement 22
@@ -150,12 +154,12 @@
 a community college no longer meets the requirements for a driving eligibility 49
 certificate. The State Board also shall adopt guidelines to assist the presidents 50
 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025
-Page 4  Senate Bill 125-First Edition
-of community colleges in t heir designation of representatives to sign driving 1
+Page 4  DRS35057-NG-30
+of community colleges in their designation of representatives to sign driving 1
 eligibility certificates. 2
 The State Board shall develop a form for the appropriate individuals to 3
 provide their written, irrevocable consent for a community college to disclose 4
-to the Division of Motor Ve hicles that the student no longer meets the 5
+to the Division of Motor Vehicles that the student no longer meets the 5
 conditions for a driving eligibility certificate under G.S.  20-11(n)(1) or 6
 G.S. 20-11(n1), if applicable, in the event that this disclosure is necessary to 7
 comply with G.S. 20-11 or G.S. 20-13.2. Other than identifying under which 8
@@ -165,7 +169,7 @@
 (b) In order to make instruction as accessible as possible to all citizens, the teaching of 12
 curricular courses and of noncurricular extension courses at convenient locations away from 13
 institution campuses as well as on campuses is authorized and shall be encouraged. A pro rata 14
-portion of the established regular tuition r ate charged a full -time student shall be charged a 15
+portion of the established regular tuition rate charged a full -time student shall be charged a 15
 part-time student taking any curriculum course. In lieu of any tuition charge, the State Board of 16
 Community Colleges shall establish a uniform registration fee, or a schedule of uniform 17
 registration fees, to be charged students enrolling in extension courses for which instruction is 18
@@ -203,18 +207,18 @@
 for the training of criminal justice professionals, as defined in 50
 G.S. 17C-20(6), who are required to be certified under (i) Article 1 of 51
 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025
-Senate Bill 125-First Edition  Page 5
+DRS35057-NG-30  Page 5
 Chapter 17C of the General Statutes and the rules of the North 1
 Carolina Criminal Justice Education and Training Standards 2
 Commission or (ii) Chapter 17E of the General Statutes and the rules 3
-of the North Carolina Sheriffs'  Education and Training Standards 4
+of the North Carolina Sheriffs' Education and Training Standards 4
 Commission. The waivers provided for in this sub -subdivision apply 5
 to participants and recent graduates of the North Carolina Criminal 6
 Justice Fellows Program to obtain certifications for eligible criminal 7
 justice professions as defined in G.S. 17C-20(6). 8
 (2a) Firefighters, EMS personnel, and rescue and lifesaving personnel whose duty 9
 station is located on a military installation within North Carolina for courses 10
-that support their organizations' training needs and are appr oved for this 11
+that support their organizations' training needs and are approved for this 11
 purpose by the State Board of Community Colleges. 12
 (3) Repealed by Session Laws 2011-145, s. 8.12(a), effective July 1, 2011. 13
 (4) Trainees enrolled in courses conducted under the Customized Training 14
@@ -224,7 +228,7 @@
 (10) Elementary and secondary school employees enrolled in courses in first aid or 18
 cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). 19
 (11) Repealed by Session Laws 2013-360, s. 10.6, effective July 1, 2013. 20
-(12) All co urses taken by high school students at community colleges, in 21
+(12) All courses taken by high school students at community colleges, in 21
 accordance with G.S. 115D-20(4) and this section. 22
 (13) Human resources development courses for any individual who (i) is 23
 unemployed; (ii) has received notification of a pending layoff; (iii) is working 24
@@ -239,7 +243,7 @@
 (16) Courses provided to students who are participating in a pre-apprenticeship or 33
 apprenticeship program that meets all of the following criteria: 34
 a. Meets one of the following: 35
-1. Is a registered app renticeship program recognized by the 36
+1. Is a registered apprenticeship program recognized by the 36
 United States Department of Labor. 37
 2. Is a pre -apprenticeship program recognized and approved by 38
 the State agency administering the statewide apprenticeship 39
@@ -256,14 +260,14 @@
 community college faculty or staff members employed for a nine-, ten-, eleven-, or twelve-month 50
 term. Community colleges may also use State and local funds to pay tuition and registration fees 51
 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025
-Page 6  Senate Bill 125-First Edition
-for professional deve lopment courses and for other courses consistent with the academic 1
+Page 6  DRS35057-NG-30
+for professional development courses and for other courses consistent with the academic 1
 assistance program authorized by the State Human Resources Commission. 2
 (b2) Beginning February 1, 2018, and annually thereafter, the Community Colleges 3
 System Office shall report to the Joint Legislative Education Oversight Committee on the number 4
 and type of waivers granted pursuant to subsection (b) of this section. 5
 (c) No course of instruction shall be offered by any community college at State expense 6
-or partial State expense to any capti ve or co -opted group of students, as defined by the State 7
+or partial State expense to any captive or co -opted group of students, as defined by the State 7
 Board of Community Colleges, without prior approval of the State Board of Community 8
 Colleges. All course offerings approved for State prison inmates or prisoners in local jails must 9
 be tied to clearly identified job skills, transition needs, or both. Approval by the State Board of 10
@@ -274,7 +278,7 @@
 equivalent students, as defined by the State Board of Community Colleges. 15
 (c1) Community colleges shall report full -time equivalent (FTE) student hours for 16
 correction education programs on the basis of student membership hours. No community college 17
-shall operate a multi -entry/multi-exit class or program in a prison  facility, except for a literacy 18
+shall operate a multi -entry/multi-exit class or program in a prison facility, except for a literacy 18
 class or program. 19
 The State Board shall work with the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the 20
 Department of Public Safety on offering classes and programs that match the average length of 21
@@ -297,10 +301,10 @@
 prior to acting on the proposal. The State Board of Community Colleges shall consider whether 38
 a regional approach can be used when developing new programs and, to the extent possible, shall 39
 initiate new programs on a regional basis. 40
-The State Board of Community Colleges shall coll ect data on an annual basis on all new 41
+The State Board of Community Colleges shall collect data on an annual basis on all new 41
 programs and program terminations it approved and any regionalization of programs during the 42
 year, including the specific reasons for which each program was terminated or approved. 43
-(f1) The State Board shall adopt a p olicy requiring community colleges to be accredited 44
+(f1) The State Board shall adopt a policy requiring community colleges to be accredited 44
 in accordance with G.S. 115D-6.2. 45
 (g) Funds appropriated to the Community Colleges System Office as operating expenses 46
 for allocation to the institutions comprising the North Carolina Community College System shall 47
@@ -309,7 +313,7 @@
 activities shall not be counted when computing full -time equivalent students (FTE) for use in 50
 budget-funding formulas at the State level. 51
 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025
-Senate Bill 125-First Edition  Page 7
+DRS35057-NG-30  Page 7
 (h) Whenever a community college offers real estate continuing education courses 1
 pursuant to G.S. 93A-4.1, the courses shall be offered on a self-supporting basis. 2
 (i) Recodified as G.S. 115D-5.1(c) by Session Laws 2005 -276, s. 8.4(a), effective July 3
@@ -323,9 +327,9 @@
 procedures governing the review and approval process. 11
 (m) The State Board of Community Colleges shall maintain an accountability function 12
 that conducts periodic reviews of each community college operating under the provisions of this 13
-Chapter. The purpose o f the compliance review shall be to ensure that (i) data used to allocate 14
+Chapter. The purpose of the compliance review shall be to ensure that (i) data used to allocate 14
 State funds among community colleges is reported accurately to the System Office and (ii) 15
-community colleges are charging and waiving tuition and registration fees consistent with la w. 16
+community colleges are charging and waiving tuition and registration fees consistent with law. 16
 The State Board of Community Colleges shall require the use of a statistically valid sample size 17
 in performing compliance reviews of community colleges. All compliance review findings that 18
 are determined to be material shall be forwarded to the college president, local college board of 19
@@ -341,11 +345,11 @@
 approve any additional multicampus centers without identified recurring sources of funding.  A 29
 community college facility shall be considered a multicampus center if it meets all of the 30
 following criteria: 31
-(1) Is at least 4 miles away from the main campus of the communi ty college and 32
+(1) Is at least 4 miles away from the main campus of the community college and 32
 other multicampus center locations. 33
 (2) Any other criteria established by the State Board. 34
 (p) The North Carolina Community College System may offer courses, in accordance 35
-with Article 17D of Subchapter V of Chapter 115C of the General Statu tes, to individuals who 36
+with Article 17D of Subchapter V of Chapter 115C of the General Statutes, to individuals who 36
 choose to enter the teaching profession through residency licensure. 37
 (q) Repealed by Session Laws 2009-451, s. 8.9, effective July 1, 2009. 38
 (r) The State Board of Community Colleges shall develop curriculum and continuing 39
@@ -362,11 +366,11 @@
 State Board of Community Colleges shall (i) permit high school students who are enrolled in 50
 Gateway to College Programs to enroll in developmental courses based on an assessment of their 51
 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025
-Page 8  Senate Bill 125-First Edition
+Page 8  DRS35057-NG-30
 individual student needs by a high school and community college staff team and (ii) include this 1
 coursework in computing the budget FTE for the colleges. 2
 (u) The State Board of Community Colleges shall direct each community college to adopt 3
-a policy that authorizes a minimum of two excused absences each academic year fo r religious 4
+a policy that authorizes a minimum of two excused absences each academic year for religious 4
 observances required by the faith of a student. The policy may require that the student provide 5
 written notice of the request for an excused absence a reasonable time prior to the religious 6
 observance. The policy shall also provide that the student shall be given the opportunity to make 7
@@ -376,12 +380,12 @@
 computing full-time equivalent students (FTE) for use in budget funding formulas at the State 11
 level. 12
 (w) The State Board of Community Colleges shall review, at least every five years, 13
-service areas that inc lude counties assigned to more than one community college to determine 14
+service areas that include counties assigned to more than one community college to determine 14
 the feasibility of continuing to assign those counties to more than one community college. The 15
-State Board shall revise service areas as needed to ensure that counties are served effect ively. 16
+State Board shall revise service areas as needed to ensure that counties are served effectively. 16
 The first review and any revisions shall be completed no later than March 1, 2016, and the State 17
 Board shall report its findings and any revisions to the Joint Legislative Education Oversight 18
-Committee no later than March 1, 2016. All subsequent rev iews and revisions shall also be 19
+Committee no later than March 1, 2016. All subsequent reviews and revisions shall also be 19
 submitted to the Committee. 20
 (x) In addition to the evaluation of cooperative innovative high schools by the State Board 21
 of Education pursuant to G.S.  115C-238.55, the State Board of Community Colleges, in 22
@@ -404,7 +408,7 @@
 (3) Any additional costs of a student attending courses on campus if a student is 39
 not attending public school in a local school administrative unit for the 40
 majority of the student's instructional time. 41
-The Boards shall jointly report by March 15 of e ach year to the Joint Legislative Education 42
+The Boards shall jointly report by March 15 of each year to the Joint Legislative Education 42
 Oversight Committee, the Senate Appropriations Committee on Education/Higher Education, the 43
 House Appropriations Committee on Education, and the Fiscal Research Division of the General 44
 Assembly. The report shall be combined with the evaluation of cooperative innovative high 45
@@ -414,7 +418,7 @@
 throughout the Community College System to provide that any student enrolled in a community 49
 college who is a National Guard service member placed onto State active duty status during an 50
 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025
-Senate Bill 125-First Edition  Page 9
+DRS35057-NG-30  Page 9
 academic term shall be given an excused absence for the period of time the student is on active 1
 duty. The policy shall further provide all of the following: 2
 (1) The student shall be given the opportunity to make up any test or other work 3
@@ -422,11 +426,11 @@
 (2) The student shall be given the option, when feasible, to continue classes and 5
 coursework during the academic term through online participation for the 6
 period of time the student is placed on active duty. 7
-(3) The student shall be given the option of receiving a temporary grad e of 8
+(3) The student shall be given the option of receiving a temporary grade of 8
 "incomplete (IN)" or "absent from the final exam (AB)" for any course that 9
 the student was unable to complete as a result of being placed on State active 10
 duty status; however, the student must complete the course requirements 11
-within the period of time  specified by the community college to avoid 12
+within the period of time specified by the community college to avoid 12
 receiving a failing grade for the course. 13
 (4) The student shall be permitted to drop, with no penalty, any course that the 14
 student was unable to complete as a result of being placed on State active duty 15
@@ -460,13 +464,13 @@
 (3) The skills of the workers will be enhanced by the assistance. 43
 (f) The Community Colleges System Office shall report no later than September 1 of 44
 each year to the Joint Legislative Education Oversight Committee on: 45
-(1) The total amount of funds received by a co mpany under the Customized 46
+(1) The total amount of funds received by a company under the Customized 46
 Training Program. 47
 (1a) The types of services sought by the company, whether for new, expanding, or 48
 existing industry. 49
 (2) The amount of funds per trainee received by that company. 50
 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025
-Page 10  Senate Bill 125-First Edition
+Page 10  DRS35057-NG-30
 (3) The amount of funds received per trainee by the community college delivering 1
 the training. 2
 (4) The number of trainees trained by the company and community college. 3
@@ -475,16 +479,16 @@
 may adopt guidelines that allow the Customized Training Program to use funds appropriated for 6
 that program to support training projects for the various branches of the Armed Forces of the 7
 United States. 8
-(f2) Funds available to the Customized Train ing Program shall not revert at the end of a 9
+(f2) Funds available to the Customized Training Program shall not revert at the end of a 9
 fiscal year but shall remain available until expended. Up to ten percent (10%) of the 10
 college-delivered training expenditures and up to five percent (5%) of the contractor -delivered 11
-training expenditures for the  prior fiscal year for Customized Training may be allotted to each 12
+training expenditures for the prior fiscal year for Customized Training may be allotted to each 12
 college for capacity building at that college. 13
 (f3) Of the funds appropriated in a fiscal year for the Customized Training Programs, the 14
-State Board of Community Colleges may approve the us e of up to eight percent (8%) for the 15
+State Board of Community Colleges may approve the use of up to eight percent (8%) for the 15
 training and support of regional community college personnel to deliver Customized Training 16
 Program services to business and industry. 17
-(g) The State Board shall adopt guidelines to implement this section. At least 20 d ays 18
+(g) The State Board shall adopt guidelines to implement this section. At least 20 days 18
 before the effective date of any criteria or nontechnical amendments to guidelines, the State 19
 Board must publish the proposed guidelines on the Community Colleges System Office's web 20
 site and provide notice to persons who have requested notice of proposed guidelines. In addition, 21
@@ -493,11 +497,11 @@
 For the purpose of this subsection, a technical amendment is either of the following: 24
 (1) An amendment that corrects a spelling or grammatical error. 25
 (2) An amendment that makes a clarification based on public comment and could 26
-have been anticipated by the public notice that immediately pre ceded the 27
+have been anticipated by the public notice that immediately preceded the 27
 public comment. 28
 "§ 115D-5.1A.  Short-Term Workforce Development Grant Program. 29
 (a) Program Established. – There is established the North Carolina Community College 30
-Short-Term Workforce Development Grant Program (Program) to be administered by the  State 31
+Short-Term Workforce Development Grant Program (Program) to be administered by the State 31
 Board of Community Colleges. The State Board shall adopt rules for the disbursement of the 32
 grants pursuant to this section. 33
 (b) Programs of Study. – The State Board of Community Colleges, in collaboration with 34
@@ -507,29 +511,29 @@
 information technology, electrical line worker, and manufacturing programs and may include 38
 other programs to meet local workforce needs. 39
 (c) Award Amounts. – To the extent funds are made available for the Program, the State 40
-Board of Community Colleges shall award grants  in an amount of up to seven hundred fifty 41
+Board of Community Colleges shall award grants in an amount of up to seven hundred fifty 41
 dollars ($750.00) to students pursuing short -term, noncredit State and industry workforce 42
 credentials. The State Board of Community Colleges shall establish criteria for initial and 43
-continuing eligibility for stud ents. At a minimum, students shall be required to qualify as a 44
+continuing eligibility for students. At a minimum, students shall be required to qualify as a 44
 resident for tuition purposes under the criteria set forth in G.S. 116-143.1 and in accordance with 45
 the coordinated and centralized residency determination process administered by the State 46
 Education Assistance Authority. 47
 (d) Report. – The State Board shall submit a report by April 1, 2024, and annually 48
 thereafter, on the Program to the Joint Legislative Education Oversight Committee and the Fiscal 49
-Research Division. The report shall contain, fo r each academic year and by programs of study, 50
+Research Division. The report shall contain, for each academic year and by programs of study, 50
 the amount of grant funds disbursed and the number of eligible students receiving funds. 51
 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025
-Senate Bill 125-First Edition  Page 11
+DRS35057-NG-30  Page 11
 "§ 115D-5.2.  Commercial fishing and aquaculture classes. 1
 (a) The General Assembly urges all community colleges serving the coastal area of the 2
 State to offer classes on commercial fishing and aquaculture. 3
 (b) The North Carolina Community Colleges System Office shall provide technical 4
 assistance to these colleges on offering such classes. 5
-(c) The North Carolina Community Co lleges System Office shall report to the Joint 6
+(c) The North Carolina Community Colleges System Office shall report to the Joint 6
 Legislative Education Oversight Committee on any fiscal and administrative issues it identifies 7
 that limit colleges' ability to offer such courses. 8
 "§ 115D-5.5.  Board Reserve Fund. 9
-The State Board of Communit y Colleges shall use its Board Reserve Fund for feasibility 10
+The State Board of Community Colleges shall use its Board Reserve Fund for feasibility 10
 studies, pilot projects, start-up of new programs, and innovative ideas. 11
 "Part 2. Administration of Local Community Colleges by State Board of Community Colleges. 12
 "§ 115D-6.  Withdrawal of State support. 13
@@ -545,7 +549,7 @@
 (a) Policies. – The State Board of Community Colleges may adopt and execute such 23
 policies, regulations, and standards concerning the establishment, administration, and operation 24
 of institutions as the State Board may deem necessary to ensure the quality of educational 25
-programs, to promote the systematic meeting of educational needs of the State, and to prov ide 26
+programs, to promote the systematic meeting of educational needs of the State, and to provide 26
 for the equitable distribution of State and federal funds to the several institutions. 27
 (b) Authority. – The State Board shall have the following authority with respect to 28
 individual institutions: 29
@@ -557,10 +561,10 @@
 (5) To establish and regulate student tuition and fees within policies for tuition 35
 and fees established by the General Assembly. 36
 (6) To establish and regulate financial accounting procedures. 37
-(c) Salaries. – The State Board shall establish standards and scale s for salaries and 38
+(c) Salaries. – The State Board shall establish standards and scales for salaries and 38
 allotments paid from funds administered by the State Board, and all employees of the institutions 39
 shall be exempt from the provisions of the North Carolina Human Resources Act. Any and all 40
-salary caps set by the State Board for community  college presidents shall apply only to the 41
+salary caps set by the State Board for community college presidents shall apply only to the 41
 State-paid portion of the salary. Except as otherwise provided by law, the employer contribution 42
 rate on the local-paid portion of the salary, to be paid from local funds, shall be set by the State 43
 Treasurer based on actuarial recommendations. 44
@@ -572,7 +576,7 @@
 to be accredited in accordance with G.S. 115D-21.2. 50
 (a) Definitions. – The following definitions apply in this section: 51
 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025
-Page 12  Senate Bill 125-First Edition
+Page 12  DRS35057-NG-30
 (1) Accreditation cycle. – The period of time during which a community college 1
 is accredited. 2
 (2) Accrediting agency. – An agency or association that accredits institutions of 3
@@ -587,7 +591,7 @@
 f. Western Association of Schools and Colleges Accrediting 12
 Commission for Community and Junior Colleges. 13
 (b) Prohibit Consecutive Accreditation by an Accrediting Agency. – A community 14
-college shall not receive accreditation by an accrediting agenc y for consecutive accreditation 15
+college shall not receive accreditation by an accrediting agency for consecutive accreditation 15
 cycles except as provided in subsection (c) of this section. 16
 (c) Accreditation Transfer Procedure. – A community college that pursues accreditation 17
 with a different accrediting agency in accordance with this section shall pursue accreditation with 18
@@ -596,7 +600,7 @@
 years prior to the expiration of its current accreditation, the community college may remain with 21
 its current accrediting agency for an additional accreditation cycle. 22
 (d) Certain Programs Exempt. – The requirements of this section do not apply to 23
-professional, departmental, or certificate progr ams at community colleges that have specific 24
+professional, departmental, or certificate programs at community colleges that have specific 24
 accreditation requirements or best practices, as identified by the State Board of Community 25
 Colleges. 26
 (e) Cause of Action. – A community college may bring a civil action, as follows: 27
@@ -623,9 +627,9 @@
 … 48
 (c) Interim Board Assumption of Powers and Duties. – The adoption of the resolution to 49
 remove the full board under this section shall have the effect of vacating the terms of all of the 50
-members serving on the board of trustees. Notwithstanding G.S.  115D-12, the State Board of 51
-General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025
-Senate Bill 125-First Edition  Page 13
+members serving on the board of trustees. Notwithstanding G.S. 115D-12, the State Board of 51
+General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025
+DRS35057-NG-30  Page 13
 Community Colleges shall appoint an interim five -member board of trustees for a period not to 1
 exceed 12 months with input from the advisory committee listed in subsection (a) of this section. 2
 To preserve local autonomy, the appointing authorities of the local administrative area of the 3
@@ -635,7 +639,7 @@
 selected or of counties contiguous thereto with the exception of members provided for in 7
 subsection (a) of G.S.  115D-12, Group Four.  G.S. 115D-12(a)(3). At the end of the period of 8
 service of the interim board of trustees, a board of trustees for the community college shall be 9
-appointed in accordance with G.S.  115D-12. Initial terms of members of the new board of 10
+appointed in accordance with G.S. 115D-12. Initial terms of members of the new board of 10
 trustees shall be staggered to align with the remainder of the vacated terms of the members of the 11
 board of trustees. 12
 … 13
@@ -668,7 +672,7 @@
 president, local college board of trustees, the State Board of Community Colleges, and the State 40
 Auditor. The State Board of Community Colleges shall adopt rules governing the frequency, 41
 scope, and standard of materiality for compliance reviews. 42
-(b) Information to Department of Revenue . – The North Carolina Co mmunity Colleges 43
+(b) Information to Department of Revenue . – The North Carolina Community Colleges 43
 System Office shall provide the Department of Revenue with a list of all community colleges, 44
 including name, address, and other identifying information requested by the Department of 45
 Revenue. The North Carolina Community Colleges System Office shall update this list whenever 46
@@ -676,16 +680,16 @@
 "§ 115D-9.25.  Multicampus centers. 48
 All multicampus centers approved by the State Board of Community Colleges shall receive 49
 funding under the same formula. The State Board of Community Colleges shall not approve any 50
-additional multicampus centers without identified recurring sources of fundi ng. A community 51
-General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025
-Page 14  Senate Bill 125-First Edition
+additional multicampus centers without identified recurring sources of funding. A community 51
+General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025
+Page 14  DRS35057-NG-30
 college facility shall be considered a multicampus center if it meets the criteria established by the 1
 State Board and is at least 4 miles awa y from the main campus of the community college and 2
 other multicampus center locations. 3
 "§ 115D-9.30.  Service areas. 4
 The State Board of Community Colleges shall review, at least every five years, service areas 5
 that include counties assigned to more than one community college to determine the feasibility 6
-of continuing to assign those counties to more  than one community college. The State Board 7
+of continuing to assign those counties to more than one community college. The State Board 7
 shall revise service areas as needed to ensure that counties are served effectively. The State Board 8
 shall report its findings and any revisions to the Joint Legislative Education Oversight Committee 9
 within 60 days of revisions being made. 10
@@ -700,24 +704,24 @@
 "§ 115D-10.5.  Program funding. 19
 (a) New Programs and Terminations of Programs. – A community college may not offer 20
 a new program without the approval of the State Board of Community Colleges except that 21
-approval shall not be required if the tuition for the program will fully cover the cost o f the 22
+approval shall not be required if the tuition for the program will fully cover the cost of the 22
 program. If at any time tuition fails to fully cover the cost of a program that falls under the 23
 exception, the program shall be discontinued unless approved by the State Board. If a proposed 24
-new program would serve more than one community college, th e State Board shall perform a 25
+new program would serve more than one community college, the State Board shall perform a 25
 feasibility study prior to acting on the proposal. The State Board shall consider whether a regional 26
 approach can be used when developing new programs and, to the extent possible, shall initiate 27
-new programs on a regional basi s. The State Board shall collect data on an annual basis on all 28
+new programs on a regional basis. The State Board shall collect data on an annual basis on all 28
 new programs and program terminations it approved and any regionalization of programs during 29
 the year, including the specific reasons for which each program was terminated or approved. 30
 (b) Recreation Extension Courses . – Funds appropriated to the Community Colleges 31
 System Office as operating expenses for allocation to the institutions comprising the North 32
-Carolina Community College System shall not be used to support recreation extension course s. 33
+Carolina Community College System shall not be used to support recreation extension courses. 33
 The financing of these courses by any institution shall be on a self -supporting basis, and 34
 membership hours produced from these activities shall not be counted when computing full-time 35
 equivalent students (FTE) for use in budget-funding formulas at the State level. 36
 (c) Real Estate Continuing Education Courses. – Whenever a community college offers 37
 real estate continuing education courses, the courses shall be offered on a self-supporting basis. 38
-"§ 115D-10.10.  College transfer program approval; standards  for programs; annual 39
+"§ 115D-10.10.  College transfer program approval; standards for programs; annual 39
 reporting requirements. 40
 (a) The State Board of Community Colleges may approve the addition of the college 41
 transfer program to a community college. If addition of the college transfer program to an 42
@@ -731,9 +735,9 @@
 (d) The State Board of Community Colleges shall develop appropriate criteria and 50
 standards to regulate the operation of college transfer programs. 51
 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025
-Senate Bill 125-First Edition  Page 15
+DRS35057-NG-30  Page 15
 (e) The Board of Governors of The University of North Carolina shall report to each 1
-community college and to the State Boar d of Community Colleges in accordance with 2
+community college and to the State Board of Community Colleges in accordance with 2
 G.S. 116-11(10b) on the academic performance of that community college's transfer students. If 3
 the State Board of Community Colleges finds that college transfer students from a community 4
 college are not consistently performing adequately at a four-year college, the Board shall review 5
@@ -742,14 +746,14 @@
 steps it is taking to remedy problems that it finds. 8
 (f) The Community Colleges System Office shall report annually by April 15 to the Joint 9
 Legislative Education Oversight Committee, the State Board of Education, the Office of State 10
-Budget and Manage ment, and the Fiscal Research Division of the General Assembly on the 11
+Budget and Management, and the Fiscal Research Division of the General Assembly on the 11
 implementation of the UNC -NCCCS 2+2 E -Learning Initiative. This report shall include  the 12
 following: 13
 (1) The courses and programs within the 2+2 E-Learning Initiative. 14
 (2) The total number of prospective teachers that have taken or are taking part in 15
 this initiative to date broken down by the current academic period and each of 16
 the previous academic periods since the program's inception. 17
-(3) The total number of teachers currently in the St ate's classrooms, by local 18
+(3) The total number of teachers currently in the State 's classrooms, by local 18
 school administrative unit, who have taken part in this initiative. 19
 (4) The change in the number of teachers available to schools since the program's 20
 inception. 21
@@ -757,11 +761,11 @@
 personnel, university personnel, and community college personnel as to the 23
 impact of this initiative on our State's teaching pool. 24
 (6) An explanation of the expenditures and collaborative programs between the 25
-North Carolina Community Co llege System and The University of North 26
+North Carolina Community College System and The University of North 26
 Carolina, including recommendations for improvement. 27
 "§ 115D-10.15.  Workforce development programs. 28
 Community colleges shall assist in the preemployment and in-service training of employees 29
-in industry, business, a griculture, health occupation, and governmental agencies. Such training 30
+in industry, business, agriculture, health occupation , and governmental agencies. Such training 30
 shall include instruction on worker safety and health standards and practices applicable to the 31
 field of employment. The State Board of Community Colleges shall make appropriate 32
 regulations, including the establishment of maximum hours of instruction which may be offered 33
@@ -783,7 +787,7 @@
 State. 49
 (4) The skills of the workers will be enhanced by the assistance. 50
 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025
-Page 16  Senate Bill 125-First Edition
+Page 16  DRS35057-NG-30
 (b) The Community Colleges System Office shall report no later than September 1 of 1
 each year to the Joint Legislative Education Oversight Committee on the following: 2
 (1) The total amount of funds received by a company under the Customized 3
@@ -802,17 +806,17 @@
 (d) Funds available to the Customized Training Program shall not revert at the end of a 16
 fiscal year but shall remain available until expended. Up to ten percent (10%) of the 17
 college-delivered training expenditures and up to five percent (5%) of the contractor -delivered 18
-training expenditures for the prior fiscal year for Customized Training may  be allotted to each 19
+training expenditures for the prior fiscal year for Customized Training may be allotted to each 19
 college for capacity building at that college. 20
 (e) Of the funds appropriated in a fiscal year for the Customized Training Program, the 21
 State Board of Community Colleges may approve the use of up to eight percent (8%) for the 22
 training and support of regional community college personnel to deliver Customized Training 23
 Program services to business and industry. 24
 (f) The State Board shall adopt guidelines to implement this section. At least 20 days 25
-before the effective date of any criteria or  nontechnical amendments to guidelines, the State 26
+before the effective date of any criteria or nontechnical amendments to guidelines, the State 26
 Board must publish the proposed guidelines on the Community Colleges System Office's website 27
 and provide notice to persons who have requested notice of proposed guidelines. In addition, the 28
-State Board must  accept oral and written comments on the proposed guidelines during the 15 29
+State Board must accept oral and written comments on the proposed guidelines during the 15 29
 business days beginning on the first day that the State Board has completed these notifications. 30
 For the purpose of this subsection, a technical amendment is either of the following: 31
 (1) An amendment that corrects a spelling or grammatical error. 32
@@ -822,21 +826,21 @@
 "§ 115D-10.19.  Short-Term Workforce Development Grant Program. 36
 (a) Program Established. – There is established the North Carolina Community College 37
 Short-Term Workforce Development Grant Program (Program) to be administered by the State 38
-Board of Community Colleges. The State B oard shall adopt rules for the disbursement of the 39
+Board of Community Colleges. The State Board shall adopt rules for the disbursement of the 39
 grants pursuant to this section. 40
 (b) Programs of Study. – The State Board of Community Colleges, in collaboration with 41
-the Department of Commerce, shall determine the eligible programs of study for the Pro gram, 42
+the Department of Commerce, shall determine the eligible programs of study for the Program, 42
 according to the occupations that are in the highest demand in the State. The eligible programs 43
 of study shall include programs such as architecture and construction, health sciences, 44
 information technology, electrical line worker, and manufacturing programs and may include 45
 other programs to meet local workforce needs. 46
 (c) Award Amounts. – To the extent funds are made available for the Program, the State 47
 Board of Community Colleges shall award grants in an amount of up to seven hundred fifty 48
-dollars ( $750.00) to students pursuing short -term, noncredit State and industry workforce 49
+dollars ($750.00) to students pursuing short -term, noncredit State and industry workforce 49
 credentials. The State Board of Community Colleges shall establish criteria for initial and 50
-continuing eligibility for students. At a minimum, students shall be required to qu alify as a 51
-General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025
-Senate Bill 125-First Edition  Page 17
+continuing eligibility for students. At a minimum, students shall be required to qualify as a 51
+General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025
+DRS35057-NG-30  Page 17
 resident for tuition purposes under the criteria set forth in G.S. 116-143.1 and in accordance with 1
 the coordinated and centralized residency determination process administered by the State 2
 Education Assistance Authority. 3
@@ -876,7 +880,7 @@
 trainings and certifications that enable individuals with IDD to engage in competitive, sustainable 37
 employment. 38
 "§ 115D-10.25.  Commercial fishing and aquaculture classes. 39
-(a) The General Assembly urges all community colleges serving the coas tal area of the 40
+(a) The General Assembly urges all community colleges serving the coastal area of the 40
 State to offer classes on commercial fishing and aquaculture. 41
 (b) The North Carolina Community Colleges System Office shall provide technical 42
 assistance to these colleges on offering such classes. 43
@@ -886,10 +890,10 @@
 "§ 115D-10.30.  Correction education programs. 47
 (a) Approval. – No course of instruction shall be offered by any community college at 48
 State expense or partial State expense to any captive or co-opted group of students, as defined by 49
-the State Board of Community Colleges, without prior approval of the State Board. All course  50
+the State Board of Community Colleges, without prior approval of the State Board. All course 50
 offerings approved for State prison inmates or prisoners in local jails must be tied to clearly 51
 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025
-Page 18  Senate Bill 125-First Edition
+Page 18  DRS35057-NG-30
 identified job skills, transition needs, or both. Approval by the State Board shall be presumed to 1
 constitute approval of both the course and the group served by that institution. The State Board 2
 may delegate to the President the power to make an initial approval, with final approval to be 3
@@ -899,7 +903,7 @@
 membership hours. Funds appropriated for community college courses for prison inmates shall 7
 be used only for inmates in State prisons. The first priority for the use of these funds shall be to 8
 restore the FTE for basic skills courses to the FY 2008 -2009 level. Funds not needed for this 9
-purpose may be used for continuing education and curriculum courses relate d to job skills 10
+purpose may be used for continuing education and curriculum courses related to job skills 10
 training. No community college shall operate a multi-entry/multi-exit class or program in a prison 11
 facility, except for a literacy class or program. The State Board shall work with the Division of 12
 Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety on offering classes and 13
@@ -915,16 +919,16 @@
 standards for courses of instruction in American Sign Language and shall encourage community 23
 colleges to offer courses in American Sign Language as a modern foreign language. 24
 "§ 115D-10.45.  Adult high school equivalency diploma test. 25
-The State Board of Community Colleges may establish, retain, and budget fees charged to 26
+The State Board of Community Colleges may establish, retain , and budget fees charged to 26
 students taking an adult high school equivalency diploma test, including fees for retesting. Fees 27
 collected for this purpose shall be used only to (i) offset the costs of the test, including the cost 28
 of scoring the test, (ii) offset the costs of printing adult high school equivalency diplomas, and 29
 (iii) meet federal and State reporting requirements related to the test. 30
 "§ 115D-10.50.  Motorcycle Safety Instruction Program. 31
-(a) There is created a Motorcycle Safety Instructi on Program for the purpose of 32
+(a) There is created a Motorcycle Safety Instruction Program for the purpose of 32
 establishing statewide motorcycle safety instruction to be delivered through the Community 33
 Colleges System Office. The Program may be administered by a motorcycle safety coordinator 34
-who shall be responsible for the planning, c urriculum, and completion requirements of the 35
+who shall be responsible for the planning, curriculum, and completion requirements of the 35
 Program. The State Board of Community Colleges may elect a motorcycle safety coordinator 36
 upon nomination of the President of the Community College System, and the compensation of 37
 the motorcycle safety coordinator shall be fixed by the State Board upon recommendation of the 38
@@ -933,7 +937,7 @@
 carry out the duties of the motorcycle safety coordinator. 41
 (b) The Motorcycle Safety Instruction Program shall be implemented through the 42
 Community Colleges System Office at institutions which choose to provide the Program. The 43
-motorcycle safety coordinator shall select a nd facilitate the training and certification of 44
+motorcycle safety coordinator shall select and facilitate the training and certification of 44
 instructors who will implement the Program. 45
 "Part 4. Students. 46
 "§ 115D-10.65.  Accreditation of secondary school located in North Carolina shall not be a 47
@@ -941,9 +945,9 @@
 (a) For purposes of this section, the term "accreditation" shall include certification or any 49
 other similar approval process. 50
 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025
-Senate Bill 125-First Edition  Page 19
+DRS35057-NG-30  Page 19
 (b) The State Board of Community Colleges shall adopt a policy that prohibits any 1
-community college from sol iciting or using information regarding the accreditation of a 2
+community college from soliciting or using information regarding the accreditation of a 2
 secondary school located in North Carolina that a person attended as a factor affecting 3
 admissions, loans, scholarships, or other educational activity at the community college, unless 4
 the accreditation was conducted by a State agency. 5
@@ -957,7 +961,7 @@
 (2) To require the person who is required under G.S. 20-11(n) to sign the driving 13
 eligibility certificate to provide the certificate if he or she determines that one 14
 of the following requirements is met: 15
-a. The person seeking the certificate is eligible for th e certificate under 16
+a. The person seeking the certificate is eligible for the certificate under 16
 G.S. 20-11(n)(1) and is not subject to G.S. 20-11(n1). 17
 b. The person seeking the certificate is eligible for the certificate under 18
 G.S. 20-11(n)(1) and G.S. 20-11(n1). 19
@@ -971,7 +975,7 @@
 longer meets the requirements for a driving eligibility certificate. The State Board also shall adopt 27
 guidelines to assist the presidents of community colleges in their designation of representatives 28
 to sign driving eligibility certificates. 29
-(c) The State Board shall develop a form for the appropriate individuals to p rovide their 30
+(c) The State Board shall develop a form for the appropriate individuals to provide their 30
 written, irrevocable consent for a community college to disclose to the Division of Motor 31
 Vehicles that the student no longer meets the conditions for a driving eligibility certificate under 32
 G.S. 20-11(n)(1) or G.S. 20-11(n1), if applicable, in the event that this disclosure is necessary to 33
@@ -994,15 +998,15 @@
 (1) The student shall be given the opportunity to make up any test or other work 50
 missed during the excused absence. 51
 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025
-Page 20  Senate Bill 125-First Edition
+Page 20  DRS35057-NG-30
 (2) The student shall be given the option, when feasible, to continue classes and 1
 coursework during the academic term through online participation for the 2
 period of time the student is placed on active duty. 3
-(3) The student shall be given the option of receiving a tempo rary grade of 4
+(3) The student shall be given the option of receiving a temporary grade of 4
 "incomplete (IN)" or "absent from the final exam (AB) " for any course that 5
 the student was unable to complete as a result of being placed on State active 6
 duty status; however, the student must complete the course requirements 7
-within the perio d of time specified by the community college to avoid 8
+within the period of time specified by the community college to avoid 8
 receiving a failing grade for the course. 9
 (4) The student shall be permitted to drop, with no penalty, any course that the 10
 student was unable to complete as a result of being placed on State active duty 11
@@ -1014,7 +1018,7 @@
 community colleges are permitted to offer the following programs: 17
 a. Subject to the approval of the State Board of Community Colleges, 18
 local community colleges may collaborate with public school units 19
-and nonpubli c schools to offer courses through the following 20
+and nonpublic schools to offer courses through the following 20
 programs: 21
 1. Repealed by Session Laws 2022 -71, s. 3.2, effective July 8, 22
 2022. 23
@@ -1024,16 +1028,16 @@
 and academic transition pathways for qualified freshmen and 27
 sophomore high school students that lead to a career technical 28
 education certificate or diploma in (i) industrial and 29
-engineering te chnologies, (ii) agriculture and natural 30
+engineering technologies, (ii) agriculture and natural 30
 resources, (iii) transportation technology, (iv) construction, or 31
 (v) business technologies. 32
 3. College transfer pathways requiring the successful completion 33
-of 30 semester credit hours of transfer courses, includin g 34
+of 30 semester credit hours of transfer courses, including 34
 English and mathematics, for the following students: 35
 I. Qualified junior and senior high school students. 36
 II. Qualified freshman and sophomore high school 37
 students, if all of the following requirements are met: 38
-A. The student is determined to be academic ally 39
+A. The student is determined to be academically 39
 gifted, have a demonstrated readiness for the 40
 course material, and have the maturity to justify 41
 admission to the community college by (i) the 42
@@ -1047,7 +1051,7 @@
 to college early with representatives from the 50
 high school and the community college. 51
 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025
-Senate Bill 125-First Edition  Page 21
+DRS35057-NG-30  Page 21
 C. The student's parent or guardian has given 1
 consent for the student to participate. 2
 a1. Subject to the approval of the State Board of Community Colleges, 3
@@ -1061,11 +1065,11 @@
 c. High school students may be permitted to take noncredit courses in 11
 safe driving on a self-supporting basis during the academic year or the 12
 summer. 13
-d. High school stud ents 16 years and older may be permitted to take 14
+d. High school students 16 years and older may be permitted to take 14
 noncredit courses, except adult basic skills, subject to rules 15
 promulgated by the State Board of Community Colleges. 16
 e. Notwithstanding any other provision of this subdivision, qualified 17
-youth 15 years and o lder may be permitted to enroll in courses, 18
+youth 15 years and older may be permitted to enroll in courses, 18
 including certification -eligible courses, in fire training pursuant to 19
 G.S. 95-25.5(n) and on a specialized course list approved by the State 20
 Board of Community Colleges in accordance with 21
@@ -1085,21 +1089,21 @@
 d. Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. 35
 e. Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on 36
 Colleges. 37
-f. Western Association of Schools and C olleges Accrediting 38
+f. Western Association of Schools and Colleges Accrediting 38
 Commission for Community and Junior Colleges. 39
 (b) Prohibit Consecutive Accreditation by an Accrediting Agency. – A community 40
 college shall not receive accreditation by an accrediting agency for consecutive accreditation 41
 cycles except as provided in subsection (c) of this section. 42
 (c) Accreditation Transfer Procedure. – A community college that pursues accreditation 43
 with a different accrediting agency in accordance with this section shall pursue accreditation with 44
-a regional accrediting a gency. If the community college is not granted candidacy status by any 45
+a regional accrediting agency. If the community college is not granted candidacy status by any 45
 regional accrediting agency that is different from its current accrediting agency at least three 46
 years prior to the expiration of its current accreditation, the community college may remain with 47
 its current accrediting agency for an additional accreditation cycle. 48
 (d) Certain Programs Exempt. – The requirements of this section do not apply to 49
 professional, departmental, or certificate programs at community colleges that have specific 50
 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025
-Page 22  Senate Bill 125-First Edition
+Page 22  DRS35057-NG-30
 accreditation requirements or best practices, as identified by the State Board of Community 1
 Colleges. 2
 (e) Cause of Action. – A community college may bring a civil action, as follows: 3
@@ -1142,7 +1146,7 @@
 (1) Academic transition pathways for qualified junior and senior high school 40
 students that lead to a career technical education certificate, diploma, or State 41
 or industry -recognized credential and academic transition pathways for 42
-qualified freshmen and sophomore high school stude nts that lead to a career 43
+qualified freshmen and sophomore high school students that lead to a career 43
 technical education certificate or diploma in one of the following: 44
 a. Industrial and engineering technologies. 45
 b. Agriculture and natural resources. 46
@@ -1150,7 +1154,7 @@
 d. Construction. 48
 e. Business technologies. 49
 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025
-Senate Bill 125-First Edition  Page 23
+DRS35057-NG-30  Page 23
 (2) College transfer pathways requiring the successful completion of 30 semester 1
 credit hours of transfer courses, including English and mathematics, for the 2
 following students: 3
@@ -1159,7 +1163,7 @@
 following requirements are met: 6
 1. The student is determined to be academically gifted, have a 7
 demonstrated readiness for the course material, and have the 8
-maturity to justify admission to the community college by  (i) 9
+maturity to justify admission to the community college by (i) 9
 the community college president, (ii) the student's high school 10
 principal or equivalent administrator, and (iii) the academically 11
 gifted coordinator, if one is employed by the high school or 12
@@ -1185,7 +1189,7 @@
 Career and College Promise Program, including at least the following: 32
 (1) Total enrollment funding, the number of budgeted full -time equivalent 33
 students, and the number of students enrolled in courses through cooperative 34
-innovative high schools, the College Transfer p athway, and the Career and 35
+innovative high schools, the College Transfer pathway, and the Career and 35
 Technical Education pathway. 36
 (2) The cost and number of waivers of tuition and registration fees provided for 37
 students enrolled in courses through cooperative innovative high schools, the 38
@@ -1193,7 +1197,7 @@
 (3) Any additional costs of a student attending courses on campus if a student is 40
 not attending public school in a local school administrative unit for the 41
 majority of the student's instructional time. 42
-(c) Report. – The Boa rds shall jointly report by March 15 of each year to the Joint 43
+(c) Report. – The Boards shall jointly report by March 15 of each year to the Joint 43
 Legislative Education Oversight Committee, the Senate Appropriations Committee on 44
 Education/Higher Education, the House Appropriations Committee on Education, and the Fiscal 45
 Research Division of the General Assembly. The report shall be combined with the evaluation 46
@@ -1201,14 +1205,14 @@
 Colleges System Office shall be responsible for submitting the combined report. 48
 "§ 115D-30.10.  Cooperative innovative high schools. 49
 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025
-Page 24  Senate Bill 125-First Edition
+Page 24  DRS35057-NG-30
 Subject to the approval of the State Board of Community Colleges, local community colleges 1
 may collaborate with local school administrative units to offer cooperative innovative high 2
 school programs, as provided by Part 9 of Article 16 of Chapter 115C of the General Statutes. 3
 "§ 115D-30.15.  Noncredit courses. 4
 Subject to rules adopted by the State Board of Community Colleges, local  community 5
 colleges may provide for the following: 6
-(1) During the summer quarter, persons l ess than 16 years old may be permitted 7
+(1) During the summer quarter, persons less than 16 years old may be permitted 7
 to take noncredit courses on a self-supporting basis. 8
 (2) High school students may be permitted to take noncredit courses in safe 9
 driving on a self-supporting basis during the academic year or the summer. 10
@@ -1229,21 +1233,21 @@
 budget FTE for the colleges. 25
 "§ 115D-30.25.  NC Career Coach Program. 26
 (a) Purpose. – There is established the NC Career Coach Program to place community 27
-college career coaches in high schools to a ssist students with determining career goals and 28
+college career coaches in high schools to assist students with determining career goals and 28
 identifying community college programs that would enable students to achieve these goals. 29
 (b) Memorandum of Understanding. – The board of trustees of a community college and 30
-a local board of education of a l ocal school administrative unit within the service area of the 31
+a local board of education of a local school administrative unit within the service area of the 31
 community college shall enter into a memorandum of understanding for the placement of career 32
 coaches employed by the board of trustees of the community college in schools within the local 33
 school administrative unit. At a minimum, the memorandum of understanding shall include the 34
 following: 35
 (1) Requirement that the community college provides the following: 36
 a. Hiring, training, and supervision of career coaches. The board of 37
-trustees may include a  local board of education liaison on the hiring 38
+trustees may include a local board of education liaison on the hiring 38
 committee to participate in the decision making regarding hiring for 39
 the coach positions. 40
 b. Salary, benefits, and all other expenses related to the employment of 41
-the career coach. The coach will be an employ ee of the board of 42
+the career coach. The coach will be an employee of the board of 42
 trustees and will not be an agent or employee of the local board of 43
 education. 44
 c. Development of pedagogical materials and technologies needed to 45
@@ -1254,7 +1258,7 @@
 obey all local board of education rules and will be subject to the 50
 authority of the school building administration. 51
 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025
-Senate Bill 125-First Edition  Page 25
+DRS35057-NG-30  Page 25
 (2) Requirement that the local school administrative unit provides the following 1
 to career coaches: 2
 a. Access to student records, as needed to carry out the coach 's job 3
@@ -1304,10 +1308,10 @@
 the following: 47
 a. Consideration of the workforce needs of business and industry in the 48
 region. 49
-b. Targeting of resources to enhance on going economic activity within 50
+b. Targeting of resources to enhance ongoing economic activity within 50
 the community college service area and surrounding counties. 51
 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025
-Page 26  Senate Bill 125-First Edition
+Page 26  DRS35057-NG-30
 c. Geographic diversity of awards. 1
 (d) Annual Report. – 2
 (1) The board of trustees of a community college that employs one or more career 3
@@ -1327,11 +1331,11 @@
 community colleges, as provided in subdivision (1) of this subsection. 17
 b. Number and names of partnership applicants for NC Career Coach 18
 Program funding. 19
-c. Number, names, and amounts of those awarded NC Career Co ach 20
+c. Number, names, and amounts of those awarded NC Career Coach 20
 Program funding." 21
 SECTION 1.(g)  G.S. 115D-39, 115D-39.1, 115D-40.1, and 115D-40.5 are codified 22
 into Part 2 of Article 3 of Chapter 115D of the General Statutes, which shall be entitled "Tuition 23
-and Fees." The remaining sections of Article 3 of Chapter  115D of the General Statutes are 24
+and Fees." The remaining sections of Article 3 of Chapter 115D of the General Statutes are 24
 codified into Part 1 of Article 3 of Chapter 115D of the General Statutes, which shall be entitled 25
 "Funding of Community Colleges." 26
 SECTION 1.(h)   Part 2 of Article 3 of Chapter 115D of the General Statutes is 27
@@ -1341,7 +1345,7 @@
 courses and of noncurricular extension courses at convenient locations away from institution 31
 campuses as well as on campuses is authorized and shall be encouraged. A pro rata portion of 32
 the established regular tuition rate charged a full-time student shall be charged a part-time student 33
-taking any curriculum course.  In lieu of any tuition charge, the State Board of Community 34
+taking any curriculum course. In lieu of any tuition charge, the State Board of Community 34
 Colleges shall establish a uniform registration fee, or a schedule of uniform registration fees, to 35
 be charged students enrolling in extension courses for which instruction is financed primarily 36
 from State funds. 37
@@ -1358,11 +1362,11 @@
 c. Volunteer EMS or rescue and lifesaving departments. 48
 d. Municipal, county, or State EMS or rescue and lifesaving departments. 49
 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025
-Senate Bill 125-First Edition  Page 27
+DRS35057-NG-30  Page 27
 e. Law enforcement, fire, or EMS or rescue and lifesaving entities 1
 serving a lake authority that was created by a county board of 2
 commissioners prior to July 1, 2012. 3
-f. Radio Emergency Associated  Communications Teams (REACT) 4
+f. Radio Emergency Associated Communications Teams (REACT) 4
 under contract to a county as an emergency response agency. 5
 g. Municipal, county, or State law enforcement agencies. 6
 h. Campus police agencies of private institutions of higher education 7
@@ -1370,7 +1374,7 @@
 General Statutes. 9
 i. The Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction and the 10
 Division of Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety for the 11
-training of full -time custodial employees and employees of the  12
+training of full -time custodial employees and employees of the 12
 Divisions required to be certified under Article 1 of Chapter 17C of 13
 the General Statutes and the rules of the Criminal Justice and Training 14
 Standards Commission. 15
@@ -1395,7 +1399,7 @@
 Program. 34
 (5) Elementary and secondary school employees enrolled in courses in first aid or 35
 cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). 36
-(6) All courses taken by high school students a t community colleges, in 37
+(6) All courses taken by high school students at community colleges, in 37
 accordance with this section and Article 2B of this Chapter. 38
 (7) Human resources development courses for any individual who (i) is 39
 unemployed, (ii) has received notification of a pending layoff, (iii) is working 40
@@ -1410,7 +1414,7 @@
 apprenticeship program that meets all of the following criteria: 49
 a. Meets one of the following: 50
 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025
-Page 28  Senate Bill 125-First Edition
+Page 28  DRS35057-NG-30
 1. Is a registered apprenticeship program recognized by the 1
 United States Department of Labor. 2
 2. Is a pre -apprenticeship program recognized and approved by 3
@@ -1418,7 +1422,7 @@
 program. 5
 b. Has a documented plan of study with courses relating to a job-specific 6
 occupational or technical skill. 7
-c. Requires the participants in the  program to be North Carolina high 8
+c. Requires the participants in the program to be North Carolina high 8
 school students when entering the program. 9
 (b) Faculty and Staff. – The State Board shall not waive tuition and registration fees for 10
 community college faculty or staff members. Community colleges may, however, use State or 11
@@ -1444,7 +1448,7 @@
 requirements is met: 31
 a. The person is currently enrolled in school and is making progress 32
 toward obtaining a high school diploma or its equivalent. 33
-b. A substantial hardship would be placed on the person or the person's 34
+b. A substantial hardship would be placed on the person or the person 's 34
 family if the person does not receive a certificate. 35
 c. The person cannot make progress toward obtaining a high school 36
 diploma or its equivalent. 37
@@ -1452,18 +1456,18 @@
 subsection also must show that one of the following requirements is met: 39
 a. The person who seeks a permit or license issued under this section is 40
 not subject to subsection (n1) of this section. 41
-b. The person who seeks a permit or lic ense issued under this section is 42
+b. The person who seeks a permit or license issued under this section is 42
 subject to subsection (n1) of this section and is eligible for the 43
 certificate under that subsection. 44
 (2) It must be on a form approved by the Division. 45
-(3) It must be dated within 30 days of the date the person applies fo r a permit or 46
+(3) It must be dated within 30 days of the date the person applies for a permit or 46
 license issuable under this section. 47
 (4) It must be signed by the applicable person named below: 48
 a. The principal, or the principal's designee, of the public school in which 49
 the person is enrolled. 50
 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025
-Senate Bill 125-First Edition  Page 29
-b. The administrator, or the administrator's  designee, of the nonpublic 1
+DRS35057-NG-30  Page 29
+b. The administrator, or the administrator 's designee, of the nonpublic 1
 school in which the person is enrolled. 2
 c. The person who provides the academic instruction in the home school 3
 in which the person is enrolled. 4
@@ -1472,7 +1476,7 @@
 1, 1998, to comply with the compulsory attendance law. 7
 d. The designee of the board of directors of the charter school in which 8
 the person is enrolled. 9
-e. The president, or the president's designee, of  the community college 10
+e. The president, or the president 's designee, of the community college 10
 in which the person is enrolled. 11
 Notwithstanding any other law, the decision concerning whether a driving eligibility 12
 certificate was properly issued or improperly denied shall be appealed only as provided under 13
@@ -1482,30 +1486,30 @@
 "(c1) Upon receipt of notification from the proper school authority that a person no longer 17
 meets the requirements for a driving eligibility certificate under G.S. 20-11(n), the Division must 18
 expeditiously notify the person that his or her permit or license is revoked effective on the 19
-thirtieth calendar day after  the mailing of the revocation notice. The Division must revoke the 20
+thirtieth calendar day after the mailing of the revocation notice. The Division must revoke the 20
 permit or license of that person on the thirtieth calendar day after the mailing of the revocation 21
-notice. Notwithstanding subsection (d) of this section, the length of revocation must las t for the 22
+notice. Notwithstanding subsection (d) of this section, the length of revocation must last for the 22
 following periods: 23
 (1) If the revocation is because of ineligibility for a driving eligibility certificate 24
-under G.S.  20-11(n)(1), then the revocation shall last until the person's 25
+under G.S. 20-11(n)(1), then the revocation shall last until the person 's 25
 eighteenth birthday. 26
-(2) If the revocation is because of ineligib ility for a driving eligibility certificate 27
+(2) If the revocation is because of ineligibility for a driving eligibility certificate 27
 under G.S. 20-11(n1), then the revocation shall be for a period of one year. 28
 For a person whose permit or license was revoked due to ineligibility for a driving eligibility 29
-certificate under G.S. 20-11(n)(1), the Division must restore a person's permit or license before 30
+certificate under G.S. 20-11(n)(1), the Division must restore a person 's permit or license before 30
 the person's eighteenth birthday, if the person submits to the Division one of the following: 31
 (1) A high school diploma or its equivalent. 32
 (2) A driving eligibility certificate as required under G.S. 20-11(n). 33
 If the Division restores a permit or license that was revoked due to ineligibility for a driving 34
-eligibility certificate under G.S.  20-11(n)(1), any record of revocation or suspension shall be 35
-expunged by the Division from the person's driving  record. The Division shall not expunge a 36
+eligibility certificate under G.S. 20-11(n)(1), any record of revocation or suspension shall be 35
+expunged by the Division from the person 's driving record. The Division shall not expunge a 36
 suspension or revocation record if a person has had a prior expunction from the person's driving 37
 record for any reason. 38
 For a person whose permit or license was revoked due to ineligibility for a driving eligibility 39
 certificate under G.S. 20-11(n1), the Division shall restore a person's permit or license before the 40
 end of the revocation period, if the person submits to the Division a driving eligibility certificate 41
 as required under G.S. 20-11(n). 42
-Notwithstanding an y other law, the decision concerning whether a driving eligibility 43
+Notwithstanding any other law, the decision concerning whether a driving eligibility 43
 certificate was properly issued or improperly denied shall be appealed only as provided under 44
 the rules adopted in accordance with G.S. 115C-12(28), 115D-5(a3), 115D-10.70, or 115C-566, 45
 whichever is applicable, and may not be appealed under this Chapter." 46
@@ -1515,12 +1519,12 @@
 G.S. 115D-21.2, is exempt from the approval process, licensure process, or both, established by 50
 the Board. The college shall certify annually to the Board that the program meets or exceeds the 51
 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025
-Page 30  Senate Bill 125-First Edition
-minimum standards for curriculum, faculty, and learning resources established b y the Board. 1
+Page 30  DRS35057-NG-30
+minimum standards for curriculum, faculty, and learning resources established by the Board. 1
 Students who complete the program shall qualify for licenses from the Board as if the program 2
 were approved, licensed, or both, by the Board." 3
 SECTION 2.(d)  G.S. 93A-4(a2) reads as rewritten: 4
-"(a2) A certified real estate education provider s hall pay a fee of ten dollars ($10.00) per 5
+"(a2) A certified real estate education provider shall pay a fee of ten dollars ($10.00) per 5
 licensee to the Commission for each licensee completing a postlicensing education course 6
 conducted by the school, provided that these fees shall not be charged to a community college, 7
 junior college, college, or university located in this State and accredited by a regional accrediting 8
@@ -1542,7 +1546,7 @@
 SECTION 2.(f)  G.S. 93E-1-7(b2) reads as rewritten: 24
 "(b2) The Board shall not charge a course application fee, a course renewal fee, or any other 25
 fee for a continuing education course offered by a North Carolina college, university, junior 26
-college, or community or technical college accre dited by a regional accrediting agency, as 27
+college, or community or technical college accredited by a regional accrediting agency, as 27
 defined in G.S. 115D-6.2 G.S. 115D-21.2 and G.S. 116-11.4, respectively, or an agency of the 28
 federal, State, or local government." 29
 SECTION 2.(g)  G.S. 93E-1-8 reads as rewritten: 30
@@ -1550,16 +1554,16 @@
 … 32
 (b) The Board may by rule set nonrefundable fees chargeable to private real estate 33
 appraisal schools or course sponsors, including appraisal trade organizations, for the approval 34
-and annual renewal of approval of their qualifying cours es required by G.S.  93E-1-6(a), or 35
+and annual renewal of approval of their qualifying courses required by G.S. 93E-1-6(a), or 35
 equivalent courses. The fees shall be one hundred dollars ($100.00) per course for approval and 36
 fifty dollars ($50.00) per course for renewal of approval. No fees shall be charged for the approval 37
-or renewal of approval t o conduct appraiser qualifying courses where such courses are offered 38
+or renewal of approval to conduct appraiser qualifying courses where such courses are offered 38
 by a North Carolina college, university, junior college, or community or technical college 39
 accredited by a regional accrediting agency, as defined in G.S. 115D-6.2 G.S. 115D-21.2 and 40
 G.S. 116-11.4, respectively, or an agency of the federal, State, or local government. 41
 … 42
 (d) Nonrefundable fees of one hundred dollars ($100.00) per course may be charged to 43
-schools and course sponsors for the approval to conduct appraiser continuing education  courses 44
+schools and course sponsors for the approval to conduct appraiser continuing education courses 44
 and fifty dollars ($50.00) per course for renewal of approval. However, no fees shall be charged 45
 for the approval or renewal of approval to conduct appraiser continuing education courses where 46
 such courses are offered by a North Carolina college, university, junior college, or community 47
@@ -1568,18 +1572,18 @@
 government. A nonrefundable fee of fifty dollars ($50.00) per course may be charged to current 50
 or former licensees or certificate holders requesting approval by the Board of a course for 51
 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025
-Senate Bill 125-First Edition  Page 31
+DRS35057-NG-30  Page 31
 continuing education credit when approval of such course has not been previously obtained by 1
 the offering school or course sponsor." 2
 SECTION 2.(h)  G.S. 95-25.5(n) reads as rewritten: 3
 "(n) Nothing in this section prohibits qualified youths under 18 years of age from 4
-participating in training through their fire department, the Office of State Fire M arshal, or the 5
+participating in training through their fire department, the Office of State Fire Marshal, or the 5
 North Carolina Community College System. As used in this subsection, the term "qualified youth 6
-under 18 years of age" means an uncompensated fire department or rescue squad member who 7
-is at least the age of 15 and under the age of 18 and who  is a member of a bona fide fire 8
-department, as that term is defined in G.S.  58-86-2(4), or of a rescue squad described in 9
+under 18 years of age " means an uncompensated fire department or rescue squad member who 7
+is at least the age of 15 and under the age of 18 and who is a member of a bona fide fire 8
+department, as that term is defined in G.S. 58-86-2(4), or of a rescue squad described in 9
 G.S. 58-86-2(6). A qualified youth under 18 years of age under this subsection may be permitted 10
-to enroll in courses, including certi fication-eligible courses, in fire training at a community 11
+to enroll in courses, including certification -eligible courses, in fire training at a community 11
 college on a specialized course list approved by the State Board of Community Colleges pursuant 12
 to G.S. 115D-20(4)e.G.S. 115D-30.15(4)." 13
 SECTION 2.(i)  G.S. 115C-84.3(a)(3) reads as rewritten: 14
@@ -1601,7 +1605,7 @@
 and College Promise Program required by G.S. 115D-5(x), G.S. 115D-30.5, and the Community 30
 Colleges System Office shall be responsible for submitting the combined report." 31
 SECTION 2.(k)  G.S. 115D-2(2) reads as rewritten: 32
-"(2) The term "community college" is defined as an educational institution 33
+"(2) The term "community college " is defined as an educational institution 33
 operating under the provisions of this Chapter and dedicated primarily to the 34
 educational needs of the service area which it serves, and may offer any of the 35
 following: 36
@@ -1618,9 +1622,9 @@
 "(a1) In addition, federal law enforcement officers, firefighters, EMS personnel, and rescue 47
 and lifesaving personnel whose permanent duty station is within North Carolina and who do not 48
 otherwise qualify for tuition waivers under G.S. 115D-5(b)(2a) G.S. 115D-39.5(a)(3) shall also 49
-be eligible for the State resident community  college tuition rate for courses that support their 50
-General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025
-Page 32  Senate Bill 125-First Edition
+be eligible for the State resident community college tuition rate for courses that support their 50
+General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025
+Page 32  DRS35057-NG-30
 organizations' training needs and are approved for this purpose by the State Board of Community 1
 Colleges." 2
 SECTION 2.(m)  G.S. 115D-41(a) reads as rewritten: 3
@@ -1644,7 +1648,7 @@
 "(3) Eligible private postsecondary institution. – A school that is any of the 21
 following: 22
 a. A nonprofit postsecondary educational institution with a main 23
-permanent campus located in this State that is not owned or o perated 24
+permanent campus located in this State that is not owned or operated 24
 by the State of North Carolina or by an agency or political subdivision 25
 of the State or by any combination thereof that satisfies all of the 26
 following: 27
@@ -1653,28 +1657,28 @@
 or the Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and 30
 Schools or (ii) was accredited by SACSCOC the Southern 31
 Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges 32
-on January 1, 2021, and, beginning January 1, 2021, was  a 33
+on January 1, 2021, and, beginning January 1, 2021, was a 33
 member of the Transnational Association of Christian Colleges 34
 and Schools. 35
 2. Awards a postsecondary degree as defined in G.S. 116-15. 36
 b. A postsecondary institution owned or operated by a hospital authority 37
-as defined in G.S.  131E-16(14) or school of n ursing affiliated with a 38
+as defined in G.S. 131E-16(14) or school of nursing affiliated with a 38
 nonprofit postsecondary educational institution as defined in 39
 sub-subdivision a. of this subsection." 40
 SECTION 2.(q)  G.S. 126-5(c2)(3) reads as rewritten: 41
 "(3) Employees of community colleges whose salaries are fixed in accordance with 42
-G.S. 115D-5 G.S. 115D-6.1 and G.S.  115D-20 and employees of the 43
+G.S. 115D-5 G.S. 115D-6.1 and G.S. 115D-20 and employees of the 43
 Community Colleges System Office whose salaries are fixed by the State 44
 Board of Community Colleges in accordance with G.S. 115D-3." 45
 SECTION 2.(r)  Section 6.9(b) of S.L. 2023-134 reads as rewritten: 46
 "SECTION 6.9.(b)   Of the recurring funds appropriated in this act to the Community 47
-Colleges System Office for the 2023 -2025 fiscal biennium to support increasing program 48
+Colleges System Office for the 202 3-2025 fiscal biennium to support increasing program 48
 offerings for individuals with IDD pursuant to G.S. 115D-44, as enacted by this section,  49
 G.S. 115D-10.21, the System Office shall establish at least two statewide positions for program 50
 support, provide professional development training for college advising staff to assist students 51
 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025
-Senate Bill 125-First Edition  Page 33
-with IDD for career pathway exploration and the identification of credentials le ading to 1
+DRS35057-NG-30  Page 33
+with IDD for career pathway exploration and the identification of credentials leading to 1
 competitive employment, and explore funding sources to sustain programs for students with 2
 IDD." 3
  4