S50 - Freedom to Carry NC. (Ratified)

Overview: Section 16.7 of Senate Bill 50 would require The University of North Carolina Board of Governors (BOG) to develop a scholarship program for any child of a law enforcement officer, correctional officer, firefighter, volunteer firefighter, or rescue squad worker who is permanently and totally disabled as a direct result of a traumatic injury sustained in the line of duty.

The scholarship would be available to children at least 17 years old but not yet 28 years old and could be used for the following:

• Tuition, fees, educational supplies, and boarding expenses not covered under Chapter 115B of the General Statutes (Tuition and Fee Waivers).
• Both undergraduate and graduate programs.

The BOG would be required to report to the Joint Legislative Education Oversight Committee on the establishment of the program no later than July 1, 2026.

Senate Bill 50 was ratified by the General Assembly on June 12, 2025, and was vetoed by the Governor on June 20, 2025.