Bill would expand education support for families of service members
RALEIGH — A bill aimed at education support for military-connected families remains active in the N.C. House after moving through the Higher Education Committee earlier this month.
House Bill 1203, titled the “Family Support for Those Who Serve Act,” was reported favorably as a committee substitute June 10 and re-referred to the House Appropriations Committee, according to the N.C. General Assembly bill record. The bill is also linked to Senate Bill 1004.
The bill is listed as a public bill, and the General Assembly page says the text has changed. It does not cite any specific county, making it a statewide education and military-family measure.
The bill’s subject areas include colleges and universities, community colleges, tuition, scholarships and financial aid, family issues, minors, personnel and correctional institutions. The legislation cites Chapter 115B of the North Carolina General Statutes, which deals with tuition grants and related higher education provisions.
Primary sponsors listed for the House bill are Reps. Wyatt Gable Schietzelt, Allen Chesser, David Willis Rhyne and Charles Miller. Additional sponsors include lawmakers from both parties.
The bill was filed April 30 and passed first reading May 5. It was referred to the House Higher Education Committee, with a later referral to Appropriations and Rules if favorable. On June 10, the committee substitute was reported favorably and the bill was re-referred to Appropriations.
Because the bill remains in committee, it has not become law. Additional House action would be required before it could advance further in the legislative process.
The measure comes during a short session in which lawmakers are considering education, workforce, budget and military-related legislation. North Carolina has a large military presence, including major installations and a significant population of active-duty service members, veterans and military families. The bill’s movement keeps the proposal alive as lawmakers continue reviewing measures tied to higher education costs and family support.
Editor’s note: This article was drafted with the assistance of artificial intelligence and was reviewed and fact-checked by a member of the NC Political News editorial team before publication.
