GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF NORTH CAROLINA
SESSION 2025
H D
HOUSE BILL DRH40371-MTa-12
Short Title: Reduce Barriers to College Completion. (Public)
Sponsors: Representative Cervania.
Referred to:
*DRH40371 -MTa-12*
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED 1
AN ACT TO PROVIDE IN-STATE TUITION FOR CERTAIN CHILDREN OF LAWFULLY 2
ADMITTED OR LAWFULLY PRESENT NONCITIZENS. 3
Whereas, it is projected that by 2030, sixty-seven percent (67%) of jobs will require 4
a postsecondary degree or credential, underscoring the importance of the educational attainment 5
goal in North Carolina to have two million North Carolinians between the ages of 25 and 44 with 6
a postsecondary degree or credential by 2030; and 7
Whereas, on its current trajectory, North Carolina will fall short by at least 71,000 8
individuals to meet our projected workforce needs; and 9
Whereas, over eighty percent (80%) of employers in the State reported difficulty 10
finding employees for jobs requiring industry-valued credentials; and 11
Whereas, jobs requiring industry-valued credentials are expected to increase by more 12
than eleven percent (11%) in the next six years; and 13
Whereas, children of H-1B visa holders who are lawfully admitted or lawfully present 14
and documented residents receive in-State tuition until they are 21 years old and are not yet 15
finished with their four-year degrees; and 16
Whereas, immigrant households contribute hundreds of billions of dollars in federal, 17
State, and local taxes that fund our public universities; and 18
Whereas, North Carolina must increase the number of postsecondary-, 19
public-university-educated individuals so the State can have more potential employees entering 20
the workforce with industry-valued credentials; Now, therefore, 21
The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts: 22
SECTION 1. G.S. 116-143.1 is amended by adding a new subsection to read: 23
"(i1) A person who was lawfully admitted to this State or is lawfully present in this State 24
and meets all of the following requirements is eligible to be charged the in-State tuition rate: 25
(1) Has a parent or legal guardian who meets all of the following criteria: 26
a. Was lawfully admitted to the United States or is lawfully present in 27
the United States. 28
b. Is not a citizen of the United States. 29
c. Holds a valid H-1B visa or L-1 visa. 30
(2) Meets all of the following criteria: 31
a. Either of the following: 32
1. Holds a valid H4 visa. 33
2. All of the following: 34
H.B. 667
Apr 1, 2025
HOUSE PRINCIPAL CLERK General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025
Page 2 DRH40371-MTa-12
I. Is continuously enrolled at an institution of higher 1
education, including any approved leave of absence 2
from the institution. 3
II. Held a valid H4 visa at some point during the period of 4
continuous enrollment. 5
III. Was classified as a resident for tuition purposes at some 6
point during the period of continuous enrollment. 7
b. Establishes domicile in this State under this section." 8
SECTION 2. This act is effective when it becomes law and applies beginning with 9
the 2025-2026 academic year. 10