Identical to S 1004, filed 4/30/26.

Amends GS 115B-2 (tuition waivers), so that community colleges must permit any child, if the child is at least years old but not yet 24 years old, whose parent, legal guardian, or legal custodian is a law enforcement officer, experienced correctional officer (a correctional officer with at least ten years of service as a correctional officer in the State), or firefighter to attend classes for credit or noncredit purposes without the required payment of tuition. Caps the number of free tuition at the number of months required to complete the educational program for which the child is applying. Makes conforming changes. Makes conforming and organizational changes to GS 115B-1. Applies beginning with the 2026-27 academic year.