Enacts new GS 116­143.3(b3). Directs that the out­of­state tuition rate of community colleges for active duty members of the Armed Forces to be waived to the extent the rate exceeds the amount of tuition assistance available from the federal government, as set forth in US Department of Defense Directive 1322.08E, so long as the active duty member was enrolled in a program at a North Carolina community college and charged the in­State tuition rate at the time of deployment or reassignment, was not able to remain continuously enrolled in the program due to deployment or reassignment, the active duty member re­enrolls in the program in which the member was enrolled at the time of deployment or reassignment within 18 months of deployment or reassignment, and does not otherwise qualify for the in­State tuition rate. Directs that the amount of tuition charged to an active duty member eligible for this waiver shall not be lower than the in­State tuition rate.

Effective July 1, 2017, and applies beginning with the 2017­18 academic year.