Amends Article 35A of GS Chapter 115C (Education lottery college scholarships) by providing that a student is eligible for recommendation by a legislator to receive scholarship funds if the student submits a letter or written documentation of educational goals to the State Education Assistance Authority (Authority) and authorizes the Authority to share the application with the student’s legislator. Allows additional funds to be given to students who receive a legislative recommendation. Establishes a process wherein the Authority will provide legislators access to approved applications of students in their districts each quarter and, within 30 days, legislators must notify the Authority of any students they wish to recommend to receive additional scholarship funds. Requires legislators to keep student information they receive confidential. Makes clarifying and conforming changes.
Effective October 1, 2021, and applies to scholarships awarded on or after that date.