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North CarolinaSB 1182025-2026 SessionSenateWALLET

AN ACT TO REDUCE THE CONCEALED HANDGUN PERMIT APPLICATION AND RENEWAL FEES FOR A PERSON WHO WAS DISCHARGED HONORABLY OR UNDER GENERAL HONORABLE CONDITIONS FROM MILITARY SERVICE IN THE ARMED FORCES OF THE UNITED STATES.

Sponsored By: Warren Daniel (Republican), Michael A. Lazzara (Republican), Vickie Sawyer (Republican)

Signed by Governor

ARMED FORCESCOLLEGES & UNIVERSITIESCOUNTIESDMVDRIVERS LICENSESEDUCATIONFEESHIGHER EDUCATIONID SYSTEMSINFORMATION TECHNOLOGYINTERNETLAW ENFORCEMENTLICENSES & PERMITSLOCAL GOVERNMENTMOTOR VEHICLESNOTIFICATIONPERSONNELPRESENTEDPUBLICRATIFIEDSBISHERIFFSSTUDENTSTITLE CHANGETUITIONUNCVETERANSWEAPONSCHAPTEREDELECTRONIC GOVERNMENTPUBLIC SAFETY DEPT

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

6 provisions identified: 5 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

Stronger rules on paid veterans claim help

Starting October 1, 2025, anyone paid to help with an initial veterans’ benefits claim must have a signed agreement before work. No upfront fee is allowed. Any contingent fee cannot be more than five times the one‑month increase in your benefits, and a clear disclosure in at least 12‑point type is required and must be explained orally. The law also bans paid referrals, guaranteed outcomes, aggressive solicitations, getting direct access to your medical, financial, or benefits logins, and using in‑house medical staff for secondary exams. These rules protect veterans from high fees and harmful practices.

In‑state tuition and protections for veterans

Starting in the 2025–26 academic year, qualifying veterans pay in‑State tuition and mandatory fees without the 12‑month residency wait. You must have at least 90 days of active duty and an Honorable Discharge, plus one of these: NC high‑school graduation on or after Jan. 1, 2004; a 90‑day permanent duty station in NC; or a Purple Heart. UNC schools may not deny admission just because you serve or plan to serve. UNC must also let service members and spouses defer enrollment if requested 30 days before: at least two years for Reserve members and spouses, and at least five years for others.

Scholarships for wartime veterans’ children: 2024–26

For the 2024–25 and 2025–26 school years, the state may use Escheat Fund money to award more Scholarships for Children of Wartime Veterans. The Secretary may prioritize some applicant classes and may lower room‑and‑board or private‑school allowances before August 15, 2025. The Authority may standardize awards and pro‑rate room and board if money is short, and may use up to 2.5% of allocated funds for administration. Any unspent funds go into a trust fund for future awards. Every award notice must say it depends on available funds.

Lower gun permit fees for veterans

Beginning July 1, 2025, honorably or general‑honorably discharged veterans pay $45 to apply and $40 to renew a concealed handgun permit. Show a DD‑214, a Veteran ID card, or other proof the sheriff accepts. Sheriffs must send a renewal notice at least 45 days before the permit expires, by mail or by email if you consent. Permit applications let you opt in to email notices, and an SBI paper form lets you give or revoke consent later. Not getting a notice does not excuse a late renewal.

Remote license renewals for military families

Starting October 1, 2025, active‑duty members stationed outside North Carolina, and their spouse and dependent children, can renew a driver license remotely a second time in limited cases. This applies if the license being renewed is not REAL ID, or if a REAL ID license is converted to a non‑REAL ID license for the renewal. This reduces travel and time costs for some military families.

Easier school enrollment for military kids

Beginning with the 2025–26 school year, military families moving to North Carolina can register and enroll their child in public school before they move. You submit the forms remotely; proof of residency and discipline records are due when the child starts school. If you are in temporary housing, your child may attend for up to one year from your report‑for‑duty or separation date, or through that school year. High‑school juniors and seniors may stay through graduation. Schools must offer the same enrollment chances as for resident students.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsors

  • Warren Daniel

    Republican • Senate

  • Michael A. Lazzara

    Republican • Senate

  • Vickie Sawyer

    Republican • Senate

Cosponsors

  • Val Applewhite

    Democratic • Senate

  • Bob Brinson

    Republican • Senate

  • Danny Earl Britt, Jr.

    Republican • Senate

  • Jim Burgin

    Republican • Senate

  • Todd Johnson

    Republican • Senate

  • Dana Jones

    Republican • Senate

  • Michael V. Lee

    Republican • Senate

  • Paul A. Lowe, Jr.

    Democratic • Senate

  • Paul Newton

    Republican • Senate

  • Norman W. Sanderson

    Republican • Senate

  • Benton G. Sawrey

    Republican • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 311 • No: 47

House vote • 6/25/2025

SB 118: Military and Veteran Support Act.

Yes: 109 • No: 0 • Other: 10

Senate vote • 6/25/2025

SB 118: Military and Veteran Support Act.

Yes: 45 • No: 0 • Other: 5

Senate vote • 6/23/2025

SB 118: Military and Veteran Support Act.

Yes: 0 • No: 47 • Other: 3

House vote • 6/17/2025

SB 118: Military and Veteran Support Act.

Yes: 113 • No: 0 • Other: 7

Senate vote • 5/6/2025

SB 118: Reduce Veteran CCW Fee/Expand CCW Notice.

Yes: 44 • No: 0 • Other: 5

Bill Text

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