AN ACT to require educator preparation programs of constituent institutions of the university of north carolina to prioritize in‑state applicants for admission.

The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:

SECTION 1.  G.S. 116‑11 is amended by adding the following new subdivision to read:

(8c)    The Board of Governors shall adopt a policy requiring all educator preparation programs of constituent institutions of The University of North Carolina to give first priority for admission to applicants who qualify as residents for tuition purposes under the criteria set forth in G.S. 116‑143.1 and in accordance with the coordinated and centralized residency determination process administered by the Authority.

SECTION 2.  This act is effective when it becomes law and applies beginning with applications for admission to an educator preparation program in the 2025‑2026 academic year.