AN ACT to increase the number of CHILDREN of wartime veterans who are eligible to be awarded scholarships under classes ii and iii.

The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:

SECTION 1.  G.S. 143B‑1226 reads as rewritten:

§ 143B‑1226.  Classes or categories of eligibility under which scholarships may be awarded.

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(b)        Scholarship Eligibility Classes. –

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(3)        Class II: Under this class a scholarship may be awarded to not more than 100 125 children yearly, each of whose veteran parent, at the time the benefits pursuant to this Part are sought to be availed of:

a.         Is or was at the time of the parent's death receiving compensation for a wartime service‑connected disability of twenty percent (20%) or more, but less than one hundred percent (100%), as rated by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, or

b.         Was awarded a Purple Heart for wounds received as a result of an act of any opposing armed force, as a result of an international terrorist attack, or as a result of military operations while serving as part of a peacekeeping force.

(4)        Class III: Under this class a scholarship may be awarded to not more than 100 125 children yearly, each of whose veteran parent, at the time the benefits pursuant to this Part are sought to be availed of:

a.         Is or was at the time of his death drawing pension for permanent and total disability, nonservice‑connected, as rated by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs.

b.         Is deceased.

c.         Served in a combat zone, or waters adjacent to a combat zone, or any other campaign, expedition, or engagement for which the United States Department of Defense authorizes a campaign badge or medal.

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SECTION 2.  This act becomes effective July 1, 2021.