A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT to create a fixed tuition program as a payment option at the constituent institutions of the university of north carolina.
The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:
SECTION 1.  Article 1 of Chapter 116 of the General Statutes is amended by adding a new section to read:
"§ 116‑11.3.  Fixed tuition payment option.
(a)	Subject to G.S. 116‑11(7), the Board shall develop and implement a fixed tuition payment program that will be offered to freshmen undergraduate students. The program shall be available at all the constituent institutions, although the rate of the fixed tuition may vary according to the institution. The program shall have all of the following components:
(1)	A guaranty that the cost of tuition, not including any increase or decrease enacted by the General Assembly, will remain constant during the tuition period.
(2)	Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, the tuition period shall be 12 consecutive semesters, including any summer sessions.
(3)	The student must remain in good standing during the entire tuition period.
(4)	Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, the student must remain enrolled continuously at the constituent institution during the entire tuition period.
(5)	At the end of the tuition period, the cost of tuition, including any surcharge under G.S. 116‑143.7 if applicable, reverts to the current tuition for that constituent institution.
(b)	The tuition period may be tolled if the student is able to demonstrate a substantial disruption or interruption in the student's pursuit of a degree as provided in G.S. 116‑143.7(c).
(c)	Fees charged to a student participating in the fixed tuition program shall be the same as those charged to other similarly situated students at the constituent institution."
SECTION 2.  This act is effective when it becomes law and applies to academic years commencing on or after July 1, 2016.