Bill > H987

This bill establishes the North Carolina Police Leadership Fellows Program, a scholarship initiative designed to increase the number of criminal justice professionals by providing forgivable loans to high-potential students pursuing bachelor's degrees in criminal justice-related fields. The program will be administered by a 10-member committee appointed from the North Carolina Criminal Justice Education and Training Standards Commission and the Sheriffs' Education and Training Standards Commission. Eligible applicants must be North Carolina residents, high school graduates or seniors, and demonstrate intent to work in eligible criminal justice professions after graduation. The program will offer forgivable loans of up to $3,000 per year for freshman and sophomore years and up to $7,000 per year for junior and senior years, with a maximum total loan of $20,000 per recipient. Students must maintain a 2.0 GPA, continuously pursue studies in an approved field, and commit to working in an eligible criminal justice profession for at least eight years after graduation. If recipients fulfill these requirements, the loans will be fully forgiven; otherwise, they must repay the funds with interest. The program aims to recruit at least 50 and no more than 100 students annually, targeting individuals who may be economically disadvantaged or interested in law enforcement careers. The program will begin on July 1, 2025, and will require an annual report detailing loan awards, student performance, employment outcomes, and retention rates.

Budget and Finance

https://www.ncleg.gov/BillLookUp/2025/H987