Expanding Workforce and Education Act.

HB 689 allows North Carolina high school graduates who attended NC public or nonpublic schools for four consecutive years before graduation to pay in-state tuition at state colleges and universities, provided they hold a NC driver's license, have a Social Security number, and enroll immediately after high school. It directly affects qualifying NC high school graduates who would otherwise pay out-of-state tuition rates. Key provisions include requiring proof of NC residency through driver's license and school attendance records each semester, with all application information kept confidential. The bill takes effect for the 2025-2026 academic year and does not change residency status for other purposes.