RALEIGH -- Governor Pat McCrory signed two bills into law today to support veterans and military families through in-state tuition at University of North Carolina (UNC) system universities and North Carolina Community Colleges and by improving job opportunities for veterans by extending the time period needed to qualify for a Commercial Drivers License.

“Today is a great day for veterans and military families in North Carolina,” Governor McCrory said in a press release. “Taking care of our veterans is a sacred trust, and I want to thank the General Assembly for making in-state tuition and enhanced credit for military experience a top priority.”

Senate Bill 478 makes certain non-resident veterans and other individuals entitled to federal education benefits under the Montgomery GI Bill Active Duty Education Program or the Post-9/11 Educational Assistance Program eligible for in-state tuition at UNC system universities and North Carolina Community Colleges by waiving the 12-month residency requirement. The law goes into effect July 1, 2015.

Senate Bill 43 improves job opportunities for veterans by extending the time period allowed between a retired or discharged applicant being regularly employed in a qualified position and the date of application for the CDL from 90 days to one year. The bill also provides an additional method of certification of eligibility for the waiver by allowing an applicant to provide a Form DD 214 and a military-issued driver’s license.