NC H612

Expands eligible counties for the Criminal Justice Fellows Program to include all counties with populations under 200,000 according to the latest federal decennial census.

Allows the Committee to extend the loan disbursement period from two years to three years at its discretion, though the maximum loan amount remains $6,304.00.

Allows the Committee to extend the period for recipients to obtain an Applied Associate Degree in Criminal Justice by up to 12 additional months if circumstances warrant the extension.

Removes the requirement that applicants demonstrate intent to work in an eligible criminal justice profession in an eligible county, allowing broader geographic employment flexibility.

Applies to individuals participating in the Program on or after the effective date and to Committee extension determinations made on or after that date.