Rep. Setzer files bill in North Carolina House to limit student fees for learning systems

A new bill filed by State Rep. Mitchell S. Setzer seeks to prevent additional student expenses for mandatory learning tools at University of North Carolina constituent institutions, according to the North Carolina State House.

The bill, filed as HB 966 on April 10 during the 2025 regular session, was formally listed with the short title: ‘College Cost Reduction Act.’

The following is our breakdown, based on the actual bill text, and may include interpretation to clarify its provisions.

In essence, the bill prohibits constituent institutions of the University of North Carolina from requiring students to use learning management systems that incur additional costs beyond the student fees previously approved by the Board of Governors. It mandates that the Board of Governors establish a policy to enforce this restriction across all colleges, schools, professors, and other entities associated with these institutions. The bill aims to reduce additional financial burdens on students regarding mandatory learning tools. This act will take effect upon becoming law, beginning with the 2025-26 academic year.

Of the four sponsors of this bill, David Willis proposed the most bills (48) during the 2025 regular session.

Bills in North Carolina follow a multi-step process before becoming law. A lawmaker starts by filing a bill, which is assigned to a committee for review. The bill must be read three times in each chamber. If one chamber changes the bill after the other passes it, both must agree on the final version. Once both chambers approve the same bill, it goes to the governor, who has 10 days (or 30 if the legislature is not in session) to sign, veto, or let it become law without a signature.

You can read more about the bills and other measures here.

Setzer graduated from the University of North Carolina, Greensboro in 1987 with a BA.

Setzer, a Republican, was elected to the North Carolina State House in 1999 to represent the state’s 89th House district, replacing previous state representative Robert Brawley.