NORTH CAROLINA -- Penalties levied on University of North Carolina system students that cost them thousands of additional dollars before getting their degrees would disappear under legislation advancing at the General Assembly.

• The state Senate voted on Thursday to eliminate the 50 percent tuition surcharge upon students who exceed set credit-hour limits before completing their four- or five-year program to obtain a bachelor's degree. 
• A surcharge of some kind has been in place since the 1990s and was designed to encourage students to finish their degrees on time.
• A news release from Senate Republicans says UNC data show the surcharge disproportionately affects older students and transfer students.

The state Senate voted on Thursday to eliminate the 50 percent tuition surcharge upon students who exceed set credit-hour limits before completing their four- or five-year program to obtain a bachelor's degree. 

A surcharge of some kind has been in place since the 1990s and was designed to encourage students to finish their degrees on time. A news release from Senate Republicans says UNC data show the surcharge disproportionately affects older students and transfer students. Bill sponsor Sen. Jim Perry of Kinston says the surcharge could place additional obstacles upon veterans seeking degrees.

The measure now goes to the House.