HB 947 ("Every Child Reads") requires North Carolina public schools to screen all students in kindergarten through third grade, sixth grade, and ninth grade for dyslexia using state-approved tools. It mandates teacher training on dyslexia identification and evidence-based reading interventions, and requires literacy instruction in middle schools to align with the Science of Reading. The bill also creates Individual Reading Plans (IRPs) for kindergarten through third graders struggling with reading, based on assessment data, and transfers the NC Pre-K program to the Department of Public Instruction. These provisions directly affect students with dyslexia, K-3 teachers, and school districts implementing literacy programs.
This bill requires public schools and charter schools in North Carolina to allow students from nonpublic schools to enroll part-time for access to specific courses, programs, or services. The law mandates that local school boards create policies for this enrollment and make them available on their websites, while charter schools must also post relevant information online. Schools will receive state funding for part-time students, with full per-pupil funding for those attending one-third or more of instructional time and half funding for those attending less. The legislation also clarifies that part-time nonpublic school students will not count toward a charter school's enrollment growth metrics.
HB 916 strengthens North Carolina's Do Not Call and Do Not Text Registry by requiring telemarketers to remove registered numbers from their contact lists within 30 business days when a resident requests no further calls, reducing the previous timeframe from 60 days. It directly affects North Carolina residents who have registered their phone numbers and telemarketers operating in the state, including partner companies. Key provisions include clarifying that "telephone solicitation" covers text messages and automated calls, and holding companies jointly liable if they accept sales leads generated by illegal telemarketing calls. The bill updates state law to align with federal telemarketing rules and enforce stricter compliance.
HB 911 requires North Carolina local school boards to create and publicly share experience-based salary schedules for full-time occupational and physical therapists employed in public schools, ensuring these pay scales align with existing noncertified education salary ranges. For the 2025-2026 school year, therapists must receive at least the higher of their current salary or the new schedule amount, plus a monthly supplement equal to 10% of a teacher's salary for five additional years plus $350. School boards must also submit annual workforce reports detailing therapist staffing levels, contractor use, and vacancies to the state education department. The bill directly affects school-employed therapists and local school boards, with supplements contingent on legislative funding.
HB 942 allocates $10 million in recurring state funds for the 2025-2026 fiscal year to the North Carolina Coalition Against Sexual Assault. This funding will be distributed by the Coalition to partner organizations, including domestic violence programs, rape crisis centers, and child advocacy centers. The bill directs these organizations to use the funds for victim advocacy services, such as counseling and support for survivors of sexual assault. The legislation becomes effective July 1, 2025, and directly supports survivors by strengthening local victim services.
This bill establishes the Free to Learn Library Bill of Rights Act in North Carolina to protect residents' rights to access information, maintain privacy, and participate in library services without discrimination or undue restriction. It applies to all public libraries, including their online services and digital resources, and outlines specific rights such as unrestricted access to materials regardless of viewpoint, protection from surveillance and intimidation, confidentiality of library records, and fair access for all patrons regardless of personal characteristics. The legislation also includes anti-retaliation protections for library employees and volunteers who report violations, requires regional library systems to document compliance, and mandates strict data privacy practices for online usage tracking. Additionally, the bill appropriates funds to support implementation and directs the State Library to provide model language for interlocal agreements to ensure consistent compliance across the state.
HB 957 creates a study committee to examine infrastructure challenges at North Carolina's HBCUs and MSIs, including building conditions, environmental risks, and maintenance needs. It establishes a $5 million Completion Assistance Program to provide up to $1,000 annually per student at six UNC HBCUs (Elizabeth City State, NC A&T, UNC Asheville, UNC Greensboro, UNC Pembroke, and Winston-Salem State) for tuition/fee balances, targeting students with Pell Grants who need financial aid to graduate on time. The bill also allocates specific infrastructure funds, including $5.1 million for Winston-Salem State's Hauser Hall renovations and $8 million for emergency steam repairs. These provisions directly affect students and campus facilities at the six designated institutions through financial aid and physical infrastructure support.
HB 955, the NC Junk Fee Prevention Act, requires businesses like short-term lodging providers (e.g., Airbnb), telecom companies (internet, mobile, voice services), and ticket sellers to show the full price - including all mandatory fees - before a purchase. It bans deceptive or excessive fees, such as surprise resort charges or hidden ticket costs, and mandates that total prices displayed at the start of a transaction cannot increase during checkout. Businesses must clearly disclose all fees (e.g., processing or delivery charges) upfront and cannot charge unreasonable early termination fees for telecom services. This law directly affects consumers buying lodging, telecom services, or event tickets by ensuring transparent pricing and preventing hidden costs.
HB 979 updates North Carolina's system for volunteer advocates supporting nursing home residents. It requires nursing homes to not impede designated volunteer ombudsman representatives who help residents report concerns without fear of retaliation. The bill formalizes that these volunteers must be certified and designated by the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program, and establishes new rules for community advisory committees in counties with nursing homes. This directly affects nursing home residents, facilities, and the state's oversight program by strengthening resident advocacy mechanisms.
HB 974 requires North Carolina's Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to study how hospice care facilities handle complaints from patients and families. The study will analyze complaint data, engage hospice administrators and care associations, and identify common issues and best practices for improving complaint procedures, investigations, communication, and family involvement. DHHS must submit findings and recommendations to legislative committees by April 2026, focusing on actionable steps for hospice facilities to enhance accountability. This bill does not change current laws but mandates a review to inform future policy.
HB 978 establishes the North Carolina Commission on Youth Mentoring within the Department of Health and Human Services to administer grants supporting local youth mentoring programs. The bill allocates $1.5 million annually from 2025-2027 to fund small-to-medium nonprofit organizations providing mentoring services, with specific goals to increase quality mentoring, reduce youth safety risks, and strengthen community connections. The Commission, composed of 15 appointed members including youth participants and community representatives, will manage the grant program, develop application processes, and submit annual reports on funding distribution and social impact to legislative committees. This legislation directly affects North Carolina-based youth mentoring nonprofits and aims to expand accessible, high-quality mentoring opportunities for young people across the state.
HB 962 allocates $25 million in one-time funds to East Carolina University's College of Engineering and Technology for building improvements and equipment upgrades, and $4 million annually during the 2025-2027 fiscal biennium to expand faculty positions. The bill directly affects ECU's engineering programs by providing resources to modernize facilities and hire additional staff. These funds are designated for specific uses - infrastructure and equipment for the first allocation, and personnel expansion for the second - without specifying outcomes. The bill takes effect on July 1, 2025, and is currently pending in the House Appropriations Committee.
