HB 832 revises North Carolina's school safety grant program to expand eligible uses of funds for training aimed at improving student well-being and safety. It allows public school units to fund evidence-based programs including suicide prevention training (CALM), trauma-focused therapies (like cognitive behavioral therapy), violence prevention, and peer mentoring facilitation. The bill specifically permits up to $350,000 in annual funding for these expanded services, directly affecting school staff, counselors, and students in North Carolina public schools. This change modifies existing grant rules without creating new funding or altering overall program structure.
SB 355 waives tuition at North Carolina public colleges for survivors of correctional officers, probation officers, or firefighters who died in the line of duty or became permanently disabled. It specifically covers spouses of disabled officers and children (ages 17-24) of disabled officers, with eligibility requiring service-connected death/disability and verification from relevant agencies. The waiver applies to both credit and noncredit programs, limiting bachelor’s degree support to 54 months. This policy directly affects families of these public safety workers by reducing education costs.
This bill authorizes the University of North Carolina system to finance specific capital improvement projects, such as dormitory renovations and new construction, using non-state funds like gifts, grants, and hospital receipts. It allows the university to issue special obligation bonds to cover these costs and includes a mechanism for the Director of the Budget to adjust project funding if necessary. Additionally, the legislation standardizes the residency determination process for admission to the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics and revises tuition grant rules for graduates of that school and the UNC School of the Arts. These changes aim to support university infrastructure development and ensure equitable access to specialized science and arts programs for North Carolina residents.
HB 87 (Educational Choice for Children Act) allows North Carolina to participate in a federal tax credit program that encourages donations to private scholarship organizations. The bill requires the State Education Assistance Authority to maintain and publish an annual list of qualifying scholarship groups operating in North Carolina, enabling donors to claim federal tax credits for contributions. These scholarships can cover elementary and secondary school costs, including homeschooling expenses, as permitted under federal law. The law becomes effective after 2026, with the Authority needing to establish necessary rules by July 2026 to comply with federal requirements.
House Bill 433 allows licensed registered nurses (RNs) to serve as school nurses in North Carolina public schools. The bill prohibits the State Board of Education from requiring a four-year degree for school nurse employment. It specifies that RNs with at least two years of experience in a hospital or health clinic can work as school nurses without needing additional certifications or licenses. These qualified registered nurses will be paid under the certified school nurse pay scale.
HB 775 requires background checks for three groups: initial members of charter school boards, new educator license applicants, and public school employees applying for positions. It mandates that applicants pay for criminal history checks through the State Bureau of Investigation before receiving approval for charter school board membership, educator licensure, or school employment. The State Board of Education and charter school Review Board review the results to determine if individuals pose safety risks or lack integrity, with decisions requiring written findings. This bill consolidates existing background check requirements into a single process for these school-related positions, applying only to new applicants and initial board members.
SB 118, the Military and Veteran Support Act, reduces concealed handgun permit fees for veterans and streamlines school enrollment for military families. It allows veterans with honorable discharge (using DD-214 or VA ID) to pay $45 for applications and $40 for renewals - matching fees for retired law enforcement officers - effective July 2025. For military families, it permits remote school enrollment for students of active-duty members or those separating within 12 months, delaying proof of residency until enrollment begins, with extensions for high school seniors until graduation. These provisions directly affect North Carolina veterans seeking concealed carry permits and military-connected students enrolling in public schools. The bill is pending legislative action and not yet law.
SB 125 reorganizes North Carolina's community college statutes and makes specific changes to education policy. It prohibits community colleges from using a secondary school's accreditation status (like certification) as a factor in admissions, financial aid, or scholarships for students. The bill also requires community colleges to report annually on college transfer program performance, including student success rates at four-year institutions, and mandates detailed reporting on the 2+2 E-Learning Initiative for teacher training. These provisions directly affect community college students, institutions, and educators seeking teacher licensure.
HB 928 allows physical therapists licensed in North Carolina to evaluate student athletes for concussions and provide written clearance for returning to play or practice after a head injury during school sports. It directly affects student athletes in North Carolina public schools who exhibit concussion symptoms during athletic activities. The bill amends existing law to specifically include licensed physical therapists as authorized professionals (alongside doctors and other specialists) who can assess head injuries and issue the required written clearance. This change expands the pool of qualified healthcare providers available for school concussion protocols without altering the core requirement that athletes must be cleared before returning to sports.
SB 77 allows parents of students with disabilities to choose their preferred nurse for school-based nursing services required by an Individualized Education Program (IEP), provided specific conditions are met. The bill requires schools to assign the parent's chosen nurse if that nurse previously provided care to the student, the nursing agency agrees to contract under standard terms, and the rate matches other contracted nurses. This directly affects families of students needing nursing services under IEPs and ensures schools honor parent preferences without altering their obligation to provide a free appropriate public education. The policy applies starting the 2025-2026 school year.
