This legislation allocates $1.8 million in state funds to Guilford Technical Community College for the expansion of its Aviation Center. The money is drawn from the General Fund and is intended for capital expenses associated with the project during the 2026-2027 fiscal year. These funds will remain available until spent and are set to take effect on July 1, 2026.
This North Carolina bill allocates $31,000 in state funds to a specific nonprofit organization called Joyful Soul Treasures, Inc. The money is designated for a marketing campaign and an eight-week workshop aimed at improving sexual health education and awareness. The program specifically targets adolescents between the ages of 13 and 18, covering costs for materials, instructors, and event supplies. The funding is intended for the 2026-2027 fiscal year, with the act becoming effective on July 1, 2026.
This North Carolina legislation restores financial benefits for educators and state employees, effective July 1, 2026. It reinstates salary supplements for teachers and instructional support personnel and restores longevity payments based on years of service, while also preventing the elimination of medical benefits for certain retirees. Furthermore, the bill expands the Teaching Fellows Program by setting new selection criteria for participating institutions and providing forgivable loans to students pursuing teacher licensure. These changes are funded through specific appropriations from the General Fund.
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.
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 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.
HB 726 establishes the North Carolina Commission on Youth Mentoring and Academic Enhancement to create a state grant program supporting local nonprofits providing mentoring and tutoring for high school students. The commission will distribute funding from the State Education Lottery to organizations focused on reducing substance use and gang involvement while building adult connections for at-risk youth in all 100 counties. Key provisions include requiring nonprofits to offer academic tutoring in core subjects and enrichment activities, with grants prioritizing programs where at least 60% of staff are under 30 and from the local community. The commission must report annually on grant recipients, funds distributed, and academic outcomes for participants.
HB 790 prohibits the sale of tobacco, vape, and alternative nicotine products within 1,000 feet of any public or nonpublic school building. It directly affects vape and tobacco shops located near schools, banning sales in those zones while excluding home schools and colleges. The law includes an exception for incidental sales tied to a business's primary operations but classifies violations as Class 2 misdemeanors. The bill takes effect December 1, 2025, and applies to offenses occurring on or after that date.
SB 323 establishes a $9.6 million annual grant program (2025-2027) to provide free condoms and lubricants to students in North Carolina public high schools, community colleges, and UNC system institutions. It directly affects these educational settings by requiring grant recipients to offer supplies in designated campus locations without parental permission, while prioritizing student privacy and collaboration with health organizations. Key mechanisms include mandatory Student Health Advisory Committees, annual reporting on usage and health savings, and rules ensuring grants supplement rather than replace existing funding. The program aims to reduce STI-related healthcare costs and support student retention through preventive health access.
HB 588 aims to improve the number and quality of school psychologists in North Carolina through multiple funding initiatives. It provides a $650 monthly salary boost and a 12% supplement for certified school psychologists (totaling $8.1 million), establishes a $5 million grant program to fund signing bonuses (up to $5,000) for recruiting new psychologists with a one-year commitment requirement, and creates a $5 million internship program offering stipends at starting salaries. Additionally, it allocates $5 million for a virtual training program at Appalachian State University and $1.6 million to expand school psychology programs at five UNC institutions to double graduate output. The bill also includes an interstate licensure compact to facilitate practice across state lines, with all programs requiring annual reporting to the legislature.
