State Auditor to Audit Private Schools.

SB 543 requires the North Carolina State Auditor to periodically audit private schools that enroll students receiving state-funded scholarship grants under specific education programs. This bill directly affects nonpublic schools participating in state scholarship initiatives, mandating regular financial reviews of their use of public funds. The key provision adds this audit responsibility to the State Auditor's duties under existing law, ensuring transparency for taxpayer dollars spent on private education. The bill focuses on concrete financial oversight without altering scholarship eligibility or program structure. (Note: The bill is currently in early legislative stages as of March 2025.)