Education

HB 268 authorizes the University of North Carolina system to finance specific capital projects at UNC Chapel Hill and UNC Wilmington using alternative funding sources like gifts, grants, and revenue bonds - instead of state general funds. It specifically covers major projects including Chapel Hill's electrical system upgrade and Fetzer Hall addition, plus Wilmington's parking deck and student housing. The bill allows the university board to issue special obligation bonds up to 5% over the project costs to cover expenses, with potential adjustments approved by the state budget director. This directly affects the two universities by enabling them to fund these infrastructure improvements through non-state appropriations.

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.

The bill title "Defund Planned Parenthood and Cost Transparency" does not match the actual content of HB 192, which is focused on education funding. This bill raises teacher salaries for the 2025-2026 school year using a new salary schedule (e.g., $5,000 for 0 years experience, $6,823 for 25+ years) and reinstates education-based supplements for advanced degrees ($126-$253 monthly). It appropriates $1.597 billion for salary increases and $8 million for supplements, while directing the North Carolina Collaboratory to study a student-based funding system by February 2026. The bill directly affects public school teachers, instructional support staff, and school psychologists. The title appears to be incorrect based on the provided bill text.

HB 415 modifies North Carolina high school mathematics graduation requirements, primarily affecting students and the State Board of Education. It requires completion of NC Math 1 and 2, plus two additional math courses aligned with a student's postsecondary plans, and eliminates the end-of-course test for NC Math 3. The bill establishes an "Extended Math" pathway, dividing NC Math 1 and 2 content into four courses for students needing more time and support. Students scoring below proficient on certain math assessments will be enrolled in these extended courses, which are set to begin in the 2025-2026 school year.

HB 414 aims to give equal credit for community college courses towards high school graduation requirements for dually enrolled students, including those in the Career and College Promise program. It directs the State Boards of Community Colleges and Education to collaborate on developing a system where one community college course grants one full high school credit in core subjects, without requiring corresponding high school end-of-course tests. Until this system is fully established, specific community college courses will temporarily satisfy certain high school credits starting in the 2025-2026 academic year. Additionally, the bill modifies high school math graduation requirements, affecting which math courses require an end-of-course test.

HB 149 creates a pilot program allowing eligible North Carolina school districts (those with at least 5,000 students and tax authority) to submit a Financial and Hiring Flexibility Plan (FHFP) to the State Board of Education. The plan permits districts to use state funds more flexibly and hire up to 50% unlicensed teachers (who must complete specific training in disability education, behavior management, and safety) while meeting defined academic goals by 2030-2031, such as 100% student career planning and 90% teacher retention. The State Board reviews plans annually and can terminate them if districts fail to meet goals, violate fiscal rules, or have low-performing schools. This program aims to give districts operational flexibility to improve student outcomes, subject to state oversight and performance metrics.