Bill > S449

This bill requires public schools, community colleges, and University of North Carolina institutions to carefully evaluate technology costs and report on technology device repair rates. Specifically, the bill mandates that educational institutions assess three key factors when acquiring technology: (1) the long-term cost of ownership, including repair expenses, (2) potential for innovation during the technology's lifecycle, and (3) anticipated resale or salvage value based on comparable technology's depreciation. Additionally, the bill introduces a "break/fix rate" reporting requirement, which measures the percentage of school technology devices (such as computers, tablets, and interactive whiteboards) that malfunction or need repair before their expected lifecycle. Each public school unit must annually report to the State Board of Education by August 15, providing details on their break/fix rate, total number of technology devices, repair statistics, and repair/replacement expenses. The State Board will then compile this data and submit a report to the Joint Legislative Education Oversight Committee by November 15, including recommendations for reducing device failure rates. These requirements will first be implemented for the 2025-2026 academic year, giving institutions time to prepare their reporting systems and policies.

Education, Government Affairs

https://www.ncleg.gov/BillLookUp/2025/S449