Bill > S604

This bill establishes a comprehensive framework for School Resource Officers (SROs) in North Carolina, defining their role and responsibilities while implementing new training and procedural requirements. Specifically, the bill defines an SRO as a law enforcement officer assigned to public schools for at least 20 hours per week for more than 12 weeks per year, with responsibilities including school safety, security, emergency preparedness, and response. The legislation mandates that all SROs complete initial training within one year of assignment and participate in ongoing education, with the North Carolina Criminal Justice Education and Training Standards Commission and the North Carolina Sheriffs' Education and Training Standards Commission developing training standards by January 15, 2026. These training programs must cover critical topics such as mental health, students with disabilities, racial equity, and crisis intervention and de-escalation techniques. Additionally, the bill introduces a new requirement that any school-based complaint initiated by an SRO alleging delinquency must be signed by a school administrator or school social worker before being filed in juvenile court, which applies to complaints occurring on school grounds, school property, at bus stops, or at school-sanctioned events. The training requirements will be phased in, with SROs assigned before January 1, 2026, having until December 31, 2026, to complete their initial training.