Bill > S644

This bill appropriates $1.5 billion in nonrecurring funds from the General Fund to the Department of Public Instruction for the 2025-2026 fiscal year, to be distributed to local school administrative units based on average daily membership, with three primary focus areas: energy efficiency improvements, solar panel installations, and electric school bus replacements. The energy efficiency portion allocates $1 billion for upgrades including high-efficiency lighting, pipe insulation, weatherization, HVAC system improvements, plug load management, water system upgrades, and building management system controls. An additional $250 million is designated for installing solar photovoltaic panels on school buildings, including necessary roof repairs. The final $250 million will be used to replace qualifying school buses (those over 10 years old and currently operating on motor fuel) with new electric buses assembled in North Carolina. The bill specifies that these funds will become available on July 1, 2025, with the goal of reducing energy costs, improving school infrastructure, and transitioning to more environmentally friendly transportation and building systems.

https://www.ncleg.gov/BillLookUp/2025/S644