Bill > H742

This bill introduces the North Carolina Healthy Schools Act of 2025, which aims to improve the environmental safety of school cleaning practices. The legislation requires public schools to establish a green cleaning policy that uses environmentally sensitive cleaning products when economically feasible, based on findings that children are particularly vulnerable to indoor air pollutants and chemical exposure. The Department of Public Instruction, in coordination with the Department of Health and Human Services, will develop annual guidelines for healthy cleaning products, which will be shared with public and larger non-public schools. The requirements apply to various types of schools, including traditional public schools, charter schools, regional schools, and public secondary schools under the Board of Governors. Schools are allowed to deplete existing cleaning supply stocks and implement the new requirements in their next procurement cycle. Importantly, the bill specifies that no state funds will be appropriated to implement these new guidelines, and the requirements will take effect for the 2025-2026 school year. Non-public schools with 50 or more students are encouraged, but not mandated, to adopt similar green cleaning policies.

Government Affairs

https://www.ncleg.gov/BillLookUp/2025/H742