Bill > H775

This bill introduces comprehensive changes to criminal history checks and reporting requirements for school personnel in North Carolina. For charter schools, the bill requires initial board members to undergo criminal history checks by either a consumer reporting agency, the State Bureau of Investigation, or both before receiving final charter approval. For public school personnel, the bill mandates criminal history checks for all job applicants, including full-time and part-time employees, independent contractors, and volunteers with significant student access. These checks must include state and national criminal registry searches, multistate database checks, and sex offender registry screenings. The bill also strengthens reporting requirements for school employee misconduct, requiring superintendents and principals to report certain types of misconduct to the State Board of Education within five days, including incidents that lead to dismissal, disciplinary action, or resignation. Additionally, the bill expands reporting requirements for threats and assaults on teachers, requiring principals to immediately report certain acts to local law enforcement and providing some discretion for incidents involving students with specific disabilities. The bill also encourages the State Board of Education to align its licensure system with the Multistate Educator Lookup System to facilitate electronic validation of out-of-state credentials. These changes are designed to enhance student safety and improve oversight of school personnel.

Budget and Finance, Education, Government Affairs, Justice

https://www.ncleg.gov/BillLookUp/2025/H775