Bill > H885

This bill revises disciplinary policies in North Carolina public schools by making several significant changes to how suspensions, disciplinary actions, and student notifications are handled. The bill introduces new categories of suspension, including short-term (up to 20 cumulative days), intermediate-term (21-42 cumulative days), and long-term (over 43 days), and establishes more detailed procedures for each type. Notably, the bill completely prohibits corporal punishment in schools and mandates that schools make reasonable attempts to notify parents quickly about disciplinary actions, including within one hour of the end of the school day. The legislation also restricts suspensions for younger students (kindergarten through third grade), encouraging schools to use interventions and supports instead of exclusionary discipline. Additionally, the bill requires schools to provide clear, translated notices to parents, ensures students can access missed assignments during suspensions, and mandates that early child care providers report detailed suspension and expulsion data to the Department of Public Instruction. To support implementation, the bill appropriates $2 million to help the Department of Public Instruction develop guidance for schools, with the new rules taking effect in the 2025-2026 school year.

Government Affairs

https://www.ncleg.gov/BillLookUp/2025/H885