Bill > H985

This bill increases the criminal penalties for assaulting school employees or volunteers by upgrading the offense from a Class A1 misdemeanor to a Class I felony. The bill defines "duties" as including activities on school property, during school-authorized events, and related to school transportation. "Employees or volunteers" are broadly defined to include local board of education employees, charter and nonpublic school staff, independent contractors performing school-related duties, and adult volunteers supervised by school personnel. The legislation also mandates that supervisors must immediately report any student assault against a school employee that results in physical injury, and prohibits school administrators from intimidating or attempting to prevent employees from reporting such assaults to law enforcement. Additionally, the bill maintains existing protections that shield school personnel from civil or criminal liability when they take reasonable actions in good faith to end student fights or altercations. The new provisions will become effective on December 1, 2025, and will apply to offenses committed on or after that date, signaling a legislative intent to provide stronger legal protection for educational staff.

Education, Justice

https://www.ncleg.gov/BillLookUp/2025/H985