North CarolinaHB 9592025-2026 SessionHouse

Various Education Changes.

Sponsored By: Brian Biggs (Republican), Hugh Blackwell (Republican), Kyle Hall (Republican)

Signed by Governor

BOARDSCURRICULUMEDUCATIONEDUCATION BOARDSELEMENTARY EDUCATIONEMERGING TECHNOLOGIESHEALTH EDUCATIONHEALTH SERVICESINFORMATION TECHNOLOGYINTERNETKINDERGARTENLITERACYLOCAL GOVERNMENTMEDIAMENTAL HEALTHPRESENTEDPUBLICPUBLIC HEALTHPUBLIC INSTRUCTION DEPT

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

4 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.

Residency teaching license expanded and clarified

The state offers a one-year Residency License, renewable up to two more years. Starting July 1, 2025, qualifying nonpublic schools approved by DPI to provide IEP services can request a Residency License. Requests must include supervision by a recognized educator preparation program. Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree, relevant coursework or a content exam, be enrolled in a program, and meet preservice rules. The law also clarifies the definitions for IEP, related services, and special education used in licensing.

Earlier reaccreditation path for training schools

The Criminal Justice Education and Training Standards Commission now allows earlier reaccreditation for long-suspended schools. If a school’s accreditation suspension lasts at least four years, it may apply again after two years. This applies to suspensions that began on or before July 1, 2025.

K-12 internet safety rules and lessons

Local school boards must adopt an Internet Safety Policy by January 1, 2026. Policies limit content to age-appropriate material, protect student privacy, and allow social media only when a teacher assigns it for class. The State’s course of study now includes social media and health instruction. Students get this once in elementary school, once in middle school, and twice in high school. Topics include addiction, misinformation, cyberbullying, predatory behavior and trafficking, privacy, and how to report concerns. These sections take effect July 1, 2025; instruction begins in the 2026–2027 school year.

Limits on student phone use in class

Each public school must adopt a wireless device policy by January 1, 2026. Students may not use or have phones or other devices on during class time. Teachers can allow use for learning or emergencies. Exceptions apply for IEPs, Section 504 plans, and documented medical needs. Violations can lead to confiscation and discipline under the Code of Student Conduct. Schools must send their policy to DPI by September 1, 2025, and DPI reports compliance by October 1 each year. This section is effective July 1, 2025.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Cosponsors

Jimmy Dixon
Republican • House
Joseph Pike
Republican • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 502 • No: 54

Senate vote • 6/25/2025

HB 959: Various Education Changes.

Yes: 45 • No: 1 • Other: 4

House vote • 6/24/2025

HB 959: Various Education Changes.

Yes: 111 • No: 0 • Other: 8

House vote • 6/11/2025