All Roll Calls
Yes: 502 • No: 54
North CarolinaHB 9592025-2026 SessionHouseWALLET
AN ACT TO PROMOTE INTERNET SAFETY AND TO PROVIDE SOCIAL MEDIA LITERACY INSTRUCTION IN SCHOOLS.
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: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Easier path to residency teacher license
Schools and approved nonpublic schools can request a residency teacher license for a candidate. The license lasts one year and can be renewed twice. The person must have at least a bachelor's degree, finish required coursework or pass a content exam, and enroll in an educator prep program. They must also meet State Board preservice rules before teaching. These rules apply to license applications on or after July 1, 2025.
Social media health lessons in schools
The State adds lessons on social media and health to the standard course of study. Students get one lesson in elementary school, one in middle school, and two in high school. Topics include mental health and addiction, misinformation, manipulation, online permanency, and personal security. Students also learn to spot and report cyberbullying, predators, and human trafficking, and build protective skills. The requirement starts in the 2026-2027 school year. The law takes effect July 1, 2025.
New school rules on phones and internet
Public schools must set internet safety rules for student use on school devices or services. Policies must limit access to age-appropriate content and protect students in email and chats. They must block sites and apps that do not protect student data and ban unauthorized access. Student access to social media is banned unless a teacher assigns it for class. Schools must also ban student phone and device use during class time. Teachers can allow use for lessons or emergencies, or when an IEP, a Section 504 plan, or a medical need requires it. Boards must adopt these policies by January 1, 2026. The law takes effect July 1, 2025.
Faster reaccreditation for justice training schools
The standards commission lets some suspended criminal justice schools apply to regain accreditation sooner. If a school was suspended for at least four years, it may apply after two years. This applies to suspensions that occur on or before July 1, 2025.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsors
Brian Biggs
Republican • House
Hugh Blackwell
Republican • House
Kyle Hall
Republican • House
Cosponsors
Jimmy Dixon
Republican • House
Joseph Pike
Republican • House
Roll Call Votes
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
HB 959: Protecting Students in a Digital Age.
Yes: 106 • No: 1 • Other: 13
Senate vote • 6/3/2025
HB 959: Protecting Students in a Digital Age.
Yes: 28 • No: 17 • Other: 4
Senate vote • 6/3/2025
HB 959: Protecting Students in a Digital Age.
Yes: 28 • No: 17 • Other: 4
Senate vote • 6/3/2025
HB 959: Protecting Students in a Digital Age.
Yes: 44 • No: 1 • Other: 4
Senate vote • 6/3/2025
HB 959: Protecting Students in a Digital Age.
Yes: 28 • No: 17 • Other: 4
House vote • 5/7/2025
HB 959: Social Media Literacy in Schools.
Yes: 112 • No: 0 • Other: 7
Actions Timeline
Ch. SL 2025-38
7/1/2025HouseSigned by Gov. 7/1/2025
7/1/2025HousePres. To Gov. 6/27/2025
6/27/2025HouseRatified
6/26/2025HouseOrdered Enrolled
6/25/2025HouseConf Report Adopted
6/25/2025SenateConf Com Reported
6/24/2025SenateConf Report Adopted
6/24/2025HouseAdded to Calendar
6/24/2025HouseConf Com Reported
6/24/2025HouseConf Com Appointed
6/19/2025SenateConf Com Appointed
6/18/2025HouseFailed Concur In S Com Sub
6/11/2025HousePlaced On Cal For 06/11/2025
6/5/2025HouseCal Pursuant 36(b)
6/5/2025HouseRegular Message Received For Concurrence in S Com Sub
6/4/2025HouseRegular Message Sent To House
6/4/2025SenatePassed 3rd Reading
6/3/2025SenatePassed 2nd Reading
6/3/2025SenateAmend Tabled A3
6/3/2025SenateAmend Tabled A2
6/3/2025SenateAmend Tabled A1
6/3/2025SenateReptd Fav
6/2/2025SenateRe-ref Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate
5/21/2025SenateCom Substitute Adopted
5/21/2025Senate
Bill Text
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Filed
Latest Edition
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