North CarolinaPublic schools could use extra remote instruction during emergencies
Beginning with the 2026-2027 school year, some public school units could use up to three extra remote instruction days during another or ongoing emergency, with reporting required.
What it does
After using its regular emergency remote instruction allowance, a covered public school unit could use up to three more days or 15 hours if another emergency occurs or the emergency continues. It must report that use.
A public school unit not operating under a good cause waiver could use up to five remote instruction days or 30 hours when an emergency prevents schools from opening, and count that time toward its school calendar requirements.
The Department of Public Instruction would receive $5,000 each year for administrative costs and technical assistance related to enforcing the act.
Argument forWhen another emergency keeps schools closed, some school units could offer remote lessons for up to three more days or 15 hours.
Argument againstRemote lessons during a continuing emergency could be hard for students and staff, and schools must report when they use the extra time.
More detail
A public school unit may use up to three additional remote instruction days or 15 hours after using its regular allowance. This provision applies to public school units covered by subsection (b1), which the text describes as units not operating under a good cause waiver. The additional time is available only if another emergency occurs or an ongoing emergency continues after the unit uses all remote instruction time allowed under subsection (b1)(1). The unit must report its use of the additional time. The text would apply beginning with the 2026-2027 school year, starting July 1, 2026.
A public school unit covered by subsection (b1) may use up to five remote instruction days or 30 hours during emergencies. This provision applies to public school units not operating under a good cause waiver. The emergency must prevent schools from opening and involve severe weather, energy shortages, power failures, or another emergency situation. The unit may count this remote instruction time toward required school calendar days or hours. The text would apply beginning with the 2026-2027 school year, starting July 1, 2026.
The Department of Public Instruction would receive $5,000 in recurring funds for administrative costs and technical assistance related to enforcing the act. The funds would go to the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction. The recurring funds would begin in the 2026-2027 fiscal year.
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Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2026
- Jun 2Reptd FavLatest
- Jun 2Re-ref Com On AppropriationsMinor
- Apr 22Passed 1st ReadingMinor
- Apr 22Ref to the Com on Education - K-12, if favorable, Appropriations, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the HouseMinor
- Apr 21FiledIntroduced
Education