School rules must excuse absences for farm and equestrian events

The State Board of Education must require school principals to excuse at least two absences for certain farm and equestrian events. The absences cover students taking part in equestrian sports, livestock shows, or similar agricultural events. School rules may require a parent or guardian to give the principal written notice a reasonable time before the event. The minimum of two absences applies each academic year.

The Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services must update the state's agricultural water plan and report on it. The update concerns the Strategic Plan for Protecting Agricultural Water Resources in North Carolina. The update must address water access and storage, conservation and reuse, cost-sharing, flood control, and possible payments to landowners who join flood mitigation programs. The department must report to the legislative oversight committee by January 1, 2027.

The North Carolina Collaboratory must study shellfish aquaculture rules and report its findings and recommendations. The study concerns shellfish aquaculture leases in North Carolina coastal waters. The study must consider existing lease rules and moratoriums, environmental effects, coastal uses, and economic impacts. The Collaboratory must consult state fisheries bodies and affected groups, including growers, fishers, property owners, and coastal local governments. An interim report is due by December 1, 2026, and a final report by May 1, 2027.

The Environmental Management Commission must treat certain horse and cattle composting systems as permitted without individual permits or general-permit coverage. This applies to systems used to compost horse or cattle remains. The system must not violate surface-water or groundwater standards or discharge directly into surface waters. Any included facilities need agriculture department approval, and the State Veterinarian must approve the system. This rule lasts until the Commission's required permanent rule takes effect. Emergency measures for an imminent contagious animal disease remain authorized. The temporary provision ends when the required permanent rule takes effect.

County zoning and building rules treat certain buildings that make farm products from animal waste as agricultural buildings. These provisions apply to buildings used solely to produce agricultural products and commodities from animal waste. The building must be used solely to make agricultural products, such as fertilizer or biogas, from animal waste. The building-rule exemption applies only outside municipal building-rule areas or when public ways and yards at least 60 feet wide surround it; a specified sign must be posted. These provisions take effect July 1, 2026.