North Carolina schools would host patriotic youth group presentations

Public school units would have to let patriotic youth groups give students a presentation. Covered groups are youth groups listed in federal law as patriotic societies, including the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts and their affiliated North Carolina groups and councils. Each presentation may last no more than 10 minutes and must be scheduled between the start and release times of the instructional day. Presentation time does not count toward required instructional hours. Schools do not have to provide equal access to organizations that are not designated as patriotic organizations. If the bill becomes law, the provisions would apply beginning with the 2026–2027 school year.

Certain schools and local boards would have to develop policies to ensure patriotic youth groups have access to schools. The requirement covers schools for the deaf and blind, charter schools, regional schools, and qualifying local boards. The local-board requirement applies to boards that use state funds for programs under the relevant school law. If the bill becomes law, these provisions would apply beginning with the 2026–2027 school year.