HB 418

Enacts new GS 115C-81.95 requiring local school administrative units to provide students in grades K-5 with instruction in music, dance, or theatre that aligns with the Standard Course of Study. Enacts new GS 115C-81.96, requiring local school administrative units to provide students in grades K-5 with instruction in the visual arts that aligns with the Standard Course of Study. Under both statutes, requires the instruction to: (1) occur during at least one instructional day out of every five; (2) be taught by at least one licensed music, dance, or theatre arts education/visual arts education instructor (as appropriate); (3) last at least 30 consecutive minutes; and (4) be given to classes no larger than the maximum classroom size per instructional session for each grade. Applies beginning with the 2026-27 school year.