HB 496

Amends GS 115C-206 (pertaining to the Superintendent's recommendations to the State Board of Education [Board] concerning increased involvement in and use of public schools) to require public school units to permit certain youth groups identified as a patriotic society specified in the GS 115C-206 the opportunity to give a presentation no longer than 10 minutes long on the purpose of the group, how to become a member of the group, and encouraging civic education. Clarifies that nothing in GS 115C-206 or a policy or rule adopted pursuant to the section, should be construed as requiring a public school unit to provide equal access to an organization that is not designated as a patriotic organization. Amends GS 115C-150.12C(28) (schools for the deaf and blind), GS 115C-207 (local school boards), GS 115C-218.75 (charter schools) and GS 115C-238.66 (regional schools) to remove language relating to giving priority and access to the civic youth groups discussed above; instead replaces that language with a requirement that the local boards develop policies to give those groups access in line with GS 115C-206 specified above. Applies beginning with the 2025-2026 school year.