HB 872

Amends GS 115C-390.3 to create the presumption in investigative, administrative, and adversarial proceedings that the use of force by school personnel is reasonable. That presumption may be overcome if the local board of education, the State Board of Education, their designees, or a court of competent jurisdiction determines by the preponderance of the evidence that the use of force was not reasonable. Prohibits the governing body of a public school unit from retaliating against or dismissing school personnel for using reasonable force but does not prohibit investigation of the allegations. Does not prohibit suspension or appropriate leave during investigation or adjudication. Prohibits the State Board of Education from revoking or refusing to renew a license based on a licensee using reasonable force. Prohibits school personnel from being reprimanded, dismissed, disciplined, or having a licensed revoked or renewal denied as a result of criminal allegations for assault or a similar crime if the force that led to the allegation was in accord with this section and does not result in a conviction or plea of no contest. Applies beginning with the 2025-2026 school year.