HB 890

Enacts GS 115C-23 (Emergency Internet Service Plan and Fund), directing the Department of Public Instruction (DPI) to develop and maintain an emergency internet service plan for temporary internet for public schools during a state of emergency. Requires DPI to consult with the Department of Information Technology, the Department of Transportation, and the Department of Public Safety, Division of Emergency Management when preparing the emergency plan. Specifies that the plan must include (1) how many months internet service can be provided, (2) conditions necessary to activate the plan, (3) public schools are not required to provide funds to initiate service under the plan, (4) equipment necessary for the plan at each public school, (5) third-party relationships necessary to support the plan, and who will establish and maintain the accounts, and (6) how to protect sensitive data. Establishes the Emergency Internet Service Fund, which is nonreverting and may be used for purchase of equipment or maintaining contracts and accounts for service. Requires the superintendent of DPI to report to the Joint Legislative Education Oversight Committee by February 15 of each year on if there are any changes to the plan, including a copy of the plan, an accounting of the services provided under the plan since the last report, the balance of the service fund and funds expended from it, and any other relevant information.