HB 989

Effective July 1, 2025, creates new GS 143B-1209.61 to establish the School Safety Grants Program. Appropriates from the ARPA Temporary Savings Fund to the State Bureau of Investigation $20 million for each year of the 2025-27 biennium to fund the School Safety Grants Program and states NCGA intent to fund the Program on a recurring basis beginning with 2027-29. Directs the Executive Director of the Center for Safer Schools to establish the School Safety Grants Program to improve safety in public school units by providing grants for (i) services for students in crisis, (ii) school safety training, and (iii) safety equipment in schools. Requires the Executive Director to develop criteria and guidelines for the administration and use of the grants. Authorizes public schools to apply for grant funding. Applications must include an assessment, to be carried out in conjunction with a local law enforcement agency, of the need for improving school safety within the public school unit that would receive the funding or services. The application must identify current and ongoing needs and estimated costs associated with those needs.