Enacts new GS 115C-102.9 establishing the Educational and Competitive After-School Robotics Grant Program (Program).  Allows public schools to apply for grants to develop an educational and competitive after-school robotics program with a robotics partner. Describes definitions, purpose, application criteria, and use of funds for implementation of the Program.  Requires the Department of Public Instruction to report no later than July 15, 2020, and annually thereafter to the Joint Legislative Education Oversight Committee and the Fiscal Research Division information about the number and location of grants awarded, and the positive impact of the Program on student academic performance, if any.  Appropriates $1,670,000 from the General Fund to the Department of Public Instruction in recurring funds for the 2019-20 fiscal year to implement the Program, beginning in the 2019-20 school year.  These changes are effective July 1, 2019.

Amends GS 115C-12(23) (powers and duties of the State Board of Education) to add to the rules to be adopted by the Board of Education regarding interscholastic athletic activities rules about competitive robotics.  Amends GS 115C-379 (method of enforcing school attendance) by organizing existing text into new subsections and adding an additional requirement that school principals must authorize an excused absence when a student misses class due to a school-sponsored robotics competition.  Expands excused absence due to a religious observance required by the faith not only of a student or parent but also of a guardian or legal custodian.  Extends right of persons able to give principal written notice of request for excused absence to guardian or custodian.  Requires a student be given the opportunity to make up missed school work or tests due to an excused absence only if properly approved.  These changes are effective upon becoming law and apply beginning with the 2019-20 school year.  

Except as otherwise provided, effective upon becoming law.