Enacts new GS 115C-81.83 requiring the State Board of Education to review and make necessary changes to the standard course of study for science in K-5 to ensure that it includes lessons on climate change and its impact on the environment, economy, and society in each of those grade levels. Requires the Department of Public Instruction to provide curriculum content on climate change and requires local boards of education to provide professional development on climate change. Applies beginning with the 2020-21 school year.

Appropriates $15 million in recurring funds for 2019-20 from the General Fund to the Department of Public Instruction to restore and expand funding that was eliminated for staff development, to be allocated for professional development of school personnel in K-5 and subject to all laws and policies that are in effect regarding the allocation of staff development funds. Requires the professional development to include instruction on methods of teaching climate change.

Effective July 1, 2019.