Identical to H 1139, filed on 4/29/26.

Section 1.

Designates GS 115C-8 through 115C-22 as Part 1 (Department Administration) of Article 3 of GS Chapter 115C. Adds the following new provisions and organizes them as Part 2, (Learning and Enrichment in Afterschool Programs-LEAP) to Article 3.

Section 2.

Adds GS 115C-23.2, directing the Department of Public Instruction (DPI) to establish the LEAP Advisory Council (Council) to provide assistance in implementing the LEAP Grant Program (Program), discussed below. Provides for Council membership, meetings, and for it to advise DPI on the five specified matters. Sets forth three definitions that apply in new Part 2 in GS 115C-23.1. Establishes the LEAP Fund under the control and direction of the State Board of Education (SBE), which is a nonreverting special revenue fund consisting of any monies appropriated to it by the General Assembly, eligible federal funds, eligible grant funds, and private donations. Directs for any funds received by the State pursuant to litigation against social media companies for harm caused to children and youth, whether the result of a settlement or court award, to be directed to the LEAP Fund. Creates the Program to assist eligible organizations in providing high-quality positive youth development programming across the State. Directs DPI in consultation with the Council to develop a Program application, technical assistance guides, an awardee selection time line and selection criteria, grant terms and amounts, grant renewal criteria, and programming evaluation metrics. Specifies that awards received by eligible organizations supplement and not supplant any existing funds used for positive youth development programming. Authorizes DPI to retain up to 10% of the funds appropriated for the Program for administrative costs and support activities, including the five specified. Authorizes DPI to partner with organizations to deliver the services required under this section, including for programming evaluation. Appropriates $19.5 million from the General Fund to DPI for 2026-27 for DPI to establish the LEAP Fund and Program.

Effective July 1, 2026.