Identical to S 524, filed 4/3/23.

Amends GS 115C-302.10 to include among those teachers and instructional support personnel who are paid on the "M" salary schedule or receive a salary supplement for academic preparation at the six-year degree or doctoral degree level certified school social workers with a degree at the master's, six-year, or doctoral degree level who would have qualified for the salary supplement pursuant to the specified State Board of Education policy as it was in effect on June 30, 2013.

Appropriates $500,000 in recurring funds from the General Fund to the Department of Public Instruction to make school social workers eligible to receive education-based salary supplements regardless of whether a master's degree is required for licensure, as provided above.

Effective July 1, 2023, and applies beginning with the 2023-24 school year.