Section 1.

Enlarges the Center for Safer Schools (Center)’s powers and duties under GS 143B-1209.100 to include (1) developing, in consultation with any local or State entity it deems necessary, firearm safety instruction that meets the five listed requirements pertaining to the safe storage and handling of firearms and (2) developing, in consultation with any local or State entity it deems necessary, instruction for students on de-escalation techniques for conflict or other stressful situations that meets the three enumerated requirements. Prohibits the use or presence of live ammunition, live fire, or live firearms in the firearm safety instruction. Requires both courses to be viewpoint neutral and age and grade appropriate.  

Applicable beginning with the 2026-27 school year, adds new GS 115C-105.50 requiring each public school unit to require each school under its control to provide annual instruction on the above courses, beginning in kindergarten. Allows parents to opt-out of either course. Makes conforming change to GS 115C-76.25. Authorizes the Center and the State Board of Education (SBE) to use the temporary rules procedure set forth in the APA to adopt or amend any rules necessary to implement the provisions of this act.

Appropriates $250,000 from the General Fund to the Center for Safer Schools for 2026-27 for the Center to cover any costs associated with developing the courses above. Effective July 1, 2026.

Section 2.

Amends the application process for concealed handguns in GS 14-415.14 so that a clerk of court presented with a release form must conduct an electronic Statewide search for, and promptly disclose to the sheriff, any records concerning the mental health or capacity of the applicant who signed the form and authorized the release of the records. Makes conforming changes to GS 122C-54 (pertaining to disclosure of mental health records under the Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Abuse Act of 1985). Effective December 1, 2026, and applies to applications on or after that date.

No later than December 1, 2026, requires the Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) to develop and implement a process or system that allows for an electronic Statewide search, as described above. Allows the AOC to use any funds available for the implementation or maintenance of eCourts to cover any costs incurred from developing and implementing a process or system in line with the above.

Section 3.

Adds new GS 7A-201 (involuntary commitments) so that if a magistrate or presiding judge over a civil or criminal matter has reasonable grounds to believe a party to a proceeding before the magistrate or judge meets the criteria for involuntary commitment under Part 7 of Article 5 of GS Chapter 122C, the magistrate or judge is vested with the authority to make findings of fact and issue a custody order in the same manner, upon the same grounds, and with the same effect as an order issued by a clerk or magistrate pursuant to GS 122C-261. Specifies that proceedings thereafter are in accordance with Part 7 of Article 5 of GS Chapter 122C. Disqualifies the magistrate or judge from presiding over any other part of the process. Clarifies that except for the disqualification provisions, the statute does not modify a magistrate’s or judges duties under Part 7 of Article 5 of GS Chapter 122C. Makes conforming changes to GS 122C-261 (affidavit and petition before clerk or magistrate when immediate hospitalization is not necessary). Applies to proceedings on or after October 1, 2026.

Section 4.

Appropriates $474,680 funds from the General Fund to the Department of Public Safety for each year of 2026-27 to be allocated to each county in this State in equal amounts to use to fund pilot program co-responder models designed to integrate mental health professionals with law enforcement responding to mental health related calls by people in distress needing assistance. Directs that the funds should be used to hire and integrate within the law enforcement agency of each locality identified below one full-time mental health professional to be paired with law enforcement, either on a dedicated team or as part of a specialized unit, in responding to calls and incidences identified as involving mental health crises or persons with mental health issues. Effective retroactive to July 1, 2025.