House committee substitute makes the following changes to the 2nd edition.

Part II

Changes the source of appropriated funds. Instead of appropriating $500,000 from the General Fund, directs a transfer of the same amount from the School Bus Replacement Fund to the UNC Board of Governors, Institutional Programs budget code, and appropriates the funds to the BOG to be used as previously specified for the UNC Teacher and Principal Preparation Laboratory School Program.

Part VII

Eliminates the proposed changes to GS 115C-5 to exclude all UNC-operated elementary and secondary schools from the definition of a public school unit. Instead, amends GS 115C-5 to exclude only the NC School of the Arts and the NC School of Science and Math operated by UNC pursuant to GS Chapter 116, Articles 4 and 29, from the definition of a public school unit.

Adds to GS 115C-5 an exclusive list of governing bodies of public schools by type.

Amends GS 115C-238.81 to require the NC Virtual Public School to provide courses at no cost to the NC School of the Arts and the NC School of Science and Math, in addition to the existing requirement to provide the same to public school units, Department of Defense schools, and schools operated by the Bureau of Indian Affairs.

Part VIII

Makes clarifying changes to proposed GS 126-5(c16) regarding the exemption set forth for UNC commissioned police officer positions from the Human Resources Act, except as provided. 

Part XII

Adds the following new content.

Directs the UNC Board of Governors (BOG) to study the feasibility of offering accelerated undergraduate degree programs at constituent institutions consistent with the adopted Strategic Plan for UNC. Details nine factors the BOG must consider in conducting the study, including: (1) the use of online education for certain courses, particularly for general education requirements; (2) the feasibility of increasing summer term options or flexible calendar scheduling; and (3) the potential cost savings for students who enroll in an accelerated degree program. Directs the BOG to report its findings to the specified NCGA committee by March 1, 2021. Effective July 1, 2020.

Part XIII-A

Adds the following.

Reenacts and incorporates by reference the State Budget Act, GS Chapter 143C.

Provides for the continued validity of 2019 legislation appropriating funds to entities covered by the act, unless expressly repealed or amended.

Makes conforming organizational changes. Changes the act's long title.