House committee substitute amends the 1st edition as follows.

Modifies the proposed changes to GS 115C-12, which adds annual computer science reporting to the duties of the State Board of Education (SBE). Now specifies that the SBE is to annually report to the Joint Legislative Education Oversight Committee. Changes the report due date to November 15 (was, September 15). Amends the required data for each item of the report to include (1) statewide data for the current school year, and the four years prior when data is available, to establish trends in computer science instruction, and (2) data for the current school year for each public school unit, disaggregated by school (previously required for each item statewide data for the most recent year available, and the four years of data prior, when available, and data for each local school administrative unit and charter school, when available). Requires the report to indicate when statewide courses and elective computer science or computational thinking courses are offered on a semester basis by public school units.

Enacts GS 115C-47(65), GS 115C-75.9(o), GS 115C-218.75(i), GS 115C-238.66(17), GS 116-239.8(b)(19), and Section 6(d)(1a) of SL 2018-32, to require local boards of education, innovative schools, charter schools, regional schools, laboratory schools, and renewal school systems to annual report to SBE by September 15 the information required of the new computer science reporting requirement under GS 115C-12.

Changes the act's long title.

House committee substitute amends the 1st edition as follows.

Part I

Modifies the mandate for local school administrative units to offer a school extension learning recovery and enrichment program (program) outside of the instructional calendar, following the 2020-21 school year. Requires the program to be separate and apart from the 2020-21 school year and not an extension of the 2020-21 school year. Amends the requirements for program plans submitted to the Department of Public Instruction (DPI) by local school administrative units. Instead of requiring a six-week program, now requires instruction for at least 150 hours or 30 days. Makes conforming changes. Prohibits instruction on Saturdays. Requires meal service rather than lunch service on each instructional day. More specifically requires transportation services to the school facility housing the program to be provided in accordance with the Plan A requirements for transportation established in the StrongSchoolsNC Public Health Toolkit issued on February 2, 2021. Adds new requirements for (1) time to be built into the instructional day for teachers to provide individual or small group instruction to at-risk students, and (2) in-person social-emotional learning supports for all students in the program.

Regarding employment during the program, adds that the six-month separation from service required for effectiveness under GS 135-1(20) does not apply and instead a one-month separation applies for retirees of the Teachers' and State Employees' Retirement System (TSERS) who retired on or after December 1, 2020, but on or before March 1, 2021, so long as the individual returns as a teacher or other school personnel as a temporary employee on a contract basis for a program pursuant to the act. Makes the provisions regarding school personnel employment within the program expire August 1, 2021. Details the effect of the expiration of the provisions regarding the six-month separation requirement for TSERS members.

Authorizes units to use funds allocated for reading camps for 2020-21 rather than 2021-22 to support the program. Changes the effective date of this provision from July 1, 2021, to the date the act becomes law.

States legislative findings concerning allocations to public school units from the federal Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief II (ESSER II) Fund appropriated in SL 2021-1, and legislative intent to direct the State Board of Education (SBE) to reserve a portion of the remaining funds made available in the ESSER II Fund to meet the emergency needs of the elementary and secondary schools of the State, to be held in reserve by DPI for allocation to local units and charter schools to supper their programs. Directs allocation be prioritized to those units or schools based on need demonstrated by the expenditure of existing federal funding received for COVID-19 related impacts. 

Authorizes local units to allow students who were not enrolled in that unit for the 2020-21 school year to register to participate in the program on a first-come, first-serve basis if space is available after all enrolled students have had the opportunity to register to participate. 

Modifies the reporting requirements. Adds new requirements for local units to report specified data to DPI by September 1, 2021. Now requires DPI to report to the specified NCGA committee by January 15, 2022, rather than October 15, 2021, and include all information submitted by local units and explanations by DPI of program outcomes along with the previously required content.

Part II

Modifies proposed GS 115C-174.23. Adds a new requirement for SBE to determine which grade and core subject areas must have innovative benchmark assessments in order to allow teachers to more frequently measure student learning and address student learning loss throughout the school year. Now requires the State Board of Education to develop innovative benchmark assessments for use by local units (previously required to provide for and require units to implement innovative benchmark assessments). Adds that local units can either use the SBE benchmarks or develop and use their own. 

House committee substitute makes the following changes to the 1st edition.

Makes organizational and clarifying changes to GS 90‑726.2.  Makes a clarifying change in GS 90‑726.3. Makes a technical change to GS 90‑726.12. Amends GS 90‑726.16 to correct a statutory cross reference to GS 90-726.15 (was, GS 90-726.17)

 

Includes whereas clauses. Appropriates $3,628,119 for 2021-22 and $17,972,362 for 2022-23 from the General Fund to the Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center, for the construction of the new Wake Forest Baptist Health Regional Autopsy Center in Winston-Salem. Effective July 1, 2021.

Sets out NCGA findings related to a multiuse trail across Central and Eastern North Carolina. Authorizes the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (Department) to add the portion of the East Coast Greenway traversing North Carolina to the State Parks System and names it the "East Coast Greenway State Trail." Requires the Department to support, promote, encourage, and facilitate the establishment of trail segments on State park lands and on lands of other federal, State, local, and private landowners. Sets out what laws govern on segments that cross property controlled by agencies or owners other than the Division of Parks and Recreation. Excludes this authorization from the requirement that additions be accompanied by adequate appropriations for land acquisition, development, and operations. Allows, however, the State to receive donations of appropriate land and allows purchasing needed lands with existing funds in the Land and Water Fund, the Parks and Recreation Trust Fund, the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund, and other available sources of funding.

Amends GS 7B-101 to include relative in the defined terms used in Subchapter I (Abuse, Neglect, Dependency). Defines the term to mean an individual directly related to the juvenile by blood, marriage, or adoption, including a grandparent, sibling, aunt, or uncle. Makes conforming organizational changes. Makes conforming changes to the statutory reference in GS 7B-1001(a)(5).

More specifically authorizes a juvenile or the juvenile's guardian ad litem to review and request all or part of the information received by the department of social services (DSS) unless prohibited by federal law, as currently generally permitted to examine under GS 7B-302(a1). Adds a new requirement for DSS to provide electronic or written copies of the requested information within a reasonable period of time. 

Enacts new subsections to GS 7B-505 and GS 7B-903.1, which govern juvenile abuse, neglect and dependency custody, hearings and disposition, to require DSS directors to make reasonable efforts to place juvenile siblings who are removed and placed in the nonsecure custody of DSS in the same home, unless doing so would be contrary to the safety or well-being of any of the juvenile siblings. Otherwise, requires the DSS director to make reasonable efforts to provide frequent sibling visitation and ongoing interaction between the juveniles siblings, unless the director documents that frequent visitation or other ongoing interaction between the siblings would be contrary to the safety or well-being of any of the siblings. 

Adds a new requirement to GS 7B-602 to mandate that a copy of the petition alleging juvenile abuse, neglect, or dependency, along with the summons or notice, be provided to each named parent's attorney appointed as provisional counsel by the clerk.

Amends GS 7B-901 to require concurrent permanent plans to be ordered by the court as soon as possible when the court determines that reunification efforts are not required (current law required a permanent plan to be ordered).

Amends GS 7B-904, concerning the court's authority over the parent, guardian, custodian, stepparent, adult member of the juvenile's household, or adult relative entrusted with the juvenile's care regarding treatment of the adjudicated juvenile or treatment of the individual entrusted with the juvenile's care. Modifies the statute's language throughout to refer to an "adult" entrusted with the juvenile's care, rather than an "adult relative." Adds a new subsection which specifies that an individual who has been ordered to comply with a plan of treatment for substance use disorder is not in violation of the terms or conditions of that part of the court's order if he or she is compliant with medication-assisted treatment, as defined. 

Repeals GS 7B-905(b) which requires dispositional orders that remove custody from the parent, guardian or caretaker to direct that the GS 7B-906.1 review hearing be held within 90 days from of the date of the dispositional hearing and, if practicable, set the date and time for the review hearing.

Amends GS 7B-905.1, which requires an order that removes custody of a juvenile from a parent, guardian, or custodian or that continues the juvenile's placement outside the home to provide for visitation that is in the best interests of the juvenile consistent with the juvenile's health and safety, including no visitation. Modifies subsection (d), which requires all parties to be informed of the right to file a motion for review of any visitation plan entered pursuant to the statute if the court retains jurisdiction, to qualify the requirement upon the court also waiving permanency planning hearings. 

Amends GS 7B-906.1(n), which governs review hearings. Modifies the subsection to instead apply and refer to permanency planning hearings. Authorizes the court to waive the holding of required hearings, require written reports to the court by the agency or person holding custody in lieu of permanency planning hearings, or order that permanency planning hearings be held less often than every six months if the court finds evidence of five specified findings by clear and convincing evidence. Bars waiving a hearing if a party files a motion seeking the hearing. Amends subsection (o) to direct that permanency planning hearings under the statute are replaced by post termination of parental rights' placement review hearings when required by GS 7B-908 (currently, excludes post termination of parental rights' placement review hearings from the statute's provisions).

Amends GS 7B-906.2(b) to require elimination of reunification as a plan at any permanency planning hearing where a finding is made that reunification efforts would be unsuccessful or inconsistent with the juvenile's health or safety.

Amends GS 7B-908 to specify the purpose of post termination of parental rights' placement review is to ensure every reasonable effort is being made to provide for the permanent plan (rather than permanent placement plans) for the juvenile who has been placed in the custody of the DSS director or licensed child-placing agency consistent with the juvenile's best interest. Regarding when the court must hold placement review hearings in certain circumstances, more specifically requires placement review by the court within six months from the date of the termination hearing when both parents' parental rights have been terminated by a petition or motion brought by any person or agency, or one parent's right have been terminated and the other parent's rights relinquished, and a DSS director or licensed child-placing agency has custody of the juvenile. Adds that any individual who has executed a relinquishment that is no longer revocable is not a party to the proceeding. Requires the court to affirm the county department's or child placing agency's plan, or order a different plan designated in GS 7B-906.2(a), found to be in the best interests of the child. Authorizes the court to order concurrent permanent plans if in the best interest of the juvenile, and specify efforts that are necessary to accomplish the designated permanent plan in the best interest of the juvenile (current law requires the court to adopt concurrent permanent plans and identify the primary and secondary plan, and allows specifying efforts necessary to accomplish a permanent plan in the best interest of the juvenile).

Enacts GS 7B-910.1(e) to allow a young adult to terminate a voluntary agreement for placement in foster care without a return to court. Requires DSS to file a motion to bring the matter back before the court for resolution when DSS elects to terminate the agreement over the objection of the young adult. 

Amends GS 7B-912(b) to require the court to ask the juvenile whether the juvenile has the juvenile's identification records, educational and medical records, and information about how the juvenile can participate in the foster care 18-21 program, and determine the person or entity to assist the juvenile in obtaining the documents before the juvenile turns 18, at or before the permanency planning hearing immediately following the juvenile's seventeenth birthday and at each permanency planning hearing thereafter (previously required at or before the last scheduled permanency planning hearing, and did not require inquiring about participation in the 18-21 foster care program). Enacts GS 7B-912(b1) to identify six pieces of information DSS must include in its report to the court at every hearing after the juvenile's seventeenth birthday, including DSS's efforts to identify and secure viable placement options for when the juvenile turns 18, a list of appropriate adults who can serve as resources for the juvenile when the juvenile turns 18, and whether DSS has provided information about educational, vocational, or job plans for when the juvenile turns 18.

Amends GS 7B-1000 to no longer include the authority to vacate the court's dispositional order. Authorizes the court to conduct a modification hearing (previously a review hearing) upon motion in the cause or petition, to determine whether the order is in the best interests of the juvenile. Allows modification in light of the changes in the circumstances or needs of the juvenile, as well as address issues raised in the motion that do not require a review or permanency planning hearing under GS 7B-906.1. Adds new provisions to provide for reappointment of the guardian ad litem and attorney advocate if released, and provisional counsel for respondent parents if released. Bars hearing the motion for modification until the guardian ad litem and the attorney advocate have been reappointed. Details procedure for service and notice, and entering of the order. 

Adds a new requirement to GS 7B-1101.1 to mandate that a copy of the summons and petition for the termination of parental rights be provided to each named parent's attorney appointed as provisional counsel by the clerk.

Amends GS 7B-2901(b), concerning records maintained by the Director of the Department of Social Services of cases of juveniles under protective custody by the Department or under placement by the court, to more specifically authorize a juvenile or the juvenile's guardian ad litem to review the record and request all or part of the record unless prohibited by federal law (previously authorized to examine the records). Adds a new requirement for electronic or written copies of the requested information to be provided within a reasonable period of time. 

Repeals GS 7B-3807, which adopts and enacts the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children.

Effective October 1, 2021. 

Part I

Amends GS 14-269.2, which prohibits weapons on campus or other educational property, with listed exceptions. Adds a new subsection providing that the statute does not apply to a person with valid concealed handgun permit, or a person who is exempt from obtaining a permit, if: (1) the person possesses and carries a handgun on educational property that is a 14 nonpublic school; (2) the educational property is the location of both a school and a building that is a place of religious worship; (3) the weapon is a handgun; (4) the handgun is only possessed and carried on educational property outside of the school operating hours; and (5) the person(s) in legal possession or control of the premises must not have posted a conspicuous notice prohibited the carrying of a concealed handgun on the premises in accordance with GS 14-415.11(c). Applies to offenses committed on or after December 1, 2021.

Part II

Amends GS 14-415.16 to require rather than allow sheriffs to waive the requirement of taking another firearms safety and training course if a concealed carry permittee applies for permit renewal no more than 60 days after permit expiration. Adds new provisions to require sheriffs to waive the same requirement if the permittee applies for permit renewal after 60 days but within 180 days of permit expiration, if the permittee completes and submits documentation of completion of a refresher course on the state laws governing firearm use and safety certified or sponsored by the NC Criminal Justice Education and Training Standards Commission (Commission), the National Rifle Association (NRA), or a law enforcement agency, college, institution or organization, or firearms training school, taught by instructors certified by the Commission or the NRA.

Applies to renewal applications submitted on or after October 1, 2021.

Part III

Amends GS 14-415.27 to allow a person with a concealed handgun permit to carry a concealed handgun in a law enforcement facility if the person is employed by a law enforcement agency who (1) is not a law enforcement officer sworn and certified pursuant to Article 1 of GS Chapter 17C or GS Chapter 17E, (2) has been designated in writing by the head of the law enforcement agency in charge of the facility, (3) has in the person's possession written proof of the designation, and (4) has not had the designation rescinded. Applies to offenses committed on or after July 1, 2021.

Part IV

Amends GS 14-269 to add to the persons exempted from the prohibition against carrying concealed weapons. Exempts emergency medical services personnel while on duty who are deployed as part of their official duties providing tactical medical assistance to law enforcement operations in an emergency situation. Qualifies the exemption of medical services personnel upon the completion of an approved tactical medical assistance course for supporting law enforcement operations. Details course requirements and also requires the course to be certified or sponsored by at least one of the following: the NC Criminal Justice Education and Training Standards Commission (Commission); the National Rifle Association (NRA); or a law enforcement agency, college, institution or organization, or firearms training school taught by instructors certified by the Commission or the NRA. Requires every instructor of an approved course to file course information, including proof of certification, annually with the Commission, or following any course modification.

Applies to offenses committed on or after December 1, 2021.

Includes whereas clauses.

Part I

Amends GS 115C-12 to require the State Board of Education to ensure 100% muscadine grape juice (muscadine grape juice) is available in all public schools as part of the school's nutrition program or through the school's vending facilities. Enacts GS 115C-264.5, GS 115C-218.75(i), GS 115C-238.66(17), and GS 116-239.8(b)(4)c. to require local boards of education, charter schools, regional schools, and laboratory schools to charge these entities with the same duty to ensure muscadine grape juice is available to students as part of the school's nutrition program or through the school's vending facilities. Applies beginning with the 2021-22 school year. 

Similarly, amends GS 115D-20 to require the State Board of Community Colleges to make available muscadine grape juice as a beverage option in the operation of the community college's vending facilities. Enacts GS 116-43.25 to require UNC constituent institutions to make muscadine grape juice available as a beverage option in the operation of the institution's vending facilities. Applies beginning with the 2021-22 academic year.

Part II

States legislative findings concerning the importance of the availability of fresh produce and products to NC children and its benefit to NC farmers and food processors. 

Directs the Food Distribution Division of the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (DACS) to revise its bidding, procurement, and ordering procedures for the Farm to School Program to include fruit and fruit products to the list of those made available to school nutrition programs by December 1, 2021. Requires the fruit or fruit product producer to be a participant in the Got To Be NC marketing program, and requires that the fruit or fruit product meet all nutritional and packaging requirements for foods supplied to school nutrition programs under federal and State law. Directs DACS to provide an interim report by September 1, 2021, and a final report by January 1, 2022, to the specified NCGA committee and division.

Includes whereas clauses. Enacts GS 103-16 as title indicates. 

Directs the NC Building Code Council (Council) to amend the Residential Code for One- and Two-Family Dwellings in order to permit dimension lumber that has not been grade-stamped under the authority of a lumber grading bureau to be used in the construction of one-and two-family dwellings, so long as three criteria are met: (1) that the lumber is sold directly by the sawmill owner or employee to the dwelling owner or owner's authorized representative; (2) the dimension lumber meets or exceeds all other Code requirements; and (3) that the appropriate code enforcement official reviews the dwelling's framing to ensure it meets all other requirements, with immunity from civil and professional liability for structural failure resulting from the use of dimension lumber. Authorizes the Council to issue temporary implementing rules. Sunsets the act when the Council issues permanent rules substantially similar to the act's provisions and notifies the Codifier of Statutes.