House amendment to the 5th edition makes the following changes.

Section 1

Amends GS 115C-150.11 (establishing schools for the deaf and blind) to require the Department of Public Instruction (DPI) include the schools themselves in addition to schools’ employees in coverage for professional liability, worker’s compensation, property and liability insurance policies (was, just professional liability policies) purchased by DPI or its employees. Specifies that in addition to appropriations directed solely to the schools for the deaf and blind, the schools are eligible to: (1) receive the benefit of any regional or statewide systems of support provided by DPI to all public school units and (2) apply for any grants available to all public school units. Directs that the schools for the deaf and blind are not eligible to receive funding allotments for local school administrative units unless otherwise directed by the General Assembly. Makes technical and clarifying changes.  

Section 3

Changes the effective date to July 1, 2025.

Section 6

Applies DPI’s insurance obligations to the schools as described above during the 2024-2025 school year.

Requires the North Carolina Collaboratory (Collaboratory), in consultation with each of the schools, DPI, and the Department of Administration, to study each school's administrative structure, operations, and policies, including the cost and positions needed for the support of the schools and how to optimize operation of that school to maximize the educational outcomes for the school's students and ensure the school's success and independence. Directs the Collaboratory to report its findings, recommendations for each school, and any recommended legislation to the Fiscal Research Division and the specified NCGA committee by no later than March 1, 2025.