Amends GS 14-269.2 by adding new subsection (i2) making the provisions of GS 14-269.2 (prohibiting weapons on school property) inapplicable to a person that is at least 18 years old who carries or possesses, whether openly or concealed, a self-defense device on any property owned, used, or operated by a school of higher education. Restricts schools of higher education from prohibiting a person 18 years of age or older, including staff, students, employees, or other persons lawfully present on school property, from carrying a self-defense device on such property. Defines school of higher education and self-defense device (pepper spray, pepper gel, mace, a taser, ordinary pocket knife, or other similar, nonlethal devices and provides list of excluded devices). Makes conforming change to GS 14-269 making subsection (a) (which makes it unlawful for any person to willfully and intentionally carry certain concealed weapons except when on their own premises) inapplicable to a person concealing a self-defense device in accordance with GS 14-269.2(i2).

Effective December 1, 2026, and applies to offenses committed on or after that date.

Appropriates $10,000 for 2026-27 from the General Fund to the Board of Governors of The University of North Carolina to be used to advertise the above changes to the public, students, and staff at public and private institutions of higher education in NC.

Effective July 1, 2026.