House Bill 247 - Standards of Student Conduct Summary

• Replaces references to "local boards of education" with "public school unit boards" throughout student discipline statutes to standardize terminology across G.S. Chapter 115C.

• Requires public school unit boards to submit copies of student discipline policies and Codes of Student Conduct to the Department of Public Instruction by September 1 each year.

• Mandates that boards consider federal guidance on discipline of students with disabilities and other U.S. Department of Education guidance when adopting discipline policies.

• Clarifies that absences under G.S. 130A-440 (health-related absences) shall not count as suspensions and students must be given opportunities to complete missed assignments and exams.

• Effective beginning with the 2021-2022 school year, with amendments to discipline policies applying to material changes made on or after July 1, 2021.