NC H482

Establishes a grant program administered by the Outdoor Heritage Advisory Council to fund school-based programs that integrate animals into services for kindergarten through eighth grade students, with focus on at-risk students and students with disabilities.

Allows programs to use animals including dogs, livestock, and other species to support emotional therapy, behavioral modification, career and technical education, and student engagement.

Provides grants of up to $3,000 per local school administrative unit, with a total appropriation of $300,000 in nonrecurring funds for fiscal year 2021-2022.

Requires grant recipients to report on program implementation, student outcomes, and fund usage, with the Outdoor Heritage Advisory Council providing annual reports to the Joint Legislative Education Oversight Committee beginning February 15, 2022.

Becomes effective July 1, 2021.