NC H579

Authorizes school faculty and staff members who possess valid concealed handgun permits to carry handguns on school grounds if they complete 16 hours of active shooter training through the School Faculty Guardian program administered by the North Carolina Criminal Justice Education and Training Standards Commission.

Requires volunteer school faculty guardians to annually submit written notice to the school principal confirming their valid concealed handgun permit and provide evidence of proficiency with their specific handgun and retention system.

Mandates that handguns remain concealed at all times except when responding to acts of violence or imminent threats of violence, defined as physical injury that could lead to permanent injury or death.

Requires annual drug testing for all volunteer school faculty guardians carrying handguns on school grounds.

Allows individual school governing bodies to opt out of the program and prohibit staff members from carrying handguns on school grounds under their control.