NC H7

Requires at least 3 credit hours of instruction in American history or American government to graduate with a baccalaureate degree from UNC system institutions or an associate degree from NC community colleges, effective for students enrolling beginning in the 2026-2027 academic year

Mandates that qualifying courses require students to read eight specific documents in their entirety: the U.S. Constitution, Declaration of Independence, Emancipation Proclamation, at least five Federalist Papers essays, MLK's Letter from Birmingham Jail, the Gettysburg Address, the NC State Constitution, and George Washington's Farewell Address

Requires a cumulative final exam worth at least 20% of the course grade focused on the principles, provisions, and historic contexts of the required documents

Allows exemptions for students who completed equivalent coursework elsewhere, including passing scores on AP, IB, or Cambridge AICE exams, or dual enrollment courses

Requires annual compliance reports to the Joint Legislative Education Oversight Committee by November 15, 2026 and thereafter, with potential consequences including chancellor removal (UNC system) or withdrawal of state support (community colleges) for institutions failing to comply for more than one academic year