Legislative Building Field Trip Pilot Program
Plain English Summary
This bill creates a two-year pilot program that provides grants to North Carolina public schools to fund field trips to the Legislative Building, with up to $2,000 per school available for transportation costs. The program prioritizes funding for schools in economically disadvantaged counties and requires the Department of Public Instruction to manage applications and report on participation.
Arguments in Favor
Supporters argue this program increases civic engagement by giving students firsthand experience with how state government works, which can strengthen democratic participation and understanding. The program particularly benefits schools in economically disadvantaged tier 1 counties that may lack funding for such educational field trips, promoting equity in educational opportunities across the state.
Arguments Against
Opponents may question whether $1.5 million annually is the most effective use of education funds, noting that only a limited number of schools can participate and the program is temporary. Some may argue that virtual tours or classroom instruction could achieve similar civics education goals at lower cost, or that the funds could address more pressing classroom needs.
AI-generated analysis based on bill text. Always verify with official sources at ncleg.gov. This is not legal or political advice.
Sponsors
Primary Sponsor
Representative · District 27
Primary Sponsor
Representative · District 72
Primary Sponsor
Representative · District 45
Primary Sponsor
Representative · District 33
Cosponsors (24)
Representative · District 18
Representative · District 114
Representative · District 100
Representative · District 42
Representative · District 41
Representative · District 99
Representative · District 30
Representative · District 102
Representative · District 8
Representative · District 49
Representative · District 112
Representative · District 36
Representative · District 61
Representative · District 66
Representative · District 88
Representative · District 11
Representative · District 31
Representative · District 57
Representative · District 60
Representative · District 58
Representative · District 116
Representative · District 34
Representative · District 107
Representative · District 32