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Primary Sponsor

Last Action

Re-ref Com On Appropriations2025-04-15

Vote Breakdown

No floor votes recorded.

Plain Language Summary

This bill establishes a four-year pilot program (2025-2029) that provides grants up to $10,000 per year to North Carolina public high schools to create or expand speech and debate teams. The program allocates $500,000 annually to fund coach stipends, competition fees, and travel costs, with participating teams required to join the Tarheel Forensic League and National Speech and Debate Association.

Arguments in Favor

• •Supporters argue this program expands access to competitive speech and debate opportunities, which research suggests improve public speaking, critical thinking, and academic performance.
• •The program helps rural and under-resourced schools that lack funding for these activities, while the $10,000 grant cap and coach stipend limits provide cost-effective implementation.
• •Additionally, allowing students to participate on teams at nearby schools ensures students aren't excluded based on their home school's resources.

Arguments Against

• •Opponents may contend that $500,000 annually is a significant expenditure for a pilot program with uncertain outcomes, and the bill doesn't guarantee measurable academic improvements despite requiring reporting on this metric.
• •Others might argue the program creates logistical challenges for students to travel to different schools and raises questions about whether this is the best use of education funding compared to other academic priorities or school needs.