Compare Bills

Primary Sponsor

Last Action

Ref To Com On Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House2025-04-14

Vote Breakdown

No floor votes recorded.

Plain Language Summary

This bill requires North Carolina's Department of Public Instruction to develop a plan for providing temporary internet service to public schools during emergencies and establishes a funded Emergency Internet Service Fund. The bill appropriates $3.9 million for the 2025-2026 school year to support this emergency internet access program.

Arguments in Favor

• •Supporters argue this bill addresses a critical need by ensuring schools can maintain educational operations during emergencies when regular internet infrastructure fails due to natural disasters, severe weather, or other crises.
• •They contend that reliable emergency internet access is essential for remote learning, student safety communications, and school operations, and that a dedicated state fund ensures schools don't bear these costs individually.

Arguments Against

• •Opponents may question whether $3.9 million is sufficient for statewide coverage and whether the plan addresses all technical challenges of rapidly deploying internet infrastructure during emergencies.
• •Some may also express concern about the ongoing operational costs beyond the initial appropriation and whether this represents the best use of limited education funding compared to other classroom needs.