H97 - 2015 Appropriations Act, Sec. 8.39: Driver Education Training (SL 2015-241)

Overview: Sec. 8.39 of S.L. 2015-241 requires local boards of education (local boards) to report to the State Board of Education (SBE) by December 15, 2015, on 15 data points related to administration of driver education programs offered by the local school administrative unit (LEA) during the 2012-2013 through 2015-2016 school years. These data points include information on how driver education is provided, cost of the program, fleet maintenance, student participation, outcomes, and fees. The SBE must report to the Joint Legislative Education Oversight Committee (Committee) on the local board information by February 15, 2016.

The Committee must study the provision of driver education by examining information provided from local boards of education to the State Board of Education, as well as certain national and State studies on North Carolina driver education programs. The Committee must make recommendations to the 2016 Regular Session of the 2015 General Assembly on issues related to the provision of driver education, including cost of delivery, fees, parental involvement, involvement of the Division of Motor Vehicles, Department of Transportation, and alternate providers.

Effective July 1, 2016, the purpose of the driver education program must be making available public education to all students on driver education safety and training. If a local board charges a fee for participation, a process for reduction or waiver of the fee must be provided for students unable to pay due to economic hardship. A local board may not transfer funds into the driver education allotment category. These requirements are repealed effective December 31, 2017.

Except as otherwise provided, this section became effective September 18, 2015.