S257 - 2026 Appropriations Act. (SL 2026-41)

• A review of existing voluntary open enrollment and freedom of choice plans.
• Considerations for implementing mandatory open enrollment plans including the following:
  • The number of enrollment periods a mandatory open enrollment plan should have in a year.
  • Types of application processes.
  • How school capacity issues should be addressed and communicated to parents, including waitlist options.
  • Transportation options for students when they choose a school other than their assigned base school.
  • Reasons a local school administrative unit could deny a request under a mandatory open enrollment plan.
  • Any appeals processes that would be available for denials of requests of school assignment under a mandatory open enrollment plan.

The North Carolina Collaboratory must report its findings, including any recommended legislation, to the Joint Legislative Education Oversight Committee by June 1, 2027.

This section became effective July 1, 2026.