AN ACT to require gambling addiction education to be provided in public schools.

The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:

SECTION 1.(a)  Part 1 of Article 8 of Chapter 115C of the General Statutes is amended by adding a new section to read:

§ 115C‑81.22.  Gambling addiction education.

Instruction shall be provided in middle school and high school health education courses on the addictive potential of gambling and the costs and consequences of a gambling addiction.

SECTION 1.(b)  G.S. 115C‑218.85(a) is amended by adding a new subdivision to read:

(8)      The school shall provide instruction on the addictive potential of gambling and the costs and consequences of a gambling addiction.

SECTION 1.(c)  G.S. 115C‑238.66(1) is amended by adding a new sub‑subdivision to read:

h.        The board of directors shall ensure that instruction is provided on the addictive potential of gambling and the costs and consequences of a gambling addiction.

SECTION 1.(d)  G.S. 115C‑150.12C is amended by adding a new subdivision to read:

(3b)    Gambling addiction education. – The board of trustees shall ensure that instruction is provided on the addictive potential of gambling and the costs and consequences of a gambling addiction.

SECTION 1.(e)  G.S. 116‑239.8(b)(2) is amended by adding a new sub‑subdivision to read:

f.        The chancellor shall ensure that instruction is provided on the addictive potential of gambling and the costs and consequences of a gambling addiction.

SECTION 1.(f)  Section 6(d) of S.L. 2018‑32, as amended by S.L. 2023‑132, is amended by adding a new subdivision to read:

(3b)    G.S. 115C‑81.22, Gambling Addiction Education.

SECTION 2.  There is appropriated from the General Fund to the Department of Public Instruction the sum of ten thousand dollars ($10,000) in nonrecurring funds to develop standards for gambling education pursuant to this act.

SECTION 3.  This act becomes effective July 1, 2024, and applies beginning with the 2024‑2025 school year.