North Carolina 2025 Session Status: Enacted Bipartisan · 25 R · 1 D cosponsors

HB 87 — Educational Choice for Children Act (ECCA).

Last action — Withdrawn From Com

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  1. ✓
    Introduced
  2. ✓
    In Committee
  3. ✓
    Passed House
  4. ✓
    Passed Senate
  5. ✓
    To Executive
  6. 6
    Enacted

This bill has been enacted into law. Introduced February 10, 2025. Enacted.

Signed by Governor Josh Stein (Democratic) on June 03, 2026.

Prognosis

Likely to advance 98% · high confidence

Where this bill stands today.

Odds of enactment

High

How often bills like it became law.

  • Enacted

    Current position in the legislative process.

  • 27 sponsors

    3 primary, 24 co-sponsors signed on.

  • Bipartisan support

    Sponsored across 2 parties (25 R · 1 D) — cross-party backing.

  • Cleared a recorded vote

    Passed 2 recorded votes so far.

Prognosis reads this bill's own signals — stage, sponsorship breadth, committee status, recorded votes and cross-state momentum. Odds come from a model trained on which bills have become law.

In plain language

The bill provides educational choice options for children.

The bill establishes provisions for educational choice, allowing parents to select schools for their children. This includes options beyond traditional public schools.

What this means for you
  • Families: This means families can select educational options that best meet their children's needs.

Bill Text

What changed in the latest version

10 added · 16 removed

Plain-language change summary

The updated version of House Bill 87 adds additional sponsors to the bill, expanding the support for it. This change highlights a broader coalition backing the legislation, which may increase its chances of passing. Additionally, the bill has been revised to clarify its referral process, ensuring it goes through the appropriate committees for review. This matters because a well-supported bill with clear pathways for discussion can lead to more informed decisions and potentially beneficial laws.

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Latest
GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF NORTH CAROLINA SESSION 2025 H 2 HOUSE BILL 87 Committee Substitute Favorable 2/25/25 Short Title:
GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF NORTH CAROLINA SESSION 2025 H 1 HOUSE BILL 87 Short Title:
Representatives N.
Jackson, Biggs, Schietzelt, and Eddins (Primary Sponsors).
For a complete list of sponsors, refer to the North Carolina General Assembly web site.
February 11, 2025 A BILL TO BE ENTITLED AN ACT TO DEVELOP POLICIES TO RESTRICT STUDENT USE OF CELL PHONES IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS.
Education - K-12, if favorable, Judiciary 3, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House February 11, 2025 A BILL TO BE ENTITLED AN ACT TO DEVELOP POLICIES TO RESTRICT STUDENT USE OF CELL PHONES IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS.
SECTION 1.(a) Article 7B of Chapter 115C of the General Statutes is amended by adding a new Part to read:
SECTION 1.
Article 7B of Chapter 115C of the General Statutes is amended by adding a new Part to read:
(b) At the beginning of each school year, governing bodies of public school units shall notify parents of all students enrolled in the public school unit of the Cell Phone-Free Education Policy adopted under subsection (a) of this section.
(b) At the beginning of each school year, governing bodies of public school units shall notify parents of all students enrolled in the public school unit of the Cell Phone-Free Education Policy adopted under subsection (a) of this section." SECTION 2.
(c) The requirements of this section shall not apply to the following:
(1) Remote charter academies as defined in G.S.
115C-218.120.
(2) Remote academies as defined in G.S.
115C-234." SECTION 1.(b) G.S.
115C-77.1 as enacted by this act shall not apply to virtual charter schools participating in the pilot program as authorized by Section 8.35 of S.L.
2014-100, as amended by Section 8.13 of S.L.
2016-94, Section 7.13 of S.L.
2018-5, Section 7.13 of S.L.
2022-74, and Section 7.26 of S.L.
2023-134.
SECTION 2.
*H87-v-2*
*H87-v-1*
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View plain text versions (11)

How this bill changes current law

3 changes Share ↗

AI-generated reading aid from the bill's amendatory text — verify against the official bill.

The amendment allows cell phone use during instructional time under specific conditions.

  • (b) The cell phone-free education policy shall allow student use of cell phones during instructional time as follows: (1) If authorized by a teacher for educational purposes. The governing body may establish parameters to be followed by a teacher in granting authorizations. (2) As required by the student's individualized education program or section 504 (29 U.S.C. § 794) plan. (3) As required to manage a student's health care, in accordance with a documented medical condition.

    This addition permits cell phone usage in classrooms under certain circumstances.

  • Page 1, line 11

    (b) → (c)

    This change updates the numbering of the section following the addition of new text.

  • Page 1, line 14

    (c) → (d)

    This change updates the numbering of the section following the prior number change.

Action History

  1. Withdrawn From Com

  2. Placed on Today's Calendar

  3. Veto Overridden

  4. Ch. SL 2026-6

  5. Veto Overridden

  6. Veto Received from House

  7. Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate

  8. Withdrawn From Cal

  9. Placed On Cal For 04/21/2026

  10. Withdrawn From Cal

  11. Placed On Cal For 04/06/2026

  12. Withdrawn From Cal

  13. Placed On Cal For 03/09/2026

  14. Withdrawn From Cal

  15. Placed On Cal For 02/09/2026

  16. Withdrawn From Cal

  17. Placed On Cal For 01/12/2026

  18. Withdrawn From Cal

  19. Placed On Cal For 12/15/2025

  20. Withdrawn From Cal

  21. Placed On Cal For 11/17/2025

  22. Withdrawn From Cal

  23. Placed On Cal For 10/21/2025

  24. Withdrawn From Com

  25. Placed On Cal For 10/20/2025

  26. Withdrawn From Cal

  27. Re-ref Com On Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House

  28. Placed On Cal For 09/22/2025

  29. Vetoed 08/06/2025

  30. Received from the Governor

  31. Pres. To Gov. 8/1/2025

  32. Ratified

  33. Concurred In S Com Sub

  34. Ordered Enrolled

  35. Reptd Fav Com Substitute

  36. Com Substitute Adopted

  37. Re-ref Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate

  38. Reptd Fav

  39. Placed on Today's Calendar

  40. Amend Adopted A2

  41. Amend Failed A1

  42. Amend Adopted A4

  43. Amend Failed A3

  44. Amend Tabled A5

  45. Amend Tabled A6

  46. Amend Tabled A7

  47. Amend Tabled A8

  48. Amend Tabled A9

  49. Passed 2nd Reading

  50. Passed 3rd Reading

  51. Engrossed

  52. Special Message Sent To House

  53. Special Message Received For Concurrence in S Com Sub

  54. Cal Pursuant 36(b)

  55. Placed On Cal For 07/30/2025

  56. Withdrawn From Com

  57. Re-ref to Finance. If fav, re-ref to Rules and Operations of the Senate

  58. Regular Message Sent To Senate

  59. Regular Message Received From House

  60. Passed 1st Reading

  61. Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate

  62. Amend Adopted A1

  63. Passed 2nd Reading

  64. Passed 3rd Reading

  65. Ordered Engrossed

  66. Reptd Fav

  67. Cal Pursuant Rule 36(b)

  68. Placed On Cal For 03/25/2025

  69. Reptd Fav

  70. Re-ref Com On Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House

  71. Reptd Fav Com Substitute

  72. Re-ref Com On Judiciary 3

  73. Passed 1st Reading

  74. Ref to the Com on Education - K-12, if favorable, Judiciary 3, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House

  75. Filed

Sponsors

Sponsorship breakdown

Export CSV (upgrade) →

3 sponsors · 24 co-sponsors · 152 not signed on · 58 voted No

Sponsors (3)

Co-sponsors (24)

Not signed on (152)

152 members have not signed on to this bill.

Show all 152 →

"Not signed on" means a member has not sponsored or co-sponsored this bill — it does not imply opposition. Members flagged Voted No have a recorded No vote on this bill.

Whip count is in markup. Polling the chamber and every recorded vote this session. Only the first open is slow. It’s instant for you after this. Calling the roll · Tallying · Engrossing

Votes

Veto Override

Passed 73 Yea · 46 Nay · 1 Other
Party YeaNayPresentNot Voting
Republican 67000
Unaffiliated 4300
Democratic 04301
Total 714601
% of votes cast 60%39%0%1%
How each member voted (118)
Member Party Vote
Campbell — Yea
JohnLowery — Yea
Reeder — Yea
CharlesSmith — Nay
vonHaefen — Nay
C. Smith — Yea
F. Jackson — Nay
Abe Jones Democratic Nay
Aisha O. Dew Democratic Nay
Allen Buansi Democratic Nay
Allison A. Dahle Democratic Nay
Amanda P. Cook Democratic Nay
Amber M. Baker Democratic Nay
Amos L. Quick, III Democratic Nay
B. Ray Jeffers Democratic Nay
Becky Carney Democratic Nay
Beth Helfrich Democratic Nay
Brandon Lofton Democratic Nay
Brian Turner Democratic Nay
Bryan Cohn Democratic Nay
Carolyn G. Logan Democratic Nay
Cynthia Ball Democratic Nay
Dante Pittman Democratic Nay
Deb Butler Democratic Nay
Eric Ager Democratic Nay
Garland E. Pierce Democratic Nay
Gloristine Brown Democratic Nay
James Roberson Democratic Nay
Jordan Lopez Democratic Nay
Julia Greenfield Democratic Nay
Kanika Brown Democratic Nay
Laura Budd Democratic Nay
Lindsey Prather Democratic Nay
Marcia Morey Democratic Nay
Maria Cervania Democratic Nay
Mary Belk Democratic Nay
Mike Colvin Democratic Nay
Monika Johnson-Hostler Democratic Nay
Phil Rubin Democratic Nay
Pricey Harrison Democratic Nay
Renée A. Price Democratic Nay
Robert T. Reives, II Democratic Nay
Rodney D. Pierce Democratic Nay
Sarah Crawford Democratic Nay
Shelly Willingham Democratic Not Voting
Terry M. Brown Jr. Democratic Nay
Tim Longest Democratic Nay
Tracy Clark Democratic Nay
Vernetta Alston Democratic Nay
Ya Liu Democratic Nay
Zack Hawkins Democratic Nay
A. Reece Pyrtle, Jr. Republican Yea
Allen Chesser Republican Yea
Anna Ferguson Republican Yea
Ben T. Moss, Jr. Republican Yea
Bill Ward Republican Yea
Blair Eddins Republican Yea
Brenden H. Jones Republican Yea
Brian Biggs Republican Yea
Brian Echevarria Republican Yea
Celeste C. Cairns Republican Yea
Charles W. Miller Republican Yea
Chris Humphrey Republican Yea
Cody Huneycutt Republican Yea
David Willis Republican Yea
Dean Arp Republican Yea
Dennis Riddell Republican Yea
Destin Hall Republican Yea
Diane Wheatley Republican Yea
Donna McDowell White Republican Yea
Donnie Loftis Republican Yea
Donny Lambeth Republican Yea
Dudley Greene Republican Yea
Edward C. Goodwin Republican Yea
Erin Paré Republican Yea
Frank Iler Republican Yea
Harry Warren Republican Yea
Heather H. Rhyne Republican Yea
Howard Penny, Jr. Republican Yea
Hugh Blackwell Republican Yea
Jay Adams Republican Yea
Jeff Zenger Republican Yea
Jeffrey C. McNeely Republican Yea
Jennifer Balkcom Republican Yea
Jerry "Alan" Branson Republican Yea
Jimmy Dixon Republican Yea
John A. Torbett Republican Yea
John M. Blust Republican Yea
John R. Bell, IV Republican Yea
John Sauls Republican Yea
Jonathan L. Almond Republican Yea
Joseph Pike Republican Yea
Julia C. Howard Republican Yea
Karl E. Gillespie Republican Yea
Keith Kidwell Republican Yea
Kelly E. Hastings Republican Yea
Kyle Hall Republican Yea
Larry C. Strickland Republican Yea
Larry W. Potts Republican Yea
Mark Brody Republican Yea
Mark Pless Republican Yea
Matthew Winslow Republican Yea
Mike Schietzelt Republican Yea
Mitchell S. Setzer Republican Yea
Neal Jackson Republican Yea
Paul Scott Republican Yea
Phil Shepard Republican Yea
Ray Pickett Republican Yea
Sam Watford Republican Yea
Sarah Stevens Republican Yea
Stephen M. Ross Republican Yea
Steve Tyson Republican Yea
Ted Davis, Jr. Republican Yea
Todd Carver Republican Yea
Todd Johnson Republican Yea
Tricia Ann Cotham Republican Yea
William D. Brisson Republican Yea
Wyatt Gable Republican Yea

Official roll call →

Second Reading

Passed 30 Yea · 19 Nay · 1 Other
Party YeaNayPresentNot Voting
Republican 26000
Unaffiliated 4400
Democratic 01501
Total 301901
% of votes cast 60%38%0%2%
How each member voted (50)
Member Party Vote
Krawiec — Yea
Perry — Yea
Proctor — Yea
Bode — Nay
Hunt — Nay
Marcus — Nay
Woodard — Nay
P. Newton — Yea
Dan Blue Democratic Nay
DeAndrea Salvador Democratic Nay
Gale Adcock Democratic Nay
Gladys A. Robinson Democratic Not Voting
Graig Meyer Democratic Nay
Jay J. Chaudhuri Democratic Nay
Joyce Waddell Democratic Nay
Julie Mayfield Democratic Nay
Kandie D. Smith Democratic Nay
Lisa Grafstein Democratic Nay
Michael Garrett Democratic Nay
Mujtaba A. Mohammed Democratic Nay
Natalie S. Murdock Democratic Nay
Paul A. Lowe, Jr. Democratic Nay
Sydney Batch Democratic Nay
Val Applewhite Democratic Nay
Amy S. Galey Republican Yea
Benton G. Sawrey Republican Yea
Bill Rabon Republican Yea
Bobby Hanig Republican Yea
Brad Overcash Republican Yea
Brent Jackson Republican Yea
Carl Ford Republican Yea
Danny Earl Britt, Jr. Republican Yea
David W. Craven, Jr. Republican Yea
Eddie D. Settle Republican Yea
Jake Johnson Republican Yea
Jim Burgin Republican Yea
Kevin Corbin Republican Yea
Lisa S. Barnes Republican Yea
Michael A. Lazzara Republican Yea
Michael V. Lee Republican Yea
Norman W. Sanderson Republican Yea
Paul Newton Republican Yea
Phil Berger Republican Yea
Ralph Hise Republican Yea
Steve Jarvis Republican Yea
Timothy D. Moffitt Republican Yea
Tom McInnis Republican Yea
Vickie Sawyer Republican Yea
W. Ted Alexander Republican Yea
Warren Daniel Republican Yea

Official roll call →

Subjects

taxation education
Cross-referencing the record. Reading this bill against every other bill in the corpus by meaning, not keywords. Only the first open is slow. It’s instant for you after this. Matching · Ranking · Engrossing

Frequently asked questions

Who sponsors HB 87?
HB 87 is sponsored by Jennifer Balkcom (Republican), Jonathan L. Almond (Republican), Eric Ager (Democratic), Blair Eddins (Republican), Mike Schietzelt (Republican), Brian Biggs (Republican), Neal Jackson (Republican), Jeff Zenger (Republican), Bill Ward (Republican), Paul Scott (Republican), Dennis Riddell (Republican), A. Reece Pyrtle, Jr. (Republican), Larry W. Potts (Republican), Howard Penny, Jr. (Republican), Ben T. Moss, Jr. (Republican), Jeffrey C. McNeely (Republican), Jarrod Lowery (Republican), Donnie Loftis (Republican), Keith Kidwell (Republican), Frank Iler (Republican), Brian Echevarria (Republican), Campbell, Celeste C. Cairns (Republican), Mark Brody (Republican), Jerry "Alan" Branson (Republican), Hugh Blackwell (Republican), and Mike Clampitt (Republican).
What is the current status of HB 87?
This bill has been enacted into law. Introduced February 10, 2025. Enacted.
Where can I track HB 87?
Track HB 87 free on One Click Politics — get push/email alerts when it moves.

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