Agreement Reached on School Choice, ICE Legislation, and Other Funding Measures

Deal would clear Opportunity Scholarship, ESA+ waitlists and require sheriffs to cooperate with ICE detainers

Legislature will return for votes next week

Raleigh, N.C. — Legislative leaders reached an agreement this week on a proposal to address some funding items, including clearing the Opportunity Scholarship waitlist and public school enrollment increases. The agreement also includes legislation to require local law enforcement cooperation with federal immigration detainers.

“Families across North Carolina made it clear that they want a greater say in their child’s education. Whether you’re a single parent, a young family, or in a military household, educational freedom should be attainable for all,” Senate Leader Phil Berger (R-Rockingham) said. “This agreement addresses the increased demand for Opportunity Scholarships and includes the necessary funding for public school enrollment increases.”

N.C. House Speaker Tim Moore (R-Cleveland) said, “As North Carolina families grapple with rising costs and economic uncertainty thanks to the failed policies of the Biden-Harris administration, it is our responsibility as lawmakers to remain committed to responsible spending and economic growth. This mini-budget agreement will fund our K-12 and community college enrollment growth, clear the Opportunity Scholarship waitlist to expand school choice to all N.C. families, will increase funding to keep our Medicaid system fully funded, and will authorize new rural broadband expansion across the state.”

Speaker Moore continued, “With the inclusion of House Bill 10, we are also reinforcing the rule of law currently ignored by the Biden-Harris administration by requiring sheriffs to cooperate with ICE, strengthening our public safety, and protecting our communities.”

The conference report for House Bill 10 includes $248 million nonrecurring to clear the Opportunity Scholarship waitlist for the current school year, and $215.5 million recurring for scholarship awards in the 2025–26 fiscal year. It also includes $24.7 million recurring to clear the ESA+ waitlist for children with disabilities.

The funding would be retroactive to the beginning of this school year. Families would be eligible for a tuition reimbursement from their school.

Beyond the necessary funding to clear the school choice program waitlists, the agreement includes additional funding for the following:

• $64 million recurring for Community College enrollment growth
• $95 million recurring for K-12 enrollment increases
• $277 million recurring and $100 million nonrecurring for Medicaid
• $55.1 million for infrastructure improvements to support economic development in Chatham County
• $150 million for major transportation improvements at the Randolph County megasite

Additionally, the agreement authorizes a new program to expand high-speed internet in rural communities to ensure every North Carolinian has broadband access.

The Senate will return for votes on Monday, Sept. 9.

A copy of the bill can be found here.