Title: H803 [Filed]
Category: Bill Draft

General Assembly of North Carolina	Session 2013

GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF NORTH CAROLINA
SESSION 2013
H	D
HOUSE DRH30394-MKf-116  (03/28)

Short Title:	Healthy and High Performance Schools Act. | (Public)
Sponsors: | Representatives Harrison, McGrady, Glazier, and Carney (Primary Sponsors).
Referred to: |

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT to enact the healthy and high performance schools act of 2013.
The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:
SECTION 1.  This act may be cited as the "Healthy and High Performance Schools Act of 2013."
SECTION 2.  Chapter 115C of the General Statutes is amended by adding a new Article to read:
"Article 17A.
"Healthy Schools.
"Part 1. Definitions; Establishment of Healthy Schools Fund.
"§ 115C‑270.1.  Definitions.
The following definitions apply in this Article:
(1)	Healthy Schools Fund. – The fund established in G.S. 115C‑270.2.
(2)	Healthy Youth and Schools Commission. – The body established in G.S. 115C‑270.25.
(3)	Locally grown. – Grown in North Carolina or a contiguous state.
(4)	Locally processed. – Processed at a facility in North Carolina or a contiguous state.
(5)	Meals. – Breakfast, lunch, or after‑school snacks served at public schools.
(6)	Moderate to vigorous physical activity. – Movement resulting in a substantially increased heart rate and increased rate of breathing.
(7)	Sustainable agriculture. – An integrated system of plant and animal production practices having a site‑specific application that will, over the long‑term, do the following:
a.	Satisfy human food and fiber needs.
b.	Enhance environmental quality and the natural resource base upon which the agricultural economy depends.
c.	Make the most efficient use of nonrenewable resources and on‑farm resources and integrate, where appropriate, natural biological cycles and controls.
d.	Sustain the economic viability of farm operations.
e.	Enhance the quality of life for farmers and society as a whole.
(8)	Unprocessed. – Foods that are nearest their whole, raw, and natural state and contain no artificial flavors or colors, synthetic ingredients, chemical preservatives, or dyes. Food that undergoes any of the following processes shall be deemed to be unprocessed:
a.	Cooling, refrigerating, or freezing.
b.	Size adjustment through size reduction made by peeling, slicing, dicing, cutting, chopping, shucking, or grinding.
c.	Drying or dehydration.
d.	Washing.
e.	The application of high water pressure or cold pasteurization.
f.	Packaging, such as placing eggs in cartons, and vacuum packing and bagging, such as placing vegetables in bags.
g.	Butchering livestock, fish, or poultry.
h.	The pasteurization of milk.
"§ 115C‑270.2.  Establishment of the Healthy Schools Fund.
(a)	There is established as a nonreverting fund the Healthy Schools Fund. The Fund shall be used solely as provided in subsection (b) of this section and administered by the State Board of Education. The Fund shall be funded by annual appropriations which shall be deposited into the Fund.
(b)	The Fund shall be used as follows:
(1)	To provide additional funding for healthy school meals, the State Board of Education shall reimburse public schools as follows:
a.	Ten cents (10¢) for each breakfast meal served that meets the requirements of G.S. 115C‑270.4 and G.S. 115C‑270.5.
b.	Ten cents (10¢) for each lunch meal served that meets the requirements of G.S. 115C‑270.4 and G.S. 115C‑270.5.
(2)	To eliminate the reduced price co‑payment under G.S. 115C‑270.5(b)(1), the State Board of Education shall reimburse public schools forty cents (40¢) for each lunch meal served to students who qualify for reduced price meals.
(3)	To provide resources to implement the school breakfast program under G.S. 115C‑270.5(a)(2), for the 2013‑2014 school year, the State Board of Education shall provide seven dollars ($7.00) per student to public schools in which more than forty percent (40%) of students qualify for free or reduced price meals.
(4)	To encourage schools to serve local foods, the State Board of Education shall provide an additional five cents (5¢) per lunch meal reimbursement to public schools and public charter schools when at least one component of a reimbursable lunch meal is comprised entirely of locally grown and unprocessed foods; provided, that the schools report the name and address of the farms where the locally grown foods were grown to the Department of Public Instruction.
(5)	To increase physical activity in schools, the State Board of Education shall make grants available through a competitive process to public schools and public charter schools; provided, that schools shall meet the requirements of G.S. 115C‑270.14 and seek to increase the amount of physical activity in which their students engage.
(6)	To support school gardens, the State Board of Education shall make grants available through a competitive process to public schools and other organizations.
(c)	The State Board of Education may, by rule, increase the amounts, as set forth in subsection (b) of this section, to further improve the quality and nutrition of school meals.
(d)	The State Board of Education may withhold local funds provided by subsection (b) of this section from public schools and public charter schools that do not meet the requirements of G.S. 115C‑270.4, 115C‑270.5, 115C‑270.7, and 115C‑270.8.
"Part 2. School Nutrition.
"§ 115C‑270.3.  Goals.
(a)	Public schools shall serve healthy and nutritious meals to students. Schools are strongly encouraged to consider serving vegetarian food options each week.
(b)	Public schools are strongly encouraged to participate in the United States Department of Agriculture's HealthierUS School Challenge program and achieve Gold Award Level certification.
"§ 115C‑270.4.  Nutritional standards for school meals.
(a)	All breakfast and lunch meals shall meet or exceed the federal nutritional standards set forth in applicable State and federal law.
(b)	In addition to the requirements of subsection (a) of this section, breakfast and lunch meals served to students in each public school shall meet or exceed:
(1)	Each of the following nutritional requirements per serving:
a.	Saturated fat: fewer than ten percent (10%) of total calories.
b.	Trans fat: zero grams.
c.	Sodium:
1.	For breakfast meals:
I.	Less than 430 milligrams for grades kindergarten through five.
II.	Less than 470 milligrams for grades six through eight.
III.	Less than 500 milligrams for grades nine through 12.
2.	For lunch meals:
I.	Less than 640 milligrams for grades kindergarten through five.
II.	Less than 710 milligrams for grades six through eight.
III.	Less than 740 milligrams for grades nine through 12.
These requirements shall not apply until August 1, 2022. Schools shall gradually reduce the amount of sodium served in school meals.
(2)	The serving requirements of the United States Department of Agriculture's HealthierUS School Challenge program at the Gold Award Level for vegetables, fruits, whole grains, milk, and other foods served in school meals, as may be revised from time to time, notwithstanding any termination of the program.
(c)	The State Board of Education may adopt standards that exceed the requirements of this section.
"§ 115C‑270.5.  Additional requirements for public school meals.
(a)	(1)	Public schools shall offer free breakfast to all students.
(2)	If more than forty percent (40%) of the students at a school qualify for free or reduced price meals:
a.	An elementary school shall offer breakfast in the classroom each day.
b.	A middle or high school shall offer alternative serving models, such as breakfast in the classroom or grab‑and‑go carts, each day to increase breakfast participation.
(b)	Schools shall do each of the following:
(1)	Not charge students for meals if the students qualify for reduced price meals.
(2)	Provide meals that meet the dietary needs of children with diagnosed medical conditions, as required by a physician.
(3)	Solicit input from students, faculty, and parents, through taste tests, comment boxes, surveys, a student nutrition advisory council, or other means regarding nutritious meals that appeal to students.
(4)	Promote healthy eating to students, faculty, staff, and parents.
(5)	Provide at least 30 minutes for students to eat lunch.
(6)	Participate in federal nutritional and commodity foods programs whenever possible.
(c)	Public schools are encouraged to make cold, filtered water available free to students, through water fountains or other means, when meals are served to students in school.
"§ 115C‑270.6.  Central kitchen.
Each local school administrative unit shall establish a central facility to:
(1)	Prepare, process, grow, and store healthy and nutritious foods for schools and nonprofit organizations.
(2)	Support nutrition education programs.
(3)	Provide job training programs for students and other persons.
"§ 115C‑270.7.  Public disclosure.
(a)	Food service providers shall provide the following information to public schools:
(1)	The menu for each breakfast and lunch meal served.
(2)	The nutritional content of each menu item.
(3)	The ingredients for each menu item.
(4)	The location where fruits and vegetables served in schools are grown and processed and whether growers are engaged in sustainable agriculture practices.
(b)	Public schools shall make the following information available to students and parents:
(1)	Public schools shall post the information provided to them under subsection (a) of this section in the school's office and online if the school has a Web site.
(2)	Public schools shall inform families that vegetarian food options and milk alternatives are available upon request.
"§ 115C‑270.8.  Healthy vending, fund‑raising, and prizes in public schools.
(a)	Except as provided by subsection (b) of this section, all beverages and snack foods provided by or sold in public schools, whether through vending machines, fund‑raisers, snacks, after‑school meals, or other means, shall meet the requirements of the United States Department of Agriculture's HealthierUS School Challenge program at the Gold Award Level for competitive foods, as may be revised from time to time and notwithstanding any termination of the HealthierUS School Challenge program.
(b)	The requirements of subsection (a) of this section shall not apply to:
(1)	Food and drinks available only to faculty and staff members; however, school employees shall be encouraged to model healthy eating.
(2)	Food provided at no cost by parents.
(3)	Food sold or provided at official after‑school events.
(4)	Adult education programs.
(c)	The State Board of Education may adopt standards that exceed the requirements set forth in subsections (a) and (b) of this section.
(d)	Foods and beverages sold in public school stores shall meet the requirements of subsection (a) of this section.
(e)	Public schools shall not permit third parties other than school‑related organizations and school meal service providers to sell foods or beverages of any type to students on school property from 90 minutes before the school day begins until 90 minutes after the school day ends.
(f)	Foods and beverages that do not meet the nutritional requirements of subsection (a) of this section shall not be used as incentives, prizes, or awards in schools, or advertised or marketed in public schools through posters, signs, book covers, scoreboards, supplies, equipment, or other means.
(g)	After first issuing a warning, the State Board of Education may impose a penalty, not to exceed five hundred dollars ($500.00) per day paid to the Healthy Schools Fund, on public schools that violate this section, subject to the right to a hearing requested within 10 days after the notice of imposition of the penalty is sent.
"§ 115C‑270.9.  Triennial review.
The Healthy Youth and Schools Commission shall review school nutrition and the requirements of this Article at least every three years and recommend improvements to the State Board of Education.
"Part 3. Farm‑to‑School Program.
"§ 115C‑270.10.  Local food sourcing, reimbursement, and education.
Schools shall serve locally grown, locally processed, and unprocessed foods from growers engaged in sustainable agriculture practices whenever possible. Preference shall be given to fresh, unprocessed agricultural products grown in North Carolina or contiguous states.
"§ 115C‑270.11.  Programs.
The Department of Public Instruction shall, in conjunction with the Department of Health and Human Services, the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, community organizations, food service providers, and public schools, develop programs to promote the benefits of purchasing and eating locally grown and unprocessed foods that are from growers engaged in sustainable agriculture practices. At a minimum, the Department of Public Instruction shall conduct at least one program per year, such as an annual local flavor week or a harvest of the month program, in collaboration with other agencies and nonprofit organizations.
"§ 115C‑270.12.  Mandatory reporting.
On or before September 30 of each year, the State Board of Education shall submit to the General Assembly a comprehensive report on the farm‑to‑school initiatives and recommendations for improvement.
"Part 4. Physical and Health Education."§ 115C‑270.13.  Physical activity goals.
(a)	It is the goal of the State for children to engage in physical activity for 60 minutes each day.
(b)	Public schools and public charter schools shall promote this goal.
(c)	Public schools and public charter schools shall seek to maximize physical activity by means including the following:
(1)	Extending the school day.
(2)	Encouraging students to walk or bike to school.
(3)	Promoting active recess.
(4)	Including physical activity in after‑school activities.
(5)	Supporting athletic programs.
(6)	Integrating movement into classroom instruction.
"§ 115C‑270.14.  Physical and health education requirements.
(a)	Public schools and public charter schools shall provide physical education as follows:
(1)	For students in kindergarten through grade five:
a.	School years 2013‑2014 to 2016‑2017: an average of at least 30 minutes per week or the same level of physical education as provided in school year 2012‑2013, whichever is greater.
b.	School year 2017‑2018 and after: an average of at least 150 minutes per week.
(2)	For students in grades six through eight:
a.	School years 2013‑2014 to 2016‑2017: an average of at least 45 minutes per week or the same level of physical education as provided in school year 2012‑2013, whichever is greater.
b.	School year 2017‑2018 and after: an average of at least 225 minutes per week.
(3)	At least fifty percent (50%) of physical education class time shall be devoted to actual physical activity, with as much class time as possible spent in moderate to vigorous physical activity.
(b)	Public schools and public charter schools shall provide health education to students in grades kindergarten through eight as follows:
(1)	School years 2013‑2014 to 2016‑2017: an average of at least 15 minutes per week or the same level of health education as provided in school year 2012‑2013, whichever is greater.
(2)	School year 2017‑2018 and after: an average of at least 75 minutes per week.
(c)	The Department of Public Instruction shall consider ways to expand physical education in high schools.
(d)	The physical education and health education required by this section shall meet the curricular standards adopted by the State Board of Education.
"§ 115C‑270.15.  Additional requirements.
(a)	A student with disabilities shall have suitably adapted physical education incorporated as part of the individualized education program developed for the student. With a written note from a physician, public schools and public charter schools may provide suitably adapted physical education for any other student with special needs that preclude the student from participating in regular physical education instruction.
(b)	Requiring or withholding physical activity shall not be used to punish students; provided, that students who are not wearing appropriate athletic clothing may be prohibited from participating in physical activity until properly dressed.
"§ 115C‑270.16.  Mandatory reporting.
Beginning in 2013, on or before September 30 of each year, the State Board of Education shall report to the General Assembly annually regarding:
(1)	Compliance of public schools and public charter schools with the physical and health education requirements in this title.
(2)	Student achievement with respect to health and physical education standards.
"Part 5. Environment.
"§ 115C‑270.17.  Environmental programs office.
(a)	(1)	An environmental programs office is established in the Department of Public Instruction. The office shall:
a.	Contract with vendors to recycle all materials required by law at all public schools, including food services, by December 31, 2013, and provide technical assistance to public charter schools about recycling.
b.	Develop a master recycling plan for public schools on or before December 31, 2013, to reach a systemwide diversion rate of forty‑five percent (45%) by August 1, 2018.
c.	Analyze utility usage at each public school and develop a plan to reduce that amount by twenty percent (20%) on or before August 1, 2018.
d.	Establish an integrated pest management program.
e.	Test drinking water in public schools for lead and promptly take any remedial action required.
f.	Comply with the Environmental Protection Agency's Lead: Renovation, Repair, and Painting Program.
g.	Post the results of its environmental testing online.
h.	Promote the Environmental Protection Agency's Indoor Air Quality Tools for Schools Program to reduce exposure to environmental factors that impact asthma among children and adults in public schools.
(2)	The contracts under sub‑subdivision (1)a. of this subsection shall be negotiated to provide a financial incentive to reduce the amount of waste created in public schools and, when possible, to increase diversion rates in public schools.
(b)	Local school administrative units shall:
(1)	Use environmentally friendly cleaning supplies in public schools; provided, that the agency may exhaust its current supply of conventional cleaners.
(2)	Prepare and transmit to the Department of Public Instruction and the Healthy Youth and Schools Commission on or before December 31, 2013, a plan to use sustainable products in serving meals to students.
(c)	On or before December 31, 2013, the State Board of Education shall prepare and transmit to the General Assembly a comprehensive report describing the implementation of recycling, composting, energy reduction, pest management, air quality, and environmentally friendly cleaning supplies programs in public schools. The report shall include:
(1)	A thorough, school‑by‑school breakdown of the waste stream in public schools, including tonnages, components, and diversion rates.
(2)	Baseline energy usage, an analysis of usage patterns, and savings achieved.
(3)	Recommendations and a time line for further implementing these programs.
(4)	A proposal for recognizing and rewarding schools that significantly improve their environmental portfolio.
"§ 115C‑270.18.  Environmental literacy plan.
The Department of Public Instruction, in conjunction with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, shall develop an environmental literacy plan for public schools and public charter schools.
"§ 115C‑270.19.  School Gardens Program.
(a)	A School Gardens Program is established within the Department of Public Instruction. The School Gardens Program shall:
(1)	Coordinate the efforts of community organizations, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, and the public schools to establish gardens as integral components of public schools and public charter schools.
(2)	Establish and convene a Garden Advisory Committee, composed of community organizations and other interested persons.
(3)	Collect data on the location and types of gardens in public schools and public charter schools.
(4)	Provide horticultural guidance and technical assistance to public schools and public charter schools.
(5)	Coordinate curricula for school gardens and related projects.
(6)	Provide training, support, and assistance for gardens established in public schools and public charter schools.
(b)	On or before June 30, 2014, the School Gardens Program shall issue a report to the State Board of Education about the state of school gardens in North Carolina, plans for expanding them, and recommendations for improving the program.
(c)	The University of North Carolina shall assist the School Gardens Program by providing technical expertise, curricula, and soil testing for school gardens.
(d)	As permitted by federal law, when tests show that the soil is safe and when produce is handled safely, produce grown in school gardens may be identified and served to students at the school, including in the cafeteria. Produce grown in school gardens may be sold and the proceeds from such sales shall be expended for the benefit of the public school where the produce was grown.
(e)	School gardens shall include a demonstration compost pile when feasible.
"Part 6. Health and Wellness.
"§ 115C‑270.20.  Local wellness policies.
(a)	As required by federal law, each local school administrative unit shall collaborate with parents, students, food service providers, and community organizations to develop, adopt, and update a comprehensive local wellness policy. Local wellness policies shall be revised at least once every three years.
(b)	Local wellness policies shall include the following:
(1)	The requirements set forth in federal law.
(2)	Goals for:
a.	Improving the environmental sustainability of schools.
b.	Increasing the use of locally grown, locally processed, and unprocessed foods from growers engaged in sustainable agriculture practices.
c.	Increasing physical activity.
(c)	Public schools and public charter schools shall promote their local wellness policy to faculty, staff, parents, and students. A copy shall be:
(1)	Posted on each school's Web site, if it has one.
(2)	Distributed to food service staff members.
(3)	Distributed to the school's parent/teacher organization, if it has one.
(4)	Made available in each school's office.
(d)	The Department of Public Instruction shall review each local wellness policy to ensure that it complies with federal requirements and shall examine whether schools comply with State policies.
"§ 115C‑270.21.  School health profiles.
(a)	On or before January 15 of each year, each public school and public charter school shall submit the following information to the Department of Public Instruction regarding each of its schools:
(1)	Health programs:
a.	Whether the school has full‑time, part‑time, or no nurse coverage.
b.	The name and contact information of the school's nurse.
c.	Whether the school has a school‑based mental health program or offers similar services on site.
d.	Whether there is a certified health teacher on staff.
e.	Whether there is a school‑based health center.
(2)	Nutrition programs:
a.	The name of the school's food service vendor.
b.	Whether the school's meals meet the nutritional standards required by federal and State laws and policies.
c.	Where the information required by G.S. 115C‑270.7 can be found.
d.	Whether the school participates in the farm‑to‑school program under G.S. 115C‑270.10.
e.	Whether the school participates in the School Gardens Program under G.S. 115C‑270.19.
(3)	Physical and health education:
a.	The average amount of weekly physical education that students receive in each grade.
b.	The average amount of weekly health education that students receive in each grade.
c.	How the school promotes physical activity.
(4)	Wellness policy:
a.	Whether the school is in compliance with its local wellness policy.
b.	Where a copy of the school's local wellness policy can be found.
(b)	The State Board of Education may, by rule, change the information, as set forth in subsection (a) of this section, to be included in the healthy schools profile form.
(c)	On or before January 15 of each year, each public school and public charter school shall post the information required by subsection (a) of this section online if the school has a Web site and make the form available to parents in its office.
(d)	The Department of Public Instruction shall post the information required by subsection (a) of this section on its Web site within 14 days of receipt.
"§ 115C‑270.22.  School health centers.
(a)	The Department of Health and Human Services, in conjunction with local school administrative units, charter schools, and the Department of Public Instruction, shall develop a plan to establish and operate school health centers in public schools and public charter schools on or before December 31, 2018.
(b)	The plan shall include the following:
(1)	A needs assessment to determine where school health centers shall be located, including a justification for any determination that a school health center is not needed at a public high school.
(2)	A proposal for financial sustainability for the school health centers.
(c)	The plan shall be submitted to the General Assembly on or before December 31, 2013.
"§ 115C‑270.23.  School nurses.
The square footage of a nurse's suite shall not be a determining factor as to whether or not a school nurse is placed at a public charter school; provided, that all other conditions as required by the Department of Health and Human Services are met.
"Part 7. Healthy Youth and Schools Commission.
"§ 115C‑270.24.  Establishment of the Healthy Youth and Schools Commission.
(a)	There is established the Healthy Youth and Schools Commission with the purpose of advising the State Board of Education and the General Assembly on health, wellness, and nutritional issues concerning youth and schools in the State, including:
(1)	School meals.
(2)	Farm‑to‑school programs.
(3)	Physical activity and physical education.
(4)	Health education.
(5)	Environmental programs.
(6)	School gardens.
(7)	Sexual health programming.
(8)	Chronic disease prevention.
(9)	Emotional, social, and mental health services.
(10)	Substance abuse.
(11)	Violence prevention.
(b)	Specific functions of the Commission shall include the following:
(1)	Advising on the operations of all State and local health, wellness, and nutrition programs.
(2)	Reviewing and advising on the best practices in health, wellness, and nutrition programs across the United States.
(3)	Recommending standards, or revisions to existing standards, concerning the health, wellness, and nutrition of youth and schools in the State.
(4)	Advising on the development of an ongoing program of public information and outreach programs on health, wellness, and nutrition.
(5)	Making recommendations on enhancing the collaborative relationship between the State, the federal government, The University of the North Carolina, local nonprofit organizations, private colleges and universities, and the private sector in connection with health, wellness, and nutrition.
(6)	Identifying gaps in funding and services, or methods of expanding services to the public.
(7)	Engaging students in improving health, wellness, and nutrition in schools.
(c)	On or before September 30 of each year, the Commission shall submit to the State Board of Education a comprehensive report on the health, wellness, and nutrition of youth and schools in the State. The report shall:
(1)	Explain the efforts made within the preceding year to improve the health, wellness, and nutrition of youth and schools in the State.
(2)	Discuss the steps that other states have taken to address the health, wellness, and nutrition of youth and schools.
(3)	Make recommendations about how to further improve the health, wellness, and nutrition of youth and schools in the State.
"§ 115C‑270.25.  Composition and organization of the Commission.
(a)	The Commission shall be composed of 13 members appointed by the State Board of Education who are experts in health, wellness, or nutrition; parents; teachers; or students.
(b)	Members shall serve three‑year staggered terms on the Commission. Of the initial appointees, four shall be appointed to serve three‑year terms, three shall be appointed to serve two‑year terms, and three shall be appointed to serve one‑year terms.
(c)	The State Board of Education shall designate one member of the Commission to serve as its chair.
(d)	A member shall serve for no more than two consecutive full terms.
(e)	Unless excused by the chair, any member who fails to attend three consecutive meetings shall be deemed to be removed from the Commission, creating a vacancy.
"§ 115C‑270.26.  Rules of procedure.
(a)	The chair of the Commission, or a designee who shall be a member of the Commission, shall convene all meetings of the Commission. Seven members of the Commission shall constitute a quorum. Voting by proxy shall not be permitted.
(b)	All meetings, reports, and recommendations shall be a matter of public record.
(c)	The Commission shall establish its meeting schedule; provided, that the Commission shall meet at least four times during each calendar year.
(d)	The Commission may establish subcommittees as needed. Subcommittees may include persons who are not members of the Commission; provided, that each subcommittee shall be chaired by a Commission member.
"§ 115C‑270.27.  Administration.
Subject to appropriations, the Department of Public Instruction shall provide administrative and technical support to the Commission as necessary.
"Part 8. Green Cleaning Supplies.
"§ 115C‑270.28.  Legislative findings.
The General Assembly makes the following findings:
(1)	Children are vulnerable to and may be severely affected by exposure to chemicals, hazardous waste, and other environmental hazards.
(2)	The United States Environmental Protection Agency estimates that human exposure to indoor air pollutants can be two to five times and up to 100 times higher than outdoor levels.
(3)	Children, teachers, janitors, and other staff members spend a significant amount of time inside school buildings and are continuously exposed to chemicals from cleaners, waxes, deodorizers, and other maintenance products.
"§ 115C‑270.29.  Use of green cleaning supplies.
(a)	When it is economically feasible, all elementary and secondary public schools and all elementary and secondary nonpublic schools with 50 or more students shall establish a green cleaning policy and exclusively purchase and use environmentally sensitive cleaning products pursuant to the guidelines and specifications established under G.S. 115C‑270.30.
(b)	If adopting a green cleaning policy under this section is not economically feasible, the school must provide, until such time that it is economically feasible, annual written notification to the Healthy Youth and Schools Commission on a form provided by the Healthy Youth and Schools Commission that the development and implementation of a green cleaning policy is not economically feasible.
(c)	For purposes of this section, adopting a green cleaning policy is not economically feasible if adopting the policy would result in an increase in the cleaning costs of the school.
"§ 115C‑270.30.  Green cleaning supply guidelines and specifications.
The Healthy Youth and Schools Commission, the Department of Health and Human Services, the State Board of Education, and a panel of interested stakeholders, including cleaning product industry representatives, nongovernmental organizations, and others, shall establish and amend on an annual basis guidelines and specifications for environmentally sensitive cleaning and maintenance products for use in school facilities. The Healthy Youth and Schools Commission shall provide multiple avenues by which cleaning products may be determined to be environmentally sensitive under the guidelines. Guidelines and specifications must be established after a review and evaluation of existing research and must be completed no later than 180 days after the effective date of this Part. Guidelines and specifications may include implementation practices, including inspection. The completed guidelines and specifications must be posted on the Healthy Youth and Schools Commission's Internet Web site.
"§ 115C‑270.31.  Dissemination to schools.
(a)	Upon the completion of the guidelines and specifications under G.S. 115C‑270.30, the Healthy Youth and Schools Commission shall provide each local board of education and each elementary or secondary nonpublic school with 50 or more students in this State with the guidelines and specifications. Each local board of education shall immediately disseminate the guidelines and specifications to every public school in its jurisdiction. Local boards of education and the Healthy Youth and Schools Commission shall provide ongoing assistance to schools to carry out the requirements of this Part.
(b)	In the event that the guidelines and specifications under G.S. 115C‑270.30 are updated by the Healthy Youth and Schools Commission, the Healthy Youth and Schools Commission shall provide the updates to each local board of education for immediate dissemination to each public school. Additionally, the Healthy Youth and Schools Commission shall post all updated materials on its Internet Web site.
"§ 115C‑270.32.  Rules.
The State Board of Education shall adopt rules to implement this Article."
SECTION 3.  Notwithstanding Part 8 of Article 17A of Chapter 115C of the General Statutes, as enacted by Section 2 of this act, a school may deplete its existing cleaning and maintenance supply stocks and implement the new requirements under Part 8 of Article 17A of Chapter 115C of the General Statutes in the procurement cycle for the following school year.
SECTION 4.  No State funds shall be appropriated and no State funds are required to implement Part 8 of Article 17A of Chapter 115C of the General Statutes, as enacted by Section 2 of this act.
SECTION 5.  This act is effective when it becomes law.

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