North Carolina SB 323: Student Health and Responsibility Act.

Bill Text

GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF NORTH CAROLINA
SESSION 2025
S 1
SENATE BILL 323

Short Title: Student Health and Responsibility Act. (Public)
Sponsors: Senators Applewhite and Robinson (Primary Sponsors).
Referred to: Rules and Operations of the Senate
March 19, 2025
*S323-v-1*
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED 1
AN ACT TO APPROPRIATE FUNDS TO ESTABLISH THE SAFER SEX SUPPLIES 2
GRANT PROGRAM. 3
Whereas, North Carolina experiences significant costs related to treating sexually 4
transmitted infections (STIs), which impact the public health system and the economy of the 5
State; and 6
Whereas, investing in preventive health measures is proven to reduce taxpayer 7
burdens by lowering emergency medical costs and Medicaid expenses and by avoiding lost 8
productivity due to illness; and 9
Whereas, ensuring students remain in school and complete their education contributes 10
to North Carolina's workforce development, economic growth, and global competitiveness; and 11
Whereas, businesses benefit from a healthier, more-educated workforce, and 12
economic studies indicate that states with strong public health initiatives see increased workforce 13
participation; and 14
Whereas, programs that promote personal responsibility and preventive care align 15
with fiscally responsible governance by mitigating future public health care expenditures; and 16
Whereas, empowering students with the knowledge and resources to make informed 17
health decisions ensures their ability to protect their futures and pursue academic and professional 18
success without unnecessary health-related setbacks; and 19
Whereas, targeted data collection and analysis will ensure that (i) rural, suburban, and 20
urban communities receive equitable access to resources and (ii) program implementation is 21
based on effectiveness and efficiency; Now, therefore, 22
The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts: 23
24
PART I. TITLE 25
SECTION 1. This act shall be known and may be cited as the "Student Health and 26
Responsibility Act." 27
28
PART II. SAFER SEX SUPPLIES GRANT PROGRAM 29
SECTION 2.(a) Definitions. – The following definitions shall apply in this section: 30
(1) Applicable administering entity. – As follows: 31
a. For constituent institutions of The University of North Carolina, the 32
Board of Governors of The University of North Carolina. 33
b. For community colleges, the State Board of Community Colleges. 34
c. For public school units, the Department of Public Instruction. 35

General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025
Page 2 Senate Bill 323-First Edition
(2) Eligible entity. – Constituent institutions of The University of North Carolina, 1
community colleges, and public school units. 2
(3) Safer sex supplies. – Supplies that help promote safe sexual encounters, 3
including condoms and lubricants. 4
SECTION 2.(b) Program Established. – There is established the Safer Sex Supplies 5
Grant Program (Program) for the 2025-2026, 2026-2027, and 2027-2028 fiscal years. The 6
Program shall expire June 30, 2028. The Program shall be administered separately by the Board 7
of Governors of The University of North Carolina for constituent institutions of The University 8
of North Carolina, the State Board of Community Colleges for community colleges, and the 9
Department of Public Instruction for high schools in public school units. The purpose of the 10
Program is to reduce health care costs and support student success by assisting eligible entities 11
that are grant recipients to provide free access for students to safer sex supplies at constituent 12
institutions of The University of North Carolina, community colleges, and high schools located 13
in public school units. 14
SECTION 2.(c) Grant Applications. – An eligible entity may submit an application 15
to the applicable administering entity for a grant pursuant to this section for each year the 16
Program is in effect. The application shall identify at least the following: 17
(1) Current and ongoing needs for safer sex supplies and estimated costs 18
associated with those needs. 19
(2) A plan to do at least the following: 20
a. Offer free safer sex supplies in designated locations on campus, 21
including student health centers, residence halls, guidance counselor 22
offices, and offices of athletic coaches. 23
b. Replenish supplies as needed based on student usage. 24
c. Maintain student privacy and dignity to foster responsible decision 25
making and self-sufficiency. 26
d. Partner with campus organizations, student health groups, community 27
organizations, health care providers, local health departments, 28
nonprofit organizations, and private sector entities to facilitate 29
distribution and awareness campaigns for the Program, including 30
securing in-kind contributions of safer sex supplies. 31
e. Establish at each eligible entity receiving funds a Student Health 32
Advisory Committee consisting of student body leaders, health 33
professionals, and faculty advisors. The Committee would oversee 34
implementat