Establishes a pilot program to fund competitive speech and debate teams in North Carolina public schools.

The bill establishes the Competitive Speech and Debate Team Grant Pilot Program to provide grants to public schools for developing and maintaining speech and debate teams. Eligible schools can apply for grants to cover stipends for coaches and team members, participation fees, and travel expenses for competitions. Teams must participate in the Tarheel Forensic League and the National Speech and Debate Association. The program runs from the 2025-2026 to the 2028-2029 school year, with an annual appropriation of $500,000.

Establishes a pilot program to fund competitive speech and debate teams in North Carolina public schools.

The bill establishes the Competitive Speech and Debate Team Grant Pilot Program to provide grants to public schools for developing and maintaining speech and debate teams. Eligible schools can apply for grants to cover stipends for coaches and team members, participation fees, and travel expenses for competitions. Teams must participate in the Tarheel Forensic League and the National Speech and Debate Association. The program runs from the 2025-2026 to the 2028-2029 school year, with an annual appropriation of $500,000.