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HB 2

Electric utilities; energy efficiency upgrades, report.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Betsy Carr and 2 co-sponsors

Public schools must accept cash for interscholastic event admissions and grant free entry to seniors with a Tar Heel Card, expanding access and cash-handling rules.

Governor's recommendation received by House
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Bill Summary · HB 2

Summary — HB 2: Entry Fees for Interscholastic Sports Events

Status: Regular message sent to Senate
Introduced: (House) — Applies beginning with the 2025–2026 school year
Subject areas: Education; Secondary education; Public schools; Sports; School admissions/payments

Purpose / Intent

The bill requires public school units to accept cash at the gate for admission to middle‑ and high‑school interscholastic athletic events and to recognize the state “Tar Heel Card” for senior citizens as proof of eligibility for free admission. The intent is to preserve in‑person cash payment options and to ensure access for seniors who present state-issued discount/ID cards.

Key provisions

  • Cash acceptance

    • Adds a new subsection to G.S. 115C‑407.65 (and cross‑references to middle‑school rules in G.S. 115C‑407.70) requiring public school units to accept cash as a form of payment for admissions at the time of any interscholastic athletic activity where a fee is charged.
    • Overrules any school unit policies that would make electronic‑only payment the exclusive admission method for these events.

  • Handling and deposit rules

    • Permits a governing body of a public school unit (notwithstanding G.S. 115C‑445) to adopt a policy allowing cash received at events to be deposited on the next business day.
    • Requires that such a policy include procedures for secure handling of cash prior to deposit.

  • Senior Tar Heel Card

    • Amends G.S. 115C‑407.55 to require that an individual who presents a Tar Heel Card for senior citizens (issued by the Department of Health and Human Services) be admitted free to interscholastic athletic activities upon display.

  • Scope

    • Applies to public school units and to both middle school and high school interscholastic athletic activities where an admission fee is charged.
    • Effective when enacted and applicable starting in the 2025–2026 school year (per bill language).

Who is affected

  • Public school units and their governing bodies (policy, cash‑handling procedures, cashiering).
  • School staff/volunteers who collect admissions (training, security, reconciliation duties).
  • Students, families, and community members who attend school athletic events — especially those without electronic payment options.
  • Senior citizens holding Tar Heel Cards (eligible for free admission).

Potential impacts and considerations

  • Access and equity: Ensures patrons without cards or electronic payments can attend events, reducing barriers for low‑income families and visitors.
  • Administrative/operational: Schools must adopt or update cash‑handling policies (security, recordkeeping, theft risk mitigation) and may face modest administrative costs or training needs.
  • Financial controls: Next‑day deposit allowance balances operational convenience with cash security concerns; schools will need internal controls to prevent loss and ensure accurate accounting.
  • No penalties or enforcement mechanisms specified beyond statutory requirements.

Statutes amended (as drafted)

  • Adds/updates provisions in Chapter 115C of the North Carolina General Statutes:
    • G.S. 115C‑407.65 (new subsection requiring cash acceptance)
    • G.S. 115C‑407.70(c) (middle school rule cross‑reference)
    • G.S. 115C‑407.55 (entry rules for high school athletics; Tar Heel Card)

If you’d like, I can:
- Draft suggested model cash‑handling procedures for school units to adopt; or
- Prepare a short memo on implementation steps and estimated costs for a typical district.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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