North Carolina House lawmakers moved a bill through committee that would require public school districts to allow residents to pay for access to school sporting events with cash.
House Bill 2 passed the North Carolina House K-12 Education Committee in a voice vote on Tuesday.
“Let me just say up front that this has nothing to do with bathrooms,” joked Rep. David Willis, R-Union, when presented the bill, referencing the controversial House Bill 2 from 2016 on transgender restrooms.
The bill focuses on middle- and high-school athletics, ensuring broader accessibility for residents, particularly those who may not rely on digital payment methods. The key provision states, “When an admission fee is charged to an interscholastic athletic activity, cash shall be accepted as a form of payment for admissions at the time of the event.”
The measure includes a provision that gives local education agencies the flexibility to adopt policies for handling cash deposits as they see fit.
“I think this is a really good bill and I appreciate your bringing it forward,” said Rep. Donny Lambeth, R-Forsyth.