Rep. Moss files bill in North Carolina House requiring American history or government courses

A new bill filed by State Rep. Ben T. Moss Jr. in the North Carolina House seeks to require students at UNC constituent institutions and community colleges to complete coursework in American history or government for graduation, according to the North Carolina State House.

The bill, filed as HB 7 on Jan. 29 during the 2025 regular session, was formally listed with the short title: ‘NC REACH Act.’

The following is our breakdown, based on the actual bill text, and may include interpretation to clarify its provisions.

In essence, this bill mandates that students at constituent institutions of the University of North Carolina and community colleges complete at least three credit hours in American history or American government as a condition for graduation with a baccalaureate or associate degree, starting in the 2026-27 academic year. The courses must cover key historical documents such as the U.S. Constitution and the Declaration of Independence, and students must also take a cumulative final exam that accounts for at least 20% of their grade. Students meeting similar criteria in other postsecondary courses, including those with passing Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate scores, may be exempt. The Board of Governors and the State Board of Community Colleges are responsible for ensuring compliance, and non-compliant heads of institutions may face removal. This act takes effect upon becoming law.

Of the four sponsors of this bill, Keith Kidwell proposed the most bills (seven) during the 2025 regular session.

Bills in North Carolina follow a multi-step process before becoming law. A lawmaker starts by filing a bill, which is assigned to a committee for review. The bill must be read three times in each chamber. If one chamber changes the bill after the other passes it, both must agree on the final version. Once both chambers approve the same bill, it goes to the governor, who has 10 days (or 30 if the legislature is not in session) to sign, veto, or let it become law without a signature.

You can read more about the bills and other measures here.

Moss, a Republican, was elected to the North Carolina State House in 2023 to represent the state’s 52nd House district, replacing previous state representative Jamie Boles.