Leon's Law

Understanding Leon鈥檚 Law at North Carolina Community Colleges

Effective July 1, 2025, Leon鈥檚 Law (Session Law 2025-46) establishes new legal requirements for how North Carolina community colleges manage education records for minor students under age 18.

 

What Is Leon鈥檚 Law?

Leon鈥檚 Law requires that community colleges share the education records of minor dependent students with:

  • Their parent(s) or legal guardian(s), without the student鈥檚 consent, as long as the parent claims the student as a dependent on their federal tax return.

  • High school counselors and administrators, if the student is dually enrolled in a K-12 institution and a community college.

This requirement builds on an existing exception in FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act), but makes it mandatory for North Carolina community colleges.

 

Key Requirements for Students and Parents

1. Student Acknowledgment Form (REQUIRED)

All minor students must complete an acknowledgment form before registering for courses. The form:

  • Informs students that their records will be accessible to their parent(s)/guardian(s) and K-12 officials if applicable.

  • Must be completed prior to registration. Students who do not complete this form cannot register.

  • Is a required acknowledgment, not a consent form鈥攖his is different from traditional FERPA waivers.

2. Parent/Guardian Opt-Out (OPTIONAL)

Parents or guardians may choose to opt out of accessing their child鈥檚 records by submitting a signed Parent/Guardian Opt-Out Form.

  • This only applies to Leon鈥檚 Law access鈥攊t does not override other legal or FERPA rights.

  • The opt-out can be revoked later with a written request.

 

3. Parent Certification of Dependency (Optional)

Colleges may request documentation proving the student is a dependent for tax purposes. This is not required under the law unless the college chooses to collect it.

 

 

Note: Leon鈥檚 Law gives access to records but does not give parents the right to make academic decisions for the student.

 

 

When Must the Form Be Completed?

  • Before registration for any course (credit or non-credit).

  • Some colleges may require it each term or annually.

  • For same-day or walk-in registrations (e.g., Public Safety classes), the form must be completed on the day of registration.

As a reminder, if the student is 18 or older, a Leon鈥檚 Law acknowledgement is not required.

 

 

Who Is Considered a 鈥淧arent鈥�?

Under Leon鈥檚 Law and FERPA, a parent includes:

  • Biological or adoptive parent

  • Legal guardian

  • An individual acting as a parent in the absence of a guardian

 

How Does This Work with FERPA?

Leon鈥檚 Law does not conflict with FERPA. It makes use of an existing FERPA exception:

  • FERPA (34 CFR 搂99.31(a)(8)) allows colleges to release records to a parent if the student is a dependent for tax purposes.

  • Leon鈥檚 Law requires this exception to be applied for minors under 18, rather than leaving it up to the institution鈥檚 discretion.

Questions? Contact Us.

Registrar's Office
Student Services (S) Building
336-506-5050