Rep. Willis files bill in North Carolina House to support high school robotics programs

A new bill filed by State Rep. David Willis in the North Carolina House seeks to encourage high school students’ participation in robotics to foster interest in STEM careers, according to the North Carolina State House.

The bill, filed as HB 708 on April 2 during the 2025 regular session, was formally listed with the short title: ‘IROBOT – Increasing Robotics Opportunities.’

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

In essence, this bill establishes the Educational and Competitive High School Robotics Grant Program aimed at promoting after-school robotics education and competition for high school students to encourage careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. It allows robotics teams coordinated by public schools or community organizations to apply for grants from the Department of Public Instruction to develop programs with approved robotics partners. Funds can be utilized to purchase kits, provide stipends for coaches, and cover competition fees. The Department must report annually on grant distribution and program outcomes. The bill also mandates excused absences for student participation in academic competitions, including robotics. An appropriation of $2.5 million from the General Fund is designated for the 2025-26 fiscal year. The act is effective from July 1, 2025, for the appropriations section, while other sections apply from the start of the 2025-26 school year.

Of the three sponsors of this bill, Willis proposed the most bills (31) 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.

Willis graduated from Appalachian State University in 1996.

Willis, a Republican, was elected to the North Carolina State House in 2021 to represent the state’s 68th House district, replacing previous state representative D. Craig Horn.