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4 <br /> The Board and legislators discussed the differences in charter and traditional public <br /> schools. <br /> Chair Bedford reviewed the third item on the Board's list of priority legislative issues: <br /> Racial Equity in Criminal Justice — Support continued consideration and implementation, <br /> where practicable, of the recommendations of the North Carolina Task Force for Racial Equity in <br /> Criminal Justice (TREC), including: <br /> • Legislation to legalize the possession and use of marijuana and permit licensed <br /> businesses to engage in retail sales to adults, as this decriminalization will in turn <br /> broaden the agricultural economy and jobs as well as enhance revenue for governments <br /> with taxes, licenses, and other associated revenues that can be utilized to address <br /> opioid and other drug-related problems and other needs; <br /> • Policing reforms to address use of force, community oversight and law enforcement <br /> training on crisis intervention; <br /> • Funding at the county level to expand access to diversion and restorative justice <br /> programs; <br /> • The reduction of fines, fees and costs in criminal court, noting that such fines, fees and <br /> costs disproportionately impact people of color and people of low income. <br /> Senator Meyer said although not related to this list, he expects a House Bill on <br /> compliance of local Sheriffs with ICE to be motioned in the short session. <br /> Chair Bedford reviewed the fourth item on the Board's list of priority legislative issues: <br /> Concealed Weapons in Parks and Red Flag Law — Support legislation authorizing counties to <br /> regulate the carrying of concealed weapons on county-owned playgrounds and in county-owned <br /> parklands, and allowing courts to prevent access to firearms for individuals who show signs of <br /> being a danger to themselves or to others. Mental illness, escalating threats, substance abuse <br /> and domestic violence are among the circumstances in which a judge should have the authority <br /> to order weapon restrictions or surrender. <br /> Chair Bedford reviewed the fifth and sixth items on the Board's list of priority legislative <br /> issues: <br /> Full Funding of the Leandro Remedial Action Plan — Support equity and racial justice by fully <br /> funding the Leandro Remedial Action Plan, which details additional comprehensive, targeted <br /> education funding over the next eight years, predominantly to low-wealth and minority <br /> communities, in order for the State to come into compliance with its constitutional obligation to <br /> provide every student a sound basic education. <br /> Senator Meyer said there will be a ruling by the court by June. <br /> Priority School Issues— Support legislation to address the following issues related to schools: <br /> • Provide local school systems with calendar flexibility; <br /> • Provide full funding for State allotments including Average Daily Membership (ADM) <br /> growth and infrastructure/capital, and support legislation to provide for an overall <br /> increase in funding based on ADM outside of the current formula system; <br /> • Provide a periodic accounting process for State per pupil funds so that funds and pro- <br /> rated funds follow students to their respective schools, as opposed to the current <br />