Leon’s Law (North Carolina Session Law 2025-46) updates how education records are managed for students under 18 who are enrolled in college courses.
Under this law, parents or guardians of minor students who are claimed as dependents on their most recent federal tax return may request access to specific education records. Leon’s Law works in conjunction with FERPA (the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act), the federal law that protects the privacy of student education records.
Student Responsibilities
All students under 18 must complete the Leon’s Law Student Acknowledgement Form before they can register for classes. Students will not be allowed to register for classes until this form is completed.
Students must also choose one of the following:
- Submit a FERPA Release Form allowing access to parents/guardians, or
- Have their parent/guardian complete the Parent Certification Form (verifying dependent status for tax purposes). Without one of these forms, parents cannot access records.
Note: Leon’s Law gives access to records but does not give parents the right to make academic decisions for the student.
Parent Responsibilities
Parents/guardians who want to request records must:
- Complete the correct Leon’s Law Parent Request Form.
- Provide verification information to confirm identity.
- Submit the Parent Certification Form annually (based on their most recent federal tax return) unless the student has submitted a FERPA Release Form instead.