A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT TO provide additional disaster relief, to IMPLEMENT additional BUDGETARY ADJUSTMENTS, AND TO MAKE OTHER CHANGES.
The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:

PART I. TROPICAL STORM CHANTAL FUNDING AND OTHER DISASTER RECOVERY

subpart I‑A. legislative findings and scope
SECTION 1A.1.(a)  Legislative Findings. – The General Assembly finds that on July 6, 2025, Tropical Storm Chantal impacted the central region of North Carolina, resulting in several days of severe weather, including flooding, high winds, and tornadoes, necessitating recovery efforts in the impacted area of this State. On July 25, 2025, the United States Small Business Administration issued a disaster declaration for several counties in the State. On August 5, 2025, the Governor declared a Type I disaster in the impacted area due to the effects of Tropical Storm Chantal. On September 11, 2025, the President of the United States issued a major disaster declaration in accordance with the Stafford Act (P.L. 93‑288) for multiple counties in the State, approving public assistance federal funding for affected counties.
SECTION 1A.1.(b)  Applicability. – Except as otherwise provided, funds appropriated in this Part apply only to the counties listed in this section.
SECTION 1A.1.(c)  Scope. – Funds appropriated and allocated in this Part for Tropical Storm Chantal shall only be expended to support disaster relief and recovery efforts in the impacted area. For the purposes of this Part, the term "impacted area" means Alamance, Caswell, Chatham, Durham, Granville, Moore, Orange, Person, and Wake Counties.

subpart i‑B. tropical storm chantal and other disaster recovery appropriations
SECTION 1B.1.(a)  There is appropriated from the State Emergency Response and Disaster Relief Fund the sum of sixty‑five million five hundred thousand dollars ($65,500,000) in nonrecurring funds for the 2025‑2026 fiscal year as follows:
(1)	Fifty‑five million dollars ($55,000,000) to the Department of Public Safety, Division of Emergency Management (NCEM), for the State Match Fund (Budget Code 24552, Budget Fund 206628), established in Section 5.9(d) of S.L. 2021‑180, in the following amounts:
a.	Forty million dollars ($40,000,000) for State matching requirements for federal disaster assistance programs for eligible disasters, excluding Hurricane Helene.
b.	Fifteen million dollars ($15,000,000) for State matching requirements for federal disaster assistance programs for Tropical Storm Chantal.
(2)	Six million dollars ($6,000,000) to NCEM for State emergency assistance in the form of grants to individuals and families in accordance with G.S. 166A‑19.41(b)(1). NCEM shall submit a report to the Joint Legislative Emergency Management Oversight Committee on the expenditure of these funds every six months beginning on the date this section becomes law until funds are expended.
(3)	Two million dollars ($2,000,000) to the Office of the State Auditor to provide and maintain the public dashboard in accordance with Section 4.2(d) of S.L. 2025‑2.
(4)	One million five hundred thousand dollars ($1,500,000) to the Office of State Budget and Management to be allocated to Warren Wilson College to repair damage from Hurricane Helene.
(5)	One million dollars ($1,000,000) to the Board of Governors of The University of North Carolina to disburse a grant to the University of North Carolina at Asheville to repair, replace, renovate, or construct buildings or infrastructure damaged by Hurricane Helene, and for resiliency and hazard mitigation on campus property to prepare for future disasters.
SECTION 1B.1.(b)  Of the funds appropriated to the Department of Transportation, the sum of five million five hundred thousand dollars ($5,500,000) from the Transportation Emergency Reserve shall be used to provide the nonfederal share for State highways damaged by Tropical Storm Chantal.
SECTION 1B.2.  Funds received on or after September 1, 2025, under the Stafford Act (P.L. 93‑288) and other federal disaster assistance programs for State disasters for federal disaster assistance programs for Tropical Storm Chantal, are appropriated in the amounts provided in the notifications of award from the federal government or any entity acting on behalf of the federal government to administer federal disaster recovery funds. The Office of State Budget and Management and affected State agencies shall report all notifications of award to the Joint Legislative Commission on Governmental Operations and the Fiscal Research Division of the General Assembly within 30 days of notification. All notifications shall include, at a minimum, the amount of the award and its duration and purpose.

subpart i‑C. Golden leaf rapid recovery loan program Modification
SECTION 1C.1.  Section 4.2 of S.L. 2020‑4, as amended by Section 1.6 of S.L. 2020‑97, Section 20.11 of S.L. 2022‑6, Section 11.12 of S.L. 2022‑74, Section 11.5A of S.L. 2023‑134, and Section 10.6 of S.L. 2024‑51, reads as rewritten:
"…
"SECTION 4.2.(b)  Definitions. – For purposes of this section, the following definitions apply:
…
(4)	Net loan funds. – The total loan fund allocation authorized in subdivision (45) of Section 3.3 of this act less (i) the amount used in accordance with subdivision (a)(3a) of this section, (ii) the maximum amount allowed under applicable federal law or guidance for the cost of administering the loans made under the program, (iii) the State's loan funds that are not recaptured, and (iv) expenses incurred to recapture loan funds.
…."

subPART I‑D. Reversion, limitations on use of funds, audit, and reporting of funds
SECTION 1D.1.(a)  Reversion. – Funds appropriated under Subpart I‑B of this Part shall revert to the Savings Reserve if not expended or encumbered by June 30, 2031.
SECTION 1D.1.(b)  Receipt of Allocations. – A recipient of State funds under this Part shall use best efforts and take all reasonable steps to obtain alternative funds that cover the losses or needs for which the State funds are provided, including funds from insurance policies in effect and available federal aid. State funds paid under this Part are declared to be excess over funds received by a recipient from the settlement of a claim for loss or damage covered under the recipient's applicable insurance policy in effect or federal aid. Where a recipient is an institution of higher education or a non‑State entity, the requirement regarding alternative funds and the calculation of alternative funds received under this subsection includes seeking private donations to help cover the losses or needs for which State funds are provided. An agency awarding State funds for disaster relief shall include a notice to the recipient of the requirements of this subsection.
SECTION 1D.1.(c)  Remittance of Funds. – If a recipient obtains alternative funds pursuant to subsection (b) of this section, the recipient shall remit the funds to the State agency from which the State funds were received. A recipient is not required to remit any amount in excess of the State funds provided to the recipient under this Part. The State agency shall transfer these funds to the Savings Reserve.
SECTION 1D.1.(d)  Contract Requirements. – Any contract or other instrument entered into by a recipient for receipt of funds under this Part shall include the requirements set forth in subsections (b) and (c) of this section.
SECTION 1D.1.(e)  Limitation on Powers of Governor. – The Governor may not use the funds described in this Part to make budget adjustments under G.S. 143C‑6‑4 or to make reallocations under G.S. 166A‑19.40(c). Nothing in this Part shall be construed to prohibit the Governor from exercising the Governor's authority under these statutes with respect to funds other than those described in this Part.
SECTION 1D.1.(f)  Directive. – The Governor shall ensure that funds allocated in this Part are expended in a manner that does not adversely affect any person's or entity's eligibility for federal funds that are made available, or that are anticipated to be made available, as a result of natural disasters. The Governor shall also, to the extent practicable, avoid using State funds to cover costs that will be, or likely will be, covered by federal funds.
SECTION 1D.1.(g)  Continuation of Allocation Reporting Requirements. – The Office of State Budget and Management shall add the appropriations and allocations provided for in this Part to the reporting requirements set forth in Section 4.1(g) of S.L. 2025‑2.
SECTION 1D.1.(h)  Continuation of State Auditor Oversight. – The Office of the Governor of North Carolina shall continue the reporting requirements set forth in Section 4.2 of S.L. 2025‑2 for the funds appropriated and allocated in this Part. The State Auditor shall include all funds appropriated and allocated under this Part in their report to the Joint Legislative Commission on Governmental Operations and include the expenditure of these funds in the public dashboard as set forth in Section 4.2 of S.L. 2025‑2.

subPART I‑E. effective date
SECTION 1E.1.  This Part is effective when it becomes law.

PART II. EDUCATION

carryforward for wilson cc biologics funding
SECTION 2.1.  Section 2A.5A of S.L. 2025‑89 reads as rewritten:
"SECTION 2A.5A.  There is appropriated from the General Fund to the Community Colleges System Office the sum of ten million dollars ($10,000,000) in nonrecurring funds for the 2025‑2026 fiscal year to provide funds to Wilson Community College to support the operation of the biologics training center. Funds appropriated pursuant to this section shall not revert at the end of the 2025‑2026 fiscal year but shall remain available until June 30, 2027."

EDUCATION TECHNICAL CORRECTIONS
SECTION 2.2.  G.S. 115C‑366(a9), as amended by S.L. 2025‑72, reads as rewritten:
"(a9)	A student who is not a domiciliary of a local school administrative unit shall be permitted to register to enroll in the public schools of that unit by remote means, including electronic means, prior to commencement of the student's residency in the local school administrative unit if all of the following apply:
…
(4)	A parent or legal guardian submits proof of residency and documentation related to the disciplinary actions pursuant to G.S. 115C‑366(a4) upon the child commencing attendance. If the proof of residency has not yet become available because the parent or legal guardian and child are residing in temporary housing, the local school administrative unit shall do the following:
a.	Allow the child to enroll and begin attending school in that unit of anticipated domicile (i) for a period of up to one year from the parent or legal guardian's reporting‑for‑duty date, separation date from active military duty, or anticipated separation date from active military duty or (ii) through the end of the school year before being considered a resident of another local school administrative unit.
b.	Allow a child who is a high school junior or senior to enroll and begin attending school in that unit of anticipated domicile through high school graduation.
A local school administrative unit shall make available to a student who registers to enroll pursuant to this subsection the same opportunities available to a student enrolled contemporaneously with domicilia, such as requesting or applying for school assignment, registering for courses, and applying for any other programs that require additional request or application. Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to curtail a local school administrative unit's authority pursuant to G.S. 115C‑366(a5)."
SECTION 2.3.(a)  G.S. 115D‑39.5(a)(2), as enacted by S.L. 2025‑56, reads as rewritten:
"(2)	Courses requested by the following entities that support the organizations' training needs and are on a specialized course list approved by the State Board:
…
j.	The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and the Catawba Indian Nation law enforcement, fire, or EMS or rescue and lifesaving tribal government departments or programs.
…."
SECTION 2.3.(b)  Section 5 of S.L. 2025‑57 is repealed.
SECTION 2.4.(a)  G.S. 116‑143(d1), as amended by S.L. 2025‑17, reads as rewritten:
"(d1)	Notwithstanding subsection (c) of this section, the Board of Governors of The University of North Carolina may do any of the following:
(1)	Personnel. – Provide regulations under which personnel may enroll in The University of North Carolina free of charge for tuition and fees during the period of normal employment if the (i) enrollment does not interfere with normal employment obligations and (ii) enrollments are not counted for the purpose of receiving General Fund appropriations. Personnel may enroll free of charge for tuition and fees as follows:
a.	A full‑time faculty member of the rank of full‑time instructor or above of The University of North Carolina shall not enroll in more than three courses per year.
b.	A full‑time staff member of The University of North Carolina shall not enroll in more than three courses per year.
c.	A full‑time or part‑time campus law enforcement officer may enroll in the number of courses per year determined by regulation.
…."
SECTION 2.4.(b)  This section is effective June 26, 2025, and applies beginning with the 2025‑2026 academic year.
SECTION 2.5.  Part 4 of S.L. 2025‑46 is repealed.
SECTION 2.6.  Part 3 of S.L. 2025‑56 is repealed.
SECTION 2.7.  Except as otherwise provided, Sections 2.2 through 2.7 of this act are effective when they become law.

Clarification of REductions for Virtual CIHS and small specialty school Funding
SECTION 2.8.(a)  Section 2A.6(b) of S.L. 2025‑89 reads as rewritten:
"SECTION 2A.6.(b)  The funds appropriated to the Department of Public Instruction are reduced for the 2025‑2026 fiscal year by the sum of nine million one hundred twenty‑two thousand one hundred eighty‑four dollars ($9,122,184) and for the 2026‑2027 fiscal year by the sum of nine million one hundred twenty‑two thousand one hundred eighty‑four dollars ($9,122,184), as follows:
(1)	Reduced‑Price Meal Copays (Budget Code 13510, Budget Fund 101180). – For each year of the 2025‑2027 fiscal biennium, three million dollars ($3,000,000) in recurring funds to offset copays for reduced‑price school meals to match actual expenditures.
(2)	Small Specialty High Schools (Budget Code 13510, Budget Fund 101180). – For each year of the 2025‑2027 fiscal biennium, one million eight hundred seventeen thousand nine hundred sixty‑eight dollars ($1,817,968) in recurring funds to eliminate funds for small specialty high schools, an initiative that previously supported a school‑within‑a‑school model. Any small specialty high school authorized to operate pursuant to Section 7.52(a) of S.L. 2005‑276 that received funding for that purpose during the 2024‑2025 fiscal year shall continue to receive funding for a single additional principal and clerical position hired pursuant to that section.
(3)	Learn and Earn (Budget Code 13510, Budget Fund 101180). – For each year of the 2025‑2027 fiscal biennium, one million dollars ($1,000,000) in recurring funds to eliminate funds for virtual cooperative innovative high schools, which existed under a previous version of the State's dual enrollment program but are now part of the Career and College Promise program. Any cooperative innovative high school originally approved as a virtual cooperative innovative high school shall continue to receive funding pursuant to Section 7.22(c)(1) of S.L. 2017‑57.
…."
SECTION 2.8.(b)  This section is effective when it becomes law.

AUTHORIZE NEW COOPERATIVE INNOVATIVE HIGH SCHOOLS and codify supplemental funding
SECTION 2.9.(a)  Of the funds appropriated to the Department of Public Instruction by this act for cooperative innovative high schools, the Department shall allocate to local school administrative units the sum of six hundred thirty‑five thousand dollars ($635,000) in recurring funds for each year of the 2025‑2027 fiscal biennium in amounts consistent with those set forth in G.S. 115C‑238.54A, as enacted by this section, as supplemental funding for the following cooperative innovative high schools for the 2025‑2026 school year:
(1)	Hawthorne Academy of Health Sciences.
(2)	Martin Innovative Early College of Health Sciences.
(3)	Moore Innovative High School.
SECTION 2.9.(b)  Beginning with the 2025‑2026 school year and for subsequent school years thereafter, notwithstanding G.S. 115C‑238.51A(c), G.S. 115C‑238.54, and any other provision of law to the contrary, Hawthorne Academy of Health Sciences, Martin Innovative Early College of Health Sciences, and Moore Innovative High School shall be permitted to operate in accordance with G.S. 115C‑238.53 and G.S. 115C‑238.54 as cooperative innovative high schools approved under G.S. 115C‑238.51A(c) and shall be subject to the evaluation requirements of G.S. 115C‑238.55.
SECTION 2.9.(c)  There is appropriated from the General Fund to the Department of Public Instruction the sum of one million one hundred ten thousand dollars ($1,110,000) in recurring funds for each year of the 2025‑2027 fiscal biennium to provide supplemental funding in accordance with G.S. 115C‑238.54A, as enacted by this act, to (i) Dare Early College High School, (ii) Rockingham County CTE Innovation High School, and (iii) each school named in subsection (a) of this section.
SECTION 2.9.(d)  Part 9 of Article 16 of Chapter 115C of the General Statutes is amended by adding a new section to read:
"§ 115C‑238.54A.  Cooperative innovative high schools – supplemental allotment funding based on county development tier designation.
(a)	Allocation of Funding. – The Department shall allocate cooperative innovative high school supplemental allotment funds to local school administrative units with a cooperative innovative high school approved pursuant to G.S. 115C‑238.51A(c) based on developmental tier area, as defined in G.S. 143B‑437.08, as follows:
(1)	Local school administrative units located in a development tier one area shall be allocated funding as follows:
a.	The sum of two hundred seventy‑five thousand dollars ($275,000) in recurring funds for each cooperative innovative high school in the unit.
b.	For the Northeast Regional School of Biotechnology and Agriscience, the Department shall allocate the sum of three hundred ten thousand dollars ($310,000) in recurring funds from the regional school supplemental allotment for the school for each fiscal year.
(2)	Local school administrative units located in a development tier two area shall be allocated the sum of two hundred thousand dollars ($200,000) in recurring funds for each cooperative innovative high school in the unit.
(3)	Local school administrative units located in a development tier three area shall be allocated the sum of one hundred eighty thousand dollars ($180,000) in recurring funds for each cooperative innovative high school in the unit.
(b)	Applicability of Funds. – The allotment of funds to local school administrative units pursuant to subsection (a) of this section shall include cooperative innovative high schools approved pursuant to G.S. 115C‑238.51A(c) operated by a local school administrative unit regardless of not receiving allotments in a prior fiscal year. Funds shall not be allocated to local school administrative units for cooperative innovative high schools approved by the State Board pursuant to G.S. 115C‑238.51A(b)."

tuition grant scale‑up funds for the North carolina school of science and mathematics and the university of north carolina school of the arts
SECTION 2.10.  There is appropriated from the General Fund to the Board of Governors of The University of North Carolina for each year of the 2025‑2027 fiscal biennium the sum of two million eight hundred thousand dollars ($2,800,000) in recurring funds to support tuition grants for increased eligible high school graduates of the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics and the University of North Carolina School of the Arts under Part 6 of Article 23 of Chapter 116 of the General Statutes.

revise higher education accreditation requirements
SECTION 2.11.(a)  G.S. 116‑11.4 reads as rewritten:
"§ 116‑11.4.  Accreditation.
(a)	Definitions. – The following definitions apply in this section:
(1)	Accreditation cycle. – The period of time during which a constituent institution of The University of North Carolina is accredited.
(2)	Accrediting agency. – An agency or association that accredits institutions of higher education.
(2a)	Institutional accrediting agency. – An accrediting agency that is recognized as an institutional accrediting agency by the United States Department of Education pursuant to 20 U.S.C. § 1099b.
(3)	Preferred accrediting agency. – An accrediting agency that meets all of the following criteria:
a.	Is an institutional accrediting agency.
b.	Is one of the following accrediting agencies:
1.	Commission for Public Higher Education.
2.	Higher Learning Commission.
3.	Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
4.	New England Commission on Higher Education.
5.	Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
6.	Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
7.	Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission.
	
(b1)	Approved Accreditation Required. – A postsecondary constituent institution of The University of North Carolina shall maintain accreditation from a preferred accrediting agency. A postsecondary constituent institution of The University of North Carolina may also receive accreditation from an accrediting agency that is not a preferred accrediting agency as long as the postsecondary constituent institution continues to maintain its accreditation from a preferred accrediting agency.
	
…."
SECTION 2.11.(b)  G.S. 115D‑21.2, as enacted by subsection (c) of Section 1 of S.L. 2025‑56, reads as rewritten:
"§ 115D‑21.2.  Accreditation.
(a)	Definitions. – The following definitions apply in this section:
(1)	Accreditation cycle. – The period of time during which a community college is accredited.
(2)	Accrediting agency. – An agency or association that accredits institutions of higher education.
(2a)	Institutional accrediting agency. – An accrediting agency that is recognized as an institutional accrediting agency by the United States Department of Education pursuant to 20 U.S.C. § 1099b.
(3)	Preferred accrediting agency. – An accrediting agency that meets all of the following criteria:
a.	Is an institutional accrediting agency.
b.	Is one of the following accrediting agencies:
1.	Commission for Public Higher Education.
2.	Higher Learning Commission.
3.	Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
4.	New England Commission on Higher Education.
5.	Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
6.	Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
7.	Western Association of Schools and Colleges Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges.
	
(b1)	Approved Accreditation Required. – A community college shall maintain accreditation from a preferred accrediting agency. A community college may also receive accreditation from an accrediting agency that is not a preferred accrediting agency as long as the community college continues to maintain its accreditation from a preferred accrediting agency.
	
…."
SECTION 2.11.(c)  G.S. 90‑354(a) reads as rewritten:
"§ 90‑354.  Appointments and removal of Board members, terms and compensation.
(a)	The members of the Board shall be appointed as follows:
(1)	The Governor shall appoint the following members:
a.	One licensed dietitian/nutritionist as described in G.S. 90‑353(a1)(1), who shall be an educator on the faculty of a college or university accredited at the time from the appropriate institutional accrediting agency recognized by the Council on Higher Education Accreditation and the United States Department of Education, specializing in the field of dietetics or nutrition.
b.	The licensed physician as described in G.S. 90‑353(a1)(3).
c.	The public member as described in G.S. 90‑353(a1)(4).
(2)	The General Assembly upon the recommendation of the Speaker of the House of Representatives shall appoint one licensed dietitian/nutritionist as described in G.S. 90‑353(a1)(1) and one licensed nutritionist as described in G.S. 90‑353(a1)(2), both in accordance with G.S. 120‑121. One of these appointees shall be a dietician/nutritionist or a nutritionist whose primary practice is clinical dietetics or nutrition in a hospital or long‑term care institution regulated under Article 5 or Part 1 of Article 6 of Chapter 131E of the General Statutes.
(3)	The General Assembly upon the recommendation of the President Pro Tempore of the Senate shall appoint one licensed dietitian/nutritionist as described in G.S. 90‑353(a1)(1) and one licensed nutritionist as described in G.S. 90‑353(a1)(2), both in accordance with G.S. 120‑121. One of these appointees shall be a dietician/nutritionist or a nutritionist whose primary practice is consulting in, or the private practice of, dietetics or nutrition."
SECTION 2.11.(d)  G.S. 90‑357.5 reads as rewritten:
"§ 90‑357.5.  License requirements.
(a)	Each applicant for a license as a licensed dietitian/nutritionist shall submit a completed application as required by the Board, submit any fees as required by the Board, and meet one of the following criteria:
(1)	The applicant shall submit proof of completion for the following educational, supervised practice experience and examination requirements:
a.	The applicant has received a baccalaureate degree, master's, or doctoral degree or validated foreign equivalent with a major in human nutrition, foods and nutrition, dietetics, food systems management, community nutrition, public health nutrition, nutrition education, nutrition, nutrition science, clinical nutrition, applied clinical nutrition, nutrition counseling, nutrition and functional medicine, nutritional biochemistry, nutrition and integrative health, or an equivalent course of study, from a college or university accredited at the time of graduation from the appropriate institutional accrediting agency recognized by the Council on Higher Education Accreditation and the United States Department of Education and that, as approved by the Board, meets the competency requirements of an ACEND accredited didactic program in dietetics that shall, at a minimum, include the following courses:
…
(c)	Each applicant for a license as a licensed nutritionist shall submit a completed application as required by the Board, submit any fees as required by the Board, and shall submit proof of the completion of all of the following educational, supervised practice experience, and examination requirements:
(1)	The applicant has received any of the following from a college or university accredited at the time of graduation from the appropriate institutional accrediting agency recognized by the Council on Higher Education or a validated foreign equivalent: a master's or doctoral nutrition degree with a major in human nutrition, foods and nutrition, dietetics, community nutrition, public health nutrition, nutrition education, nutrition, nutrition science, clinical nutrition, applied clinical nutrition, nutrition counseling, nutrition and functional medicine, nutritional biochemistry, nutrition and integrative health, or an equivalent course of study or a master's or doctoral degree in a field of clinical health care. Regardless of the course of study, an applicant shall have completed coursework from a regionally accredited college or university in medical nutrition therapy that shall consist of the following courses:
…."
SECTION 2.11.(e)  G.S. 90‑359 reads as rewritten:
"§ 90‑359.  Examinations.
Competency examinations shall be administered at least twice each year to qualified applicants for licensing. The examinations may be administered by a national testing service. The examinations shall include the RDN Examination given by the Commission on Dietetic Registration, the CNS Examination given by the Board for Certification of Nutrition Specialists and the DACBN Examination given by the American Clinical Board of Nutrition. The Board may include other nutrition therapy‑focused examinations accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies for graduates with a baccalaureate degree or higher from a college or university accredited at the time from the appropriate institutional accrediting agency recognized by the Council on Health Education Accreditation and the United States Department of Education that are approved by two‑thirds vote of the entire Board."
SECTION 2.11.(f)  G.S. 90‑631(b), as amended by subsection (c) of Section 2 of S.L. 2025‑56, reads as rewritten:
"(b)	A massage and bodywork therapy program operated by a North Carolina community college that is accredited by a preferred accrediting agency, as defined in G.S. 115D‑21.2, is exempt from the approval process, licensure process, or both, established by the Board. The college shall certify annually to the Board that the program meets or exceeds the minimum standards for curriculum, faculty, and learning resources established by the Board. Students who complete the program shall qualify for licenses from the Board as if the program were approved, licensed, or both, by the Board."
SECTION 2.11.(g)  G.S. 93A‑4(a2), as amended by subsection (d) of Section 2 of S.L. 2025‑56, reads as rewritten:
"(a2)	A certified real estate education provider shall pay a fee of ten dollars ($10.00) per licensee to the Commission for each licensee completing a postlicensing education course conducted by the school, provided that these fees shall not be charged to a community college, junior college, college, or university located in this State and accredited by a preferred accrediting agency, as defined in G.S. 115D‑21.2 and G.S. 116‑11.4, respectively."
SECTION 2.11.(h)  G.S. 93A‑38.5(e), as amended by subsection (e) of Section 2 of S.L. 2025‑56, reads as rewritten:
"(e)	The Commission may establish a nonrefundable course application fee to be charged to private real estate education providers for the review and approval of a proposed continuing education course. The fee shall not exceed one hundred twenty‑five dollars ($125.00) per course. The Commission may charge the private real estate education providers of an approved course a nonrefundable fee not to exceed seventy‑five dollars ($75.00) for the annual renewal of course approval.
A private real estate education provider shall pay a fee of ten dollars ($10.00) per licensee to the Commission for each licensee completing an approved continuing education course conducted by the sponsor.
The Commission shall not charge a course application fee, a course renewal fee, or any other fee for a continuing education course sponsored by a community college, junior college, college, or university located in this State and accredited by a preferred accrediting agency, as defined in G.S. 115D‑21.2 and G.S. 116‑11.4, respectively."
SECTION 2.11.(i)  G.S. 93E‑1‑7(b2), as amended by subsection (f) of Section 2 of S.L. 2025‑56, reads as rewritten:
"(b2)	The Board shall not charge a course application fee, a course renewal fee, or any other fee for a continuing education course offered by a North Carolina college, university, junior college, or community or technical college accredited by a preferred accrediting agency, as defined in G.S. 115D‑21.2 and G.S. 116‑11.4, respectively, or an agency of the federal, State, or local government."
SECTION 2.11.(j)  G.S. 93E‑1‑8, as amended by subsection (g) of Section 2 of S.L. 2025‑56, reads as rewritten:
"§ 93E‑1‑8.  Education program approval and fees.
…
(b)	The Board may by rule set nonrefundable fees chargeable to private real estate appraisal schools or course sponsors, including appraisal trade organizations, for the approval and annual renewal of approval of their qualifying courses required by G.S. 93E‑1‑6(a), or equivalent courses. The fees shall be one hundred dollars ($100.00) per course for approval and fifty dollars ($50.00) per course for renewal of approval. No fees shall be charged for the approval or renewal of approval to conduct appraiser qualifying courses where such courses are offered by a North Carolina college, university, junior college, or community or technical college accredited by a preferred accrediting agency, as defined in G.S. 115D‑21.2 and G.S. 116‑11.4, respectively, or an agency of the federal, State, or local government.
…
(d)	Nonrefundable fees of one hundred dollars ($100.00) per course may be charged to schools and course sponsors for the approval to conduct appraiser continuing education courses and fifty dollars ($50.00) per course for renewal of approval. However, no fees shall be charged for the approval or renewal of approval to conduct appraiser continuing education courses where such courses are offered by a North Carolina college, university, junior college, or community or technical college accredited by a preferred accrediting agency, as defined in G.S. 115D‑21.2 and G.S. 116‑11.4, respectively, or by an agency of the federal, State, or local government. A nonrefundable fee of fifty dollars ($50.00) per course may be charged to current or former licensees or certificate holders requesting approval by the Board of a course for continuing education credit when approval of such course has not been previously obtained by the offering school or course sponsor."
SECTION 2.11.(k)  G.S. 115C‑238.85 reads as rewritten:
"§ 115C‑238.85.  Other virtual education providers.
Local school administrative units may partner with eligible providers other than NCVPS for e‑learning opportunities. Eligible providers shall meet all of the following:
(1)	Be accredited by an accrediting agency, such as Cognia or an institutional accrediting agency.
(2)	Employ teachers who hold teaching licenses from states that participate in the NASDTEC Educator Identification Clearinghouse.
(3)	Ensure that courses offered to North Carolina students are aligned to the North Carolina Standard Course of Study."
SECTION 2.11.(l)  G.S. 115C‑555 reads as rewritten:
"§ 115C‑555.  Qualification of nonpublic schools.
The provisions of this Part shall apply to any nonpublic school which has one or more of the following characteristics:
(1)	It is accredited by the State Board of Education.
(2)	It is accredited by an institutional accrediting agency.
(3)	It is an active member of the North Carolina Association of Independent Schools.
(4)	It receives no funding from the State of North Carolina. For the purposes of this Article, scholarship funds awarded pursuant to Part 2A of this Article or Article 41 of this Chapter to eligible students attending a nonpublic school shall not be considered funding from the State of North Carolina."
SECTION 2.11.(m)  G.S. 116‑201(b), as amended by subsection (o) of Section 2 of S.L. 2025‑56, reads as rewritten:
"(b)	As used in this Article, the following terms shall have the following meanings unless the context indicates a contrary intent:
(1)	Article. – Article 23 of Chapter 116 of the General Statutes of North Carolina.
(2)	Authority. – The State Education Assistance Authority created by this Article or, if the Authority is abolished, the board, body, commission or agency succeeding to its principal functions, or on whom the powers given by this Article to the Authority shall be conferred by law.
(3)	Bond resolution or resolution. – When used in relation to the issuance of bonds, either any resolution authorizing the issuance of bonds or any trust agreement or other instrument securing any bonds.
(4)	Bonds or revenue bonds. – The obligations authorized to be issued by the Authority under this Article, which may consist of revenue bonds, revenue refunding bonds, bond anticipation notes and other notes and obligations, evidencing the Authority's obligation to repay borrowed money from revenues, funds and other money pledged or made available therefor by the Authority under this Article.
(5)	Eligible institution. – With respect to student loans, as is defined in section 1085 of Title 20 of the United States Code.
(6)	Eligible institution. – With respect to grants and work‑study programs, includes the constituent institutions of The University of North Carolina, all State‑supported institutions organized and administered pursuant to Chapter 115A of the General Statutes, and all private institutions as defined in subdivision (8) of this subsection.
(7)	Student obligations. – Student loan notes and other debt obligations evidencing loans to students which the Authority may make, take, acquire, buy, sell, endorse or guarantee under the provisions of this Article. This term may include any direct or indirect interest in the whole or any part of any such notes or obligations.
(8)	Private institution. – An institution that meets all of the following requirements:
a.	Is not a seminary, Bible school, Bible college, or similar religious institution in this State.
b.	Is not owned or operated by the State or any agency or political subdivision thereof, or by any combination thereof.
c.	Offers post‑high school education.
d.	Is accredited by one of the following:
1.	A preferred accrediting agency, as defined in G.S. 115D‑21.2 and G.S. 116‑11.4.
2.	The Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools.
3.	In the case of institutions that are not eligible to be considered for accreditation, a nationally recognized accrediting agency that is designated by the Authority.
(9)	Reserve Trust Fund. – The trust fund authorized under G.S. 116‑209 of this Article.
(10)	State Education Assistance Authority Loan Fund. – The trust fund so designated and authorized by G.S. 116‑209.3 of this Article.
(11)	Student. – With respect to scholarships, grants, and work‑study programs, a person who meets all of the following requirements:
a.	Is a resident of the State for tuition purposes under the criteria set forth in G.S. 116‑143.1 and in accordance with any definitions of residency that may from time to time be prescribed by the Board of Governors of The University of North Carolina.
b.	Under regulations adopted by the Authority, has enrolled or will enroll in an eligible institution for the purpose of pursuing his education beyond the high school level.
c.	Is making suitable progress in his education in accordance with standards acceptable to the Authority.
d.	For the purposes of G.S. 116‑209.19, has not received a bachelor's degree, or qualified for it.
e.	Is otherwise classified as an undergraduate under regulations that the Authority may promulgate.
(12)	Student. – With respect to loans, a person who meets all of the following requirements:
a.	Is a resident of the State as defined in subdivision (11) of this subsection.
b.	Is an eligible student as defined in 20 U.S.C. 1071.
c.	Is enrolled in an eligible institution located in North Carolina.
(13)	Student loans. – Loans to students, as defined in subdivisions (11) and (12) of this subsection, to aid them in pursuing their education beyond the high school level."
SECTION 2.11.(n)  G.S. 116‑280(3), as amended by subsection (p) of Section 2 of S.L. 2025‑56, reads as rewritten:
"(3)	Eligible private postsecondary institution. – A school that is any of the following:
a.	A nonprofit postsecondary educational institution with a main permanent campus located in this State that is not owned or operated by the State of North Carolina or by an agency or political subdivision of the State or by any combination thereof that satisfies all of the following:
1.	Is either (i) accredited by a preferred accrediting agency, as defined in G.S. 115D‑21.2 and G.S. 116‑11.4, or the Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools or (ii) was accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges on January 1, 2021, and, beginning January 1, 2021, was a member of the Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools.
2.	Awards a postsecondary degree as defined in G.S. 116‑15.
b.	A postsecondary institution owned or operated by a hospital authority as defined in G.S. 131E‑16(14) or school of nursing affiliated with a nonprofit postsecondary educational institution as defined in sub‑subdivision a. of this subsection."
SECTION 2.11.(o)  G.S. 130A‑309.28 reads as rewritten:
"§ 130A‑309.28.  University research.
Research, training, and service activities related to solid and hazardous waste management conducted by The University of North Carolina shall be coordinated by the Board of Governors of The University of North Carolina through the Office of the President. Proposals for research contracts and grants; public service assignments; and responses to requests for information and technical assistance by the State and units of local government, business, and industry shall be addressed by a formal process involving an advisory board of university personnel appointed by the President and chaired and directed by an individual appointed by the President. The Board of Governors of The University of North Carolina shall consult with the Department in developing the research programs and provide the Department with a copy of the proposed research program for review and comment before the research is undertaken. Research contracts shall be awarded to independent nonprofit colleges and universities within the State which are accredited by a preferred accrediting agency, as defined in G.S. 116‑11.4, on the same basis as those research contracts awarded to The University of North Carolina. Research activities shall include the following areas:
(1)	Methods and processes for recycling solid and hazardous waste.
(2)	Methods of treatment for detoxifying hazardous waste.
(3)	Technologies for disposing of solid and hazardous waste."
SECTION 2.11.(p)  This section is effective when it becomes law.

BRUNSWICK COMMUNITY COLLEGE CARRYFORWARD EXTENSION
SECTION 2.12.  Notwithstanding Section 5.3 of S.L. 2023‑134 or any other provision of law to the contrary, the twenty‑five million dollars ($25,000,000) in nonrecurring funds appropriated pursuant to S.L. 2023‑134 as a directed grant to Brunswick Community College for the 2023‑2024 fiscal year for its workforce development center and public safety center capital projects shall not revert as provided in subsection (b) of Section 5.3 of S.L. 2023‑134 but shall instead remain available until December 31, 2028.

ADMINISTRATIVE funds for residential schools
SECTION 2.13.(a)  There is appropriated from the General Fund to the Governor Morehead School for the Blind the sum of four hundred thousand dollars ($400,000) in recurring funds in each year of the 2025‑2027 fiscal biennium for costs associated with the school functioning as an independent agency.
SECTION 2.13.(b)  There is appropriated from the General Fund to the Eastern North Carolina School for the Deaf the sum of four hundred thousand dollars ($400,000) in recurring funds in each year of the 2025‑2027 fiscal biennium for costs associated with the school functioning as an independent agency.
SECTION 2.13.(c)  There is appropriated from the General Fund to the North Carolina School for the Deaf the sum of four hundred thousand dollars ($400,000) in recurring funds in each year of the 2025‑2027 fiscal biennium for costs associated with the school functioning as an independent agency.
SECTION 2.13.(d)  To ensure compliance with State agency requirements, funds appropriated by this section may be used for additional positions, reclassification of existing positions, or administrative, legal, technology, or operational expenses.

PART III. HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES [RESERVED]

PART IV. AGRICULTURE AND NATURAL AND ECONOMIC RESOURCES

Department of labor modifications
SECTION 4.1.(a)  G.S. 95‑13 reads as rewritten:
"§ 95‑13.  Enforcement of rules and regulations.
In the event any person, firm or corporation shall, after notice by the Commissioner of Labor, violate any of the rules or regulations promulgated under the authority of this Article or any laws amendatory hereof relating to safety devices, or measures, the Department of Labor may take appropriate action in the civil courts of the State to enforce the rules and regulations. The Attorney General of the State, upon the request of the Commissioner of Labor, may take appropriate action in the civil courts of the State to enforce the rules and regulations. Upon request of the Attorney General, any district attorney of the State of North Carolina in whose district the rule or regulation is violated may perform the duties hereinabove required of the Attorney General."
SECTION 4.1.(b)  G.S. 95‑25.18 reads as rewritten:
"§ 95‑25.18.  Legal representation.
The Department of Labor may represent itself in any action or proceeding in connection with this Article. Upon request of the Department of Labor, it shall be the duty of the Attorney General of North Carolina to represent the Department of Labor in actions or proceedings in connection with this Article. The Attorney General may designate staff to fulfill the duty under this section."
SECTION 4.1.(c)  G.S. 95‑47.9 reads as rewritten:
"§ 95‑47.9.  Enforcement of Article; rules; hearing; penalty; criminal penalties.
…
(e)	Any person who operates as a private personnel service without first obtaining the appropriate license (i) shall be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor; and (ii) be subject to a civil penalty of not less than fifty dollars ($50.00) nor more than one hundred dollars ($100.00) for each day the private personnel service operates without a license, the penalty not to exceed a total of two thousand dollars ($2,000). Actions to recover civil penalties shall be initiated by the Department of Labor. Upon the request of the Department of Labor, it shall be the duty of the Attorney General to initiate actions to recover civil penalties at the discretion of the Commissioner. The clear proceeds of civil penalties provided for in this section shall be remitted to the Civil Penalty and Forfeiture Fund in accordance with G.S. 115C‑457.2."
SECTION 4.1.(d)  G.S. 95‑110.12 reads as rewritten:
"§ 95‑110.12.  Legal representation.
The Department of Labor may represent itself in any action or proceeding in connection with this Article. Upon request of the Department of Labor, it shall be the duty of the Attorney General of North Carolina to represent the Department of Labor in actions or proceedings in connection with this Article. The Attorney General may designate staff to fulfill the duty under this section."
SECTION 4.1.(e)  G.S. 95‑111.15 reads as rewritten:
"§ 95‑111.15.  Legal representation.
The Department of Labor may represent itself in any action or proceeding in connection with this Article or any rules and regulations promulgated thereunder. Upon the request of the Department of Labor, it shall be the duty of the Attorney General of North Carolina, when requested, to represent the Department of Labor in actions or proceedings in connection with this Article. The Attorney General may designate staff to fulfill the duty under this section."
SECTION 4.1.(f)  G.S. 95‑142 reads as rewritten:
"§ 95‑142.  Legal representation of the Department of Labor.
The Department may represent itself in all actions and proceedings in connection with this Article. Upon request of the Department, it shall be the duty of the Attorney General to represent the Department of Labor in actions or proceedings in connection with this Article. The Attorney General may designate staff to fulfill the duty under this section."
SECTION 4.1.(g)  G.S. 95‑4 reads as rewritten:
"§ 95‑4.  Authority, powers and duties of Commissioner.
The Commissioner of Labor shall be the executive and administrative head of the Department of Labor. In addition to the other powers and duties conferred upon the Commissioner of Labor by this Article, the said Commissioner shall have authority and be charged with the duty:
…
(7)	Notwithstanding G.S. 143C‑6‑9 and G.S. 114‑2.3, to retain, designate, employ, expend available funds for, and otherwise engage private counsel to provide litigation services and represent the Department in any matter the Commissioner deems necessary to represent the interests of the Department and any of its component units, bureaus, officers, or employees. For the purposes of this subdivision, the terms "private counsel" and "litigation services" are as defined in G.S. 147‑17."
SECTION 4.1.(h)  This section is effective when it becomes law.

DEPARTMENT OF LABOR FUNDING
SECTION 4.2.(a)  There is appropriated from the General Fund to the Department of Labor the sum of six hundred fifty thousand dollars ($650,000) in recurring funds for the 2025‑2026 fiscal year and the sum of six hundred fifty thousand dollars ($650,000) in recurring funds for the 2026‑2027 fiscal year for three full‑time equivalent attorney positions. These positions shall be designated as exempt policy‑making positions of the Commissioner of Labor, not subject to the limitations under G.S. 126‑5(d)(2).
SECTION 4.2.(b)  There is appropriated from the General Fund to the Department of Labor the sum of one hundred fifty thousand dollars ($150,000) in recurring funds for the 2025‑2026 fiscal year and the sum of one hundred fifty thousand dollars ($150,000) in recurring funds for the 2026‑2027 fiscal year for security services for the Department of Labor.

Facility authority public infrastructure improvements funding
SECTION 4.3.  There is appropriated from the Stabilization and Inflation Reserve established in Section 2.2(q) of S.L. 2022‑74 to the Office of State Budget and Management (OSBM) the sum of thirty‑five million dollars ($35,000,000) in nonrecurring funds for the 2025‑2026 fiscal year to be allocated, within 60 days from the date this act becomes effective, to the Centennial Authority (Authority). The Authority shall disburse the funds allocated to a qualifying entity for costs incurred for public infrastructure improvements on, adjacent to, or supporting a regional entertainment and sports arena owned by the Authority. Funds appropriated in this section do not revert but remain available to the Authority until completion of the improvements. For purposes of this section, (i) the Authority is the facility authority created by the General Assembly under Part 4 of Article 20 of Chapter 160A of the General Statutes and (ii) a qualifying entity is either of the following:
(1)	The entity with which the Authority has contracted for the redevelopment of the land surrounding the regional entertainment and sports arena benefitted by the appropriation authorized by this section.
(2)	The entity's assignee.

Hertford county economic development project funds
SECTION 4.4.(a)  Appropriation. – Provided the Department of Commerce (Department) enters into an agreement in accordance with subsection (b) of this section, there is appropriated from the Stabilization and Inflation Reserve established in Section 2.2(q) of S.L. 2022‑74 to the Department the sum of fifty‑one million dollars ($51,000,000) in nonrecurring funds for the 2025‑2026 fiscal year to be used as follows: (i) forty million dollars ($40,000,000) for reimbursement for costs incurred in permitting, engineering, designing, and constructing a publicly owned dock at a project site and (ii) eleven million dollars ($11,000,000) for constructing a public road leading to the publicly owned dock and capable of accommodating industrial loads.
Funds appropriated by this section do not revert but remain available for these purposes. Payments authorized under this subsection may be made to a county, a rural development authority, or as reimbursements to an eligible business, as specified in the agreement or agreements required under subsection (b) of this section. Appropriations for public roads authorized under this subsection may be transferred to the Department of Transportation, as deemed necessary or beneficial by the Department. For purposes of this section, an "eligible business" is a manufacturer of steel forgings and large diameter steel fabrications, and a "project site" is an industrial manufacturing site in Hertford County with direct access to the Chowan River.
SECTION 4.4.(b)  Agreement. – Prior to the allocation of any funds appropriated by this section, the Department shall enter into an agreement or agreements with Hertford County (County), the Hertford County Rural Development Authority (Authority), or both, and an eligible business. Agreements entered into under this subsection are binding and constitute a continuing contractual obligation of each party to the agreements. The agreement or agreements shall include, at a minimum, the following provisions:
(1)	A provision requiring the eligible business to (i) invest at least nine hundred seventy‑four million dollars ($974,000,000) of private funds in the project site and (ii) create and maintain at least 835 new jobs having an overall average compensation that exceeds one hundred seventy‑five percent (175%) of the average wage for all insured private employers in the county in which the project site is located. For purposes of this subdivision, "new job" shall have the same meaning as "eligible position" under G.S. 143B‑437.51, notwithstanding the base period applicable to that section. The Department shall determine the relevant periods during which the eligible business must meet the requirements of this subdivision.
(2)	One or more provisions addressing all the performance criteria, remedies, and other safeguards required by the Department to secure the State's benefit derived from (i) the permitting, engineering, design, and construction of a publicly owned dock at the project site and (ii) the construction of a public road at the project site, including a provision ensuring that the benefits to the State from such activity outweigh the costs.
(3)	A provision requiring the eligible business to repay an appropriate, proportionate amount for any failure by the business to meet and maintain the applicable performance criteria on which State funds appropriated by this section were based.
(4)	A provision prohibiting the eligible business from seeking or accepting any grant pursuant to Part 2G or Part 2H of Article 10 of Chapter 143B of the General Statutes for any jobs created because of appropriations made under this section.
(5)	A provision requiring that State funds appropriated by this section be allocated only for expenses incurred for (i) permitting, engineering, and design of, or construction of, a publicly owned dock at the project site or (ii) the construction of a public road at the project site.
SECTION 4.4.(c)  Report. – On September 1 of each year that funds appropriated for the project site under this section are expended or remain unexpended, the Department shall report on the use of such funds to the House of Representatives and the Senate committee or subcommittee responsible for base budget appropriations, to the Joint Legislative Economic Development and Global Engagement Oversight Committee, to the Joint Legislative Commission on Governmental Operations, and to the Fiscal Research Division. The report shall include, at a minimum, an executive summary of the performance of the eligible business; the performance criteria, remedies, and safeguards required by the Department for the funds; a description of the current status of the project; the amount that was paid in the prior fiscal year; the purpose for which the amount was paid; and the total amount that has been paid.

TRANSFORMATIVE PROJECT BASE PERIOD FLEXIBILITY
SECTION 4.5.(a)  Notwithstanding G.S. 143B‑437.56, G.S. 143B‑437.59, or any other provision of law, a qualifying business may request the resetting of, and the Committee may agree to reset, the base period applicable to the transformative project. For purposes of this section, the definitions in G.S. 143B‑437.51 apply, and a qualifying business is a business that (i) has entered into an agreement for a transformative project, (ii) is not more than 48 months into the base period, (iii) employs over 1,000 full‑time employees in the State, and (iv) has not received any grant payments.
SECTION 4.5.(b)  This section is effective when it becomes law and expires June 30, 2026.

JUSTICE AND PUBLIC SAFETY

SALE OF MAINFRAME AND RELATED TECHNOLOGY COMPONENTS
SECTION 5.1.  Notwithstanding Article 3A of Chapter 143 of the General Statutes, G.S. 143‑49(4), or any other law pertaining to surplus State property, the Administrative Office of the Courts may sell its mainframe computing system and any related components on terms that the Administrative Office of the Courts deems to be in its best interest without involvement by the State Surplus Property Agency designated in G.S. 143‑64.01 and without being required to pay any service charge or surcharge to the State Surplus Property Agency. The net proceeds of this sale shall be deposited in the Court Information Technology Fund established by G.S. 7A‑343.2.

REMOTE PUBLIC ACCESS FEES
SECTION 5.2.  G.S. 7A‑109(d) reads as rewritten:
"(d)	In order to facilitate public access to the electronic data processing records or any compilation of electronic court records or data of the clerks of superior court, except where public access is prohibited by law, the Director may enter into one or more nonexclusive contracts under reasonable terms with third parties to provide remote electronic access to the electronic data processing records or any compilation of electronic court records or data of the clerks of superior court by the public. Neither the Director nor the Administrative Office of the Courts is the custodian of the records of the clerks of superior court or of the electronic data processing records or any compilation of electronic court records or data of the clerks of superior court. Funds recovered pursuant to this subsection shall be remitted to the State Treasurer to be held in the Court Information Technology Fund established in G.S. 7A‑343.2."

PART VI. GENERAL GOVERNMENT

ALBEMARLE BUILDING OFFICE SPACE FOR OFFICE OF THE STATE AUDITOR
SECTION 6.1.(a)  No later than December 1, 2025, the Department of Administration, in consultation with the Office of the State Auditor, shall assign office space within the Albemarle Building in Raleigh, North Carolina, to the Office of the State Auditor for its exclusive use. The assigned space shall consist of two additional floors for a total of four floors.
SECTION 6.1.(b)  This section controls over any conflicting space assignment plan or policy to the extent of the conflict.
SECTION 6.1.(c)  This section is effective when it becomes law.

PART VII. INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY [RESERVED]

PART VIII. CAPITAL

capital project funding
SECTION 8.1.  Section 5.1 of S.L. 2025‑89 reads as rewritten:
"SECTION 5.1.(a)  There is appropriated from the State Capital and Infrastructure Fund to the Office of State Budget and Management the sum of eight hundred eighty‑eight million five hundred sixty‑five thousand eight hundred ninety‑seven dollars ($888,565,897) in nonrecurring funds for the 2025‑2026 fiscal year to be allocated to the following project codes in the following amounts:
(1)	DACS21‑2					$1,500,000
(2)	DACS21‑4					1,500,000
(3)	DEQ21‑1						17,075,000
(4)	DNCR21‑13					86,800,000
(5)	DNCR23‑7					7,000,000
(6)	DOA23‑2						800,000
(7)	NCGA21‑3					65,250,000
(8)	NCGA23‑1					26,000,000
(9)	UNC/BOG21‑1					3,750,000
(10)	DOI21‑1						22,000,000
(11)	DPS21‑9						19,793,242
(12)	DPS21‑6						2,658,750
(13)	DPS23‑9						2,024,414
(14)	DPS23‑11						5,927,250
(15)	NG23‑1						6,000,000
(16)	NG23‑2						5,750,000
(17)	NG23‑3						2,250,000
(18)	TRAN23‑1					125,000,000
(19)	UNC/ASU21‑1					12,500,000
(20)	UNC/ASU22‑1					12,300,000
(21)	UNC/ECS21‑4					9,172,727
(22)	UNC/ECS23‑1					17,172,727
(23)	UNC/ECU21‑1					60,000,000
(24)	UNC/FSU21‑2					6,573,912
(25)	UNC/NCS20‑1					22,224,823
(26)	UNC/NCS23‑1					27,000,000
(27)	UNC/NCS23‑2					24,000,000
(28)	UNC/SSM23‑2					3,000,000
(29)	UNC/CH20‑2					17,693,052
(30)	UNC/PEM21‑1					30,500,000
(31)	UNC/SA23‑1					22,950,000
(32)	UNC/WSS21‑1					22,400,000
(33)	R&R21						100,000,000
(34)	UNC/R&R21					100,000,000
…
"SECTION 5.1.(e)  There is appropriated from the State Capital and Infrastructure Fund to the Office of State Budget and Management the sum of five million dollars ($5,000,000) in nonrecurring funds for the 2025‑2026 fiscal year to be allocated to the University of North Carolina at Pembroke for the Regional Emergency Response Center. This project shall be known as project code UNC/PEM25‑1 and shall have a maximum project authorization of five million dollars ($5,000,000).
"SECTION 5.1.(f)  There is appropriated from the State Capital and Infrastructure Fund to the Office of State Budget and Management the sum of one million five hundred thousand dollars ($1,500,000) in nonrecurring funds for the 2025‑2026 fiscal year to be allocated to the State Highway Patrol to be used for repair and renovation projects."

nccu chancellor's residence
SECTION 8.2.  Notwithstanding G.S. 146‑30 or any other provision of law to the contrary, the net proceeds from the sale of the Chancellor's residence at North Carolina Central University (NCCU) shall be retained by NCCU and shall be deposited in a special fund to be used solely for the purchase of another residence for the Chancellor, as approved by the Board of Trustees of North Carolina Central University and consistent with applicable policies of the Board of Governors of The University of North Carolina.

PART IX. TRANSPORTATION

Raleigh‑durham Airport authority funds
SECTION 9.1.  There is appropriated from the Stabilization and Inflation Reserve established in Section 2.2(q) of S.L. 2022‑74 to the Department of Transportation, Division of Aviation, the sum of seven hundred fifty thousand dollars ($750,000) in nonrecurring funds for each year of the 2025‑2027 fiscal biennium to support the efforts of the Raleigh‑Durham Airport Authority (Authority) to expand international nonstop service to Dublin, Ireland, at Raleigh‑Durham International Airport (RDU). The airline providing this nonstop service from RDU to Dublin will maintain an agreed upon seasonal schedule during the two‑year period of performance. Disbursements of funds will be payable in two equal disbursements (i) following completion of 180 qualifying flights for the period of performance and (ii) following completion of the 360 qualifying flights. A qualifying flight is an outbound direct flight from RDU to Dublin Airport in Ireland (DUB) on a branded mainline product beginning on or about April 13, 2026. The airline shall, on average, operate at least 14 monthly qualifying flights during the two‑year period of performance. Funds appropriated pursuant to this section do not revert and will remain available to the Division for such purposes.

AVAILABILITY of Brunswick County airport grant funds
SECTION 9.2.  Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, funds provided as a grant to the Brunswick County Airport in Item 39, page J 31 of the Committee Report referenced in Section 43.2 of S.L. 2023‑134 that remain unexpended and unencumbered shall not revert and shall remain available for expenditure on new airport improvement projects.

Tri‑county airport
SECTION 9.3.  There is appropriated from the Highway Fund, Budget Code 84210, to the Department of Transportation, Division of Aviation, the sum of three million six hundred thousand dollars ($3,600,000) in nonrecurring funds for the 2025‑2026 fiscal year to be used for costs associated with hangar improvements at the Tri‑County Airport. Funds appropriated pursuant to this section shall not revert but shall remain available until completion of the improvements.

coastal carolina regional airport authority funding
SECTION 9.4.  Provided the Coastal Carolina Regional Airport Authority (Authority) enters into a long‑term lease agreement to rent space to a tenant at Coastal Carolina Regional Airport (Airport), there is appropriated from the Stabilization and Inflation Reserve established in Section 2.2(q) of S.L. 2022‑74 to the Department of Transportation, Division of Aviation, the sum of ten million four hundred thousand dollars ($10,400,000) in nonrecurring funds for the 2025‑2026 fiscal year, to be allocated to the Authority for site improvement and infrastructure needs at the Airport necessary to accommodate the tenant subject to the lease required by this section. Funds appropriated pursuant to this section shall not revert but shall remain available until completion of the improvements or infrastructure projects.

PART X. MISCELLANEOUS AND EFFECTIVE DATE

EFFECT OF HEADINGS
SECTION 10.1.  The headings to the Parts and sections of this act are a convenience to the reader and are for reference only. The headings do not expand, limit, or define the text of this act.

construction
SECTION 10.2.  Except where expressly repealed or amended by this act, any legislation enacted during the 2025 Regular Session expressly appropriating funds to an agency, a department, or an institution covered under this act shall remain in effect.

STATE BUDGET ACT APPLICABILITY
SECTION 10.3.  If any provision of this act and G.S. 143C‑5‑4 are in conflict, the provisions of this act shall prevail. The appropriations and the authorizations to allocate and spend funds which are set out in this act shall remain in effect until the Current Operations Appropriations Act for the applicable fiscal year becomes law, at which time that act shall become effective and shall govern appropriations and expenditures. When the Current Operations Appropriations Act for that fiscal year becomes law, the Director of the Budget shall adjust allotments to give effect to that act from July 1 of the fiscal year.

SEVERABILITY CLAUSE
SECTION 10.4.  If any provision of this act or its application is held invalid, the invalidity does not affect other provisions or applications of this act that can be given effect without the invalid provisions or application and, to this end, the provisions of this act are severable.

effective date
SECTION 10.5.  Except as otherwise provided, this act is effective retroactively to July 1, 2025.