HB 526 allocates $209,000 in one-time state funds to Onslow County to establish a drug testing laboratory at the Sheriff's Office. This funding directly supports the sheriff's office in improving the speed and accuracy of drug testing for local law enforcement investigations. The bill directs the Office of State Budget and Management to provide the grant for the 2025-2026 fiscal year. It will become effective on July 1, 2025.
HB 229 adjusts North Carolina's Medicaid reimbursement rates for ambulatory surgical centers (ASCs), requiring payments to be at least 95% of the current Medicare Ambulatory Surgical Centers fee schedule. This change directly affects ASCs by increasing their Medicaid payments, with the state appropriating $10.476 million annually from the General Fund to cover the cost and match $19.135 million in federal funds each year for the 2025-2027 fiscal biennium. The bill mandates these rate adjustments to take effect on July 1, 2025, ensuring ASCs receive consistent reimbursement aligned with Medicare rates. The legislation focuses solely on establishing the new payment structure and funding mechanism, without altering eligibility or services.
SB 520 appropriates $545,588 from North Carolina's General Fund for the 2025-2026 fiscal year to fund a pedestrian hybrid beacon and crosswalk at Pineville Town Hall, specifically at the intersection of Hwy 51 and Main St. The grant is directed to the Town of Pineville to improve pedestrian safety and enhance walkability in the downtown area. This bill provides a one-time funding allocation for a specific infrastructure project, not a new policy or law. The funds will cover construction costs for the safety device and crosswalk, with the project scheduled to begin after the bill's effective date of July 1, 2025.
HB 758 appropriates $100,000 from the state General Fund for the 2025-2026 fiscal year to provide a directed grant to Agency for Families in Distress, Inc. This funding supports "The Mind and Heart Haven Project," which aims to address mental health needs in Winston-Salem, Forsyth County, and North Carolina. The bill directly affects the nonprofit organization and the communities it serves by providing dedicated resources for mental health services. The grant is nonrecurring and becomes effective July 1, 2025.
HB 944 appropriates $1.5 million from the state General Fund to the Department of Health and Human Services for a directed grant to Care Ring, Inc., a nonprofit community health clinic in Mecklenburg County. The funding supports the clinic’s operations to provide primary care services to medically vulnerable residents facing geographic, economic, or other barriers to care. This grant specifically targets patients who would otherwise be unable to access necessary primary care due to these challenges. The bill directs all funds to be used for the clinic’s core operations during the 2025-2026 fiscal year.
HB 325 establishes a two-year pilot program (2025-2026 and 2026-2027) to fund public school field trips to North Carolina's Legislative Building. It provides up to $2,000 per school for transportation costs (bus rental, fuel, driver pay) to participating schools, prioritizing those in counties designated as "Tier 1" under state law. The program is funded with $1.5 million annually from the General Fund, requiring schools to submit budget applications by October 1 and reporting usage to the legislature by February 15 each year. The bill directly affects public school units statewide, with priority given to schools in designated underserved counties.
HB 721 appropriates $500,000 from the General Fund to fund Muddy Sneakers, Inc.'s fifth-grade science programs, which provide hands-on field instruction aligned with state science standards. It also allocates $2.75 million to St. Gerard House to support its autism treatment programs. The funding is designated for the 2025-2026 fiscal year, with the Muddy Sneakers funds being recurring and the St. Gerard House grant nonrecurring. The bill directly affects fifth-grade students in North Carolina public schools and individuals receiving autism services through St. Gerard House.
HB 513 appropriates $1 million annually from the General Fund to fund North Carolina's Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program through fiscal years 2025-2027. It allocates $855,000 yearly to create nine new full-time Regional Ombudsman positions in areas most needing support, as determined by the State Ombudsman, to help meet national staffing standards. The remaining funds cover operational costs like equipment, supplies, and transportation for existing program staff. This directly benefits long-term care residents by expanding access to ombudsman services that address facility concerns and advocate for their rights.
HB 417 appropriates $50,000 from the state General Fund to Hoke County for park upgrades at Rockfish Park in Raeford, North Carolina. The funds are designated for nonrecurring improvements to the park and become available on July 1, 2025. This bill directly affects Hoke County residents who use Rockfish Park by providing state funding for facility upgrades. It does not create new laws or regulations but allocates specific funding for a local park project.
HB 880 appropriates $1 million in recurring state funds from the General Fund to support the NC A&T Aggie Academy, a laboratory school at North Carolina A&T State University. This funding, effective July 1, 2025, provides additional resources for the school's operations as a University of North Carolina laboratory school. The bill directly affects the Aggie Academy's students, staff, and programs by securing ongoing financial support. It does not create new policies but allocates existing state funds for a specific educational institution.
