Includes whereas clauses.

Directs the North Carolina Collaboratory at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (the Collaboratory) to investigate the potential impact of plastic particles on waters of the State and develop strategies to address the impacts of plastic particles. Requires the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) to cooperate with the Collaboratory and assist the Collaboratory upon request. Allows DEQ to provide staff support to the Collaboratory and allows the Collaboratory to hire additional staff. Requires the Collaboratory to work with the State Division of Water Resources and other interested government entities. Details the Collaboratory’s tasks and duties, including identifying plastic particles in State waterways, researching harmful impacts from plastic particles, developing and implementing strategies to address the dangers of plastic particles, developing a risk assessment framework for plastic particles, and recommending policy and statutory changes. Requires the Collaboratory to submit a comprehensive report with findings, detailed risk assessment, and recommended actions to the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Agriculture and Natural and Economic Resources and the Environmental Review Commission by July 1, 2026. Effective July 1, 2025, appropriates $150,000 from the General Fund to the Collaboratory to fund this work.