Section 1

Adds to the responsibilities of county boards of social services charged in GS 108A-9, attending education and training for new board members during the first year of service. Makes technical changes. Makes the requirements effective October 1, 2023, and requires that all current county board members participate in the education and training sessions by October 1, 2025.

Directs DSS to collaborate with specified key stakeholders, including the UNC School of Government, to create formal education and training programs for new county board members, specifically including a segment on county board liabilities, with training available statewide by March 1, 2024.

Section 2

Directs the Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) to conduct a feasibility and cost study, as specified, of a proposed child support tribunal using quasi-judicial procedures to hear child support matters. Requires AOC to submit its findings and recommendations to the General Assembly by March 1, 2024. 

Section 3

Enacts GS 108A-15.16 to require county department of social services to resolve conflicts of interest cases consistent with applicable law and DHHS policies and procedures. Requires DHHS policies and procedures to address county financial and practice responsibilities. Requires counties to notify DHHS upon identifying a conflict of interest. Grants DHHS the authority to making final determinations regarding conflict of interest assignments when disputes arise, with regional staff having initial authority when a dispute arises between county departments and central staff having initial authority when disputes arise between regions. Directs the Social Services Commission (Commission) to adopt rules regarding conflicts of interest management. Defines conflict of interest.

Directs the Commission report to the specified NCGA committee upon the adoption of rules under GS 108A-15.16.