Bill Summary for H 602 (2021-2022)

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Summary date: 

Jun 16 2021

Bill Information:

View NCGA Bill Details2021
House Bill 602 (Public) Filed Monday, April 19, 2021
AN ACT TO MAKE CHANGES TO THE LAWS GOVERNING THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA TO EXEMPT FINANCE, BUSINESS OFFICE, AND AUDITOR PROFESSIONALS FROM MOST PROVISIONS OF THE NORTH CAROLINA HUMAN RESOURCES ACT; TO CONSOLIDATE AND ELIMINATE CERTAIN REPORTS; TO CODIFY CAPITAL PROJECT REPORTING REQUIREMENTS; AND TO PROVIDE THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA FLEXIBILITY TO ADDRESS BUDGETARY AND OTHER IMPACTS OF COVID-19 THROUGH EARLY RETIREMENT INCENTIVES, REDUCTION IN FORCE APPROVAL AUTHORITY, AND AUTHORITY TO PROVIDE STATE HEALTH PLAN PREMIUM PAYMENTS FOR CERTAIN EMPLOYEES PLACED ON EMERGENCY TEMPORARY FURLOUGHS.
Intro. by Hardister, Pickett, Arp, K. Smith.

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Bill summary

Senate committee substitute makes the following changes to the 3rd edition.

Instead of amending Section 10(d) of SL 2011-185, deletes Section 10(d) entirely, thereby eliminating the requirement that UNC report annually on research collaborations addressing the behavioral health problems and challenges facing military personnel, veterans, and their families.

No longer makes changes to GS 116-143.3A, concerning the waiver of the 12-month residency requirement for tuition at institutions of higher education for certain veterans and other individuals.

No longer amends GS 122C-430 to allow the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services to designate one or more special police officers to make up a joint security force to enforce State law, ordinances and regulations on the Morganton campus of the NC School of Science and Mathematics. 

Adds the following content.

Part V.

Allows the UNC Board of Governors (BOG) to authorize the adoption of an early retirement incentive program to provide long-term cost savings to UNC and improved operational efficiencies for UNC to remain in effect until December 31, 2022. Directs the UNC System Office to develop policies and regulations for the program, including four requirements provided, such as program eligibility criteria based on retirement plan and severance payment parameters. Requires the UNC System Office to report to the specified State department and NCGA division on implementation of the program, as specified, by October 1, 2021, and December 1, 2022, as applicable. Sunsets the provisions on December 31, 2022.

Part VI.

Enacts GS 116-14(b3) to authorize the UNC President to approve a reduction in force for positions subject to the Human Resources Act (HRA), including reorganization and payment of severance with non-State funds, without further approval by any other State agency, so long as reduction is in accordance with the policies of the Office of State Human Resources. Allows for delegation of the authority granted to chancellors of constituent institutions. Requires annual reporting to the Office of State Human Resources. Requires preapproval of severance payments with State funds by the Office of State Budget and Management. 

Part VII.

Authorizes the BOG to allocate non-State funds to pay for the employee portions of monthly premiums in the State Health Plan for Teachers and State Employees (SHP) that would have been paid if the participating employee is currently on an emergency furlough which places the employee below half-time employment for a calendar month. Caps BOG payment at 12 months for the period between June 1, 2020, and December 31, 2021. Bars requiring employees to reimburse UNC for any premiums paid under the section.

Makes conforming changes to the act's title.