Enacts Article 4, “High-Skilled Talent Retention Fund” (Fund) to GS Chapter 64, which establishes the Fund with the Department of Commerce (DOC) to provide reimbursement grants to eligible individuals to offset costs associated with maintaining lawful employment-based immigration status, including those described. Requires DOC to administer the Fund and adopt rules necessary to implement new Article 4. Sets forth the following eligibility requirements for an individual who needs financial assistance with maintain lawful immigration status: (1) NC residency and employment in the State and (2) the person is a “high-skilled” worker (defined) under rules promulgated by DOC. Sets out criteria for consideration as a high-skilled worker based on education qualifications, occupation qualifications, visa classification, or specialized skills or experience.

Appropriates $1 million from the General Fund to DOC in recurring funds beginning in 2026-27 to establish and administer the Fund. Limits the Funds uses to reimbursement grants or administrative costs of DOC, which is capped at 5% of total appropriated funds. Specifies that the funds appropriated do not revert but remain available until spent.

Contains severability clause.