Contains whereas clauses.

Section 1

Appropriates $2.6 million for 2026-27 from the General Fund to the Department of Public Instruction (DPI) for the development, expansion, or continuation of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education programs that assist students in developing the academic background necessary to pursue opportunities in quantum computing later. Of that, $2 million must be equally divided among public school units within the geographical boundaries of any local school administrative unit containing a military base or installation, and $200,000 each to Durham Public Schools, Orange County Schools, and Wake County Schools. Provides list detailing what the allocated funds may be used for. Requires DPI to report to the Joint Legislative Education Oversight Committee no later than April 1, 2027 on the listed information related to use of this funding.

Effective July 1, 2026.

Section 2

Establishes the Quantum Computing Grant Program (Program). Mandates that the North Carolina Collaboratory (Collaboratory) administer the Program for the 2026-27 academic year. Program’s purpose is to provide opportunities for NC public high school students and Department of Defense schools to work with higher education institutions on current issues in quantum computing and other emerging technologies. Provides definitions applicable to this section, including (1) Collaboratory, (2) eligible high school (including schools located in a public school unit or a Department of Defense school in NC), (3) eligible institution of higher education (higher education institution that has demonstrated ability to collaborate with public school units located near the Research Triangle region of the state, including listed units, and that has a formal partnership with the US Department of Defense related to research and workforce development), and (4) institution of higher education (constituent institution of The University of North Carolina (UNC), NC community college, or eligible private postsecondary institution). Provides eligibility and application information for the Program and caps grant awards at $50,000 per eligible institution of higher education. Provides permitted use of grant funds. Requires the Collaboratory to report listed information related to Program and the grants awarded to the Joint Legislative Education Oversight Committee and the Fiscal Research Division no later than February 15, 2027.

Appropriates $200,000 for 2026-27 from the General Fund to the Board of Governors of UNC to be allocated to the Collaboratory to grant awards pursuant to the Program.

Effective July 1, 2026.

Section 3

Amends GS Chapter 105, Part 2 of Article 4 by adding new GS 105-153.12, which defines (1) eligible business as a business (1) in the defense, technology, computing, cybersecurity, or quantum sector, or that has a service line in quantum computing, (2) subject to income tax under this Article, and (3) that has eligible expenses and defines eligible expenses as costs invested by an eligible business into collaborative or experiential learning opportunities with NC high school students either during the school year or through summer programs, complies with all relevant state and federal nondiscrimination laws, and offers those students the opportunity to use lab space, computing power, or incorporate expertise and resources not typically available to high school students into an applied learning project that will either increase interest in quantum computing careers or better prepare students to succeed in a quantum computing program or career after graduating high school. Allows credit equal to taxpayer’s eligible expenses, up to $100,000, for eligible business taxpayers against tax imposed by Article’s Part 2 Individual Income Tax. Sets aggregate limitation of credits to $10 million for all taxpayers for any one calendar year. Provides application process for eligible businesses and mandates for the Department of Revenue related to creating this application and review and approval of submitted applications. Provides that credits will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis if amounts exceed maximum aggregate limit. Requires report from the Department of Revenue by June 30 each year that includes listed information related to such applications and tax credits allowed during the previous calendar year to the Joint Legislative Committee on Governmental Operations and the Fiscal Research Division.

Effective January 1, 2027.