Part I.

Appropriates $200,000 in recurring funds from the General Fund to the Department of Public Instruction (DPI) for two additional positions for the Professional Educator Preparation and Standards Commission to increase the Commission’s capacity to coordinate efforts to recruit, prepare, retain, and support the State’s teaching workforce.

Requires the State Board of Education (State Board) to develop a plan for implementing a teacher licensure and compensation reform model designed to meet the specified objectives. Requires the plan to, at least: (1) offer early, inclusive, and clear pathways into the profession; (2) reward excellence and advancement among teachers; and (3) encourage retention in the profession. Requires the State Board to provide plan details and recommended legislative changes to the specified NCGA committee and division and the Office of State Budget and Management by March 15, 2023. Appropriates $50,000 for 2021-22 from the General Fund to the Department of Public Instruction to develop the plan.

Requires the State Board, in consultation with UNC System Office, to identify the resources and structures that educator preparation programs at UNC constituent institutions need in order to increase capacity in educator preparation programs to recruit, prepare, support, and graduate annually (1) at least 5,000 in-State trained teachers annually; and (2) more educators of color. Requires the State Board to report on the findings to the specified NCGA committee, division, and the Office of State Budget and Management by March 15, 2023. Appropriates $25,000 for 2021-22 from the General Fund to DPI to conduct this study.

Appropriates $2 million in recurring funds for 2022-23 from the General Fund to DPI to support the Grow-Your-Own and 2+2 teacher recruitment education programs.

Requires the State Board to develop a plan to implement and fund a statewide system or entity to coordinate, enhance, and evaluate efforts to recruit, place, and retain teacher candidates and beginning teachers between institutions of higher education and local school administrative units. Sets out issues the study is to focus on. Requires the State Board to submit plan details and recommended legislation to the specified NCGA committee and division and the Office of State Budget and Management by March 15, 2023. Appropriates $25,000 for 2022-23 from the General Fund to DPI to support the development of the plan.

Removes the term STEM from the definitions under GS 116-209.60, which defines terms for use in Part 3 of Article 23 of GS Chapter 116, which governs the North Carolina Teaching Fellows Program (Program). No longer limits the Program to providing loans to individuals interested in preparing to teach in the State's public schools in STEM or special education licensure areas, instead opening it more broadly to those preparing to teach in the State's public schools. Makes changes throughout the Part by removing references to "STEM" and "special education." Requires specified amounts be transferred from the North Carolina Teaching Fellows Program Trust Fund to the UNC System Office instead of General Administration. Requires Program recruitment efforts to include identifying and encouraging students of color and students who may not otherwise consider a teaching career to enter the program. Requires the recruitment activities to include a strategy that attracts a diverse pool of applicants. Removes the cap on the number of participating institutions and specifies that the diverse selection of participating programs is to include minority-serving institutions. Adds the requirement that the Program provide planning, training, and ongoing support for Program leaders and recipients, including training on culturally responsive teaching, teaching students with disabilities, and trauma-informed teaching. Pushes back the date of the annual reporting to January 1, 2023. Applies beginning with the 2022-23 academic year. Appropriates $4.7 million in recurring funds for 2022-23 from the General Fund to the North Carolina Teaching Fellows Program Trust Fund to support an additional 490 teacher licensure candidates.

Requires the State Board to establish a grant program to assist local school administrative units in providing multiyear recruitment bonuses to certified teachers who commit to teach multiple years in a low-performing or high-needs school. Requires bonuses to include at least: (1) awards over multiple years with a requirement that teachers remain in the school over multiple years to receive the bonus; (2) awards to licensed teachers who commit to teach in a school identified as low-performing, a school identified as continually low-performing, or a school where 75% or more of students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. Requires the State Board annually, beginning by September 1, 2022, to issue a Request for Proposal (RFP) for the grant program. Requires local boards of education to submit their proposals by December 1, 2022. Requires that the RFP require proposals to include specified information, including plans for financial sustainability once grant money is no longer available. Requires the State Board, by February 15, 2023, to review the proposal and select up to 10 local school administrative units for grants. Allows making grant awards for up to three years. Caps the grant amount to a local school administrative unit at $500,000 in a single fiscal year. Allows the State Board to use up to $300,000 to contract with an independent research organization to evaluate the impact of this grant program and then report to the specified NCGA committee and division and the Office of State Budget and Management by September 1, 2025. Requires DPI to report annually on program implementation, beginning March 15, 2023. Appropriates $6 million in recurring funds for 2022-23 from the General Fund to DPI for the grant program; allows unexpended funds to remain available for these purposes instead of reverting back to the General Fund.

Requires the State Board to establish a grant program to assist local school administrative units in the development of teacher preparation residency pilot programs. Requires teacher preparation residency programs eligible to receive grant funding through this program to include at least: (1) coursework in the candidate's area of licensure; (2) tuition and stipends; (3) faculty advising; (4) clinical training experiences; and (5) ongoing induction support. Allows programs to include partnerships between local school administrative units, educator preparation programs, local community colleges or universities, and other community organizations. Requires grant funds to be matched by the local school administrative units on the basis of $1 in nongrant funds for every $1 in grant funds. Requires the State Board, by October 1, 2022, to issue a Request for Proposal (RFP) for the grant program and requires local boards of education to submit their proposals by January 15, 2023. Requires the RFP to require that proposals include specified information, including plans for financial sustainability once grant money is no longer available. Requires the State board to review proposals and select up 10 local school administrative units as grant recipients by April 15, 2023. Allows making grant awards for up to three years. Caps the grant amount to a local school administrative unit at $500,000 in a single fiscal year. Allows the State Board to use up to $300,000 to contract with an independent research organization to evaluate the impact of this grant program and then report to the specified NCGA committee and division and the Office of State Budget and Management by September 1, 2026. Requires DPI to report annually on program implementation, beginning March 15, 2024. Appropriates $5 million in recurring funds for 2022-23 from the General Fund to DPI to implement the grant program; allows unexpended funds to remain available for these purposes instead of reverting back to the General Fund.

Appropriates $200,000 in recurring funds for 2022-23 from the General Fund to the UNC Board of Governors to expand Partnership Teach to up to two additional hub sites.

Requires the State Board, in consultation with the Office of the Governor, The University of North Carolina System Office, and the Community College System Office, to establish a grant program to support strategic partnerships committed to increasing the pipeline of educators of color across the State. Requires the grants to be provided to local school administrative units, institutions of higher education, and community organizations to implement innovative initiatives that support the recruitment, preparation, support, and retention of racially, ethnically, and linguistically diverse educators. Sets out the purpose of the program. Requires grant applicants to demonstrate at least: (1) a partnership between at least two of the following: local school administrative units, Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Historically Minority-Serving Institutions, educator preparation programs, alternative certification programs, public and private colleges and universities, community colleges, and community or nonprofit organizations; (2) proposals for strategies that address one or more of the specified components of the educator development continuum as highlighted by the DRIVE Task Force's 2021 Report to the Governor. Allows grant funds to be used for: (1) strengthening existing high school dual enrollment programs to offer education-based college credit or honors courses as streamlined pathways for future careers in education; (2) implementing targeted school system–level and community-based recruitment programs for aspiring educators of color interested in traditional and alternative educator preparation programs; (3) using and leveraging existing financial aid programs that reduce the disproportionate financial burden incurred by aspiring candidates of color; (4) increasing preparation and supporting preservice educators of color through paid clinical learning experiences, with a commitment to teaching in North Carolina public schools; (5) offering support for job placement and licensure for candidates of color after completing their educator preparation program; (6) providing induction and mentoring programs that address the needs of educators of color that include sustaining networking and professional learning communities or affinity groups; and (7) encouraging and financially supporting educators of color interested in joining national professional organizations or attending national conferences. Requires the State Board, by October 1, 2022, to issue a Request for Proposal (RFP) for the grant program and for applicants to submit proposals by December 1, 2022. Requires that the RFP require proposals to include specified information, including plans for financial sustainability once grant money is no longer available. Requires a selection committee, by February 1, 2023, to select up to five grantees. Allows grants to be spent over a five-year period. Requires grant recipients to report annual to the State Board on the implementation of the program. Allows the State Board to use up to $300,000 to contract with an independent research organization to evaluate the impact of this grant program and then report to the specified NCGA committee and division and the Office of State Budget and Management by September 1, 2024. Requires DPI to report annually on program implementation, beginning January 1, 2024. Appropriates $2 million in recurring funds for 2022-23 from the General Fund to the DPI to implement the grant program. Allows unexpended funds to remain available instead of reverting to the General Fund.

Enacts new GS 115C-299.7, providing as follows. Requires education entities (public school units and educator preparation programs) to annually, beginning July 30, 2023, report to DPI on the following regarding diversity of educators and future educators in the entity from the previous school year: (1) total number of educators and future educators; (2) the number of persons who apply to work in or attend the education entity as an educator or future educator;  (3) the number of educators and future educators who are employed by or enrolled in an education entity; (4) retention rates of educators; (5) mobility rates of educators between schools in a public school unit; (6) the number of future educators who complete an educator preparation program, become licensed in North Carolina, and become employed in a public school unit; (7) qualitative data from educators and future educators on the diversity and inclusiveness of the education entity; and (8) recommendations from the entity to improve diversity of educators and future educators. Requires DPI to report annually, beginning October 15, 2023, on the information collected above to the specified NCGA committee, including the specified information. Requires DPI to include the collected information in the statistical profile of public schools on its website. Specifies that this statute does not require an education entity or DPI to report any data that reveals confidential or personally identifiable information about an educator or future educator. Makes conforming changes to GS 115C-12 by requiring the State Board to compile a report on the diversity of educators and future educators in the State.

Enacts new Article 6E, Office of Equity Affairs in GS Chapter 115C, providing as follows. Establishes the Office of Equity Affairs (Office) within DPI to provide internal oversight within DPI and the State Board specific to compliance with the State's constitutional role to provide each child the opportunity to receive a sound basic education and to direct the recruitment and retention of a diverse educator workforce. Requires the Office to review educational policies, programs, and initiatives and to provide an independent, objective source of information to be used in evaluating substantial compliance with sound basic education standards and the goal of recruiting and retaining a diverse educator workforce, with special attention and consideration to outcomes for at-risk students. Allows the Office to suggest adjustments to the content and delivery of educational policies, programs, and initiatives. Gives the Office authority to obtain full and unrestricted access to all records, information, and data available to DPI or the State Board. Requires a semi-annual report, beginning no later than January 15, 2023, to the specified NCGA committee on the implementation of the Article, DPI’s and the State Board’s progress in effectively providing each child the opportunity to receive a sound basic education, and the diversity of the educator workforce. Requires giving DPI and the State Board notice before the reporting of deficiencies and an opportunity to correct or improve them; requires reporting any efforts to do so. Creates the Deputy Superintendent of Equity Affairs to serve as the chief officer of the Office. Requires the Superintendent of Public Instruction to recommend the individual to be appointed as the Deputy with the recommended appointee appointed upon approval by the State Board. Sets out who the Deputy reports to and provides the process for removal. Appropriates $400,000 in recurring funds for 2022-23 from the General Fund to DPI to permit the Deputy Superintendent of Equity Affairs to appoint up to four full-time staff to assist in the administration of the Deputy Superintendent's duties. Requires one of the positions to be an administrative assistant position and at least one to be an attorney position.

Appropriates $5 million in recurring funds for 2022-23 from the General Fund to the UNC Board of Governors to provide mentoring and coaching support to beginning teachers employed in public school that are identified as low-performing or high-poverty.

Amends GS 115C-311 to allow, with the State Board’s approval, Advanced Teaching Roles schools selected to participate in the program to develop advanced teaching roles and organizational models that link teacher performance and professional growth to salary increases for classroom teachers, to exceed the maximum class size requirements for grades K-3 (exceeding the limit was previously limited to up to three years in which State funds are awarded to the local school administrative unit where the school is located, with class size flexibility expiring at the conclusion of the term). Appropriates $3,760,000 in recurring funds for 2022-23 from the General Fund to DPI to support teacher compensation models and advanced teaching roles and to develop implementation plans; funds remain available until expended. Allows DPI to use up to 4% of these funds to evaluate the program, as specified.

Establishes the Educator Professional Development Allotment in the State Public School Fund, effective July 1, 2022. Requires the State Board to establish the purposes for which the funds may be used, including at least: (1) educator professional development for targeted public school units and school requiring multitiered support for Pre-K through 3rd grade; (2) implementation of literacy training; and (3) mentoring programs for beginning educators. Appropriates $20 million in recurring funds for 2022-23 from the General Fund to DPI to fund the Educator Professional Development Allotment.

Requires the State Board to conduct a wage comparability study to determine competitive pay for public school employees in comparison to salaries in similar professions in the State. Sets out what must be included in the study and requires the State Board to report to the specified NCGA committee and division and the Office of State Budget and Management by March 1, 2023. Appropriates $200,000 for 2022-23 from the General Fund to DPI to conduct the study.

Sets a monthly teacher salary schedule for "A" teachers for 2022-23 for licensed public school personnel classified as teachers, based on years of experience, ranging from $3,625 for teachers with 0 years of experience to $5,460 for 25 or more years of experience. Provides for a 12% salary supplement for licensed teachers who have National Board for Professional Teaching Standards certification; a 10% salary supplement for licensed teachers classified as "M" teachers; a $126 salary supplement for licensed teachers with licensure based on academic preparation at the six-year degree level, in addition to the "M" teachers salary supplement; a $253 salary supplement for licensed teachers with licensure based on academic preparation at the doctoral degree level, in addition to the "M" teachers salary supplement; and a 10% salary supplement for certified school nurses. Requires that the first step of the salary schedule for school psychologists, school speech pathologists licensed at the master's degree level or higher, and school audiologists licensed at the master's degree level or higher, must be equivalent to the sixth step of the "A" salary schedule. Provides for a 10% salary supplement. Deems these employees eligible to receive salary supplements equivalent to those of teachers for academic preparation at the six-year degree level or the doctoral degree level. Requires that the twenty-sixth step of the salary schedule for school psychologists, school speech pathologists licensed at the master's degree level or higher, and school audiologists licensed at the master's degree level or higher must be 7.5% higher than the salary received by these same employees on the twenty-fifth step of the salary schedule. Provides that in lieu of the amounts of annual longevity payments to teachers paid on the teacher salary schedule, beginning with the 2014-15 fiscal year, the amounts of those longevity payments are included in the monthly amounts under the teacher salary schedule. Details teacher compensation for the 2022-23 school year based on either (1) the applicable salary schedule; (2) the sum of the salary the teacher received in 2013-14, longevity pay for the 2013-14 school year, and annual bonus provided in SL 2014-100; or (3) the sum of the salary and annual bonus the teacher received in the 2014-15 school year, with the compensation amount determined to be equal to the greater of those amounts. Provides that teacher includes instructional support personnel. Appropriates $153.5 million in recurring funds from the General Fund to DPI to increase salaries for teachers and support personnel. States the NCGA’s intent to adjust compensation for teachers in 2023-24 and subsequent fiscal years according to the educator wage comparability study. Effective July 1, 2022. 

Amends GS 115C-296.2 to require the State to provide payment of NBPTS participation fees as grants from DPI for the full participation fee for up to 1,000 teachers each fiscal year. Appropriates $1.9 million in recurring funds for 2022-23 from the General Fund to DPI for the participation fee grants. Requires that same amount of funding be transferred to State Education Assistance Authority each fiscal year to administer the payment of fees.

Part II.

Appropriates $8.2 million in recurring funds from the General Fund to the North Carolina Principal Fellows and TP3 Trust Fund for the 2022-23 fiscal year to provide forgivable loans to an additional 122 new principal candidates through principal preparation program provided grants under the North Carolina Principal Fellows and Transforming Principal Preparation Program (Program) (see GS Chapter 116, Article 5C). Provides unexpended funds do not revert, but remain available for this purpose.

Directs the State Board to develop a plan for the creation of a School Leadership Academy that supports local school administrative units and school leaders that includes: (1) equity training for all local school administrative units and school leaders; (2) training and ongoing support for local board of education members focused on the needs of successful and turn-around schools; (3) mentorship and support for novice principals and for experienced principals in high needs schools focused on dismantling impediments to student success; (4) peer support networks such as facilitated partnership networks and rapid response hotlines to provide immediate assistance; and (5) aligned, ongoing, research-driven professional learning. Provides that the State Board considers any existing school administrator leadership training opportunities when creating this plan. Directs the State Board to report to the specified NCGA committee and division and the Office of State Budget and Management by February 15, 2023, on its proposal for the School Leadership Academy, including the plan for implementation and estimated costs.

Sets an annual principal salary schedule consisting of a base schedule and a complementary schedule, applicable to the 2022-23 fiscal year beginning July 1, 2022. Sets out the base schedule  based on years of experience, ranging from $75,330 for 0 years of experience to $100,413 for 20 or more years of experience. Sets out a complimentary schedule based on average daily membership (ADM) with amounts ranging from $0 for an ADM of 0-400 to $7,000 for an ADM of 1,601 or more. Provides for a $126 monthly salary supplement for those with licensure based on academic preparation at the six-year degree level and a $253 salary supplement for those with licensure based on academic preparation at the doctoral degree level. Provides that in lieu of the amounts of annual longevity payments, beginning with the 2017-18 fiscal year, the amounts of those longevity payments are included in the salary. Details principal compensation for the 2022-23 school year based on (1) the applicable salary schedule, (2) the sum of the salary received in 2016-17 and longevity pay for the 2016-17 school year, (3) the salary received in 2016-17 if not eligible for longevity at that time, or (4) the salary received in 2021-22. Appropriates $24.7 million in recurring funds for 2022-23 from the General Fund to DPI for the salary increases. States the NCGA’s intent to adjust compensation for principals in 2023-24 and subsequent fiscal years according to the educator wage comparability study.

Provides that for 2022-23, beginning July 1, 2022, assistant principals are to receive a monthly salary based on the "A" teacher salary schedule plus 19%, with placement based on total years the assistant principal has spent as a certified employee. Requires assistant principals with certification based on academic preparation at the six-year degree level to be paid a salary supplement of $126 per month, and at the doctoral degree level to be paid a salary supplement of $253 per month. Provides for a 10-month stipend for participants in an approved full-time master's in-school administration program. Details limitations and required certification. Provides that in lieu of the amounts of annual longevity payments to assistant principals paid on the assistant principal salary schedule, beginning with the 2017-18 fiscal year, the amounts of those longevity payments are included in the monthly amounts provided to assistant principals pursuant to the act. Requires assistant principals paid under the salary schedule provided for the 2022-23 fiscal year to receive the greater amount of (1) the applicable amount provided in the salary schedule by the act, (2) the salary the assistant principal received in the 2016-17 school year under Sections 9.1 or 9.2 of SL 2016-94 plus the longevity that would have been received, or (3) the salary received in 2016-17 if not eligible for longevity at that time. Appropriates $4.3 million for 2022-23 from the General Fund to DPI for the salary increases. States the NCGA’s intent to adjust compensation for assistant principals in 2023-24 and subsequent fiscal years according to the educator wage comparability study.

Requires the State Board, by March 15, 2023, to develop and report to the specified NCGA committee and division on a plan to implement and evaluate the effectiveness of incentive programs to encourage well-qualified principals and assistant principals to work in high-need schools. Sets out components that may be included in the plan. States the NCGA’s intent to implement advisable components of the plan.

Requires DPI, by November 15, 2022, to survey local school administrative units on recommendations to increase autonomy and resources for principals and superintendents and report responses by February 15, 2023, to the specified NCGA committee and division. States the NCGA’s intent to implement advisable recommendations in the 2023-24 fiscal year and subsequent fiscal years.

Part III.

Amends GS 115C-105.25 to no longer prohibit local boards of education from transferring funds out of the: (1) children with disabilities allotment, (2) out of the academically or intellectually gifted child allotment category, or (3) limited English proficiency allotment category. No longer prohibits positions from being transferred out of the allocation for classroom teachers for K-12 grades; makes conforming changes. No longer prohibits positions from being transferred out of the allocation for program enhancement teachers for kindergarten through fifth grade. No longer limits the use of funds allotted for textbooks and digital resources to being used to purchase textbook and digital resources and no longer prohibits transferring those funds out of the allotment for other purposes. Applies beginning with the 2022-23 school year.

Requires the State Board to allocate additional funds for children with disabilities on the basis of up to $4,600 per student for fiscal year 2021-22 and up to $4,754.42 per student for fiscal year 2022-23. Requires each local school administrative unit to receive funds for the total number of children identified as children with disabilities and requires adjusting the amount allocated in accordance with legislative salary increments, retirement rate adjustments, and health benefit adjustments for personnel who serve children with disabilities. Appropriates $56,824,273 million in recurring funds for 2022-23 from the General Fund to DPI to implement this section.

Requires that funds appropriated in this act for disadvantaged student supplemental funding (DSSF) be used only to: (1) provide instructional positions or instructional support positions; (2) provide professional development; (3) provide intensive in-school or after-school remediation, or both; (4) purchase diagnostic software and progress-monitoring tools; and (5) provide funds for teacher bonuses and supplements. Allows the State Board to require local school administrative units receiving funding under the Disadvantaged Student Supplemental Fund to purchase the Education Value-Added Assessment System (EVAAS), with data to be used only for instructional and curriculum decisions made in the best interest of children and for professional development for their teachers and administrators. Requires DSSF to be allotted to a local school administrative unit based on the unit's eligible DSSF population and the difference between a teacher-to-student ratio of 1:21 and the listed teacher-to-student ratios that vary depending the county's wealth. Provides that if a local school administrative unit's wealth increases to a level that adversely affects the unit's DSSF allotment ratio, the DSSF allotment for that unit is maintained at the prior year level for one additional fiscal year. Requires the State Board for 2022-23 to transfer the At-Risk Student Services/Alternative Schools allotment into the DSSF allotment and allocate these additional funds to local school administrative units under a formula that reallocates At-Risk Student Services funding as an independent supplement to existing DSSF funds and expands the allowable uses of the DSSF allotment to incorporate activities allowed under the current At-Risk Student Services allotment and provides that no local administrative unit receives a decrease in combined funding. Appropriates $70 million in recurring funds for 2022-23 from the General Fund to DPI to implement this section.

States the NCGA’s intent to incrementally increase appropriations for the low-wealth allotment to provide eligible counties supplemental funding equal to 110% of the statewide local revenue per student by fiscal year 2027-28. Requires the State Board to adjust the formula to ensure each local school administrative unit receives a pro rata share of the additional funds appropriated for the low-wealth allotment in this section for supplemental funding. Appropriates $40 million in recurring funds for 2022-23 from the General Fund to DPI to implement this section.

Requires the State Board to allocate funds for services to students with limited English language proficiency to local school administrative units and charter schools based on the three-year weighted headcount of students with limited English proficiency. Requires the adoption of a formula to compute the allotments that does not put a cap on the funds. Appropriates $20 million in recurring funds for 2022-23 from the General Fund to DPI to implement this section.

Repeals Section 8.47(b) of SL 2015-41 (appears to intend SL 2015-241, which provided local school administrative units the dollar equivalent of teacher assistant positions based on specified ratios). Enacts new GS 115C-316.6 to require the State Board to establish a funding allotment for teacher assistant positions. Requires funds to be distributed based on: (1) an estimated statewide average salary and benefits per teacher assistant position and (2) the requirements of (d) of the statute, which requires funds to be allocated to increase positions for teacher assistants according to the specified schedule setting out the ratio of teacher assistant to students in grades K-3 for fiscal years 2022-23 through 2028-29 and thereafter. Appropriates from the General Fund to DPI the specified amounts for fiscal years 2022-23 through 2028-29 and thereafter, with amounts beginning at $20 million, increasing to $217,700,000.

Enacts GS 115C-316.7, providing as follows. Appropriates from the General Fund to DPI the specified amounts for fiscal years 2022-23 through 2028-29 and thereafter, with amounts beginning at $40 million, increasing to $743,200,000. Requires the funds to be allocated to increase positions for: (1) school counselors, school social workers, and school psychologists, according to the specified schedule setting out the ratio of each of those types of positions to students in fiscal years 2022-23 through 2028-29 and thereafter and (2) school nurses and school media coordinators according to the specified schedule setting out the ratio of each of those types of positions to students in fiscal years 2021-22 through 2027-28 and thereafter, or in an amount necessary to provide at least one school nurse per 100 or more students and one school media coordinator per school with 200 or more students.

Part IV.

Amends GS 115C-83.15(d), which sets out guidelines to calculate overall school performance scores and grades, by requiring that the school achievement score account for 51% (was, 80%) and the school growth score account for 49% (was, 20%) of the total sum. Requires DPI to amend the State plan to reflect this change. Applies beginning with school performance scores issued based on data from the 2022-23 school year.

Requires the State Board, in consultation with DPI, to study methods of adding to the State school accountability system indicators that provide information on the opportunity of students to access a sound basic education. Requires a report with recommended changes to the specified NCGA committee by June 15, 2023.

Part V.

Appropriates $19 million in recurring funds for 2022-23 from the General Fund to DPI to continue to implement the District and Regional Support Model developed by the State Board to support the improvement of low-performing and high-poverty schools. Sets out further requirements for implementation.

Requires the State Board, by March 15, 2023, to review, update, and strengthen the state-level process for reviewing and adopting core curriculum resources. Requires providing support, resources, and professional learning opportunities to assist schools and districts in selecting and employing the specified types of resources and practices to assist educators in applying innovative practices promoting continuous improvement. Requires DPI, by June 30, 2023, to provide a model implementation plan.

Enacts new GS 115C-209.2 requiring DPI to establish a program to support high-poverty schools that adopt a community school model or other evidence-based models to address out-of-school barriers to learning. Sets out deadlines for distributing an application form, for schools that use a community school model or other evidence based model, to address out-of-school barriers to learning to apply to participate, and for selecting participants. Gives priority to schools with high rates of student poverty. Requires each participating local school administrative unit to hire one full-time school-based coordinator per participating school. Sets out assessments the coordinator must make and requires the coordinator to submit to DPI a funding request for goods or services beneficial to meeting the goals of the community school model or other evidence-based model. Sets out the deadline by which DPI must evaluate the request and allocate funds. Requires DPI, in consultation with the coordinators, to report annually to the specified NCGA committee on six specified items, including the amount of funds allocated to each school and the use of those funds, and any effects of the model on school outcomes.  Appropriates $6 million in in 2022-23 from the General Fund to DPI to implement the program. Applies beginning with the 2022-23 school year.

Appropriates $3.9 million in recurring funds for 2022-23 from the General Fund to DPI to fund the reduced-price lunch copays for students who qualify under the National School Lunch Program. Enacts new GS 115C-264.5 requiring the State Board to report annually, beginning in 2023, to the specified NCGA committee on unpaid meal charges in local school administrative units. Sets out items that must be included in the report.

Part VI.

Appropriates $41.9 million in recurring funds for 2022-23 from the General Fund to the Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (Division), to expand the NC Prekindergarten (NC Pre-K) program for eligible children who are 4 years old by allocating funds to: (1) begin incrementally increasing State funding for each NC Pre-K slot with the goal of paying 100% of the actual cost by the end of the 2027-28 fiscal year; (2) gradually increasing the number of eligible children with the goal of reaching at least 75% of eligible children in each county by the end of the 2027-28 fiscal year; (3) raising the rate for the county administrator to provide oversight, monitoring, enrollment, and support by 10% by the end of the 2022-23 fiscal year; and (4) phasing-in extension of the NC Pre-K program year from 10 to 12 months in accordance with this section. Amends Section 9C.1 of SL 2021-180 requiring the Division to develop and implement a plan that includes a pilot program to extend the NC Pre-K program year from 10 to 12 months and is based on county capacity to implement the extension. Sets out requirements for selecting three counties to participate in the pilot. Requires a report to the specified NCGA committee by December 31, 2023, and sets out required report content.

Appropriates $11,999,892 in recurring funds for 2022-23 from the General Fund to the Division to increase funds for the child care subsidy program and provide for program improvements.

Appropriates $10 million in recurring funds for 2022-23 from the General Fund to the Division of Child and Family Well-Being to take steps toward: (1) increasing State and local staffing in the provision of services to families with infants and toddlers with developmental delays and established medical conditions who are eligible for the NC Infant-Toddler Program, (2) expanding funding for interpreter services, (3) establishing a centralized provider network system, (4) providing professional development focused on early childhood mental health, and (5) addressing salary inequities affecting provider retention and recruitment. Appropriates $250,000 for 2022-23 from the General Fund to the Division of Child and Family Well-Being to be allocated in the specified amounts to: (1) conduct a feasibility study to examine eligibility criteria and cost implications for expansion of the NC Infant-Toddler Program and (2) conduct a system and infrastructure readiness assessment to determine areas of need and system challenges that need to be addressed before expanding the NC Infant-Toddler Program.

Appropriates $10 million in recurring funds for 2022-23 from the General Fund to the Division to gradually increase funding for the North Carolina Partnership for Children Inc. (Smart Start), with the goal of full funding by the end of the 2027-28 fiscal year. Sets out provisions governing the allocation of the funds.

Appropriates $26 million in recurring funds for 2022-23 from the General Fund to the Division to increase funding for and expand participation in the Child Care WAGE$ program and the Infant-Toddler education AWARD$ program. Appropriates $1.25 million in recurring funds for 2022-23 from the General Fund to the Division to implement strategies to recruit early childhood educators and provide ongoing professional development.

Appropriates $1.2 million in nonrecurring funds for 2022-23 from the General Fund to the Division to develop and implement a real-time workforce data system that supports building a pipeline of early childhood educators. Requires the Division, within existing funds appropriated to the Division for 2022-23, to expand and improve the North Carolina Early Childhood Integrated Data System (NC ECIDS) and the North Carolina Early Childhood Action plan data dashboards to track child outcomes and provide access to State data for users and researchers with the goal of connecting this data to the NC Longitudinal Data System (NCLDS). Requires the Division, within existing funds appropriated to the Division for 2022-23, to collaborate with the Divisions of Social Services, Public Health, and Child and Family Well-Being in developing and implementing a plan to provide technical assistance to build local capacity to use quality early childhood data across child health, child welfare, and early childhood education for local planning.

Part VII.

Appropriates $3 million for 2022-23 from the General Fund to DPI to offset the costs for local administrative units and charter schools to remove barriers to student participation in North Carolina Virtual Public Schools. Gives priority to covering the costs of courses for students enrolled in public schools in low-wealth counties.

Amends GS 115C-84.2 by allowing a local board of education to align the calendar of schools in the local school administrative unit with the calendar of a community college serving the city or county where the unit is located. Applies beginning with the 2022-23 school year.

Requires that from the funds appropriated in this section, that the UNC Board of Governors make funds available to the National College Advising Corps Inc. (CAC) to support an expansion of the placement of college advisers in North Carolina public schools through its program over a three-year period. Provides more information about CAC. Appropriates the following from the General Fund to the UNC Board of Governors to be provided each fiscal year of the 2021-23 fiscal biennium to CAC: (1) for the 2021-22 fiscal year, $2,415,000 in recurring funds and (2) for the 2022-23 fiscal year, an additional $2,572,000 in recurring funds. State the NCGA’s intent to appropriate an additional $333,333 in recurring funds for a net appropriation of $5,320,333 in recurring funds to be provided to CAC for the 2023-24 fiscal year and subsequent fiscal years for expanding the placement of college advisers to all 100 counties in the third year of the expansion of the CAC program. Sets out matching fund requirements. Requires CAC to focus the first two years of the expansion by placing college advisers in counties designated as tier one and tier two. For the third year of the expansion, requires CAC to use the funds provided to it to place college advisers in the remaining counties designated as tier three. Also requires CAC to select at least three additional postsecondary institutions to partner with in order to increase the number of recent graduates working as near-peer college advisers to meet the needs of the program expansion. Requires CAC to report in each year in which CAC spends State funds made available to it under this section to the specified NCGA committee and division on the progress of expanding the placement of college advisers, data on the effectiveness of the program in increasing access for students to postsecondary education, and the use of State funds.

Appropriates $100,000 in recurring funds for 2021-22 form the General Fund to DPI for a Career and Postsecondary Planning Director position to focus on career planning in grades 5-12 and $10 million in recurring funds for 2022-23 to increase the number of school-based career development coordinators for grades 6-8 and 9-12.

Part VIII.

Reenacts the provisions of the State Budget Act, GS Chapter 143C, and incorporates them into this act by reference.

Explains the effect of the act’s headings.

Includes a severability clause.

Effective July 1, 2022.

Sets out whereas clauses.

Appropriates $100 million in recurring funds from the General Fund to the NC Housing Trust Fund for 2022-23 to increase funding for affordable housing programs in the state. Effective July 1, 2022.

Establishes the Manufactured Home Park Acquisition Fund (Fund) as a nonreverting special fund in the NC Housing Finance Agency (Agency). Appropriates $25 million for 2022-23 from the General Fund to the Fund to be used by the Agency to provide grants to nonprofits, public housing authorities, and manufactured dwelling park nonprofit cooperatives to purchase manufactured home parks to provide affordable housing. Effective July 1, 2022.

Amends GS Chapter 41A, the State Fair Housing Act, as follows. Prohibits discriminatory housing practices based on a person's source of income. Defines source of income to mean any lawful source of money paid directly, indirectly, or on behalf of a renter or buyer of real property, including the following: (1) income derived from any lawful profession or occupation or (2) income or rental payments derived from a grant, loan program, the State or federal government or any local governmental unit, including the HOPE program or a Section 8 voucher, or financial assistance from a private source, including a nonprofit or other nongovernmental entity. Makes conforming changes. Effective October 1, 2022.

Amends GS 105-228.30 by adding an excise tax on instruments conveying an interest in real property to another person of $1.50 on each $500 or fractional part thereof of the consideration or value of the interest for qualified investment conveyances. Defines a qualified investment conveyance as a conveyance of an interest in real property to a business entity that will use the property primarily for rental as a residence by one or more individuals. Requires a transferee to pay one-third of the tax on a qualified investment conveyance to the register of deeds before recording the instrument. Requires the Department of Revenue to credit two-thirds of the excise tax on qualified investment conveyances to the Office of State Budget and Management for deposit into the North Carolina Housing Trust Fund. Effective October 1, 2022.

Includes whereas clauses. 

Adds new Article 1M, Reproductive Freedom Act, in GS Chapter 90, providing as follows. Sets out the act's purpose. Allows a health care provider (defined as a person who provides maternal health care) to provide abortion services to a patient, and gives the patient a statutory right to receive those services, without the following: (1) a requirement that a health care provider perform specific tests or medical procedures in connection with the provision of abortion services, unless required for the provision of medically comparable services; (2) a requirement that the same health care provider who provides abortion services also perform specified tests, services, or procedures prior to or subsequent to the abortion; (3) a requirement that a health care provider offer or provide the patient seeking abortion services medically inaccurate information in advance of or during abortion services; (4) a limitation on a health care provider's ability to prescribe or dispense drugs based on current evidence-based regimens or the provider's good-faith medical judgment, other than a limitation generally applicable to the medical profession; (5) a limitation on a health care provider's ability to provide abortion services via telemedicine or telehealth, other than a limitation generally applicable to a health care provider's ability to provide medical or health care services via telemedicine or telehealth generally as applied to each health care provider's scope of practice; (6) a requirement or limitation concerning the physical plant, equipment, staffing, or hospital transfer arrangements of facilities where abortion services are provided, or the credentials or hospital privileges or status of personnel at those facilities, that is not imposed on facilities or the personnel of facilities where medically comparable procedures are performed; (7) a requirement a patient make one or more medically unnecessary in-person visits to a health care provider providing abortion services or to any individual or entity that does not provide abortion services, prior to obtaining an abortion; (8) a prohibition or restriction on abortion at any point or points in time before fetal viability; (9) a prohibition on abortion after fetal viability when, in the provider's good-faith medical judgment, continuation of the pregnancy would pose a risk to the pregnant patient's life or health or there is a medical emergency; (10) a limitation on a health care provider's ability to provide immediate abortion services when that health care provider believes, based on their good-faith medical judgment, delay of abortion services would pose a risk to the patient's health; and (11) a requirement a patient seeking abortion services at any point or points in time before fetal viability disclose the patient's reason or reasons for seeking abortion services, or a limitation on the provision or obtaining of abortion services at any point or points in time before fetal viability based on any actual, perceived, or potential reason or reasons of the patient for obtaining abortion services, regardless of whether the limitation is based on a health care provider's degree of actual or constructive knowledge of such reason.

Prohibits limiting the statutory right for abortion services through requirements that: (1) single out the provision of abortion services, health care providers who provide the abortion service, or facilities in which those service are provided; (2) impede access to abortion services; or (3) is the same as or similar to one or more of the limitations or requirements set out above.

Specifies that the factors a court may consider in determining whether a limitation or requirement impedes access to abortion services include the seven listed factors, including whether the limitation or requirement is reasonably likely to delay or deter some patients in accessing abortion services; whether the limitation or requirement is reasonably likely to increase the cost of providing or obtaining abortion services, including costs associated with travel, child care, or time off from work; and whether the limitation or requirement is reasonably likely to result in a decrease in the availability of abortion services in the State or a geographic region.

Specifies that the Article does not authorize any State agency to interfere with a person's ability to terminate a pregnancy, diminish or in any way negatively affect a person's constitutional right to terminate a pregnancy, or to displace any other remedy for a violation of that constitutional right.

Includes a severability clause in the Article.

Repeals the following: (1) Article 1I (Woman's Right to Know Act) of GS Chapter 90; (2) Article 1K (prohibiting abortions based on specified reasons for abortion) of GS Chapter 90; (3) GS 58-61-63; (4) GS 143C-6-5.5 (which prohibited using State funds for the performance of abortions or to support the administration of any governmental health plan or government-offered insurance policy offering abortion).

Makes conforming changes to GS 135-48.50 which sets out coverage mandates for the State Health Plan. Effective 30 days after becoming law and applies to contracts entered into, amended, or renewed on or after that date.

Amends GS 153A-92(d) to no longer prohibit a county, in providing health insurance to county officers and employees, from providing abortion coverage greater than that provided by the State Health Plan. Amends GS 160A-162(b) to no longer prohibit a city council, in providing health insurance to city employees, from providing abortion coverage greater than that provided by the State Health Plan.

Repeals the following: (1) GS 14-44 (which prohibits using drugs or instruments to destroy unborn child); (2) GS 14-45 (which prohibits using drugs or instruments to produce miscarriage or injure pregnant woman); and (3) GS 14-45.1 (which sets out when abortion is not unlawful).

Appropriates $2 million in recurring funds for 2022-23 from the General Fund to the Department of Health and Human Services to provide grants to federally qualified community health centers, local health departments, and hospitals to provide all FDA-approved methods of birth control, reproductive medical care, and long-acting, reversible contraceptives to underserved, uninsured, or medically indigent patients.

Reenacts Article 3E, Low-Income Housing Tax Credits, of GS Chapter 105, as it existed immediately before its repeal (effective January 1, 2015), and revises the Article as follows. Does not reenact GS 105-129.41, which provided credit for low-income housing awarded a federal credit allocation prior to January 1, 2003. Makes conforming changes. Amends GS 105-129.42, relating to low-income housing awarded a federal credit allocation on or after January 1, 2003, to require the taxpayer to receive a carryover allocation for an allocated credit in the form of a loan generated by the Housing Finance Agency, no longer providing for the taxpayer to elect between receiving the credit as a direct tax refund or a loan. Makes conforming changes to the statute's title, now titled as Funding mechanism (was, Credit) for low-income housing awarded a federal credit allocation on or after January 1, 2003. Makes conforming deletions relating to payment, recapture, and forfeiture of direct refunds. Effective for taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2022. 

Amends GS 143B-1320, adding the following four defined terms, applicable to Article 15, which regulates the Department of Information Technology (DIT). Defines broadband service as internet access service of at least 25 megabits per second download and at least 3 megabits per second upload, regardless of the technology or medium used to provide the service. Defines underserved area as a designated geographic area that (1) presently does not have broadband service, and (2) has transmission speeds of less than 25 megabits per second download and 3 megabits per second upload, which can also include individual homes and businesses. Additionally adds and defines served area and unserved area. 

Revises the definitions provided for broadband service, underserved area, unserved area, or high-speed internet access services in the following statutes to cross-reference the definitions of the defined terms, or parts thereof, provided in GS 143B-1320: GS 143B-1373, governing the Growing Rural Economies with Access to Technology (GREAT) program; GS 143B-1374, governing the Satellite-Based Broadband Grant Program; GS 146-29.2, providing for the lease or interest in the State's real property for communication purposes; GS 153A-459, permitting county broadband acceleration through grants to private or nonprofit broadband providers; and GS 160A-340, relating to the provision of communications services by cities under Article 16A.  Makes technical and conforming changes. 

Effective July 1, 2023, further amends GS 143B-1320, as amended, to increase the threshold speeds set in the enacted defined terms as follows. Defines broadband service as internet access service of at least 100 (was, 25) megabits per second download and at least 20 (was, 3) megabits per second upload, regardless of the technology or medium used to provide the service. Defines underserved area as a designated geographic area that (1) presently does not have broadband service, and (2) has transmission speeds of less than 100 (was, 25) megabits per second download and 20 (was, 3) megabits per second upload. Defines unserved area as a designated geographic area that presently does not have broadband service or presently has transmission speeds of 25 megabits per second download and 3 megabits per second upload, or less, but does not have transmission speeds meeting the definition of broadband service (previously limited to designated areas that do not have broadband service). Makes conforming changes to GS 143B-1373(g), regarding base speed multipliers for minimum download and upload speeds for proposed project applications under the GREAT program. 

Appropriates $100,000 from the General Fund to DIT for 2022-23 to update requirements of broadband programs administered by DIT impacted by the increased speed benchmarks established by the act and other administrative costs associated with the programs. Effective July 1, 2022. 

Part I.

Sets a monthly teacher salary schedule for "A" teachers for 2022-23 for licensed public school personnel classified as teachers, based on years of experience, ranging from $3,660 for teachers with 0 years of experience to $5,650 for 29-30 years of experience. Provides for a 12% salary supplement for licensed teachers who have National Board for Professional Teaching Standards certification; a 10% salary supplement for licensed teachers classified as "M" teachers; a $126 salary supplement for licensed teachers with licensure based on academic preparation at the six-year degree level, in addition to the "M" teacher's salary supplement; a $253 salary supplement for licensed teachers with licensure based on academic preparation at the doctoral degree level, in addition to the "M" teacher's salary supplement; a 10% salary supplement for certified school nurses; and a $100 monthly salary supplement for school counselors licensed at the master's degree level or higher. Requires that the first step of the salary schedule for school psychologists, social workers licensed at the master's degree level or higher, school speech pathologists licensed at the master's degree level or higher, and school audiologists licensed at the master's degree level or higher, must be equivalent to the sixth step of the "A" salary schedule. Provides for a 10%  and $350 salary supplement. Deems these employees eligible to receive salary supplements equivalent to those of teachers for academic preparation at the six-year degree level or the doctoral degree level. Requires that the twenty-sixth step of the salary schedule for these employees be 7.5% higher than the salary received by these same employees on the twenty-fifth step of the salary schedule. Provides that in lieu of the amounts of annual longevity payments to teachers paid on the teacher salary schedule, beginning with the 2014-15 fiscal year, the amounts of those longevity payments are included in the monthly amounts under the teacher salary schedule. Details teacher compensation for the 2022-23 school year based on either (1) the applicable salary schedule; (2) the sum of the salary the teacher received in 2013-14, longevity pay for the 2013-14 school year, and annual bonus provided in SL 2014-100; or (3) the sum of the salary and annual bonus the teacher received in the 2014-15 school year, with the compensation amount determined to be equal to the greater of those amounts. Provides that "teacher" includes instructional support personnel. Repeals Section 7A.1 of SL 2021-180, which set out teacher salary schedules and bonus provisions.

Repeals GS-115C, 302.10, as amended, which set out limitations on which teachers and instructional support personnel were to be paid on the "M" salary schedule or receive a salary supplement for academic preparation at the six-year degree level or at the doctoral degree level. Provides that for the 2022-23 fiscal year, the specified policy as it was in effect in 2013 is to be used to determine whether teachers and instructional support personnel are paid on the "M" salary schedule and whether they receive a salary supplement for academic preparation at the six-year or doctoral degree level.

Amends Section 7A.12 of SL 2021-180, which requires the State Board of Education to allocate funds to eligible local school administrative units to provide salary supplements to teachers and qualifying school administrators in those units. Expands upon the definition of eligible county to now include all NC counties. Also increases the cap on the amount to each eligible local school administrative unit from $4,250 to $5,000.

Requires the Department of Public Instruction (DPI) to administer a bonus of $500 to every teacher and school-based administrator who, as of October 31, 2022, is employed as a teacher or school-based administrator in a qualifying public school unit and has been continuously employed by a public school unit since September 1, 2022. Requires the bonus to be paid by November 2022. Also requires DPI to administer a $500 bonus to every teacher and school-based administrator who, as of March 31, 2023, is employed as a teacher or school-based administrator in a qualifying public school unit and has been continuously employed by a public school unit since November 1, 2022. Requires the bonus to be paid by April 2023. Defines qualifying public school unit as a local school administrative unit, charter school, regional school, innovative school, and a laboratory school. Specifies that the bonuses are not compensation. Requires for charter, regional, innovative, and laboratory schools that the funds for the bonuses be allocated on the basis of the funded average daily membership of each  school. Sets out provisions for determining which level the principal meets and for calculating average daily membership. Provides that beginning in 2017-18, instead of annual longevity payments the amounts of longevity payments are included in the annual amounts under the principal salary schedule. Details principal compensation for the 2021-22 school year based on (1) the applicable salary schedule, (2) the sum of the salary received in 2016-17 and longevity pay for the 2016-17 school year, (3) the salary received in 2016-17 if not eligible for longevity at that time, or (4) the salary received in 2020-21. 

Provides that for 2022-23, beginning July 1, 2022, assistant principals are to receive a monthly salary based on the "A" teacher salary schedule plus 19%, with placement based on total years the assistant principal has spent as a certified employee. Requires assistant principals with certification based on academic preparation at the six-year degree level to be paid a salary supplement of $126 per month, and at the doctoral degree level to be paid a salary supplement of $253 per month. Provides for a 10-month stipend for participants in an approved full-time master's in-school administration program. Details limitations and required certification. Provides that in lieu of the amounts of annual longevity payments to assistant principals paid on the assistant principal salary schedule, beginning with the 2017-18 fiscal year, the amounts of those longevity payments are included in the monthly amounts provided to assistant principals pursuant to the act. Requires assistant principals paid under the salary schedule provided for the 2022-23 fiscal year to receive the greater amount of (1) the applicable amount provided in the salary schedule by the act, (2) the salary the assistant principal received in the 2016-17 school year under Sections 9.1 or 9.2 of SL 2016-94 plus the longevity that would have been received, or (3) the salary received in 2016-17 if not eligible for longevity at that time. 

For 2022-23, beginning July 1, 2022, increases by 5% the salaries for superintendents, assistant superintendents, associate superintendents, directors/coordinators, supervisors, and finance officers. Sets out the maximum salary for those same positions for the 2022-23 fiscal year, beginning July 1, 2022, with maximums ranging from $7,137 for School Administrator I to $9,538 for School Administrator VII; maximums range from $10,110 for Superintendent I to $12,860 for Superintendent V. Requires longevity for these positions to be as provided for State employees. Awards a monthly salary supplement of $126 for those with certification based on academic preparation at the six-year degree level and at $253 per month for those with certification based on academic preparation at the doctoral degree. Prohibits local school administrative units from transferring State funds from other funding categories for salaries for public school central office administrators.

Increases for 2022-23, beginning July 1, 2022, the annual salary for noncertified public school employees by the greater of 5% or the amount needed to increase the minimum hourly compensation to $15/hour for permanent, full-time employees on a 12 month contract. Increases salaries by an equitable amount for permanent, full-time employees on a contact for fewer than 12 months/ permanent, part-time employees and temporary and permanent hourly employees.

Appropriates $350,008,000 in additional recurring funds and $122 million in additional nonrecurring funds from the General Fund to DPI for 2022-23 to increase compensation for public school employees.

Appropriates $52,650,000 in recurring funds from the General Fund to DPI for 2022-23 to be allocated to the instructional support allotment. States the NCGA's intent that the funds be used to increase the number of school mental health support personnel. Appropriates $17,550,000 in recurring funds from the General Fund to DPI for 2022-23 to be allocated to the school psychologist allotment.

Appropriates $10 million in recurring funds for 2022-23 from the General Fund to the Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education, to expand the Child Care WAGE$ program; requires funds to be used to provide education-based supplements to low-wage educators and to expand the program to all counties.

Part II.

Requires the Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Health Benefits, to amend the NC Innovations waiver to increase the number of slots by 5,000. Appropriates $39 million in recurring funds for 2022-23 from the General Fund to DHB to implement this requirement.

Appropriates $19 million for 2022-23 from the General Fund to the Department of Health and Human Services, Division of State Operated Healthcare Facilities, to support the State-operated alcohol and drug abuse treatment centers.

Appropriates $10 million for 2022-23 from the General Fund to the Governor's Crime Commission (Commission) for competitive grants to North Carolina municipal police departments for the purpose of funding permanent or contracted mental health professional positions for the utilization of mental health professionals to assist law enforcement officers. Sets out the approach these mental health professionals must take and prohibits deploying them to active scenes where armed persons are present.  Sets out seven services that are to be provided, at a minimum, including field services for individuals requesting services or experiencing crisis, nonemergency transportation for individuals experiencing crisis, and proactive follow-up and referrals involving persons with a history of behavioral health issues resulting in police response. States the NCGA's intent that these positions rely on municipal funding once awarded grant funds are expended. Requires the Commission to develop guidelines and procedures for grant administration and distribution; caps the amount of funds that may be used for administering and distributing grants at 3%. Caps the amount awarded to a municipal police department at $300,000.

Part III.

Amends Section 39.1 of SL 2021-180 to increase the raise for state employees employed in a state-funded position as of June 30, 2022, from 2.5% to 5% for 2022-23.

Awards an additional salary increase of 2.5% for 2022-23 for law enforcement officers and healthcare professionals who are employed in a State funded position on June 30, 2022.

Amends Section 39.7 of SL 2021-180 to increase the salaries for assistant clerks and head bookkeepers, and deputy clerks, effective July 1, 2022.

Amends Section 39.8 of SL 2021-180 to increase the salaries of full-time magistrates, effective July 1, 2022.

Amends Section 39.9 of SL 2021-180 by increasing the raise for legislative employees from 2.5% to 5%, effective July 1, 2022.

Amends Section 39.10 of SL 2021-180 by increasing the salaries of principal clerks, effective July 1, 2022.

Amends Section 39.11 of SL 2021-180 by increasing the salaries of sergeants-at-arms and the reading clerk, effective July 1, 2022.

Amends Section 39.12 of SL 2021-180 by increasing the the raise amount for community college faculty and non-faculty personnel from 2.5% to 5% effective July 1, 2022. Also increases the minimum 2022-23 salaries for nine-month, full-time curriculum community college faculty. 

Amends Section 39.13 of SL 2021-180 to increase the amount of the raise for UNC SHRA employees, EHRA employees, and teachers employed by the NC School of Science and Math from 2.5% to 5%, effective July 1, 2022.

Amends GS 39.14 of SL 2021-180 by further increasing the 2022-23 salaries for correctional officers, effective July 1, 2022.

Amends Section 39.15 of SL 2021-180 by further increasing the 2022-23 salaries for state law enforcement officers, effective July 1, 2022.

Amends Section 39.15A of SL 2021-180 by further increasing the 2022-23 salaries for probation and parole officers, effective July 1, 2022. Adds that for the 2022-23 fiscal year, employees of the Division of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention may receive the greater of their current pay level or the pay level reflected in the specified schedule.

Appropriates $218,505,500 in recurring funds for 2022-23 from the General Fund to the Reserve for Salary Adjustments for these salary adjustments.

Amends GS 135-5 (concerning the Teachers' and State Employees' Retirement System), GS 135-65 (concerning the Consolidated Judicial Retirement System), and GS 120-4.22A (concerning the Legislative Retirement System), to provide, from and after July 1, 2022, a 3% increase in the retirement allowance to or on account of beneficiaries whose retirement commenced on or before July 1, 2021, or a prorated amount for those whose retirement commenced after July 1, 2021, but before June 30, 2022, as determined by the respective Board of Trustees. Appropriates $153 million from the General Fund to the Reserve for Retiree Cost-of-Living Adjustments for the 2022-23 fiscal year to implement the act. 

Enacts GS 126-8.6, directing the State Human Resources Commission (Commission) to adopt rules and policies that provide that a permanent, full-time State employee can take up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in addition to any other available leave, so long as the employee is continuously employed for at least 12 months preceding the first request for paid parental leave. Provides for prorated leave for part-time employees of up to six weeks in addition to any other available leave. Specifies that the authorized leave is provided for birth of the parent's child and to care for the newborn or for placement and adoption of a child and time for bonding, is available without exhaustion of the employee's earned leave, is in addition to shared leave or other leave authorized by federal or state law, cannot be used for retirement purposes, and has no cash value upon termination. Defines the scope of the act to include all State employees and all State-supported personnel, with the appropriate governing board adopting rules and policies consistent with the act. Directs the Commission, named state entities and all State agencies, departments, and institutions to annually report to the Office of State Human Resources on the paid parental leave program beginning May 1, 2023. Amends GS 126-5 to explicitly make the provisions of new GS 126-8.6 applicable to all State employees, public school employees, and community college employees. Appropriates $15 million in recurring funds for 2022-23 from the General Fund to a Reserve for Compensation to fund the paid parental leave program. Effective July 1, 2021. Appropriates $705 million for 2022-23 from the General Fund to a Reserve for Bonuses to fund the paid parental leave.

Awards a $750 retention bonus to be paid in November 2022 for any person: (1) whose salary is set by this act in Part 7A or this Part, pursuant to the North Carolina Human Resources Act, or as otherwise authorized in this act and (2) who is continuously employed by the State or a public school unit from July 1, 2022, to October 31, 2022. Specifies that for otherwise eligible local education employees, eligibility for the bonus is measured beginning on the first day when staff report for the 2022-23 school year. Awards a $750 bonus payable in April of 2023 for any person (1) whose salary is set by this act in Part 7A or this Part, pursuant to the North Carolina Human Resources Act, or as otherwise authorized in this act and (2) who is continuously employed by the State or a public school unit from November 1, 2022, to March 31, 2023. Awards a $250 bonus for state employees and local education employees who are continuously employed from July 1, 2022, to October 31, 2022, and who (1) earn an annual salary that does not exceed $75,000; (2) are law enforcement officers; (2) are employed in the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice with duties requiring frequent in-person contact; or (4) are employed in a position at a 24-hour residential or treatment facility operated by the Department of Health and Human Services. Awards a $250 bonus to those same individuals who are employed from November 1, 2022, to March 31, 2023. Specifies that these bonuses are not compensation and are to be paid separately from the annual salary. 

Part IV.

Appropriates $18 million for 2022-23 to the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (DACS) to purchase permanent conservation easements on property used for swine production that are within the 100-year floodplain (as defined). 

Appropriates $543,750 in recurring funds for 2022-23 from the General Fund to DACS to establish five positions as specified related to infrastructure and energy efficiency staff and staff to support emergency response.

Appropriates $2,492,259 in recurring funds and $483,360 in nonrecurring funds for 2022-23 to the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) to fund the agency's work with emerging compounds in permitting activities, meet additional demand for technical support related to emerging compounds at regional offices, and support the growing need for groundwater testing. Allows the funds to be used to establish up to 19 full-time equivalent positions.

Appropriates $4.3 million in recurring funds for 2022-23 to DEQ to hold DEQ harmless with respect to the fee increases requested by DEQ in the specified report. Authorizes DEQ to create up to 35 full-time equivalent positions.

Amends GS 143-215.104C by increasing from 1% to 3% the amount from the Dry Cleaning Solvent Clean Up Fund that may be used for investigating inactive hazardous substance disposal sites reasonably believed to be contaminated by dry-cleaning solvent. Amends GS 143-215.104P by increasing the cap on the amount of civil penalties that may be assessed for the specified violations involving a hazardous waste. Specifies that the funds generated by these statutory changes will address increased demand for dry-cleaning contamination cleanup, identify contamination sources, and support site redevelopment.

Appropriates $160,000 in recurring funds for 2022-23 from the General Fund to DEQ to create a project liaison to work with the Department of Commerce and the Economic Development Partnership of NC.

Appropriates $720,526 in recurring funds and $122,500 in nonrecurring funds for 2022-23 from the General Fund to DEQ to establish the Coastal Habitat Assessment Program to assess costal habitats through site mapping, vegetation assessments, and observation of wetlands.

Appropriates $4 million for 2022-23 from the General Fund to DEQ for the Resilient Communities Program to expand the program to additional communities.

Appropriates $15 million for 2022-23 from the General Fund to the Department of Commerce (DOC) to be allocated to the NC Clean Energy Innovation and Research Fund established in this act, for clean energy innovation and research grants. Appropriates $4.5 million for 2022-23 from the General Fund to DOC for the One North Carolina Fund to provide competitive grants for support of clean energy and energy efficiency innovation, entrepreneurship, and small business development in the clean energy sector. Provides that appropriated funds not spent or encumbered by June 30, 2026, revert to the General Fund.

Adds new Part 2L, Clean Energy Innovation and Research Fund, in Article 10 of GS Chapter 143B, providing as follows. Establishes the NC Clean Energy Innovation and Research Fund (Fund) in DOC and makes the Office of Science, Technology and Innovation in the Department responsible for administering the Fund. Requires DOC to make grants from the Fund to private businesses with fewer than 100 employees, nonprofit organizations, local governments, and State agencies to encourage the expansion of small to medium-size businesses with fewer than 100 employees that will help grow a green economy in the State. Requires the Fund to be used for clean energy and energy efficiency innovations and research and for the development of small businesses and encouragement of entrepreneurship in these areas. Sets out three priority areas. Allows setting a cap on the grant amounts and requiring private business to provide matching funds. Allows DOC to adopt rules for the Fund's administration. Allows the specified amount of funds to be used to administer the Fund.

Appropriates $2 billion in non-recurring funds from the General Fund to DPI for the 2022-23 fiscal year to be allocated to local school administrative units to make the following improvements:
(1) $1 billion allocated to make energy efficient improvements to school buildings, such as weatherizing doors/windows, insulating pipes, installing energy-efficient lighting, upgrading HVAC systems, upgrading water systems, installing building management systems, upgrading plug load management systems, and upgrading electric water coolers;
(2) $500 million allocated to install solar panels on school buildings and make necessary roof repairs related to solar panel installation; and
(3) $500 million allocated to replace qualifying school buses (buses that are 10 years or older by model year and that run on motor fuel in whole or in part) with electric school buses assembled in North Carolina.

Appropriates $353,750 in recurring funds for 2022-23 from the General Fund to the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) for three positions for infrastructure and energy efficiency staff. Allows funds to also be used for utility monitoring software.

Appropriates $170,000 in recurring funds for 2022-23 from the General Fund to DNCR for one position in the natural Heritage program and one in the State Historic Preservation Office, as specified.

Appropriates $170,000 in recurring funds and $400,000 in nonrecurring funds for 2022-23 from the General Fund to DNCR for four positions in the Division of Parks and Recreation to conduct prescribed fires and respond to wildfires in state parks. Requires the nonrecurring funds to be used for supplies and equipment to support the crew's work. 

Appropriates $3,757,116 in recurring funds and $20 million in nonrecurring funds for 2022-23 from the General Fund to DNCR for the Parks and Recreation Trust Fund; specifies that this funding increases the recurring support of the Trust Fund to $20 million and provides a total of $40 million in funding in the 2022-23 fiscal year.

Appropriates $6,842,470 in recurring funds and $20 million in nonrecurring funds for 2022-23 from the General Fund to DNCR for the NC Land and Water Fund; specifies that this funding increases the recurring support of the Fund to $20 million and provides a total of $40 million in funding in the 2022-23 fiscal year.

Appropriates $10 million for 2022-23 from the General Fund to DNCR to be allocated to the NC Land and Water Fund for peatland and pocosins acquisition and restoration.

Appropriates $2 million in recurring funds from the Highway Fund to the Department of Transportation (DOT) for integrated mobility initiatives within DOT. Specifies that the funds will enable DOT to respond to new technologies to provide affordable and equitable access to transportation and allows funds to be used to support pilot programs and match Federal grants.

Appropriates $10 million in recurring funds from the Highway Fund to DOT for the Rail Division to provide matching funds to leverage federal grants available under the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to fund the first portion of the S-Line.  

Repeals GS 136-189.11(d)(3)(c) (concerning the Transportation Investment Strategy Formula), which requires that 30% of the funds subject to the statute be allocated in equal share to each of the Department divisions and used for Division Need Projects. Appropriates $10 million in recurring funds from the Highway Fund to DOT to establish a local government grant program to match federal funds for bicycle and pedestrian projects.

Part V.

Includes a severability clause.

Effective July 1, 2022, unless otherwise specified.

 

Section 1

Amends GS 50B-2(c1), which grants authority to the chief district court judge for a magistrate to hear motions for emergency ex parte relief. Requires a magistrate authorized to hear a motion for emergency relief ex parte to also accept for filing a complaint alleging domestic violence and motion for emergency relief ex parte if the office of the clerk is closed, and note thereon the filing date, and issue the summons. Requires the clerk, assistant clerk, or deputy clerk to issue any endorsement or alias and pluries summons. Requires filings accepted and orders entered by the magistrate under the statute to be delivered to the clerk's office for processing as soon as the office is open for business. 

Similarly, amends GS 50C-6(d), which grants chief district court judges authority to designate a judge or magistrate to be reasonably available to issue temporary civil no-contact orders when court is not in session. Requires a magistrate authorized to issue such relief to also accept for filing a complaint for a civil no-contact order and motion for temporary civil no-contact order if the office of the clerk is closed, and note thereon the filing date, and issue the summons. Requires the clerk, assistant clerk, or deputy clerk to issue any endorsement or alias and pluries summons. Requires filings accepted and orders entered by the magistrate under the statute to be delivered to the clerk's office for processing as soon as the office is open for business. 

Effective December 1, 2022. 

Section 2

Amends GS 7A-171.2 to deem eligible for nomination or renomination as a magistrate residents of contiguously bordering NC counties for which the magistrate is appointed (currently limited to county residents only). 

Section 3

Adds to the duties of the chief district court judge prescribed by GS 7A-146 the duty to investigate written complaints against magistrates. Authorizes the chief to discipline a magistrate pursuant to the Rules of Conduct for Magistrates upon investigation and written findings of misconduct. Deems written complaints received and records of investigations of complaints as personnel records. Deems the written complaint and the chief's actions on the complaint no longer confidential personnel records upon issuance of a letter of caution, written reprimand, or suspension by the chief. 

Amends GS 7A-173 to specify that the suspension of a magistrate addressed by the statute, which applies when a judge determines sworn charges, if true, constitute grounds for removal, does not apply to disciplinary suspensions imposed under GS 7A-146. Changes terminology to refer to "suspension pending removal" for instances of suspension under GS 7A-173. Makes language gender-neutral. 

Section 4

Increases the number of Court of Appeals judges included as members of the Judicial Standards Commission (Commission) set out in GS 7A-375 from one to two, thereby increasing the Commission's membership by one. Requires the Court of Appeals judges to act as the Commission's chair and vice-chair (whereas the previous Court of Appeals judge acted as chair). 

Section 5

Amends GS 7A-47.3 to require the senior resident superior court judge to designate a specific judge, resident or assigned to the district, to preside over all proceedings that occur 180 days after filing of medical malpractice actions under GS 90-21.11(2). 

Section 6

Repeals GS 7A-109(e), which requires the Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) to report to a specified NCGA committee on contracts regarding electronic records and records processing for records of clerks of superior court; and GS 7A-346.2(a), which requires AOC and the Office of Indigent Defense to report to the specified NCGA committee chairs on contracts entered into with local governments for the provision of the services of assistant district attorneys, assistant public defenders, judicial secretaries, and employees in the office of the clerk of superior court.

Section 7

Regarding applications for jury excusals or exemptions, and notifications of their disposition, replaces trial court administrators as points of application and notice under GS 9-6, GS 9-6.1, and GS 9-7.1, as may be assigned under law, to instead refer to judicial support staff. 

Section 8

Amends GS 15A-301, expanding criminal process that can be recalled by a judicial official for good cause prior to service to no longer exclude a warrant or criminal summons. 

Section 9

Revises the sunset of Section 11, SL 2021-47, which authorizes the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court to expand the active list of emergency superior court judges to up to 25 emergency superior court judges, and expands the grounds for which the Chief Justice may assign emergency judges to hold regular or special sessions of court to include addressing case management issues created by the COVID‑19 pandemic. Extends the sunset from July 1, 2022, to July 1, 2023.

Section 10

Appropriates $50,000 from the General Fund to AOC for 2022-23 to educate court system staff and affected public stakeholders on the act's provisions.

Section 11 includes a severability clause.

Includes whereas clauses.

Appropriates $10.5 million in recurring funds for 2022-23 from the General Fund to the North Carolina Housing Trust Fund as title indicates. Effective July 1, 2022.

Amends GS 9-5 and GS 9-10 as the title indicates. Effective December 1, 2022.

Appropriates $50,000 for 2022-23 from the General Fund to the Administrative Office of the Courts to educate clerks of court, sheriffs, and other stakeholders of the changes. Effective July 1, 2022.

Includes whereas clauses. Appropriates $679 million from the General Fund to the Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (Division), for 2022-23 to provide continued funding for child care stabilization grants consistent with similar grants distributed under Section 3.2, SL 2021-25, which appropriates federal grants received for listed purposes. Requires recipients to report to the Division within one year of receipt of funds. Effective July 1, 2022. 

Appropriates $1.75 million in recurring funds from the General Fund to the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to establish and fund a program in the Division of Soil and Water Conservation to provide a subsidy of $5/acre to crop insurance premiums for farmers planting cover crops. Limits fund to farmers where the establishment of the cover crop complies with best practices and the acerage enrolled in the program is not part of any other federal conservation program. Requires the Department to consult with a working group of farmers, agricultural organizations, and conservation organizations in implementing the subsidy. Effective July 1, 2022.

Enacts GS 115D-44, establishing the Community College Critical Technologies Workforce Fund (Fund), administered by the Community College System Office (CCSO) and consisting of all legislative appropriations and accrued interest. States the purpose of the Fund to include supporting workforce development programs in community colleges related to critical technologies to enhance the state's economic competitiveness and promote national security and energy independence from foreign energy sources. Defines critical technology to include: a clean energy or clean transportation technology; cybersecurity technology; technology essential to supporting, maintaining, or constructing the domestic electrical grid, or for proper handling or management of recycling or reusing decommissioned renewable energy equipment; drinking water infrastructure; or any materials or components directly used in these listed technologies. Provides that funds of the Fund do not revert. Requires the State Board of Community Colleges to adopt a distribution formula for the funds based on the number of full-time equivalent students enrolled in a community college.

Appropriates $1.5 million from the General Fund to the Fund for 2022-23 to be used for the act's purpose. 

Effective July 1, 2022. 

Amends GS 163-165.1(e) regarding access to voted ballots, adding to the avenues by which persons other than elections officials performing their duties have access to voted ballots and any paper and electronic records associated with those individual voted ballots, to include access by response to a public records request for all voted ballots of a precinct, ward, county, or city. Prohibits voted ballots and their associated paper and electronic records disclosed by public records request from disclosing how a particular voter voted, and requires redaction of any information identifying an individual voter (previously, prohibited disclosure of how a particular voter voted with disclosures of the documents by the other existing avenues, except by court order). Makes clarifying changes regarding a criminal violation of the statute, specifying that a violation of subsection (e), which provides for access to voted ballots or records, is a Class 1 misdemeanor (was, violation of the statute). Makes further technical changes.