Section 1 creates a new Article 36 in GS Chapter 116 establishing the Board of Postsecondary Education Credentials.

New GS 116-300 sets out legislative findings regarding the importance of postsecondary credentials.  Creates the Board of Postsecondary Credentials comprised of the President of the UNC system, President of the Community College system, Superintendent of Public Instruction, Commissioner of Labor, Secretary of Commerce, President of the NC Independent Colleges and Universities, and the Chair of the State Board of Proprietary Schools.  The board is required to review and make recommendations for developing a statewide system of postsecondary education, identify alternative ways to deliver nondegree credentials, recommend an appropriate percentage of adult citizens to hold postsecondary credentials by 2025, and identify those credentials acceptable for meeting those goals.  Sets out various authorizations for staff, meeting requirements, reporting requirements, and other administrative matters.

Section 2 appropriates $350,000 in 2017-18 and in 2018-19 to the Department of Administration to provide administrative support to the Board.

Effective July 1, 2017.