Section 1.

Requires the Department of Administration (DOA) to report to the specified NCGA committees by no later than March 31, 2026, on the feasibility and advisability of using obsolete or underutilized State-owned buildings (available buildings) to house childcare facilities giving childcare priority to State employees, as described.  Instructs that any project undertaken by the State to build or renovate property having a budget greater than $5 million must include a child care center or adult day care center if more than 250 people would work in the building. Directs that the requirement includes current projects which have not broken ground by July 1, 2025 unless one or both of two exceptions apply: (1) inclusion of either type of center would delay the project by six months or more or (2) inclusion of either type of center would increase the project by 10% or more.

Section 2.

Establishes a pilot program for onsite childcare for State employees under the Division of Child Development and Early Education (Division) requiring the Division to contract with a private commercial childcare provider to establish three childcare centers for State employees to be established on State-owned property that is unused or underutilized. Directs that priority in contracting be given to commercial childcare providers that currently operate five or fewer facilities and provide high quality childcare. Provides for contract terms as described, including that the childcare facility must operate an apprenticeship program in conjunction with public or private university or community college who operates an early childhood education program. Tasks the Division with creating the requirements for the apprenticeship program and pair the childcare centers with a university or community college early education program utilizing parameters similar to the Durham Childcare Apprenticeship Program.

Appropriates $5 million from the General Fund to the Department of Health and Human Resources (appears to intend Health and Human Services) for 2025-26 for the Division’s use in establishing the childcare centers. Specifies that if any expenses are incurred by the State for asbestos or lead remediation in establishing the childcare centers required under the act, the State is eligible for reimbursement from the Asbestos and Lead Remediation Fund subject to the rules of the fund for up to $500,000. Effective July 1, 2025.

Requires the Division to report on and make recommendations to the specified NCGA committees and the Fiscal Research Division on the status of the implementation of the pilot program including successes, concerns, problems encountered, enrollment, and expenditures by April 1, 2027.