SB 353, the Second Chance Coding Act, requires North Carolina's Division of Juvenile Justice to create a program teaching coding and computer skills to juveniles in youth development centers. The program must include specialized courses, industry certification opportunities, and workforce connections like mentorship and job placement to help these youth transition into careers after release. Implemented by January 1, 2026, with $250,000 in funding for 2025-2026, the bill aims to reduce recidivism by improving job prospects. It directly affects youth committed to juvenile facilities, focusing on concrete skill-building rather than speculative outcomes.
SB 379, the Senior Care Assurance Act, expands healthcare access for North Carolina seniors (65+) by enhancing Medicaid coverage for preventive screenings and chronic care services. It creates two new programs: a $2.5 million annual grant program to fund free health screenings and geriatric care for low-income seniors (at or below the federal poverty level), prioritizing rural and underserved areas, and a $2 million annual program to help seniors purchase telehealth equipment and internet access, with priority for rural seniors. The bill also updates telehealth infrastructure funding to support rural healthcare providers in establishing telehealth services. These provisions directly benefit seniors facing financial or geographic barriers to care, focusing on preventive health and independent aging.
SB 562 establishes a 21-member commission to study how quantum computing might threaten North Carolina's current cybersecurity systems, including state government IT, critical infrastructure, and smart city/IoT networks that rely on older encryption methods. The commission will assess vulnerabilities, research quantum-resistant security solutions, and develop recommendations for upgrading systems, with a final report due by July 2026. The bill appropriates $250,000 from the state general fund to cover the commission's work, including research and stakeholder meetings. This study directly affects state systems and infrastructure security planning, not individual citizens or private businesses.
SB 551 establishes North Carolina's Broadband Assistance Program to help low-income families afford internet service. It provides free broadband for families at or below 100% of the federal poverty level and a $15 monthly credit for families earning between 100-135% of the poverty level who also participate in programs like SNAP, Medicaid, or housing assistance. The program, funded by $250 million in state funds, requires annual income verification and direct payments to internet providers. The Department of Commerce must report quarterly on program participation, outreach, and recommendations starting in 2025.
SB 511 requires all North Carolina public schools (K-12) to teach informational literacy, defined as skills to find, evaluate, and use information effectively - including digital, media, and technological literacy. The bill mandates the State Board of Education to create age-appropriate standards covering research processes, source evaluation (primary vs. secondary), fact vs. opinion, ethical information use, and access to library resources. Schools must develop curriculum in consultation with library/media staff and implement it starting in the 2025-2026 school year. This policy directly affects every public school student and educator in North Carolina through mandated curriculum changes.
SB 624 requires licenses for artificial intelligence chatbots that handle health information in North Carolina, directly affecting developers and operators of such tools. The bill mandates strict licensing applications detailing technical security, data practices, and risk management, with the Department of Justice reviewing for safety, compliance, and efficacy. Licensees must implement encryption, report data breaches within 24 hours, obtain explicit user consent, allow data access/deletion, and demonstrate clinical effectiveness through peer-reviewed studies. It also requires annual third-party audits, quarterly safety reports, and clear disclosures about the chatbot's artificial nature and limitations. The law applies only to chatbots substantially handling health data, including medical conditions, mental health, reproductive care, genetic information, and location data tied to health services.
SB 619 establishes North Carolina's AI Academic Support Grant Program, providing $10,060,560 in recurring funds for public school districts to contract with Khan Academy for its Khanmigo AI tool. The program directly affects public schools serving grades 6-12, requiring districts to use funds exclusively for Khanmigo licenses, associated teacher training, and secure class rostering systems approved by the state. Schools must annually evaluate Khanmigo's use and report metrics like student interactions, teacher usage, and impacts on learning outcomes to the legislature. A separate study by the Office of Learning Research will measure Khanmigo's effectiveness on student performance, with results due by April 2028.
This bill requires North Carolina public schools to teach age-appropriate artificial intelligence (AI) literacy from kindergarten through 12th grade starting in the 2025-2026 school year. It mandates state standards covering basic AI concepts, real-world uses, ethical issues like privacy and bias, and responsible AI use - such as preventing academic dishonesty. The standards can be integrated into existing computer science courses for middle and high school students. The bill directly affects all North Carolina public schools and their curriculum planning. It focuses on equipping students with foundational knowledge about AI systems and their societal impacts, rather than creating new programs or funding.
SB 667, the Government Modernization Act of 2025, requires North Carolina state agencies to upgrade outdated computer systems, enhance cybersecurity protections, and expand online public services. It mandates agencies to conduct IT assessments, implement multi-factor authentication and encryption, and create mobile-friendly portals for licenses, taxes, and business filings. The bill also directs a study on using blockchain technology to secure records, verify licenses, and improve procurement transparency. These changes aim to improve efficiency and accessibility for residents and businesses while reducing bureaucratic delays, with implementation beginning July 1, 2025.
SB 735 establishes the North Carolina Artificial Intelligence Innovation Trust Fund to provide grants and financial support for companies developing or deploying AI in key industries, as well as AI entrepreneurship programs through partnerships with research institutions. The fund prohibits spending on projects involving mass surveillance, discriminatory profiling, or deceptive digital content intended for fraud or electoral interference. Funds will come from state appropriations, interest, and other allowable contributions, with the Secretary of Commerce managing disbursements. The bill defines key terms like "covered model" to guide future regulatory frameworks but focuses on funding innovation rather than direct oversight.
