Technology

in committee · North Carolina · Senate Mar 26, 2025

SB 562: Cybersecurity and Quantum Resilience Study.

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.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill creates commission to study quantum threats and develop cybersecurity upgrades, directly enhancing protection of state systems and critical infrastructure.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Cybersecurity Emerging Technology

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in committee · North Carolina · Senate Mar 26, 2025

SB 551: Broadband Affordability Program.

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.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill establishes state-funded broadband program to expand internet access for low-income households, directly advancing digital equity through $250M in funding and targeted affordability measures.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Broadband Access

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in committee · North Carolina · Senate Mar 26, 2025

SB 511: Informational Literacy in Schools.

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.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationMandates new curriculum standards for informational literacy, enhancing student research and media skills across K-12 schools.90% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyMandates digital/technological literacy education in K-12 curricula, promoting responsible tech use and critical evaluation skills per bill's definition.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Curriculum K-12 Education Libraries

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in committee · North Carolina · Senate Mar 26, 2025

SB 624: AI Chatbots - Licensing/Safety/Privacy.

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.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill mandates encryption, breach reporting, and user consent for AI chatbots handling health information, protecting patient data privacy and supporting healthcare data security standards.85% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyMandates encryption, breach reporting, and user consent for AI chatbots handling health data, strengthening privacy protections and safety requirements.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Medical Licensing Artificial Intelligence

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died · North Carolina · Senate Mar 26, 2025

SB 619: AI Academic Support Grant Program.

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.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationAllocates $10M for AI academic tools in public schools (grades 6-12), directly funding educational technology and teacher training per bill's purpose.95% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyFunds AI tool implementation in public schools, directly advancing educational technology adoption per bill's $10M grant for Khanmigo licenses and training.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Teachers Artificial Intelligence

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in committee · North Carolina · Senate Mar 26, 2025

SB 640: AI Ethics and Literacy Across Education.

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.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationMandates AI literacy curriculum in K-12, expanding educational content to address emerging tech ethics and use, strengthening curriculum standards.95% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyMandates teaching AI ethics including privacy and bias, promoting responsible use and data privacy awareness in education curriculum.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Curriculum K-12 Education Artificial Intelligence

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in committee · North Carolina · Senate Mar 26, 2025

SB 667: Government Modernization.

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.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyMandates cybersecurity upgrades (encryption, MFA), enhances data protection via IT assessments, and directs blockchain study for secure records, aligning with privacy/security indicators.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Cybersecurity Digital Government Emerging Technology

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in committee · North Carolina · Senate Mar 26, 2025

SB 670: Drones/Certain Vendor Purchases Prohibited.

SB 670 prohibits North Carolina state agencies and local governments from purchasing small drones (under 55 pounds) manufactured or assembled by specific foreign vendors. It directly affects all state and local entities that use public funds for drone acquisitions, banning purchases from vendors on U.S. sanctions lists, based in China or Russia, or controlled by those governments. The law prevents the use of any state funds - including through contracts or grants - for such purchases, effective July 1, 2027. It applies to all "small unmanned aircraft systems" operated without direct human control, regardless of whether they are recoverable or expendable.

Topics ✗ TechnologyOpposes TechnologyBill prohibits state purchases of drones from specific foreign vendors, restricting technology acquisition in emerging tech sector per defined topic.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Emerging Technology

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died · North Carolina · Senate Mar 26, 2025

SB 735: AI Innovation Trust Fund.

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.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesCreates AI Innovation Trust Fund using state appropriations, directly advancing budget allocation for tech development within fiscal management framework.95% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyEstablishes AI innovation fund with grants for development/deployment in key industries, prohibits harmful uses like surveillance, directly advancing responsible technology growth.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Artificial Intelligence

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in committee · North Carolina · Senate Mar 26, 2025

SB 747: AI Learning Agenda.

SB 747, titled "AI Learning Agenda," creates North Carolina's Office of Artificial Intelligence Policy within the Department of Commerce and establishes an AI Learning Laboratory program. The bill requires state agencies to inventory all AI tools they use or plan to use by 2026, including details on vendor, function, data sources, and risks. Businesses can apply to participate in the Learning Laboratory, where they may receive reduced penalties during testing (called "regulatory mitigation") in exchange for sharing data and findings with the Office. The Office must publish annual reports on AI policy findings and recommend legislation to address regulatory gaps or barriers.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyCreates AI policy office, mandates agency AI inventory, offers regulatory mitigation for businesses testing AI, promoting responsible innovation and transparency in AI adoption.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Artificial Intelligence Emerging Technology

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