GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF NORTH CAROLINA
SESSION 2001
SESSION LAW 2002-126
SENATE BILL 1115
AN ACT TO MODIFY THE CURRENT OPERATIONS APPROPRIATIONS ACT OF 2001 AND TO MAKE OTHER CHANGES IN THE BUDGET OPERATION OF THE STATE.
The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:
PART i. INtroduction and title of act
Requested by: Senators Plyler, Odom, Lee; Representatives Easterling, Oldham, Redwine
SECTION 1.1. The appropriations made in this act are for maximum amounts necessary to provide the services and accomplish the purposes described in the budget. Savings shall be effected where the total amounts appropriated are not required to perform these services and accomplish these purposes and, except as allowed by the Executive Budget Act, or this act, the savings shall revert to the appropriate fund at the end of each fiscal year.
Requested by: Senators Plyler, Odom, Lee; Representatives Easterling, Oldham, Redwine
SECTION 1.2. This act shall be known as "The Current Operations, Capital Improvements, and Finance Act of 2002."
PART iI. current operations and expansion/general fund
Requested by: Senators Plyler, Odom, Lee; Representatives Easterling, Oldham, Redwine
CURRENT OPERATIONS - GENERAL FUND
SECTION 2.1. Appropriations from the General Fund of the State for the maintenance of the State departments, institutions, and agencies, and for other purposes as enumerated are made for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2003, according to the schedule that follows. Amounts set out in brackets are reductions from General Fund appropriations for the 2002-2003 fiscal year.
Current Operations - General Fund 2002-2003
EDUCATION
Community Colleges System Office 26,085,931
Department of Public Instruction (27,635,053)
University of North Carolina - Board of Governors
Appalachian State University (2,594,849)
East Carolina University
Academic Affairs (3,780,292)
Health Affairs (1,326,263)
Elizabeth City State University (636,905)
Fayetteville State University (904,051)
NC Agricultural and Technical University (1,794,345)
North Carolina Central University (1,372,196)
North Carolina School of the Arts (864,283)
North Carolina State University
Academic Affairs (8,298,776)
Agricultural Extension (1,077,848)
Agricultural Research (1,361,284)
University of North Carolina at Asheville (811,533)
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Academic Affairs (6,068,562)
Health Affairs (4,816,196)
Area Health Education Centers (1,326,559)
University of North Carolina at Charlotte (3,197,696)
University of North Carolina at Greensboro (2,790,399)
University of North Carolina at Pembroke (713,835)
University of North Carolina at Wilmington (1,916,521)
Western Carolina University (1,744,797)
Winston-Salem State University (1,077,326)
General Administration (2,463,801)
University Institutional Programs 39,815,922
Related Educational Programs (17,896,363)
North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics (36,334)
UNC Hospitals at Chapel Hill (1,168,629)
Total (30,223,721)
HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Department of Health and Human Services
Office of the Secretary 19,776,228
Division of Aging (926,000)
Division of Blind Services/Deaf/HH (643,013)
Division of Child Development (7,228,035)
Division of Education Services (4,104,503)
Division of Facility Services (748,170)
Division of Medical Assistance (29,633,097)
Division of Mental Health (7,707,015)
NC Health Choice 7,571,036
Division of Public Health (6,595,770)
Division of Social Services (14,183,025)
Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services (3,230,105)
Total (47,651,469)
NATURAL AND ECONOMIC RESOURCES
Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (4,822,458)
Department of Commerce
Commerce (10,350,110)
Commerce State-Aid 5,085,000
NC Biotechnology Center (627,047)
Rural Economic Development Center (423,851)
Department of Environment and Natural Resources
Environment and Natural Resources (9,904,113)
Clean Water Management Trust Fund (3,500,000)
Office of the Governor - Housing Finance Agency (540,600)
Department of Labor (951,725)
JUSTICE AND PUBLIC SAFETY
Department of Correction (50,910,108)
Department of Crime Control and Public Safety (713,318)
Judicial Department (10,828,966)
Judicial Department - Indigent Defense 8,419,130
Department of Justice (2,847,391)
Department of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (13,569,384)
GENERAL GOVERNMENT
Department of Administration (5,620,309)
Office of Administrative Hearings (233,742)
Department of State Auditor (795,965)
Office of State Controller (1,101,040)
Department of Cultural Resources
Cultural Resources (3,610,213)
Roanoke Island Commission (151,222)
State Board of Elections 209,622
General Assembly (2,654,234)
Office of the Governor
Office of the Governor (504,595)
Office of State Budget and Management (300,057)
OSBM - Reserve for Special Appropriations 100,000
Department of Insurance
Insurance (1,882,104)
Insurance - Volunteer Safety Workers' Compensation (2,500,000)
Office of Lieutenant Governor (53,280)
Department of Revenue (2,384,400)
Rules Review Commission (9,981)
Department of Secretary of State (345,281)
Department of State Treasurer
State Treasurer 671,618
State Treasurer - Retirement for Fire and Rescue Squad Workers (5,248,601)
TRANSPORTATION
Department of Transportation (2,490,841)
RESERVES, ADJUSTMENTS AND DEBT SERVICE
Reserve for 2001 Compensation Increases (4,247,868)
Reserve for State Health Plan (12,621,872)
Reserve for Legislative, Judicial and Teachers' and State Employees'
Retirement Rate Adjustment (144,525,000)
Reserve for Teachers/Principals Step Increase 51,937,267
Reserve for Asst/Deputy Clerks/Magistrates Step Increase 1,980,700
Reserve for Employee Severance Compensation 5,000,000
Contingency and Emergency 0
Reserve for Salary Adjustments 0
Implementation of Recommendations of Governor's Efficiency
Commission (25,000,000)
Reserve for Management Flexibility (41,500,000)
Reserve for Information Technology Rate Adjustment (3,414,318)
Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Abuse
Services Trust Fund 8,000,000
Ruth M Easterling Trust Fund for Children with Special Needs 1,000,000
Reserve to Implement HIPPA 2,000,000
Debt Service
General Debt Service (97,750,000)
Federal Reimbursement 0
TOTAL CURRENT OPERATIONS - GENERAL FUND (463,954,969)
Requested by: Senators Plyler, Odom, Lee; Representatives Easterling, Oldham, Redwine
GENERAL FUND AVAILABILITY STATEMENT
SECTION 2.2.(a) The General Fund availability used in adjusting the 2002-2003 fiscal year budget is shown below:
2002-2003
Beginning Unreserved Credit Balance 25,000,000
Revenues Based on Existing Tax Structure 12,793,950,000
Nontax Revenues
Investment Income 115,300,000
Judicial Fees 111,300,000
Disproportionate Share 107,000,000
Insurance 46,600,000
Other Nontax Revenues 98,900,000
Highway Trust Fund Transfer 172,400,000
Highway Fund Transfer 15,300,000
Subtotal Nontax Revenues 666,800,000
Total General Fund Availability 13,485,750,000
Adjustments to Availability: 2002 Session
IRC Conformity (Includes Pensions and Education Changes,
Estate Tax Credit, Accelerated Depreciated) 15,800,000
Delay 2001 Tax Breaks (Standard Deduction/Marriage Penalty,
Child Tax Credit) 51,700,000
Conform Business Income 70,000,000
Correct LLC Franchise Tax 20,000,000
Conform Gift Tax Indexing (230,000)
Low Income Housing Credit (2,200,000)
Repeal Reimbursements to Local Governments 333,400,000
Project Tax Collect 32,500,000
Highway Trust Fund - recurring inflationary adjustment 80,000,000
Highway Trust Fund Transfer - one-time transfer 125,000,000
Tobacco Settlement Trust Funds - divert MSA receipts from
Tobacco Trust Fund 38,000,000
Tobacco Settlement Trust Funds - divert MSA receipts from
Health & Wellness Trust Fund 40,000,000
Transfer of Cash from Trust and Special Funds 20,438,259
Adjustment to Transfer from Insurance Regulatory Fund (1,282,104)
Reimbursement for Unauthorized Substance Tax Division,
Department of Revenue 885,884
Nontax Revenue Offsets, Department of State Treasurer 671,618
Increase Collection Rates for Offender Fees 1,160,000
Fee Increases 38,180,000
Subtotal Adjustments to Availability: 2002 Session 864,023,657
Revised General Fund Availability for 2002-2003 Fiscal Year 14,349,773,657
Less: Total General Fund Appropriations for 2002-2003
Fiscal Year (14,349,773,657)
Unappropriated Balance 0
SECTION 2.2.(b) Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary and except as provided in subsections 2.2(c) and 2.2.(d) of this section, effective July 1, 2002, cash balances remaining in special funds on June 30, 2002, shall be transferred to the State Controller to be deposited in Nontax Budget Code 19978 (Intra State Transfers) according to the schedule that follows. These funds shall be used to support General Fund appropriations for the 2002-2003 fiscal year.
Fund Amount Transferred
Administrative Office of the Courts
Budget Code, 22005, (Worthless Check Fund) 150,000
(Appellate Copying Fees) 275,000
Department of Environment and Natural Resources
Budget Code 24300, Fund Code 2104 (ADM - Mooresville RO Vending) 472
Budget Code 24308, Fund Code 2105 (DEE - Env
Educ Certification) 10,000
Budget Code 24300, Fund Code 2331 (DAQ Air Permits) 250,000
Budget Code 24300, Fund Code 2106 (DEH - Sleep Products) 300,000
Budget Code 24300, Fund Code 2754 (DEH GSWW
System Account) 10,900
Budget Code 24310, Fund Code 2711 (DFR Forestry Fire Supp) 78,225
Budget Code 24310, Fund Code 2712 (DFR Forestry Restoration) 771,333
Budget Code 24308, Fund Code 2255 (DFR Special
Air Operations) 6,759
Budget Code 24300, Fund Code 2610 (DLR Mineral Interest) 20,000
Budget Code 24300, Fund Code 2740 (DLR Dam
Safety Account) 100,000
Budget Code 24300, Fund Code 2745 (DLR Mining Fees) 25,000
Budget Code 24300, Fund Code 2393 (DWM Septage Fees) 100,000
Budget Code 24308, Fund Code 2387 (DWM Hazardous
Waste Fees) 68,189
Budget Code 24300, Fund Code 2341 (DWQ Water Permits) 1,000,000
Budget Code 24308, Fund Code 2465 (MSN Mus
Nat Sci/Scientific Publicat) 3,177
Budget Code 24308, Fund Code 2515 (SWC Agric Waste
Small Farms) 20,000
Budget Code 24308, Fund Code 2520 (SWC Animal Waste
Cost Share) 500,000
Budget Code 64302, Fund Code 6710 (Natural Heritage
Trust Fund) 3,287,582
Budget Code 24308, Fund Code 2525 (Neuse Animal
Waste Cost Share) 366,335
Budget Code 24300, Fund Code 2221 (Bladen Lakes
State Forest Fund) 440,000
Department of Commerce
Budget Code 24600, Fund Code 2683 (Empl & Train
Grants Prgm) 750,000
Budget Code 24600, Fund Code 2711 (Industrial
Development Fund) 3,000,000
Budget Code 24600, Fund Code 2881 (ABC Commission) 500,000
Budget Code 24600, Fund Code 2882 (ABC Warehouse) 500,000
Department of Health and Human Services
Budget Code 24470, Fund Code 2101 (Facility Finance Act) 95,000
Information Technology Services
Budget Code 24668, Fund Code 2800 (E-Grant) 495,040
Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
Budget Code 23700, Fund Code 2103 (Livestock
Acquisition Fund) 300,000
Budget Code 23701, Fund Code 2201 (Warehouse
Investment Fund) 225,000
Budget Code 53750, Fund Code 5190 (State Fair Reserves
and Transfers) 250,000
Budget Code 63700, Fund Code 6902 (Reforestation Fund) 23,915
Budget Code 63700, Fund Code 6105 (Forest
Management Reserve) 50,000
Budget Code 53750, Fund Code 5100 (State Fair) 500,000
Department of Labor
Budget Code 23800, Fund Code 2422 (Pre-Apprenticeship-PBC) 491,332
Department of Correction
Budget Code 24502, (Inmate Canteen/Welfare Fund) 500,000
Budget Code 74500, Fund Code 7100 (Enterprise Spec Fund/
Prison Enterprises) 2,000,000
Office of the State Controller
Budget Code 24172, (State Controller
Special Reserve Account) 1,300,000
Budget Code 24160, Fund Code 2000 (Flexible Benefits Reserve) 1,400,000
Crime Control and Public Safety
Budget Code 14900, Fund Code 1510
(2001-2002 Fran Carryforward) 275,000
Total Amount Transferred $20,438,259
SECTION 2.2.(c) Notwithstanding G.S. 113-36(d), two hundred twenty thousand dollars ($220,000) of the cash balance remaining in the Bladen Lakes State Forest Fund (Budget Code 24300, Fund Code 2221) on July 1, 2002, shall be transferred to the State Controller to be deposited in Nontax Budget Code 19978 (Intra State Transfers). An additional two hundred twenty thousand dollars ($220,000) shall be transferred on April 1, 2003. These funds shall be used to support General Fund appropriations for the 2002-2003 fiscal year.
SECTION 2.2.(d) Section 2.2(f) of S.L. 2001-424 reads as rewritten:
"SECTION 2.2.(f) The transfer of cash from Department of Correction, Budget Code 74500, Fund Code 7100 (Prison Enterprises) to Nontax Budget Code 19978 (Intra State Transfers) shall be increased by one million dollars ($1,000,000), effective July 1, 2001, for the 2001-2002 fiscal year.
The transfer of cash from Department of Correction, Budget
Code 74500, Fund Code 7100 (Prison Enterprises) to Nontax Budget Code 19978
(Intra State Transfers) shall be increased by five hundred thousand dollars
($500,000), effective July 1, 2002, for the 2002-2003 fiscal year and for
subsequent fiscal years. two million five hundred thousand dollars
($2,500,000), effective July 1, 2002, for the 2002-2003 fiscal year. Of the two
million five hundred thousand dollar ($2,500,000) increase for the 2002-2003
fiscal year, five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000) is recurring."
SECTION 2.2.(e) When the Highway Trust Fund was created in 1989, the revenue from the sales tax on motor vehicles was transferred from the General Fund to the Highway Trust Fund. To offset this loss of revenue from the General Fund, the Highway Trust Fund was required to transfer one hundred seventy million dollars ($170,000,000) to the General Fund each year, an amount equal to the revenue in 1989 from the sales tax on motor vehicles. This transfer did not, however, make the General Fund whole after the transfer of the sales tax revenue because no provision has been made to adjust the amount for the increased volume of transactions and increased vehicle prices. The additional eighty million dollars ($80,000,000) transferred from the Highway Trust Fund to the General Fund by this act is an effort to recover a portion of the sales tax revenues that would have gone to the General Fund over the last 13 years.
SECTION 2.2.(f) Notwithstanding G.S. 105-187.9(b)(1), the sum to be transferred under that subdivision for the 2002-2003 fiscal year and for the 2003-2004 fiscal year is two hundred fifty million dollars ($250,000,000).
SECTION 2.2.(g) There is transferred from the Highway Trust Fund to the General Fund the sum of one hundred twenty-five million dollars ($125,000,000) for the 2002-2003 fiscal year. It is the intent of the General Assembly that the Highway Trust Fund shall be held harmless because of this transfer. The General Assembly shall transfer funds from the General Fund back to the Highway Trust Fund during fiscal years 2004-2005 through 2008-2009 including interest at the net rate of return generated by the State Treasurer's Short Term Investment Fund.
SECTION 2.2.(h) The General Assembly finds that over the last two fiscal years, the cost of the Medicaid program has increased over one billion dollars ($1,000,000,000). The downturn in the economy has caused an unforeseeable increase in the number of persons eligible for the program. Even with the significant expansion funds appropriated for the increased costs, transfers of funds to meet obligations for the 2001-2002 fiscal year, and significant cost-savings measures imposed by the General Assembly and the Department of Health and Human Services, Medicaid will still need additional State funds next year to cover increased costs.
Notwithstanding G.S. 143-16.4(a2), of the funds credited to the Tobacco Trust Account from the Master Settlement Agreement pursuant to Section 6(2) of S.L. 1999-2 during the 2002-2003 fiscal year, the sum of thirty-eight million dollars ($38,000,000) shall be transferred from the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Budget Code 23703 (Tobacco Trust Fund) to the State Controller to be deposited in Nontax Budget Code 19978 (Intra State Transfers) to support General Fund appropriations for the 2002-2003 fiscal year.
Notwithstanding G.S. 143-16.4(a1), of the funds credited to the Health Trust Account from the Master Settlement Agreement pursuant to Section 6(2) of S.L. 1999-2 during the 2002-2003 fiscal year, the sum of forty million dollars ($40,000,000) shall be transferred from the Department of State Treasurer, Budget Code 23460 (Health and Wellness Trust Fund) to the State Controller to be deposited in Nontax Budget Code 19978 (Intra State Transfers) to support General Fund appropriations for the 2002-2003 fiscal year.
Notwithstanding G.S. 147-86.30(c), the Health and Wellness Trust Fund Commission may transfer up to eighteen million dollars ($18,000,000) from the Fund Reserve created in G.S. 147-86.30 to the Health and Wellness Trust Fund nonreserved funds to be expended in accordance with G.S. 147-86.30(d) during the 2002-2003 fiscal year.
SECTION 2.2.(i) The reimbursement from the Insurance Regulatory Fund to the General Fund includes an increase of six hundred thousand dollars ($600,000) for the 2002-2003 fiscal year for the costs and expenses incurred by the Department of Justice as provided in Section 15.5 of this act.
SECTION 2.2.(j) G.S. 7A-11 reads as rewritten:
"§ 7A-11. Clerk of the Supreme Court; salary; bond; fees; oath.
The clerk of the Supreme Court shall be appointed by the
Supreme Court to serve at its pleasure. The annual salary of the clerk shall be
fixed by the Administrative Officer of the Courts, subject to the approval of
the Supreme Court. The clerk may appoint assistants in the number and at the
salaries fixed by the Administrative Officer of the Courts. The clerk shall
perform such duties as the Supreme Court may assign, and shall be bonded to the
State, for faithful performance of duty, in the same manner as the clerk of the
superior court, and in such amount as the Administrative Officer of the Courts
shall determine. He shall adopt a seal of office, to be approved by the Supreme
Court. A fee bill for services rendered by the clerk shall be fixed by rules of
the Supreme Court, and all such fees shall be remitted to the State treasury,
except that charges to litigants for the reproduction of appellate records and
briefs shall be fixed and administered as provided by rule of the Supreme
Court. treasury. Charges to litigants for the reproduction of appellate
records and briefs shall be fixed by rule of the Supreme Court and remitted to
the Appellate Courts Printing and Computer Operations Fund established in G.S.
7A-343.3. The operations of the Clerk of the Supreme Court shall be subject
to the oversight of the State Auditor pursuant to Article 5A of Chapter 147 of
the General Statutes. Before entering upon the duties of his office, the clerk
shall take the oath of office prescribed by law."
SECTION 2.2.(k) G.S. 7A-20(b) reads as rewritten:
"(b) Subject to approval
of the Supreme Court, the Court of Appeals shall promulgate from time to time a
fee bill for services rendered by the clerk, and such fees shall be remitted to
the State Treasurer, except that charges to litigants for the reproduction
of appellate records and briefs shall be fixed and administered as provided by
rule of the Supreme Court. Treasurer. Charges to litigants for the
reproduction of appellate records and briefs shall be fixed by rule of the
Supreme Court and remitted to the Appellate Courts Printing and Computer
Operations Fund established in G.S. 7A-343.3.The operations of the Court of
Appeals shall be subject to the oversight of the State Auditor pursuant to
Article 5A of Chapter 147 of the General Statutes."
SECTION 2.2.(l) Of the cash balance of any funds not remitted to the State Treasurer pursuant to G.S. 7A-11 and G.S. 7A-20(b) prior to the effective date of this act, only funds necessary for payroll and existing contractual obligations may be expended. The cash balance of these funds shall be transferred to the General Fund on July 1, 2002.
SECTION 2.2.(m) Notwithstanding G.S. 143-15.2 and G.S. 143-15.3, for the 2002-2003 fiscal year only, funds shall not be reserved to the Savings Reserve Account, and the State Controller shall not transfer funds from the unreserved credit balance to the Savings Reserve Account on June 30, 2002.
This subsection becomes effective June 30, 2002.
SECTION 2.2.(n) Notwithstanding G.S. 143-15.2 and G.S. 143-15.3A, for the 2002-2003 fiscal year only, funds shall not be reserved to the Repairs and Renovations Reserve Account, and the State Controller shall not transfer funds from the unreserved credit balance to the Repairs and Renovations Reserve Account on June 30, 2002.
This subsection becomes effective June 30, 2002.
SECTION 2.2.(o) Of the funds carried forward from the 2001-2002 fiscal year for the Department of Crime Control and Public Safety to cover expenditures related to Hurricane Fran, Budget Code 14900, Fund Code 1510 Emergency Management, the sum of two hundred seventy-five thousand dollars ($275,000) shall be transferred to the State Controller to be deposited in Nontax Budget Code 19978 (Intra State Transfers) to support General Fund appropriations for the 2002-2003 fiscal year.
SECTION 2.2.(p) General Fund availability generated by subsections (c), (d), (l), and (o) of this section is shown in special funds transfers made in subsection (b) of this section.
SECTION 2.2.(q) For fiscal year 2002-2003 only, State departments and agencies may transfer General Fund appropriations between personal service and nonpersonal service line items provided that it has been approved by the department or agency head and has received prior approval from the Office of State Budget and Management. Personal service funds may be transferred and used for nonpersonal service items in certain instances. Specifically, personal service funds may only be used to pay for costs related to continuing operations and shall not be used to expand existing programs or to establish new programs.
State departments and agencies shall report to the Joint Legislative Commission on Governmental Operations within 30 days on all transfers from personal service line items to nonpersonal service line items.
General Fund salary and related benefit appropriations for State departments and agencies that are reduced or eliminated in this act shall not be replaced by other budgeted line items supported by General Fund appropriations. Nonpersonal service funds or lapsed salary funds shall not be used to establish new permanent employee positions or to raise the salary of existing employees.
PART iII. current operations and expansion/highway fund
Requested by: Senators Gulley, Plyler, Odom, Lee; Representatives Easterling, Oldham, Redwine
highway fund appropriations
SECTION 3.1. Appropriations from the Highway Fund of the State for the maintenance and operation of the Department of Transportation, and for other purposes as enumerated are made for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2003, according to the schedule that follows. Amounts set out in brackets are reductions from Highway Fund appropriations for the 2002-2003 fiscal year.
Current Operations - Highway Fund 2002-2003
Administration (362,232)
Operations -
Construction and Maintenance
a. Construction
(01) Primary Construction -
(02) Secondary Construction (1,887,000)
(03) Urban Construction 7,000,000
(04) Access and Public Service Roads -
(05) Contingency Construction 5,000,000
(06) Spot Safety Construction -
b. State Funds to Match Federal Highway Aid -
c. State Maintenance 13,823,411
d. Ferry Operations -
e. Capital Improvements -
f. State Aid to Municipalities (1,887,000)
g. State Aid for Public Transportation and Railroads 14,350,000
h. OSHA - State -
Governor's Highway Safety Program -
Division of Motor Vehicles -
Reserves and Transfers (6,039,551)
GRAND TOTAL HIGHWAY FUND $ 29,997,628
Requested by: Senators Plyler, Odom, Lee; Representatives Easterling, Oldham, Redwine
highway fund availability statement
SECTION 3.2. The Highway Fund appropriations availability used in developing modifications to the 2002-2003 Highway Fund budget contained in this act is shown below:
2002-2003
Beginning Credit Balance $41,300,000
Estimated Revenue 1,276,600,000
TOTAL HIGHWAY FUND AVAILABILITY $1,317,900,000
PART iv. highway trust fund appropriations
Requested by: Senators Gulley, Plyler, Odom, Lee; Representatives Easterling, Oldham, Redwine
HIGHWAY TRUST FUND APPROPRIATIONS
SECTION 4.1. Appropriations from the Highway Trust Fund of the State for the maintenance and operation of the Department of Transportation and for other purposes as enumerated are made for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2003, according to the schedule that follows. Amounts set out in brackets are reductions from Highway Trust Fund appropriations for the 2002-2003 fiscal year.
Current Operations and Expansion - Highway Trust Fund 2002-2003
Intrastate System (159,218,286)
Secondary Roads (18,065,569)
Urban Loops (64,381,244)
Aid to Municipalities (16,705,712)
Program Administration (4,073,189)
Transfer to General Fund 205,000,000
Grand Total/Highway Trust Fund (57,444,000)
Requested by: Senators Martin of Guilford, Purcell, Dannelly, Metcalf, Plyler, Odom, Lee; Representatives Earle, Nye, Baddour, Gibson, Insko, Easterling, Oldham, Redwine
SECTION 5.1.(a) Appropriations from federal block grant funds are made for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2003, according to the following schedule:
COMMUNITY SERVICES BLOCK GRANT
01. Community Action Agencies $ 15,266,973
02. Limited Purpose Agencies 848,165
03. Department of Health and Human Services
to administer and monitor
the activities of the
Community Services Block Grant 848,165
TOTAL COMMUNITY SERVICES BLOCK GRANT $ 16,963,303
SOCIAL SERVICES BLOCK GRANT
01. County departments of social services $ 27,095,289
(Transfer from TANF - $4,500,000)
02. Allocation for in-home services provided
by county departments of
social services 2,101,113
03. Division of Mental Health, Developmental
Disabilities, and Substance Abuse Services 3,234,601
04. Division of Services for the Blind 3,105,711
05. Division of Facility Services 426,836
06. Division of Aging - Home and Community
Care Block Grant 1,840,234
07. Child Care Subsidies 3,000,000
08. Division of Vocational Rehabilitation -
United Cerebral Palsy 71,484
09. State administration 1,693,368
10. Child Medical Evaluation Program 238,321
11. Adult day care services 2,155,301
12. Comprehensive Treatment Services
Program 422,003
13. Department of Administration
for the N.C. State Commission of Indian Affairs
In-Home Services Program for the Elderly 203,198
14. Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services -
Easter Seals Society 116,779
15. UNC-CH CARES Program for training and
consultation services 247,920
16. Office of the Secretary - Office of Economic
Opportunity for N.C. Senior Citizens'
Federation for outreach services to
low-income elderly persons 41,302
17. Division of Social Services - Child
Caring Agencies 1,500,000
18. Division of Mental Health,
Developmental Disabilities, and
Substance Abuse Services - Developmentally
Disabled Waiting List for services 5,000,000
19. Transfer to Preventive Health Services Block
Grant for HIV/AIDS education, counseling, and
testing 145,819
20. Division of Facility Services -
Mental Health Licensure 213,128
TOTAL SOCIAL SERVICES BLOCK GRANT $ 52,852,407
LOW-INCOME ENERGY BLOCK GRANT
01. Energy Assistance Programs $ 11,395,026
02. Crisis Intervention 6,598,934
03. Administration 2,459,510
04. Weatherization Program 3,457,189
05. Department of Administration -
N.C. State Commission of Indian Affairs 45,189
06. Heating Air Repair and Replacement Program 1,613,355
TOTAL LOW-INCOME ENERGY BLOCK GRANT $ 25,569,203
MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES BLOCK GRANT
01. Provision of community-based
services for severe and persistently
mentally ill adults $ 5,442,798
02. Provision of community-based
services to children 2,513,141
03. Comprehensive Treatment Services
Program for Children 1,500,000
04. Administration 783,911
TOTAL MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES BLOCK GRANT $ 10,239,850
SUBSTANCE ABUSE PREVENTION
AND TREATMENT BLOCK GRANT
01. Provision of community-based
alcohol and drug abuse services,
tuberculosis services, and services
provided by the Alcohol and Drug Abuse
Treatment Centers $ 15,401,711
02. Continuation of services for
pregnant women and women
with dependent children 8,069,524
03. Continuation of services to
IV drug abusers and others at risk
for HIV diseases 4,616,378
04. Provision of services to children
and adolescents 7,740,611
05. Juvenile Services - Family Focus 851,156
06. Allocation to the Division of Public Health
for HIV/STD Risk Reduction Projects 383,980
07. Allocation to the Division of Public Health
for HIV/STD Prevention by County Health
Departments 209,576
08. Allocation to the Division of Public Health
for the Maternal and Child Health Hotline 37,779
09. Administration 2,596,307
TOTAL SUBSTANCE ABUSE PREVENTION
AND TREATMENT BLOCK GRANT $ 39,907,022
CHILD CARE AND DEVELOPMENT FUND BLOCK GRANT
01. Child care subsidies $150,180,415
02. Quality and availability initiatives 16,496,620
03. Administrative expenses 6,550,000
04. Transfer from TANF Block Grant for
child care subsidies 72,812,189
TOTAL CHILD CARE AND DEVELOPMENT FUND
BLOCK GRANT $246,039,224
TEMPORARY ASSISTANCE TO NEEDY FAMILIES
(TANF) BLOCK GRANT
01. Work First Cash Assistance $129,396,275
02. Work First County Block Grants 92,018,855
03. Transfer to the Child Care and
Development Fund Block Grant
for child care subsidies 72,812,189
04. Allocation to the Division of Mental
Health, Developmental Disabilities, and
Substance Abuse Services for Work First
substance abuse screening, diagnostic, and
support treatment services and drug testing 400,000
05. Child Care Subsidies for TANF Recipients 26,621,241
06. County Child Protective Services,
Foster Care, and Adoption Workers 2,727,550
07. Transfer to Social Services Block Grant for
County Departments of Social Services for
Children's Services 4,500,000
08. Support Our Students - Department
Juvenile Justice and Delinquency
Prevention 1,425,000
09. Residential Substance Abuse Services
for Women With Children 1,475,142
10. Domestic Violence Services
for Work First Families 900,000
11. After-School Services for
At-Risk Children 1,425,000
12. Division of Social Services -
Administration 400,000
13. Child Welfare workers and services for
local departments of social services 7,654,841
14. Child Welfare Training 1,600,000
15. DSS Evaluation 500,000
16. SACWIS Payback 4,643,454
17. TANF Automation Projects 1,200,000
TOTAL TEMPORARY ASSISTANCE TO NEEDY FAMILIES
(TANF) BLOCK GRANT $349,699,547
MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH BLOCK GRANT
01. Healthy Mothers/Healthy Children
Block Grants to Local Health
Departments 9,838,074
02. High-Risk Maternity Clinic Services,
Perinatal Education and Training,
Childhood Injury Prevention,
Public Information and Education, and
Technical Assistance to Local Health
Departments 2,012,102
03. Services to Children With Special Health
Care Needs 5,078,647
TOTAL MATERNAL AND CHILD
HEALTH BLOCK GRANT $ 16,928,823
PREVENTIVE HEALTH SERVICES BLOCK GRANT
01. Statewide Health Promotion Programs $3,171,651
02. Rape Crisis/Victims' Services
Program - Council for Women 197,112
03. HIV/AIDS Prevention Activities
Coordination 111,159
04. Transfer from Social Services
Block Grant -
HIV/AIDS education, counseling, and
testing 145,819
05. Office of Minority Health 159,459
06. Administrative Costs 108,546
TOTAL PREVENTIVE HEALTH SERVICES BLOCK GRANT $3,893,746
SECTION 5.1.(b) Decreases in Federal Fund Availability. - If the United States Congress reduces federal fund availability in the Social Services Block Grant below the amounts appropriated in this section, then the Department of Health and Human Services shall allocate these decreases giving priority first to those direct services mandated by State or federal law, then to those programs providing direct services that have demonstrated effectiveness in meeting the federally and State-mandated services goals established for the Social Services Block Grant. The Department shall not include transfers from TANF for specified purposes in any calculations of reductions to the Social Services Block Grant.
If the United States Congress reduces the amount of TANF funds below the amounts appropriated in this section after the effective date of this act, then the Department shall allocate the decrease in funds after considering any underutilization of the budget and the effectiveness of the current level of services. Any TANF Block Grant fund changes shall be reported to the Senate Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services, the House of Representatives Appropriations Subcommittee on Health and Human Services, and the Fiscal Research Division.
Decreases in federal fund availability shall be allocated for the Maternal and Child Health and Preventive Health Services federal block grants by the Department of Health and Human Services after considering the effectiveness of the current level of services.
SECTION 5.1.(c) Increases in Federal Fund Availability. - Any block grant funds appropriated by the United States Congress in addition to the funds specified in this act shall be expended by the Department of Health and Human Services, with the approval of the Office of State Budget and Management, provided the resultant increases are in accordance with federal block grant requirements and are within the scope of the block grant plan approved by the General Assembly.
SECTION 5.1.(d) Changes to the budgeted allocations to the block grants appropriated in this act and new allocations from the block grants not specified in this act shall be submitted to the Joint Legislative Commission on Governmental Operations for review prior to the change and shall be reported immediately to the Senate Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services, the House of Representatives Appropriations Subcommittee on Health and Human Services, and the Fiscal Research Division.
SECTION 5.1.(e) The Department of Health and Human Services may allow no-cost contract extensions for up to six months for nongovernmental grant recipients under the TANF Block Grant.
SECTION 5.1.(f) Limitations on Preventive Health Services Block Grant Funds. - Twenty-five percent (25%) of funds allocated for Rape Prevention and Rape Education shall be allocated as grants to nonprofit organizations to provide rape prevention and education programs targeted for middle, junior high, and high school students.
If federal funds are received under the Maternal and Child Health Block Grant for abstinence education, pursuant to section 912 of Public Law 104-193 (42 U.S.C. § 710), for the 2002-2003 fiscal year, then those funds shall be transferred to the State Board of Education to be administered by the Department of Public Instruction. The Department of Public Instruction shall use the funds to establish an Abstinence Until Marriage Education Program and shall delegate to one or more persons the responsibility of implementing the program and G.S. 115C-81(e1)(4). The Department of Public Instruction shall carefully and strictly follow federal guidelines in implementing and administering the abstinence education grant funds.
The Department of Health and Human Services shall contract for the follow-up testing involved with the Newborn Screening Program. The Department may contract for these services with an entity within or outside of the State; however, the Department may only contract with an out-of-state entity if it can be demonstrated that there is a cost-savings associated with contracting with the out-of-state entity. The contract amount shall not exceed twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000). The amount of the contract shall be covered by funds in the Maternal and Child Health Block Grant.
SECTION 5.1.(g) The Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Social Services, shall do the following:
(1) Continue the current evaluation of the Work First Program to assess former recipients' earnings, barriers to advancement to economic self-sufficiency, utilization of community support services, and other longitudinal employment data. Assessment periods shall include six and 18 months following closure of the case.
(2) Continue the current evaluation of the Work First Program to profile the State's child-only caseload to include indicators of economic and social well-being, academic and behavioral performance, demographic data, description of living arrangements including length of placement out of the home, social and other human services provided to families, and other information needed to assess the needs of the child-only Work First Family Assistance clients and families.
The Division of Social Services may use up to five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000) in TANF funds to complete the evaluation of Work First.
The Department of Health and Human Services shall make a report on its progress in complying with this subsection to the Senate Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services, the House of Representatives Appropriations Subcommittee on Health and Human Services, and the Fiscal Research Division no later than December 1, 2002.
SECTION 5.1.(h) The sum of one million five hundred thousand dollars ($1,500,000) appropriated in this act in the Social Services Block Grant to the Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Social Services, for child caring agencies for the 2002-2003 fiscal year shall be allocated to the State Private Child Caring Agencies Fund. These funds shall be combined with all other funds allocated to the State Private Child Caring Agencies Fund for the reimbursement of the State's portion of the cost of care for the placement of certain children by the county departments of social services who are not eligible for federal IV-E funds. These funds shall not be used to match other federal funds.
SECTION 5.1.(i) The sum of three hundred thousand dollars ($300,000) appropriated in this section to the Department of Health and Human Services in the Child Care and Development Fund Block Grant shall be used to develop and implement a Medical Child Care Pilot open to children throughout the State.
SECTION 5.1.(j) Payment for subsidized child care services provided with federal TANF funds shall comply with all regulations and policies issued by the Division of Child Development for the subsidized child care program.
SECTION 5.1.(k) The sum of four hundred thousand dollars ($400,000) appropriated in this section in the TANF Block Grant to the Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Social Services, for the 2002-2003 fiscal year shall be used to support administration of TANF-funded programs.
SECTION 5.1.(l) The sum of one million four hundred seventy-five thousand one hundred forty-two dollars ($1,475,142) appropriated in this section in the TANF Block Grant to the Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Abuse Services, for the 2002-2003 fiscal year shall be used to provide regional residential substance abuse treatment and services for women with children. The Department of Health and Human Services, the Division of Social Services, and the Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Abuse Services, in consultation with local departments of social services, area mental health programs, and other State and local agencies or organizations, shall coordinate this effort in order to facilitate the expansion of regionally based substance abuse services for women with children. These services shall be culturally appropriate and designed for the unique needs of TANF women with children.
In order to expedite the expansion of these services, the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services may enter into contracts with service providers.
The Department of Health and Human Services, the Division of Social Services, and the Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Abuse Services, shall report on their progress in complying with this subsection no later than October 1, 2002, and March 1, 2003, to the Senate Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services, the House of Representatives Appropriations Subcommittee on Health and Human Services, and the Fiscal Research Division. These reports shall include all of the following:
(1) The number and location of additional beds created.
(2) The types of facilities established.
(3) The delineation of roles and responsibilities at the State and local levels.
(4) Demographics of the women served, the number of women served, and the cost per client.
(5) Demographics of the children served, the number of children served, and the services provided.
(6) Job placement services provided to women.
(7) A plan for follow-up and evaluation of services provided with an emphasis on outcomes.
(8) Barriers identified to the successful implementation of the expansion.
(9) Identification of other resources needed to appropriately and efficiently provide services to Work First recipients.
(10) Other information as requested.
SECTION 5.1.(m) The sum of one million four hundred twenty-five thousand dollars ($1,425,000) appropriated in this section in the TANF Block Grant to the Department of Health and Human Services and transferred to the Department of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention for the 2002-2003 fiscal year shall be used to support the existing Support Our Students Program and to expand the Program statewide, focusing on low-income communities in unserved areas. These funds shall not be used for administration of the Program.
SECTION 5.1.(n) The sum of nine hundred thousand dollars ($900,000) appropriated under this section in the TANF Block Grant to the Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Social Services, for the 2002-2003 fiscal year shall be used to provide domestic violence services to Work First recipients. These funds shall be used to provide domestic violence counseling, support, and other direct services to clients. These funds shall not be used to establish new domestic violence shelters or to facilitate lobbying efforts. The Division of Social Services may use up to seventy-five thousand dollars ($75,000) in TANF funds to establish one administrative position within the Division of Social Services to implement this subsection.
Each county department of social services and the local domestic violence shelter program serving the county shall jointly develop a plan for utilizing these funds. The plan shall include the services to be provided and the manner in which the services shall be delivered. The county plan shall be signed by the county social services director or the director's designee and the domestic violence program director or the director's designee and submitted to the Division of Social Services by December 1, 2002. The Division of Social Services, in consultation with the Council for Women, shall review the county plans and shall provide consultation and technical assistance to the departments of social services and local domestic violence shelter programs, if needed.
The Division of Social Services shall allocate these funds to county departments of social services according to the following formula: (i) each county shall receive a base allocation of five thousand dollars ($5,000) and (ii) each county shall receive an allocation of the remaining funds based on the county's proportion of the statewide total of the Work First caseload as of July 1, 2002, and the county's proportion of the statewide total of the individuals receiving domestic violence services from programs funded by the Council for Women as of July 1, 2002. The Division of Social Services may reallocate unspent funds to counties that submit a written request for additional funds.
SECTION 5.1.(o) The sum of one million four hundred twenty-five thousand dollars ($1,425,000) appropriated in this section in the TANF Block Grant to the Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Social Services, shall be used to expand after-school programs and services for at-risk children. The Department shall develop and implement a grant program to award grants to community-based programs that demonstrate the ability to reach children at risk of teen pregnancy and school dropout. The Department shall award grants to community-based organizations that demonstrate the ability to develop and implement linkages with local departments of social services, area mental health programs, schools, and other human services programs in order to provide support services and assistance to the child and family. These funds may be used to establish one position within the Division of Social Services to coordinate at-risk after-school programs and shall not be used for other State administration. The Department shall report no later than March 1, 2003, on its progress in complying with this section to the Senate Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services, the House of Representatives Subcommittee on Health and Human Services, and the Fiscal Research Division.
SECTION 5.1.(p) The sum of seven million six hundred fifty-four thousand eight hundred forty-one dollars ($7,654,841) appropriated in this section in the TANF Block Grant to the Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Social Services, for the 2002-2003 fiscal year for Child Welfare Improvements shall be allocated to the county departments of social services for hiring or contracting staff to investigate and provide services in Child Protective Services cases; to provide foster care and support services; to recruit, train, license, and support prospective foster and adoptive families; and to provide interstate and post-adoption services for eligible families.
SECTION 5.1.(q) The sum of one million five hundred thousand dollars ($1,500,000) appropriated in this section in the Mental Health Block Grant to the Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Abuse Services, for the 2002-2003 fiscal year and the sum of four hundred twenty-two thousand three dollars ($422,003) appropriated in this section in the Social Services Block Grant to the Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Social Services, for the 2002-2003 fiscal year shall be used to continue a Comprehensive Treatment Services Program for Children in accordance with Section 21.60 of S.L. 2001-424, as amended.
SECTION 5.1.(r) The sum of one million six hundred thousand dollars ($1,600,000) appropriated in this section in the TANF Block Grant to the Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Social Services, for fiscal year 2002-2003 shall be used to support various child welfare training projects as follows:
(1) Provide a regional training center in southeastern North Carolina.
(2) Support the Masters Degree in Social Work/Baccalaureate Degree in Social Work Collaborative.
(3) Provide training for residential child care facilities.
(4) Provide for various other child welfare training initiatives.
SECTION 5.1.(s) If funds appropriated through the Child Care and Development Fund Block Grant for any program cannot be obligated or spent in that program within the obligation or liquidation periods allowed by the federal grants, the Department may move funds to child care subsidies, unless otherwise prohibited by federal requirements of the grant, in order to use the federal funds fully.
SECTION 5.1.(t) The sum of one hundred eleven thousand one hundred fifty-nine dollars ($111,159) appropriated in this section in the Preventive Health Services Block Grant to the Department of Health and Human Services for the 2002-2003 fiscal year for HIV/AIDS Prevention Activities shall be used to enhance activities for HIV/AIDS awareness and education within the Division of Public Health. The position shall be responsible for all planning, programming, and budgeting for compliance with this subsection. These prevention activities shall be targeted to the general public and programs identified in this subsection and shall not be used to augment the current grant programs that target high-risk populations through the community-based organizations.
(1) Division of Social Services programs and services:
a. Domestic Violence Prevention and Awareness.
b. Domestic Violence Services for Work First Families.
c. After School Services for At-Risk Children.
d. Work First Boys/Girls Clubs.
(2) Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Abuse Services programs and services:
a. Substance Abuse Services for Juveniles.
b. Residential Substance Abuse Services for Women and Children.
(3) Division of Public Health programs and services:
a. Teen Pregnancy Prevention Activities.
b. Out-of-Wedlock Births.
c. School Health Program.
d. High-Risk Maternity Clinic Services.
e. Perinatal Education and Training.
f. Public Information and Education.
g. Technical Assistance to Local Health Departments.
(4) Other divisions, services, and programs:
a. Family Support Services.
b. Family Resource Centers.
c. Independent Living Services.
d. Residential schools and facilities.
e. Other programs, services, or contracts that provide education and awareness services to children and families.
SECTION 5.1.(u) The sum of four hundred thirty-eight thousand dollars ($438,000) appropriated in this section in the TANF Block Grant to the Department of Health and Human Services shall be used to purchase services at maternity homes throughout the State.
SECTION 5.1.(v) The Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Social Services, may use up to one million two hundred thousand dollars ($1,200,000) in unexpended TANF funds previously allocated for the Business Process Reengineering Project in the 2001-2002 fiscal year in the 2002-2003 fiscal year for TANF automation incentives, such as data warehouse, Electronic Fund Transfer, and NC FAST. The Department shall report to the Senate Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services, the House of Representatives Appropriations Subcommittee on Health and Human Services, and the Fiscal Research Division no later than April 1, 2003, on the expenditure of these funds.
Requested by: Senators Martin of Pitt, Weinstein, Plyler, Odom, Lee; Representatives Fox, Owens, Easterling, Oldham, Redwine
SECTION 5.2.(a) Appropriations from federal block grant funds are made for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2003, according to the following schedule:
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT
01. State Administration $1,000,000
02. Urgent Needs and Contingency 1,000,000
03. Scattered Site Housing 13,100,000
04. Economic Development 8,710,000
05. Community Revitalization 13,500,000
06. State Technical Assistance 450,000
07. Housing Development 2,100,000
08. Infrastructure 5,140,000
TOTAL COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
BLOCK GRANT - 2002 Program Year $45,000,000
SECTION 5.2.(b) Decreases in Federal Fund Availability. - If federal funds are reduced below the amounts specified above after the effective date of this act, then every program in each of these federal block grants shall be reduced by the same percentage as the reduction in federal funds.
SECTION 5.2.(c) Increases in Federal Fund Availability for Community Development Block Grant. - Any block grant funds appropriated by the Congress of the United States in addition to the funds specified in this section shall be expended as follows: Each program category under the Community Development Block Grant shall be increased by the same percentage as the increase in federal funds.
SECTION 5.2.(d) Limitations on Community Development Block Grant Funds. - Of the funds appropriated in this section for the Community Development Block Grant, the following shall be allocated in each category for each program year: up to one million dollars ($1,000,000) may be used for State administration; up to one million dollars ($1,000,000) may be used for Urgent Needs and Contingency; up to thirteen million one hundred thousand dollars ($13,100,000) may be used for Scattered Site Housing; up to eight million seven hundred ten thousand dollars ($8,710,000) may be used for Economic Development; not less than thirteen million five hundred thousand dollars ($13,500,000) shall be used for Community Revitalization; up to four hundred fifty thousand dollars ($450,000) may be used for State Technical Assistance; up to two million one hundred thousand dollars ($2,100,000) may be used for Housing Development; up to five million one hundred forty thousand dollars ($5,140,000) may be used for Infrastructure. If federal block grant funds are reduced or increased by the Congress of the United States after the effective date of this act, then these reductions or increases shall be allocated in accordance with subsection (b) or (c) of this section, as applicable.
SECTION 5.2.(e) Increase Capacity for Nonprofit Organizations. - Assistance to nonprofit organizations to increase their capacity to carry out CDBG-eligible activities in partnership with units of local government is an eligible activity under any program category in accordance with federal regulations. Capacity building grants may be made from funds available within program categories, program income, or unobligated funds.
Requested by: Senators Dalton, Lucas, Garrou, Rand, Plyler, Odom, Lee; Representatives Boyd-McIntyre, Rogers, Yongue, Easterling, Oldham, Redwine
SECTION 6.4.(a) G.S. 143-3.3(g) reads as rewritten:
"(g) Payroll Deduction for Payments to Certain Employees' Associations Allowed. - An employee of the State or any of its institutions, departments, bureaus, agencies or commissions, or any of its local boards of education or community colleges, who is a member of a domiciled employees' association that has at least 2,000 members, the majority of whom are employees of the State or public school employees, may authorize, in writing, the periodic deduction each payroll period from the employee's salary or wages a designated lump sum to be paid to the employees' association.
An employee of any local board of education who is a member of a domiciled employees' association that has at least 40,000 members, the majority of whom are public school teachers, may authorize in writing the periodic deduction each payroll period from the employee's salary or wages a designated lump sum or sums to be paid for dues and voluntary contributions for the employees' association.
The An authorization under this subsection shall
remain in effect until revoked by the employee. A plan of payroll deductions
pursuant to this subsection for employees of the State and other association
members shall become void if the employees' association engages in collective
bargaining with the State, any political subdivision of the State, or any local
school administrative unit. This subsection does not apply to county or
municipal governments or any local governmental unit, except for local boards
of education."
SECTION 6.4.(b) G.S. 128-38.3 reads as rewritten:
"§ 128-38.3. Deduction for payment to certain employees' associations allowed.
Any member beneficiary who is a member of a
domiciled employees' or retirees' association that has at least 2,000 members,
the majority of whom are active or retired employees of employers as defined in
G.S. 128-21(11), may authorize, in writing, the periodic deduction from the member's
beneficiary's retirement benefits a designated lump sum to be paid to the
employees' or retirees' association. The authorization shall remain in effect
until revoked by the member. beneficiary. A plan of deductions
pursuant to this section shall become void if the employees' or retirees'
association engages in collective bargaining with the State, any political
subdivision of the State, or any local school administrative unit."
SECTION 6.4.(c) G.S. 135-18.8 reads as rewritten:
"§ 135-18.8. Deduction for payments to certain employees' or retirees' associations allowed.
Any member beneficiary who is a member of a
domiciled employees' or retirees' association that has at least 2,000 members,
the majority of whom are active or retired employees of the State or public
school employees, may authorize, in writing, the periodic deduction from the member's
beneficiary's retirement benefits a designated lump sum to be paid to
the employees' or retirees' association. The authorization shall remain in
effect until revoked by the member. beneficiary. A plan of
deductions pursuant to this section shall become void if the employees' or
retirees' association engages in collective bargaining with the State, any
political subdivision of the State, or any local school administrative
unit."
SECTION 6.4.(d) Article 1A of Chapter 120 of the General Statutes is amended by adding a new section to read:
"§ 120-4.32. Deduction for payments to certain employees' or retirees' associations allowed.
Any beneficiary who is a member of a domiciled employees' or retirees' association that has at least 2,000 members, the majority of whom are active or retired employees of the State or public school employees, may authorize, in writing, the periodic deduction from the beneficiary's retirement benefits a designated lump sum to be paid to the employees' or retirees' association. The authorization shall remain in effect until revoked by the beneficiary. A plan of deductions pursuant to this section shall become void if the employees' or retirees' association engages in collective bargaining with the State, any political subdivision of the State, or any local school administrative unit."
SECTION 6.4.(e) Article 4 of Chapter 135 of the General Statutes is amended by adding a new section to read:
"§ 135-75. Deduction for payments to certain employees' or retirees' associations allowed.
Any beneficiary who is a member of a domiciled employees' or retirees' association that has at least 2,000 members, the majority of whom are active or retired employees of the State or public school employees, may authorize, in writing, the periodic deduction from the beneficiary's retirement benefits a designated lump sum to be paid to the employees' or retirees' association. The authorization shall remain in effect until revoked by the beneficiary. A plan of deductions pursuant to this section shall become void if the employees' or retirees' association engages in collective bargaining with the State, any political subdivision of the State, or any local school administrative unit."
SECTION 6.4.(f) Article 86 of Chapter 58 of the General Statutes is amended by adding a new section to read:
"§ 58-86-91. Deduction for payments to certain employees' or retirees' associations allowed.
Any member who is a member of a domiciled employees' or retirees' association that has at least 2,000 members, the majority of whom are active or retired employees of the State or public school employees, may authorize, in writing, the periodic deduction from the member's retirement benefits a designated lump sum to be paid to the employees' or retirees' association. The authorization shall remain in effect until revoked by the member. A plan of deductions pursuant to this section shall become void if the employees' or retirees' association engages in collective bargaining with the State, any political subdivision of the State, or any local school administrative unit."
SECTION 6.4.(g) G.S. 127A-40 is amended by adding a new subsection to read:
"(h1) Any member or former member of the North Carolina national guard who is qualified for benefits under this section and who is a member of a domiciled employees' or retirees' association that has at least 2,000 members, the majority of whom are active or retired employees of the State or public school employees, may authorize, in writing, the periodic deduction from the member's retirement benefits a designated lump sum to be paid to the employees' or retirees' association. The authorization shall remain in effect until revoked by the member. A plan of deductions pursuant to this subsection shall become void if the employees' or retirees' association engages in collective bargaining with the State, any political subdivision of the State, or any local school administrative unit."
Requested by: Senators Plyler, Odom, Lee; Representatives McComas, Smith, Preston, Easterling, Oldham, Redwine
REPEAL PORTS RAILWAY COMMISSION/TRANSFER TO STATE ports authority
SECTION 6.6.(a) Part 11 of Article 10 of Chapter 143B of the General Statutes, G.S. 143B-469 through G.S. 143B-469.3, is repealed.
SECTION 6.6.(b) G.S. 120-123(25) is repealed.
SECTION 6.6.(c) G.S. 143B-454(a)(4) reads as rewritten:
"(4) Be authorized and
empowered to acquire, construct, maintain, equip and operate any wharves,
docks, piers, quays, elevators, compresses, refrigeration storage plants,
warehouses and other structures, and any and all facilities needful for the
convenient use of the same in the aid of commerce, including the dredging of
approaches thereto, and the construction of beltline roads and highways and
bridges and causeways thereon, and other bridges and causeways necessary or
useful in connection therewith, and shipyards, shipping facilities, and
transportation facilities incident thereto and useful or convenient for the use
thereof, excluding terminal railroads;and to acquire, construct, and
maintain, but not operate, such rail facilities as may be necessary or useful
in connection with the operation of the State Ports, provided that nothing in
this subdivision shall be construed as requiring or allowing the North Carolina
State Ports Authority to become a carrier by rail subject to the federal laws
regulating those carriers;"
SECTION 6.6.(d) Within 30 days of the date this section becomes law, the North Carolina Ports Railway Commission shall provide the North Carolina State Ports Authority with a complete list of its assets and liabilities. All of the assets, real and personal, tangible and intangible, and all of the liabilities, including contractual obligations, of the North Carolina Ports Railway Commission are transferred to the North Carolina State Ports Authority. If and to the extent that such transfers require the execution of any documents or instruments of transfer by the North Carolina Ports Railway Commission, those documents may be executed by the current officers and members of the Commission and shall be executed within 60 days of the date this section becomes law.
SECTION 6.6.(e) As part of a plan to reorganize and consolidate rail operations at the State Ports, the North Carolina State Ports Authority may sell or transfer the Beaufort and Morehead Railway, Inc., or any part thereof or interest therein, to a terminal switching or short line railroad company, or to the North Carolina Railroad Company, on such terms and conditions as the parties may agree to.
SECTION 6.6.(f) The Attorney General within 45 days of this section becoming law shall render an opinion as to whether or not subsections (a) through (e) of this section will subject the State Ports Authority to status as a common carrier subject to the Railway Labor Act. Subsections (a) through (e) of this section become effective only if an opinion is issued that it does not subject the State Ports Authority to status as a common carrier subject to the Railway Labor Act, and in such case subsections (a) through (e) of this section become effective upon the issuance of the opinion. In lieu of subsections (a) through (e) of this section, if the North Carolina State Ports Authority finds that the transfer of any stock owned by the North Carolina Ports Railway Commission to the North Carolina State Ports Authority will accomplish the same end as the transfer of assets of the North Carolina Ports Railway Commission, it may order such transfer if the Attorney General issues an opinion it does not subject the State Ports Authority to status as a common carrier subject to the Railway Labor Act, and in such case the transfer becomes effective 60 days after it is ordered.
Requested by: Senators Plyler, Odom, Lee; Representatives Baddour, Easterling, Oldham, Redwine
procedure before REDUCing APPROPRIATIONS TO A SCHOOL ADMINISTRATIVE UNIT
SECTION 6.7.(a) G.S. 159-13(b)(9) reads as rewritten:
"(b) The following directions and limitations shall bind the governing board in adopting the budget ordinance:
…
(9) Appropriations made to a school administrative unit by a county may not be reduced after the budget ordinance is adopted, unless the board of education of the administrative unit agrees by resolution to a reduction, or unless a general reduction in county expenditures is required because of prevailing economic conditions. Before a board of county commissioners may reduce appropriations to a school administrative unit as part of a general reduction in county expenditures required because of prevailing economic conditions, it must do all of the following:
a. Hold a public meeting at which the school board is given an opportunity to present information on the impact of the reduction.
b. Take a public vote on the decision to reduce appropriations to a school administrative unit."
SECTION 6.7.(b) This section is effective when this act becomes law.
Requested by: Senators Martin of Guilford, Purcell, Plyler, Odom, Lee; Representatives Earle, Nye, Baddour, Easterling, Oldham, Redwine
Senior Prescription Drug access Program
SECTION 6.8.(a) Notwithstanding G.S. 147-86.30, the Health and Wellness Trust Fund Commission may for the fiscal year 2002-2003 expend not more than three million dollars ($3,000,000) of the funds reserved pursuant to G.S. 147-86.30(c) to develop and implement a Senior Prescription Drug Access Program. As used in this section, the term "senior" means an individual age 65 years and older. The purpose of the Program is to reduce costs of and improve access to and use of prescription drugs by:
(1) Providing one-on-one assistance to seniors and low-income citizens in accessing public and private prescription drug assistance programs.
(2) Making available pharmacist evaluators to review all prescriptions and to provide face-to-face counseling for seniors to promote compliance and identify potential adverse effects from interactions among the prescribed drugs.
(3) Utilizing software currently licensed by the Department of Health and Human Services to guide patients through the complexities of all drug coverage options, including drug acquisition through low-cost or discount drug programs provided through manufacturer's card programs, and by government programs.
Drug acquisition services under the Program shall be available to senior citizens and to low-income citizens eligible for assistance under these public and private prescription drug programs. Counseling services provided by the Program shall be available to senior citizens age 65 and older. There shall be no fee for Program medication counseling services to seniors who are Medicaid recipients and seniors enrolled in Carolina CARxES. The Commission may authorize a reasonable fee to be charged by the pharmacist evaluator to other seniors using medication counseling services, provided that the fee is charged on a sliding scale based on individual or family income. In no event may the fee exceed the actual cost of the service provided. The Commission shall consult with other State agencies and public and private entities to avoid duplication and enhance cooperation and collaboration in providing Program services. In allocating funds under the Program, the Commission shall consider diversity of populations served, geographic representation, and increasing community capacity to respond to health needs. The Commission may phase in the availability of services such that initially all geographic regions of the State have services available.
SECTION 6.8.(b) In developing and implementing the Senior Prescription Drug Access Program, the Commission may do the following:
(1) Establish a centralized database with linkages to Medicaid databases to enable review of each participant's prescription drug regimen and to ensure quality of services, quality of care, and cost-effectiveness. The database shall comply with all State and federal privacy protection requirements and shall be accessible only to participating pharmacists, primary care physicians, and case managers.
(2) Use reserved funds authorized under this section to contract with public and private entities to provide prescription drug assistance services.
(3) Use reserved funds authorized under this section to award grants to applicants eligible under G.S. 147-86.31 to receive grant funds. Grant funds may be used to subsidize costs of hiring and training staff to operate drug acquisition software.
SECTION 6.8.(c) The Commission shall provide for ongoing evaluation of the Program to measure its usage and effectiveness. The Commission shall include in its annual report required under G.S. 147-86.35 the use of funds for and activities of the Senior Prescription Drug Access Program and the results of its Program evaluation. The report shall include data on the number of persons who received services, fees authorized, and the geographic distribution of Program services.
Requested by: Senators Plyler, Odom, Lee; Representatives Earle, Nye, Alexander, Easterling, Oldham, Redwine
UNIFORM PROVIDER CREDENTIALING BY HEALTH INSURANCE PLANS
SECTION 6.9.(a) G.S. 58-3-230(a) reads as rewritten:
"(a) An insurer that provides a health benefit plan and that credentials providers for its networks shall maintain a process to assess and verify the qualifications of a licensed health care practitioner, or applicant for licensure as a health care practitioner, within 60 days of receipt of a completed provider credentialing application form approved by the Commissioner. When a health care practitioner joins a practice that is under contract with an insurer to participate in a health benefit plan, the effective date of the health care practitioner's participation in the health benefit plan network shall be the date the insurer approves the practitioner's credentialing application."
SECTION 6.9.(b) This section becomes effective October 1, 2002.
Sale of Underutilized State-Owned Aircraft
SECTION 6.10.(a) Any department of State government possessing State-owned operational aircraft that are not being used for spare parts and have not been used for the intended purpose a minimum of two times during the 2001-2002 fiscal year shall sell that aircraft during the 2002-2003 fiscal year pursuant to the provisions of Article 3A of Chapter 143 of the General Statutes or by other procedures based upon competitive bidding that the head of the department finds to be acceptable for this purpose.
SECTION 6.10.(b) The Department of Commerce shall sell its Bell 206 helicopter during the 2002-2003 fiscal year. The proceeds of this sale shall be credited to the Department of Commerce as a nontax receipt.
SECTION 6.10.(c) Proceeds of the sale of aircraft pursuant to subsection (a) of this section shall be deposited in the General Fund.
Requested by: Senators Plyler, Odom, Lee; Representatives Pope, Easterling, Oldham, Redwine
TERMINATE HURRICANE FRAN ACCOUNT
SECTION 6.11A. Effective June 30, 2003, Executive Order #99 as amended, dated September 5, 1996, is terminated. All funds in the Hurricane Fran Account that are not contractually obligated on June 30, 2003, shall be credited to the Savings Reserve Account.
Requested by: Senators Plyler, Odom, Lee; Representatives Easterling, Oldham, Redwine
TREASURER/REPORTING REQUIREMENTS
SECTION 6.12. G.S. 147-69.3 reads as rewritten:
"§ 147-69.3. Administration of State Treasurer's investment programs.
(a) The State Treasurer shall establish, maintain, administer, manage, and operate within the Department of State Treasurer one or more investment programs for the deposit and investment of assets pursuant to the provisions of G.S. 147-69.1 and G.S. 147-69.2.
(b) Any official, board, commission, other public authority, local government, school administrative unit, local ABC board, or community college of the State having custody of any funds not required by law to be deposited with and invested by the State Treasurer may deposit all or any portion of those funds with the State Treasurer for investment in one of the investment programs established pursuant to this section, subject to any provisions of law with respect to eligible investments, provided that any occupational licensing board as defined in G.S. 93B-1 may participate in one of the investment programs established pursuant to this section regardless of whether or not the funds were required by law to be deposited with and invested by the State Treasurer. In the absence of specific statutory provisions to the contrary, any of those funds may be invested in accordance with the provisions of G.S. 147-69.2 and 147-69.3. Upon request from any depositor eligible under this subsection, the State Treasurer may authorize moneys invested pursuant to this subsection to be withdrawn by warrant on the State Treasurer.
(c) The State Treasurer's investment programs shall be so managed that in the judgment of the State Treasurer funds may be readily converted into cash when needed.
(d) Except as provided by G.S. 147-69.1(d), the total return earned on investments shall accrue pro rata to the fund whose assets are invested according to the formula prescribed by the State Treasurer with the approval of the Governor and Council of State.
(e) The State Treasurer has full powers as a fiduciary to hold, purchase, sell, assign, transfer, lend and dispose of any of the securities or investments in which any of the programs created pursuant to this section have been invested, and may reinvest the proceeds from the sale of those securities or investments and any other investable assets of the program.
(f) The cost of administration, management, and operation of investment programs established pursuant to this section shall be apportioned equitably among the programs in such manner as may be prescribed by the State Treasurer, such costs to be paid from each program, and to the extent not otherwise chargeable directly to the income or assets of the specific investment program or pooled investment vehicle, shall be deposited with the State Treasurer as a General Fund nontax revenue. The cost of administration, management, and operation of investment programs established pursuant to this section and not directly paid from the income or assets of such a specific investment program shall be covered by an appropriation to the State Treasurer for this purpose in the Current Operations Appropriations Act.
(g) The State Treasurer is authorized to retain the services of independent appraisers, auditors, actuaries, attorneys, investment counseling firms, statisticians, custodians, or other persons or firms possessing specialized skills or knowledge necessary for the proper administration of investment programs created pursuant to this section.
(h) The State Treasurer
shall prepare, as of the end of each fiscal year, a report on the financial condition
of each investment program created pursuant to this section. A copy of each
report shall be submitted within 30 days following the end of the fiscal year
to the official, institution, board, commission or other agency whose funds are
invested, the State Auditor, and the
Advisory Budget Commission. Commission, and the chairs of the Finance Committees of the
House of Representatives and the Senate.
(i) The State
Treasurer shall report at least twice a year to the General Assembly, through
the Finance Committees of the House of Representatives and the Senate, on the
investment programs created under this section. The Treasurer shall present the
reports to a joint meeting of the Finance Committees. The chairs of the Finance
Committees may receive the reports and call the meetings. The Finance
Committees may meet during the interim as necessary to hear the reports from
the State Treasurer. The State Treasurer's annual report and
presentation to the General Assembly Finance Committees shall
include all of the following:
(1) a A
full and complete statement of all moneys invested by virtue of the provisions
of G.S. 147-69.1 and G.S. 147-69.2, the G.S. 147-69.2.
(2) The
nature and character of investments therein, and the the investments.
(3) The
revenues derived therefrom. from the investments.
(4) The costs of administering, managing, and operating the investment programs, including the recapture of any investment commissions.
(5) A statement of the investment policies for the revenues invested.
(6) Any other information that may be helpful in understanding the State Treasurer's investment policies and investment results.
(7) Any other information requested by the Finance Committees.
(j) Subject to the provisions of G.S. 147-69.1(d), the State Treasurer shall adopt any rules necessary to carry out the provisions of this section."
Requested by: Senators Martin of Guilford, Purcell, Plyler, Odom, Lee; Representatives Baddour, Oldham, Redwine
ruth m. Easterling trust fund for children with special needs
SECTION 6.13. Whereas, Representative Ruth M. Easterling has served as an advocate for the children of the State for over 25 years as a member of the General Assembly, there is established the "Ruth M. Easterling Trust Fund for Children With Special Needs". The purpose of the Trust Fund is to fund services for children with special needs that are not currently provided with State funds. The Trust Fund shall be used to:
(1) Provide respite services for adoptive children, for children in foster care, and for other children with special needs at risk of out-of-home placement.
(2) Pay for special services to, and special equipment for, children with special needs when there is no other source for payment, including, but not limited to, surgical repair of congenital anomalies and the purchase of mobility equipment.
(3) Provide training to parents and caregivers in the unique care needs of children with special needs.
The Secretary of Health and Human Services shall adopt rules to implement this section. By March 1, 2003, the Secretary shall report to the Chairs of the House of Representatives Appropriations Subcommittee on Health and Human Services and the Senate Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services on the use of the Trust Fund.
Requested by: Senators Plyler, Odom, Lee; Representatives Easterling, Oldham, Redwine
authorize one-time bond refunding
SECTION 6.14. By and with the consent of the Council of State, the State Treasurer is authorized to issue and sell refunding obligations for the purpose of refunding outstanding obligations to implement the one-time debt service savings reflected in Section 2.1 of this act. The refunding shall be in accordance with the provisions of G.S. 142-29.2, 142-29.3, 142-29.4, 142-29.6, and 142-29.7 of the State Refunding Bond Act.
Requested by: Senators Dalton, Lucas, Garrou, Plyler, Odom, Lee; Representatives Boyd-McIntyre, Rogers, Yongue, Easterling, Oldham, Redwine
SECTION 7.1.(a) Effective for the 2002-2003 school year, the Director of the Budget shall transfer from the Reserve for Experience Step Salary Increase for Teachers and Principals in Public Schools for the 2002-2003 fiscal year funds necessary to implement the teacher salary schedule set out in subsection (b) of this section, including funds for the employer's retirement and social security contributions and funds for annual longevity payments at one and one-half percent (1.5%) of base salary for 10 to 14 years of State service, two and twenty-five hundredths percent (2.25%) of base salary for 15 to 19 years of State service, three and twenty-five hundredths percent (3.25%) of base salary for 20 to 24 years of State service, and four and one-half percent (4.5%) of base salary for 25 or more years of State service, commencing July 1, 2002, for all teachers whose salaries are supported from the State's General Fund. These funds shall be allocated to individuals according to rules adopted by the State Board of Education. The longevity payment shall be paid in a lump sum once a year.
SECTION 7.1.(b) For the 2002-2003 school year, the following monthly salary schedules shall apply to certified personnel of the public schools who are classified as teachers. The schedule contains 30 steps with each step corresponding to one year of teaching experience.
2002-2003 Monthly Salary Schedule
Years of "A" NBPTS
Experience Teachers Certification
0 $2,525 N/A
1 $2,567 N/A
2 $2,611 N/A
3 $2,764 $3,096
4 $2,904 $3,252
5 $3,036 $3,400
6 $3,164 $3,544
7 $3,266 $3,658
8 $3,314 $3,712
9 $3,362 $3,765
10 $3,412 $3,821
11 $3,461 $3,876
12 $3,511 $3,932
13 $3,561 $3,988
14 $3,614 $4,048
15 $3,667 $4,107
16 $3,722 $4,169
17 $3,777 $4,230
18 $3,834 $4,294
19 $3,892 $4,359
20 $3,950 $4,424
21 $4,011 $4,492
22 $4,072 $4,561
23 $4,136 $4,632
24 $4,200 $4,704
25 $4,264 $4,776
26 $4,330 $4,850
27 $4,398 $4,926
28 $4,467 $5,003
29 $4,538 $5,083
30+ $4,538 $5,083
2002-2003 Monthly Salary Schedule
Years of "M" NBPTS
Experience Teachers Certification
0 $2,778 N/A
1 $2,824 N/A
2 $2,872 N/A
3 $3,040 $3,405
4 $3,194 $3,577
5 $3,340 $3,741
6 $3,480 $3,898
7 $3,593 $4,024
8 $3,645 $4,082
9 $3,698 $4,142
10 $3,753 $4,203
11 $3,807 $4,264
12 $3,862 $4,325
13 $3,917 $4,387
14 $3,975 $4,452
15 $4,034 $4,518
16 $4,094 $4,585
17 $4,155 $4,654
18 $4,217 $4,723
19 $4,281 $4,795
20 $4,345 $4,866
21 $4,412 $4,941
22 $4,479 $5,016
23 $4,550 $5,096
24 $4,620 $5,174
25 $4,690 $5,253
26 $4,763 $5,335
27 $4,838 $5,419
28 $4,914 $5,504
29 $4,992 $5,591
30+ $4,992 $5,591
SECTION 7.1.(c) Certified public school teachers with certification based on academic preparation at the six-year degree level shall receive a salary supplement of one hundred twenty-six dollars ($126.00) per month in addition to the compensation provided for certified personnel of the public schools who are classified as "M" teachers. Certified public school teachers with certification based on academic preparation at the doctoral degree level shall receive a salary supplement of two hundred fifty-three dollars ($253.00) per month in addition to the compensation provided for certified personnel of the public schools who are classified as "M" teachers.
SECTION 7.1.(d) Effective for the 2002-2003 school year, the first step of the salary schedule for school psychologists shall be equivalent to Step 5, corresponding to five years of experience, on the salary schedule established in this section for certified personnel of the public schools who are classified as "M" teachers. Certified psychologists shall be placed on the salary schedule at an appropriate step based on their years of experience. Certified psychologists shall receive longevity payments based on years of State service in the same manner as teachers.
Certified psychologists with certification based on academic preparation at the six-year degree level shall receive a salary supplement of one hundred twenty-six dollars ($126.00) per month in addition to the compensation provided for certified psychologists. Certified psychologists with certification based on academic preparation at the doctoral degree level shall receive a salary supplement of two hundred fifty-three dollars ($253.00) per month in addition to the compensation provided for certified psychologists.
SECTION 7.1.(e) Effective for the 2002-2003 school year, speech pathologists who are certified as speech pathologists at the masters degree level and audiologists who are certified as audiologists at the masters degree level and who are employed in the public schools as speech and language specialists and audiologists shall be paid on the school psychologist salary schedule.
Speech pathologists and audiologists with certification based on academic preparation at the six-year degree level shall receive a salary supplement of one hundred twenty-six dollars ($126.00) per month in addition to the compensation provided for speech pathologists and audiologists. Speech pathologists and audiologists with certification based on academic preparation at the doctoral degree level shall receive a salary supplement of two hundred fifty-three dollars ($253.00) per month in addition to the compensation provided for speech pathologists and audiologists.
SECTION 7.1.(f) Certified school nurses who are employed in the public schools as nurses shall be paid on the "M" salary schedule.
Requested by: Senators Dalton, Lucas, Garrou, Plyler, Odom, Lee; Representatives Boyd-McIntyre, Rogers, Yongue, Michaux, Smith, Hackney, Easterling, Oldham, Redwine
SCHOOL-BASED ADMINISTRATOR SALARY SCHEDULE
SECTION 7.2.(a) Effective for the 2002-2003 school year, the Director of the Budget shall transfer from Reserve for Experience Step Salary Increase for Teachers and Principals in Public Schools for the 2002-2003 fiscal year funds necessary to implement the salary schedule for school-based administrators as provided in this section. These funds shall be used for State-paid employees only.
SECTION 7.2.(b) The base salary schedule for school-based administrators shall apply only to principals and assistant principals. The base salary schedule for the 2002-2003 fiscal year, commencing July 1, 2002, is as follows:
Principal and Assistant Principal Salary Schedules
Yrs of Assistant Prin I Prin II Prin III Prin IV
Exp Principal (0-10) (11-21) (22-32) (33-43)
0-4 $3,226 - - - -
5 $3,373 - - - -
6 $3,515 - - - -
7 $3,629 - - - -
8 $3,681 $3,681 - - -
9 $3,735 $3,735 - - -
10 $3,791 $3,791 $3,845 - -
11 $3,845 $3,845 $3,901 - -
12 $3,901 $3,901 $3,956 $4,015 -
13 $3,956 $3,956 $4,015 $4,074 $4,135
14 $4,015 $4,015 $4,074 $4,135 $4,197
15 $4,074 $4,074 $4,135 $4,197 $4,259
16 $4,135 $4,135 $4,197 $4,259 $4,324
17 $4,197 $4,197 $4,259 $4,324 $4,388
18 $4,259 $4,259 $4,324 $4,388 $4,456
19 $4,324 $4,324 $4,388 $4,456 $4,524
20 $4,388 $4,388 $4,456 $4,524 $4,596
21 $4,456 $4,456 $4,524 $4,596 $4,666
22 $4,524 $4,524 $4,596 $4,666 $4,737
23 $4,596 $4,596 $4,666 $4,737 $4,811
24 $4,666 $4,666 $4,737 $4,811 $4,886
25 $4,737 $4,737 $4,811 $4,886 $4,963
26 $4,811 $4,811 $4,886 $4,963 $5,042
27 $4,886 $4,886 $4,963 $5,042 $5,143
28 $4,963 $4,963 $5,042 $5,143 $5,246
29 $5,042 $5,042 $5,143 $5,246 $5,351
30 $5,143 $5,143 $5,246 $5,351 $5,458
31 $5,246 $5,246 $5,351 $5,458 $5,567
32 - $5,351 $5,458 $5,567 $5,678
33 - - $5,567 $5,678 $5,792
34 - - $5,678 $5,792 $5,908
35 - - - $5,908 $6,026
36 - - - $6,026 $6,147
37 - - - - $6,270
Principal and Assistant Principal Salary Schedules
Yrs of Prin V Prin VI Prin VII Prin VIII
Exp (44-54) (55-65) (66-100) (101+)
14 $4,259 - - -
15 $4,324 - - -
16 $4,388 $4,456 - -
17 $4,456 $4,524 $4,666 -
18 $4,524 $4,596 $4,737 $4,811
19 $4,596 $4,666 $4,811 $4,886
20 $4,666 $4,737 $4,886 $4,963
21 $4,737 $4,811 $4,963 $5,042
22 $4,811 $4,886 $5,042 $5,143
23 $4,886 $4,963 $5,143 $5,246
24 $4,963 $5,042 $5,246 $5,351
25 $5,042 $5,143 $5,351 $5,458
26 $5,143 $5,246 $5,458 $5,567
27 $5,246 $5,351 $5,567 $5,678
28 $5,351 $5,458 $5,678 $5,792
29 $5,458 $5,567 $5,792 $5,908
30 $5,567 $5,678 $5,908 $6,026
31 $5,678 $5,792 $6,026 $6,147
32 $5,792 $5,908 $6,147 $6,270
33 $5,908 $6,026 $6,270 $6,395
34 $6,026 $6,147 $6,395 $6,523
35 $6,147 $6,270 $6,523 $6,653
36 $6,270 $6,395 $6,653 $6,786
37 $6,395 $6,523 $6,786 $6,922
38 $6,523 $6,653 $6,922 $7,060
39 - $6,786 $7,060 $7,201
40 - $6,922 $7,201 $7,345
41 - - $7,345 $7,492
SECTION 7.2.(c) The appropriate classification for placement of principals and assistant principals on the salary schedule, except for principals in alternative schools, shall be determined in accordance with the following schedule:
Number of Teachers
Classification Supervised
Assistant Principal
Principal I Fewer than 11 Teachers
Principal II 11-21 Teachers
Principal III 22-32 Teachers
Principal IV 33-43 Teachers
Principal V 44-54 Teachers
Principal VI 55-65 Teachers
Principal VII 66-100 Teachers
Principal VIII More than 100 Teachers
The number of teachers supervised includes teachers and assistant principals paid from State funds only; it does not include teachers or assistant principals paid from non-State funds or the principal or teacher assistants.
The beginning classification for principals in alternative schools shall be the Principal III level. Principals in alternative schools who supervise 33 or more teachers shall be classified according to the number of teachers supervised.
SECTION 7.2.(d) A principal shall be placed on the step on the salary schedule that reflects total number of years of experience as a certificated employee of the public schools and an additional step for every three years of experience as a principal. A principal or assistant principal shall also continue to receive any additional State-funded percentage increases earned for the 1997-1998, 1998-1999, and the 1999-2000 school year for improvement in student performance or maintaining a safe and orderly school.
SECTION 7.2.(e) Principals and assistant principals with certification based on academic preparation at the six-year degree level shall be paid a salary supplement of one hundred twenty-six dollars ($126.00) per month and at the doctoral degree level shall be paid a salary supplement of two hundred fifty-three dollars ($253.00) per month.
SECTION 7.2.(f) There shall be no State requirement that superintendents in each local school unit shall receive in State-paid salary at least one percent (1%) more than the highest paid principal receives in State salary in that school unit: Provided, however, the additional State-paid salary a superintendent who was employed by a local school administrative unit for the 1992-93 fiscal year received because of that requirement shall not be reduced because of this subsection for subsequent fiscal years that the superintendent is employed by that local school administrative unit so long as the superintendent is entitled to at least that amount of additional State-paid salary under the rules in effect for the 1992-93 fiscal year.
SECTION 7.2.(g) Longevity pay for principals and assistant principals shall be as provided for State employees under the State Personnel Act.
(1) If a principal is reassigned to a higher job classification because the principal is transferred to a school within a local school administrative unit with a larger number of State-allotted teachers, the principal shall be placed on the salary schedule as if the principal had served the principal's entire career as a principal at the higher job classification.
(2) If a principal is reassigned to a lower job classification because the principal is transferred to a school within a local school administrative unit with a smaller number of State-allotted teachers, the principal shall be placed on the salary schedule as if the principal had served the principal's entire career as a principal at the lower job classification.
This subsection applies to all transfers on or after the effective date of this section, except transfers in school systems that have been created, or will be created, by merging two or more school systems. Transfers in these merged systems are exempt from the provisions of this subsection for one calendar year following the date of the merger.
SECTION 7.2.(i) Participants in an approved full-time Masters in School Administration program shall receive up to a 10-month stipend at the beginning salary of an assistant principal during the internship period of the masters program. Certification of eligible full-time interns shall be supplied to the Department of Public Instruction by the Principal Fellows Program or a school of education where the intern participates in a full-time Masters in School Administration.
SECTION 7.2.(j) During the 2002-2003 fiscal year, the placement on the salary schedule of an administrator with a one-year provisional assistant principal's certificate shall be at the entry-level salary for an assistant principal or the appropriate step on the teacher salary schedule, whichever is higher.
Requested by: Senators Dalton, Lucas, Garrou, Plyler, Odom, Lee; Representatives Boyd-McIntyre, Rogers, Yongue, Easterling, Oldham, Redwine
SECTION 7.3. The State Board of Education may expend up to five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000) for the 2002-2003 fiscal year from unexpended funds for certified employees' salaries to pay expenses related to pending litigation.
Requested by: Senators Dalton, Lucas, Garrou, Plyler, Odom, Lee; Representatives Boyd-McIntyre, Rogers, Yongue, Easterling, Oldham, Redwine
SECTION 7.4. The State Board of Education shall allocate funds for children with disabilities on the basis of two thousand six hundred eighty-six dollars and fifty cents ($2,686.50) per child for a maximum of 161,845 children for the 2002-2003 school year. Each local school administrative unit shall receive funds for the lesser of (i) all children who are identified as children with disabilities or (ii) twelve and five-tenths percent (12.5%) of the 2002-2003 allocated average daily membership in the local school administrative unit.
Requested by: Senators Dalton, Lucas, Garrou, Plyler, Odom, Lee; Representatives Boyd-McIntyre, Rogers, Yongue, Easterling, Oldham, Redwine
funds for academically gifted children
SECTION 7.5. The State Board of Education shall allocate funds for academically or intellectually gifted children on the basis of eight hundred eighty-eight dollars ($888.00) per child. A local school administrative unit shall receive funds for a maximum of four percent (4%) of its 2002-2003 allocated average daily membership, regardless of the number of children identified as academically or intellectually gifted in the unit. The State Board shall allocate funds for no more than 53,075 children for the 2002-2003 school year.
Requested by: Senators Dalton, Lucas, Garrou, Plyler, Odom, Lee; Representatives Boyd-McIntyre, Rogers, Yongue, Easterling, Oldham, Redwine
FUNDS FOR THE TESTING AND IMPLEMENTATION OF THE NEW STUDENT INFORMATION SYSTEM
SECTION 7.6. Section 28.32 of S.L. 2001-424 reads as rewritten:
"SECTION 28.32. The State Board of Education may transfer up to one million dollars ($1,000,000) in funds appropriated for the Uniform Education Reporting System for the 2001-2002 fiscal year and up to one million dollars ($1,000,000) in funds appropriated for the Uniform Education Reporting System for the 2002-2003 fiscal year to the Department of Public Instruction to lease or purchase equipment necessary for the testing and implementation of NC WISE, the new student information system in the public schools."
Requested by: Senators Dalton, Lucas, Garrou, Plyler, Odom, Lee; Representatives Boyd-McIntyre, Rogers, Yongue, Easterling, Oldham, Redwine
FUNDS TO IMPLEMENT THE ABCs OF PUBLIC EDucation
SECTION 7.7.(a) The State Board of Education shall use funds appropriated for State Aid to Local School Administrative Units for the 2002-2003 fiscal year to provide incentive funding for schools that met or exceeded the projected levels of improvement in student performance during the 2001-2002 school year, in accordance with the ABCs of Public Education Program. In accordance with State Board of Education policy:
(1) Incentive awards in schools that achieve higher than expected improvements may be up to:
a. One thousand five hundred dollars ($1,500) for each teacher and for certified personnel; and
b. Five hundred dollars ($500.00) for each teacher assistant.
(2) Incentive awards in schools that meet the expected improvements may be up to:
a. Seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00) for each teacher and for certified personnel; and
b. Three hundred seventy-five dollars ($375.00) for each teacher assistant.
SECTION 7.7.(b) The State Board of Education may use funds appropriated to State Aid to Local School Administrative Units for assistance teams to low-performing schools.
Requested by: Senators Dalton, Lucas, Garrou, Plyler, Odom, Lee; Representatives Boyd-McIntyre, Rogers, Yongue, Michaux, Smith, Hackney, Easterling, Oldham, Redwine
revision of reading and writing assessments
SECTION 7.8. Of the funds appropriated to State Aid to Local School Administrative Units, the State Board of Education may use up to one million dollars ($1,000,000) for the 2002-2003 fiscal year to revise the reading and writing assessments.
Requested by: Senators Dalton, Lucas, Garrou, Plyler, Odom, Lee; Representatives Boyd-McIntyre, Rogers, Yongue, Easterling, Oldham, Redwine
FUNDS FOR INSTRUCTIONAL SUPPLIES
SECTION 7.9.(a) Section 28.39(a) of S.L. 2001-424 applies only to funds appropriated for the 2001-2002 fiscal year.
Requested by: Senators Dalton, Lucas, Garrou, Plyler, Odom, Lee; Representatives Boyd-McIntyre, Rogers, Yongue, Easterling, Oldham, Redwine
SECTION 7.10. State funds appropriated for mentor pay shall be used only to provide mentors for employees who are in State-funded positions and who are either (i) newly certified teachers in their first two years of employment as teachers or (ii) entry-level instructional support personnel who have not previously been teachers and who are in their first year of employment as instructional support personnel.
Requested by: Senators Dalton, Lucas, Garrou, Plyler, Odom, Lee; Representatives Boyd-McIntyre, Rogers, Yongue, Easterling, Oldham, Redwine
conversion of accumulated leave time
SECTION 7.11.(a) G.S. 115C-302.1(c1) and (c2) reads as rewritten, and a new subsection is enacted to read:
…
(c1) Conversion of Leave. -
Teachers may accumulate annual vacation leave days without any applicable
maximum until June 30 of each year. In order that only 30 days of annual
vacation leave carry forward to July 1, on June 30 of each year any teacher or
other personnel paid on the teacher salary schedule who has accumulated more
than 30 days of annual vacation leave shall:
(1) Convert to
either sick leave or to pay the excess accumulation that is the result of the
teacher having to forfeit annual vacation leave in order to attend required
workdays; and
(2) Convert to
sick leave the remaining excess accumulation.
Local boards of education shall identify which days are
accumulated due to the teacher forfeiting annual vacation leave in order to
attend required workdays. Actual payment for excess accumulated annual vacation
leave may be made after July 1.
(c2) Conversion of Leave
Upon Separation of Service. - Upon separation from service due to service
retirement, resignation, dismissal, reduction in force, or death, an employee
shall be paid in a lump sum for accumulated annual vacation leave not to exceed
a maximum of 30 days. Employees going onto term disability may exhaust annual
leave rather than be paid in a lump sum.
Any teacher or other personnel paid on the teacher salary
schedule who has more than 30 days of accumulated annual vacation leave at the
time the person retires shall:
(1) Convert to
either sick leave or to pay the excess accumulation that is the result of the
teacher having to forfeit annual vacation leave in order to attend required
workdays; and
(2) Convert to
sick leave the remaining excess accumulation which may be used for creditable
service at retirement in accordance with G.S. 135-4(e).
Local boards of education shall identify which days are
accumulated due to the teacher forfeiting annual vacation leave in order to
attend required workdays.
(c3) Teachers may accumulate annual vacation leave days without any applicable maximum until June 30 of each year. In order that only 30 days of annual vacation leave carry forward to July 1, on June 30 of each year any teacher or other personnel paid on the teacher salary schedule who has accumulated more than 30 days of annual vacation leave shall convert to sick leave the remaining excess accumulation.
Upon separation from service due to service retirement, resignation, dismissal, reduction in force, or death, an employee shall be paid in a lump sum for accumulated annual leave not to exceed a maximum of 30 days. In addition to the maximum of 30 days pay for accumulated annual leave, upon separation from service due to service retirement, any teacher or other personnel paid on the teacher salary schedule with more than 30 days of accumulated annual vacation leave may convert some or all of the excess accumulation to sick leave for creditable service towards retirement. Employees going onto term disability may exhaust annual leave rather than be paid in a lump sum.
.…"
SECTION 7.11.(b) This section applies only to leave days accruing after the date this act becomes law.
Requested by: Senators Dalton, Lucas, Garrou, Plyler, Odom, Lee; Representatives Boyd-McIntyre, Rogers, Yongue, Easterling, Oldham, Redwine
RESA FUNDS SHALL BE USED FOR STAFF DEVELOPMENT
SECTION 7.12.(a) Funds allocated to local school administrative units for Regional Education and Technical Assistance Centers and not expended prior to July 1, 2002, shall remain available to local school administrative units for the 2002-2003 fiscal year. These funds shall be transferred to the staff development funding allotment and shall be used only for staff development.
SECTION 7.12.(b) This section becomes effective June 30, 2002.
Requested by: Senators Dalton, Lucas, Garrou, Plyler, Odom, Lee; Representatives Boyd-McIntyre, Rogers, Yongue, Michaux, Smith, Hackney, Easterling, Oldham, Redwine
BASE BUDGET REDUCTION TO DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC INSTRUCTION/ reorganization of the department
SECTION 7.13.(a) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Department of Public Instruction may use salary reserve funds and other funds in the Department's continuation budget to transfer and reclassify positions as necessary to implement the reduction in force for the 2002-2003 fiscal year.
SECTION 7.13.(b) The Office of State Budget and Management shall issue a Request for Proposals for an analysis of the structure and operation of the Department of Public Instruction that identifies potential efficiencies and savings in the operations of the Department. The analysis may consider consolidation of functions with other agencies and automation of functions.
The Request for Proposals may include contingency proposals based on potential savings.
The Office of State Budget and Management shall consult with the Joint Legislative Education Oversight Committee prior to the award of the contract.
SECTION 7.13.(c) Notwithstanding G.S. 143-23, the State Board of Education may reorganize the Department of Public Instruction, create a new associate superintendent position in the Department, and transfer funds within the budget of the Department to the extent necessary to implement the reorganization.
Requested by: Senators Dalton, Lucas, Garrou, Hagan, Plyler, Odom, Lee; Representatives Boyd-McIntyre, Rogers, Yongue, Michaux, Smith, Hackney, Easterling, Oldham, Redwine
REPLACEMENT School Buses FUNDS
SECTION 7.14.(a) Of the funds appropriated to the State Board of Education for the 2002-2003 fiscal year, the Board may use up to ten million dollars ($10,000,000) for allotments to local boards of education for replacement school buses under G.S. 115C-249(c) and (d). In making these allotments, the State Board of Education may impose any of the following conditions:
(1) The local board of education must use the funds only to make the first year's payment on a financing contract entered into pursuant to G.S. 115C-528.
(2) The term of a financing contract entered into under this section shall not exceed three years.
(3) The local board of education must purchase the buses only from vendors selected by the State Board of Education and on terms approved by the State Board of Education.
(4) The State Board of Education shall solicit bids for the direct purchase of buses and for the purchasing of buses through financing. The State Board of Education may solicit separate bids for financing if the Board determines that multiple financing options are more cost-efficient.
(5) A bus financed pursuant to this section must meet all federal motor vehicle safety regulations for school buses.
(6) Any other condition the State Board of Education considers appropriate.
SECTION 7.14.(b) It is the intent of the General Assembly to continue its annual appropriations to the State Board of Education for replacement school buses.
SECTION 7.14.(c) Any term contract for the purchase or lease-purchase of school buses or school activity buses shall not require vendor payment of the electronic procurement transaction fee of the North Carolina E-Procurement Service.
Requested by: Senators Dalton, Lucas, Garrou, Plyler, Odom, Lee; Representatives Boyd-McIntyre, Rogers, Yongue, Easterling, Oldham, Redwine
curriculum review required on a regular basis
SECTION 7.15. G.S. 115C-12(9a) reads as rewritten:
"(9a) Power to Develop Content Standards. - The Board shall develop a comprehensive plan to revise content standards and the standard course of study in the core academic areas of reading, writing, mathematics, science, history, geography, and civics. The Board shall involve and survey a representative sample of parents, teachers, and the public to help determine academic content standard priorities and usefulness of the content standards. A full review of available and relevant academic content standards that are rigorous, specific, sequenced, clear, focused, and measurable, whenever possible, shall be a part of the process of the development of content standards. The revised content standards developed in the core academic areas shall (i) reflect high expectations for students and an in-depth mastery of the content; (ii) be clearly grounded in the content of each academic area; (iii) be defined grade-by-grade and course-by-course; (iv) be understandable to parents and teachers; (v) be developed in full recognition of the time available to teach the core academic areas at each grade level; and (vi) be measurable, whenever possible, in a reliable, valid, and efficient manner for accountability purposes.
High school course content standards shall include the knowledge and skills necessary to enter the workforce and also shall be aligned with the coursework required for admission to the constituent institutions of The University of North Carolina. The Board shall develop and implement a plan for end-of-course tests for the minimum courses required for admission to the constituent institutions. All end-of-course tests shall be aligned with the content standards.
The Board also shall develop and
implement an ongoing process to align State programs and support materials with
the revised academic content standards for each core academic area every
five years. on a regular basis. Alignment shall include revising
textbook criteria, support materials, State tests, teacher and school
administrator preparation, and ongoing professional development programs to be
compatible with content standards. The Board shall develop and make available
to teachers and parents support materials, including teacher and parent guides,
for academic content standards. The State Board of Education shall work in
collaboration with the Board of Governors of The University of North Carolina
to ensure that teacher and school administrator degree programs, ongoing
professional development and other university activity in the State's public
schools align with the State Board's priorities."
Requested by: Senators Dalton, Lucas, Garrou, Plyler, Odom, Lee; Representatives Boyd-McIntyre, Rogers, Yongue, Michaux, Smith, Hackney, Easterling, Oldham, Redwine
CORPORATE TAX TRANSFER MORATORIUM
SECTION 7.16.(a) Notwithstanding the provisions of G.S. 115C-489.1(b), the Secretary of Revenue shall not deposit any funds in the Critical School Facility Needs Fund during the 2002-2003 fiscal year but shall deposit in the State Public School Fund the funds that would have otherwise been deposited in the Critical School Facility Needs Fund pursuant to G.S. 115C-489.1(b).
SECTION 7.16.(b) Notwithstanding the provisions of G.S. 115C-546.1(b), the Secretary of Revenue shall not remit any funds for credit to the Public School Building Capital Fund during the 2002-2003 fiscal year but shall deposit in the State Public School Fund the funds that would have otherwise been deposited in the Public School Building Capital Fund pursuant to G.S. 115C-546.1(b). The Department of Public Instruction may continue to use these funds to support six positions in the School Planning Division.
Requested by: Senators Dalton, Lucas, Garrou, Plyler, Odom, Lee; Representatives Boyd-McIntyre, Rogers, Yongue, Michaux, Smith, Hackney, Easterling, Oldham, Redwine
SECTION 7.17.(a) Supplemental Funding in Low-Wealth Counties (Compliance with the Nonsupplant Requirement). - Section 28.6(i) of S.L. 2001-424 reads as rewritten:
"SECTION 28.6.(i)
Reports. - The State Board of Education shall report to the Joint Legislative
Education Oversight Committee prior to May 1, 2002, May 1, 2002 and
May 1, 2003, if it determines that counties have supplanted funds."
SECTION 7.17.(b) Small School System Supplemental Funding (Compliance with the Nonsupplant Requirement). - Section 28.7(e) of S.L. 2001-424 reads as rewritten:
"SECTION 28.7.(e) Reports. - The
State Board of Education shall report to the Joint Legislative Education
Oversight Committee prior to May 1, 2002, May 1, 2002 and May 1,
2003, if it determines that counties have supplanted funds."
SECTION 7.17.(c) Study of the Textbook Distribution System. - Section 28.24 of S.L. 2001-424 reads as rewritten:
"SECTION 28.24. The State Board of Education shall contract for an analysis of the best and most efficient method to manage textbook distribution to the local schools. The Board shall prepare a Request for Proposals (RFP) outlining the scope of the analysis required and select a private consultant to perform the analysis. The analysis shall include such issues as timely delivery, total costs to the local school systems in providing textbooks to school buildings, use of currently available technology in the process, pricing practices among the textbook publishing industry, and other issues the Board considers relevant to a comprehensive review of the system.
Prior to award of a contract, the State Board shall
present the Request for Proposals to the Joint Legislative Education Oversight
Committee for comment. The State Board shall report to the Joint Legislative
Education Oversight Committee on the results of the consultant’s analysis, including
the Board’s recommendations for changes in the current system. The Board shall
make its final report to the Committee by April 1, 2002.February 1,
2003."
SECTION 7.17.(d) Study of the Salaries of School Food Service Workers and Custodians. - Section 28.34 of S.L. 2001-424 reads as rewritten:
"SECTION 28.34. The Joint Legislative
Education Oversight Committee shall study the salaries of food service workers
and custodians employed by the public schools. The Committee shall report its
findings to the 2002 Regular Session of the 2001 General Assembly.2003
General Assembly."
SECTION 7.17.(e) Study of Salary Differentials for Instructional Support Personnel. - Section 28.37(b) of S.L. 2001-424 reads as rewritten:
"SECTION 28.37.(b) The Joint Legislative
Education Oversight Committee shall study salary differentials for
instructional support personnel. In the course of the study, the Committee
shall consider salary differentials based on degrees and other educational
credentials, licensure or certification by State agencies, licensure or
certification by private entities, and other factors. The Committee shall
report its findings and recommendations to the 2002 Regular Session of the
2001 General Assembly.2003 General Assembly."
SECTION 7.17.(f) Fairness in Testing (Study of the State's Testing Program). - Section 28.17(i) of S.L. 2001-424 reads as rewritten:
"SECTION 28.17.(i) The Joint Legislative Education Oversight Committee shall study the State's testing program. As part of this study, the Committee shall consider:
(1) The number of tests currently mandated at the State level and the process and cost of developing, validating, and scoring them.
(2) Whether the State should consider the use of nationally developed tests as a substitute to State-developed testing. In particular, the Committee shall determine whether this use would (i) affect the ABCs Program, (ii) adequately measure student achievement and performance, (iii) provide more than minimum levels of achievement, (iv) provide a better comparison to student achievement and performance in other states, (v) be practical for high school courses or higher level courses, (vi) reduce the need for field testing, and (vii) offer any cost savings to the State.
(3) The number of grades in which State tests are given. The Committee shall determine the necessity for testing all grades in third through eighth grades, whether a reduction in the grades tested would affect the receipt of federal money, and the extent to which a reduction would impair the State's ability to identify schools under the ABCs Program.
(4) The high school courses for which State tests are given and whether there is an appropriate distribution of tests across grades nine through 12 and that test an appropriate array of the minimum courses required for admission to the constituent institutions of The University of North Carolina. In addition, the Committee shall examine whether students who take higher level courses and students in 12th grade are held accountable for their academic growth and performance.
(5) The advantages and disadvantages of using a composite of end-of-course tests or other tests such as the SAT, AP tests, or other nationally standardized tests in high school rather than developing a high school exit exam. If the Committee finds a high school exit exam is preferable, then it shall determine whether it must be administered to all students or limited to certain students, for example, those who do not take the SAT or a certain number of courses for which there are end-of-course tests.
(6) The extent to which additional testing, including field testing, practice testing, and locally mandated testing, is occurring and whether this should be limited or prohibited.
(7) Evaluate alternative schools to determine how educational achievement is being advanced in these alternative school programs and that placement in these programs is to improve student performance rather than improve the performance of the school in which the student originally was assigned.
(7a) The extent to which the State tests assist in compliance with the assessment and accountability provisions of the federal "No Child Left Behind" law and regulations, the ABCs Program model, and the Leandro rulings.
(8) Any other issue the Committee considers relevant.
The Committee shall report its findings and any
recommendations, including recommended legislation, to the 2002 Regular
Session of the 2001 General Assembly.2003 General Assembly."
SECTION 7.17.(g) Noncitizen Tuition Rates. - Section 8.9 of S.L. 2001-491 is repealed.
SECTION 7.17.(h) Study of Professional Development for School Personnel. - Section 31.4(d) of S.L. 2001-424 reads as rewritten:
"SECTION 31.4.(d)
The Joint Legislative Education Oversight Committee shall review the
consultant's findings and recommendations and shall submit to the 2002
Regular Session of the 2001 General Assembly 2003 General Assembly recommendations
to streamline, reorganize, and improve the delivery of professional development
for public school professionals. The recommendations may address revisions to
program governance and mission, reallocation of funds, methods of program
delivery, and methods to institute ongoing program evaluation."
Requested by: Senators Dalton, Lee; Representatives Yongue, Easterling
PERFORMANCE-BASED LICENSURE PROGRAM/SUSPENSION OF PORTFOLIO REQUIREMENT AND STUDY
SECTION 7.18.(a) The State Board of Education, in consultation with the Board of Governors of The University of North Carolina and the Education Cabinet, shall review teacher preparation programs and the continuing certification process to determine how these programs can be modified to enhance the continuing teacher certification process and to reduce the burden the continuing certification process places on newly certified teachers. This evaluation shall consider strategies for streamlining the current continuing certification process and reducing the amount of documentation required in the applicant's portfolio.
The State Board of Education shall suspend the portfolio requirement for all teachers who are required, under the current law, to submit portfolios from August 1, 2002, through June 30, 2004. Teachers who are not required to submit portfolios during the period the portfolio requirement is suspended shall be subject to interim requirements adopted by the State Board and shall complete the interim requirements. The State Board of Education shall make every effort to insure that any interim requirements do not require significant and unnecessary paperwork, effort, and administrative burden. Prior to implementation of the interim requirements, the State Board of Education shall report to the Joint Legislative Education Oversight Committee on the proposed requirements.
SECTION 7.18.(b) The State Board of Education shall contract with an outside consultant to study and propose modifications to the current North Carolina initial certification, continuing certification, and recertification programs that ensure high standards, support for teachers, and high retention rates. Specifically, the contractor shall:
(1) Review the administration and implementation of the certification programs and identify significant strengths and weaknesses of the programs;
(2) Identify issues related to administration, staffing, and paperwork at the school, local, and State levels;
(3) Investigate and identify communication concerns about the certification programs between the school, local, and State levels;
(4) Randomly survey and interview participating teachers and administrators regarding key aspects of the certification programs and ways to improve them;
(5) Examine the possibility of making the programs more focused on and supportive of early teacher development and integrating them more appropriately into a teacher's daily work;
(6) Examine the portfolios previously submitted and identify the elements that are most troublesome to teachers, schools, and school systems;
(7) Identify alternatives to the portfolio approach and ways to keep paperwork requirements to a minimum;
(8) Review the State's mentor program and the mentor's role in support of certification efforts to determine whether the two programs are complementary;
(9) Examine the effect of the certification programs on teacher retention, using valid evidence; and
(10) Examine the impact the certification programs have on improving teaching practices, using valid evidence.
SECTION 7.18.(c) The State Board of Education shall use the results of the study to make recommendations to:
(1) Improve the administration and implementation of the certification programs, including improving the process for teachers;
(2) Resolve the issues surrounding the portfolio process and the collection of professional evidence during initial certification;
(3) Reduce paperwork and bureaucracy in initial certification, continuing certification, and recertification for teachers, schools, and school systems;
(4) Provide schools and districts incentives and flexibility to participate in more rigorous certification processes;
(5) Effectively use information regarding teacher supply and demand, standards and retention to inform policy decisions;
(6) Improve the relationship and coordination between the certification programs and mentoring programs;
(7) Provide appropriate sample work to teachers, including lesson plans, unit plans, and other professional work required during initial certification; and
(8) Provide ongoing program evaluation to monitor the quality of the programs and to inform policymakers.
SECTION 7.18.(d) The State Board of Education shall enlist the assistance of the Southern Regional Education Board in evaluating the responses to the request for proposals. Prior to awarding the contract for the consultant study, the State Board shall consult with the Joint Legislative Education Oversight Committee.
The State Board shall use federal No Child Left Behind State Grants for Improving Teacher Quality, to the extent possible, to cover the cost of the consultant and study.
The State Board shall report the findings of the consultant and the recommendations required by this section to the Joint Legislative Education Oversight Committee by January 1, 2004.
SECTION 7.18.(e) The Joint Legislative Education Oversight Committee shall make recommendations to the General Assembly on any changes to law or policy affecting certification of teachers on or after August 1, 2004, after reviewing the findings and recommendations of the consultant and State Board of Education.
Requested by: Senators Dalton, Lucas, Garrou, Plyler, Odom, Lee; Representatives Boyd-McIntyre, Rogers, Yongue, Easterling, Oldham, Redwine
study of coordination of central office duties
SECTION 7.19. The State Board of Education shall study whether local school administrative units can effectively and efficiently coordinate central office operations and functions between systems. The State Board shall report to the Senate Appropriations Committee on Education/Higher Education and the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Education prior to March 1, 2003, on how base funding formulas for central office administrations can be reduced based on the coordination of duties.
Requested by: Senators Dalton, Lucas, Garrou, Plyler, Odom, Lee; Representatives Boyd-McIntyre, Rogers, Yongue, Easterling, Oldham, Redwine
discrepancies between anticipated and actual adm
SECTION 7.20.(a) If the State Board of Education does not have sufficient resources in the ADM Contingency Reserve line item to make allotment adjustments in accordance with the Allotment Adjustments for ADM Growth provisions of the North Carolina Public Schools Allotment Policy Manual, the State Board of Education may use funds appropriated to State Aid for Public Schools for this purpose.
SECTION 7.20.(b) If the first-month average daily membership in a local school administrative unit is at least two percent (2%) or 100 students lower than the anticipated average daily membership used for allotments for the unit, the State Board of Education shall reduce allotments for the unit. The reduced allotments shall be based on the first-month average daily membership plus one-half of the number of students overestimated in the anticipated average daily membership.
The allotments reduced pursuant to this subsection shall include only those allotments that may be increased pursuant to the Allotment Adjustments for ADM Growth provisions of the North Carolina Public Schools Allotment Policy Manual.
Requested by: Senators Dalton, Lucas, Garrou, Plyler, Odom, Lee; Representatives Boyd-McIntyre, Rogers, Yongue, Easterling, Oldham, Redwine
SECTION 7.21. Notwithstanding Section 8.27(f) of S.L. 1997-443, the State Board of Education shall review the requirements of the federal "No Child Left Behind Act of 2001". (20 USCS §§ 6301 et seq.) and any regulations adopted to implement this legislation before the Board completes the development of the high school exit examinations and implements the high school exit examinations. The Board shall consider whether revisions to the State testing program and School-Based Management and Accountability Program are necessary to comply with federal requirements. The Board shall not adopt any revisions prior to reporting them and a proposed timetable for their implementation to the Joint Legislative Education Oversight Committee.
Requested by: Senators Dalton, Lucas, Garrou, Plyler, Odom, Lee; Representatives Boyd-McIntyre, Rogers, Yongue, Easterling, Oldham, Redwine
clarification to provision on addressing teacher shortage
SECTION 7.22. Section 29.2(a)(2) of S.L. 2001-424 reads as rewritten:
"(2) The sum of $1,500,000 for the 2001-2002 fiscal year and the sum of $1,500,000 for the 2002-2003 fiscal year shall be used to provide annual bonuses of one thousand eight hundred dollars ($1,800) to teachers certified in and teaching in the fields of mathematics, science, or special education in grades 6 through 12 at middle and high schools with eighty percent (80%) or more of the students eligible for free or reduced lunch or with fifty percent (50%) or more of students performing below grade level in Algebra I and Biology. The bonus shall be paid monthly with matching benefits. Teachers shall remain eligible for the bonuses so long as they continue to teach in one of these disciplines at a school that was eligible for the bonus program when the teacher first received the bonus."
Requested by: Senators Dalton, Lucas, Garrou, Plyler, Odom, Lee; Representatives Boyd-McIntyre, Rogers, Yongue, Easterling, Oldham, Redwine
extend alternative lateral entry program
SECTION 7.24. Section 2 of S.L. 1998-226 reads as rewritten:
"Section 2. This act is effective when it becomes
law and expires September 1, 2002,September 1, 2006, except that
it remains effective for any teacher employed under this act before September
1, 2002. September 1, 2006."
Requested by: Senators Dalton, Lucas, Garrou, Plyler, Odom, Lee; Representatives Boyd-McIntyre, Rogers, Yongue, Michaux, Smith, Hackney, Easterling, Oldham, Redwine
additional teacher positions for first grade
SECTION 7.25.(a) The class size allotment for first grade for the 2002-2003 school year shall be one teacher for every 18 students. The average class size for first grade within a local school administrative unit shall not exceed 21 students. The maximum class size for first grade for individual classes for the 2002-2003 fiscal year shall be 24 students.
SECTION 7.25.(b) For the 2002-2003 school year only, a local school administrative unit shall use these additional teacher positions to reduce class size in first grade.
SECTION 7.25.(c) For the 2003-2004 school year and subsequent school years, the maximum class size limit for first grade shall be based on an allotment ratio of one teacher for every 18 students.
Requested by: Senators Dalton, Lucas, Garrou, Plyler, Odom, Lee; Representatives Boyd-McIntyre, Rogers, Yongue, Michaux, Smith, Hackney, Easterling, Oldham, Redwine
LOCAL EDUCATION AGENCY FLEXIBILITY
SECTION 7.26. Within 14 days of the date this act becomes law, the State Board of Education shall notify each local school administrative unit of the amount the unit must reduce from State General Fund appropriations. The State Board shall determine the amount of the reduction for each unit on the basis of average daily membership.
The State Board of Education shall review the first month average daily membership information for each local school administrative unit and reduce allotments to local school administrative units that received planning allotments based on 500 or more students than were in the actual first month's average daily membership. The amount reduced shall be applied to the total Reserve for Local Education Agency Discretionary Reduction prior to determining the amount of the reduction for each unit.
Each unit shall report to the Department of Public Instruction on the discretionary budget reductions it has identified for the unit within 30 days of the date this act becomes law.
The General Assembly urges local school administrators to make every effort to reduce spending whenever and wherever such budget reductions are appropriate as long as the targeted reductions do not directly impact classroom services or any services for students at risk or children with special needs, including those services or supports that are called for in students' Personal Education Plans (PEP) and/or Individual Education Plans (IEP). If reductions to the allotment categories listed in this paragraph are necessary in order to meet the reduction target, the local board of education shall submit an explanation of the anticipated impact of the reductions to student services along with the budget reductions to the Department of Public Instruction.
Requested by: Senators Dalton, Lucas, Garrou, Plyler, Odom, Lee; Representatives Boyd-McIntyre, Rogers, Yongue, Michaux, Smith, Hackney, Easterling, Oldham, Redwine
BUSINESS AND EDUCATION TECHNOLOGY ALLIANCE
SECTION 7.27.(a) There is created the State Board of Education's Business and Education Technology Alliance.
SECTION 7.27.(b) The Business and Education Technology Alliance shall be composed of 27 members who have knowledge and interest in ensuring that the effective use of technology is built into the North Carolina School System for the purpose of preparing a globally competitive workforce and citizenry for the 21st century. These members shall be appointed as follows:
(1) The Superintendent of Public Instruction or his or her designee;
(2) One member of the State Board of Education appointed by the chair of the State Board of Education;
(3) One parent of a public school child appointed by the State Board of Education after receiving recommendations from the North Carolina State Parent Teacher Association;
(4) Two members of the Senate appointed by the President Pro Tempore of the Senate;
(5) Two members of the House of Representatives appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives;
(6) One member of a local board of education who represents a local education agency (LEA) that has successfully incorporated technology into its schools, who is appointed by the Governor, after receiving recommendations from the North Carolina School Boards Association;
(7) One member of a local board of education who represents a local education agency (LEA) that has limited access to technology, who is appointed by the Governor, after receiving recommendations from the North Carolina School Boards Association;
(8) Two at-large members appointed by the Governor;
(9) One representative of business and industry appointed by the State Board of Education after receiving recommendations from the North Carolina Citizens for Business and Industry;
(10) Four members appointed by the President Pro Tempore of the Senate. In making these appointments the President Pro Tempore is encouraged to consider appointing a local school superintendent or a local school administrator who represents a local education agency that has limited access to technology, a school principal who works in a school that successfully incorporates technology into its instructional program, a school teacher who works in a school with limited access to technology, and a technology director who represents a local education agency (LEA) that has successfully incorporated technology into its schools. Professional associations representing school administrators and professional associations representing teachers may recommend appointees to the President Pro Tempore;
(11) Four members appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives. In making these appointments the Speaker of the House of Representatives is encouraged to consider appointing a local school superintendent or a local school administrator from a local education agency that has successfully incorporated the use of technology into its instructional programs, a school principal working in a school with limited access to technology, a school teacher who has successfully incorporated the use of technology into classroom instruction, and a technology director who represents a local education agency (LEA) that has limited access to technology. Professional associations representing school administrators and professional associations representing teachers may recommend appointees to the Speaker of the House of Representatives;
(12) One chancellor or his or her designee of institutions of higher education who has demonstrated effective and innovative use of technology for education, appointed by the Board of Governors of The University of North Carolina;
(13) One president or his or her designee of the Community College System who has demonstrated effective and innovative use of technology for education, appointed by the State Board of Community Colleges;
(14) Two county commissioners, one of whom represents a county that has successfully incorporated technology into its schools and community, who are appointed by the State Board of Education, after receiving recommendations from the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners;
(15) Two representatives of technology businesses who have either successfully developed innovative technology programs for education or have partnered with a local education agency (LEA) to develop a technology-based education environment in that LEA, who are appointed by the State Board of Education, after receiving recommendations from North Carolina Electronics and Information Technologies Association and the North Carolina Citizens for Business and Industry; and
(16) One representative of the Information Resource Management Commission appointed by the Commission's Chair.
SECTION 7.27.(c) Each of the following organizations or agencies shall select a representative from its organization or agency to serve as a nonvoting member to the Alliance. These members shall provide information to the Alliance about technology in North Carolina: Rural Internet Access Authority; Information and Technology Services, North Carolina Department of Public Instruction; Office of State Information Technology Services, Office of the Governor.
SECTION 7.27.(d) Members of the Business and Education Technology Alliance shall serve for two-year terms. All members of the Alliance shall be voting members unless they are designated as ex officio members. The officer who made the initial appointment shall fill vacancies in the appointed membership. The member of the State Board of Education appointed to the Alliance by the chair of the State Board of Education shall serve as chair of the Alliance.
SECTION 7.27.(e) Members of the Business and Education Technology Alliance shall receive travel and subsistence expenses in accordance with the provisions of G.S. 120-3.1, 138-5, and 138-6.
SECTION 7.27.(f) The Business and Education Technology Alliance shall:
(1) Advise the State Board of Education on the development of a vision for a technologically literate citizen in 2025. This vision should contain the educational standards needed to accomplish that vision, the educational uses of technology to accomplish that vision, and a plan for educating the community, educators, and business people about the vision and educational uses of technology. The vision and the plan for educating the public about the vision may include:
a. Various models and frameworks of the high quality and effective use of technology for education purposes including those students who have not learned with traditional approaches. The models may include the Cumberland County Schools Web Academy, the Virtual High School, and Nova Net.
b. Opportunities for teachers to experience the uses of technology in work and business settings, which is the world for which they are preparing students to work.
c. Production of multimedia presentations such as videos, commercials, and publications that help citizens, students, and educators see and understand the current and future power of technology for educating our children and impacting our lives.
(2) Advise the State Board of Education on the development of a technology infrastructure, delivery, and support system that provides equity and access to all segments of the population in North Carolina. The infrastructure, delivery, and support system may include:
a. Opportunities for access to high-speed connectivity to the Internet which impacts on the quality of instruction that can be provided for students at school and in the community.
b. Technology networks that enable communities to encompass the student and his/her family while maintaining the rights to privacy for all citizens, i.e., a social service, health, education, and mental health network. This network will increase collaboration among agencies and provide a coordinated, systemic service approach.
c. Continue to evaluate the status of current technology systems and structures from the State to local level as it relates to employing technology for improving instruction.
d. Continue to provide access to technology equipment and infrastructure at home, school, and in the community such as extended hours of operation for schools and other community facilities and on-loan laptop computers for student and parent use.
e. Continue to develop surveys that provide information about the types and results of technological tools utilized by teachers, students, and others at school, in the community, and home.
f. Sufficient personnel to maintain the operation of information technology systems.
g. Coordination with regional economic development planners to position local education agencies as an integral part of economic development.
(3) Advise the State Board of Education on the development of professional development programs for teachers to successfully implement and use technology in public schools for all students. These programs should also develop their leadership skills so that they can use technology as a tool to support the rethinking of the core business of schools: student learning. The professional development programs may include:
a. Models of staff development from the State that are considered state of the art, support the vision for technology, and that could be used by local districts to train their staffs.
b. Designated time for professional development for using technology as well as skills for using technology as a delivery for curriculum and instructional programs.
c. Collegial planning time so that colleagues can coach and support each other in learning new ways in which to think about instruction.
d. Teacher and administrator preparation and other programs that ensure the Department of Public Instruction's Technology Foundation Standards for Teachers and Administrators in higher education are incorporated into classroom instruction.
e. Training teachers with skill sets to teach technical courses that are in growing demand to function at home and work.
f. Increase opportunities for sharing best practices in all areas of instruction.
g. Increase opportunities for learning how to use technology to customize instruction for all students.
h. Increase opportunities for learning how to use technology to diagnose student learning.
(4) Advise the State Board of Education on the development of a Funding and Accountability system to ensure statewide access and equity. The Funding and Accountability system may include:
a. Public-private partnerships.
b. Identification of resources and the cost of those resources.
c. Funding to keep hardware/software current.
d. Evaluating progress toward realizing the technology vision.
e. Evaluating the impact of various technology initiatives on alleviating some of the State's education and economic development problems.
f. Incentives to encourage risk taking and innovative uses of technology.
g. Funding for only those initiatives that are well-planned, demonstrate high commitment, and have a solid evaluation component.
(5) Report annually to the State Board of Education on the progress of the Alliance's recommendations for education technology in the public schools on the first Friday in December. This report may contain a summary of recommendations for changes to any law, rule, and policy that would improve implementing education technology in the public schools.
(6) Report annually to the Joint Legislative Education Oversight Committee in the General Assembly on the recommendations for education technology in the public schools on the first Friday in January. This report may contain a summary of recommendations for changes to any law, rule, and policy that would improve implementing education technology in the public schools.
SECTION 7.27.(g) Federal funds and private funds may be used to support the Alliance. State funds shall not be used to support the Alliance.
Requested by: Senators Dalton, Lucas, Garrou, Plyler, Odom, Lee; Representatives Boyd-McIntyre, Rogers, Yongue, Gibson, Michaux, Smith, Hackney, Easterling, Oldham, Redwine
high priority school Program waiver
SECTION 7.28. Section 29.6(c) of S.L. 2001-424 reads as rewritten:
"SECTION 29.6.(c) If a local board of education determines that the local school administrative unit is unable to implement the class-size limitation in accordance with this section for any high-priority school located in the unit, the local board may request a waiver for the school for the 2001-2002 school year. The request shall include the documentation required in G.S. 115C-105.26(a). If the State Board grants the waiver, the State Board shall withdraw the additional teacher positions allotted to the local school administrative unit for the school and reinstate the regular allotment for teacher assistants for the school.
If a local board of education determines that the local school administrative unit is unable to implement the class-size limitation and other high priority initiatives in accordance with this section for any high-priority school located in the unit for the 2002-2003 school year, the local board may request a waiver for the school from the State Superintendent of Public Instruction for the 2002-2003 school year. The Superintendent shall evaluate the school’s efforts to meet the goals of high priority schools. The Superintendent may grant a waiver for the 2002-2003 school year if the Superintendent finds that the school is making efforts comparable to those required for high-priority schools and that the educational progress of students in the school is satisfactory."
Requested by: Senators Dalton, Lucas, Garrou, Plyler, Odom, Lee; Representatives Boyd-McIntyre, Rogers, Yongue, Michaux, Smith, Hackney, Easterling, Oldham, Redwine
SECTION 7.30. G.S. 115C-174.12 reads as rewritten:
"§ 115C-174.12. Responsibilities of agencies.
(a) The State Board of
Education shall establish policies and guidelines necessary for minimizing the
time students spend taking tests administered through State and local testing programs
programs, for minimizing the frequency of field testing at any one
school, and for otherwise carrying out the provisions of this Article. These
policies shall reflect standard testing practices to insure reliability and
validity of the sample testing. The results of the field tests shall be used in
the final design of each test. The State Board of Education's policies
regarding the testing of children with disabilities shall (i) provide broad
accommodations and alternate methods of assessment that are consistent with a
child's individualized education program and section 504 (29 U.S.C. § 794)
plans, (ii) prohibit the use of statewide tests as the sole determinant of
decisions about a child's graduation or promotion, and (iii) provide parents
with information about the Statewide Testing Program and options for students
with disabilities. The State Board shall report its proposed policies and
proposed changes in policies to the Joint Legislative Education Oversight
Committee prior to adoption.
The State Board of Education may appoint an Advisory Council on Testing to assist in carrying out its responsibilities under this Article.
(b) The Superintendent of Public Instruction shall be responsible, under policies adopted by the State Board of Education, for the statewide administration of the testing program provided by this Article.
(b1) The Superintendent shall notify local boards of education by October 1 of each year of any field tests that will be administered in their schools during the school year, the schools at which the field tests will be administered, and the specific field tests that will be administered at each school.
(c) Local boards of education shall cooperate with the State Board of Education in implementing the provisions of this Article, including the regulations and policies established by the State Board of Education. Local school administrative units shall use the annual and competency testing programs to fulfill the purposes set out in this Article. Local school administrative units are encouraged to continue to develop local testing programs designed to diagnose student needs further."
Requested by: Senators Dalton, Lucas, Garrou, Plyler, Odom, Lee; Representatives Yongue, Boyd-McIntyre, Rogers, Michaux, Smith, Hackney, Easterling, Oldham, Redwine
SECTION 7.31. From funds appropriated by this act to the Department of Transportation, the Department shall pay for the increased costs for drivers education due to the projected increase in average daily membership in the ninth grade drivers education program.
In allocating funds for driver training, the State Board of Education shall consider the needs of small and low-wealth local school administrative units.
Requested by: Senators Dalton, Lucas, Garrou, Plyler, Odom, Lee; Representatives Boyd-McIntyre, Rogers, Yongue, Michaux, Smith, Hackney, Easterling, Oldham, Redwine
intervention strategies for continually low-performing schools
SECTION 7.32. Section 29.5 of S.L. 2001-424 reads as rewritten:
"SECTION 29.5. Of funds appropriated from the General Fund to State Aid to Local School Administrative Units, the sum of one million eight hundred seven thousand two hundred fifty-six dollars ($1,807,256) for the 2001-2002 fiscal year and the sum of one million nine hundred eighty-six thousand six hundred ninety-one dollars ($1,986,691) for the 2002-2003 fiscal year shall be used to provide the State's chronically low-performing schools with tools needed to dramatically improve student achievement. These funds shall be used to implement any of the following strategies at the schools that have not previously been implemented with State or other funds:
(1) The sum of $471,366 for the 2001-2002 fiscal year and the sum of $471,366 for the 2002-2003 fiscal year shall be used to reduce class size at a continually low-performing school to ensure that the number of teachers allotted for students in grades four and five is one for every 17 students; and
(2) The sum of $1,207,595 for the 2001-2002 fiscal year and the sum of $1,207,595 for the 2002-2003 fiscal year shall be used to reduce class size at a continually low-performing school to ensure that the number of teachers allotted in grades six through eight is one for every 17 students, and that the number of teachers allotted in grades nine through twelve is one for every 20 students; and
(3a) The sum of $128,295 for fiscal year 2001-2002 shall be used to extend teachers' contracts at these schools by five days for staff development, including methods to individualize instruction in smaller classes and preparation for the 2001-2002 school year. Of these funds, the sum of $10,175 shall be used for the extension of contracts of the additional teachers in grades four and five provided in subdivision (1) of this section and the sum of $118,120 shall be used for the extension of all teachers' contracts at continually low-performing middle and high schools for the 2001-2002 school year; and
(3b) The sum of $307,730 for fiscal year 2002-2003 shall be used to extend teachers' contracts for a total of 10 days, including five days of additional instruction with related costs for other than teachers' salaries for the 2002-2003 school year. Of these funds, the sum of $24,405 shall be used for the extension of contracts of the additional teachers in grades four and five provided in subdivision (1) of this section and the sum of $283,325 shall be used for the extension of all teachers' contracts at continually low-performing middle and high schools for the 2002-2003 school year.
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the State Board
of Education may implement intervention strategies for the 2001-2002 and
2002-2003 school year years that it deems appropriate."
Requested by: Senators Dalton, Lucas, Garrou, Plyler, Odom, Lee; Representatives Boyd-McIntyre, Rogers, Yongue, Michaux, Smith, Hackney, Easterling, Oldham, Redwine
Study VOCational Education Tests
SECTION 7.33. The Joint Legislative Education Oversight Committee may study the extent to which standardized tests are utilized in Vocational Education classes for the purpose of grading students. The Committee may examine whether appropriate grading weight also is assigned to the assessment of actual student skill performance and knowledge. The Committee may report its findings, which may include legislative recommendations, to the 2003 General Assembly.
Requested by: Senators Dalton, Lucas, Garrou, Plyler, Odom, Lee; Representatives Boyd-McIntyre, Rogers, Yongue, Michaux, Smith, Hackney, Easterling, Oldham, Redwine
Availability of Information on employee qualifications
SECTION 7.36. G.S. 115C-319 reads as rewritten:
"§ 115C-319. Personnel files not subject to inspection.
Personnel files of employees of local boards of education, former employees of local boards of education, or applicants for employment with local boards of education shall not be subject to inspection and examination as authorized by G.S. 132-6. For purposes of this Article, a personnel file consists of any information gathered by the local board of education which employs an individual, previously employed an individual, or considered an individual's application for employment, and which information relates to the individual's application, selection or nonselection, promotion, demotion, transfer, leave, salary, suspension, performance evaluation, disciplinary action, or termination of employment wherever located or in whatever form.
Nothing in this section shall be construed to prevent local boards of education from disclosing the certification status and other information about employees as required by Section 1111(h)(6) of P.L. 107-110."
study of the duties of school counselors
SECTION 7.37. The Joint Legislative Education Oversight Committee shall study the duties of school counselors. In the course of the study the Committee shall consider ways to ensure that school counselors have adequate time to:
(1) Implement a comprehensive developmental school-counseling program in their schools;
(2) Provide direct services to students through interdisciplinary curriculum development; group activities; parent workshops; individual student and small-group services; consultation with students, families, and staff; crisis counseling; referrals; peer facilitation; and other means;
(3) Working in school-counseling program support activities that consist of professional development; consultation, collaboration, and training; and program management and operations; and
The Committee shall also determine the amount of time school counselors currently spend on test coordination activities related to the ABCs Program.
The Committee shall report the results of the study to the 2003 General Assembly.
Requested by: Senators Dalton, Lucas, Garrou, Plyler, Odom, Lee; Representatives Creech, Boyd-McIntyre, Rogers, Yongue, Michaux, Smith, Hackney, Easterling, Oldham, Redwine
definition of retired teacher modified
SECTION 7.38. G.S. 115C-325(a)(5a) reads as rewritten:
"§ 115C-325. System of employment for public school teachers.
(a) Definition of Terms. - As used in this section unless the context requires otherwise:
(5a) (Effective until June 30,
2003) "Retired teacher" means a beneficiary of the Teachers' and
State Employees' Retirement System of North Carolina who has been retired at
least six months, has not been employed in any capacity, other than as a
substitute teacher or a part-time tutor, with a local board of education for at
least six months, immediately preceding the effective date of reemployment, is
determined by a local board of education to have had satisfactory performance
during the last year of employment by a local board of education, and who is
employed to teach as provided in G.S. 135-3(8)c. A retired teacher shall be
treated the same as a probationary teacher except that (i) a retired
teacher is not eligible for career status.status and (ii) the performance of a retired teacher who had attained
career status prior to retirement shall be evaluated in accordance with a local
board of education's policies and procedures applicable to career teachers."
Requested by: Senators Dalton, Lucas, Garrou, Plyler, Odom, Lee; Representatives Warner, Boyd-McIntyre, Rogers, Yongue, Michaux, Smith, Hackney, Easterling, Oldham, Redwine
LIMIT CERTIFICATION RENEWAL FOR RETIRED TEACHERS
SECTION 7.39. G.S. 115C-296(b) reads as rewritten:
"(b) It is the policy of
the State of North Carolina to maintain the highest quality teacher education
programs and school administrator programs in order to enhance the competence
of professional personnel certified in North Carolina. To the end that teacher
preparation programs are upgraded to reflect a more rigorous course of study,
the State Board of Education, as lead agency in coordination and cooperation
with the University Board of Governors, the Board of Community Colleges and
such other public and private agencies as are necessary, shall continue to
refine the several certification requirements, standards for approval of
institutions of teacher education, standards for institution-based innovative
and experimental programs, standards for implementing consortium-based teacher
education, and standards for improved efficiencies in the administration of the
approved programs. The certification program shall provide for initial
certification after completion of preservice training, continuing certification
after three years of teaching experience, and certificate renewal every five
years thereafter.thereafter, until the retirement of the teacher. The
last certificate renewal received prior to retirement shall remain in effect
for five years after retirement.
The State Board of Education, as lead agency in coordination with the Board of Governors of The University of North Carolina and any other public and private agencies as necessary, shall continue to raise standards for entry into teacher education programs.
The State Board of Education, in consultation with the Board of Governors of The University of North Carolina, shall evaluate and develop enhanced requirements for continuing certification. The new requirements shall reflect more rigorous standards for continuing certification and to the extent possible shall be aligned with quality professional development programs that reflect State priorities for improving student achievement.
The State Board of Education, in consultation with local boards of education and the Board of Governors of The University of North Carolina, shall reevaluate and enhance the requirements for renewal of teacher certificates. The State Board shall consider modifications in the certificate renewal achievement and to make it a mechanism for teachers to renew continually their knowledge and professional skills. The State Board shall adopt new standards for the renewal of teacher certificates by May 15, 1998.
The standards for approval of institutions of teacher education shall require that teacher education programs for students who do not major in special education include demonstrated competencies in the identification and education of children with learning disabilities. The State Board of Education shall incorporate the criteria developed in accordance with G.S. 116-74.21 for assessing proposals under the School Administrator Training Program into its school administrator program approval standards.
All North Carolina institutions of higher education that offer teacher education programs, masters degree programs in education, or masters degree programs in school administration shall provide performance reports to the State Board of Education. The performance reports shall follow a common format, shall be submitted according to a plan developed by the State Board, and shall include the information required under the plan developed by the State Board."
Requested by: Senators Odom, Lee; Representatives Easterling, Redwine
certification of school nurses
SECTION 7.41.(a) G.S. 115C-315 is amended by adding the following new subsection to read:
"(d1) Certification for School Nurses. - Notwithstanding any other provision of law or rule, school nurses employed in the public schools prior to July 1, 1998, shall not be required to be nationally certified to continue employment. School nurses not certified by the American Nurses' Association or the National Association of School Nurses shall continue to be paid based on the noncertified nurse salary range as established by the State Board of Education."
SECTION 7.41.(b) The Joint Legislative Education Oversight Committee shall study issues related to the qualifications of school nurses. In the course of the study, the Committee shall consider the current State Board of Education rule requiring national certification of school nurses, the availability of school nurses across the State, and the need for additional local flexibility regarding the credentials of school nurses. The Committee shall report the results of its study to the 2003 General Assembly.
Requested by: Senators Dalton, Lucas, Garrou, Plyler, Odom, Lee; Representatives Boyd-McIntyre, Rogers, Yongue, Michaux, Smith, Hackney, Easterling, Oldham, Redwine
SMALL SCHOOL SYSTEM SUPPLEMENTAL FUNDING
SECTION 7.43. Section 28.7(a) of S.L. 2001-424 reads as rewritten:
"SECTION 28.7.(a) Funds for Small School Systems. - Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, the State Board of Education shall allocate funds appropriated for small school system supplemental funding (i) to each county school administrative unit with an average daily membership of fewer than 3,175 students and (ii) to each county school administrative unit with an average daily membership of from 3,175 to 4,000 students if the county in which the local school administrative unit is located has a county-adjusted property tax base per student that is below the State-adjusted property tax base per student and if the total average daily membership of all local school administrative units located within the county is from 3,175 to 4,000 students. The allocation formula shall:
(1) Round all fractions of positions to the next whole position.
(2) Provide five and one-half additional regular classroom teachers in counties in which the average daily membership per square mile is greater than four, and seven additional regular classroom teachers in counties in which the average daily membership per square mile is four or fewer.
(3) Provide additional program enhancement teachers adequate to offer the standard course of study.
(4) Change the duty-free period allocation to one teacher assistant per 400 average daily membership.
(5) Provide a base for the
consolidated funds allotment of at least five hundred forty thousand
seventy-four dollars ($540,074) five hundred seventy-seven thousand one
hundred eleven dollars ($577,111), excluding textbooks.
(6) Allot vocational education funds for grade 6 as well as for grades 7-12.
If funds appropriated for each fiscal year for small school system supplemental funding are not adequate to fund fully the program, the State Board of Education shall reduce the amount allocated to each county school administrative unit on a pro rata basis. This formula is solely a basis for distribution of supplemental funding for certain county school administrative units and is not intended to reflect any measure of the adequacy of the educational program or funding for public schools. The formula is also not intended to reflect any commitment by the General Assembly to appropriate any additional supplemental funds for such county administrative units."
Requested by: Senators Dalton, Lucas, Garrou, Plyler, Odom, Lee; Representatives Boyd-McIntyre, Rogers, Yongue, Michaux, Smith, Hackney, Easterling, Oldham, Redwine
SAMPLE TEST TO VALIDATE K-2 ASSESSMENT
SECTION 7.44. Notwithstanding G.S. 115C-174.11(a), the Department of Public Instruction may administer a standardized reading test measure for a one-time, one-year only, pilot study of the comparative predictive validity of the reading assessment used in kindergarten through second grade. This standardized measure may be administered to a sample of students in a maximum of five percent (5%) of the eligible public schools, including eligible charter schools, and is limited to the extent necessary to receive funds as part of the federal Reading First Grant. The results of this standardized measure shall not be used to evaluate, promote, or retain any student.
Requested by: Senators Dalton, Lucas, Garrou, Plyler, Odom, Lee; Representatives Easterling, Oldham, Redwine
Reserve for Experience Step Increase for Teachers and Principals in Public Schools
SECTION 7.45.(a) Funds in the Reserve for Experience Step Increase for Teachers and Principals in Public Schools shall be used for experience step increases for employees of schools operated by a local board of education, the Department of Health and Human Services, the Department of Correction, or the Department of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, who are paid on the teacher salary schedule or the principal and assistant principal salary schedule.
SECTION 7.45.(b) The Director of the Budget shall transfer to the Board of Governors of The University of North Carolina sufficient funds from the Reserve for Experience Step Increase for Teachers and Principals in Public Schools to provide an annual average salary increase of one and eighty-four hundredths percent (1.84%), including funds for the employer’s retirement and social security contributions, commencing July 1, 2002, for all teaching employees of the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics, supported by State funds and whose salaries are exempt from the State Personnel Act (EPA). These funds shall be allocated to individuals according to the rules adopted by the Board of Trustees of the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics and may not be used for any purpose other than for salary increases and necessary employer contributions provided by this section.
Requested by: Senators Dalton, Lucas, Garrou, Plyler, Odom, Lee; Representatives Boyd-McIntyre, Rogers, Yongue, Easterling, Oldham, Redwine
community college funding flexibility
SECTION 8.1. A local community college may use all State funds allocated to it, except for Literacy Funds and Funds for New and Expanding Industries, for any authorized purpose that is consistent with the college's Institutional Effectiveness Plan. Each local community college shall include in its Institutional Effectiveness Plan a section on how funding flexibility allows the college to meet the demands of the local community and to maintain a presence in all previously funded categorical programs.
No more than two percent (2%) systemwide shall be transferred from faculty salaries without the approval of the State Board of Community Colleges. The State Board shall report on any such transfers above two percent (2%) systemwide to the Joint Legislative Commission on Governmental Operations at its next meeting.
Requested by: Senators Dalton, Lucas, Garrou, Plyler, Odom, Lee; Representatives Boyd-McIntyre, Rogers, Yongue, Michaux, Smith, Hackney, Easterling, Oldham, Redwine
SECTION 8.2. It is the intent of the General Assembly to increase the number of regional program offerings in community colleges and to reduce duplication of programs by colleges that are within reasonably close proximity to each other; therefore, the State Board of Community Colleges shall review existing programs to determine which of the existing programs can be offered regionally. In developing new programs, the State Board of Community Colleges shall consider whether a regional approach can be used, and to the extent possible, shall initiate new programs on a regional basis.
The State Board of Community Colleges shall report on an annual basis to the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and the Joint Legislative Education Oversight Committee on all new programs it approved and on the progress made on regional programs during the year. The report shall include the specific reasons for which each new program was approved, a progress report on regionalization of programs, and a list of program terminations approved by the State Board.
Requested by: Senators Dalton, Lucas, Garrou, Plyler, Odom, Lee; Representatives Boyd-McIntyre, Rogers, Yongue, Michaux, Smith, Hackney, Easterling, Oldham, Redwine
regional economic development vision plans
SECTION 8.3. The State Board of Community Colleges, the Board of Governors of The University of North Carolina, and the Department of Commerce, in conjunction with the North Carolina Board of Economic Development and the seven regional economic development commissions, shall adopt a joint policy that requires the development of a five-year vision plan for each of the economic development regions in the State. The joint policy shall establish a task force for each economic development region. Each task force shall consist of at least one representative from each of the following: the regional economic development commission, the president, the board of trustees of each community college located in that region, the Chancellor, and the board of trustees of each university campus located in that region, and any additional persons as may be designated by the policy. The task force may appoint an executive committee and any subcommittees it deems appropriate.
The policy shall direct each task force to develop a five-year vision plan for its economic development region. At a minimum, each vision plan shall determine the realistic economic development goals and the future job market in that region and shall identify community college and university courses currently offered or needed to effectuate the vision plan. The policy shall require the task forces to review and update their respective vision plans every five years.
If the service area of any community college or university is in more than one economic development region, then the State Board of Community Colleges or the Board of Governors of The University of North Carolina, respectively, shall determine how the participation in the various task forces will be addressed.
Requested by: Senators Dalton, Lucas, Garrou, Plyler, Odom, Lee; Representatives Boyd-McIntyre, Rogers, Yongue, Michaux, Smith, Hackney, Easterling, Oldham, Redwine
HAYWOOD REGIONAL HIGH TECHNOLOGY CENTER
SECTION 8.4.(a) The Office of State Budget and Management shall transfer funding for Haywood Regional High Technology Center from the special allotments line item to a new line item entitled "Haywood Regional High Technology Center".
SECTION 8.4.(b) The State Board of Community Colleges shall study the operations of the Haywood Regional High Technology Center, the economic impact of the Center on the region, and the costs of the Center to determine whether similar centers should be created in other regions of the State. The Board shall report the results of this study to the Joint Legislative Education Oversight Committee prior to March 1, 2003.
Requested by: Senators Dalton, Lucas, Garrou, Rand, Plyler, Odom, Lee; Representatives Boyd-McIntyre, Rogers, Yongue, Michaux, Smith, Hackney, Easterling, Oldham, Redwine
SECTION 8.5.(a) Academic Support Supplement. - Effective July 1, 2002, funding for the Academic Support Supplement shall no longer be included as part of the curriculum instruction formula but shall be allocated from a separate line item in State Aid fund code 1600. The State Board of Community Colleges shall allocate these funds to the colleges on the basis of the budgeted FTE curriculum student enrollment for the current fiscal year.
Nothing in this section shall be construed to provide or to indicate the intent of the General Assembly to provide additional funding for the Academic Support Supplement.
SECTION 8.5.(b) Formula Modification Restrictions. - The State Board of Community Colleges may examine and recommend to the General Assembly new State Aid allocation options that more closely align the allocation and expenditure of State-appropriated resources. The State Board shall report any recommendations regarding modifications to the formula to the Senate Appropriations Committee on Education/Higher Education, the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Education, the President Pro Tempore of the Senate, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and the Fiscal Research Division.
SECTION 8.5.(c) For the 2002-2003 fiscal year, the State Board of Community Colleges shall not allocate funds for the Botanical Laboratory at Fayetteville Technical Community College from General Fund appropriations. The State Board of Community Colleges shall allocate up to two hundred thousand dollars ($200,000) from excess overrealized receipts for this purpose.
Requested by: Senators Dalton, Lucas, Garrou, Plyler, Odom, Lee; Representatives Boyd-McIntyre, Rogers, Yongue, Michaux, Smith, Hackney, Easterling, Oldham, Redwine
temporary rules on fte for training provided to law enforcement PERSONNEL and on generic fees
SECTION 8.6.(a) The State Board of Community Colleges may adopt temporary rules clarifying the conditions under which community colleges may earn budgeted FTE for training provided to personnel in law enforcement, fire and rescue services, and emergency medical service agencies.
SECTION 8.6.(b) The State Board of Community Colleges may adopt temporary rules clarifying the provisions of 23NCAC2(D).0201(c)(1) and (c)(2) pertaining to the definition of generic fees and specific fees charged to students attending community colleges.
SECTION 8.6.(c) This section constitutes a recent act of the General Assembly within the meaning of G.S. 150B-21.1(a)(2). Prior to adopting temporary rules pursuant to this section, the State Board of Community Colleges shall:
(1) Publish the proposed temporary rules in the North Carolina Register at least 30 days prior to adopting the temporary rules.
(2) Notify persons on its mailing list maintained pursuant to G.S. 150B-21.2(d) and any other interested parties of its intent to adopt temporary rules.
(3) Hold at least one public hearing on the proposed temporary rules.
SECTION 8.6.(d) This section becomes effective when this act becomes law and expires 180 days after that date.
Requested by: Senators Dalton, Lucas, Garrou, Plyler, Odom, Lee; Representatives Boyd-McIntyre, Rogers, Yongue, Michaux, Smith, Hackney, Easterling, Oldham, Redwine
COMMUNITY COLLEGE SYSTEM STUDY
SECTION 8.7.(a) The Joint Legislative Education Oversight Committee, in conjunction with the State Board of Community Colleges, shall hire an outside consultant to consider:
(1) The organization and structure of the Community College System, the number of colleges within the System, the location and size of the colleges, and whether the State could realize any administrative savings from the consolidation of some colleges or programs;
(2) The formula used to fund administration at the colleges, appropriate funding levels for administration of the various colleges, and the appropriate number of administrative staff members for colleges of different sizes; and
(3) The funding of multicampus colleges and off-campus centers, including the appropriate number of administrative staff members, and an appropriate funding mechanism for administration and for other purposes.
SECTION 8.7.(b) The Joint Legislative Education Oversight Committee may hire an outside consultant to study Community College System funding, including State funds, county funds, and tuition rates. In the course of this study, the consultant shall:
(1) Compare the level of community college funding in North Carolina to that of other states, in view of the differences in their missions;
(2) Consider an appropriate level of county funding; and
(3) Consider the current level of resident tuition in view of the availability of financial aid at community colleges, the availability of financial aid at other institutions of higher education, and the current level of State funding.
SECTION 8.7.(c) The Committee shall report the results of these studies to the 2003 General Assembly.
Requested by: Senators Dalton, Lucas, Garrou, Plyler, Odom, Lee; Representatives Boyd-McIntyre, Rogers, Yongue, Michaux, Smith, Hackney, Easterling, Oldham, Redwine
flexibility to implement budget reductions
SECTION 8.8.(a) Notwithstanding G.S. 143-23 or any other provision of law, the State Board of Community Colleges may transfer funds within the budget of the Community Colleges System Office to the extent necessary to implement base budget reductions and to reorganize the System Office to maintain management efficiencies. The State Board shall report to the Chairs of the Senate Appropriations Committee on Education/Higher Education and the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Education prior to transferring the funds.
SECTION 8.8.(b) This section expires June 30, 2003.
Requested by: Senators Dalton, Lucas, Garrou, Plyler, Odom, Lee; Representatives Boyd-McIntyre, Rogers, Yongue, Buchanan, Michaux, Smith, Hackney, Easterling, Oldham, Redwine
SECTION 8.10. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, all fees collected by the Hosiery Technology Center of Catawba Valley Community College for the testing of hosiery products shall be retained by the Center and used for the operations of the Center. Purchases made by the Center using these funds are not subject to the provisions of Article 3 of Chapter 143 of the General Statutes.
Requested by: Senators Dalton, Lucas, Garrou, Plyler, Odom, Lee; Representatives Boyd-McIntyre, Rogers, Yongue, Michaux, Smith, Hackney, Easterling, Oldham, Redwine
scholarships for prospective teachers
SECTION 8.13. Of the funds appropriated in this act to the State Board of Community Colleges, the State Board may use up to one million dollars ($1,000,000) for a nonrecurring grant to the North Carolina Community College Foundation. These funds shall be used to match the Glaxo Smith Kline Foundation challenge grant establishing a two-million-dollar ($2,000,000) endowment for the creation of a new scholarship program for prospective teachers enrolled in baccalaureate completion programs at State community college campuses and for the development of teacher preparation courses.
This provision is contingent upon receipt of one million dollars ($1,000,000) for this purpose from the Glaxo Smith Kline Foundation and applies only to the 2002-2003 fiscal year.
Requested by: Senators Dalton, Lucas, Garrou, Plyler, Odom, Lee; Representatives Boyd-McIntyre, Rogers, Yongue, Michaux, Smith, Hackney, Easterling, Oldham, Redwine
state board of community college management flexibility
SECTION 8.14. The State Board of Community Colleges shall report to the Fiscal Research Division within 45 days of this act's becoming law on all reductions made by the State Board and the individual colleges in order to meet the management flexibility reduction for the State Board of Community Colleges.
Requested by: Senators Dalton, Lucas, Garrou, Plyler, Odom, Lee; Representatives Boyd-McIntyre, Rogers, Yongue, Easterling, Oldham, Redwine
TRANSFER collection responsibilities for certain SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMS TO STATE EDUCATION ASSISTANCE AUTHORITY
SECTION 9.2.(a) The statutory authority, powers, duties, and functions, records, personnel, property, and unexpended balances of appropriations, allocations, or other funds of the North Carolina Teaching Fellows Commission relating to the collection of loans awarded under G.S. 115C-363.23A when the loan repayments are outstanding for more than 30 days are transferred from the North Carolina Teaching Fellows Commission to the State Education Assistance Authority. This transfer has all of the elements of a Type II transfer as defined by G.S. 143A-6.
SECTION 9.2.(b) The statutory authority, powers, duties, and functions, records, personnel, property, and unexpended balances of appropriations, allocations, or other funds of the Department of Public Instruction relating to the collection of loan repayments for loans awarded under Article 32A of Chapter 115C of the General Statutes when the loans are outstanding for more than 30 days are transferred from the Department of Public Instruction to the State Education Assistance Authority. This transfer has all of the elements of a Type II transfer as defined by G.S. 143A-6.
SECTION 9.2.(c) G.S. 115C-363.23A is amended by adding a new subsection to read:
"(g) The State Education Assistance Authority is responsible for the collection of a loan awarded under this section if the loan repayment is outstanding for more than 30 days."
SECTION 9.2.(d) G.S. 115C-363.23A(f) reads as rewritten:
"(f) All funds appropriated to or otherwise received by the Teaching Fellows Program for scholarships, all funds received as repayment of scholarship loans, and all interest earned on these funds, shall be placed in a revolving fund. This revolving fund shall be used for scholarship loans granted under the Teaching Fellows Program. With the prior approval of the General Assembly in the Current Operations Appropriations Act, the revolving fund may also be used for campus and summer program support, and costs related to disbursement of awards and collection of loan repayments.
The Public School Forum, as administrator for the Teaching
Fellows Program, may use up to one hundred fifty thousand dollars ($150,000)
annually from the fund balance for costs associated with administration of the
Teaching Fellows Program. These funds are in addition to funds required for
collection costs related to loan repayments."
SECTION 9.2.(e) Article 32A of Chapter 115C of the General Statutes is amended by adding a new section to read:
"§ 115C-472.1. State Education Assistance Authority collect loan repayments.
The State Education Assistance Authority is responsible for the collection of a loan awarded under this Article if the loan repayment is outstanding for more than 30 days."
SECTION 9.2.(f) G.S. 116-204 is amended by adding the following new subdivisions to read:
"(9) To collect loan repayments for loans awarded under the Teaching Fellows Program pursuant to G.S. 115C-363.23A if the loan repayment is outstanding for more than 30 days.
(10) To collect loan repayments for loans awarded from the Scholarship Loan Fund for Prospective Teachers pursuant to Article 32A of Chapter 115C of the General Statutes if the loan repayment is outstanding for more than 30 days."
Requested by: Senators Dalton, Garrou, Lucas, Plyler, Odom, Lee; Representatives Boyd-McIntyre, Rogers, Yongue, Easterling, Oldham, Redwine
Substitution of UNC Bond Projects
SECTION 9.3.(a) Pursuant to Section 2(b) of S.L. 2000-3, the General Assembly finds that it is in the best interest of the State to respond to current educational and research program requirements at North Carolina State University by substituting a project entitled Animal and Food Science Facilities for the Meat Processing Laboratory, as contained in Section 2(a) of S.L. 2000-3, and by transferring a portion of the funds from the project entitled Main Campus - Infrastructure (Including Water System), as contained in Section 2(a) of S.L. 2000-3, to this substitute project. Section 2(a) of S.L. 2000-3 is therefore amended as follows:
(1) In the portion under Projects Whose Funding Was Transferred to Disaster Recovery Fund - North Carolina State University, by deleting "Meat Processing Laboratory….$4,853,755".
(2) In the portion under North Carolina State University, by adding "Animal and Food Science Facilities….$6,460,980" and by decreasing by $1,607,225 the $9,330,700 for Main Campus - Infrastructure (Including Water System) so that it reads “Main Campus - Infrastructure (Including Water System)….$7,723,475".
SECTION 9.3.(b) Pursuant to Section 2(b) of S.L. 2000-3, the General Assembly finds that it is in the best interest of the State to respond to current educational requirements at the North Carolina School of the Arts by substituting a project entitled High School Student Residential Facility for the Residential Facility as contained in Section 2(a) of S.L. 2000-3, which was anticipated to be built for college students. Section 2(a) of S.L. 2000-3 is therefore amended in the portion under North Carolina School of the Arts, by deleting "Residence Hall…$1,832,100" and by adding "High School Student Residential Facility…$1,832,100".
SECTION 9.3.(c) Nothing in this section is intended to supersede any other requirement of law or policy for approval of the substituted capital improvement projects.
Requested by: Requested by: Senators Dalton, Lucas, Garrou, Plyler, Odom, Lee; Representatives Boyd-McIntyre, Rogers, Yongue, Michaux, Smith, Hackney, Easterling, Oldham, Redwine
UNC SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMS CONSOLIDATED
SECTION 9.4.(a) Effective July 1, 2003, all funds in the continuation budget for the following scholarship programs shall be combined into one scholarship fund to be known as the "UNC Campus Scholarships":
(1) Minority Presence Grants for undergraduate and doctoral, law, and veterinary medicine students as described in the 1979 Consent Decree between The University of North Carolina and the United States Department of Health Education and Welfare at § VI, paragraphs 6.a. and 6.b.
(2) Minority Presence Grants-II as established in Section 17.3A of S.L. 1994-769.
(3) Incentive Scholarship Program for Native Americans as established in Section 17.3 of S.L. 1994-769.
(4) Elizabeth City State University Incentive Program as established by Chapter 738 of the 1987 of the Session Laws.
(5) Incentive Grants for Certain Constituent Institutions as established by S.L. 1991-689.
(6) Freshman Scholars Programs as established by Section 46 of S.L. 1993- 561.
(7) Legislative College Opportunity Program as established by Section 17.14 of S.L. 1994-769.
SECTION 9.4.(b) All obligations to students for uses of the funds set out in subsection (a) of this section that were made prior to the effective date of subsection (a) of this section shall be fulfilled as to students who remain eligible under the provisions of the respective programs.
SECTION 9.4.(c) Except as provided in subsection (d) of this section, funds in the UNC Campus Scholarships shall be distributed among the constituent institutions of The University of North Carolina in the same amounts as previous to the effective date of this act.
SECTION 9.4.(d) Funds in the UNC Campus Scholarships allocated for doctoral study shall be reallocated based on the proportion of doctoral students enrolled at each of the campuses that have doctoral students. These funds shall continue to be committed only to doctoral students who are North Carolina residents and shall be allocated based on need. The funds previously in the Incentive Scholarship Program for Native Americans at the doctoral level shall be distributed evenly among the campuses with doctoral programs.
SECTION 9.4.(e) The Board of Trustees of each constituent institution shall define its particular campus goals and guidelines for the use of the UNC Campus Scholarships for undergraduates. The chancellor of each constituent institution shall submit its proposed guidelines to the President of The University of North Carolina for approval before implementing them. Only residents of North Carolina shall be eligible to receive grants from the UNC Campus Scholarships. Unless a campus has determined that it has sufficient diversity in its undergraduate student population to provide the educational benefits of diversity, the campus shall use at least the portion of these funds that previously provided Minority Presence Grants for undergraduates to promote diversity within the undergraduate student body of the campus to the extent permitted by the constitution and laws of the State of North Carolina and of the United States.
SECTION 9.4.(f) No constituent institution is required to have a community service requirement for receipt of grants from the UNC Campus Scholarships.
SECTION 9.4.(g) The State Education Assistance Authority shall administer the UNC Campus Scholarships. Upon the naming of recipients of grants from the UNC Campus Scholarships, each constituent institution shall inform the State Education Assistance Authority (SEAA) of its decisions. The SEAA shall perform all of the administrative functions necessary to implement this program. The North Carolina State Education Assistance Authority shall conduct periodic evaluations of expenditures of the UNC Campus Scholarships to determine if allocations are being utilized, are addressing the financial needs of students or other needs identified by the constituent institutions, and are improving diversity on the campuses. SEAA may make recommendations for redistribution of funds to the President of The University of North Carolina who may authorize redistribution of unutilized funds for a particular fiscal year among the constituent institutions.
SECTION 9.4.(h) Each constituent institution shall maintain the current proportion of allocation of these funds for undergraduate Native American students. To be eligible for such a grant, a student must be a resident of North Carolina and must be a Native American, defined as an individual who maintains cultural and political identification as a Native American through membership in an Indian tribe recognized by the State of North Carolina or by the United States. The North Carolina State Education Assistance Authority may redistribute to another constituent institution funds for Native Americans which are uncommitted by January 5 of each fiscal year.
Requested by: Senators Dalton, Lucas, Garrou, Plyler, Odom, Lee; Representatives Boyd-McIntyre, Rogers, Yongue, Easterling, Oldham, Redwine
Eliminate UNC Mailing List Duplication
SECTION 9.5. Section 10.11 of S.L. 1999-237 reads as rewritten:
"Section 10.11. Each constituent institution of
The University of North Carolina and each community college shall provide to
students and their families a brief, clear explanation of federal tax credits
(the HOPE and Lifetime Learning Credits) that are available for educational
purposes. The explanation shall include the limitations of the credits as well
as examples of the potential benefits under certain tax situations. The
constituent institution shall provide the tax credit information to the student
and or the student's parents when the institution notifies
each of the amount of tuition and fees paid for a calendar year."
Requested by: Senators Dalton, Garrou, Lucas, Plyler, Odom, Lee; Representatives Boyd-McIntyre, Rogers, Yongue, Easterling, Oldham, Redwine
aid to private colleges technical corrections
SECTION 9.6. G.S. 116-21.4(a) reads as rewritten:
"(a) Expenditures made
pursuant to G.S. 116-19, 116-20, 116-21.1, or 116-21.2 may be used only for
secular educational purposes at an institution as defined by G.S. 116-22.nonprofit
institutions of higher learning that meet the qualifications set out in G.S.
116-22."
Requested by: Senators Dalton, Lucas, Garrou, Plyler, Odom, Lee; Representatives Boyd-McIntyre, Rogers, Yongue, Michaux, Smith, Hackney, Easterling, Oldham, Redwine
SECTION 9.7. The Chancellor of each constituent institution shall report to the Board of Governors of The University of North Carolina on the reductions made to the General Fund budget codes in order to meet the reduction reserve amounts for that institution. The President of The University of North Carolina shall report to the Board of Governors of The University of North Carolina on the reductions made to the General Fund budget codes controlled by the Board in order to meet the reduction reserve amounts for those entities. The Board of Governors shall make a summary report to the Fiscal Research Division by October 31, 2002, on all reductions made by these entities and constituent institutions in order to reduce the budgets by the targeted amounts.
Requested by: Senators Robinson, Weinstein, Dalton, Lucas, Garrou, Plyler, Odom, Lee; Representatives Boyd-McIntyre, Rogers, Yongue, Easterling, Oldham, Redwine
SECTION 9.9. The Board of Governors of The University of North Carolina may allow Elizabeth City State University, the University of North Carolina at Pembroke, and Western Carolina University each to allocate up to one hundred seventy-eight thousand three hundred eighty dollars ($178,380) of the funds allocated to them for focused enrollment growth for a maximum of 20 Prospective Teacher Scholars. These funds may be used to recruit new nonresident students to enter into agreements to: (i) pursue a full-time course of study that will lead to teacher certification in North Carolina and (ii) teach in a North Carolina public school or a school operated by the United States government in North Carolina for one year for each year that they receive this benefit. The Board of Governors shall establish guidelines and regulations for this pilot program, including methodology for determining its success in increasing the supply of qualified teachers for North Carolina public schools. The Board shall report its guidelines and regulations to guide these pilot programs to the Joint Legislative Education Oversight Committee by November 15, 2002. The Board shall report annually to the Committee on the progress of the pilot programs and their costs.
Requested by: Senators Dalton, Lucas, Garrou, Plyler, Odom, Lee; Representatives Nesbitt, Boyd-McIntyre, Rogers, Yongue, Michaux, Smith, Hackney, Easterling, Oldham, Redwine
report on umstead act exemptions
SECTION 9.10A.(a) The Board of Governors of The University of North Carolina shall report to the Joint Legislative Commission on Governmental Operations prior to March 1, 2003, on activities undertaken under exemptions to the Umstead Act, which are set out in G.S. 66-58(b)(8), for the Centennial Campus of North Carolina State University at Raleigh, the Horace Williams Campus of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and a Millennial Campus of a constituent institution of The University of North Carolina.
SECTION 9.10A.(b) The report shall include the following information on all such activities undertaken since July 1, 1999:
(1) The reasons the exemptions were necessary for the development and operation of facilities on the Centennial Campus of North Carolina State University at Raleigh, the Horace Williams Campus of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, or a Millennial Campus of a constituent institution of The University of North Carolina, and
(2) A specific list of the activities that would have been prohibited without the exemptions.
SECTION 9.10A.(c) The report shall also include:
(1) A specific list of activities that are necessary to continue the development and operation of these facilities and that would be prohibited if the facilities were not exempt from the provisions of G.S. 66-58(a), and
(2) A list of the specific exemptions from G.S. 66-58(a) that would be necessary to continue the development and operation of these facilities prohibited if G.S. 66-58(a) applied to the facilities.
Requested by: Senators Dalton, Lucas, Garrou, Clodfelter, Dannelly, Hoyle, Plyler, Odom, Lee; Representatives Boyd-McIntyre, Rogers, Yongue, Michaux, Smith, Hackney, Easterling, Oldham, Redwine
OUT-OF-STATE INSTITUTIONS WITH NC CAMPUSES
SECTION 9.11.(a) G.S. 116-22 reads as rewritten:
"§ 116-22. Definitions applicable to §§ 116-19 to 116-22.
As used in G.S. 116-19 through 116-22:
(1)
"Institution" shall mean an educational institution with its main a
main permanent campus located in this State that is not owned or operated
by the State of North Carolina or by an agency or political subdivision of the
State or by any combination thereof, that is accredited by the Southern
Association of Colleges and Schools under the standards of the College Delegate
Assembly of said Association thereof that satisfies all of the
following:
a. Is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools under the standards of the College Delegate Assembly of the Association or by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges through its Commission on Institutions of Higher Education.
b. Awards
a postsecondary degree as defined in G.S. 116-15. and that is
c. Is not a seminary, Bible school, Bible college or similar religious institution.
(1a) "Main permanent campus" shall mean a campus owned by the institution that provides permanent on-premises housing, food services, and classrooms with full-time faculty members and administration that engages in postsecondary degree activity as defined in G.S. 116-15.
(2) "Student" shall mean a person enrolled in and attending an institution's main permanent campus located in the State who qualifies as a resident of North Carolina in accordance with definitions of residency that may from time to time be adopted by the Board of Governors of the University of North Carolina and published in the residency manual of said Board; and a person who has not received a bachelor's degree, or qualified therefor, and who is otherwise classified as an undergraduate under such regulations as the Board of Governors of the University of North Carolina may promulgate. The enrollment figures required by G.S. 116-19 through 116-22 shall be the number of full-time equivalent students as computed under regulations prescribed by the Board of Governors of the University of North Carolina. Qualification for in-State tuition under G.S. 116-143.3 makes a person a "student" as defined in this subdivision."
SECTION 9.11.(b) Notwithstanding the provisions of G.S. 116-22 as enacted by this section, any institution that met the definition of "institution" under G.S. 116-22 on January 1, 2001, shall continue to be eligible to receive funds appropriated in compliance with G.S. 116-19 through G.S. 116-22 when this act becomes law, if it received funds for these purposes as of January 1, 2001.
Requested by: Senators Dalton, Lucas, Garrou, Plyler, Odom, Lee; Representatives Boyd-McIntyre, Rogers, Yongue, Michaux, Smith, Hackney, Easterling, Oldham, Redwine
North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics
SECTION 9.12.(a) The Joint Legislative Education Oversight Committee shall study the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics. In its study the Committee may consider all of the following with regard to the School: the purpose and goals of the School and whether those are still appropriate; the academic programs; student admission policies; administrative functions and personnel policies; finances, properties, and any financial obligations of the School; and any other relevant issues. The Joint Legislative Education Oversight Committee shall report its findings and recommendations to the 2003 General Assembly.
SECTION 9.12.(b) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, neither the fee of eight hundred fifty dollars ($850.00) proposed by the Board of Trustees or any other fee shall be imposed for the 2002-2003 academic year.
SECTION 9.12.(c) G.S. 116-235(d) is amended by adding a new subdivision to read:
"(7) The Board of Trustees shall not impose any fee without the approval of the General Assembly, unless the fee is a traffic, parking, or motor vehicle registration fee authorized under subsection (e) of this section."
Requested by: Senators Dalton, Lucas, Garrou, Plyler, Odom, Lee; Representatives Gibson, Boyd-McIntyre, Rogers, Yongue, Michaux, Smith, Easterling, Oldham, Redwine
Horace Williams Airport
SECTION 9.13.(a) The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill shall not close the Horace Williams Airport before January 1, 2005.
SECTION 9.13.(b) Prior to moving Medical Air, Inc., from the Horace Williams Airport, the Chancellor of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill shall consult with the Joint Legislative Commission on Governmental Operations regarding the feasibility, cost, and impact on the effectiveness of AHEC services to the public that will result from the proposed move.
Requested by: Senators Dalton, Lucas, Garrou, Albertson, Kerr, Plyler, Odom, Lee; Representatives Boyd-McIntyre, Rogers, Yongue, Michaux, Smith, Hackney, Easterling, Oldham, Redwine
Cooperative Extension/agricultural research Faculty
SECTION 9.14. The Board of Governors shall promulgate policies that permit currently designated "EPA Non-Teaching" positions in the Cooperative Extension Service or Agricultural Research budgets of the constituent institutions of the university to be changed to "EPA Teaching" positions, if it is deemed by the Chancellor of any constituent institution of the university to be a more accurate definition of the faculty positions' job responsibilities.
Requested by: Senators Dalton, Lucas, Garrou, Rand, Kerr, Plyler, Odom, Lee; Representatives Rogers, Boyd-McIntyre, Rogers, Yongue, Michaux, Smith, Easterling, Oldham, Redwine
unc institutions/GOLF COURSE AND TRANSIENT ACCOMMODATIONS FACILITY/UMSTEAD aCT EXEMPTION REPORTING REQUIREMENT
SECTION 9.15.(a) G.S. 66-58 is amended by adding a new subsection to read:
"(h) Notwithstanding the provisions of G.S. 66-58(b)(8), The University of North Carolina, its constituent institutions, the Centennial Campus of North Carolina State University, the Horace Williams Campus of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, a Millennial Campus of a constituent institution of The University of North Carolina, or any corporation or other legal entity created or directly controlled by and using land owned by The University of North Carolina shall consult with and provide the following information to the Joint Legislative Commission on Governmental Operations before issuing debt or executing a contract for a golf course or for any transient accommodations facility, including a hotel or motel:
(1) Architectural concepts.
(2) Financial and debt service projections.
(3) Business plans.
(4) Operating plans.
(5) Feasibililty studies and consultant reports."
SECTION 9.15.(b) This section does not apply if the golf course or transient accommodations facility is owned, operated, or leased by The University of North Carolina or one of its constituent institutions on or before July 1, 2002. This section is effective when it becomes law.
SECTION 9.15.(c) This section is effective when this act becomes law.
Requested by: Senators Dalton, Lucas, Garrou, Plyler, Odom, Lee; Representatives Nesbitt, Boyd-McIntyre, Rogers, Yongue, Michaux, Smith, Hackney, Easterling, Oldham, Redwine
report on university fiscal liabilities
SECTION 9.16. The Board of Governors shall report on an annual basis to the Joint Legislative Commission on Governmental Operations on:
(1) Any financing of buildings or other facilities, regardless of the ownership of those buildings or other facilities, located on land owned by The University of North Carolina or the constituent institutions of The University of North Carolina; and
(2) All fiscal liabilities or contingent liabilities, including payments for debt service or other contractual arrangements, of The University of North Carolina or any constituent institution.
Requested by: Senators Dalton, Lucas, Garrou, Plyler, Odom, Lee; Representatives Boyd-McIntyre, Rogers, Yongue, Michaux, Smith, Hackney, Easterling, Oldham, Redwine
funds for need-based scholarships
SECTION 9.19.(a) G.S. 116B-7 reads as rewritten:
"§ 116B-7. Distribution of income of fund.
The income derived from the investment or deposit of the
Escheat Fund shall be distributed annually on or before July 15 to the State
Education Assistance Authority for grants and loans to aid worthy and
needy students who are residents of this State and are enrolled in public institutions
of higher education in this State. Such grants and loans shall be made
upon terms, consistent with the provisions of this Chapter, pursuant to which
the State Education Assistance Authority makes grants and loans to other
students under G.S. 116-201 to 116-209.23, Article 23. Article 23 of
Chapter 116 of the General Statutes, policies of the Board of Governors of The
University of North Carolina regarding need-based grants for students of The
University of North Carolina, and policies of the State Board of Community
Colleges regarding need-based grants for students of the community colleges."
SECTION 9.19.(b) There is appropriated from the Escheat Fund income to the Board of Governors of The University of North Carolina the sum of nineteen million seven hundred twenty-five thousand dollars ($19,725,000) for the 2002-2003 fiscal year and to the State Board of Community Colleges the sum of one million dollars ($1,000,000) for the 2002-2003 fiscal year. These funds shall be allocated by the State Educational Assistance Authority for need-based student financial aid in accordance with G.S. 116B-7.
SECTION 9.19.(c) The Director of the Budget shall include General Fund appropriations in the amounts provided in subsection (b) of this section in the proposed 2003-2005 continuation budget for the purposes provided in G.S. 116B-7.
PART X. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Requested by: Senators Martin of Guilford, Purcell, Plyler, Odom, Lee; Representatives Earle, Nye, Easterling, Oldham, Redwine
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY PROJECT CONTRACTS
SECTION 10.1. Section 21.17 of S.L. 2001-424 reads as rewritten:
"SECTION 21.17.(a) Notwithstanding
any other provision of law to the contrary, the Department of Health and Human
Services may establish special time-limited positions in the Division of
Information Research Management for an information technology project to
maximize efficiencies in the preparation for and for implementation
of federal requirements of the medical records privacy standards under
the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA).
Positions established are not permanent positions, not subject to the State
Personnel Act under G.S. 126-1.1, and not subject to the State salary schedule.
SECTION 21.17.(b) Positions established
pursuant to this section may commence no earlier than July 1, 2001, and shall
expire June 30, 2003.June 30, 2005."
Requested by: Senators Martin of Guilford, Purcell, Dannelly, Metcalf, Plyler, Odom, Lee; Representatives Earle, Nye, Baddour, Gibson, Insko, Easterling, Oldham, Redwine
ADMINISTRATIVE CONSOLIDATION OF DIVISIONS OF SERVICES FOR THE DEAF AND THE HARD OF HEARING, SERVICES FOR THE BLIND, AND VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION services
SECTION 10.2.(a) The following three divisions may continue consolidating their administrative functions and reducing the number of cities where there are two or more district offices:
(1) Division of Services for the Deaf and the Hard of Hearing.
(2) Division of Services for the Blind.
(3) Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services.
SECTION 10.2.(b) The Department shall report to the Senate Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services, the House of Representatives Appropriations Subcommittee on Health and Human Services, and the Fiscal Research Division on activities carried out under this section not later than June 1, 2003. This report shall include the following:
(1) An organizational chart showing how the administrative structure of the divisions has changed.
(2) A plan for reducing the number of cities where there are two or more district offices.
Requested by: Senators Martin of Guilford, Purcell, Plyler, Odom, Lee; Representatives Earle, Nye, Easterling, Oldham, Redwine
Staffing Requirements in Long-Term Care facilities
SECTION 10.3.(a) The Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Long-Term Care, shall review staffing requirements of Adult Day Care Programs and Adult Day Health Programs.
SECTION 10.3.(b) The Department shall report the results of its review to the Senate Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services, the House of Representatives Appropriations Subcommittee on Health and Human Services, and the Fiscal Research Division not later than December 1, 2002. The report shall include staffing requirements for adult day care and adult day health programs as compared to adult care homes, assisted living facilities, and nursing homes in the State. The report shall also compare staffing ratios in North Carolina to those of other states, including those states that border North Carolina. The report shall be conducted by the Department, Office of Long-Term Care, or by an independent contractor and shall contain all of the following specific information:
(1) Number of staff required per resident.
(2) Education/work experience required and preferred as a basis for hire.
(3) Specific job duties outlined in job descriptions.
(4) Rationale and justification for establishing the existing staff ratios in the Division of Aging's policy for adult day care and adult day health care.
(5) An analysis of the variance in staffing requirements among adult day care and adult day health programs, adult care homes, assisted living facilities, and nursing homes.
(6) Identification of the entities responsible for licensing and monitoring quality for all providers of long-term care in the State.
(7) Recommendations for changes to existing policies based on findings of the Department's review.
Requested by: Senators Martin of Guilford, Purcell, Plyler, Odom, Lee; Representatives Earle, Nye, Easterling, Oldham, Redwine
Report on Services Provided to Older Adults
SECTION 10.4. The Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Long-Term Care shall report to the Senate Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services, the House of Representatives Appropriations Subcommittee on Health and Human Services, and the Fiscal Research Division on services provided to older adults. The report shall provide information as follows:
(1) Identify all State agencies that provide services to adults age 60 and older throughout the State.
(2) All resources available from all sources, including federal, State, and local funds and personnel, for providing services to this population.
(3) Plans for reducing administration through the consolidation of functions throughout Divisions of the Department.
The Office of Long-Term Care shall consult with experts in long-term care and other relevant information sources to develop a plan to streamline services for older adults at the local level. The Department shall submit its report not later than February 1, 2003.
Requested by: Senators Martin of Guilford, Purcell, Plyler, Odom, Lee; Representatives Earle, Nye, Easterling, Oldham, Redwine
RURAL HEALTH LOAN REPAYMENT INCENTIVE PROGRAM
SECTION 10.5. The Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Rural Health, shall conduct an assessment of the Rural Health Loan Repayment Incentive Program. The assessment shall consider whether the Program should be continued and shall identify ways to recruit additional providers to rural areas within existing funds. The Department shall report on its activities and progress of the assessment to the Senate Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services, the House of Representatives Appropriations Subcommittee on Health and Human Services, and the Fiscal Research Division no later than December 1, 2002. The report shall provide detailed information on the number of providers recruited, identification of the counties in which the providers are recruited, and the amount of loan repayment and length of service to a community for each provider.
Requested by: Senators Martin of Guilford, Purcell, Plyler, Odom, Lee; Representatives Earle, Nye, Easterling, Oldham, Redwine
ACCESS TO PHARMACEUTICAL COMPANY PRESCRIPTION DRUg programs
SECTION 10.6. Section 21.6(a) of S.L. 2001-424, as amended by S.L. 2001-513, reads as rewritten:
"SECTION 21.6.(a) Of
the funds appropriated in this act to the Department of Health and Human
Services, the sum of two hundred thousand dollars ($200,000) for the 2001-2002
fiscal year and the sum of two hundred thousand dollars ($200,000) for the
2002-2003 fiscal year shall be used to initiate the development of a system
to assist eligible individuals in obtaining prescription drugs at no cost
through pharmaceutical company programs. The system will be designed to
minimize the efforts of patients and their health care providers in securing
needed drugs. The required patient and health care provider data will be
maintained and orders tracked in order to initiate timely reorders of needed
drugs to assure continuity of medication intake. The Department may contract
with a private nonprofit organization to assist in the development of the
system as provided under this section."
Requested by: Senators Martin of Guilford, Purcell, Plyler, Odom, Lee; Representatives Earle, Nye, Easterling, Oldham, Redwine
use of funds for the child advocacy institute
SECTION 10.7. State funds appropriated for the Child Advocacy Institute shall be used only for administration of the Child Advocacy Institute or for research and other services provided by the Institute. These funds shall not be used or replaced by other funds for (i) lobbying or other governmental affairs activities or (ii) direct contributions to other nongovernmental entities.
This section shall not be construed to prohibit the Institute from using State funds to contract with other nongovernmental entities for the purchase of goods or services.
Requested by: Senators Martin of Guilford, Purcell, Hoyle, Plyler, Odom, Lee; Representatives Earle, Nye, Church, Easterling, Oldham, Redwine
Consolidation of Maintenance Activities
SECTION 10.8.(a) The Department of Health and Human Services shall develop a plan to consolidate building maintenance activities at the North Carolina School for the Deaf at Morganton, the Western Carolina Center, and Broughton Hospital. The plan shall assess the needs for maintenance at all three centers, determine the level of staff necessary to carry out all of the current activities with fewer managers, supervisors, and other staff, and develop a new single budget for the maintenance activities.
SECTION 10.8.(b) The Department of Health and Human Services shall identify other facilities throughout the State that are in close proximity to one another and assess the feasibility of consolidating the building maintenance activities at those facilities.
SECTION 10.8.(c) The Department of Health and Human Services shall report on activities carried out under this section to the Senate Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services, the House of Representatives Appropriations Subcommittee on Health and Human Services, and the Fiscal Research Division no later than December 1, 2002.
Requested by: Senators Martin of Guilford, Purcell, Dannelly, Metcalf, Plyler, Odom, Lee; Representatives Earle, Nye, Baddour, Gibson, Insko, Easterling, Oldham, Redwine
SECTION 10.10B. The Department of Health and Human Services may administer the Weatherization Assistance Program for Low-Income Families and the Heating/Air Repair and Replacement Program functions.
Requested by: Senators Martin of Guilford, Purcell, Dannelly, Metcalf, Plyler, Odom, Lee; Representatives Earle, Nye, Baddour, Gibson, Insko, Easterling, Oldham, Redwine
EFFECTIVE DATE OF Long-Term Care Criminal Check FOR EMPLOYMENT POSITIONS
SECTION 10.10C. Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, the requirements of G.S. 131E-265 for nursing homes to conduct national criminal history record checks for employment positions other than those involving direct patient care shall become effective no earlier than January 1, 2004. Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, the requirements of G.S. 131D-2 for adult care homes to conduct national criminal records checks for all staff positions shall become effective no earlier than January 1, 2004.
Requested by: Senators Martin of Guilford, Purcell, Dannelly, Metcalf, Plyler, Odom, Lee; Representatives Earle, Nye, Baddour, Gibson, Insko, Easterling, Oldham, Redwine
TRANSFER north carolina COUNCIL ON the HOLOCAUST TO Department of public instruction
SECTION 10.10D.(a) G.S. 143B-216.20, 143B-216.21, 143B-216.22, and 143B-216.23 are recodified as subsections (a) through (d) of new G.S. 143A-48.1 in Article 5 of Chapter 143A of the General Statutes.
SECTION 10.10D.(b) G.S. 143A-48.1, as codified by this section, reads as rewritten:
"§ 143A-48.1.
North Carolina Council on the Holocaust; creation; purpose.purpose;
membership; expenses; assistance.
(a) There is hereby created the North Carolina Council on the Holocaust. The purpose of the Council is to prevent future atrocities similar to the systematic program of genocide of six million Jews and others by the Nazis. This purpose shall be accomplished by developing a program of education and observance of the Holocaust.
(b) The Council
shall consist of 24 members, six appointed by the Governor, six appointed by
the President Pro Tempore of the Senate, six appointed by the Speaker of the
House of Representatives, and six appointed by the other 18 members. Members
shall be appointed in 1985 for two-year terms to begin July 1, 1985. In 1987
and biennially thereafter, successors shall be appointed for two-year terms. for
two-year terms to begin July 1 of each odd-numbered year. The six at-large
appointments shall be made by the Council at its first meeting after July 1 of
each odd-numbered year. To be eligible for appointment as an at-large member, a
person must either be a survivor of the Holocaust or a first-generation lineal
descendant of such person. A majority of the members shall constitute a quorum
for the transaction of business.
(c) The members of the Council shall be compensated and reimbursed for their expenses in accordance with G.S. 138-5.
(d) The Secretary
Superintendent of Public Instruction may arrange for clerical or
other assistance required by the Council."
SECTION 10.10D.(c) G.S. 143B-138.1(b)(14) is repealed.
SECTION 10.10D.(d) The North Carolina Council on the Holocaust, as created by Part 28 of Article 3 of Chapter 143B of the General Statutes, and recodified as G.S. 143A-48.1 by this section, is transferred to the Department of Public Instruction by a Type II transfer, as defined in G.S. 143A-6.
SECTION 10.10D.(e) This section becomes effective October 1, 2002.
Requested by: Senators Martin of Guilford, Purcell, Dannelly, Metcalf, Plyler, Odom, Lee; Representatives Earle, Nye, Baddour, Gibson, Insko, Easterling, Oldham, Redwine
NonMedicaid Reimbursement Changes
SECTION 10.10E. Section 21.59 of S.L. 2001-424 reads as rewritten:
"SECTION 21.59. Providers of medical services under the various State programs, other than Medicaid, offering medical care to citizens of the State shall be reimbursed at rates no more than those under the North Carolina Medical Assistance Program.
The Department of Health and Human Services may reimburse hospitals at the full prospective per diem rates without regard to the Medical Assistance Program's annual limits on hospital days. When the Medical Assistance Program's per diem rates for inpatient services and its interim rates for outpatient services are used to reimburse providers in non-Medicaid medical service programs, retroactive adjustments to claims already paid shall not be required.
Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph one, the Department of Health and Human Services may negotiate with providers of medical services under the various Department of Health and Human Services programs, other than Medicaid, for rates as close as possible to Medicaid rates for the following purposes: contracts or agreements for medical services and purchases of medical equipment and other medical supplies. These negotiated rates are allowable only to meet the medical needs of its non-Medicaid eligible patients, residents, and clients who require such services which cannot be provided when limited to the Medicaid rate.
Maximum net family annual income eligibility standards for services in these programs shall be as follows:
Medical Eye All RehabilitationRehabilitation
Except
Family Size Care Adults DSB Over 55 Grant Other
1 $4,860 $8,364 $4,200
2 5,940 10,944 5,300
3 6,204 13,500 6,400
4 7,284 16,092 7,500
5 7,821 18,648 7,900
6 8,220 21,228 8,300
7 8,772 21,708 8,800
8 9,312 22,220 9,300
The eligibility level for children in the Medical Eye Care Program in the Division of Services for the Blind shall be one hundred percent (100%) of the federal poverty guidelines, as revised annually by the United States Department of Health and Human Services and in effect on July 1 of each fiscal year. The eligibility level for adults 55 years of age or older who qualify for services through the Division of Services for the Blind, Independent Living Rehabilitation Program, shall be two hundred percent (200%) of the federal poverty guidelines, as revised annually by the United States Department of Health and Human Services and in effect on July 1 of each fiscal year. The eligibility level for adults in the Atypical Antipsychotic Medication Program in the Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Abuse Services shall be one hundred fifty percent (150%) of the federal poverty guidelines, as revised annually by the United States Department of Health and Human Services and in effect on July 1 of each fiscal year. Additionally, those adults enrolled in the Atypical Antipsychotic Medication Program who become gainfully employed may continue to be eligible to receive State support, in decreasing amounts for the purchase of atypical antipsychotic medication and related services up to three hundred percent (300%) of the poverty level.
State financial participation in the Atypical Antipsychotic Medication Program for those enrollees who become gainfully employed is as follows:
Income State Participation Client Participation
(% of poverty)
0-150% 100% 0%
151-200% 75% 25%
201-250% 50% 50%
251-300% 25% 75%
300% and over 0% 100%
The Department of Health and Human Services shall contract at, or as close as possible to, Medicaid rates for medical services provided to residents of State facilities of the Department."
subpart 2. division of medical assistance
Requested by: Senators Martin of Guilford, Purcell, Dannelly, Metcalf, Plyler, Odom, Lee; Representatives Earle, Nye, Baddour, Gibson, Insko, Easterling, Oldham, Redwine
SECTION 10.11.(a) Section 21.19 of S.L. 2001-424 reads as rewritten:
"SECTION 21.19.(a) Funds appropriated in this act for services provided in accordance with Title XIX of the Social Security Act (Medicaid) are for both the categorically needy and the medically needy. Funds appropriated for these services shall be expended in accordance with the following schedule of services and payment bases. All services and payments are subject to the language at the end of this subsection.
Services and payment bases:
(1) Hospital-Inpatient - Payment for hospital inpatient services will be prescribed in the State Plan as established by the Department of Health and Human Services.
(2) Hospital-Outpatient - Eighty percent (80%) of allowable costs or a prospective reimbursement plan as established by the Department of Health and Human Services.
(3) Nursing Facilities - Payment for nursing facility services will be prescribed in the State Plan as established by the Department of Health and Human Services. Nursing facilities providing services to Medicaid recipients who also qualify for Medicare must be enrolled in the Medicare program as a condition of participation in the Medicaid program. State facilities are not subject to the requirement to enroll in the Medicare program. Residents of nursing facilities who are eligible for Medicare coverage of nursing facility services must be placed in a Medicare certified bed. Medicaid shall cover facility services only after the appropriate services have been billed to Medicare. The Division of Medical Assistance shall allow nursing facility providers sufficient time from the effective date of this act to certify additional Medicare beds if necessary. In determining the date that the requirements of this subdivision become effective, the Division of Medical Assistance shall consider the regulations governing certification of Medicare beds and the length of time required for this process to be completed.
(4) Intermediate Care Facilities for the Mentally Retarded - As prescribed in the State Plan as established by the Department of Health and Human Services.
(5) Drugs - Drug costs as allowed by federal regulations plus a professional services fee per month excluding refills for the same drug or generic equivalent during the same month. Reimbursement shall be available for up to six prescriptions per recipient, per month, including refills. Payments for drugs are subject to the provisions of subsection (h) of this section and to the provisions at the end of subsection (a) of this section, or in accordance with the State Plan adopted by the Department of Health and Human Services consistent with federal reimbursement regulations. Payment of the professional services fee shall be made in accordance with the State Plan adopted by the Department of Health and Human Services, consistent with federal reimbursement regulations. The professional services fee shall be five dollars and sixty cents ($5.60) per prescription for generic drugs and four dollars ($4.00) per prescription for brand name drugs. Adjustments to the professional services fee shall be established by the General Assembly.
(6) Physicians, Chiropractors, Podiatrists, Optometrists, Dentists, Certified Nurse Midwife Services, Nurse Practitioners - Fee schedules as developed by the Department of Health and Human Services. Payments for dental services are subject to the provisions of subsection (g) of this section.
(7) Community Alternative Program, EPSDT Screens - Payment to be made in accordance with rate schedule developed by the Department of Health and Human Services.
(8) Home Health and Related Services, Private Duty Nursing, Clinic Services, Prepaid Health Plans, Durable Medical Equipment - Payment to be made according to reimbursement plans developed by the Department of Health and Human Services.
(9) Medicare Buy-In - Social Security Administration premium.
(10) Ambulance Services - Uniform fee schedules as developed by the Department of Health and Human Services. Public ambulance providers will be reimbursed at cost.
(11) Hearing Aids - Actual cost plus a dispensing fee.
(12) Rural Health Clinic Services - Provider-based, reasonable cost; nonprovider-based, single-cost reimbursement rate per clinic visit.
(13) Family Planning - Negotiated rate for local health departments. For other providers, see specific services, for instance, hospitals, physicians.
(14) Independent Laboratory and X-Ray Services - Uniform fee schedules as developed by the Department of Health and Human Services.
(15) Optical Supplies - One hundred percent (100%) of reasonable wholesale cost of materials.
(16) Ambulatory Surgical Centers - Payment as prescribed in the reimbursement plan established by the Department of Health and Human Services.
(17) Medicare Crossover Claims - An amount up to the actual coinsurance or deductible or both, in accordance with the State Plan, as approved by the Department of Health and Human Services.
(18) Physical Therapy and Speech Therapy - Services limited to EPSDT eligible children. Payments are to be made only to qualified providers at rates negotiated by the Department of Health and Human Services. Physical therapy (including occupational therapy) and speech therapy services are subject to prior approval and utilization review.
(19) Personal Care Services - Payment in accordance with the State Plan approved by the Department of Health and Human Services.
(20) Case Management Services - Reimbursement in accordance with the availability of funds to be transferred within the Department of Health and Human Services.
(21) Hospice - Services may be provided in accordance with the State Plan developed by the Department of Health and Human Services.
(22) Other Mental Health Services - Unless otherwise covered by this section, coverage is limited to:
a. Services as defined by the Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Abuse Services and approved by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) when provided in agencies meeting the requirements of the rules established by the Commission for Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Abuse Services, and reimbursement is made in accordance with a State Plan developed by the Department of Health and Human Services not to exceed the upper limits established in federal regulations, and
b. For children eligible for EPSDT services:
1. Licensed or certified psychologists, licensed clinical social workers, certified clinical nurse specialists in psychiatric mental health advanced practice, and nurse practitioners certified as clinical nurse specialists in psychiatric mental health advanced practice, when Medicaid-eligible children are referred by the Carolina ACCESS primary care physician or the area mental health program, and
2. Institutional providers of residential services as defined by the Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Abuse Services and approved by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) for children and Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facility services that meet federal and State requirements as defined by the Department.
Notwithstanding G.S. 150B-121.1(a), the Department of Health and Human Services may adopt temporary rules in accordance with Chapter 150B of the General Statutes further defining the qualifications of providers and referral procedures in order to implement this subdivision. Coverage policy for services defined by the Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Abuse Services under paragraphs a. and b.2 of this subdivision shall be established by the Division of Medical Assistance.
(23) Medically Necessary Prosthetics or Orthotics for EPSDT Eligible Children - Reimbursement in accordance with the State Plan approved by the Department of Health and Human Services.
(24) Health Insurance Premiums - Payments to be made in accordance with the State Plan adopted by the Department of Health and Human Services consistent with federal regulations.
(25) Medical Care/Other Remedial Care - Services not covered elsewhere in this section include related services in schools; health professional services provided outside the clinic setting to meet maternal and infant health goals; and services to meet federal EPSDT mandates. Services addressed by this paragraph are limited to those prescribed in the State Plan as established by the Department of Health and Human Services.
(26) Pregnancy Related Services - Covered services for pregnant women shall include nutritional counseling, psychosocial counseling, and predelivery and postpartum home visits by maternity care coordinators and public health nurses.
Services and payment bases may be changed with the approval of the Director of the Budget.
Payment is limited to Medicaid enrolled providers that purchase a performance bond in an amount not to exceed one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000) naming as beneficiary the Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Medical Assistance, or provide to the Department a validly executed letter of credit or other financial instrument issued by a financial institution or agency honoring a demand for payment in an equivalent amount. The Department may waive or limit the requirements of this paragraph for one or more classes of Medicaid enrolled providers based on the provider's dollar amount of monthly billings to Medicaid or the length of time the provider has been licensed in this State to provide services. In waiving or limiting requirements of this paragraph the Department shall take into consideration the potential fiscal impact of the waiver or limitation on the State Medicaid Program.
Reimbursement is available for up to 24 visits per recipient per year to any one or combination of the following: physicians, clinics, hospital outpatient, optometrists, chiropractors, and podiatrists. Prenatal services, all EPSDT children, emergency rooms, and mental health services subject to independent utilization review are exempt from the visit limitations contained in this paragraph. Exceptions may be authorized by the Department of Health and Human Services where the life of the patient would be threatened without such additional care. Any person who is determined by the Department to be exempt from the 24-visit limitation may also be exempt from the six-prescription limitation.
SECTION 21.19.(b) Allocation of Nonfederal Cost of Medicaid. - The State shall pay eighty-five percent (85%); the county shall pay fifteen percent (15%) of the nonfederal costs of all applicable services listed in this section.
SECTION 21.19.(c) Copayment for Medicaid Services. - The Department of Health and Human Services may establish copayment up to the maximum permitted by federal law and regulation.
SECTION 21.19.(d) Medicaid and Work First Family Assistance, Income Eligibility Standards. - The maximum net family annual income eligibility standards for Medicaid and Work First Family Assistance and the Standard of Need for Work First Family Assistance shall be as follows:
Categorically Needy Medically Needy
WFFA*
Family Standard Families and
Size of Need Children Income
Level AA, AB, AD*
1 $4,344 $2,172 $2,900
2 5,664 2,832 3,800
3 6,528 3,264 4,400
4 7,128 3,564 4,800
5 7,776 3,888 5,200
6 8,376 4,188 5,600
7 8,952 4,476 6,000
8 9,256 4,680 6,300
*Work First Family Assistance (WFFA); Aid to the Aged (AA); Aid to the Blind (AB); and Aid to the Disabled (AD).
The payment level for Work First Family Assistance shall be fifty percent (50%) of the standard of need.
These standards may be changed with the approval of the Director of the Budget with the advice of the Advisory Budget Commission.
SECTION 21.19.(e) The Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Medical Assistance, shall provide Medicaid coverage to all elderly, blind, and disabled people who have incomes equal to or less than one hundred percent (100%) of the federal poverty guidelines, as revised each April 1.
SECTION 21.19.(f) ICF and ICF/MR Work Incentive Allowances. - The Department of Health and Human Services may provide an incentive allowance to Medicaid-eligible recipients of ICF and ICF/MR facilities who are regularly engaged in work activities as part of their developmental plan and for whom retention of additional income contributes to their achievement of independence. The State funds required to match the federal funds that are required by these allowances shall be provided from savings within the Medicaid budget or from other unbudgeted funds available to the Department. The incentive allowances may be as follows:
Monthly Net Wages Monthly Incentive Allowance
$1.00 to $100.99 Up to $50.00
$101.00 to $200.99 $80.00
$201.00 to $300.99 $130.00
$301.00 and greater $212.00.
SECTION 21.19.(g) Dental Coverage Limits. - Dental services shall be provided on a restricted basis in accordance with rules adopted by the Department to implement this subsection.
SECTION 21.19.(h) Dispensing of Generic Drugs. - Notwithstanding G.S. 90-85.27 through G.S. 90-85.31, or any other law to the contrary, under the Medical Assistance Program (Title XIX of the Social Security Act), and except as otherwise provided in this subsection for atypical antipsychotic drugs and drugs listed in the narrow therapeutic index, a prescription order for a drug designated by a trade or brand name shall be considered to be an order for the drug by its established or generic name, except when the prescriber has determined, at the time the drug is prescribed, that the brand name drug is medically necessary and has written on the prescription order the phrase "medically necessary". An initial prescription order for an atypical antipsychotic drug or a drug listed in the narrow therapeutic drug index that does not contain the phrase "medically necessary" shall be considered an order for the drug by its established or generic name, except that a pharmacy shall not substitute a generic or established name prescription drug for subsequent brand or trade name prescription orders of the same prescription drug without explicit oral or written approval of the prescriber given at the time the order is filled. Generic drugs shall be dispensed at a lower cost to the Medical Assistance Program rather than trade or brand name drugs. As used in this subsection, "brand name" means the proprietary name the manufacturer places upon a drug product or on its container, label, or wrapping at the time of packaging; and "established name" has the same meaning as in section 502(e)(3) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act as amended, 21 U.S.C. § 352(e)(3).
SECTION 21.19.(i) Exceptions to Service Limitations, Eligibility Requirements, and Payments. - Service limitations, eligibility requirements, and payments bases in this section may be waived by the Department of Health and Human Services, with the approval of the Director of the Budget, to allow the Department to carry out pilot programs for prepaid health plans, contracting for services, managed care plans, or community-based services programs in accordance with plans approved by the United States Department of Health and Human Services, or when the Department determines that such a waiver will result in a reduction in the total Medicaid costs for the recipient. The Department of Health and Human Services may proceed with planning and development work on the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly.
SECTION 21.19.(j) Volume Purchase Plans and Single Source Procurement. - The Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Medical Assistance, may, subject to the approval of a change in the State Medicaid Plan, contract for services, medical equipment, supplies, and appliances by implementation of volume purchase plans, single source procurement, or other contracting processes in order to improve cost containment.
SECTION 21.19.(k) Cost-Containment Programs. - The Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Medical Assistance, may undertake cost containment programs in accordance with Section 3 of S.L. 2001-395, including contracting for services, preadmissions to hospitals and prior approval for certain outpatient surgeries before they may be performed in an inpatient setting.
SECTION 21.19.(l) For all Medicaid eligibility classifications for which the federal poverty level is used as an income limit for eligibility determination, the income limits will be updated each April 1 immediately following publication of federal poverty guidelines.
SECTION 21.19.(m) The Department of Health and Human Services shall provide Medicaid to 19-, 20-, and 21-year-olds in accordance with federal rules and regulations.
SECTION 21.19.(n) The Department of Health and Human Services shall provide coverage to pregnant women and to children according to the following schedule:
(1) Pregnant women with incomes equal to or less than one hundred eighty-five percent (185%) of the federal poverty guidelines as revised each April 1 shall be covered for Medicaid benefits. In determining income eligibility under this subdivision, the income of a minor's parents shall be counted if the minor is residing in the home.
(2) Infants under the age of 1 with family incomes equal to or less than one hundred eighty-five percent (185%) of the federal poverty guidelines as revised each April 1 shall be covered for Medicaid benefits.
(3) Children aged 1 through 5 with family incomes equal to or less than one hundred thirty-three percent (133%) of the federal poverty guidelines as revised each April 1 shall be covered for Medicaid benefits.
(4) Children aged 6 through 18 with family incomes equal to or less than the federal poverty guidelines as revised each April 1 shall be covered for Medicaid benefits.
(5) The Department of Health and Human Services shall provide Medicaid coverage for adoptive children with special or rehabilitative needs regardless of the adoptive family's income.
Services to pregnant women eligible under this subsection continue throughout the pregnancy but include only those related to pregnancy and to those other conditions determined by the Department as conditions that may complicate pregnancy. In order to reduce county administrative costs and to expedite the provision of medical services to pregnant women, to infants, and to children described in subdivisions (3) and (4) of this subsection, no resources test shall be applied.
SECTION 21.19.(o) Medicaid enrollment of categorically needy families with children shall be continuous for one year without regard to changes in income or assets.
SECTION 21.19.(p) The Department shall disregard earned income for recipients who would otherwise lose Medicaid eligibility under section 1931 of Title XIX of the Social Security Act due to earnings. This disregard shall be applied for a maximum of 12 consecutive months.
SECTION 21.19.(q) The Department of Health and Human Services shall submit a quarterly status report on expenditures for acute care and long-term care services to the Fiscal Research Division and to the Office of State Budget and Management. This report shall include an analysis of budgeted versus actual expenditures for eligibles by category and for long-term care beds. In addition, the Department shall revise the program's projected spending for the current fiscal year and the estimated spending for the subsequent fiscal year on a quarterly basis. The quarterly expenditure report and the revised forecast shall be forwarded to the Fiscal Research Division and to the Office of State Budget and Management no later than the third Thursday of the month following the end of each quarter.
SECTION 21.19.(r) The Division of Medical Assistance, Department of Health and Human Services, may provide incentives to counties that successfully recover fraudulently spent Medicaid funds by sharing State savings with counties responsible for the recovery of the fraudulently spent funds.
SECTION 21.19.(s) If first approved by the Office of State Budget and Management, the Division of Medical Assistance, Department of Health and Human Services, may use funds that are identified to support the cost of development and acquisition of equipment and software through contractual means to improve and enhance information systems that provide management information and claims processing. The Department of Health and Human Services shall identify adequate funds to support the implementation and first year's operational costs that exceed the currently allocated funds for the new contract for the fiscal agent for the Medicaid Management Information System.
SECTION 21.19.(t) The Department of Health and Human Services may adopt temporary rules according to the procedures established in G.S. 150B-21.1 when it finds that these rules are necessary to maximize receipt of federal funds within existing State appropriations, to reduce Medicaid expenditures, and to reduce fraud and abuse. Prior to the filing of these temporary rules with the Office of Administrative Hearings, the Department shall consult with the Office of State Budget and Management on the possible fiscal impact of the temporary rule and its effect on State appropriations and local governments.
SECTION 21.19.(u) The Department shall report to the Fiscal Research Division of the Legislative Services Office and to the House of Representatives Appropriations Subcommittee on Health and Human Services and the Senate Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services or the Joint Legislative Health Care Oversight Committee on any change it anticipates making in the Medicaid program that impacts the type or level of service, reimbursement methods, or waivers, any of which require a change in the State Plan or other approval by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). The reports shall be provided at the same time they are submitted to CMS for approval.
SECTION 21.19.(v) Upon approval of a demonstration waiver by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), the Department of Health and Human Services may provide Medicaid coverage for family planning services to men and women of child-bearing age with family incomes equal to or less than one hundred eighty-five percent (185%) of the federal poverty level. Coverage shall be contingent upon federal approval of the waiver and shall begin no earlier than January 1, 2001.
SECTION 21.19.(w) The Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Medical Assistance, shall use the latest audited cost reporting data available when establishing Medicaid provider rates or when making changes to the reimbursement methodology. For hospital services, the division shall use the latest audited cost reporting data available, supplemented by additional financial information available to the Division if and to the extent that the Division concludes that the information is reliable and relevant, when establishing rates or when making changes to the reimbursement methodology.
SECTION 21.19.(x) The Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Medical Assistance, shall implement a new coding system for therapeutic mental health services as required by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996. In implementing the new coding system, the Division shall ensure that the new coding system does not discriminate between providers of therapeutic mental health services with similar qualifications and training. In meeting the requirements of this subsection, the Division shall consult with the Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Abuse Services and the professional licensing boards responsible for licensing the affected professionals.
SECTION 21.19.(y) The Department of Health and
Human Services may apply federal transfer of assets policies, as described in
Title XIX, Section 1917(c) of the Social Security Act Act, including
the attachment of liens, to real property excluded as "income
producing" "income producing", tenancy-in-common, or as
nonhomesite property made "income producing" under Title XIX,
Section 1902(r)(2) of the Social Security Act. The transfer of assets policy
shall apply only to an institutionalized individual or the individual's spouse
as defined in Title XIX, Section 1917(c) of the Social Security Act. This
subsection becomes effective no earlier than October 1, 2001. Federal
transfer of asset policies and attachment of liens to properties excluded as
tenancy-in-common or as nonhomesite property made "income producing"
in accordance with this subsection shall become effective not earlier than
November 1, 2002."
SECTION 10.11.(b) Effective not earlier than January 1, 2003, G.S. 108A-70.5(b) reads as rewritten:
"(b) As used in this section:
(1) "Medical assistance" means medical care services paid for by the North Carolina Medicaid Program on behalf of the recipient:
a. If the recipient is receiving these medical care services as an inpatient in a nursing facility, intermediate care facility for the mentally retarded, or other medical institution, and cannot reasonably be expected to be discharged to return home; or
b. If the
recipient is 55 years of age or older and is receiving these medical care services,
including related hospital care and prescription drugs, for nursing facility services
services, personal care services, or home- and community-based
services.
(2) "Estate" means all the real and personal property considered assets of the estate available for the discharge of debt pursuant to G.S. 28A-15-1."
SECTION 10.11.(c) When implementing the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) method for considering equity value of income producing property, the Department shall, to the maximum extent possible, employ procedures to mitigate the hardship to Medicaid enrollees occurring from application of the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) method.
Requested by: Senators Martin of Guilford, Purcell, Dannelly, Metcalf, Plyler, Odom, Lee; Representatives Earle, Nye, Baddour, Gibson, Insko, Easterling, Oldham, Redwine
CAROLINA ACCESS PROGRAM IMPROVEMENTS
SECTION 10.12.(a) In its effort to achieve anticipated savings in the Medicaid Program of nine million four hundred twenty-five thousand dollars ($9,425,000) for the 2002-2003 fiscal year through expansion of the Carolina ACCESS II and Carolina ACCESS III programs, the Department of Health and Human Services shall monitor cost-savings activities of these programs. Carolina ACCESS II and Carolina ACCESS III programs shall provide the Department detailed information on savings realized from the following cost-savings activities:
(1) Reductions in hospital admissions;
(2) Reductions in emergency room visits;
(3) Use of best-prescribing practices;
(4) Increased prescriptions of generic drugs;
(5) Implementation of polypharmacy review;
(6) Reductions in therapy visits;
(7) Improved management of high-risk/high-cost patients; and
(8) Other strategies implemented by the programs to achieve anticipated savings.
SECTION 10.12.(b) The Department of Health and Human Services shall implement a process for the assessment and review of cost-effectiveness of the Carolina ACCESS II and Carolina ACCESS III programs. The Division of Medical Assistance shall confirm actual savings realized from the use of case management strategies of the Carolina ACCESS II and Carolina ACCESS III demonstration sites. Beginning December 1, 2002, the Department shall report quarterly the cost-effectiveness of these programs based on actual savings achieved. The Department shall submit the report to the Senate Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services, the House of Representatives Appropriations Subcommittee on Health and Human Services, the Office of State Budget and Management, and the Fiscal Research Division.
Requested by: Senators Martin of Guilford, Purcell, Plyler, Odom, Lee; Representatives Earle, Nye, Oldham
SECTION 10.13. Section 19 of S.L. 2001-513 reads as rewritten:
"SECTION 19. Notwithstanding any other provision
of law to the contrary, from funds available in the General Fund, there is
appropriated to the Department of Health and Human Services, Division of
Medical Assistance, the sum of two hundred forty-six thousand, seven hundred
sixty-two dollars ($246,762) for the 2001-2002 fiscal year and the sum of
four hundred thousand dollars ($400,000) for the 2002-2003 fiscal year.
These funds shall be used to provide optional circumcision procedures for
newborns eligible for Medicaid."
Requested by: Senators Martin of Guilford, Purcell, Dannelly, Metcalf, Plyler, Odom, Lee; Representatives Earle, Nye, Baddour, Gibson, Insko, Easterling, Oldham, Redwine
MEDICAID CASE MANAGEMENT SERVICES
SECTION 10.14.(a) The Department of Health and Human Services shall reduce Medicaid Program expenditures for case management services for adults and children for the 2002-2003 State fiscal year. In determining how to allocate this reduction, the Department shall include all State programs currently providing case management services reimbursed by the Medicaid Program, and shall consider the following issues:
(1) Elimination of all duplicative case management services.
(2) Consolidation of similar case management services.
(3) Provision of only one case manager per family reimbursed through the Medicaid Program, when feasible.
(4) Equitable allocation of reductions in case management services reimbursed by Medicaid among the different programs that provide case management services.
(5) Identification of the children and adults with the greatest case management needs to determine how to allocate reductions and remaining resources.
(6) Reductions in administrative costs associated with providing case management services reimbursed by Medicaid.
(7) Reductions in reimbursement to case management service providers.
SECTION 10.14.(b) Not later than November 1, 2002, the Department shall report on its plan for the reductions required in this section. The Department shall submit the report to the Senate Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services, the House of Representatives Appropriations Subcommittee on Health and Human Services, and the Fiscal Research Division.
Requested by: Senators Martin of Guilford, Purcell, Plyler, Odom, Lee; Representatives Earle, Nye, Easterling, Oldham, Redwine
FEDERAL WAIVERS TO ASSIST IN MEDICAID COST CONTAINMENT
SECTION 10.15.(a) The Department of Health and Human Services shall develop a plan for using federal waivers to assist in long-term cost containment for the State's Medicaid program. In developing the plan, the Department shall determine whether single or multiple federal waivers will help the State achieve its goal of long-term cost containment for the State's Medicaid program, and shall also determine which type of waiver is likely to be most helpful. The Department shall consider all of the following for development of the plan:
(1) Which optional categories of persons eligible for Medicaid will be covered by the waiver.
(2) What optional Medicaid services will be included in the service package covered by the waiver.
(3) What types of cost-sharing will be required under the waiver.
(4) Will the waiver use Carolina ACCESS, other types of managed care, or will a fee-for-service system for providing health care services be used.
(5) Will private insurance coverage options be incorporated into the waiver.
(6) Should the NC Health Choice Program be included in the waiver.
SECTION 10.15.(b) On or before February 1, 2003, the Department shall report on its plan for seeking federal waivers to achieve long-term cost containment in the State's Medicaid program. The report shall be made to the Senate Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services, the House of Representatives Appropriations Subcommittee on Health and Human Services, and the Fiscal Research Division, and shall include the following:
(1) Copy of the application for the waiver.
(2) Description of how the waiver will help achieve long-term cost containment in the State's Medicaid program.
(3) Description of legislation necessary to implement the proposed waiver.
Requested by: Senators Martin of Guilford, Purcell, Dannelly, Metcalf, Plyler, Odom, Lee; Representatives Earle, Nye, Baddour, Gibson, Insko, Easterling, Oldham, Redwine
COMMUNITY ALTERNATIVES PROGRAMS
SECTION 10.16.(a) The Department of Health and Human Services shall administer all Community Alternatives Program (CAP) waivers in the most economical and efficient manner possible to support within funds appropriated the maximum number of persons meeting participation requirements under the waivers. The Department shall amend the waivers to ensure that participation requirements and payment and service limits will ensure that the maximum number of persons meeting participation requirements are served by all waivers. Not later than November 1, 2002, the Department shall submit a report that outlines efficient use of funds appropriated and that demonstrates the participation requirements, payment and service limits, and other administrative actions to support the maximum number of persons to be served in the applicable State fiscal year. The report shall be submitted to the Senate Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services, the House of Representatives Appropriations Subcommittee on Health and Human Services, and the Fiscal Research Division.
SECTION 10.16.(b) Community Alternatives Program for Disabled Adults (CAP/DA) services shall be provided for the 2002-2003 fiscal year to any eligible person who entered a nursing facility on or before June 1, 2002, notwithstanding that the availability of CAP/DA services may be suspended for that fiscal year.
SECTION 10.16.(c) The North Carolina Institute of Medicine shall conduct a study of the CAP/DA administered by the Department of Health and Human Services and shall recommend ways of improving the administration of CAP/DA. In conducting the study, the Institute shall consider the following:
(1) Whether the lead agency for CAP/DA should also be a provider of direct services under CAP/DA.
(2) Whether case managers should be employed by the provider agency.
(3) Whether funds for CAP/DA should be reduced below the ninety percent (90%) maximum that currently exists.
(4) Review current policy for service requirements, management, and supervision as it pertains to strengthening the family and case manager and agency requirements.
(5) Whether case managers and provider agencies should have increased responsibility for upholding guidelines.
(6) Whether oversight of CAP/DA by the Division of Medical Assistance needs strengthening.
(7) Alternative funding sources for CAP/DA.
(8) Determination of funding needs for CAP/DA based on corroboration with long-term care policy initiatives.
(9) What changes should be made to CAP/DA to reduce cost of services per person in order to serve more individuals within existing funds.
(10) Any other matters the North Carolina Institute of Medicine considers pertinent to the study.
The North Carolina Institute of Medicine shall report its findings and recommendations to the 2003 General Assembly upon its convening.
Requested by: Senators Martin of Guilford, Purcell, Plyler, Odom, Lee; Representatives Earle, Nye, Easterling, Oldham, Redwine
DISPOSITION OF DISPROPORTIONATE SHARE RECEIPT CHANGE
SECTION 10.17.(a) Disproportionate share receipts reserved at the end of the 2002-2003 fiscal year shall be deposited with the Department of State Treasurer as nontax revenue for the 2002-2003 fiscal year.
SECTION 10.17.(b) For the 2002-2003 fiscal year, as it receives funds associated with Disproportionate Share Payments from State hospitals, the Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Medical Assistance, shall deposit up to one hundred seven million dollars ($107,000,000) of these Disproportionate Share Payments to the Department of State Treasurer for deposit as nontax revenue. Any Disproportionate Share Payments collected in excess of the one hundred seven million dollars ($107,000,000) shall be reserved by the State Treasurer for future appropriations.
Requested by: Senators Martin of Guilford, Purcell, Dannelly, Metcalf, Plyler, Odom, Lee; Representatives Earle, Nye, Baddour, Gibson, Insko, Easterling, Oldham, Redwine
SECTION 10.18. The Department of Health and Human Services shall reduce Medicaid payments to hospitals by one-half of one percent (.5%) for the 2002-2003 State fiscal year. The Department shall evaluate all medical payment programs and policies administered by the Department that may affect the future viability and sustainability of financially vulnerable hospitals. Based on the evaluation of the medical payments programs and policies affecting hospitals, the Department shall implement the one-half of one percent (.5%) reduction for the 2002-2003 State fiscal year such that the reduction has the least impact on the future viability and sustainability of financially vulnerable hospitals. The Department shall also review the status of financially vulnerable hospitals to determine whether additional State actions are appropriate to ensure that communities served by these hospitals continue to receive essential medical services. The Department shall consult with the North Carolina Hospital Association while conducting the evaluation of medical payment programs and policies and determining how to implement the one-half of one percent (.5%) reduction. The Department shall report to the Senate Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services, the House of Representatives Appropriations Subcommittee on Health and Human Services, and the Fiscal Research Division on its activities under this section not later than November 1, 2002.
Requested by: Senators Martin of Guilford, Purcell, Dannelly, Metcalf, Plyler, Odom, Lee; Representatives Earle, Nye, Baddour, Gibson, Insko, Easterling, Oldham, Redwine
SECTION 10.19.(a) Section 21.26(b) of S.L. 2001-424 reads as rewritten:
"SECTION 21.26.(b) The Department shall implement a pharmacy management plan considering the recommendations of the "North Carolina Medicaid Benefit Study" to achieve anticipated cost savings. The pharmacy management plan may include the following activities:
(1) Establishing a prior authorization program to manage utilization of high-cost, brand name drugs. In determining drugs to be included in the prior authorization program, the Department shall consider whether inclusion of these drugs is likely to:
a. Increase utilization of more expensive services;
b. Reduce quality of treatment;
c. Result in a lower level of compliance with appropriate drug therapy; and
d. Have a differential impact upon racial and ethnic minorities and the elderly.
The Department shall conduct a review at least annually of the drugs included in the prior authorization program to determine whether any of the factors listed in this subdivision or other factors with similar results have occurred.
(2) Limiting prescription drugs to a 34-day supply for some or all drugs.
(3) Developing physician prescribing practice profiles and other educational tools to enable physicians to better manage their prescriptions.
(4) Establishing therapeutic limits based on appropriate dosage or usage standards.
(5) Encouraging use of generic drugs.
(6) Using maximum allowable pricing.
(7) Contracting with a pharmacy benefits manager to implement more extensive drug utilization review.
(8) Studying the impact of eliminating the six prescription drug monthly limit combined with a more rigorous prior authorization program to ensure cost decisions are made based on evidence-based clinical guidelines.
(9) Expanding disease management initiatives.
(10) Working with ACCESS physicians to develop and implement drug utilization management initiatives.
(11) If cost-effective, expanding Medicaid drug coverage to include selected over-the-counter medications.
The Department may adopt temporary rules in accordance with G.S. 150B-21.1 when it finds these rules are necessary to clarify recipient appeal rights related to the pharmacy management plan."
SECTION 10.19.(b) The Secretary of Health and Human Services shall not require supplemental rebates from pharmaceutical manufacturers.
Requested by: Senators Martin of Guilford, Purcell, Dannelly, Metcalf, Plyler, Odom, Lee; Representatives Earle, Nye, Baddour, Gibson, Insko, Easterling, Oldham, Redwine
LONG-TERM CARE REIMBURSEMENT METHODOLOGY
SECTION 10.19A. When establishing a new reimbursement methodology for long-term care services including nursing facilities, ICF-MRs, and adult care homes, the Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Medical Assistance, shall do the following:
(1) Use the latest cost data available;
(2) Establish reimbursement rates that will allow Medicaid long-term care providers to comply with certification requirements, licensure rules, or other mandated quality or safety standards;
(3) Consider available data related to long-term care industry costs and losses, including those resulting from the health care workforce crisis and the increase in professional liability insurance premiums; and
(4) Consider the effect on future viability and sustainability of financially vulnerable long-term care providers.
The Division of Medical Assistance and any contract agencies performing the functions associated with this section shall consult with provider organizations, including the North Carolina Health Care Facilities Association, the Long-Term Care Facilities Association of North Carolina, the North Carolina Assisted Living Association, the North Carolina Developmental Disabilities Facilities Association, and the North Carolina Association of Non-Profit Homes for the Aging. The Department shall report on the reimbursement methodology not later than January 1, 2003, to the House of Representatives Appropriations Subcommittee on Health and Human Services, the Senate Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services, and the Fiscal Research Division.
Requested by: Senators Martin of Guilford, Purcell, Dannelly, Metcalf, Plyler, Odom, Lee; Representatives Earle, Nye, Baddour, Gibson, Insko, Easterling, Oldham, Redwine
INCREASES IN FEDERAL MEDICAID FUNDS
SECTION 10.19C.(a) Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, the total amount of State funds that become available to the Department of Health and Human Services for the 2002-2003 fiscal year due to an increase in federal Medicaid funds resulting from increases in the Federal Financial Participation rate shall be used to increase funds appropriated to the Department for the 2002-2003 fiscal year for the Medicaid program without any reduction in what is otherwise allocated to the Department from appropriated funds.
SECTION 10.19C.(b) The Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Medical Assistance, may reinstate eligibility policies changed by this act when all of the following conditions are met:
(1) Congress approves enhanced Federal Financial Participation for State Medicaid programs.
(2) Receipt of the enhanced Federal Financial Participation is dependent on a state's maintenance of effort in Medicaid eligibility.
(3) The Department has concluded that the enacted policy changes render the State ineligible for the enhanced Federal Financial Participation.
(4) Enhanced Federal Financial Participation receipts exceed the anticipated savings in State funds from the enacted policy changes.
Requested by: Senators Martin of Guilford, Purcell, Dannelly, Metcalf, Plyler, Odom, Lee; Representatives Earle, Nye, Baddour, Gibson, Insko, Easterling, Oldham, Redwine
Medicaid Reserve Fund Transfer
SECTION 10.19D. Of the funds transferred to the Department of Health and Human Services for Medicaid programs pursuant to G. S. 143-23.2, the sum of forty-three million seven hundred forty-seven thousand five hundred thirty-eight dollars ($43,747,538) for the 2002-2003 fiscal year shall be allocated as prescribed by G. S. 143-23.2(b) for Medicaid Programs. Notwithstanding the prescription in G. S. 143-23.2(b) that these funds not reduce State general revenue funding, these funds shall replace the reduction in general revenue funding effected in this act.
Requested by: Senators Martin of Guilford, Purcell, Dannelly, Metcalf, Plyler, Odom, Lee; Representatives Earle, Nye, Baddour, Gibson, Insko, Easterling, Oldham, Redwine
SECTION 10.20.(a) G.S. 108A-70.21 reads as rewritten:
"§ 108A-70.21. Program eligibility; benefits; enrollment fee and other cost-sharing; coverage from private plans; purchase of extended coverage.
(a) Eligibility. - The Department may enroll eligible children based on availability of funds. Following are eligibility and other requirements for participation in the Program:
(1) Children must:
a. Be under the age of 19;
b. Be ineligible for Medicaid, Medicare, or other federal government-sponsored health insurance;
c. Be uninsured;
d. Be in a family that meets the following family income requirements:
1. Infants under the age of one year whose family income is from one hundred eighty-five percent (185%) through two hundred percent (200%) of the federal poverty level;
2. Children age one year through five years whose family income is above one hundred thirty-three percent (133%) through two hundred percent (200%) of the federal poverty level; and
3. Children age six years through eighteen years whose family income is above one hundred percent (100%) through two hundred percent (200%) of the federal poverty level;
e. Be a resident of this State and eligible under federal law; and
f. Have paid the Program enrollment fee required under this Part.
(2) Proof of family income and residency and declaration of uninsured status shall be provided by the applicant at the time of application for Program coverage. The family member who is legally responsible for the children enrolled in the Program has a duty to report any change in the enrollee's status within 60 days of the change of status.
(3) If a responsible parent is under a court order to provide or maintain health insurance for a child and has failed to comply with the court order, then the child is deemed uninsured for purposes of determining eligibility for Program benefits if at the time of application the custodial parent shows proof of agreement to notify and cooperate with the child support enforcement agency in enforcing the order.
If health insurance other than under the Program is provided to the child after enrollment and prior to the expiration of the eligibility period for which the child is enrolled in the Program, then the child is deemed to be insured and ineligible for continued coverage under the Program. The custodial parent has a duty to notify the Department within 10 days of receipt of the other health insurance, and the Department, upon receipt of notice, shall disenroll the child from the Program. As used in this paragraph, the term "responsible parent" means a person who is under a court order to pay child support.
(4) Except as otherwise provided in this section, enrollment shall be continuous for one year. At the end of each year, applicants may reapply for Program benefits.
(b) Benefits. - Except as
otherwise provided for eligibility, fees, deductibles, copayments, and other
cost-sharing charges, health benefits coverage provided to children eligible
under the Program shall be equivalent to coverage provided for dependents under
the North Carolina Teachers' and State Employees' Comprehensive Major Medical
Plan, including optional prepaid plans. Prescription drug providers shall
accept as payment in full, for outpatient prescriptions filled, ninety percent
(90%) of the average wholesale price for the prescription drug or the amounts
published by the Health Care Financing Administration Centers for
Medicare and Medicaid Services plus a fee established by the provider
not to exceed the amount authorized under subdivision (d)(3) of this section. dispensing
fee of five dollars and sixty cents ($5.60) per prescription for generic drugs
and four dollars ($4.00) per prescription for brand name drugs. All other
health care providers providing services to Program enrollees shall accept as
payment in full for services rendered the maximum allowable charges under the
North Carolina Teachers' and State Employees' Comprehensive Major Medical Plan
for services less any copayments assessed to enrollees under this Part. No
child enrolled in the Plan's self-insured indemnity program shall be required
by the Plan to change health care providers as a result of being enrolled in
the Program.
In addition to the benefits provided under the Plan, the following services and supplies are covered under the Health Insurance Program for Children established under this Part:
(1) Dental: Oral examinations, teeth cleaning, and scaling twice during a 12-month period, full mouth X rays once every 60 months, supplemental bitewing X rays showing the back of the teeth once during a 12-month period, fluoride applications twice during a 12-month period, sealants, simple extractions, therapeutic pulpotomies, prefabricated stainless steel crowns, and routine fillings of amalgam or other tooth-colored filling material to restore diseased teeth. No benefits are to be provided for services under this subsection that are not performed by or upon the direction of a dentist, doctor, or other professional provider approved by the Plan nor for services and materials that do not meet the standards accepted by the American Dental Association.
(2) Vision: Scheduled routine eye examinations once every 12 months, eyeglass lenses or contact lenses once every 12 months, routine replacement of eyeglass frames once every 24 months, and optical supplies and solutions when needed. Optical services, supplies, and solutions must be obtained from licensed or certified opthamologists, optometrists, or optical dispensing laboratories. Eyeglass lenses are limited to single vision, bifocal, trifocal, or other complex lenses necessary for a Plan enrollee's visual welfare. Coverage for oversized lenses and frames, designer frames, photosensitive lenses, tinted contact lenses, blended lenses, progressive multifocal lenses, coated lenses, and laminated lenses is limited to the coverage for single vision, bifocal, trifocal, or other complex lenses provided by this subsection. Eyeglass frames are limited to those made of zylonite, metal, or a combination of zylonite and metal. All visual aids covered by this subsection require prior approval of the Plan. Upon prior approval by the Plan, refractions may be covered more often than once every 12 months.
(3) Hearing: Auditory diagnostic testing services and hearing aids and accessories when provided by a licensed or certified audiologist, otolaryngologist, or other hearing aid specialist approved by the Plan. Prior approval of the Plan is required for hearing aids, accessories, earmolds, repairs, loaners, and rental aids.
(c) Annual Enrollment Fee. - There shall be no enrollment fee for Program coverage for enrollees whose family income is at or below one hundred fifty percent (150%) of the federal poverty level. The enrollment fee for Program coverage for enrollees whose family income is above one hundred fifty percent (150%) of the federal poverty level shall be fifty dollars ($50.00) per year per child with a maximum annual enrollment fee of one hundred dollars ($100.00) for two or more children. The enrollment fee shall be collected by the county department of social services and retained to cover the cost of determining eligibility for services under the Program. County departments of social services shall establish procedures for the collection of enrollment fees.
(d) Cost-Sharing. - There shall be no deductibles, copayments, or other cost-sharing charges for families covered under the Program whose family income is at or below one hundred fifty percent (150%) of the federal poverty level. Families covered under the Program whose family income is above one hundred fifty percent (150%) of the federal poverty level shall be responsible for copayments to providers as follows:
(1) Five dollars ($5.00) per child for each visit to a provider, except that there shall be no copayment required for well-baby, well-child, or age-appropriate immunization services;
(2) Five dollars ($5.00) per child for each outpatient hospital visit;
(3) A six-dollar ($6.00) fee for each outpatient prescription drug purchased;
(4) Twenty dollars ($20.00) for each emergency room visit unless:
a. The child is admitted to the hospital, or
b. No other reasonable care was available as determined by the Claims Processing Contractor of the North Carolina Teachers' and State Employees' Comprehensive Major Medical Plan.
Copayments required under this subsection for prescription drugs apply only to prescription drugs prescribed on an outpatient basis.
(e) Cost-Sharing Limitations. - The total annual aggregate cost-sharing, including fees, with respect to all children in a family receiving Program benefits under this Part shall not exceed five percent (5%) of the family's income for the year involved. To assist the Department in monitoring and ensuring that the limitations of this subsection are not exceeded, the Executive Administrator and Board of Trustees of the North Carolina Teachers' and State Employees' Comprehensive Major Medical Plan shall provide data to the Department showing cost-sharing paid by Program enrollees.
(f) Coverage From Private Plans. - The Department shall, from funds available for the Program, pay the cost for dependent coverage provided under a private insurance plan for persons eligible for coverage under the Program if all of the following conditions are met:
(1) The person eligible for Program coverage requests to obtain dependent coverage from a private insurer in lieu of coverage under the Program and shows proof that coverage under the private plan selected meets the requirements of this subsection;
(2) The dependent coverage under the private plan is actuarially equivalent to the coverage provided under the Program and the private plan does not engage in the exclusive enrollment of children with favorable health care risks;
(3) The cost of dependent coverage under the private plan is the same as or less than the cost of coverage under the Program; and
(4) The total annual aggregate cost-sharing, including fees, paid by the enrollee under the private plan for all dependents covered by the plan, do not exceed five percent (5%) of the enrollee's family income for the year involved.
The Department may reimburse an enrollee for private coverage under this subsection upon a showing of proof that the dependent coverage is in effect for the period for which the enrollee is eligible for the Program.
(g) Purchase of Extended Coverage. - An enrollee in the Program who loses eligibility due to an increase in family income above two hundred percent (200%) of the federal poverty level and up to and including two hundred twenty-five percent (225%) of the federal poverty level may purchase at full premium cost continued coverage under the Program for a period not to exceed one year beginning on the date the enrollee becomes ineligible under the income requirements for the Program. The same benefits, copayments, and other conditions of enrollment under the Program shall apply to extended coverage purchased under this subsection.
(h) No State Funds for Voluntary Participation. - No State or federal funds shall be used to cover, subsidize, or otherwise offset the cost of coverage obtained under subsection (g) of this section."
SECTION 10.20.(b) The dispensing fee for prescription drugs required under G.S. 108A-70.21(b), as enacted by this section, shall become effective not later than January 1, 2003.
SECTION 10.20.(c) It is the intent of the General Assembly to consider the recommendations of the Institute of Medicine study in determining whether Medicaid rates or some other rates should apply to Program services.
Requested by: Senators Martin of Guilford, Purcell, Plyler, Odom, Lee; Representatives Earle, Nye, Easterling, Oldham, Redwine
NC HEALTH CHOICE STATE PLAN technical amendments
SECTION 10.21. The Department of Health and Human Services may rewrite and submit to the federal government the State Plan for the North Carolina Health Choice Program solely for the purpose of incorporating amendments enacted by the 1997 General Assembly, Regular Session 1998, the 1999 General Assembly, and the 2001 General Assembly, and to otherwise comply with applicable federal requirements. Nothing in this section authorizes the Department to make amendments to the State Plan for the North Carolina Health Choice Program not otherwise authorized by the General Assembly. Amendments to the State Plan required by the federal government to be implemented after the effective date of this section, other than those authorized by this section, shall comply with G.S. 108A-70.25.
subpart 3. division of mental health, developmental disabilities, and substance abuse services
Requested by: Senators Martin of Guilford, Purcell, Dannelly, Metcalf, Plyler, Odom, Lee; Representatives Earle, Nye, Baddour, Gibson, Insko, Easterling, Oldham, Redwine
ALLOCATION OF REDUCTIONS IN FUNDS FOR MENTAL HEALTH, DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES, AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE services PROGRAMS
SECTION 10.23.(a) The Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Abuse Services shall allocate reductions to Division central administration to items of expenditures which have the least impact on:
(1) The support of direct services to individuals served in State facilities and local programs;
(2) The Division's ability to reorganize and continue implementation of the State Plan for Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Abuse Services; and
(3) The Division's ability to meet State and federal requirements such as monitoring, program oversight, and reporting.
SECTION 10.23.(b) All reductions designated for Division-operated State facilities shall be allocated as follows:
(1) In a manner that has the least impact possible on the State's ability to comply with Olmstead vs. L.C. & E.W. and The Civil Rights of Institutionalized Persons Act (CRIPA).
(2) Maximum resources shall be retained for the purpose of transfer to local programs for community capacity building as the population in State facilities decreases and the principal focus of services transitions to community-based programs.
(3) As deemed essential by the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services for compliance with implementation of the State Plan for Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Abuse Services, and with Olmstead vs. L.C. & E.W. and CRIPA, reduction amounts and total number of positions reduced may be shifted among facilities so long as the aggregate reduction in State appropriations is achieved.
SECTION 10.23.(c) The Department shall report not later than November 1, 2002, on a plan for allocating the reductions required under this section. The plan shall describe each reduction allocation demonstrating compliance with this section. The Department shall submit the report to the Senate Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services, the House of Representatives Appropriations Subcommittee on Health and Human Services, and the Fiscal Research Division.
Requested by: Senators Martin of Guilford, Purcell, Plyler, Odom, Lee; Representatives Earle, Nye, Easterling, Oldham, Redwine
SUBSTANCE ABUSE PREVENTION SERVICES
SECTION 10.24.(a) In order to ensure that individuals receive effective substance abuse prevention services, the Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Abuse Services, shall do the following with respect to services provided to these individuals:
(1) Designate an Office of Substance Abuse Prevention within the Department as outlined in the North Carolina Comprehensive Strategic Plan for Substance Abuse Prevention. This Office shall be responsible for the implementation of the goals in the Comprehensive Strategic Plan for Substance Abuse Prevention. The Office shall also maintain the Interagency Agreement for Substance Abuse Prevention Services and ensure continuing collaboration between agencies that are parties to the Agreement.
(2) Provide only those prevention services that are evidence-based and have been determined to be effective in preventing alcohol and other drug problems.
(3) Propose rules for the licensure of prevention programs to ensure quality of service delivery in local communities. Rules shall be subject to review and adoption by the Commission for Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Abuse Services.
(4) Ensure that services are provided by qualified prevention professionals.
(5) Implement an outcome-based system utilizing standard risk assessments and data elements consistent with appropriate evaluation of prevention programs.
SECTION 10.24.(b) The Department shall report on its activities under this section to the Senate Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services, the House of Representatives Appropriations Subcommittee on Health and Human Services, and the Fiscal Research Division not later than December 1, 2002.
Requested by: Senators Martin of Guilford, Purcell, Plyler, Odom, Lee; Representatives Earle, Nye, Easterling, Oldham, Redwine
PRIVATE AGENCY UNIFORM COST-FINDING REQUIREMENT
SECTION 10.25. Section 21.56 of S.L. 2001-424, as amended by S.L. 2001-513, reads as rewritten:
"SECTION 21.56.(a) To ensure
uniformity in rates charged to area programs and funded with State-allocated
resources, the Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and
Substance Abuse Services of the Department of Health and Human Services may
require a private agency that provides services under contract with two or
more area programs, an area program or county program, except for
hospital services that have an established Medicaid rate, to complete an agency-wide
uniform cost finding. The resulting cost shall be the maximum included for the
private agency in the contracting area program's unit cost finding.
SECTION 21.56.(b) If a private agency fails to timely and accurately complete the required agency-wide uniform cost finding in a manner acceptable to the Department's controller's office, the Department may suspend all Department funding and payment to the private agency until such time as an acceptable cost finding has been completed by the private agency and approved by the Department's controller's office."
Requested by: Senators Martin of Guilford, Purcell, Plyler, Odom, Lee; Representatives Earle, Nye, Easterling, Oldham, Redwine
SECTION 10.26. Section 21.61(a) of S.L. 2001-424 reads as rewritten:
"SECTION 21.61.(a) The Department of
Health and Human Services shall work with families and guardians, the
Department of Public Instruction, the Department of Juvenile Justice and
Delinquency Prevention, and appropriate local education agencies, area mental
health, developmental disabilities, and substance abuse programs, and local
departments of social services to develop a plan for the transition of children
from the Whitaker School to their homes or alternative facilities. The Plan
shall ensure appropriate and safe placement for those children who, in
accordance with the assessment, need an institutional setting. The Plan shall
also include transition plans that facilitate and support children living in
their natural environments and utilizing existing resources and natural
supports. Assessments and service planning alternatives shall also be
undertaken for children on the waiting list for placement at Whitaker School to
ensure appropriate and safe placement for those children. The Department
shall report on the status of its compliance with this section on April 1, 2002
and again on October 1, 2002. January 1, 2003. The report shall
be submitted to the Senate Appropriations Committee on Health and Human
Services, the House of Representatives Appropriations Subcommittee on Health
and Human Services, the Joint Legislative Commission on Governmental
Operations, and the Fiscal Research Division."
Requested by: Senators Martin of Guilford, Purcell, Plyler, Odom, Lee; Representatives Earle, Nye, Easterling, Oldham, Redwine
AREA MENTAL HEALTH ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS
SECTION 10.27. Section 21.65 of S.L. 2001-424 reads as rewritten:
"SECTION 21.65.(a) Area mental health, developmental disabilities, and substance abuse authorities or counties administering mental health, developmental disabilities, and substance abuse services shall develop and implement plans to reduce local administrative costs. The plans shall be developed in accordance with guidelines adopted by the Secretary, in consultation with the Local Government Commission and the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners, and in accordance with the following:
(1) For the 2001-2002 fiscal year, administrative costs for:
a. Area mental health, developmental disabilities, and substance abuse services programs shall not exceed fifteen percent (15%).
b. Counties administering mental health, developmental disabilities, and substance abuse services through a county program shall not exceed fifteen percent (15%).
(2) For the 2002-2003 fiscal year, administrative costs for:
a. Area mental health, developmental disabilities, and substance abuse services programs shall not exceed thirteen percent (13%).
b. Counties administering mental health, developmental disabilities, and substance abuse services through a county program shall not exceed thirteen percent (13%).
SECTION 21.65.(b) The Department of Health and Human Services shall report its progress in complying with this section not later than January 1, 2002, and April 15, 2002. The reports shall be submitted to the Senate Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services, the House of Representatives Appropriations Subcommittee on Health and Human Services, and the Fiscal Research Division and shall include:
(1) A description of the process used and the participants involved in complying with subsection (a) of this section.
(2) The guidelines developed under subsection (a) of this section.
(3) A description of local compliance initiatives and efforts including program or function consolidation.
(4) A list of area programs at or below the targeted thirteen percent (13%) for the 2000-2001 fiscal year.
(5) Projected savings in administrative costs as a result of implementation of the targeted limits required under this section.
SECTION 21.65.(c) Beginning in the 2002-2003 fiscal year, the Department may implement alternative approaches to establish reasonable administrative cost limitations for Local Management Entities (LMEs), including both county programs and area authority models, and service providers in accordance with system reform and changes in system funding structures."
Requested by: Senators Martin of Guilford, Purcell, Dannelly, Metcalf, Plyler, Odom, Lee; Representatives Earle, Nye, Baddour, Gibson, Insko, Easterling, Oldham, Redwine
MENTAL RETARDATION CENTER DOWNSIZING
SECTION 10.28. Section 21.67 of S.L. 2001-424 reads as rewritten:
"SECTION 21.67.(a)
In accordance with the Department of Health and Human Services' plan
for downsizing the State's regional mental retardation facilities by four
percent (4%) each year, the Department shall implement cost-containment and
reduction strategies to ensure the corresponding financial and staff downsizing
of each facility. The Department shall manage the client population of the
mental retardation centers in order to ensure that placements for ICF/MR level
of care shall be made in non-State facilities. Admissions to State ICF/MR
facilities are permitted only as a last resort and only upon approval of the
Department. The corresponding budgets for each of the State mental retardation
centers shall be reduced, and positions shall be eliminated as the census of
each facility decreases. At no time shall mental retardation center positions
be transferred to other units within a facility or assigned nondirect care
activities such as outreach.outreach, except that position transfers
may be made for outreach activities to facilitate the transfer of residents to
the community.
SECTION 21.67.(a1) Any savings in State appropriations in excess of two million nine hundred thousand dollars ($2,900,000) in each year of the 2001-2003 fiscal biennium that result from reductions in beds or services shall be applied as follows:
(1) Nonrecurring savings shall be placed in the Trust Fund for Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Abuse Services and Bridge Funding Needs and shall be used to facilitate the transition of clients into appropriate community-based services and support in accordance with Section 21.58 of this act, and
(2) Recurring savings realized through implementation of this section shall be retained by the Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Abuse Services to support the recurring costs of additional community-based placements from Division facilities in accordance with Olmstead vs. L.C. & E.W. In determining the savings in this section, savings shall include all savings realized from the downsizing of the State mental retardation centers including both the savings in direct State appropriations in the budgets of the State mental retardation centers as well as the savings in the State matching portion of reduced Medicaid payments associated with downsizing.
SECTION 21.67.(b) The Department of Health and
Human Services shall report on its progress in complying with this section to
the Senate Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services, the House of
Representatives Appropriations Subcommittee on Health and Human Services, and
the Fiscal Research Division. The progress report shall be submitted not later
than January 15, 2002, and a final report submitted not later than May 1,
2002.January 1, 2003.
SECTION 21.67.(c) Downsizing of mental retardation centers which occurs in the 2001-2002 fiscal year shall be maintained for the 2002-2003 fiscal year. Effective July 1, 2002, downsizing shall be accomplished in accordance with this section and the State Plan for Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Abuse Services. All savings resulting from downsizing occurring on and after July 1, 2002, shall be utilized as set forth in subsection (a1) of this section."
Requested by: Senators Martin of Guilford, Purcell, Plyler, Odom, Lee; Representatives Earle, Nye, Easterling, Oldham, Redwine
STATE PSYCHIATRIC HOSPITAL BED DAY ALLOCATION PLAN
SECTION 10.29. Section 21.68A of S.L. 2001-424 reads as rewritten:
Requested by: Senators Martin of Guilford, Purcell, Plyler, Odom, Lee; Representatives Earle, Nye, Easterling, Oldham, Redwine
EXTEND CONSUMER ADVOCACY PROGRAM CONTINGENT UPON FUNDS APPROPRIATED BY the 2003 GENERAL ASSEMBLY
SECTION 10.30. Section 4 of S.L. 2001-437 reads as rewritten:
"SECTION 4. Sections 1.1 through 1.21(b) of this
act become effective July 1, 2002. Section 2 of this act becomes effective July
1, 2002, only if funds are appropriated by the 2001 General Assembly, Regular
Session 2002, for that purpose. only if funds are appropriated by the
2003 General Assembly for that purpose. Section 2 of this act becomes effective
July 1 of the fiscal year for which funds are appropriated by the 2003 General
Assembly for that purpose. The remainder of this act is effective when it
becomes law."
Requested by: Senators Martin of Guilford, Purcell, Dannelly, Metcalf, Plyler, Odom, Lee; Representatives Earle, Nye, Alexander, Baddour, Gibson, Insko, Easterling, Oldham, Redwine
SECTION 10.31.(a) The Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services and the Chairs of the Commissions listed in this section shall collaborate in the development of a process for identifying and resolving issues pertaining to duplication and conflict of rules adopted by the Secretary and each Commission that affect the area of mental health, developmental disabilities, and substance abuse services. The process shall address the following:
(1) How to identify on a routine basis proposed rules that duplicate in whole or in part other rules proposed or adopted and ways of avoiding the duplication without interfering with the agency's statutory duty to adopt the rule and without impairing the effectiveness of the rule in carrying out the statutory mandate.
(2) How to identify on a routine basis adopted rules that are in conflict, proposed rules that conflict with other proposed or adopted rules, and ways of addressing the conflict without interfering with the agency's statutory duty to adopt the rule and without impairing the effectiveness of the rule in carrying out the statutory mandate.
The following Commissions shall collaborate with the Secretary on the development of this process: the Commission for Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Abuse Services, the Social Services Commission, the Commission for Health Services, the Medical Care Commission, and other Commissions that adopt rules affecting the area of mental health, developmental disabilities, and substance abuse services that the Secretary has a duty to implement. The Secretary shall also involve a representative of the Division of Medical Assistance in this effort.
SECTION 10.31.(b) The Secretary and the Commissions shall implement the process required by subsection (a) of this section not later than November 1, 2002. Not later than November 15, 2002, the Secretary shall report to the Joint Legislative Commission on Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Abuse Services the following:
(1) The status of the review of rules conducted by the Department for determining the existence of ambiguity, duplication, or conflict.
(2) Specific rules identified that are in conflict and the recommended action for resolving the conflict.
(3) Statutory changes necessary to accomplish the purposes of the rules review process required by subsection (a) of this section.
Requested by: Senators Martin of Guilford, Purcell, Dannelly, Metcalf, Plyler, Odom, Lee; Representatives Earle, Nye, Baddour, Gibson, Insko, Easterling, Oldham, Redwine
PATIENT ADVOCATE POSITIONS ORGANIZATIONAL CHANGE
SECTION 10.31A. In order to better achieve the purposes of patient advocate positions, the Department of Health and Human Services shall develop a plan for restructuring the organizational framework for patient advocate positions such that patient advocates in the State psychiatric hospitals and mental retardation centers are under the supervision of and report directly to Department officials rather than to the Directors of these facilities. In developing the plan, the Department shall not relocate the patient advocates nor change their duties and responsibilities, but shall determine the best organizational structure within the Department for these positions. In developing the plan the Department shall also consider contracting for patient advocate services. The Department shall report on the development of the plan to restructure the patient advocate position organizational framework. The report shall include the following information:
(1) The various potential organizational structures under the Department's organizational framework considered for the patient advocate positions.
(2) The organizational framework recommended by the Department.
(3) The Department officials responsible for supervision of the patient advocates under the new organizational framework.
(4) Whether the Department considered contracting for patient advocate services and the reasons for its decision about contracting for these services.
The Department shall submit the report not later than December 1, 2002, to the House of Representatives Appropriations Subcommittee on Health and Human Services, the Senate Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services, and the Fiscal Research Division.
subpart 4. division of social services
Requested by: Senators Martin of Guilford, Purcell, Plyler, Odom, Lee; Representatives Earle, Nye, Easterling, Oldham, Redwine
Special Needs Adoption Incentive Fund Reporting Date
SECTION 10.32. Section 21.42(d) of S.L. 2001-424 reads as rewritten:
"SECTION 21.42.(d) The Department of
Health and Human Services shall report on the use of these funds no later than
April 1, 2002,2003, to the Senate Appropriations Committee on
Health and Human Services, the House of Representatives Appropriations
Subcommittee on Health and Human Services, and the Fiscal Research Division."
Requested by: Senators Martin of Guilford, Purcell, Plyler, Odom, Lee; Representatives Earle, Nye, Easterling, Oldham, Redwine
Child Welfare Systems Pilots Reports
SECTION 10.33.(a) Section 21.46(a) of S.L. 2001-424 reads as rewritten:
"SECTION 21.46.(a) The Department of
Health and Human Services, Division of Social Services, shall develop a plan,
working with local departments of social services, to implement an alternative
response system of child protection in no fewer than two and no more than 10
demonstration areas in this State. The plan should provide for the pilots to
implement an alternative response system in which local departments of social
services utilize family assessment tools and family support principles when
responding to selected reports of suspected child neglect.neglect and
dependency."
SECTION 10.33.(b) The Department of Health and Human Services shall report on any activities conducted under Section 21.46 of S.L. 2001-424 to the Senate Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services, the House of Representatives Appropriations Subcommittee on Health and Human Services, and the Fiscal Research Division not later than April 1, 2003.
Requested by: Senators Martin of Guilford, Purcell, Plyler, Odom, Lee; Representatives Earle, Nye, Easterling, Oldham, Redwine
Family Resource Centers - Reporting requirement
SECTION 10.34. Section 21.48(e) of S.L. 2001-424 reads as rewritten:
"SECTION 21.48.(e) The Department
shall report on activities under this section. This report is due to the Senate
Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services, the House of
Representatives Appropriations Subcommittee on Health and Human Services, and
the Fiscal Research Division on May 1, 2002.2003."
Requested by: Senators Martin of Guilford, Purcell, Plyler, Odom, Lee; Representatives Earle, Nye, Easterling, Oldham, Redwine
eliminate Additional Funds for Child Support Services
SECTION 10.35. Section 21.54A of S.L. 2001-424 reads as rewritten:
"SECTION 21.54A. Of the funds appropriated
in this act to the Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Social
Services, the sum of one million five hundred thousand dollars ($1,500,000) for
the 2001-2002 fiscal year, and one million five hundred thousand dollars
($1,500,000) for the 2002-2003 fiscal year,year shall be used to
contract for additional child support services in urban counties demonstrating
significant caseload backlogs. The additional support to urban counties shall
address the backlog of cases and emphasize the establishment of paternities and
the location of absent parents."
Requested by: Senators Martin of Guilford, Purcell, Plyler, Odom, Lee; Representatives Earle, Nye, Easterling, Oldham, Redwine
STATE/COUNTY SPECIAL ASSISTANCE
SECTION 10.36. Section 21.44(d) of S.L. 2001-424 reads as rewritten:
"SECTION 21.44.(d) Effective October 1,
2002, the maximum monthly rate for residents in adult care home facilities
shall be one thousand one hundred twenty dollars ($1,120) per month per resident.one
thousand ninety-one dollars ($1,091) per month per resident."
Requested by: Senators Martin of Guilford, Purcell, Plyler, Odom, Lee; Representatives Earle, Nye, Easterling, Oldham, Redwine
ELECTING COUNTY TANF FUNDS REVERT
SECTION 10.37. G.S. 108A-27.11(c) reads as rewritten:
"(c) Each Electing
County's allocation for Work First Family Assistance shall be computed based on
the percentage of each Electing County's total expenditures for cash assistance
to statewide actual expenditures for cash assistance in 1995-96. The resulting
percentage shall be applied to the federal TANF block grant funds appropriated
for cash assistance by the General Assembly each fiscal year. The Department
shall transmit the federal funds contained in the county block grants to
Electing Counties as soon as practicable after they become available to the
State and in accordance with federal cash management laws and regulations. The
Department shall transmit one-fourth of the State funds contained in county
block grants to Electing Counties at the beginning of each quarter. Once
paid, the county block grant funds shall not revert."
Requested by: Senators Martin of Guilford, Purcell, Plyler, Odom, Lee; Representatives Earle, Nye, Easterling, Oldham, Redwine
ADULT CARE HOME MODEL FOR COMMUNITY-BASED SERVICES
SECTION 10.38. Section 21.54(b) of S.L. 2001-424 reads as rewritten:
"SECTION 21.54.(b) The Department
shall submit a progress report on the development of the model to the Senate
Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services, the House of
Representatives Appropriations Subcommittee on Health and Human Services, and
the Fiscal Research Division on or before January 1, 2002, and a final
report on March 1, 2002. March 1, 2003. The report shall address
the following:
(1) The proposed time and location for implementation of the pilot.
(2) Proposed number of residents to be placed and services to be provided directly by the facility or under contract with the facility.
(3) Method for evaluating the pilot, including services provided, on a regular basis.
(4) A description of the living environment for each resident and a comparison of how the living environment compares to that of other residents in the adult care home.
(5) Changes to State law necessary to implement the pilot.
(6) Projected cost to the State for pilot and statewide implementation."
Requested by: Senators Martin of Guilford, Purcell, Plyler, Odom, Lee; Representatives Earle, Nye, Easterling, Oldham, Redwine
ADULT CARE HOME RESIDENT ASSESSMENT SERVICES program repealed
SECTION 10.39. Section 21.35 of S.L. 2001-424 is repealed.
Requested by: Senators Martin of Guilford, Purcell, Plyler, Odom, Lee; Representatives Earle, Nye, Easterling, Oldham, Redwine
Special Children Adoption Fund
SECTION 10.41. Section 21.40(b) of S.L. 2001-424 reads as rewritten:
"SECTION 21.40.(b)
Of the total funds appropriated for the Special Children Adoption Fund, each
year one million dollars ($1,000,000)twenty percent (20%) of the
total funds available shall be reserved for payment to participating
private adoption agencies. If the funds reserved in this subsection for
payments to private adoption agencies have not been spent on or before March
31, 2002,2003, the Division of Social Services may reallocate
those funds, in accordance with this section, to other participating adoption
agencies."
Requested by: Senators Martin of Guilford, Hoyle, Purcell, Dannelly, Metcalf, Plyler, Odom, Lee; Representatives Earle, Nye, Baddour, Gibson, Insko, Easterling, Oldham, Redwine
SECTION 10.41A. The sum of five hundred fifty thousand dollars ($550,000) appropriated in this act to the Department of Health and Human Services for Boys and Girls Clubs shall be used to make grants for approved programs. The Department of Health and Human Services shall administer a grant program to award funds to the Boys and Girls Clubs across the State in order to implement programs that improve the motivation, performance, and self-esteem of youths and to implement other initiatives that would be expected to reduce school dropout and teen pregnancy rates. The Department shall encourage and facilitate collaboration between the Boys and Girls Clubs and Support Our Students, Communities in Schools, and similar programs to submit joint applications for the funds if appropriate.
Requested by: Senators Martin of Guilford, Purcell, Dannelly, Metcalf, Plyler, Odom, Lee; Representatives Earle, Nye, Baddour, Gibson, Insko, Easterling, Oldham, Redwine
STATE/COUNTY SPECIAL ASSISTANCE TRANSFER OF ASSETS POLICY
SECTION 10.41B.(a) Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) policy applicable to transfer of assets and estate recovery, as prescribed by federal law, shall apply to applicants for State/County Special Assistance.
SECTION 10.41B.(b) The Department of Health and Human Services shall continue to review whether policy for State/County Special Assistance should be changed to permit an assisted living facility to accept from a family member of a resident who qualifies for State/County Special Assistance payment for the difference in the monthly rate for room, board, and services available. In reviewing current policy, the Department shall consider the following conditions on family contributions to the resident's cost of care:
(1) Ensuring that the resident meets all income and resource eligibility requirements for State/County Special Assistance.
(2) Not counting payments made by family members to the facility as income to the resident or as an in-kind contribution when calculating the monthly rate applicable to the resident.
(3) Ensuring that supplemental payments are made on a voluntary basis as specified in the resident agreement.
Not later than March 1, 2003, the Department shall report on its activities under this subsection to the Senate Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services, the House of Representatives Appropriations Subcommittee on Health and Human Services, and the Fiscal Research Division.
SECTION 10.41B.(c) Subsection (a) of this section becomes effective November 1, 2002.
Requested by: Senators Martin of Guilford, Purcell, Dannelly, Metcalf, Rand, Plyler, Odom, Lee; Representatives Earle, Nye, Baddour, Gibson, Insko, Easterling, Oldham, Redwine
Child Support Program Notification Extended
SECTION 10.41C. Notwithstanding G.S. 110-141, a board of county commissioners that desires to assume responsibility for the administration of the Child Support Program beginning with the 2003-2004 fiscal year must notify the Department of Health and Human Services of its intent no later than December 1, 2002. The obligation of the board of county commissioners to assume responsibility for the administration of the Program does not commence prior to July 1, 2003. Until July 1, 2003, the Department of Health and Human Services shall continue the administration of the Program for that county.
subpart 5. office of educational services
Requested by: Senators Martin of Guilford, Purcell, Plyler, Odom, Lee; Representatives Earle, Nye, Easterling, Oldham, Redwine
SECTION 10.44. The Office of Education Services shall report not later than December 1, 2002, to the Senate Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services, the House of Representatives Appropriations Subcommittee on Health and Human Services, and the Fiscal Research Division on the activities of the Eastern North Carolina School for the Deaf at Wilson, the North Carolina School for the Deaf at Morganton, and the Governor Morehead School for the Blind. The report shall include enrollment numbers at the schools, the budgets, and the academic status of the schools as defined under the ABC’s program.
subpart 6. division of public health
Requested by: Senators Martin of Guilford, Purcell, Warren, Dannelly, Metcalf, Plyler, Odom, Lee; Representatives Earle, Nye, Baddour, Gibson, Insko, Easterling, Oldham, Redwine
HEART DISEASE AND STROKE PREVENTION TASK FORCE
SECTION 10.45. Section 21.95 of S.L. 2001-424 reads as rewritten:
"SECTION 21.95. The Heart Disease and Stroke
Prevention Task Force, created in subsection (l) of Section 26.9 of Chapter 507
of the 1995 Session Laws, as amended, shall submit to the Governor and the
General Assembly a sixth interim report within the first week of the convening
of the 2001 General Assembly, 2002 Regular Session, and a seventh interim
report within the first week of the convening of the 2003 General Assembly.
Notwithstanding Section 11.57 of S.L. 1999-237, the Task Force shall submit a final
report to the Governor and the General Assembly by June 30, 2003, and a
report to each subsequent regular legislative session within one week of its
convening. by June 30, 2003, and, upon submission of its final report to
the Governor and the General Assembly, the Task Force shall expire."
Requested by: Senators Martin of Guilford, Purcell, Plyler, Odom, Lee; Representatives Earle, Nye, Easterling, Oldham, Redwine
NEWBORN HEARING SCREENING PROGRAM REPORT
SECTION 10.46. Section 21.96 of S.L. 2001-424 reads as rewritten:
"SECTION 21.96. The Department of Health and Human Services shall report the following information on the newborn hearing screening program:
(1) Unduplicated number of infants screened.
(2) Number of infants who failed the second hearing screening.
(3) Number of infants receiving the diagnostic evaluation.
(4) Number and types of services provided.
(5) Number and types of follow-up services provided to children.
The Department shall submit the report not later than May 1, 2002, to the Senate Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services, the House of Representatives Appropriations Subcommittee on Health and Human Services, and the Fiscal Research Division. The Department shall report not later than January 1, 2003, on its activities to the Senate Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services, the House of Representatives Appropriations Subcommittee on Health and Human Services, and the Fiscal Research Division."
Requested by: Senators Martin of Guilford, Purcell, Plyler, Odom, Lee; Representatives Earle, Nye, Easterling, Oldham, Redwine
SECTION 10.47. Section 21.97(b) of S.L. 2001-424 reads as rewritten:
"SECTION 21.97.(b)
The Division shall require in-home visitors to collect data on program
participants as a condition of participation. This requirement shall include
six-month periodic assessments and completion of the questionnaires. The
Department shall ensure that the collection, maintenance, use, and disclosure
of data complies with applicable State and federal law protecting privacy of
health and other individual information. By April 1, 2002, 2003,
the Division shall report to the Senate Appropriations Committee on Health and
Human Services and the House of Representatives Appropriations Subcommittee on
Health and Human Services on the following items:
(1) Number of clients/families enrolled per county.
(2) Attrition and reasons why families leave the program.
(3) Average number of home visits per month.
(4) Average time involved per home visit.
(5) Baseline family characteristics.
(6) Health behaviors.
(7) Perinatal and birth outcomes.
(8) Other relevant outcome information.
All program information shall include the identification of the model used in order to compare these models in the future."
Requested by: Senators Martin of Guilford, Purcell, Plyler, Odom, Lee; Representatives Earle, Nye, Easterling, Oldham, Redwine
AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP)
SECTION 10.48.(a) Section 21.90(b) of S.L. 2001-424 reads as rewritten:
"SECTION 21.90.(b) For the 2001-2002
fiscal year and for the 2002-2003 fiscal year, HIV-positive individuals with
incomes at or below one hundred twenty-five percent (125%) of the federal poverty
level are eligible for participation in ADAP. Eligibility for participation
in ADAP may be extended to individuals with incomes up to one hundred fifty
percent (150%) of the federal poverty level only after the Office of State
Budget and Management certifies in writing that the Department has developed an
information management system pursuant to subsection (a) of this section. Until
the Office of State Budget and Management makes this certification, eligibilityEligibility
for participation in ADAP during the 2001-2003 fiscal biennium shall not be
extended to individuals with incomes above one hundred twenty-five percent
(125%) of the federal poverty level. Following six months of increased
eligibility at one hundred fifty percent (150%) of the federal poverty level,
eligibility for participation in ADAP shall be extended to individuals with
incomes up to one hundred seventy-five percent (175%) of the federal poverty
level for the remainder of the 2001-2002 fiscal year. Beginning July 1, 2002,
eligibility for participation in the ADAP shall be extended to individuals with
incomes up to two hundred percent (200%) of the federal poverty level."
SECTION 10.48.(b) The Department of Health and Human Services shall develop a plan to manage costs in ADAP and to serve additional participants within additional resources. The plan shall include an assessment of the following, including, where applicable, a review of other states' actions in these areas:
(1) Limiting the drug formulary.
(2) Capping expenditures on a per participant/per month basis.
(3) Providing financial assistance to participants for health care program premiums.
SECTION 10.48.(c) The Department shall report on activities conducted under this section and under Section 21.90 of S.L. 2001-424 to the Senate Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services, the House of Representatives Subcommittee on Health and Human Services, and the Fiscal Research Division. The Department shall submit an interim report not later than December 1, 2002, and a final report not later than May 1, 2003.
Requested by: Senators Martin of Guilford, Purcell, Plyler, Odom, Lee; Representatives Earle, Nye, Easterling, Oldham, Redwine
PRESCRIPTION DRUG ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
SECTION 10.49.(a) Section 21.88 of S.L. 2001-424 reads as rewritten:
"SECTION 21.88. Of the funds appropriated
in this act to the Department of Health and Human Services, the sum of five
hundred thousand dollars ($500,000) for the 2001-2002 fiscal year and the
sum of five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000) for the 2002-2003 fiscal year shall
be used to pay the cost of outpatient prescription drugs for persons:
(1) Over the age of 65 years and not eligible for full Medicaid benefits;
(2) Whose income is not more than one hundred fifty percent (150%) of the federal poverty level; and
(3) Who have been diagnosed with cardiovascular disease or diabetes.
These funds shall be used to pay the cost of outpatient prescription drugs for the treatment of cardiovascular disease or diabetes. Payment shall be not more than the Medicaid cost including rebates. The Department shall develop criteria to maximize the efficient and effective distribution of these drugs."
SECTION 10.49.(b) It is the intent of the General Assembly that funding for prescription drug assistance provided by the Health and Wellness Trust Fund shall include funds for the transition of benefits formerly provided under the Prescription Drug Assistance Program.
Requested by: Senators Martin of Guilford, Purcell, Plyler, Odom, Lee; Representatives Earle, Nye, Easterling, Oldham, Redwine
Early Intervention Program - Reporting Requirement
SECTION 10.52. The Department of Health and Human Services shall report on the activities conducted under Section 21.79 of S.L. 2001-424 to the Senate Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services, the House of Representatives Appropriations Subcommittee on Health and Human Services, and the Fiscal Research Division not later than December 1, 2002.
Requested by: Senators Martin of Guilford, Purcell, Dannelly, Metcalf, Plyler, Odom, Lee; Representatives Earle, Nye, Baddour, Gibson, Insko, Easterling, Oldham, Redwine
DEVELOPMENTAL EVALUATION CENTERS
SECTION 10.53.(a) The Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Public Health, shall administer the reduction in funds for the 2002-2003 fiscal year of two million seventy-six thousand four hundred twenty-six dollars ($2,076,426) to all Developmental Evaluation Centers (DECs) based upon the following:
(1) Prior years' expenditures of the DEC,
(2) Elimination of vacant positions, and
(3) Overall needs of the DEC.
The reduction shall not result in the entire closure of an individual DEC and the implementation of the reduction should seek to minimize the loss of direct services to children, looking first at administrative reductions.
SECTION 10.53.(b) The Division of Public Health shall prepare a plan for the future of Developmental Evaluation Centers that will involve a needs-assessment of services and geographical needs. The plan shall also include an assessment of the number of DECs needed and recommendations for future downsizing or growth based on data to be provided in the report. The plan will augment the Early Intervention Services Plan submitted to the General Assembly. The Division shall report on its plan not later than December 1, 2002, to the Senate Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services, the House of Representatives Appropriations Subcommittee on Health and Human Services, and the Fiscal Research Division.
Requested by: Senators Martin of Guilford, Purcell, Dannelly, Metcalf, Plyler, Odom, Lee; Representatives Earle, Nye, Baddour, Gibson, Insko, Easterling, Oldham, Redwine
STATE LABORATORY COST ANALYSIS
SECTION 10.53A.(a) The Fiscal Research Division of the Legislative Services Office shall contract with an independent consultant to conduct a cost identification and fully allocated cost analysis of services provided by the North Carolina State Laboratory, Division of Public Health of the Department of Health and Human Services. The identification and analysis shall include at least the following services: cancer cytology, environmental sciences, newborn screening testing, and infectious and communicable disease testing. The Fiscal Research Division shall issue a Request for Proposal to obtain the services of the independent consultant, shall manage the contract, and shall consult with the Division of Public Health in the development of the Request for Proposal. In developing the Request for Proposal, the Fiscal Research Division shall ensure that comments of the Division of Public Health on the analysis shall be included in the contractor's final report. The Fiscal Research Division shall also ensure that the contractor's analysis provides sufficient information to enable the General Assembly to review and determine the public benefit of maintaining the State Laboratory.
SECTION 10.53A.(b) The Department of Health and Human Services shall transfer not more than fifty thousand dollars ($50,000) to the General Assembly, Fiscal Research Division of the Legislative Services Office. These funds shall be used to conduct the identification and analysis required in subsection (a) of this section.
SECTION 10.53A.(c) The contractor conducting the analysis shall report to the House of Representatives Appropriations Subcommittee on Health and Human Services and the Senate Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services no later than May 1, 2003, on the results of the analysis and recommendations.
subpart 7. division of CHILD DEVELOPMENT
Requested by: Senators Martin of Guilford, Purcell, Dannelly, Metcalf, Plyler, Odom, Lee; Representatives Earle, Nye, Baddour, Gibson, Insko, Easterling, Oldham, Redwine
EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION AND DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVES ENHANCEMENTS
SECTION 10.55.(a) Section 21.75(d) of S.L. 2001-424 reads as rewritten:
"SECTION 21.75.(d) The Department of Health
and Human Services and the North Carolina Partnership for Children, Inc., shall
ensure that the allocation of funds for Early Childhood Education and
Development Initiatives for State fiscal year years 2001-2002 and
2002-2003 shall be administered and distributed in the following manner:
(1) The North Carolina
Partnership for Children, Inc., shall develop a policy to allocate the
reduction of funds for Early Childhood Education and Development Initiatives
for the 2001-2002 and 2002-2003 fiscal year.years.
(2) The North Carolina Partnership for Children, Inc., administration shall be reduced by ten percent (10%) from the 2000-2001 fiscal year level.
(3) The Department of Health and Human Services Smart Start administration shall be reduced by ten percent (10%) from the 2000-2001 fiscal year level.
(4) Capital expenditures
and playground equipment expenditures are prohibited for fiscal year 2001-2002.years
2001-2002 and 2002-2003. For the purposes of this section, "capital
expenditures" means expenditures for capital improvements as defined in
G.S. 143-34.40.
(5) Expenditures of State funds for advertising and promotional activities are prohibited for fiscal year 2002-2003."
SECTION 10.55.(b) Section 21.75(f) of S.L. 2001-424 reads as rewritten:
"SECTION 21.75.(f) For the 2001-2002 and
2002-2003 fiscal year,years, the North Carolina Partnership
for Children, Inc., shall not approve local partnership plans that allocate
State funds to child care providers for one-time quality improvement
initiatives in the following circumstances:
(1) Child care facilities with licensure of four or five stars, unless the expenditure of funds is to expand capacity for low-income children.
(2) Child care facilities that do not accept child care subsidy funds.
(3) Child care facilities that previously received quality improvement grants whose quality initiatives failed to increase licensure."
SECTION 10.55.(c) For the 2002-2003 fiscal year, the local partnerships shall spend an amount for child care subsidies that provides at least fifty-two million dollars ($52,000,000) for the TANF maintenance of effort requirement and the Child Care Development Fund and Block Grant match requirement.
SECTION 10.55.(d) G.S. 143B-168.12 is amended by adding a new subsection to read:
"(e) The North Carolina Partnership shall develop guidelines for local partnerships to follow in selecting capital projects to fund. The guidelines shall include assessing the community needs in relation to the quantity of child care centers, assessing the cost of purchasing or constructing new facilities as opposed to renovating existing facilities, and prioritizing capital needs such as construction, renovations, and playground equipment and other amenities."
SECTION 10.55.(e) G.S. 143B-168.13(a)(1a) reads as rewritten:
"(1a) Develop and conduct a statewide needs and resource assessment every third year, beginning in the 1997-98 fiscal year. This needs assessment shall be conducted in cooperation with the North Carolina Partnership and with the local partnerships. This needs assessment shall include a statewide assessment of capital needs. The data and findings of this needs assessment shall form the basis for annual program plans developed by local partnerships and approved by the North Carolina Partnership."
SECTION 10.55.(f) Section 21.72(a) of S.L. 2001-424 reads as rewritten:
"SECTION 21.72.(a)
Administrative costs shall be equivalent to, on an average statewide basis for
all local partnerships, not more than eight percent (8%) of the total statewide
allocation to all local partnerships. What counts as administrative costs
shall be as defined in the Smart Start Performance Audit.For the
purposes of this subsection, administrative costs shall include costs
associated with partnership oversight, business and financial management,
general accounting, human resources, budgeting, purchasing, contracting, and
information systems management."
Requested by: Senators Martin of Guilford, Purcell, Dannelly, Metcalf, Plyler, Odom, Lee; Representatives Earle, Nye, Baddour, Gibson, Insko, Easterling, Oldham, Redwine
SECTION 10.56.(a) Section 21.76B(d) of S.L. 2001-424 reads as rewritten:
"SECTION 21.76B.(d) In development of the "More At Four" pilot, the Department of Health and Human Services, in consultation with the Department of Public Instruction and the Task Force, shall:
(1) Contract with an independent research organization, outside the Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Public Instruction, with proven expertise in evaluation of prekindergarten programs, for the design of an evaluation component. The evaluation component shall facilitate longitudinal review of the program and child-specific outcomes to include, at a minimum, participants’ readiness for kindergarten, percentage of participants scoring at or above grade level on the third grade end-of-grade test, and high school graduation rates.
(2) Collaborate in the
development of a system to collect and maintain child-specific information to
provide for the long-term evaluation of the pilot. The system shall be
developed in a manner which builds uponutilizes existing State
and local systems and which facilitates the interface with the N.C.
Student Information Management System."
SECTION 10.56.(b) Section 21.76B(f) of S.L. 2001-424 reads as rewritten:
"SECTION 21.76B.(f) In order to maximize
and coordinate funding for prekindergarten programs for four-year-olds
at-risk preschoolers with demonstrated educational needs, the Department of
Health and Human Services, the Department of Public Instruction, and the
Task Force Force, and the North Carolina Partnership for Children,
Inc., shall identify and make recommendations on the reallocation most
efficient and effective use of funds from existing State and local programs
providing prekindergarten related care and services, including child care
subsidies. All potential funding sources, including federal as well as State-funded
efforts, shall be identified. The report required under subsection (g) of
this section shall include recommendations on strategies to ensure coordination
between the Partnership, More At Four, and other prekindergarten programs in
addressing the academic and cognitive needs of at-risk preschoolers. The report
shall include recommendations on structural changes to Smart Start, More At
Four, and other related programs, including consolidation, that may be
beneficial in encouraging this coordination. The report shall include a plan
and a timetable for implementation of the recommendations."
SECTION 10.56.(c) Section 21.76B(g) of S.L. 2001-424 reads as rewritten:
"SECTION 21.76B.(g) The Department of
Health and Human Services, the Department of Public Instruction, and the Task
Force shall report by January 1, 2002, and May 1, 2002, to the Joint
Legislative Commission on Governmental Operations, the Joint Legislative
Education Oversight Committee, the Senate Appropriations Committee on Health
and Human Services, and the House of Representatives Appropriations
Subcommittee on Health and Human Services on the progress in complying with
this section. A final report along with recommendations for changes or
expansion of the program shall be presented to the 2003 General Assembly.
Senate Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services, the House of
Representatives Appropriations Subcommittee on Health and Human Services, and
the Fiscal Research Division no later than January 1, 2003. This final report
shall include the following:
(1) The number of children participating in the program.
(2) The number of children participating in the program who have never been served in other early education programs such as child care, public or private preschool, Head Start, Early Head Start, or early intervention programs.
(3) The expected expenditures for the fiscal year.
(4) The location of program sites and the corresponding number of children participating in the program at each site.
(5) Recommendations regarding most efficient and effective use of State, local, and federal funds to maximize the provision of services to at-risk preschoolers and to eliminate duplication of efforts.
(6) A comprehensive cost analysis of the program including the cost per child served by the program."
SECTION 10.56.(d) Section 21.76B(a) of S.L. 2001-424 reads as rewritten:
"SECTION 21.76B.(a) Of the funds
appropriated to the Department of Health and Human Services the sum of six
million four hundred fifty-six thousand five hundred dollars ($6,456,500) in each
year of the 2001-2003 fiscal biennium the 2001-2002 fiscal year and the
sum of thirty-four million five hundred twenty-one thousand eight hundred
dollars ($34,521,800) in the 2002-2003 fiscal year shall be used to develop
and implement "More At Four", a voluntary prekindergarten pilot
program for at-risk four-year-olds. The Department of Health and Human
Services, in consultation with the Department of Public Instruction, shall
develop "More At Four" for four-year-old children in North Carolina
to ensure that all children have an opportunity to succeed in kindergarten.
Of the funds allocated by this section in the 2002-2003 fiscal year, two
hundred fifty thousand dollars ($250,000) shall be transferred to the Division
of Child Development to fund up to four positions and related operating
expenditures related to licensing and regulatory activities."
Requested by: Senators Martin of Guilford, Purcell, Dannelly, Metcalf, Plyler, Odom, Lee; Representatives Earle, Nye, Baddour, Gibson, Insko, Easterling, Oldham, Redwine
SECTION 10.57. Section 21.73(f) of S.L. 2001-424 reads as rewritten:
"SECTION 21.73.(f)
Provision of payment rates for child care providers in counties that do not
have at least 75 50 children in each age group for center-based
and home-based care are as follows:
(1) Payment rates shall
may be set at the statewide or regional market rate for licensed
child care centers and homes.
(2) If it can be
demonstrated that the application of the statewide or regional market rate to a
county with fewer than 75 50 children in each age group is lower
than the county market rate and would inhibit the ability of the county to
purchase child care for low-income children, then the county market rate may be
applied."
Requested by: Senators Martin of Guilford, Purcell, Plyler, Odom, Lee; Representatives Earle, Nye, Easterling, Oldham, Redwine
Repeal Child Care Fraud Provision Due to Federal Repayment requirements
SECTION 10.58. G.S. 110-108 is repealed.
PART XI. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND CONSUMER SERVICES
Requested by: Senators Martin of Pitt, Weinstein, Odom, Lee; Representatives Fox, Owens, Easterling, Oldham, Redwine
CLOSE ROBBINS DIAGNOSTIC LABORATORY
SECTION 11.1.(a) The Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services shall close the Poultry Disease Diagnostic Laboratory located in the Town of Robbins in Moore County and reassign one veterinarian position and one medical laboratory technician position to the Rollins Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory located in Raleigh. In order to preserve current laboratory capability, poultry diagnostic services currently performed at the Poultry Disease Diagnostic Laboratory located in the Town of Robbins shall be performed at the Rollins Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory located in Raleigh or at other animal disease diagnostic laboratories of the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
SECTION 11.1.(b) The Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services shall evaluate the statewide need for poultry disease diagnostic services. In particular, the Department shall determine whether the needs of the region of the State in which the Town of Robbins is located are being met. No later than March 15, 2003, the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services shall complete this evaluation and report its findings and recommendations to the Joint Legislative Commission on Governmental Operations and the Fiscal Research Division.
Requested by: Senators Martin of Pitt, Weinstein, Plyler, Odom, Lee; Representatives Fox, Owens, Easterling, Oldham, Redwine
ADJUST METHOD OF BUDGETING RECEIPTS AND LIMIT SPENDING
SECTION 11.2.(a) The Office of State Budget and Management shall, in accordance with G.S. 143-25, adjust its current method of budgeting receipt revenues within the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to more accurately reflect actual revenues.
SECTION 11.2.(b) Notwithstanding G.S. 143-23, the Division of Research Stations of the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services shall not spend more during the 2002-2003 fiscal year than is appropriated under this act for the Division of Research Stations of the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services for the 2002-2003 fiscal year.
Requested by: Senators Martin of Pitt, Weinstein, Metcalf, Carter, Plyler, Odom, Lee; Representatives Fox, Owens, Easterling, Oldham, Redwine
TRANSFER MOUNTAIN STATE FAIR RECEIPTS
SECTION 11.3. The Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services shall transfer the sum of seventy thousand dollars ($70,000) from the Mountain State Fair receipts for the 2002-2003 fiscal year to the Western North Carolina Development Association, Inc., to be used to promote agricultural development in the western part of the State.
Requested by: Senators Martin of Pitt, Weinstein, Albertson, Plyler, Odom, Lee; Representatives Nye, Fox, Owens, Allen, Easterling, Oldham, Redwine
NC Farmers' Markets/analyze certain operational guidelines and enforcement of guidelines
SECTION 11.4.(a) It is the intent of the General Assembly to support small farms that are family farms and that farmers' markets operated by the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services are operated in a manner that provides retail outlets for these farmers to sell the farm products they produce on these farms.
SECTION 11.4.(b) The Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services shall analyze the operational guidelines of the farmers' markets operated by the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services with respect to the current requirements for the percentage of farm products that a farmer must produce on the farmer's own farm to be eligible to sell farm products at retail in the main areas of these farmers' markets. The Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services also shall analyze the current enforcement of the operational guidelines of the farmers' markets operated by the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. No later than January 15, 2003, the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services shall report any recommendations concerning the matters analyzed under this section to the Senate and House of Representatives Appropriations Subcommittees on Natural and Economic Resources, the Joint Legislative Commission on Governmental Operations, and the Fiscal Research Division.
Requested by: Senators Martin of Pitt, Weinstein, Albertson, Plyler, Odom, Lee; Representatives Fox, Owens, Allen, Easterling, Oldham, Redwine
SECTION 11.6. Notwithstanding the provisions of G.S. 106-744(b), funds appropriated in this act to the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services for the Farmland Preservation Trust Fund for the 2002-2003 fiscal year shall be used for the purchase of agricultural conservation easements that are perpetual in duration and that shall not be reconveyed under any circumstances.
PART XIi. DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES
Requested by: Senators Martin of Pitt, Weinstein, Plyler, Odom, Lee; Representatives Fox, Owens, Mitchell, Easterling, Oldham, Redwine
SECTION 12.1. Section 19.2 of S.L. 2001-424 reads as rewritten:
"SECTION 19.2. Of the funds appropriated
in this act to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources for the
Grassroots Science Program, the sum of three million one hundred twenty
thousand dollars ($3,120,000) for fiscal year 2001-2002 and the sum of three
million one hundred twenty thousand dollars ($3,120,000) two million
eight hundred one thousand seven hundred sixty dollars ($2,801,760) for
fiscal year 2002-2003 are allocated as grants-in-aid for each fiscal year as
follows:
2001-2002 2002-2003
Aurora Fossil
Museum
$58,733
$58,733 $57,535
Cape Fear
Museum
$209,018 $209,018
$187,205
Catawba Science
Center
$167,833 $167,833
$151,669
Colburn Gem and Mineral Museum,
Inc.
$71,336
$71,336 $68,409
Discovery
Place
$699,985 $699,985
$610,826
Granville County Museum Commission,
Inc. - Harris
Gallery
$61,553
$61,553 $59,968
The Health Adventure Museum of Pack
Place Education, Arts and
Science Center,
Inc.
$157,305 $157,305
$142,585
Imagination
Station
$94,815
$94,815 $88,668
Iredell County Children's
Museum
$58,342
$58,342 $57,198
Museum of Coastal
Carolina
$64,141
$64,141 $62,201
Natural Science Center of
Greensboro
$250,850 $250,850
$223,299
North Carolina Museum of Life
and
Science
$445,843 $445,843
$391,545
Rocky Mount Children's
Museum
$88,855
$88,855 $83,525
Schiele Museum of Natural
History
$348,433 $348,433
$307,496
Sci Works Science Center and
Environmental Park of Forsyth
County
$178,947 $178,947
$161,259
Western North Carolina Nature
Center
$164,011 $164,011
$148,372
Total
$3,120,000 $3,120,000 $2,801,760"
Requested by: Senators Martin of Pitt, Weinstein, Plyler, Odom, Lee; Representatives Fox, Owens, Easterling, Oldham, Redwine
STATEWIDE BEAVER DAMAGE CONTROL PROGRAM FUNDS
SECTION 12.2. Section 19.1 of S.L. 2001-424 reads as rewritten:
"SECTION 19.1. Of the funds appropriated
in this act to the Wildlife Resources Commission, the sum of five hundred
thousand dollars ($500,000) for the 2001-2002 fiscal year and the sum of five
hundred thousand dollars ($500,000) four hundred forty-nine thousand
dollars ($449,000) for the 2002-2003 fiscal year shall be used to provide
the State share necessary to support the beaver damage control program
established in G.S. 113-291.10, provided the sum of at least twenty-five
thousand dollars ($25,000) in federal funds is available each fiscal year of
the biennium to provide the federal share."
Requested by: Senators Martin of Pitt, Weinstein, Odom, Plyler, Lee; Representatives Fox, Owens, Easterling, Oldham, Redwine
DENR POSITION FOR SCRAP TIRE PROGRAM
SECTION 12.5.(a) Section 19.14 of S.L. 2001-424 reads as rewritten:
"SECTION 19.14. Notwithstanding the provisions of
G.S. 130A-309.63, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources may use
funds in the Scrap Tire Disposal Account that, pursuant to G.S. 130A-309.63(d),
are to be used for the cleanup of scrap tire collection sites, to maintain and
support a position for the 2001-2002 fiscal year and for the 2002-2003
fiscal year to provide regulatory assistance to local governments to
develop programs to prevent scrap tires from outside the State from being
presented for free disposal and to complete the cleanup of nuisance tire
collection sites."
SECTION 12.5.(b) G.S. 130A-309.63 reads as rewritten:
"§ 130A-309.63. Scrap Tire Disposal Account.
(a) Creation. - The Scrap Tire Disposal Account is established as a nonreverting account within the Department. The Account consists of revenue credited to the Account from the proceeds of the scrap tire disposal tax imposed by Article 5B of Chapter 105 of the General Statutes. The Department may use revenue in the Account only as authorized by this section.
(b) Use. - The Department may use revenue in the Account only as authorized by this section.
(1) The Department may use up to fifty percent (50%) of the revenue in the Account to make grants to units of local government to assist them in disposing of scrap tires. To administer the grants, the Department shall establish procedures for applying for a grant and the criteria for selecting among grant applicants. The criteria shall include the financial ability of a unit of local government to provide for scrap tire disposal, the severity of a unit of local government's scrap tire disposal problem, the effort made by a unit of local government to ensure that only tires generated in the normal course of business in this State are provided free disposal, and the effort made by a unit of local government to provide for scrap tire disposal within the resources available to it.
(2) The Department
may use up to forty percent (40%) of the revenue in the Account to make grants
to encourage the use of processed scrap tire materials. These grants may be
made to encourage the use of tire-derived fuel, crumb rubber, carbon black, or
other components of tires for use in products such as fuel, tires, mats, auto
parts, gaskets, flooring material, or other applications of processed tire
materials. These grants shall be made in consultation with the Department of
Commerce, the Division of Environmental Assistance and Pollution
Prevention and Environmental Assistance of the Department, and, where
appropriate, the Department of Transportation. Grants to encourage the use of
processed scrap tire materials shall not be used to process tires.
(3) The Department may use revenue in the Account to support a position to provide local governments with assistance in developing and implementing scrap tire management programs designed to complete the cleanup of nuisance tire collection sites and prevent scrap tires generated from outside of the State from being presented for free disposal in the State.
(4) The Department may use the remaining revenue in the Account only to clean up scrap tire collection sites that the Department has determined are a nuisance. The Department may use funds in the Account to clean up a nuisance tire collection site only if no other funds are available for that purpose.
(c) Eligibility. - A unit of local government is not eligible for a grant for scrap tire disposal unless its costs for disposing of scrap tires for the six-month period preceding the date the unit of local government files an application for a grant exceeded the amount the unit of local government received during that period from the proceeds of the scrap tire tax under G.S. 105-187.19. A grant to a unit of local government for scrap tire disposal may not exceed the unit of local government's unreimbursed cost for the six-month period.
(d) Cleanup of
Nuisance Tire Sites. - The Department may use the remaining revenue in the
Account only to clean up scrap tire collection sites that the Department has
determined are a nuisance. The Department may use funds in the Account to clean
up a nuisance tire collection site only if no other funds are available for
that purpose.
(e) Reporting. - The Department shall include in the report to be delivered to the Environmental Review Commission on or before 15 January of each year pursuant to G.S. 130A-309.06(c) a description of the implementation of the North Carolina Scrap Tire Disposal Act for the fiscal year ending the preceding 30 June. The description of the implementation of the North Carolina Scrap Tire Disposal Act shall include the beginning and ending balances in the Account for the reporting period, the amount credited to the Account during the reporting period, and the amount of revenue used for grants and to clean up nuisance tire collection sites."
Requested by: Senators Martin of Pitt, Weinstein, Albertson, Ballance, Plyler, Odom, Lee; Representatives Fox, Owens, Allen, Easterling, Oldham, Redwine
FUNDS FOR CLEANUP OF WARREN COUNTY PCB LANDFILL
SECTION 12.6.(a) The Department of Environment and Natural Resources may use up to two million five hundred thousand dollars ($2,500,000) from the Inactive Hazardous Sites Cleanup Fund established in G.S. 130A-310.11 for the 2002-2003 fiscal year for the detoxification and remediation of the landfill located in Warren County that contains polychlorinated biphenyl (PCBs) and dioxin/furan contaminated materials.
SECTION 12.6.(b) Notwithstanding the provisions of G.S. 143-215.3A, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources also may use up to five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000) for the 2002-2003 fiscal year from the fees collected for water quality permits under G.S. 143-215.3D and credited to the Water Permits Fund if both of the following conditions are satisfied:
(1) The detoxification and remediation of the landfill located in Warren County cannot be completed without funds in addition to those that are authorized for this purpose under subsection (a) of this section.
(2) All other funds, including all contingency funds, available to the Department for the detoxification and remediation of the landfill located in Warren County that contains polychlorinated biphenyl (PCBs) and dioxin/furan contaminated materials have been spent or encumbered.
SECTION 12.6.(c) It is the intent of the General Assembly that the funds authorized under this section will be sufficient to complete the detoxification and remediation of this landfill, based on representations made to the General Assembly.
Requested by: Senators Martin of Pitt, Weinstein, Albertson, Plyler, Odom, Lee; Representatives Fox, Owens, Mitchell, Allen, Easterling, Oldham, Redwine
Division of ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH POSITION RECLASSIFIED
SECTION 12.7. The vacant position of Administrative Assistant II in the Division of Environmental Health of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources is reclassified as the position of Environmental Engineer II and is assigned to the On-Site Wastewater Section of the Division of Environmental Health of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.
Requested by: Senators Martin of Pitt, Weinstein, Albertson, Rand, Plyler, Odom, Lee; Representatives Nye, Fox, Owens, Allen, Easterling, Oldham, Redwine
POSITIONS/EMPLOYEES AT LAKE JAMES AND SINGLETARY LAKE STATE PARKS
SECTION 12.8.(a) None of the following positions shall be eliminated for the 2002-2003 fiscal year at Lake James State Park located in McDowell and Burke Counties:
(1) Park Ranger I.
(2) Park Ranger II.
(3) Maintenance Mechanic III.
(4) Office Assistant III.
SECTION 12.8.(b) The employees currently filling the positions under subsection (a) of this section shall not be reduced in force for the 2002-2003 fiscal year.
SECTION 12.8.(c) None of the following positions shall be eliminated for the 2002-2003 fiscal year at Singletary Lake State Park located in Bladen County:
(1) Park Ranger II.
(2) Office Assistant III.
(3) Maintenance Mechanic III.
(4) General Utility Worker.
SECTION 12.8.(d) The employees currently filling the positions under subsection (c) of this section shall not be reduced in force for the 2002-2003 fiscal year.
SECTION 12.8.(e) It is the intent of the General Assembly that Lake James State Park and Singletary Lake State Park remain open to the public during the 2002-2003 fiscal year.
Requested by: Senators Plyler, Odom, Lee; Representatives Easterling, Oldham, Redwine
appropriation from clean water management trust fund
SECTION 12.9. Section 2.2(h) of S.L. 2001-424 reads as rewritten:
"SECTION 2.2.(h) Notwithstanding G.S. 143-15.3B(a)
for the 2001-2003 fiscal biennium only, the appropriation to the Clean Water
Management Trust Fund for the 2001-2002 fiscal year is only forty million
dollars ($40,000,000) as provided by this act and is only seventy million
dollars ($70,000,000) sixty-six million five hundred thousand dollars
($66,500,000) for the 2002-2003 fiscal year as provided by this act. The
funds appropriated by this act to the Clean Water Management Trust Fund shall
be used as provided by G.S. 143-15.3B(b)."
PART Xiii. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
Requested by: Senators Martin of Pitt, Weinstein, Plyler, Odom, Lee; Representatives Fox, Owens, Easterling, Oldham, Redwine
SECTION 13.1. Funds appropriated to the Department of Commerce for the 2001-2002 fiscal year for the Oregon Inlet Project that are unexpended and unencumbered as of June 30, 2002, shall not revert to the General Fund on June 30, 2002, but shall remain available to the Department for legal costs associated with the Project. This section becomes effective June 30, 2002.
Requested by: Senators Martin of Pitt, Weinstein, Albertson, Plyler, Odom, Lee; Representatives Fox, Owens, Allen, Easterling, Oldham, Redwine
SECTION 13.2.(a) Section 20.12(a) of S.L. 2001-424 reads as rewritten:
"SECTION 20.12.(a) Of the funds
appropriated in this act to the Department of Commerce, nine hundred thirty-five
thousand dollars ($935,000) for the 2001-2002 fiscal year and nine hundred
thirty-five thousand dollars ($935,000) eight hundred thirty-two
thousand one hundred fifty dollars ($832,150) for the 2002-2003 fiscal year
shall only be used as provided by this section. Each regional council of
government or lead regional organization is allocated up to fifty-five
thousand dollars ($55,000) forty-eight thousand nine hundred fifty
dollars ($48,950) for each the 2002-2003 fiscal year, with
the actual amount calculated as provided in subsection (b) of this section.year."
SECTION 13.2.(b) Section 20.12(b) of S.L. 2001-424 is repealed.
SECTION 13.2.(c) Section 20.12 of S.L. 2001-424 is amended by adding a new subsection to read:
"SECTION 20.12.(c1) The funds appropriated by this section shall be paid by electronic transfer in two equal installments, the first no later than September 1, 2002, and the second subsequent to acceptable submission of the annual report due to the Joint Legislative Commission on Governmental Operations and the Fiscal Research Division by January 15, 2003, as specified in subdivision (f)(2) of this section."
Requested by: Senators Martin of Pitt, Weinstein, Albertson, Plyler, Odom, Lee; Representatives Fox, Owens, Allen, Easterling, Oldham, Redwine
WORKER TRAINING TRUST FUND APPROPRIATIONS
SECTION 13.3.(a) There is appropriated from the Worker Training Trust Fund to the Employment Security Commission of North Carolina the sum of six million three hundred thousand dollars ($6,300,000) for the 2002-2003 fiscal year for the operation of local offices.
SECTION 13.3.(b) Notwithstanding the provisions of G.S. 96-5(f), there is appropriated from the Worker Training Trust Fund to the following agencies the following sums for the 2002-2003 fiscal year for the following purposes:
(1) Nine hundred eleven thousand one hundred twenty-one dollars ($911,121) for the 2002-2003 fiscal year to the Department of Commerce, Division of Employment and Training, for the Employment and Training Grant Program;
(2) Eight hundred ninety-seven thousand five hundred eighty-seven dollars ($897,587) for the 2002-2003 fiscal year to the Community Colleges System Office for customized training of the unemployed and the working poor for specific jobs needed by employers through the Training Initiatives Program;
(3) One million four hundred fifty thousand dollars ($1,450,000) for the 2002-2003 fiscal year to the Community Colleges System Office to continue the Focused Industrial Training Program;
(4) Two hundred one thousand nine hundred fifty-seven dollars ($201,957) for the 2002-2003 fiscal year to the Employment Security Commission for the State Occupational Information Coordinating Committee to develop and operate an interagency system to track former participants in State education and training programs;
(5) Three hundred fifty-nine thousand thirty-five dollars ($359,035) for the 2002-2003 fiscal year to the Community Colleges System Office for a training program in entrepreneurial skills to be operated by North Carolina REAL Enterprises;
(6) Fifty-three thousand eight hundred fifty-six dollars ($53,856) for the 2002-2003 fiscal year to the Employment Security Commission to maintain compliance with Chapter 96 of the General Statutes, which directs the Commission to employ the Common Follow-Up Management Information System to evaluate the effectiveness of the State's job training, education, and placement programs;
(7) Eight hundred ninety-seven thousand five hundred eighty-seven dollars ($897,587) for the 2002-2003 fiscal year to the Department of Labor to continue the Apprenticeship Program; and
(8) Two hundred fifty thousand dollars ($250,000) for the 2002-2003 fiscal year to the Community Colleges System Office for the operation of the Hosiery Technology Center.
SECTION 13.3.(c) North Carolina REAL Enterprises and the other agencies listed in subsections (a) and (b) of this section shall do the following for the programs for which funds are appropriated in this section:
By January 15, 2003, and more frequently as requested, report to the Joint Legislative Commission on Governmental Operations and the Fiscal Research Division the following information:
(1) State fiscal year 2002-2003 program activities, objectives, and accomplishments;
(2) State fiscal year 2002-2003 itemized expenditures and fund sources;
(3) State fiscal year 2003-2004 planned activities, objectives, and accomplishments including actual results through December 31, 2002; and
(4) State fiscal year 2003-2004 estimated itemized expenditures and fund sources including actual expenditures and fund sources through December 31, 2002.
SECTION 13.3.(d) North Carolina REAL Enterprises shall, in addition to satisfying the reporting requirements in subsection (c) of this section, provide to the Fiscal Research Division a copy of the organization's annual audited financial statement within 30 days of issuance of the statement.
Requested by: Senators Martin of Pitt, Weinstein, Albertson, Plyler, Odom, Lee; Representatives Fox, Owens, Allen, Easterling, Oldham, Redwine
NER INTERIM STUDY/SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT FUNCTIONS
SECTION 13.4.(a) During the interim between the end of the 2002 Regular Session of the 2001 General Assembly and the beginning of the 2003 General Assembly, the Senate and House of Representatives Appropriations Subcommittees on Natural and Economic Resources may study the feasibility and desirability of designating the Small Business and Technology Development Center (SBTDC), the Department of Commerce, the Community Colleges System Office, or any other government or nonprofit entity as the State's presumptive provider of small business development assistance, including: (i) promoting the development of small business incubators; and (ii) investing in early-stage technology-based businesses.
SECTION 13.4.(b) The subcommittees shall report their recommendations, including any proposed changes to the General Statutes, to the 2003 General Assembly no later than January 15, 2003. The subcommittees may seek and obtain assistance from any agencies and resources outside the General Assembly that the subcommittees determine are needed to adequately perform the study.
Requested by: Senators Martin of Pitt, Weinstein, Albertson, Plyler, Odom, Lee; Representatives Fox, Owens, Allen, Easterling, Oldham, Redwine
SECTION 13.4B.(a) Funds appropriated to the Department of Commerce for the 2001-2002 fiscal year for the One North Carolina Fund that are unexpended and unencumbered as of June 30, 2002, shall not revert to the General Fund on June 30, 2002, but shall remain available to the Department for providing financial assistance to those businesses and industries deemed by the Governor to be vital to a healthy and growing State economy and that are making significant efforts to establish or expand in North Carolina.
SECTION 13.4B.(b) This section becomes effective June 30, 2002.
Requested by: Senators Martin of Pitt, Weinstein, Albertson, Plyler, Odom, Lee; Representatives Fox, Owens, Allen, Easterling, Oldham, Redwine
REGIONAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION ALLOCATIONS
SECTION 13.6. Section 20.10 of S.L. 2001-424 reads as rewritten:
"SECTION 20.10.(a) Funds appropriated in
this act to the Department of Commerce for regional economic development
commissions shall be allocated to the following commissions Commissions
in accordance with subsection (b) of this section: Western North Carolina
Regional Economic Development Commission, Research Triangle Regional
Commission, Southeastern North Carolina Regional Economic Development
Commission, Piedmont Triad Partnership, Northeastern North Carolina Regional
Economic Development Commission, Global TransPark Development Commission, and
Carolinas Partnership, Inc.
SECTION 20.10.(b) Funds appropriated pursuant to
subsection (a) of this section shall be allocated to each regional economic
development commission Regional Economic Development Commission as
follows:
(1) First, the Department
shall establish each commission'sCommission's allocation by
determining the sum of allocations to each county that is a member of that commission.
Commission. Each county's allocation shall be determined by dividing
the county's enterprise factor by the sum of the enterprise factors for
eligible counties and multiplying the resulting percentage by the amount of the
appropriation. As used in this subdivision, the term "enterprise
factor" means a county's enterprise factor as calculated under G.S. 105-129.3;
G.S. 105-129.3.
(2) Next, the Department
shall subtract from funds allocated to the Global TransPark Development ZoneCommission
the sum of two hundred four thousand four hundred thirty-three dollars
($204,433) in each fiscal year,the 2001-2002 fiscal year and the sum
of one hundred seventy-one thousand nine hundred seventy-nine dollars ($171,979)
in the 2002-2003 fiscal year which sum represents the interest earnings in
each fiscal year on the estimated balance of seven million five hundred
thousand dollars ($7,500,000) appropriated to the Global TransPark Development
Zone in Section 6 of Chapter 561 of the 1993 Session Laws; and Laws.
(3) Next, the Department
shall redistribute the sum of two hundred four thousand four hundred thirty-three
dollars ($204,433) in each fiscal year the 2001-2002 fiscal year and the
sum of one hundred seventy-one thousand nine hundred seventy-nine dollars
($171,979) in the 2002-2003 fiscal year to the seven regional economic
development commissions Regional Economic Development Commissions
named in subsection (a) of this section. Each commission'sCommission's
share of this redistribution shall be determined according to the enterprise
factor formula set out in subdivision (1) of this subsection. This
redistribution shall be in addition to each commission'sCommission's
allocation determined under subdivision (1) of this subsection.
(4) For the 2002-2003 fiscal year, the reduction in appropriation of funds allocated pursuant to subdivisions (1), (2), and (3) of this subsection was managed by first using the formula applied against the amount appropriated for the 2001-2002 fiscal year and then reducing by the sum of eighty-five thousand dollars ($85,000) the allocation for each of the Regional Economic Development Commissions listed in subsection (a) of this section.
(5) Funds appropriated in this act to the Department of Commerce for the Regional Economic Development Commissions shall be budgeted in Budget Code 14601 (Commerce-State Aid)."
Requested by: Senators Martin of Pitt, Weinstein, Albertson, Plyler, Odom, Lee; Representatives Fox, Owens, Allen, Easterling, Oldham, Redwine
SECTION 13.7. Section 20.11(a) of S.L. 2001-424 reads as rewritten:
"SECTION 20.11.(a) Each regional
economic development commission Regional Economic Development Commission
receiving a grant-in-aid from the Department of Commerce shall:
(1) By January 15, 2002, and more frequently as requested, report to the Joint Legislative Commission on Governmental Operations, the Fiscal Research Division, and the Department of Commerce the following information:
a. State fiscal year 2000-2001 program activities, objectives, and accomplishments;
b. State fiscal year 2000-2001 itemized expenditures and fund sources;
c. State fiscal year 2001-2002 planned activities, objectives, and accomplishments as specified in subdivisions (b)(1) through (b)(6) of this section including actual results through December 31, 2001;
d. State fiscal year 2001-2002 estimated itemized expenditures and fund sources including actual expenditures and fund sources through December 31, 2001.
(2) By January
15, 2003, and more frequently as requested, report to the Joint Legislative
Commission on Governmental Operations, the Fiscal Research Division, and the Department
of Commerce the following information:
a. State
fiscal year 2001-2002 program activities, objectives, and accomplishments;
b. State
fiscal year 2001-2002 itemized expenditures and fund sources;
c. State
fiscal year 2002-2003 planned activities, objectives, and accomplishments as
specified in subdivisions (b)(1) through (b)(6) of this section including
actual results through December 31, 2002;
d. State
fiscal year 2002-2003 estimated itemized expenditures and fund sources
including actual expenditures and fund sources through December 31, 2002.
(2) Report by January 15, 2003, on the first and second quarters of the 2002-2003 fiscal year, and by July 15, 2003, on the third and fourth quarters of the 2002-2003 fiscal year, regarding the following:
a. Program activities, objectives, and accomplishments for its region, to include:
1. Specific businesses and/or industries that have been recruited.
2. Businesses and/or industries that have located as a result of recruitment efforts and number of new jobs created as a result of that location decision.
3. Existing businesses and/or industries that have expanded as a result of assistance and number of new jobs created as a result of that expansion.
4. Existing businesses and/or industries that have remained as a result of retention efforts and number of jobs saved as a result of that retention.
5. For sub-sub-subdivisions 1 through 4 of this sub-subdivision, each Commission shall describe its role in the activities and identify the relative contributions of the Commission and the Department of Commerce to the activities.
6. Number and description of marketing outreach events, including trade shows, recruitment missions, and related activities.
7. Initiatives undertaken to establish certified sites and shell buildings.
8. Number of referrals or leads handled that were generated by the Department of Commerce and number that were generated by the Commission.
b. Total itemized actual revenues and expenditures, by fund source.
The report required by this subsection shall be made to the Department of Commerce, the Joint Legislative Commission on Governmental Operations, and the Fiscal Research Division.
(3) Report by January 15, 2003, to the Joint Legislative Commission on Governmental Operations, the Fiscal Research Division, and the Department of Commerce on the following:
a. State fiscal year 2001-2002 program activities, objectives, and accomplishments.
b. State fiscal year 2001-2002 itemized expenditures, including salary and benefits for all employees regardless of funding sources, and fund sources.
(4) Report by January 15, 2003, to the Department of Commerce on the number and listing of available sites and buildings within the region.
(3)(5) Provide to the Fiscal Research
Division and the Department of Commerce a copy of its annual audited financial
statement within 30 days of issuance of the statement."
Requested by: Senators Martin of Pitt, Weinstein, Albertson, Plyler, Odom, Lee; Representatives Fox, Owens, Allen, Easterling, Oldham, Redwine
STUDY EFFECTIVENESS OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AGENCIES
(1) Identify how Commerce and the Commissions can improve communication, implement a more coordinated and efficient recruitment and retention effort throughout the State, and avoid duplication of effort,
(2) Establish specific performance measures and outcomes relevant to the mission, goals, and objectives of Commerce and the Commissions,
(3) Develop a "scorecard" that can be used to measure the extent to which Commerce and the Commissions have achieved their goals, objectives, and outcomes, and
(4) Recommend a performance-based funding mechanism that will inform the General Assembly’s decisions regarding appropriations to Commerce and the Commissions.
The Business School also may include in its study and recommendations any other information it deems relevant to the study and its intent.
The Business School shall report its findings and recommendations to the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Natural and Economic Resources, the Senate Full Appropriations Chairs, the Joint Legislative Commission on Governmental Operations, and the Fiscal Research Division by March 15, 2003.
Requested by: Senators Martin of Pitt, Weinstein, Plyler, Odom, Lee; Representatives Fox, Owens, Easterling, Oldham, Redwine
Nonprofit Reporting Requirements
SECTION 13.10. Section 20.14 of S.L. 2001-424 reads as rewritten:
"SECTION 20.14.(a)
The N.C. Institute for Minority Economic Development, Inc., Land Loss
Prevention Project, North Carolina Coalition of Farm and Rural Families,
Inc., North Carolina Minority Support Center, North Carolina Community
Development Initiative, Inc., North Carolina Association of Community
Development Corporations, Inc., and Partnership for the Sounds, Inc., shall do
the following:
(1) By January 15, 2002, and more frequently as requested, report to the Joint Legislative Commission on Governmental Operations and the Fiscal Research Division the following information:
a. State fiscal year 2000-2001 program activities, objectives, and accomplishments;
b. State fiscal year 2000-2001 itemized expenditures and fund sources;
c. State fiscal year 2001-2002 planned activities, objectives, and accomplishments including actual results through December 31, 2001; and
d. State fiscal year 2001-2002 estimated itemized expenditures and fund sources including actual expenditures and fund sources through December 31, 2001;
(2) By January 15, 2003, and more frequently as requested, report to the Joint Legislative Commission on Governmental Operations and the Fiscal Research Division the following information:
a. State fiscal year 2001-2002 program activities, objectives, and accomplishments;
b. State fiscal year 2001-2002 itemized expenditures and fund sources;
c. State fiscal year 2002-2003 planned activities, objectives, and accomplishments including actual results through December 31, 2002; and
d. State fiscal year 2002-2003 estimated itemized expenditures and fund sources including actual expenditures and fund sources through December 31, 2002; and
(3) Provide to the Fiscal Research Division a copy of the organization's annual audited financial statement within 30 days of issuance of the statement.
SECTION 20.14.(b)
No funds appropriated under this act shall be released to a nonprofit
organization listed in subsection (a) of this section until the organization
has satisfied the reporting requirement for January 15, 2001. Fourth quarter
allotments shall not be released to any nonprofit organization that does not
satisfy the reporting requirements for by January 15, 2002, or
January 15, 2003."
Requested by: Senators Martin of Pitt, Weinstein, Albertson, Plyler, Odom, Lee; Representatives Fox, Owens, Easterling, Oldham, Redwine
Rural Economic Development Center
SECTION 13.11.(a) Section 20.15(a) of S.L. 2001-424 reads as rewritten:
"SECTION 20.15.(a) Of the funds
appropriated in this act to the Rural Economic Development Center, Inc., the
sum of one million seven hundred eighty-eight thousand seven hundred forty-nine
dollars ($1,788,749) for the 2001-2002 fiscal year and the sum of one million
seven hundred eighty-eight thousand seven hundred forty-nine dollars
($1,788,749)one million seven hundred forty-four thousand seven hundred
forty-nine dollars ($1,744,749) for the 2002-2003 fiscal year shall be
allocated as follows:
2001-2002 FY 2002-2003 FY
Research and Demonstration
Grants
$444,000
$444,000$400,000
Technical Assistance and Center
Administration of Research
and Demonstration Grants 444,471 444,471
Center Administration, Oversight,
and Other Programs 437,278 437,278
Administration of Clean Water/
Natural Gas Critical Needs
Bond Act of 1998 199,722 199,722
Additional Administration of Supplemental
Funding Program 138,278 138,278
Administration of Capacity Building
Assistance Program (1998 Bond Act) 125,000 125,000."
SECTION 13.11.(b) Section 20.15(e) of S.L. 2001-424 reads as rewritten:
"SECTION 20.15.(e) Of the funds
appropriated in this act to the Rural Economic Development Center, Inc., the
sum of two million nine hundred two thousand dollars ($2,902,000) for the 2001-2002
fiscal year and the sum of two million nine hundred two thousand dollars
($2,902,000)two million five hundred forty-two thousand one hundred
forty-nine dollars ($2,542,149) for the 2002-2003 fiscal year shall be
allocated as follows:
(1) $1,124,000 in eachfor
the 2001-2002 fiscal year and $1,067,800 for the 2002-2003 fiscal year for
community development grants to support development projects and activities
within the State's minority communities. Any community development corporation
as defined in this section is eligible to apply for funds. The Rural Economic
Development Center, Inc., shall establish performance-based criteria for
determining which community development corporation will receive a grant and
the grant amount. The Rural Economic Development Center, Inc., shall allocate
these funds as follows:
a. $837,720 in
eachfor the 2001-2002 fiscal year and $810,000 for the 2002-2003
fiscal year for direct grants to the local community development corporations
that have previously received State funds for this purpose to support
operations and project activities;
b. $236,280 in
eachfor the 2001-2002 fiscal year and $207,800 for the 2002-2003
fiscal year for direct grants to local community development corporations that
have not previously received State funds; and
c. $50,000 in each fiscal year to the Rural Economic Development Center, Inc., to be used to cover expenses in administering this section.
(2) $234,000 in eachfor
the 2001-2002 fiscal year and $210,600 for the 2002-2003 fiscal year to the
Microenterprise Loan Program to support the loan fund and operations of the
Program; and
(3) $1,344,000 in eachfor
the 2001-2002 fiscal year and $1,063,749 for the 2002-2003 fiscal year
shall be used for a program to provide supplemental funding for matching
requirements for projects and activities authorized under this subdivision. The
Center shall allocate these funds as follows:
a. $1,094,000 in
eachfor the 2001-2002 fiscal year and $838,749 for the 2002-2003
fiscal year to make grants to local governments and nonprofit corporations to
provide funds necessary to match federal grants or other grants for:
1. Necessary economic development projects and activities in economically distressed areas;
2. Necessary water and sewer projects and activities in economically distressed communities to address health or environmental quality problems except that funds shall not be expended for the repair or replacement of low-pressure pipe wastewater systems. If a grant is awarded under this sub-subdivision, then the grant shall be matched on a dollar-for-dollar basis in the amount of the grant awarded; or
3. Projects that demonstrate alternative water and waste management processes for local governments. Special consideration should be given to cost-effectiveness, efficacy, management efficiency, and the ability of the demonstration project to be replicated.
b. $250,000 in
eachfor the 2001-2002 fiscal year and $225,000 for the 2002-2003
fiscal year to make grants to local governments and nonprofit corporations to
provide funds necessary to match federal grants or other grants related to
water, sewer, or business development projects.
(4) $200,000 in each fiscal year for the Agricultural Advancement Consortium. These funds shall be placed in a reserve and allocated as follows:
a. $75,000 in each fiscal year for operating expenses associated with the Consortium; and
b. $125,000 in each fiscal year for research initiatives funded by the Consortium.
The Consortium shall facilitate discussions among interested parties and shall develop recommendations to improve the State's economic development through farming and agricultural interests.
The grant recipients in this subsection shall be selected on the basis of need."
Requested by: Senators Martin of Pitt, Weinstein, Plyler, Odom, Lee; Representatives Fox, Owens, Easterling, Oldham, Redwine
opportunities industrialization center funds
SECTION 13.12. Section 20.16(a) of S.L. 2001-424 reads as rewritten:
"SECTION 20.16.(a) Of the funds
appropriated in this act to the Rural Economic Development Center, Inc., the
sum of four hundred thousand dollars ($400,000) for the 2001-2002 fiscal year
and the sum of four hundred thousand dollars ($400,000)three hundred
eighty thousand dollars ($380,000) for the 2002-2003 fiscal year shall be
allocated as follows:
(1) $100,000 in eachfor
the 2001-2002 fiscal year and $95,000 for the 2002-2003 fiscal year to the
Opportunities Industrialization Center of Wilson, Inc., for its ongoing job training
programs;
(2) $100,000 in eachfor
the 2001-2002 fiscal year and $95,000 for the 2002-2003 fiscal year to the
Opportunities Industrialization Center, Inc., in Rocky Mount, for its ongoing
job training programs;
(3) $100,000 in eachfor
the 2001-2002 fiscal year and $95,000 for the 2002-2003 fiscal year to the
Opportunities Industrialization Centers Kinston and Lenoir County, North
Carolina, Inc.; and
(4) $100,000 in eachfor
the 2001-2002 fiscal year and $95,000 for the 2002-2003 fiscal year to the
Opportunities Industrialization Center of Elizabeth City, Inc."
Requested by: Senators Thomas, Wellons, Ballance, Rand, Plyler, Odom, Lee; Representatives Culpepper, Haire, Luebke, Easterling, Oldham, Redwine
RESTRICT DISTRICT COURT MANDATORY ARBITRATION
SECTION 14.3.(a) G.S. 7A-37.1(c) reads as rewritten:
"(c) This procedure may be
employed in civil actions where claims do not exceed fifteen thousand dollars ($15,000).
($15,000), except that it shall not be employed in actions in which the sole
claim is an action on an account, including appeals from magistrates on such
actions."
SECTION 14.3.(b) This section becomes effective October 1, 2002, and applies to actions and cases filed on or after that date.
Requested by: Senators Thomas, Wellons, Ballance, Rand, Plyler, Odom, Lee; Representatives Culpepper, Haire, Luebke, Easterling, Oldham, Redwine
Requested by: Senators Thomas, Wellons, Ballance, Rand, Plyler, Odom, Lee; Representatives Culpepper, Haire, Luebke, Easterling, Oldham, Redwine
In identifying the five positions, the Administrative Office of the Courts shall:
(1) Identify counties with a disproportionate number of magistrate positions, based upon caseload;
(2) Consider more cost-effective methods of providing access to magistrates in rural areas;
(3) Determine the optimal mix of part-time and full-time magistrate positions; and
(4) Consider ongoing discussions before the Courts Commission and the Judicial Counsel on magistrate staffing and jurisdiction.
Requested by: Senators Thomas, Wellons, Ballance, Rand, Plyler, Odom, Lee; Representatives Culpepper, Haire, Luebke, Easterling, Oldham, Redwine
TRANSFER SENTENCING SERVICES PROGRAM TO OFFICE OF INDIGENT DEFENSE SERVICES
SECTION 14.7.(a) The statutory authority, powers, duties, and functions, records, personnel, property, unexpended balances of appropriations, allocations or other funds, including the functions of budgeting and purchasing, of the Administrative Office of the Courts to conduct the Sentencing Services Program, as provided by Article 61 of Chapter 7A of the General Statutes, are transferred to the Office of Indigent Defense Services. However, pursuant to the provisions of G.S. 7A-498.2(c), the Administrative Office of the Courts shall continue to have the responsibility of providing general administrative support to the Sentencing Services Program.
SECTION 14.7.(b) G.S. 7A-498.2(a) reads as rewritten:
"(a) The Office of
Indigent Defense Services, which is administered by the Director of Indigent
Defense Services and includes the Commission on Indigent Defense Services, Services
and the Sentencing Services Program established in Article 61 of this Chapter,
is created within the Judicial Department. As used in this Article,
"Office" means the Office of Indigent Defense Services,
"Director" means the Director of Indigent Defense Services, and
"Commission" means the Commission on Indigent Defense Services."
SECTION 14.7.(c) G.S. 7A-498.6(b) reads as rewritten:
"(b) The Director shall:
(1) Prepare and submit to the Commission a proposed budget for the Office of Indigent Defense Services, an annual report containing pertinent data on the operations, costs, and needs of the Office, and such other information as the Commission may require;
(2) Assist the Commission in developing rules and standards for the delivery of services under this Article;
(3) Administer and coordinate the operations of the Office and supervise compliance with standards adopted by the Commission;
(4) Subject to policies and procedures established by the Commission, hire such professional, technical, and support personnel as deemed reasonably necessary for the efficient operation of the Office of Indigent Defense Services;
(5) Keep and maintain proper financial records for use in calculating the costs of the operations of the Office of Indigent Defense Services;
(6) Apply for and accept on behalf of the Office of Indigent Defense Services any funds that may become available from government grants, private gifts, donations, or bequests from any source;
(7) Coordinate the services of the Office of Indigent Defense Services with any federal, county, or private programs established to provide assistance to indigent persons in cases subject to this Article and consult with professional bodies concerning improving the administration of indigent services;
(8) Conduct training
programs for attorneys and others involved in the legal representation of
persons subject to this Article; and
(8a) Administer the Sentencing Services Program established in Article 61 of this Chapter; and
(9) Perform other duties as the Commission may assign."
SECTION 14.7.(d) G.S. 7A-771(2a) reads as rewritten:
"(2a) "Director" means the
Director of the Administrative Office of the Courts. Indigent Defense
Services."
SECTION 14.7.(e) G.S. 7A-772(b) reads as rewritten:
"(b) The Director may
establish local sentencing services programs and appoint those staff as the
Director deems necessary. These personnel may serve as full-time or part-time
State employees or may be hired on a contractual basis when determined
appropriate by the director. Contracts entered under the authority of this
subsection shall be exempt from the competitive bidding procedures under
Chapter 143 of the General Statutes. The Administrative Office of the Courts
Office of Indigent Defense Services shall adopt rules necessary and
appropriate for the administration of the program. Funds appropriated by the
General Assembly for the establishment and maintenance of sentencing services
programs under this Article shall be administered by the Administrative
Office of the Courts. Office of Indigent Defense Services."
SECTION 14.7.(f) Each Sentencing Services Program shall review its procedures and implement methods of (i) minimizing the frequency with which plans are prepared but not presented to the court, and (ii) ensuring the efficient management of probation revocation cases when they are referred by a judge.
SECTION 14.7.(g) As of July 1, 2002, the number of State positions assigned as administrative staff is reduced from 11 to four. Notwithstanding the provisions of G.S. 7A-772(b), the number of State positions shall not exceed 26. The Office of Indigent Defense Services may reallocate State employee positions in order to provide sentencing services in any of the districts formerly served by non-State agencies. The Office of Indigent Defense Services shall renegotiate contractual arrangements with some of the highest performing nonprofits that have administered sentencing services programs to date. Within existing funding, the Office of Indigent Defense Services may also contract with individuals or organizations to provide additional sentencing services.
SECTION 14.7.(h) The Office of Indigent Defense Services shall report by January 1, 2003, to the Chairs of the Senate and House of Representatives Appropriations Committees and the Senate and House of Representatives Appropriations Subcommittees on Justice and Public Safety on the reorganization of the Sentencing Services Program pursuant to this section. The report shall include the specific assignments for the State positions, the districts in which sentencing services will be available, the means by which those services will be provided, and an estimated number of plans and cost per plan for the 2002-2003 fiscal year.
Requested by: Senators Thomas, Wellons, Ballance, Rand, Plyler, Odom, Lee; Representatives Culpepper, Haire, Luebke, Easterling, Oldham, Redwine
SECTION 14.8.(a) The Drug Treatment Court Program shall maintain the existing State-funded programs in Districts 5, 9, 9A, 10, 14, 21, and 26 during the 2002-2003 fiscal year.
SECTION 14.8.(b) It is the intent of the General Assembly that State Drug Treatment Court funds not be used to fund case manager positions when those services can be reasonably provided by the Treatment Alternatives to Street Crime (TASC) program in the Department of Health and Human Services or by other existing resources. The Drug Treatment Court Program shall identify areas of potential cost savings in the local programs that would result from reducing the number of case manager positions. The Program shall also identify areas in which federal funding might absorb administrative costs.
The Drug Treatment Court Program shall report by February 1, 2003, to the Chairs of the Senate and House of Representatives Appropriations Committees and the Chairs of the Senate and House of Representatives Appropriations Subcommittees on Justice and Public Safety on the savings identified.
SECTION 14.8.(c) Prior to the establishment of any new local drug treatment court programs, the local drug treatment court management committee shall consult with the TASC program as to the availability of case management services in that community.
Requested by: Senators Thomas, Wellons, Ballance, Rand, Plyler, Odom, Lee; Representatives Culpepper, Haire, Luebke, Easterling, Oldham, Redwine
ADDITIONAL PUBLIC DEFENDER'S OFFICE in forsyth county/expand mecklenburg public defender'S office
SECTION 14.11.(a) G.S. 7A-498.7(a) reads as rewritten:
"(a) The following counties of the State are organized into the defender districts listed below, and in each of those defender districts an office of public defender is established:
Defender District Counties
3A Pitt
3B Carteret
12 Cumberland
14 Durham
15B Orange, Chatham
16A Scotland, Hoke
16B Robeson
18 Guilford
21 Forsyth
26 Mecklenburg
27A Gaston
28 Buncombe
After notice to, and consultation with, the affected district bar, senior resident superior court judge, and chief district court judge, the Commission on Indigent Defense Services may recommend to the General Assembly that a district or regional public defender office be established. A legislative act is required in order to establish a new office or to abolish an existing office."
SECTION 14.11.(b) The Office of Indigent Defense Services may use up to the sum of one million two hundred twenty-five thousand dollars ($1,225,000) in funds appropriated to create new positions for the Forsyth County Public Defender's office. These positions shall include the public defender, up to 13 assistant public defenders, and up to seven support positions.
SECTION 14.11.(c) The Office of Indigent Defense Services may use up to the sum of seven hundred forty-five thousand dollars ($745,000) in funds appropriated for expansion of the Mecklenburg County Public Defender's office through the creation of up to 10 attorney positions and up to five support positions. Funds may be used for salaries, benefits, equipment, and related expenses.
SECTION 14.11.(d) This section becomes effective October 1, 2002.
Requested by: Senators Thomas, Wellons, Ballance, Rand, Plyler, Odom, Lee; Representatives Culpepper, Haire, Luebke, Easterling, Oldham, Redwine
APPELLATE COURTS PRINTING AND COMPUTER OPERATIONS
SECTION 14.12. Article 29 of Chapter 7A of the General Statutes is amended by adding a new section to read:
"§ 7A-343.3. Appellate Courts Printing and Computer Operations Fund.
The Appellate Courts Printing and Computer Operations Fund is established within the Judicial Department as a nonreverting, interest-bearing special revenue account. Accordingly, interest and other investment income earned by the Fund shall be credited to it. All moneys collected through charges to litigants for the reproduction of appellate records and briefs under G.S. 7A-11 and G.S. 7A-20(b) shall be remitted to the State Treasurer and held in this Fund. Moneys in the Fund shall be used to support the print shop operations of the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeals, including personnel, maintenance, and capital costs. The Judicial Department may create and maintain receipt-supported positions for these purposes but shall report to the Chairs of the Senate and House of Representatives Appropriations Subcommittees on Justice and Public Safety prior to creating such new positions.
The Judicial Department shall report to the Chairs of the Senate and House of Representatives Appropriations Subcommittees on Justice and Public Safety by January 1 of each year on all receipts and expenditures of the Fund."
PART Xv. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
Requested by: Senators Thomas, Wellons, Ballance, Rand, Plyler, Odom, Lee; Representatives Culpepper, Haire, Luebke, Baddour, Easterling, Oldham, Redwine
NO-CALL REGISTRY AUTHORIZATION
SECTION 15.2.(a) The Department of Justice may use funds available to the Department up to seven hundred thousand dollars ($700,000) during the 2002-2003 fiscal year to establish and implement a no-call registry to stop unwanted telemarketing calls and to increase protections for consumers in transactions initiated by telemarketers. These funds shall also be used to develop programs to protect citizens from improper electronic invasions of privacy.
SECTION 15.2.(b) This section becomes effective only when legislation authorizing the Department of Justice to establish and implement a no-call registry becomes law.
Requested by: Senators Thomas, Wellons, Ballance, Plyler, Odom, Lee; Representatives Culpepper, Haire, Easterling, Oldham, Redwine
INSURANCE REGULATORY FUND REIMBURSEMENT
SECTION 15.5. G.S. 58-6-25(d) reads as rewritten:
"(d) Use of Proceeds. - The Insurance Regulatory Fund is created in the State treasury, under the control of the Office of State Budget and Management. The proceeds of the charge levied in this section and all fees collected under Articles 69 through 71 of this Chapter and under Articles 9 and 9C of Chapter 143 of the General Statutes shall be credited to the Fund. The Fund shall be placed in an interest-bearing account and any interest or other income derived from the Fund shall be credited to the Fund. Moneys in the Fund may be spent only pursuant to appropriation by the General Assembly and in accordance with the line item budget enacted by the General Assembly. The Fund is subject to the provisions of the Executive Budget Act, except that no unexpended surplus of the Fund shall revert to the General Fund. All money credited to the Fund shall be used to reimburse the General Fund for the following:
(1) Money appropriated to the Department of Insurance to pay its expenses incurred in regulating the insurance industry and other industries in this State.
(2) Money appropriated to State agencies to pay the expenses incurred in regulating the insurance industry, in certifying statewide data processors under Article 11A of Chapter 131E of the General Statutes, and in purchasing reports of patient data from statewide data processors certified under that Article.
(3) Money appropriated to the Department of Revenue to pay the expenses incurred in collecting and administering the taxes on insurance companies levied in Article 8B of Chapter 105 of the General Statutes.
(4) Money appropriated for the office of Managed Care Patient Assistance Program established under G.S. 143-730 to pay the actual costs of administering the program.
(5) Money appropriated to the Department of Insurance for the implementation and administration of independent external review procedures required by Part 4 of Article 50 of this Chapter.
(6) Money appropriated to the Department of Justice to pay its expenses incurred in representing the Department of Insurance in its regulation of the insurance industry and other related programs and industries in this State that fall under the jurisdiction of the Department of Insurance."
PART Xvi. DEPARTMENT OF JUVENILE JUSTICE AND DELINQUENCY PREVENTION
Requested by: Senators Thomas, Wellons, Ballance, Rand, Plyler, Odom, Lee; Representatives Culpepper, Haire, Luebke, Easterling, Oldham, Redwine
USE OF FUNDS FOR YOUTH DEVELOPMENT CENTER and multipurpose BEDS
SECTION 16.1.(a) The Department of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention may use funds available during the 2002-2003 fiscal year to (i) establish or reestablish Youth Development Center beds, (ii) reestablish one multipurpose group home, and (iii) convert up to 50 beds in one Eckerd Wilderness Camp for use as a Youth Development Center, as defined in G.S. 7B-1501. Any conversion shall be effectuated with existing contract funds. If the Department of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention determines it needs additional youth development center beds during the 2002-2003 fiscal year, it shall consider reestablishing beds at Samarkand Manor Youth Development Center.
SECTION 16.1.(b) The Department shall consult with the Joint Legislative Commission on Governmental Operations and the Corrections, Crime Control, and Juvenile Justice Oversight Committee prior to:
(1) Converting any Eckerd Wilderness Camp beds to secure confinement beds during the 2002-2003 fiscal year;
(2) Establishing bed capacity at the standard or expanded capacity level greater than 730 beds, including beds converted at Eckerd Wilderness Camps, during the 2002-2003 fiscal year; or
(3) Reestablishing one multipurpose group home during the 2002-2003 fiscal year.
The report shall include the sources of funding for any additional beds.
Requested by: Senators Thomas, Wellons, Ballance, Rand, Plyler, Odom, Lee; Representatives Culpepper, Haire, Luebke, Easterling, Oldham, Redwine
FUNDING OF TEEN COURT PROGRAMS
SECTION 16.2.(a) Of the funds appropriated in this act to the Department of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention for the 2002-2003 fiscal year, the sum of four hundred eighty-eight thousand six hundred sixty dollars ($488,660) shall be used to continue the operations of teen court programs which received direct State appropriations from the Department in the 2001-2002 fiscal year. For the 2002-2003 fiscal year, the Department shall allocate funds to the Juvenile Crime Prevention Councils in the counties in which those teen court programs are located. For each teen court program, the allocation shall be in an amount equal to the appropriation received by that program in the 2001-2002 fiscal year. The allocations authorized by this subsection are in addition to the formula allocations for the applicable counties.
SECTION 16.2.(b) G.S. 143B-520(b) reads as rewritten:
"(b) Every teen court
program that receives State funds, including funds from Juvenile Crime
Prevention Councils, Councils shall comply with rules and
reporting requirements of the Department of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency
Prevention. In particular, teen court programs receiving State funds shall
report to the Department on the expenditure of State funds and the number of
cases served each year."
Requested by: Senators Thomas, Wellons, Ballance, Rand, Plyler, Odom, Lee; Representatives Culpepper, Haire, Luebke, Easterling, Oldham, Redwine
COMMUNITIES IN SCHOOLS REDUCTIONS
SECTION 16.3. The General Fund appropriation to the Department of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention for Communities in Schools of North Carolina, Inc., is reduced by the sum of one hundred two thousand five hundred dollars ($102,500) for the 2002-2003 fiscal year. This reduction in funding shall be accomplished by reducing expenditures at the State office and not through reductions in funding to individual sites.
Requested by: Senators Thomas, Wellons, Plyler, Odom, Lee; Representatives Culpepper, Haire, Easterling, Oldham, Redwine
STATE FUNDS MAY BE USED AS FEDERAL MATCHING FUNDS
SECTION 16.5. Section 24.4 of S.L. 2001-424 reads as rewritten:
"SECTION 24.4. Funds appropriated in this
act to the Department of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention for the 2001-2002
2002-2003 fiscal year may be used as matching funds for the Juvenile
Accountability Incentive Block Grants. If North Carolina receives Juvenile
Accountability Incentive Block Grants, or a notice of funds to be awarded, the
Office of State Budget and Management and the Governor's Crime Commission shall
consult with the Department of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention
regarding the criteria for awarding federal funds. The Office of State Budget
and Management, the Governor's Crime Commission, and the Department of Juvenile
Justice and Delinquency Prevention shall report to the Appropriations
Committees of the Senate and House of Representatives and the Joint Legislative
Commission on Governmental Operations prior to allocation of the federal funds.
The report shall identify the amount of funds to be received for the 2001-2002
2002-2003 fiscal year, the amount of funds anticipated for the
2002-2003 2003-2004 fiscal year, and the allocation of funds by
program and purpose."
Requested by: Senators Thomas, Wellons, Ballance, Rand, Plyler, Odom, Lee; Representatives Culpepper, Haire, Luebke, Easterling, Oldham, Redwine
PLANNING FOR NEW YOUTH DEVELOPMENT CENTER
SECTION 16.6. The Department of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention may initiate the planning and design of a new 300- to 500-bed youth development center using funds allocated to the Department of Administration for the planning and design of juvenile justice facilities. The Department shall report by February 15, 2003, to the Chairs of the Senate and House of Representatives Appropriations Committees, the Senate Appropriations Committee on Justice and Public Safety, and the House of Representatives Appropriations Subcommittee on Justice and Public Safety on its progress in the planning and design phase. The Department shall also provide a preliminary report on how its plan for a new center will ensure effective security and programming while achieving staffing efficiencies.
Requested by: Senators Thomas, Wellons, Ballance, Rand, Plyler, Odom, Lee; Representatives Sherrill, Nesbitt, Culpepper, Haire, Luebke, Easterling, Oldham, Redwine
OPERATION OF BUNCOMBE YOUTH DETENTION CENTER
SECTION 16.7. The Department of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention shall continue to operate the Buncombe Youth Detention Center at its current site during the 2002-2003 fiscal year. To the extent practicable during the 2002-2003 fiscal year, the Department shall operate the Buncombe Youth Detention Center at the same average population and staffing levels and at the same budget as the 2001-2002 fiscal year.
PART Xvii. DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTION
Requested by: Senators Thomas, Wellons, Ballance, Plyler, Odom, Lee; Representatives Culpepper, Haire, Easterling, Oldham, Redwine
aLL countIES transferrING SAFEKEEPERS TO THE DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTION TO REIMBURSE DEPARTMENT REGARDLESS OF SAFEKEEPERS' RESIDENCY
SECTION 17.1. G.S. 162-39(c) reads as rewritten:
"(c) The sheriff of the county from which the prisoner is removed shall be responsible for conveying the prisoner to the jail or prison unit where he is to be held, and for returning him to the common jail of the county from which he was transferred. The return shall be made at the expiration of the time designated in the court order directing the transfer unless the judge, by appropriate order, shall direct otherwise. The sheriff or keeper of the jail of the county designated in the court order, or the officer in charge of the prison unit designated by the Secretary of Correction, shall receive and release custody of the prisoner in accordance with the terms of the court order. If a prisoner is transferred to a unit of the State prison system, the county from which the prisoner is transferred shall pay the Department of Correction for maintaining the prisoner for the time designated by the court at the per day, per inmate rate at which the Department of Correction pays a local jail for maintaining a prisoner. The county shall also pay the Department of Correction for the costs of extraordinary medical care incurred while the prisoner was in the custody of the Department of Correction, defined as follows:
(1) Medical expenses incurred as a result of providing health care to a prisoner as an inpatient (hospitalized);
(2) Other medical expenses when the total cost exceeds thirty-five dollars ($35.00) per occurrence or illness as a result of providing health care to a prisoner as an outpatient (nonhospitalized); and
(3) Cost of replacement of eyeglasses and dental prosthetic devices if those eyeglasses or devices are broken while the prisoner is incarcerated, provided the prisoner was using the eyeglasses or devices at the time of his commitment and then only if prior written consent of the county is obtained by the Department.
However, a county is not required to reimburse the State for
maintaining a prisoner who was a resident of another state or county at the
time he committed the crime for which he is imprisoned. If the prisoner is
transferred to a jail in some other county, the county from which the prisoner
is transferred shall pay to the county receiving the prisoner in its jail the
actual cost of maintaining the prisoner for the time designated by the court.
Counties are hereby authorized to enter into contractual agreements with other
counties to provide jail facilities to which prisoners may be transferred as
deemed necessary under this section.
Whenever prisoners are arrested in such numbers that county jail facilities are insufficient and inadequate for the safekeeping of such prisoners, the resident judge of the superior court or any superior or district court judge holding court in the district may order the prisoners transferred to a unit of the State Department of Correction designated by the Secretary of Correction or his authorized representative, where the prisoners may be held for such length of time as the judge may direct, such detention to be in cell separate from that used for imprisonment of persons already convicted of crimes, except when admission to an inpatient prison medical or mental health unit is required to provide services deemed necessary by a prison health care clinician. The sheriff of the county from which the prisoners are removed shall be responsible for conveying the prisoners to the prison unit or units where they are to be held, and for returning them to the common jail of the county from which they were transferred. However, if due to the number of prisoners to be conveyed the sheriff is unable to provide adequate transportation, he may request the assistance of the Department of Correction, and the Department of Correction is hereby authorized and directed to cooperate with the sheriff and provide whatever assistance is available, both in vehicles and manpower, to accomplish the conveying of the prisoners to and from the county to the designated prison unit or units. The officer in charge of the prison unit designated by the Secretary of Correction or his authorized representative shall receive and release the custody of the prisoners in accordance with the terms of the court order. The county from which the prisoners are transferred shall pay to the Department of Correction the actual cost of transporting the prisoners and the cost of maintaining the prisoners at the per day, per inmate rate at which the Department of Correction pays a local jail for maintaining a prisoner, provided, however, that a county is not required to reimburse the State for transporting or maintaining a prisoner who was a resident of another state or county at the time he was arrested. However, if the county commissioners shall certify to the Governor that the county is unable to pay the bill submitted by the State Department of Correction to the county for the services rendered, either in whole or in part, the Governor may recommend to the Council of State that the State of North Carolina assume and pay, in whole or in part, the obligation of the county to the Department of Correction, and upon approval of the Council of State the amount so approved shall be paid from Contingency and Emergency Fund to the Department of Correction.
When, due to an emergency, it is not feasible to obtain from a judge of the superior or district court a prior order of transfer, the sheriff of the county and the Department of Correction may exercise the authority hereinafter conferred; provided, however, that the sheriff shall, as soon as possible after the emergency, obtain an order from the judge authorizing the prisoners to be held in the designated place of confinement for such period as the judge may direct. All provisions of this subsection shall be applicable to municipalities whenever prisoners are arrested in such numbers that the municipal jail facilities and the county jail facilities are insufficient and inadequate for the safekeeping of the prisoners. The chief of police is hereby authorized to exercise the authority herein conferred upon the sheriff, and the municipality shall be liable for the cost of transporting and maintaining the prisoners to the same extent as a county would be unless action is taken by the Governor and Council of State as herein provided for counties which are unable to pay such costs."
Requested by: Senators Thomas, Wellons, Ballance, Rand, Plyler, Odom, Lee; Representatives Culpepper, Haire, Luebke, Easterling, Oldham, Redwine
REIMBURSE COUNTIES FOR HOUSING AND EXTRAORDINARY MEDICAL COSTS FOR INMATES, PAROLEES, AND POST-RELEASE SUPERVISEES AWAITING TRANSFER TO STATE PRISON SYSTEM
SECTION 17.2. Section 25.4 of S.L. 2001-424 reads as rewritten:
"SECTION 25.4.
The Department of Correction may use funds appropriated available
to the Department for the 2001-2002 fiscal year 2001-2003 biennium
to pay the sum of forty dollars ($40.00) per day as reimbursement to counties
for the cost of housing convicted inmates, parolees, and post-release
supervisees awaiting transfer to the State prison system, as provided in G.S.
148-29. The Department shall report by December 1 and May 1 of each year to the
Joint Legislative Commission on Governmental Operations, the Joint Legislative
Corrections, Crime Control, and Juvenile Justice Oversight Committee, the
Chairs of the Senate and House of Representatives Appropriations Committees,
and the Chairs of the Senate and House of Representatives Appropriations
Subcommittees on Justice and Public Safety on the expenditure of funds to
reimburse counties for prisoners awaiting transfer and on its progress in
reducing the jail backlog."
Requested by: Senators Thomas, Wellons, Ballance, Plyler, Odom, Lee; Representatives Culpepper, Haire, Easterling, Oldham, Redwine
REPORT ON INMATES ELIGIBLE FOR PAROLE
SECTION 17.3. Section 25.21 of S.L. 2001-424 reads as rewritten:
"SECTION 25.21.
The Post-Release Supervision and Parole Commission shall provide quarterly
reports report by January 15 and July 15 of each year to the Senate
and House of Representatives Appropriations Subcommittees on Justice and Public
Safety and the Joint Legislative Corrections, Crime Control, and Juvenile
Justice Oversight Committee on inmates eligible for parole. These reports shall
include at least the following:
(1) The total number of Fair
Sentencing and Pre-Fair Sentencing inmates that were parole-eligible during the
previous quarter and the total number of those inmates that were paroled. The
report should group these inmates by offense type and custody
classification; type, custody classification, and type of parole;
(2) A list of
all those inmates paroled or released by category of parole or release,
including each inmate's offense and custody classification at the time of the
parole or release;
(3)(2) The average time served, by offense
class, of Fair Sentencing and Pre-Fair Sentencing inmates compared to inmates
sentenced under Structured Sentencing; and
(4)(3) The projected number of parole-eligible
inmates to be paroled or released by the end of the 2001-2002 2002-2003
fiscal year and by the end of the 2002-2003 2003-2004 fiscal
year."
Requested by: Senators Thomas, Wellons, Ballance, Rand, Plyler, Odom, Lee; Representatives Culpepper, Haire, Luebke, Easterling, Oldham, Redwine
SHIFT PAY and holiday pay FOR SECURITY STAFF
SECTION 17.4. The Department of Correction may use funds appropriated for the 2002-2003 fiscal year for the payment to security staff of special premium holiday pay that exceeds standard holiday pay by up to twenty-five percent (25%). The Department of Correction may use funds available for the 2002-2003 fiscal year for the payment to security staff of special supplemental weekend shift premium pay that exceeds standard weekend shift pay by up to ten percent (10%). The Department shall also continue to take steps to hold down the cost of shift pay by converting prisons from three eight-hour shifts to two 12-hour shifts whenever practical.
The Department of Correction shall report to the Senate and House of Representatives Appropriations Subcommittees on Justice and Public Safety by April 1, 2003, on the benefits to recruitment and retention of correctional staff as a result of the use of special holiday pay and shift premium pay, as well as its progress in converting prison work shifts from eight hours to 12 hours. The report shall include information on savings generated to date and potential future savings, as well as any changes in employee morale and leave usage, as a result of converting to 12-hour shifts.
Requested by: Senators Thomas, Wellons, Ballance, Plyler, Odom, Lee; Representatives Culpepper, Haire, Easterling, Oldham, Redwine
DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTION SECURITY STAFFING FORMULAS
SECTION 17.5.(a) The Department of Correction shall conduct security staffing post-audits of each prison at least biannually, the first such audit to be completed during the 2002-2003 fiscal year. The initial post-audit shall be conducted jointly by Department staff and a consultant, external to the Department, and shall include analysis of the staffing levels assigned for supervision of correctional officers.
SECTION 17.5.(b) The Department of Correction shall update the security staffing relief formula biannually, the first update to be completed during the 2002-2003 fiscal year. Each update shall include a review of all annual training requirements for security staff to determine which of these requirements should be mandatory and the appropriate frequency of the training.
SECTION 17.5.(c) The Department of Correction shall report the results of the initial security staffing post-audits and relief formula update to the Senate and House of Representatives Appropriations Subcommittees on Justice and Public Safety by April 1, 2003.
Requested by: Senators Thomas, Wellons, Ballance, Plyler, Odom, Lee; Representatives Culpepper, Haire, Easterling, Oldham, Redwine
SECTION 17.6.(a) The Department of Correction shall implement a reduction in inmate community work crews systemwide, but work crews shall not be reduced at any locations that have fewer than three work crews.
The Department of Correction may use up to 39 work crews for Department of Transportation litter control projects. The Department of Transportation shall transfer at least one million three hundred thousand dollars ($1,300,000) from the Highway Fund to the Department of Correction during the 2002-2003 fiscal year to cover the cost of those work crews. Should the two departments determine that the actual cost of operating 39 work crews exceeds that amount, the Department of Transportation shall transfer an additional amount as agreed upon by the two departments and the Office of State Budget and Management.
SECTION 17.6.(b) The Department of Correction shall identify locations where the number of inmate work crews is being reduced or diverted to perform litter control for the Department of Transportation and, to the extent possible, arrange for community service work program placements so that the affected work projects for State and local governments can be maintained. The Department shall report by March 1, 2003, to the Chairs of the Senate and House of Representatives Appropriations Subcommittees on Justice and Public Safety on all projects formerly performed by inmate work crews that have been continued through the community service work program.
SECTION 17.6.(c) The Department of Correction shall identify all inmate labor supplied to public agencies for which the Department does not receive reimbursement for the costs of the labor and the supervision of the labor. The Department shall report by March 1, 2003, to the Chairs of the Senate and House of Representatives Appropriations Subcommittees on Justice and Public Safety on the type of labor provided, the number of security positions assigned for that labor, and the actual costs of providing the labor and supervision. The report shall also identify alternative methods for charging public agencies for the costs of inmate labor and the supervision of that labor.
Requested by: Senators Thomas, Wellons, Plyler, Odom, Lee; Representatives Culpepper, Haire, Easterling, Oldham, Redwine
SECTION 17.7. G.S. 143B-262.1 reads as rewritten:
"§ 143B-262.1. Department of Correction - Substance Abuse Program.
(a) The Substance Abuse
Program established by subsection (d) of § 143B-262 shall be offered in a medium
custody correctional facility, or a portion of a medium custody
correctional facility that is self-contained, so that the residential
and program space is separate from any other programs or inmate housing, and
shall be operational by January 1, 1988, at such unit as the Secretary may
designate.
(b) An Assistant
Secretary for Substance Abuse shall be employed and shall report directly to
the Office of the Secretary of Correction. A Correctional Administrator I
shall be employed to manage programs for offenders with substance abuse
problems in the Department of Correction and its divisions. The Correctional
Administrator I shall report to the Assistant Secretary for Substance Abuse. A
Secretary IV shall be employed to assist the Correctional Administrator I. An
Administrative Officer II and a Secretary IV shall be employed to assist the
Assistant Secretary and work under his direction and management. The duties
of the Assistant Secretary shall include the following:
(1) Administer and coordinate all substance abuse programs, grants, contracts, and related functions in the Department of Correction;
(2) Develop and maintain working relationships and agreements with agencies and organizations that will assist in developing and operating a Substance Abuse Program in the Department of Correction;
(3) Develop and coordinate the use of volunteers in the Substance Abuse Program;
(4) Develop and present training programs related to substance abuse for employees and others at all levels in the agency;
(5) Develop programs that provide effective treatment for inmates, probationers, and parolees with substance abuse problems;
(6) Maintain contact with key leaders in the substance abuse field and active supporters of the Correction Program;
(7) Supervise directly the directors of treatment units, specialized personnel, and programs that exist or may be developed in the Department of Correction; and
(8) Develop employee assistance programs for employees with substance abuse problems.
(c) Ten
additional program staff shall be employed. There shall be a Correctional
Program Director II who is responsible to the Assistant Secretary for Substance
Abuse. This employee shall be responsible for managing and implementing the
inpatient treatment program. Also employed will be a Correctional Program Director
I, two Correctional Program Supervisors, four Correctional Program Assistant
II's, one Correctional Program Assistant I, and one Clerk-Stenographer IV.
(d) The duties
of the Program Director shall include the following:
(1) Implement
and manage the inpatient treatment program for inmates with substance abuse
problems;
(2) Supervise
personnel assigned to the inpatient treatment program;
(3) Assist in
developing the treatment program for inmates with substance abuse problems;
(4) Recruit and
develop staff for the inpatient program and other staff as required;
(5) Assist in
developing linkage and follow-up of inmates between the inpatient program,
related agencies, organizations, and other facilities of the Department of
Correction;
(6) Be
responsible for treatment plans and daily activities and schedules for all
assigned inmates;
(7) Develop
methods for involving families of inmates in the program to the extent deemed
appropriate and useful; and
(8) Other duties
as required.
Preference shall be accorded to qualified recovering
alcoholics and substance abusers in the employment of treatment counselors.
(e) In the unit there
shall be a unit superintendent under the Division of Prisons and other custodial,
administrative, and support staff as required for a medium custody facility for
approximately 100 inmates. The unit superintendent shall be responsible for all
matters pertaining to custody and administration of the unit. The Correctional
Program Director II will Assistant Secretary shall designate an employee
to administer the inpatient treatment program under the direction of the
Assistant Secretary for Substance Abuse.
(f) Extensive use may be made of inmates working in the role of ancillary staff, peer counselors, role models, or group leaders as the program manager determines. Additional resource people who may be required for specialized treatment activities, presentations, or group work may be employed on a fee or contractual basis.
(g) The Program
in each unit shall be structured such that approximately 25 offenders will
enter the Program on a weekly basis.
(h) Admission priorities shall be established as follows:
(1) Court recommendation.
(2) Evaluation and referral from reception and diagnostic centers.
(3) General staff referral.
(4) Self-referral.
The Program shall include extensive follow-up after the period of intensive treatment. There will be specific plans for each departing inmate for follow-up, including active involvement with Alcoholics Anonymous, community resources, and personal sponsorship."
Requested by: Senators Thomas, Wellons, Ballance, Plyler, Odom, Lee; Representatives Culpepper, Haire, Easterling, Oldham, Redwine
USE OF CLOSED PRISON FACILITIES
SECTION 17.8. Section 25.5 of S.L. 2001-424 reads as rewritten:
"SECTION 25.5.
In conjunction with the closing of prison facilities, including small expensive
prison units recommended for consolidation by the Government Performance Audit
Committee, the Department of Correction shall consult with the county or
municipality in which the unit is located, with the elected State and local
officials, and with State agencies about the possibility of converting that
unit to other use. The Department may also consult with any private for-profit
or nonprofit firm about the possibility of converting the unit to other use. In
developing a proposal for future use of each unit, the Department shall give
priority to converting the unit to other criminal justice use. Consistent with
existing law and the future needs of the Department of Correction, the State
may provide for the transfer or the lease of any of these units to counties,
municipalities, State agencies, or private firms wishing to convert them to
other use. The Department of Correction may also consider converting some of
the units recommended for closing from medium security to minimum security,one
security custody level to another, where that conversion would be cost-effective.
A prison unit under lease to a county pursuant to the provisions of this
section for use as a jail is exempt for the period of the lease from any of the
minimum standards adopted by the Secretary of Health and Human Services
pursuant to G.S. 153A-221 for the housing of adult prisoners that would subject
the unit to greater standards than those required of a unit of the State prison
system.
Prior to any transfer or lease of these units, the Department of Correction shall report on the terms of the proposed transfer or lease to the Joint Legislative Commission on Governmental Operations and the Joint Legislative Corrections, Crime Control, and Juvenile Justice Oversight Committee. The Department of Correction shall also provide annual summary reports to the Joint Legislative Commission on Governmental Operations and the Joint Legislative Corrections, Crime Control, and Juvenile Justice Oversight Committee on the conversion of these units to other use and on all leases or transfers entered into pursuant to this section."
Requested by: Senators Thomas, Wellons, Ballance, Plyler, Odom, Lee; Representatives Culpepper, Haire, Easterling, Oldham, Redwine
MEDICAL BUDGET FOR PRESCRIPTION DRUGS
SECTION 17.9. Section 25.6(b) of S.L. 2001-424 reads as rewritten:
"SECTION 25.6.(b) Notwithstanding
the provisions of G.S. 143-23(a2), the Department of Correction may use funds
available during the 2001-2002 fiscal year 2001-2003 biennium for
the purchase of prescription drugs for inmates if expenditures are projected to
exceed the Department's inmate medical continuation budget for prescription
drugs. The Department shall consult with the Joint Legislative Commission on
Governmental Operations prior to exceeding the continuation budget amount.
The Department of Administration, Purchase and Contract Division, and the Department of Correction shall review the current statewide contract for purchase of prescription drugs as it applies to the Department of Correction's purchases for inmates to determine if the Department is receiving the lowest rate available and to determine whether the Department should be authorized to issue a request for proposals for a separate vendor or purchasing consortium for the provision of prescription drugs for inmates. The Departments shall report on their findings to the Joint Legislative Commission on Governmental Operations by February 1, 2002."
Requested by: Senators Thomas, Wellons, Ballance, Rand, Plyler, Odom, Lee; Representatives Culpepper, Haire, Luebke, Easterling, Oldham, Redwine
SECTION 17.10.(a) Article 1 of Chapter 148 of the General Statutes is amended by adding a new section to read:
"§ 148-10.3. Electronic monitoring costs.
Personnel, equipment, and other costs of providing electronic monitoring of pretrial or sentenced offenders shall be reimbursed to the Department of Correction by the State or local agency requesting the service in an amount not exceeding the actual costs."
SECTION 17.10.(b) The Department of Correction shall report by March 1, 2003, to the Chairs of the Senate and House of Representatives Appropriations Committees and the Chairs of the Senate and House of Representatives Appropriations Subcommittees on Justice and Public Safety on efforts to increase the use of electronic monitoring of sentenced offenders in the community as an alternative to the incarceration of probation violators. The report shall also document the geographical distribution of electronic monitoring use.
Requested by: Senators Thomas, Wellons, Ballance, Rand, Plyler, Odom, Lee; Representatives Culpepper, Haire, Luebke, Easterling, Oldham, Redwine
SECTION 17.11. The Department of Correction and the Judicial Department shall jointly develop a plan to improve the collection rate of offender fees for probationers and for nonprobationers sentenced to community service. The plan should address improving both the rate at which offenders are levied fees by the courts and the rate at which those offenders satisfy their obligations. The plan shall address steps to improve the overall collection rate for probation supervision fees from thirty-six percent (36%) to forty percent (40%) during the 2002-2003 fiscal year and ideas for improving the collection rate for community service work program fees.
The two departments shall report by April 1, 2003, to the Chairs of the Senate and House of Representatives Appropriations Committees and the Chairs of the Senate and House of Representatives Appropriations Subcommittees on Justice and Public Safety on the success of their efforts to improve these collection rates and on any recommendations for statutory or procedural changes that will improve the collection of financial obligations from offenders.
Requested by: Senators Thomas, Wellons, Ballance, Rand, Plyler, Odom, Lee; Representatives Culpepper, Haire, Luebke, Easterling, Oldham, Redwine
SECTION 17.12. The Department of Correction shall continue the contract for a mobile medical operating room at Central Prison for the 2002-2003 fiscal year at a reduced fixed rate that more clearly reflects the usage. However, the Department shall use the mobile unit for additional procedures, as authorized by the terms of the agreement, whenever the Department's Utilization Review Team determines that (i) a specific procedure can be performed at a cost below that charged by a public or private hospital; and (ii) there is no compelling medical reason for performing the procedure in a hospital instead of using the mobile medical unit.
The Department shall also study the use of this mobile operating room and report by March 1, 2003, to the Chairs of the Senate and House of Representatives Appropriations Subcommittees on Justice and Public Safety. The report shall recommend whether the mobile unit should be continued, eliminated, or expanded in terms of capacity of the current unit and the potential for establishing an additional mobile unit. The report shall also include information on the number and type of procedures performed over and above the fixed-rate contract and the savings generated.
Requested by: Senators Thomas, Wellons, Ballance, Rand, Plyler, Odom, Lee; Representatives Culpepper, Haire, Luebke, Easterling, Oldham, Redwine
CRIMINAL JUSTICE PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM
SECTION 17.13.(a) Notwithstanding the provisions of G.S. 143B-273.16, Caswell and Union Counties shall not receive implementation funding for the Criminal Justice Partnership Program for the 2002-2003 fiscal year. However, those counties will be eligible to reapply for funding in future years.
SECTION 17.13.(b) It is the intent of the General Assembly that State Criminal Justice Partnership Program funds not be used to fund case manager positions when those services can be reasonably provided by Division of Community Corrections personnel or by the Treatment Alternatives to Street Crime (TASC) Program in the Department of Health and Human Services. The Division of Community Corrections shall identify at least the sum of three hundred fifty-nine thousand three hundred thirty dollars ($359,330) in cost savings during the 2002-2003 fiscal year by eliminating funding for personnel in these cases. However, the reduction in implementation grant funding for those affected counties shall not in any case exceed twelve and one-half percent (12.5%) of that county's 2001-2002 funding.
Within 20 days of the date this act becomes law, each county Criminal Justice Partnership advisory board shall review the Division's recommended modifications for providing Criminal Justice Partnership Program case management services in its jurisdiction and determine whether these services can be reasonably provided in the manner proposed. If the local board determines that the services cannot be reasonably provided, the jurisdiction may opt instead to have the designated reduction made from other items in its budget. If the board determines that the services can be reasonably provided