SB 353 — “Second Chance Coding Act” (Summary)
Status (from provided documents)
- Enacted into law (Chapter 388); approved by the Governor June 6, 2025.
- Key sponsor(s): Senators Theodros, Blue, Bradley (original filing list shows multiple sponsors/authors across versions).
Purpose
- To create a programs that gives juveniles committed to youth development centers opportunities to learn coding, programming, and other computer-related skills so they can obtain industry credentials, improve employability after release, increase financial stability, and reduce recidivism.
Key provisions
- Program development (Division of Juvenile Justice, Dept. of Public Safety)
- The Division must develop a program (and may contract with outside entities) to deliver computer- and coding-focused training to delinquent juveniles committed to youth development centers.
- Required program elements
- Specialized courses teaching coding, programming and related computer skills.
- Opportunities for participants to earn industry-recognized certifications in relevant disciplines.
- Connections with mentors, access to internship programs, and job placement assistance to support transition to employment.
- Implementation deadline
- The Division must implement the program no later than January 1, 2026.
- Reporting and oversight
- By October 1, 2025 the Division must report to the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Justice and Public Safety and the Fiscal Research Division on progress developing the program.
- Appropriation and effective dates
- Appropriation: $250,000 recurring from the General Fund to the Division for FY 2025–2026 to support program development and implementation.
- Appropriation provision effective July 1, 2025; the remainder of the act effective upon enactment.
Who is affected
- Primary beneficiaries: juveniles committed to North Carolina youth development centers (participants in the Division’s custody).
- Implementing agency: Division of Juvenile Justice, NC Department of Public Safety.
- Potential partners: community colleges, credentialing bodies, employers, nonprofits, private-sector training providers, and mentor networks.
Potential impacts and considerations
- Expected benefits: workforce-readiness, credential attainment, improved reentry outcomes, and reduced recidivism risk if effectively implemented and linked to post-release employment.
- Scale and sustainability: $250,000 initial recurring appropriation supports development/early implementation but may be modest for broad, ongoing statewide programming—additional funding or partnerships may be needed for scale-up.
- Operational issues: success depends on curriculum design, certification acceptance by employers, secure and appropriate technology access within centers, staff training/supervision, and establishment of internship/employer partnerships.
For further detail
- Refer to the bill text for exact statutory language, appropriation mechanics, and the Division’s reporting obligations.
