Summary — HB 998: Funds for Charlotte Mecklenburg Library (2025, NC)
Status
- Bill title: Funds for Charlotte Mecklenburg Library (HB 998)
- Jurisdiction: North Carolina General Assembly, Session 2025
- Latest procedural status (from provided file): Passed First Reading; referred to Appropriations (filed Apr 10–14, 2025). Act effective date in text: July 1, 2025. Companion: SB 1317.
- Primary sponsor(s): Representative Carney (with Representative Belk and Lopez among listed sponsors)
Purpose and intent
- To provide a one-time, directed state grant to support construction of a new main library for the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library system by funding the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library Foundation, a nonprofit partner.
Key provisions
- Appropriation: $5,000,000 in nonrecurring General Fund money is appropriated for the 2025–2026 fiscal year.
- Recipient and mechanism: The funds are appropriated to the Office of State Budget and Management (OSBM) to be awarded as a directed grant to the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library Foundation (a nonprofit organization).
- Use restriction: The grant is for the construction of the new main library (capital project).
- Effective date: The act becomes effective July 1, 2025 (per the bill text).
Who is affected
- Primary beneficiary: Charlotte Mecklenburg Library Foundation (and, indirectly, the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library system and users who will use the new main library).
- Fiscal effect on State: A one-time expenditure of $5 million from the General Fund in FY 2025–26.
- Local government effect: No direct recurring obligation created by this appropriation, though the new facility could affect local operating/maintenance responsibilities and future county or city budget decisions.
- Nonprofit/private sector: The Foundation will receive and manage the directed grant for construction; project may leverage additional private, local, or federal funds.
Potential impacts and considerations
- Capital support: The $5M is intended to accelerate or enable construction of the new main library but is nonrecurring and limited to capital costs.
- Budgetary impact: A discrete, one-year General Fund cost; the bill does not appropriate ongoing operating funds for the new facility (future operating/maintenance costs would be a separate consideration for the library/system or local government).
- Leverage: State funding may help leverage other fundraising or financing for the project.
- Oversight/administration: OSBM will administer the grant; specifics of grant terms, reporting, or matching requirements (if any) are not detailed in the bill text provided.
Related legislation
- Companion bill: SB 1317 (as noted).
