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HB 1004

Constitutional carry; expanding scope of persons authorized to transport firearms in vehicles; emergency.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Jim Olsen

NC bill funds up to eight UNC AI Hubs plus technology hubs, grants AI research, and supports workforce upskilling and governance-focused AI initiatives.

Referred to Criminal Judiciary
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Bill Summary · HB 1004

Summary — HB 1004: UNC Artificial Intelligence and Technology Hubs

Status: Passed 1st Reading (introduced Nov. 12, 2024). Effective date in bill: July 1, 2025.
Primary sponsors: Representatives Hawkins, Lowery, Reives (NC); many co-sponsors listed.

Purpose / Intent

Create a statewide initiative to (1) establish up to eight Artificial Intelligence (AI) Hubs at selected University of North Carolina (UNC) constituent institutions, (2) fund a technology hub at each UNC constituent institution, and (3) provide grant funding (via the NC Collaboratory) for AI research projects. The goals are to spur technology innovation, economic growth, workforce upskilling, entrepreneurship and advanced manufacturing, and to support research on AI fundamentals, applications, ethics, and governance.

Key provisions and funding

  • AI Hub selection

    • The UNC Board of Governors shall select up to eight constituent institutions to serve as AI Hubs no later than December 1, 2026.
    • At least one selected AI Hub must be a public Historically Black College or University (HBCU) or the University of North Carolina at Pembroke (the State’s Historically American Indian University).
    • Each AI Hub is required to convene industry and academia and to ensure AI initiatives both drive economic growth and protect citizens’ rights and liberties.

  • Appropriations for AI Hubs (2025–26 fiscal year)

    • $16,000,000 (nonrecurring) to be allocated equally among the selected AI Hubs for infrastructure. Each selected institution must match 10% of its share with non‑State funds before receiving these funds.
    • $8,000,000 (recurring) to be allocated equally among selected AI Hubs for operational support and personnel, including funding for an “expert‑in‑residence” position at each AI Hub.

  • Technology hubs (all constituent institutions)

    • $70,000,000 (nonrecurring) to the UNC Board of Governors to allocate to each constituent institution to establish (or support existing) technology hubs. Allowed uses include capital costs, marketing, personnel, programming, support services, and local partnerships.
    • Institutions must report the departments/units/schools included in their technology hub to the Board; the Board must report to the Joint Legislative Education Oversight Committee by February 15, 2026.

  • NC Collaboratory AI research grants

    • $30,000,000 (nonrecurring) to the NC Collaboratory to establish a competitive grant fund for AI research projects. Eligible projects must focus on one of:
    • Applied AI in priority areas (education, workforce development, healthcare, government);
    • AI fundamentals and infrastructure (e.g., machine learning, NLP, computer vision);
    • AI ethics and governance (risks, governance frameworks).

  • Effective date: July 1, 2025.

Who is affected

  • UNC Board of Governors and all UNC constituent institutions (direct recipients of funds).
  • Up to eight selected institutions that become AI Hubs (additional matching & operational responsibilities).
  • NC Collaboratory and researchers applying for AI grants.
  • Industry partners, students, faculty, and regional economies targeted for workforce/innovation development.

Fiscal totals and timelines

  • Appropriations in the bill total $124,000,000 in initial appropriations: $116,000,000 nonrecurring ($16M + $70M + $30M) and $8,000,000 recurring. (Distributions are specified to be equal among recipients where noted.)
  • Key deadlines: Board selects AI Hub sites by Dec 1, 2026; Board reports on tech hubs by Feb 15, 2026.

Notes on potential impact

  • Intended to accelerate AI-related research, commercialization, and workforce development across UNC campuses and partner industries.
  • The 10% non‑State match requirement for AI Hub infrastructure funding incentivizes additional private/local investment but may limit some institutions’ ability to participate.
  • Recurring operational funds (the $8M) aim to support sustainability (including expert‑in‑residence roles), but long‑term maintenance and program scaling will depend on future budget actions and local support.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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