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HB 558

Designate Henrietta Lacks Day

136th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Josh Williams

Provides $1.25M in one-time grants to five NC nonprofits to fund maternal health services, aiming to reduce disparities for Black mothers and infants.

Referred to committee
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Bill Summary · HB 558

Summary — HB 558: Funds for Maternal Health Programs (North Carolina version)

Overview / Purpose

HB 558 directs a one-time General Fund appropriation to support community-based organizations that provide maternal health services aimed at reducing disparities affecting Black mothers, birthing people, and infants. The bill channels targeted, nonrecurring grants to nonprofit groups that provide wrap‑around supports (income supplementation, doula/birth support, breastfeeding/postpartum care, parenting education, mental health resources, and programs addressing racial disparities in maternal outcomes).

Key provisions

  • Appropriates $1,250,000 in nonrecurring General Fund dollars (2023–2024 fiscal year) to the Office of State Budget and Management (OSBM).
  • OSBM is to distribute the amount as directed grants in equal amounts to five named nonprofit organizations:
    1. Equity Before Birth
    2. MAAME (Mobilizing African American Mothers through Empowerment), Inc.
    3. Momma’s Village–Fayetteville, Inc.
    4. Jace’s Journey, Inc.
    5. Sistas Caring 4 Sistas, Inc.
  • Uses described for the funds include income supplementation (to substitute for paid parental leave), essential supports, doula services, African‑centered birth and breastfeeding support, postpartum care, parenting education, mental health resources, and services for mothers ineligible for public benefits.
  • Effective date noted in the bill text: July 1, 2023.

Funding details / Fiscal impact

  • Total appropriation: $1,250,000 (nonrecurring, General Fund) for FY 2023–24.
  • Grants to five organizations in equal shares: $1,250,000 ÷ 5 = $250,000 per organization.
  • The appropriation is a one‑time (nonrecurring) allocation; no ongoing appropriation is created.

Who is affected

  • Primary beneficiaries: Black mothers and birthing people, infants, and families served by the named nonprofits — particularly those who fall between poverty and financial stability or who are ineligible for public programs.
  • Direct recipients: the five designated nonprofit organizations.
  • Administrative: Office of State Budget and Management (to receive and direct funds).

Potential impact and considerations

  • Intended outcome: reduce maternal and infant mortality and address racial disparities in maternal health by funding community‑based, culturally specific services and supports.
  • As a targeted, one-time allocation, impacts will depend on each organization’s capacity to deploy funds quickly and sustainably; longer‑term effects would require continued funding or integration into broader public programs.
  • The bill is narrowly targeted (directed grants to named groups) rather than a competitive or formula grant program.

Note: Multiple states and jurisdictions may use the bill number “HB 558” for different measures; this summary addresses the version titled “Funds for Maternal Health Programs” that appropriates $1.25M to specified North Carolina nonprofits.

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

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