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HB 1142

Expand Quantum Computing Education.

2025-2026 Session Introduced by Eric Ager and 19 co-sponsors

Expands access to quantum computing education for NC high school students via grants, internships, and a tax credit to involve schools, universities, and industry.

Passed 1st Reading
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Bill Summary · HB 1142

Summary of HB 1142 (2025 Session) – Expand Quantum Computing Education (North Carolina)

Note: This summary reflects the bill text as filed April 29, 2026. It covers the bill’s purpose, key provisions, affected entities, and notable procedural/timeline aspects.

Purpose and Intent

  • Expand access to quantum computing education for public school students.
  • Establish a Quantum Computing Grant Program under the North Carolina Collaboratory to foster collaboration between high schools and higher education institutions on quantum computing and related emerging technologies.
  • Create an income tax credit for eligible businesses that invest in collaborative or experiential learning opportunities with North Carolina high school students, aimed at building future talent in defense, technology, computing, cybersecurity, and quantum sectors.

Key Provisions

Part I — Expand Access to Grade School Quantum Computing Preparatory Education

  • Allocation: Appropriates $2,600,000 in nonrecurring General Fund money for FY 2026‑2027 through the Department of Public Instruction (DPI) to support STEM education programs connected to quantum computing. Distribution:
    • $2,000,000 (divided equally) among all public school units within local administrative units that contain any portion of a military base or installation.
    • $200,000 each to Durham Public Schools, Orange County Schools, and Wake County Schools.
  • Authorized Uses (nonexhaustive):
    • Hire or provide stipends to STEM teachers, prioritizing those with interest/experience in quantum computing, physics, computing, or cryptography (preferably at the high school level).
    • Develop/expand collaborative or experiential learning with businesses, nonprofits, or higher education partners.
    • Implement specialized summer STEM programs with lab research or applied learning.
  • Reporting: By April 1, 2027, the DPI must report:
    • Descriptions of classes/learning opportunities funded.
    • Detailed use of funds.
    • Number of participating students.
    • Any changes in student performance/outcomes in STEM.
    • Other relevant evaluation information.
  • Effective Date: July 1, 2026.

Part II — Quantum Computing Grant Program

  • Establishment: Creates the Quantum Computing Grant Program for the 2026–2027 academic year, administered by the North Carolina Collaboratory.
  • Purpose: Provide high school students (in public school units and Department of Defense schools) opportunities to work with higher education institutions on quantum computing and related technologies, including hands-on programs, mentorship, and research exposure.
  • Definitions:
    • Collaboratory: North Carolina Collaboratory.
    • Eligible High School: Public school unit or DoD school in NC.
    • Eligible Institution of Higher Education: An institution with capability to collaborate with NC public school units near the Research Triangle and with a formal DoD-related partnership.
    • Institution of Higher Education: UNC system institution, NC community college, or eligible private postsecondary institution.
  • Applications and Grants:
    • Eligible higher education institutions may apply for grants up to $50,000 each to develop programs with eligible high schools for the 2026–2027 year.
  • Use of Funds:
    • Student internships (including mentored research internships aligned with DoD initiatives).
    • Research assistant positions or applied research related to workforce development and innovation.
    • Laboratory-based research related to defense technology or cybersecurity.
  • Reporting: By February 15, 2027, the Collaboratory must report:
    • Number and amounts of grants awarded and recipient institutions.
    • Identities of participating public school units/DoD schools.
    • Institutions that applied but did not receive grants.
    • Impact on student success.
  • Appropriation: $200,000 in nonrecurring funds to the University of North Carolina Board of Governors (FY 2026–2027) to be allocated to the Collaboratory for grant awards.
  • Effective Date: July 1, 2026.

Part III — Income Tax Credit for Eligible Businesses

  • New tax credit: Adds § 105-153.12 (Income tax credit for eligible businesses).
  • Definitions:
    • Eligible Business: A business in defense, technology, computing, cybersecurity, or quantum sectors (or offering a quantum computing service line) that pays NC income tax and incurs eligible expenses.
    • Eligible Expenses: Costs invested in collaborative or experiential learning with NC high school students that meet nondiscrimination laws and enable student access to lab space, computing power, or expert resources for quantum-related learning and career preparation.
  • Credit Amount:
    • Credit equal to the eligible expenses, up to $100,000 per eligible business.
  • Aggregate Cap:
    • Total credits cannot exceed $10,000,000 in any calendar year.
  • Application Process:
    • Apply to the Department by December 15 of the taxable year (first-come, first-served).
    • Department must review/approve by March 1 of the following year; unresolved excess credits allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • Reporting: By June 30 each year, the Department must report:
    • Number of applications received and approved.
    • Total dollar amount of credits approved.
    • Identities of participating businesses.
  • Effective Date: Tax credits apply to taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2027.

Affected Parties

  • Public school units and students (K–12) in NC, especially those near military installations.
  • Department of Public Instruction (DPI) for program administration and reporting.
  • Higher education institutions (UNC system, NC community colleges, eligible private institutions) partnering with high schools.
  • North Carolina Collaboratory (administrative body for the grant program).
  • Public high schools (and DoD schools in NC) participating in quantum computing-related programs.
  • Private sector businesses in defense, technology, computing, cybersecurity, and quantum sectors that invest in student learning experiences.
  • DoD-related education and workforce development initiatives in NC.

Procedural and Timeline Details

  • Effective date for Parts I and II: July 1, 2026.
  • Fiscal year funding: 2026–2027 appropriations for DPI ($2.6 million) and UNC Board of Governors ($200,000) are nonrecurring.
  • Reporting deadlines:
    • DPI program impact report due by April 1, 2027.
    • Collaboratory grant program impact report due by February 15, 2027.
    • Tax credit program annual reporting due by June 30 each year.
  • Tax credit cap: $10 million total credits per calendar year, with a first-come, first-served allocation if demand exceeds cap.

Potential Impacts and Considerations

  • Education: Expands exposure to quantum computing concepts at the pre-college level and builds a pipeline of students aiming for STEM careers, potentially strengthening NC’s tech workforce and defense-related capabilities.
  • Economic/Workforce: Encourages collaboration between high schools, higher education, and industry/DoD partners; provides a pathway for experiential learning and research opportunities.
  • State Investment: Uses nonrecurring General Fund dollars for initial funding; establishes annual grant and credit mechanisms that will require ongoing political and budgetary support.
  • Equity and Access: Funding targets military-adjacent districts and multiple school systems; the program emphasizes hands-on experiences and internships to broaden access to advanced tech fields.
  • Oversight and Transparency: Requires periodic reporting to legislative oversight committees, enabling evaluation of program effectiveness and allocation efficiency.

If you’d like, I can provide a side-by-side comparison with current law, or create a one-page briefing for policymakers or stakeholders.

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

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