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Bill Summary · SB 830

Summary: Government Modernization Act of 2026 (S.B. 830)

Overview

  • Jurisdiction: North Carolina
  • Session: 2025
  • Short Title: Government Modernization/Funds
  • Purpose: To modernize state government infrastructure through advanced technology, with a focus on IT modernization, cybersecurity, and increased transparency. Includes a funding package to support implementation.

Main Purpose and Intent

  • Modernize North Carolina government operations by adopting technological solutions that enhance efficiency, security, and accessibility of public services.
  • Explore innovative technologies (notably blockchain) to improve record security, verification processes, transparency, and overall governance.

Key Provisions

1) Findings and Purpose

  • Documents the need for modernization due to outdated legacy IT systems, rising cybersecurity threats, potential benefits of blockchain, and the desire to expand online government services.

2) Blockchain Integration (Section 3)

  • Study and Collaboration: Department of Information Technology (DIT), in consultation with the Department of Administration, shall study how blockchain could contribute to:
    • More secure record-keeping for state transactions and contracts.
    • Enhanced verification for licenses, permits, and certifications.
    • Greater transparency and reduced fraud in procurement processes.
    • Other potential benefits to the State.
  • Reporting Deadline: DIT must submit a findings report to the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Information Technology within 12 months after enactment.

3) Funding for Implementation (Section 4)

  • Funding Amount: $50,000,000 in nonrecurring funds for the 2026-2027 fiscal year.
  • Source: Appropriated from the Information Technology Reserve Fund.
  • Conditions: Funds are not subject to reversion under the State Budget Act and remain available until expended.
  • Effective to Implement: Funding supports the act’s modernization efforts beginning July 1, 2026.

4) Oversight, Reporting, and Accountability (Section 5)

  • Annual Progress Reports: DIT must provide an annual update to the General Assembly on implementation status, challenges, and recommendations.
  • Oversight Committee: Establishment of the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Digital Governance to oversee implementation and ensure compliance with the act.

5) Effective Date and Duration (Section 6)

  • Effective Date: July 1, 2026
  • Expiration: June 30, 2031

Who is Affected

  • State Agencies: Department of Information Technology (DIT) and Department of Administration (collaborative).
  • State Vendors and Contractors: Potential bidders and contractors involved in IT modernization and blockchain pilots.
  • Public: North Carolina residents and businesses who may benefit from improved online services, faster verifications, and more transparent government procurement.

Procedural and Timeline Highlights

  • 12-Month Study Window: DIT must deliver blockchain findings within 1 year of enactment.
  • Funding Availability: $50 million nonrecurring for 2026-2027, non-reverting, stay-available until spent.
  • Annual Reporting: Ongoing progress reports to the General Assembly.
  • Oversight Body: A dedicated Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Digital Governance to supervise the project.
  • Sunset/Expiration: Act provisions operate through June 30, 2031, unless extended or renewed.

Notes

  • The bill emphasizes cybersecurity, transparency, and modernization of public services through technology-enhanced infrastructure.
  • It explicitly contemplates blockchain as a tool to improve state recordkeeping, verification, and procurement transparency, pending study results.

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

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