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SB 997

Nursing Fellows and Curric. Support Funds/WSSU.

2025-2026 Session Introduced by Gale Adcock and 4 co-sponsors

SB 997 funds a Winston-Salem State University nursing fellows program and curricular enhancements to attract, support, and retain nursing students in NC.

Passed 1st Reading
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Bill Summary · SB 997

Summary of SB 997 (North Carolina, 2025 Session)

Title

Nursing Fellows and Curric. Support Funds/WSSU

Purpose and Intent

SB 997 establishes programs and funding mechanisms intended to support nursing education at Winston-Salem State University (WSSU) and to enhance curricula related to nursing, with a focus on creating fellowship opportunities for students pursuing nursing careers. The bill aims to address workforce development in the nursing field by providing financial assistance and curricular resources to attract, recruit, and retain nursing students at WSSU.

Key Provisions and Changes

  • Nursing Fellows Program at WSSU

    • Creates or formalizes a nursing fellows initiative at Winston-Salem State University.
    • Provides financial support (fellows stipends or fellowships) to eligible nursing students or graduates pursuing further specialization or roles within nursing.
    • Potential eligibility criteria may include enrollment in an accredited nursing program at WSSU, maintenance of satisfactory academic progress, and a commitment to practice in North Carolina upon program completion (typical expectations, though exact language should be confirmed in the finalized bill text).

  • Curricular Support Funds

    • Establishes funds dedicated to supporting nursing-related curricular enhancements at WSSU.
    • May cover expenses such as simulation lab improvements, purchase of instructional materials, faculty development, and new or retooled nursing courses aligned with workforce needs.
    • Aimed at ensuring nursing education at WSSU reflects current best practices and industry standards.

  • Funding Source and Administration

    • The bill designates a funding mechanism to sustain the fellows program and curricular improvements. This could involve state appropriations, grants, or dedicated fund allocations.
    • Likely assigns administration to a state agency or the university in collaboration with relevant departments (e.g., the Department of Health and Human Services, or the UNC System), including reporting requirements and accountability measures.

  • Geographic and Institutional Scope

    • Specific to Winston-Salem State University, a constituent institution of the University of North Carolina system.
    • Implications for students enrolled in WSSU’s nursing programs and for the university’s curricular planning and budget.

Who Would be Affected

  • Primary Beneficiaries

    • Nursing students at WSSU who qualify for the nursing fellows program (receiving stipends/fellowships).
    • Prospective and current WSSU nursing students seeking enhanced curricular resources and experiential opportunities.

  • Educational and Administrative Stakeholders

    • WSSU administration and faculty involved in the nursing programs.
    • UNC System and any state agencies administering higher education funding and nursing workforce initiatives.

Procedural and Timeline Considerations

  • Status: Filed (as of 2026-04-30)
  • Next Steps: If advanced, the bill would proceed through committee reviews (health, education, appropriations, or relevant committees), potential amendments, and floor votes in the North Carolina General Assembly. Final passage would typically be followed by signature into law by the Governor or a veto override, depending on legislative timelines.

Potential Impacts

  • Educational Impact: Enhanced nursing education capacity at WSSU through funded fellowships and curricular improvements, potentially improving student outcomes and readiness for the nursing workforce.
  • Workforce Impact: Support for a pipeline of nurses trained at WSSU, contributing to North Carolina’s healthcare workforce needs.
  • Budgetary Impact: New or reallocated funds dedicated to the fellows program and curricular support, with ongoing annual or multi-year funding depending on appropriation language.

Note: This summary is based on the bill’s title and action history. The final text would provide precise eligibility criteria, funding amounts, administration details, reporting requirements, and any sunset provisions.

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

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