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Bill Summary · HB 1148

Summary of North Carolina Bill HB 1148 (2025 Session)

Title

Universal Pre-K (Public)

Purpose

To provide additional state funding to expand access to the North Carolina Prekindergarten (NC Pre-K) program for all income-eligible four-year-old children in the state, effectively advancing universal access for four-year-olds who meet income eligibility criteria.

Key Provisions

  • Funding Increase: The bill appropriates $200,000,000 in recurring funds from the General Fund to the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), specifically to the Division of Child Development and Early Education.
  • Program Scope: The newly appropriated funds are aimed at providing additional financial support to ensure all income-eligible four-year-olds can participate in NC Pre-K.
  • Fiscal Year of Effect: The funding is earmarked to begin in the 2026-2027 fiscal year and continue on a recurring (ongoing) basis.
  • Administration: Responsible administration and disbursement of the funds would fall to the DHHS, Division of Child Development and Early Education.

Affected Parties and Impact

  • Four-Year-Old Children: All income-eligible four-year-old children in North Carolina would gain expanded access to NC Pre-K due to increased state funding.
  • Families: Families with income-eligible four-year-olds stand to benefit from greater program access and reduced or eliminated cost barriers tied to participation.
  • NC Pre-K Program: Program capacity and participation rates are likely to rise, potentially increasing enrollment and program utilization statewide.
  • State Agencies: DHHS (Division of Child Development and Early Education) would manage program expansion, funding allocation, compliance, and oversight.

Timeline and Procedural Details

  • Effective Date: July 1, 2026.
  • Funding Start: Recurring funding begins in the 2026-2027 fiscal year.
  • Legislative Action: The bill is filed and would require passage by the General Assembly and any requisite considerations (not detailed in the text provided beyond introduction and sponsor information).

Additional Context

  • Sponsors: Primary sponsor Representative Johnson-Hostler, with co-sponsors Monika Johnson-Hostler, Jordan Lopez, and Amber Baker.
  • Status: Filed on April 30, 2026 (Session 2025). Action history indicates initial filing; no further committee or floor action is indicated in the provided text.

If you’d like, I can add a concise comparison to current NC Pre-K funding levels or outline potential fiscal and administrative implications for DHHS based on typical program expansion scenarios.

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

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