Bill
HB 726
Creates a state commission to fund and coordinate youth mentoring and tutoring for NC high schoolers, aiming to boost academics and reduce risk behaviors.
Status
- Introduced / Passed 1st Reading and referred to Rules (per bill record). If enacted, the act becomes effective July 1, 2025.
Purpose and intent
- Establish a statewide commission to support, coordinate, and fund local youth mentoring and tutoring programs aimed at improving academic outcomes for high‑school students, reducing risk behaviors (specifically substance use disorders and gang involvement), and increasing positive adult/community connections for youth.
Key provisions
- Creation of the North Carolina Commission on Youth Mentoring and Academic Enhancement within the Department of Administration (new Part 10G added to Article 9 of Ch. 143B).
- Duties and powers:
- Create and administer a grant program for small- to medium-sized nonprofit mentoring and tutoring organizations in North Carolina to sustain and expand programs serving high school students.
- Develop an application process and publicize how organizations can apply.
- Coordinate with the Department of Public Instruction (DPI) and local school districts to identify at‑risk students and schools.
- Consult with the Council for Women and Youth Involvement as needed.
- Membership (12 Governor-appointed members):
- 2 employees of local mentoring/youth development nonprofits (different counties).
- 2 youth participants (ages 14–18) currently in mentorship programs (must apply and be recommended by local school officials). Student members serve one‑year terms.
- 2 DPI representatives.
- 2 business community representatives.
- 2 philanthropic community representatives.
- 2 public school instructors (different counties).
- Terms and governance:
- Non‑student members serve three‑year terms (reappointments allowed); Commission elects a chair and vice‑chair for one‑year terms (chair limited to two consecutive years).
- Meetings at least twice per year; quorum is a majority; majority vote required for action.
- Vacancy and removal provisions mirror standard appointment practices; Governor may remove members for cause.
- Compensation and staffing:
- Members (except salaried youth mentors) receive no per diem but are eligible for travel allowance under existing statutes.
- The Secretary of the Department of Administration provides staffing and must consult school districts when selecting student members.
- Grant program design specifics:
- Programs must provide academic tutoring in core subjects and enrichment activities.
- Preference/goal: at least three‑fifths of nonadministrative staff be under age 30 and from the county they serve, where possible.
- Funding source for grants identified as the State Education Lottery.
- Reporting and accountability:
- Annual report due December 1 to legislative appropriations committee chairs and the Fiscal Research Division covering: number of applicants, grant awards and recipients, remaining fund balances, and measures of participant academic improvement.
- Secretary of Administration to allocate department funds to support commission operations.
Who is affected
- Small and medium nonprofit mentoring/tutoring organizations across North Carolina (potential access to state grants).
- High‑school students identified as at‑risk and their schools.
- Department of Administration (staffing and administrative duties) and DPI (coordination and student identification).
- State Education Lottery — identified as the grant funding source.
- Local communities and employers/ philanthropic organizations that may participate on the commission.
Potential impacts
- Could expand and stabilize community mentoring and tutoring capacity statewide, with targeted focus on academic outcomes and risk reduction.
- Introduces ongoing administrative responsibilities and reporting requirements for the Department of Administration.
- Creates recurring grant obligations funded from the State Education Lottery; actual fiscal impact depends on appropriations and available lottery funds.
- Ensures youth representation on the governing body, emphasizing youth voice in program design.
Effective date
- July 1, 2025 (if the bill is enacted).
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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