AN ACT to appropriate funds for a position within the department of health and human services to assist with statewide navigation for the food and nutrition services (FNS) education and training program and to require the department of health and human services to implement TWELVE‑month certification periods for households eligible to receive a TWELVE‑month certification under federal law.

The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:

SECTION 1.  There is appropriated from the General Fund to the Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child and Family Well‑Being (Division), the sum of forty‑three thousand two hundred fifty dollars ($43,250) in recurring funds for each year of the 2023‑2025 fiscal biennium to provide the State's fifty percent (50%) match toward salary and benefits costs for a position to assist with statewide navigation for the food and nutrition services education and training (FNS E&T) program. The Division shall use the position to focus on counties with insufficient navigator staffing for their FNS E&T programs.

SECTION 2.(a)  Part 5 of Article 2 of Chapter 108A of the General Statutes is amended by adding a new section to read:

§ 108A‑52.1.  Certifications; food and nutrition services.

The Department shall implement 12‑month certification periods for all households eligible to receive a 12‑month certification under federal law. The Social Services Commission shall adopt rules to implement the provisions of this section.

SECTION 2.(b)  This section is effective when it becomes law.

SECTION 3.  Except as otherwise provided, this act becomes effective July 1, 2023.