AN ACT to appropriate funds to various organizations that support maternal health in black COMMUNITIES.

The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:

SECTION 1.  There is appropriated from the General Fund to the Office of State Budget and Management the sum of one million two hundred fifty thousand dollars ($1,250,000) in nonrecurring funds for the 2023‑2024 fiscal year to provide directed grants in equal amounts to the following nonprofit organizations:

(1)        Equity Before Birth to supplement the income of mothers in the absence of paid parental leave and to cover the cost of essential services and support. These funds will help decrease maternal and infant mortality by helping those who are disproportionately impacted: Black mothers, birthing people, and their infants.

(2)        MAAME (Mobilizing African American Mothers through Empowerment), Inc., to fill the gap of services that exists for marginalized communities who are in between poverty and financial stability. These funds shall be used to provide services to mothers who are not eligible to receive public services and support and not able to afford these resources privately. MAAME will provide education (as a means of empowerment), support, doula services, and opportunities for economic advancement.

(3)        Momma's Village‑Fayetteville, Inc., to assist the organization with providing access to African‑centered birth and breastfeeding support, postpartum care, and parenting education and mental health resources for Black families in Fayetteville and the surrounding Sandhills region.

(4)        Jace's Journey, Inc., to support the organization's programs that address racial disparities in maternal health outcomes.

(5)        Sistas 4 Sistas, Inc., to assist the organization in providing doula services for birthing individuals and their families in the Buncombe County area.

SECTION 2.  This act becomes effective July 1, 2023.