AN ACT to require the division of juvenile justice of the department of public safety to develop a program to provide delinquent juveniles committed to youth development centers with an opportunity to develop coding, programming, and other computer‑related skills.

The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:

SECTION 1.  Development. – The Division of Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety (Division), in consultation or collaboration with any other entity the Division deems necessary to consult or collaborate with, shall develop a program to provide delinquent juveniles committed to youth development centers with an opportunity to develop coding, programming, and other computer‑related skills to prepare them for job and career opportunities upon their release, increase financial stability, and reduce the likelihood of recidivism. The Division may contract with any entity it deems necessary to implement the program required under this section. The program required under this section shall include all of the following:

(1)        Specialized courses to teach coding, programming, and other computer‑related skills.

(2)        Opportunities to earn industry‑recognized certifications in coding, programming, and other computer‑related disciplines.

(3)        Connections with mentors in the relevant fields, internship programs, and job placement assistance to ensure a successful transition into the workforce.

SECTION 2.  Implementation. – The Division shall implement the program required by Section 1 of this act by no later than January 1, 2026.

SECTION 3.  Report. – By October 1, 2025, the Division shall provide a report to the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Justice and Public Safety and the Fiscal Research Division detailing its progress in developing the program required by Section 1 of this act.

SECTION 4.  Appropriation. – There is appropriated from the General Fund to the Division the sum of two hundred fifty thousand dollars ($250,000) in recurring funds for the 2025‑2026 fiscal year to be used for costs associated with developing and implementing the program required by this act.

SECTION 5.  Effective Date. – Section 4 of this act becomes effective July 1, 2025. The remainder of this act is effective when it becomes law.