AN ACT to provide funding for the Mike Woodard Lab and Living Tools Exhibit.

Whereas, as a nationally accredited museum and zoo, the Museum of Life and Science serves as a key educational resource in North Carolina, attracting thousands of families each year; and

Whereas, the Museum of Life and Science is creating a new exhibit, called Living Tools, to showcase North Carolina's biotech achievements and promote interest in STEM careers; and

Whereas, Senator Mike Woodard served as cochair of the North Carolina Life Science Caucus; and

Whereas, Sen. Woodard supported the mission and purpose of the North Carolina Museum of Life and Science throughout his career; Now, therefore,

The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:

SECTION 1.  There is appropriated from the General Fund to the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources the sum of three million one hundred thousand dollars ($3,100,000) in nonrecurring funds for the 2026‑2027 fiscal year to be allocated to the Museum of Life and Science to be used for the Mike Woodard Lab and the exhibit Living Tools, showcasing North Carolina's biotech achievements and promoting interest in STEM careers.

SECTION 2.  This act becomes effective July 1, 2026.