AN ACT to require the board of trustees of north carolina state university to study the feasibility and advisability of establishing a new college of veterinary medicine in north carolina and to appropriate funds for that purpose.

The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:

SECTION 1.(a)  The Board of Trustees of North Carolina State University (the Board), in consultation with the College of Veterinary Medicine at North Carolina State University, shall study the feasibility and advisability of establishing a new college of veterinary medicine at another institution of higher education located in North Carolina. The Board shall report the results of its study to the Joint Legislative Education Oversight Committee no later than March 15, 2027. As part of its study, the Board shall consider at least the following:

(1)        The need for additional veterinarians in this State, including veterinarians who specialize in treating large animals.

(2)        The costs and benefits of establishing a new college of veterinary medicine at another institution of higher education located in North Carolina, including the extent to which an additional college of veterinary medicine would help the State retain high‑achieving residents who pursue careers as veterinarians.

(3)        A suitable location for the new college of veterinary medicine, including the following:

a.         An appropriate institution of higher education to house the college.

b.         Locations in the State that would be appropriate for providing instruction on the treatment of large animals.

SECTION 1.(b)  There is appropriated from the General Fund to the Board of Governors of The University of North Carolina the sum of three hundred thousand dollars ($300,000) in nonrecurring funds for the 2026‑2027 fiscal year to be allocated to North Carolina State University to conduct the study described in subsection (a) of this section.

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