AN ACT to appropriate funds for five new regional outreach positions at the National institute of innovation and technology to increase talent in the nanotechnology industry.

The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:

SECTION 1.(a)  There is appropriated from the General Fund to the Department of Commerce the sum of five hundred ten thousand two hundred fifty dollars ($510,250) in recurring funds for the 2022‑2023 fiscal year to be allocated to the National Institute of Innovation and Technology, Inc., (Institute) a nonprofit corporation, to establish the following five new positions at the Institute, plus operating costs: (i) four new regional outreach coordinators and (ii) one new regional outreach and engagement manager to coordinate with and support the regional outreach coordinators. These positions shall work to address the talent shortage in nanotechnology‑related fields and advanced manufacturing, including semiconductors, biomanufacturing, pharmaceuticals, and clean energy, through recruitment of qualified persons, including veterans and persons with experience in relevant education entities, industries, and community‑based organizations. Recruitment shall include coordinating with secondary schools to establish pre‑apprenticeships and youth pathway programs for students and developing programs to support members of the Armed Forces of the United States, returning citizens, and underserved and underrepresented populations. Minimum qualifications for these positions shall include, at least, experience as a veteran or in a related education entity, industry, or community‑based organization.

SECTION 1.(b)  The National Institute of Innovation and Technology, Inc., shall do the following for each year that State funds are expended in accordance with this section:

(1)        By September 1 of each year, and more frequently as requested, report to the chairs of the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Agriculture and Natural and Economic Resources; the chairs of the House of Representatives Appropriations Committee on Agriculture and Natural and Economic Resources; the chairs of the Senate Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Natural, and Economic Resources; and the Fiscal Research Division on prior State fiscal year program activities, objectives, and accomplishments and prior State fiscal year itemized expenditures and fund sources. If State funds are used to provide matching funds for competitive grants from the federal government or a nongovernmental entity, the report should include a list and description of the grants that are awarded.

(2)        Provide to the chairs of the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Agriculture and Natural and Economic Resources; the chairs of the House of Representatives Appropriations Committee on Agriculture and Natural and Economic Resources; the chairs of the Senate Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Natural, and Economic Resources; and the Fiscal Research Division a copy of the entity's annual audited financial statement within 30 days of issuance of the statement.

SECTION 2.  This act becomes effective July 1, 2022.