AN ACT to authorize the north carolina board of architecture and registered interior designers to expend funds to conduct educational courses for licensed architects, registered interior designers, and individuals interested in architecture.

The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:

SECTION 1.  G.S. 83A‑3 reads as rewritten:

§ 83A‑3.  Expenses of Board members; Board finances.

(a)        Each member of the Board shall be entitled to receive travel and expense reimbursement as authorized by G.S. 93B‑5 for similar boards.

(b)        All funds received by the Board under the provisions of this Chapter shall be deposited by the treasurer or such other officer or staff employee as the Board may designate in such depository and under such security as the Board may direct. All expenses incurred by the Board shall be paid out of funds derived from examination, licensing, renewal or other fees herein provided and shall be paid by the treasurer upon vouchers drawn by the secretary and approved by the president. The Board shall have the power to determine necessary expenses, and to fix the compensation for board employees and for professional services. The State of North Carolina shall not be liable for the compensation of any Board members or officers. Payment of expenses and salaries pursuant to administration of this Chapter may not exceed available funds of the Board. All Board receipts and disbursements shall be subject to audit and accounting procedures established by the State for similar boards.

(c)        The Board shall have the power to acquire, hold, rent, encumber, alienate, and otherwise deal with real property in the same manner as a private person or corporation, subject only to approval of the Governor and the Council of State. Collateral pledged by the Board for an encumbrance shall be limited to the assets, income, and revenues of the Board.

(d)       The Board may use its funds to establish, conduct, contract, or arrange for instructional programs for individuals who are currently licensed architects or registered interior designers under this Chapter, as well as for individuals who are interested in obtaining adequate instruction or completing courses in an effort (i) to satisfy the requirements for licensure as an architect or registration as an interior designer under this Chapter, (ii) to learn about architecture or interior design as an interest, or (iii) to pursue an architectural or interior design education program. The Board may conduct, sponsor, and arrange for these educational programs, including through extension courses and other media to carry out instructional programs. The Board may enter into plans, agreements, or memoranda of understanding with community colleges, public or private institutions of higher learning, State or county boards of education, or with the governing body of an industrial education center for the purpose of planning, scheduling, or arranging courses, instruction, extension courses, or in assisting in obtaining these courses of study or programs.

SECTION 2.  The North Carolina Board of Architecture and Registered Interior Designers may adopt rules to implement the provisions of this act.

SECTION 3.  This act becomes effective October 1, 2023.