summary
Introduced
03/18/2025
03/18/2025
In Committee
03/19/2025
03/19/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2025-2026 Session
Bill Summary
AN ACT TO APPROPRIATE FUNDS TO ESTABLISH THE SAFER SEX SUPPLIES GRANT PROGRAM. Whereas, North Carolina experiences significant costs related to treating sexually transmitted infections (STIs), which impact the public health system and the economy of the State; and Whereas, investing in preventive health measures is proven to reduce taxpayer burdens by lowering emergency medical costs and Medicaid expenses and by avoiding lost productivity due to illness; and Whereas, ensuring students remain in school and complete their education contributes to North Carolina's workforce development, economic growth, and global competitiveness; and Whereas, businesses benefit from a healthier, more-educated workforce, and economic studies indicate that states with strong public health initiatives see increased workforce participation; and Whereas, programs that promote personal responsibility and preventive care align with fiscally responsible governance by mitigating future public health care expenditures; and Whereas, empowering students with the knowledge and resources to make informed health decisions ensures their ability to protect their futures and pursue academic and professional success without unnecessary health-related setbacks; and Whereas, targeted data collection and analysis will ensure that (i) rural, suburban, and urban communities receive equitable access to resources and (ii) program implementation is based on effectiveness and efficiency; Now, therefore,
AI Summary
This bill establishes the Safer Sex Supplies Grant Program to provide free safer sex supplies (including condoms and lubricants) to students at public higher education institutions, community colleges, and high schools across North Carolina from fiscal years 2025-2028. The program aims to reduce healthcare costs, support student success, and promote responsible health decisions by allocating $9.6 million in nonrecurring funds across the University of North Carolina system, Community Colleges System, and Department of Public Instruction. Grant recipients must offer free supplies in designated campus locations, maintain student privacy, partner with health organizations, establish a Student Health Advisory Committee, and continue providing supplies after the grant program expires. Notably, the program does not require parental permission for students to access these supplies. Each administering entity will prioritize grant recipients based on economic benefits, collaboration, and cost efficiency, and will be required to submit annual reports detailing grant recipients, funding amounts, supply usage, and projected healthcare savings. The Department of Health and Human Services will receive an additional $1.5 million to coordinate messaging, provide technical assistance, and support program implementation. The bill is set to become effective on July 1, 2025, and the program will expire on June 30, 2028.
Sponsors (3)
Last Action
Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate (on 03/19/2025)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.ncleg.gov/BillLookUp/2025/S323 |
| BillText | https://www.ncleg.gov/Sessions/2025/Bills/Senate/PDF/S323v1.pdf |
| BillText | https://www.ncleg.gov/Sessions/2025/Bills/Senate/PDF/S323v0.pdf |
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