Bill > H1004

This bill establishes a comprehensive initiative to support artificial intelligence (AI) and technology development across the University of North Carolina (UNC) system. The bill requires the UNC Board of Governors to select up to eight constituent institutions as AI Hubs by December 1, 2026, with a mandate to ensure at least one hub is at a Historically Black College/University or the University of North Carolina at Pembroke. These AI Hubs will focus on generating economic growth while protecting citizens' rights. The bill appropriates $16 million in nonrecurring funds and $8 million in recurring funds for establishing and supporting these AI Hubs, with the condition that institutions must match 10% of the nonrecurring funds from non-state sources. Additionally, the bill allocates $70 million to establish technology hubs at each UNC constituent institution to encourage technology innovation, workforce development, entrepreneurship, and advanced manufacturing. A separate $30 million grant fund will be established through the North Carolina Collaboratory to support AI research projects in areas such as education, healthcare, workforce development, government applications, AI infrastructure, and AI ethics. The bill becomes effective on July 1, 2025, and requires institutions to report details about their technology hubs to the Board of Governors by February 15, 2026.

Budget and Finance

https://www.ncleg.gov/BillLookUp/2025/H1004