House COVID-19 spending bill

GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF NORTH CAROLINA
SESSION 2019
H D
HOUSE BILL 1038
PROPOSED COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE H1038-PCS40541-MGa-18
Short Title: Omnibus COVID-19 Response Funds. (Public)
Sponsors:
Referred to:
April 28, 2020
*H1038-PCS40541-MGa-18*
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED1
AN ACT MAKING OMNIBUS APPROPRIATIONS OF FEDERAL FUNDS FOR COVID-192
RESPONSE AND RELIEF EFFORTS IN NORTH CAROLINA, AS RECOMMENDED3
BY THE HOUSE SELECT COMMITTEE ON COVID-19.4
The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:5
6
PART I. GENERAL PROVISIONS7
8
TITLE OF ACT9
SECTION 1.1. Title. – This act shall be known, and may be cited, as the "Omnibus10
COVID-19 Response Act of 2019."11
12
DEFINITIONS13
SECTION 1.2. Definitions. – The following definitions apply in this act:14
(1) Coronavirus Relief Fund. – Funds received by the State of North Carolina15
during the 2019-2020 fiscal year from the Coronavirus Relief Fund created by16
the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act of 2020, P.L.17
116-136.18
(2) CDC. – The federal Centers for Disease Control.19
(3) Coronavirus or COVID-19. – Has the same meaning as defined in section 50620
of the federal Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental21
Appropriations Act, 2020, Public Law No. 116-123.22
(4) COVID-19 diagnostic test. – A test the federal Food and Drug Administration23
has authorized for emergency use or approved to detect the presence of the24
severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2.25
(5) COVID-19 emergency. – The period beginning March 10, 2020, and ending26
on the date the Governor signs an executive order rescinding Executive Order27
No. 116 (2020), Declaration of a State of Emergency to Coordinate Response28
and Protective Actions to Prevent the Spread of COVID-19.29
(6) COVID-19 Recovery Legislation. – The following legislation enacted by30
Congress:31
a. The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act,32
P.L. 116-136.33
b. The Families First Coronavirus Response Act, P.L. 116-127.34
c. The Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental35
Appropriations Act, 2020, P.L. 116-123.36

General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2019
Page 2 House Bill 1038 H1038-PCS40541-MGa-18
(7) COVID-19 antibody test. – A serological blood test the federal Food and Drug1
Administration has authorized for emergency use or approved to measure the2
amount of antibodies or proteins present in the blood when the body is3
responding to an infection caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome4
coronavirus 2.5
(8) State agency. -- As defined by G.S. 143C-1-1(24), except that the term6
includes a unit of local government or a public authority.7
8
FINDINGS AND PURPOSE9
SECTION 1.3. On March 19, 2020, the Speaker of the House of Representatives10
empaneled the House Select Committee on COVID-19 (Select Committee). The primary purpose11
of the Select Committee and each of its constituent working groups was to facilitate a bipartisan12
and immediately productive response to the COVID-19 outbreak in North Carolina. The four13
working groups were as follows: Economic Support, Health Care, Education, and Continuity of14
State Operations. Each working group held numerous public meetings online, received15
voluminous public comments, and heard testimony from various executive branch officials and16
others regarding the State of Emergency declared by the Governor on March 10, 2020 in17
Executive Order Number 116. The purpose of this act is to carryout legislative proposals18
generated by the Select Committees and to appropriate federal funding under the COVID-1919
Recovery Legislation.20
21
REQUIREMENT TO MAXIMIZE USE OF FEDERAL FUNDS22
SECTION 1.4. The appropriations and allocations made in this act are for maximum23
amounts necessary to implement this act. State agencies shall maximize the use of federal funds24
made available in this act to address wherever possible within the allowable uses prior to using25
State funds.26
27
CONFLICT WITH FEDERAL LAW28
SECTION 1.5. If an allocation made under this act is found to be disallowed by29
federal law, the disallowed allocation is repealed, and the Office of State Budget and30
Management (OSBM) shall transfer the amount of the disallowed allocation to the Coronavirus31
Relief Reserve established in Section 2.1 of this act. Amounts transferred into the Coronavirus32
Relief Reserve pursuant to this section are receipts that do not constitute an "appropriation made33
by law," as that phrase is used in Section 7(1) of Article V of the North Carolina Constitution.34
35
GENERAL GUIDANCE ON USE OF FUNDS36
SECTION 1.6. The OSBM shall work with the recipient State agencies to budget37
receipts awarded pursuant to COVID-19 Recovery Legislation according to the program needs38
and within the parameters of the respective granting entities and applicable federal laws and39
regulations. State agencies shall not use funds received pursuant to COVID-19 Recovery40
Legislation for recurring purposes. Depending on the nature of the award, additional State41
personnel may be employed on a temporary or time-limited basis.42
43
REQUIRED REPORT ON USE OF FUNDS44
SECTION 1.7. In addition to any report required under this act or any other law,45
OSBM shall provide a report to the Joint Legislative Commission on Governmental Operations46
and the Fiscal Research Division by March 1, 2021, detailing the use of funds allocated under47
Section 3.3 of this act. Additionally, each State agency or department that receives federal grant48
funds under this act shall provide a report to the Joint Legislative Commission on Governmental49
Operations and the Fiscal Research Division no later than 90 days from the day the grant period50
ends detailing the use of funds. The report required from OSBM under this section shall include51

H1038-PCS40541-MGa-18 House Bill 1038 Page 3
the amount of funds allocated to each State agency, State department, and nonprofit organization,1
how the funds were used by each State agency, State department, and nonprofit organization, and2
the amount of funds allocated to each State agency, State department, and nonprofit organization3
that remained unspent as of December 30, 2020. The report required from each State agency or4
department that receives federal grant funds under this act shall include the amount of funds5
granted, the source of the funds, how the funds were used, and the amount of funds that remained6
unspent at the end of the grant period.7
8
AUDIT REQUIREMENT9
SECTION 1.8. The State Auditor shall conduct a preliminary financial audit and a10
final performance audit of the Coronavirus Relief Fund created by this act no later than March 1,11
2021.12
13
DEPARTMENTAL RECEIPTS14
SECTION 1.9. Departmental receipts, as defined in G.S. 143C-1-1, are appropriated15
for the 2019-2020 fiscal year and the 2020-2021 fiscal year up to the amounts needed to16
implement the provisions in this act for the corresponding fiscal year.17
18
PART II. COVID-19 RELIEF RESERVES AND FUNDS ESTABLISHED19
20
CORONAVIRUS RELIEF RESERVE21
SECTION 2.1. The State Controller shall establish a Coronavirus Relief Reserve22
(Reserve) in the General Fund to maintain federal funds received from the Coronavirus Relief23
Fund created under the CARES Act, P.L. 116-136, to mitigate the impact of the COVID-1924
outbreak in North Carolina. The State Controller shall transfer funds to the Coronavirus Relief25
Fund established in Section 2.2 of this act only as needed to meet the appropriations set out in26
this act and only upon request of the Director of the Budget. Funds reserved in the Reserve do27
not constitute an "appropriation made by law," as that phrase is used in Section 7(1) of Article V28
of the North Carolina Constitution.29
30
CORONAVIRUS RELIEF FUND31
SECTION 2.2. The Coronavirus Relief Fund (Fund) is established. The purpose of32
the Fund is to provide necessary and appropriate relief and assistance from the effects of33
COVID-19, consistent with the provisions of this act and subsequent legislation addressing the34
effects of COVID-19. The Fund shall be maintained as a special fund and administered by OSBM35
to carry out the provisions of this and subsequent acts necessitated as a result of the COVID-1936
outbreak. All funds allocated from the Fund must be used for necessary expenditures incurred37
due to the public health emergency with respect to the COVID-19 outbreak. Only expenditures38
incurred during the period that begins on March 1, 2020, and ends on December 30, 2020, are39
eligible for funding from this Fund.40
41
PART III. TRANSFER, APPROPRIATIONS, AND ALLOCATIONS42
43
TRANSFER OF FUNDS FROM RELIEF RESERVE TO RELIEF FUND44
SECTION 3.1. Transfer of Funds from Relief Reserve to Relief Fund. – The State45
Controller shall transfer the sum of one billion six hundred thirty-five million five hundred sixty-46
seven thousand twenty-nine dollars ($1,635,567,029) for the 2019-2020 fiscal year from the47
Reserve established in Section 2.1 of this act to the Fund established in Section 2.2 of this act.48
49
APPROPRIATION OF FUNDS FROM RELIEF FUND TO OSBM50

SECTION 3.2. Appropriation of Funds from Relief Fund to OSBM. – There is1
appropriated from the Fund to OSBM the sum of one billion six hundred thirty-five million five2
hundred sixty-seven thousand twenty-nine dollars ($1,635,567,029) in nonrecurring funds for the3
2019-2020 fiscal year to be allocated and used as provided in Section 3.3 of this act. The funds4
appropriated in this section shall not revert at the end of the 2019-2020 fiscal year, but shall5
remain available to expend until December 30, 2020.6
7
ALLOCATION OF FUNDS APPROPRIATED TO OSBM8
SECTION 3.3. Allocations of Funds. – OSBM shall allocate the funds appropriated9
in Section 3.2 of this act as follows:10
(1) $80,000,000 to the Department of Public Instruction for school nutrition11
services provided in response to COVID-19 by public school units12
participating in the National School Lunch Program or School Breakfast13
Program from March 16, 2020, through the end of the 2019-2020 school year.14
Funds for these services shall be allocated in the same manner as if the15
participating public school units were reimbursed by school meal receipts or16
federal funds.17
(2) $299,000 to the Department of Public Instruction to work with the Friday18
Institute for Educational Innovation at North Carolina State University, in19
response to COVID-19, to develop and test different approaches of (i)20
reducing long-term disparities in Internet connectivity among students and (ii)21
improving students' digital development.22
(3) $1,348,500 to the Department of Public Instruction to improve Internet23
connectivity for students, in response to COVID-19, by installing Internet24
access points in school buses.25
(4) $21,200,000 to the Department of Public Instruction to improve Internet26
connectivity for students, in response to COVID-19, by providing community27
and home mobile Internet access points.28
(5) $35,000,000 to the Department of Public Instruction to be allocated to local29
school administrative units, charter schools, regional schools, and other30
elementary or secondary schools operated by the State Board of Education to31
purchase computers or other electronic devices for use by students in response32
to COVID-19.33
school administrative units, charter schools, regional schools, and other35
elementary or secondary schools operated by the State Board of Education to36
purchase computers or other electronic devices for use by school personnel in37
response to COVID-19.38
(7) $4,900,000 to the Department of Public Instruction to purchase pre-packaged39
digital curricula for grades kindergarten through twelve in response to40
COVID-19.41
(8) $5,550,000 to the Department of Public Instruction, in response to COVID-19,42
to (i) establish a statewide shared cybersecurity infrastructure to protect school43
business systems and minimize instructional disruption and (ii) for district44
cybersecurity monitoring and support through the School Connectivity45
Initiative.46
(9) $35,000,000 to the Department of Public Instruction to be allocated in a47
manner consistent with the formula for the Instructional Support Allotment.48
These funds shall be used for school health support personnel to provide49
additional physical and mental health support services for students in response50
to COVID-19, including remote and in-person physical and mental health51

support services. For purposes of this subdivision, the term "school health1
support personnel" shall refer to school counselors, school nurses, school2
psychologists, and school social workers.3
school administrative units, charter schools, and the Innovative School5
District to provide a supplemental summer learning program for students6
whose learning has been negatively affected by the impacts of COVID-19, in7
accordance with the following:8
a. The summer learning program shall include the following:9
1. Reading interventions for students who were in kindergarten10
through grade three during the 2019-2020 school year who11
were not on track to meet 2019-2020 year-end expectations12
based on diagnostic assessments completed prior to March 16,13
2020.14
2. Reading interventions for students who were in grade four15
during the 2019-2020 school year who were not on track to16
meet 2019-2020 year-end expectations as identified by their17
2019-2020 school year reading teachers.18
3. Math interventions for students who were in kindergarten19
through grade four during the 2019-2020 school year who were20
not on track to meet 2019-2020 year-end expectations as21
identified by their 2019-2020 school year math teachers.22
b. Of the funds appropriated by this subdivision for summer reading23
programs, at least thirty-five million dollars ($35,000,000) shall be24
used to provide reading interventions for students who were in grades25
two and three during the 2019-2020 school year. Of these funds, any26
unexpended funds at the conclusion of the summer learning program27
shall be used prior to December 30, 2020 to provide supplemental28
literacy support for students in grade four during the 2020-2021 school29
year who are not on track to meet 2020-2021 year-end expectations,30
as identified by their 2020-2021 school year reading teachers.31
c. Any unexpended funds for (i) reading interventions for students in32
kindergarten, grade one, or grade four during the 2019-2020 school33
year and (ii) math interventions for students in kindergarten through34
grade four during the 2019-2020 school year shall be used prior to35
December 30, 2020, to provide supplemental literacy or math support,36
as appropriate, to students in grades one through five during the37
2020-2021 school year who are not on track to meet 2020-202138
year-end expectations as identified by their respective 2020-202139
school year reading or math teachers.40
d. Funds provided for summer learning programs may be used to deliver41
interventions and instruction to participating students using methods42
such as digital resources, printed materials, literacy coaches, and43
face-to-face instruction.44
The governing body of a public school unit receiving funds under this45
subdivision shall consult with 2019-2020 school year teachers of kindergarten46
through fourth grade students to develop summer learning program plans that47
deliver targeted instruction to students participating in the summer learning48
program. Each public school unit's plan shall comply with the requirements of49
any executive order in effect at the time of the summer learning program,50
including requirements on the use of public school buildings, and shall comply51

with social distancing and other public health guidelines provided by the1
Department of Health and Human Services. No later than May 31, 2020, local2
school administrative units and the Innovative School District shall submit3
their summer learning program plans to the Department of Public Instruction.4
Summer learning programs shall not be included in scheduled instructional5
time for the 2020-2021 school year calendar, but shall provide a supplement6
to that instruction in order to better prepare students for academic success7
during the 2020-2021 school year, despite the impacts of COVID-19. Each8
public school unit receiving funds under this subdivision is encouraged to9
identify or prepare resources and strategies that parents or guardians can10
provide at home for students who qualify for a summer learning program and11
who (i) do not attend or (ii) attend and would like additional material. No later12
than February 15, 2021, the State Board of Education shall report to the Joint13
Legislative Education Oversight Committee on the implementation of this14
subdivision and the use of funds for summer learning programs.15
(11) $1,488,000 to the Department of Public Instruction to assist and support public16
school units in providing remote instruction in response to the impacts of17
COVID-19 by expanding the learning management platform provided by the18
Department of Public Instruction to local school administrative units, charter19
schools, regional schools, the Innovative School District, and any other public20
school units, in the discretion of the Department.21
(12) $5,000,000 to the Department of Public Instruction to provide nondigital22
remote instruction resources to students with limited connectivity, in order to23
continue learning growth during the school closure period related to24
COVID-19.25
(13) $17,900,000 to the Department of Public Instruction to provide Extended26
School Year Services or future services, as appropriate, to exceptional27
children who qualify for these services due to the impacts of COVID-19.28
(14) $621,000 to the Department of Public Instruction for the Governor Morehead29
School for the Blind, Eastern North Carolina School for the Deaf, and North30
Carolina School for the Deaf for school nutrition, cleaning and sanitizing,31
digital and nondigital remote learning resources, compensatory services, and32
Extended School Year Services related to the impacts of COVID-19.33
(15) $6,000,000 to the Department of Public Instruction for the Extended Learning34
and Integrated Student Supports Competitive Grant Program (Program) for35
the 2019-2020 and 2020-2021 fiscal years. Of these funds, the Department of36
Public Instruction may use up to two hundred thousand dollars ($200,000) to37
administer the Program. The purpose of the Program is to fund high-quality,38
independently validated extended learning and integrated student support39
service programs for at-risk students whose learning has been negatively40
affected by COVID-19 impacts. The programs funded shall raise standards41
for student academic outcomes by focusing on the following:42
a. Use of an evidence-based model with a proven track record of success.43
b. Inclusion of rigorous, quantitative performance measures to confirm44
effectiveness of the program.45
c. Deployment of multiple tiered supports in schools to address student46
barriers to achievement, such as strategies to improve chronic47
absenteeism, antisocial behaviors, academic growth, and enhancement48
of parent and family engagement.49
d. Alignment with State performance measures, student academic goals,50
and the North Carolina Standard Course of Study.51

e. Prioritization in programs to integrate clear academic content, in1
particular, science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM)2
learning opportunities or reading development and proficiency3
instruction.4
f. Minimization of student class size when providing instruction or5
instructional supports and interventions.6
g. Expansion of student access to high-quality learning activities and7
academic support that strengthen student engagement and leverage8
community-based resources, which may include organizations that9
provide mentoring services and private-sector employer involvement.10
h. Utilization of digital content to expand learning time, when11
appropriate.12
Grants shall be used to award funds for new or existing eligible programs for13
at-risk students operated by (i) nonprofit corporations and (ii) nonprofit14
corporations working in collaboration with local school administrative units.15
Grant participants are eligible to receive grants in an amount of up to five16
hundred thousand dollars ($500,000) each year. Programs should focus on17
serving (i) at-risk students not performing at grade level as demonstrated by18
statewide assessments or not on-track to meet year-end expectations as of19
March 16, 2020 as demonstrated by existing indicators including teacher20
identification, (ii) students at risk of dropout, and (iii) students at risk of school21
displacement due to suspension or expulsion as a result of antisocial22
behaviors. Priority consideration shall be given to applications demonstrating23
models that focus services and programs in schools that are identified as24
low-performing, pursuant to G.S. 115C-105.37. A grant participant shall25
provide certification to the Department of Public Instruction that the grants26
received under the program shall be matched on the basis of three dollars27
($3.00) in grant funds for every one dollar ($1.00) in nongrant funds.28
Matching funds shall not include State funds. The Department shall also give29
priority consideration to an applicant that is a nonprofit corporation working30
in partnership with a local school administrative unit resulting in a match31
utilizing federal funds under Part A of Title I of the Elementary and Secondary32
Education Act of 1965, as amended, or Title IV of the Higher Education Act33
of 1965, as amended, and other federal or local funds. Matching funds may34
include in-kind contributions for up to fifty percent (50%) of the required35
match. A nonprofit corporation may act as its own fiscal agent for the purposes36
of this Program. Grant recipients shall report to the Department of Public37
Instruction for the year in which grant funds were expended on the progress38
of the Program, including alignment with State academic standards, data39
collection for reporting student progress, the source and amount of matching40
funds, and other measures. Grant recipients shall also submit a final report on41
key performance data, including statewide test results, attendance rates,42
graduation rates, and promotion rates, and financial sustainability of the43
program. The Department of Public Instruction shall provide a report on the44
Program to the Joint Legislative Education Oversight Committee by February45
15, 2021. The report shall include the results of the Program and46
recommendations regarding effective program models, standards, and47
performance measures based on student performance, leveraging of48
community-based resources to expand student access to learning activities,49
academic and behavioral support services, and potential opportunities for the50
State to invest in proven models for future grants programs.51

(16) $25,000,000 to the Community Colleges System Office to be used by the1
System Office and to be allocated to community college campuses for the2
following purposes to effectively respond to COVID-19 impacts: (i) to3
enhance online learning capacity and cover increased costs associated with4
moving to online education for students, (ii) to cover necessary eligible5
expenses for resources and supports for faculty and staff, (iii) to provide Small6
Business Center counselors for small business needs, (iv) to cover expenses7
for expanded demands on information technology, including devices for8
campuses in rural areas, and (v) to provide facility sanitation and other9
necessary eligible expenses for services for ongoing campus operations.10
(17) $48,690,529 to the Board of Governors of The University of North Carolina11
to be allocated to constituent institutions for the following purposes to12
effectively respond to COVID-19 impacts: (i) to cover increased costs related13
to moving coursework and exams online, (ii) to implement a digital learning14
accelerator, (iii) to provide for facility sanitation prior to reopening campuses15
and during the operation of campuses and for other necessary eligible16
expenses for services for ongoing campus operations, and (iv) to cover17
necessary eligible expenses for assistance to students and employees,18
including counseling services and information technology support.19
(18) $30,000,000 to the Board of Governors of The University of North Carolina20
to be allocated to the State Education Assistance Authority (Authority) for the21
Authority to provide funds to each eligible private postsecondary institution,22
as defined in G.S. 116-280(3), by apportioning an amount equal to the23
following:24
a. Seventy-five percent (75%) of the institution's relative share of25
full-time equivalent students who were enrolled as of March 13, 2020,26
who received scholarships pursuant to Article 34 of Chapter 116 of the27
General Statutes for the spring semester of the 2019-2020 academic28
year.29
b. Twenty-five percent (25%) of the institution's relative share of30
full-time equivalent students who were enrolled as of March 13, 2020,31
who had not received scholarships pursuant to Article 34 of Chapter32
116 of the General Statutes for the spring semester of the 2019-202033
academic year.34
These funds shall be used to transition to online education for students, for35
necessary eligible institutional expenditures related to COVID-19, and to36
provide funds for students and families impacted by COVID-19. An eligible37
postsecondary institution receiving funds pursuant to this subdivision shall not38
use these funds for purposes other than for actions taken to respond to39
COVID-19 in accordance with the provisions of this act and in compliance40
with federal law requirements.41
(19) $110,000,000 to OSBM to establish the COVID-19 Response Research Fund.42
OSBM shall allocate the monies from the fund as follows:43
a. $100,000,000 shall be allocated to the North Carolina Policy44
Collaboratory (Collaboratory) at the University of North Carolina at45
Chapel Hill to coordinate efforts among entities being provided funds46
pursuant to this subdivision. The Collaboratory shall facilitate best47
practices and strategies for those entities to maximize resources and48
achieve a comprehensive response to COVID-19. The Collaboratory49
may assemble an advisory panel of representatives from entities50
receiving funds pursuant to this subdivision as necessary to discuss,51

review, and analyze progress towards meeting the goals for the use of1
the funds. Funds shall be provided to the following entities to be used2
for (i) the rapid development of a countermeasure of neutralizing3
antibodies and other strategies for COVID-19 that can be used as soon4
as possible to both prevent infection, and for those infected, treat5
infection, (ii) bringing a safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine to the6
public as soon as possible, (iii) community testing initiatives, and (iv)7
other research related to COVID-19:8
1. $25,000,000 shall be allocated to the Duke University Human9
Vaccine Institute (DHVI) of the Duke University School of10
Medicine.11
2. $25,000,000 shall be allocated to the Gillings School of Global12
Public Health at the University of North Carolina at Chapel13
Hill.14
3. $25,000,000 shall be allocated to the Brody School of15
Medicine at East Carolina University.16
4. $25,000,000 shall be allocated to the Wake Forest School of17
Medicine.18
b. $10,000,000 shall be allocated to the Campbell University School of19
Osteopathic Medicine for a community and rural-focused primary care20
workforce response to COVID-19, including, but not limited to, (i)21
supporting community testing initiatives, (ii) providing treatment in22
community-based health care settings, (iii) monitoring rural23
populations, (iv) educating health professionals on best practices for a24
pandemic response, and (v) supporting rural communities through25
primary care.26
By September 1, 2020, the Collaboratory, DHVI, Gillings School of Global27
Public Health, Brody School of Medicine, and Wake Forest School of28
Medicine shall submit a report to the House Appropriations Subcommittee on29
Health and Human Services, the Senate Appropriations Committee on Health30
and Human Services, and the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on31
Health and Human Services on all of the following:32
a. Progress on the development of a countermeasure, other strategies,33
and a vaccine for COVID-19.34
b. Findings from the community testing initiatives.35
c. Other research related to COVID-19.36
d. A breakdown of all expenditures from the appropriated funds received37
under this subdivision.38
e. The source and amount of all other funds received for the purposes39
described in this subdivision.40
By September 1, 2020, Campbell University School of Osteopathic Medicine41
shall report to the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Health and Human42
Services, the Senate Appropriations Committee on Health and Human43
Services, and the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Health and44
Human Services on all of the following:45
a. Findings from the supported community testing initiatives.46
b. A description of the education provided to health professionals.47
c. Best practices for treating rural populations and supporting48
community-based hospitals during a pandemic.49
d. A breakdown of all expenditures from the appropriated funds received50
under this subdivision.51

e. The source and amount of all other funds received for the purposes1
described in this subdivision.2
(20) $25,000,000 to the Department of Health and Human Services to support3
public health efforts, the State Laboratory of Public Health, local health4
departments, and rural health providers in building capacity to respond to the5
COVID-19 pandemic.6
(21) $25,000,000 to the Department of Health and Human Services to provide7
funds to support behavioral health and crisis services to respond to the8
COVID-19 pandemic. These funds shall be used for at least all of the9
following purposes:10
a. To divert individuals experiencing behavioral health emergencies11
from emergency departments.12
b. To allocate $12,600,000 to be distributed as a one-time payment to13
each local management entity/managed care organization14
(LME/MCO) for the purposes of providing temporary additional15
funding assistance for Intermediate Care Facilities for Individuals with16
Intellectual Disabilities (ICF/IID) services on a per diem basis.17
(22) $40,000,000 to the Department of Health and Human Services, Division of18
Health Benefits, for coverage of additional costs related to the Medicaid19
program, including any of the following costs:20
a. Funding for the support of COVID-19 related priorities in the21
Medicaid program as they evolve, including additional provider22
support for long-term care, primary care, and other providers most at23
risk of insolvency as a result of severely disrupted revenue during the24
COVID-19 pandemic.25
b. Additional funding for COVID-19 testing and the treatment of patients26
who test positive for COVID-19.27
c. Costs associated with increased enrollment due to the COVID-1928
pandemic.29
(23) $50,000,000 to OSBM for allocation to the Department of Health and Human30
Services and the Division of Emergency Management within the Department31
of Public Safety for the following purposes:32
a. To purchase personal protective equipment that meets CDC guidelines33
for infection control. As used in this section, personal protective34
equipment includes gloves, gowns and aprons, surgical and respiratory35
masks, goggles, face shields, and other protective clothing that meet36
CDC guidelines for infection control.37
b. To purchase other supplies and equipment related to emergency38
protective measures to address immediate threats to life, public health,39
and safety related to COVID-19, such as ventilators, touch-free40
thermometers, disinfectant, and sanitizing wipes.41
Any supplies and equipment purchased with funds allocated in this42
subdivision may be made available to both public and private health care43
providers and other entities the Department of Health and Human Services or44
the Division of Emergency Management deem essential to the State's response45
to COVID-19. The Department of Health and Human Services and the46
Division of Emergency Management shall ensure that funds appropriated in47
this subdivision are expended in a manner that does not adversely affect any48
person's or entity's eligibility for federal funds that are made available, or that49
are anticipated to be made available, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.50
The Department of Health and Human Services and the Division of51

Emergency Management shall also, to the extent practicable, avoid using State1
funds to cover costs that will be, or likely will be, covered by federal funds.2
(24) $25,000,000 to the Department of Health and Human Services to expand3
public and private initiatives for COVID-19 testing, contact tracing, and4
trends tracking and analysis through, but not limited to, all of the following5
ways:6
a. Building capacity for widespread COVID-19 diagnostic testing to7
enable rapid case-based interventions.8
b. Building capacity for widespread COVID-19 antibody testing to9
enable rapid deployment when such testing becomes available.10
c. Expanding contact tracing workforce and infrastructure to routinely11
identify potentially exposed persons and take appropriate public health12
actions.13
d. Increasing research and data tools and analysis infrastructure to14
support better predictive models, surveillance and response strategies.15
funding for (i) adult and child protective services response, (ii) support for17
homeless and domestic violence shelters and housing security, including18
prevention, diversion, and rapid re-housing assistance, (iii) child care19
response, and (iv) technology modifications to support COVID-19 emergency20
relief beneficiaries.21
a. From funds received pursuant to this subdivision, the sum of22
$6,000,000 is allocated equally among each of the six food banks in23
this State in support of responses to the COVID-19 emergency.24
b. From funds received pursuant to this subdivision, the sum of25
$2,500,000 is allocated to Reinvestment Partners, a nonprofit26
organization, for its Produce Prescription Program, which provides a27
monthly forty-dollar ($40.00) per household benefit for each eligible28
Food and Nutrition Services recipient enrolled by the recipient's health29
care provider, in serving individuals impacted by the COVID-1930
emergency.31
c. Subparagraph b. of this subdivision is effective when it becomes law32
and expires three months from the date this section becomes effective.33
The remainder of this subdivision is effective when it becomes law.34
Social Services, to assist in serving children in foster care during the36
COVID-19 emergency. These funds shall be used for monthly supplemental37
payments in the amount of one hundred dollars ($100.00) for each child38
receiving foster care assistance payments for the months of April 202039
through June 2020.40
Social Services, for facilities licensed to accept State-County Special42
Assistance. These funds shall be used to provide a one-time payment to these43
facilities to offset the increased costs of serving residents during the44
COVID-19 emergency. Each eligible facility shall receive an amount equal to45
one thousand three hundred twenty-five dollars ($1,325) for each resident of46
the facility who is a recipient of State-County Special Assistance between47
March 10, 2020, through July 30, 2020. In the case of a recipient who transfers48
from one facility to another during this time period, only the first eligible49
facility of residence will receive the payment authorized under this section.50
Nothing in this section shall be construed as an obligation by the General51

Assembly to appropriate funds for the purpose of this section, or as an1
entitlement by any facility, resident of a facility, or other person to receive2
financial assistance under this section. The following definitions apply in this3
section:4
a. Facility licensed to accept State-County Special Assistance payments.5
– Any residential care facility that is (i) licensed by the Department of6
Health and Human Services and (ii) authorized to accept State-County7
Special Assistance payments from its residents.8
b. State-County Special Assistance. – The program authorized by9
G.S. 108A-40.10
funds to support rural and underserved communities especially hard hit by the12
COVID–19 pandemic, which may include directed grants to health care13
providers other than rural hospitals; targeted Medicaid assistance for rural14
providers; enhanced telehealth services; transportation for critical services;15
health care security for the uninsured; and other related purposes. These funds16
may be used to fund items not addressed by federal relief funds or as needed17
to address critical health care needs until federal funds are received for such18
purposes.19
(29) $75,000,000 to the OSBM to provide a directed grant to the North Carolina20
Healthcare Foundation (NCHF), a nonprofit corporation. NCHF shall use21
these funds to award grants to rural hospitals to offset expenses incurred for22
providing patient care in North Carolina to respond to the COVID-1923
pandemic. NCHF shall award grants to eligible rural hospitals within 30 days24
after receipt of an application and on the basis of need according to tier25
designation, county health ranking, and hospital-specific financial data.26
NCHF shall provide technical assistance to grant recipients for a period of five27
years following distribution of funds to (i) ensure that funds are utilized28
according to the intended purpose, (ii) assist recipient facilities in interpreting29
and implementing waivers and other federal guidance related to COVID-1930
response and recovery, and (iii) support recipient facilities in preparing for31
post-COVID-19 sustainability. Grant recipients shall not use these funds for32
any purpose other than to offset the following costs related to patient care33
provided in North Carolina as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic:34
a. Up to sixty percent (60%) of lost revenues from foregone elective35
procedures during the emergency period, net of federal funds received36
from the CARES Act.37
b. Supplies and equipment purchased in accordance with Centers for38
Disease Control guidelines.39
c. Rapidly ramping up infection control and triage training for health care40
professionals.41
d. Retrofitting separate areas to screen and treat patients with suspected42
COVID-19 infections, including isolation areas in or around hospital43
emergency departments.44
e. Increasing the number of patient care beds to provide surge capacity.45
f. Transporting patients with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 safely46
to or from rural facilities.47
g. Planning, training, and implementing expanded telehealth capabilities.48
h. Procuring staff or consultants to help mitigate the burden of extensive49
review of new and incoming federal and State regulatory guidelines.50
i. Salary support for furloughed employees.51

By November 1, 2020, grant recipients shall submit to NCHF a detailed1
written report on the use of the funds appropriated in this subdivision. By2
December 1, 2020, NCHF shall submit to OSBM, the Joint Legislative3
Oversight Committee on Health and Human Services, and the Fiscal Research4
Division a detailed written report on the use of funds appropriated in this5
subdivision, along with recommendations on how recipient facilities can6
prepare for post-COVID-19 sustainability.7
Central Management and Support, Office of Rural Health, to provide directed9
grants of equal amounts to the 67 member clinics of the North Carolina10
Association of Free and Charitable Clinics, to offset costs for providing health11
care and prescription medications during the COVID-19 emergency.12
(31) $1,500,000 to the Department of Health and Human Services to provide a13
directed grant to NC MedAssist, a nonprofit corporation, to offset increased14
costs for providing prescription assistance services during the COVID-1915
pandemic to individuals who are indigent or uninsured.16
(32) $25,000,000 to the OSBM to establish the COVID-19 Teaching Hospitals17
Relief Fund. OSBM shall allocate the monies in the fund as directed grants to18
hospitals located within the State that are classified as teaching hospitals by19
the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, for the purpose of offsetting20
expenses incurred for providing patient care in North Carolina as a result of21
the COVID-19 pandemic. OSBM shall award grants to eligible teaching22
hospitals based on the amount of charitable care provided in North Carolina23
and the amount of lost revenue sustained within North Carolina as a result of24
the COVID-19 pandemic. Grant recipients shall not use these funds for any25
purpose other than the following to offset costs related to patient care provided26
in North Carolina to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic:27
procedures during the COVID-19 emergency, net of federal funds29
received from the CARES Act.30
professionals.34
to or from health care facilities.40
As a condition of receiving the funds allocated in this subdivision, each grant45
recipient shall submit a detailed written report to the House Appropriations46
Subcommittee on Health and Human Services, the Senate Appropriations47
Committee on Health and Human Services, and the Joint Legislative48
Oversight Committee on Health and Human Services by December 1, 2020,49
that contains (i) a breakdown of all expenditures from the appropriated funds50
received under this section by the categories listed in this subdivision and (ii)51

the total amount of funds received from the Provider Relief Fund provided for1
in P.L. 116-136 and any other federal legislation passed during calendar year2
2020 to support the national response to COVID-19.3
(33) $25,000,000 to the OSBM to establish the COVID-19 General Hospitals4
Relief Fund. OSBM shall allocate the monies in the fund as directed grants to5
hospitals located within the State that are not classified as rural hospitals or6
teaching hospitals by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, for the7
purpose of offsetting expenses incurred for providing care to patients in North8
Carolina as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. OSBM shall award grants to9
eligible large hospitals based on the amount of charitable care provided in10
North Carolina and the amount of lost revenue sustained within North11
Carolina as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Grant recipients shall not use12
these funds for any purpose other than to offset the following costs related to13
patient care provided in North Carolina to respond to the COVID-1914
pandemic:15
procedures during the emergency period, net of federal funds received17
from the CARES Act.18
professionals.22
to or from health care facilities.28
As a condition of receiving the funds allocated in this subdivision, each grant33
recipient shall submit a detailed written report to the House Appropriations34
Subcommittee on Health and Human Services, the Senate Appropriations35
Committee on Health and Human Services, and the Joint Legislative36
Oversight Committee on Health and Human Services by December 1, 2020,37
that contains (i) a breakdown of all expenditures from the appropriated funds38
received under this section by the categories listed in this subdivision and (ii)39
the total amount of funds received from the Provider Relief Fund provided for40
in P.L. 116-136 and any other federal legislation passed during calendar year41
2020 to support the national response to COVID-19.42
(34) $300,000,000 to OSBM for the Department of Transportation. OSBM shall43
not transfer these allocated funds to the Department for use until the guidelines44
in "Coronavirus Relief Fund Guidance for State, Territorial, Local, and Tribal45
Governments" dated April 22, 2020 are revised by the United States46
Department of the Treasury or a subsequent act of Congress authorizes the use47
of funds from the Coronavirus Relief Fund for the purpose of replacing lost48
revenue due to the COVID-19 emergency. 30 days prior to the transfer of49
funds pursuant to this subsection, OSBM shall submit a report to the Joint50
Legislative Commission on Governmental Operations. On or before April 1,51

2021, the Department shall submit a report on the status of utilizing these1
funds and a revenue update to the Joint Legislative Transportation Oversight2
Committee (JLTOC) and the Fiscal Research Division.3
(35) $350,000,000 to OSBM for allocation to counties ineligible to receive direct4
funding from the federal Coronavirus Relief Fund established by the5
Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, P.L. 116-136.6
The OSBM shall allocate these funds on a per capita basis using the US7
Census Bureau's Vintage 2019 county population totals, provided that no8
county eligible to receive an allocation under this section shall be allocated9
less than $500,000. A county may allocate a portion of these funds for use by10
municipalities within the county, but only if the transfer qualifies as a11
necessary expenditure incurred due to the public health emergency and meets12
the other criteria of section 601(d) of the Social Security Act. Such funds are13
subject to recoupment by the U.S. Treasury Inspector General if they have not14
been used in a manner consistent with section 601(d) of the Social Security15
Act. Further, the funds may only be used to support expenditures by counties16
and municipalities that are consistent with the most recently published U.S.17
Treasury Department guidance for the federal Coronavirus Relief Fund.18
Counties and municipalities are liable to the State for any misuse or19
mishandling of these funds, and subject to clawback and other appropriate20
measures, including the reduction or elimination of other State funds. Any21
local government officer, official, or employee who violates this section shall22
be subject to a civil action by the State and held personally liable to reimburse23
the State. Beginning October 1, 2020, and then quarterly thereafter, each24
county and municipality receiving funds under this section shall report to the25
OSBM on the use of allocated funds until all funds are expended and26
accounted for.27
(36) $30,000,000 to OSBM, for allocation to State agencies negatively impacted28
by the loss of anticipated receipts. OSBM shall not transfer the allocated29
funds to the State agencies for use until the guidelines in "Coronavirus Relief30
Fund Guidance for State, Territorial, Local, and Tribal Governments" dated31
April 22, 2020 are revised by the United States Department of the Treasury or32
a subsequent act of Congress authorizes the use of funds from the Coronavirus33
Relief Fund for the purpose of replacing lost revenue due to the COVID-1934
emergency. Prior to the transfer of funds pursuant to this subsection, OSBM35
shall submit a report to the Joint Legislative Commission on Governmental36
Operations.37
(37) $80,000,000 to OSBM to be used for the continuity of operation needs across38
State government. Costs eligible under this subdivision may include, but are39
not limited to, covering overtime costs at mental health institutions, prisons,40
juvenile facilities, and veterans homes; purchasing critical information41
technology equipment and software licenses; enhancing telepresence services42
in public safety facilities and the court system; providing COVID-19 testing43
for employees of the Division of Prisons at the Department of Public Safety;44
and purchasing emergency sanitation and hygienic supplies. Provided that the45
United States Department of Labor does not approve additional funding for46
the Customer Call Center operated by the Division of Employment Security,47
funds may also be used to hire additional time-limited staff in the Customer48
Call Center to meet the unprecedented demand for services. In addition, these49
funds may be used for the following purposes:50

a. Up to ten million dollars ($10,000,000) of the funds allocated in this1
subdivision may be further allocated to the Department of Agriculture2
and Consumer Services to be used for animal depopulation and3
disposal activities to address possible future supply chain impacts4
from the closure of animal processing plants due to COVID-19.5
b. Up to two million dollars ($2,000,000) of the funds allocated in this6
subdivision may be used to establish a temporary North Carolina7
Pandemic Recovery Office in accordance with Section 3B.1 of this act.8
c. Up to five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000) of the funds allocated9
in this subdivision may be further allocated to the Office of the State10
Auditor to perform the requirements set forth in Section 4.2 of this act.11
OSBM shall provide a report to the Joint Legislative Commission on12
Governmental Operations no later than August 15, 2020, detailing the13
allocation of funds under this subdivision. The report shall include which State14
agencies received allocations, the amounts disbursed, the amount spent in the15
2019-2020 fiscal year, and for what purposes the funds were used by fund16
code and line-item detail.17
18
PART III-A. MEDICAID COVID-19 AUTHORIZATION AND RESPONSE19
20
MEDICAID PROVIDER RATE INCREASES21
SECTION 3A.1. In addition to the five percent (5%) rate increases already requested22
by the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) in the 1135 Medicaid disaster State23
Plan amendment (SPA) submitted to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services on April24
8, 2020, for certain provider types, DHHS shall increase the fee-for-service Medicaid rates paid25
directly by the Division of Health Benefits for all remaining provider types by five percent (5%).26
The rate increases authorized under this section shall be effective March 1, 2020, through the27
duration of the declared nationwide public health emergency as a result of the 2019 novel28
coronavirus.29
30
PROVIDE MEDICAID COVERAGE FOR COVID-19 TESTING TO UNINSURED31
INDIVIDUALS IN NORTH CAROLINA DURING THE NATIONWIDE PUBLIC32
HEALTH EMERGENCY33
SECTION 3A.2. The Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Health34
Benefits (DHB), is authorized to provide the Medicaid coverage described in 42 U.S.C.A. §35
1396a(a)(10)(A)(ii)(XXIII), which covers COVID-19 testing for certain uninsured individuals36
during the period in which there is a declared nationwide public health emergency as a result of37
the 2019 novel coronavirus. DHB is authorized to provide this medical assistance retroactively38
to the earliest date allowable.39
40
TEMPORARY MEDICAID COVERAGE FOR THE PREVENTION, TESTING, AND41
TREATMENT OF COVID-1942
SECTION 3A.3.(a) The Department of Health and Human Services, Division of43
Health Benefits (DHB), is authorized to provide temporary, targeted Medicaid coverage to44
individuals with incomes up to two hundred percent (200%) of the federal poverty level, as45
requested by the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services in the 1115 waiver46
application submitted to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) on March 27,47
2020. If CMS grants approval for different coverage or a different population than requested in48
that 1115 waiver application, DHB may implement the approved temporary coverage, provided49
that all the following criteria are met:50

(1) The coverage is only provided for a limited time period related to the declared1
nationwide public health emergency as a result of the 2019 novel coronavirus.2
(2) The coverage is not provided for services other than services for the3
prevention, testing, or treatment of COVID-19.4
(3) The income level to qualify for the coverage does not exceed two hundred5
percent (200%) of the federal poverty level.6
SECTION 3A.3.(b) The Department of Health and Human Services, Division of7
Health Benefits, is authorized to provide this Medicaid coverage retroactively to the earliest date8
allowable.9
10
IMPLEMENT TEMPORARY PROVIDER ENROLLMENT CHANGES AUTHORIZED11
UNDER THE MEDICAID 1135 WAIVER12
SECTION 3A.4. In order for the Department of Health and Human Services,13
Division of Health Benefits, to implement the temporary provider enrollment changes under the14
1135 waiver approved by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services for the North Carolina15
Medicaid program and NC Health Choice program, the following statutes shall not apply to the16
North Carolina Medicaid program and the NC Health Choice program from March 1, 2020,17
through the duration of the declared nationwide public health emergency as a result of the 201918
novel coronavirus:19
(1) G.S. 108C-2.1.20
(2) G.S. 108C-4(a).21
(3) G.S. 108C-9(a) with respect to any required trainings prior to enrollment.22
(4) G.S. 108C-9(c).23
24
PART III-B. ESTABLISHMENT OF TEMPORARY PANDEMIC RECOVERY OFFICE25
SECTION 3B.1. OSBM shall establish a temporary North Carolina Pandemic26
Recovery Office (Office) to oversee and coordinate funds made available under COVID-1927
Recovery Legislation. This Office shall also provide technical assistance and ensure coordination28
of federal funds received by State agencies and local governments and ensure proper reporting29
and accounting of all funds. The authorization set forth in this section expires 12 months from30
the effective date of this act and the Office shall cease to operate upon expiration of the31
authorization.32
33
PART IV. ADDITIONAL ALLOCATIONS AND APPROPRIATIONS34
35
APPROPRIATION OF COVID-19 FEDERAL GRANT FUNDS AND RECEIPTS36
SECTION 4.1.(a) Except for funds subject to subsection (c) of this section or Section37
2.1 of this act, funds received from federal grants authorized under the COVID-19 Recovery38
Legislation are appropriated in the amounts provided in the notification of award from the federal39
government or any entity acting on behalf of the federal government to administer the federal40
funds. State agencies may, with approval of the Director of the Budget, spend funds received41
from federal receipts and federal grants resulting from enactment of the COVID-19 Recovery42
Legislation that are not otherwise subject to Section 2.1 of this act. Section 2.2(c) of S.L.43
2019-192 shall not apply to grant funds received under the COVID-19 Recovery Legislation.44
SECTION 4.1.(b) The programs and grant amounts in the schedule set forth in this45
subsection are estimates of North Carolina's allocations from the COVID-19 Recovery46
Legislation to be deposited in the State's Treasury and administered by State agencies. This47
schedule is meant to be illustrative of federal grants that have, or will be, received by the State48
in addition to the approximately three billion five hundred million dollars ($3,500,000,000) from49
the Coronavirus Relief Fund created under the CARES Act, P.L. 116-136. These amounts are50

not inclusive of federal funds distributed or paid directly to individuals, businesses, health care1
providers, or private postsecondary institutions:2
Program Amount3
Governor's Emergency Education Relief Fund $95,600,0004
Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund $396,300,0005
Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund $179,700,0006
Child Care and Development Block Grant $118,100,0007
Community Services Block Grant $25,900,0008
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program $49,900,0009
Child Welfare Services $1,600,00010
Supportive Services $6,200,00011
Congregate and Home-Delivered Meals $7,400,00012
Congregate and Home-Delivered Meals $14,800,00013
Family Caregivers $3,100,00014
Protection of Vulnerable Older Americans $600,00015
Centers for Independent Living $2,200,00016
Ryan White HIV/AIDS $1,100,00017
CDC Grant $13,800,00018
Minimum CDC Grant $15,400,00019
Homeless Assistance/ ESG – State $18,400,00020
Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS $1,200,00021
Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children $13,900,00022
Community Health Center $78,00023
Small Rural Hospital Improvement Program $2,500,00024
Hospital Preparedness Program $770,00025
Emergency Grant to Address SA $2,000,00026
Unemployment Insurance Base – Administration $22,500,00027
Unemployment Insurance Supplemental – Administration $22,500,00028
Dislocated Worker Grants $6,000,00029
Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) Commodities $19,700,00030
TEFAP Administration $8,200,00031
Manufacturing Extension $1,500,00032
CDBG – State $28,500,00033
National Endowment for the Arts $507,00034
Institute for Museum and Library Sciences $948,00035
Justice Assistance Grants – State $15,400,00036
Emergency Performance Management Grant $2,600,00037
Family Violence Prevention $777,00038
Urbanized Area Formula Program $38,473,00039
Formula Grants for Rural Area Program $94,941,00040
Airports Grants $2,765,00041
Total Estimated Funding $1,235,859,00042
43
LIMITATION ON STATE BOARD OF ELECTIONS BUDGETING44
SECTION 4.1.(c) It is the intent of the General Assembly to address the State’s45
additional elections needs resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic in separate legislation.46
Therefore, and notwithstanding any law to the contrary, no funds appropriated in this act and no47
funds appropriated in the budget of the State Board of Elections for the 2019-2020 fiscal year48
shall be expended to meet the matching requirements for additional federal funds awarded to the49
State after enactment of S.L. 2019-239.50
51

PART V. SEVERABILITY1
SECTION 5.1. If any provision of this act is declared unconstitutional or invalid by2
the courts, it does not affect the validity of this act as a whole or any part other than the part3
declared unconstitutional or invalid.4
5
PART VI. EFFECTIVE DATE6
SECTION 6.1. Except as otherwise provided, this act is effective when it becomes7
law.8

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