S105 - 2021 Appropriations Act. (SL 2021-180)

Overview: Section 8.8 of S.L. 2021-180, as amended by Section 2.16 of S.L. 2022-6, codifies the duties and powers of the North Carolina Collaboratory (Collaboratory) housed at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. The purpose of the Collaboratory is to facilitate the dissemination of the policy and research expertise of The University of North Carolina and other institutions of higher education within North Carolina for practical use by State and local governments. Powers and duties of the Collaboratory include:

• Conducting, managing, or participating in research and projects on natural resources management.
• Supporting research programs at institutions of higher education within the Collaboratory's areas of focus and expertise.
• Identifying, pursuing, and supporting research and development opportunities through technology research and development.
• Developing and disseminating relevant best practices to interested parties.
• Leading or participating in projects across the State.
• Making recommendations for policy, research, and funding to the General Assembly.
• Maintaining an online reporting portal, in partnership with the Office of State Fire Marshal, on the storage and deployment of Aqueous Film Forming Foams.
• Teaching and training students and faculty to engage in and administer neutral and unbiased research and advice on science policy.

The Collaboratory must meet certain requirements related to funding preference and receives certain exemptions to purchasing and contracting, surplus property, and capital improvement requirements for projects that must be (i) carried out expeditiously and (ii) are funded at least 50% by the Collaboratory. The Collaboratory, in coordination with constituent institutions, can allocate funds for capital improvements on constituent institution property necessary to carry out research and development projects funded at least in part by the Collaboratory. All units of State and local government are required to cooperate and assist the Collaboratory with its research program by providing reasonable access to infrastructure, personnel, and data.

The Collaboratory must report annually by December 1 to the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Agriculture and Natural and Economic Resources, the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Health and Human Services, and the Joint Legislative Education Oversight Committee on its activities in the prior fiscal year and any legislative recommendations. For the 2021-2021 fiscal year, the Collaboratory must report by February 1, 2022.

This section became effective July 1, 2021.