A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT TO PROVIDE a study of COMPENSATION TO THE PERSONS STERILIZED THROUGH THE state's EUGENIC STERILIZATION PROGRAM.
Whereas, during the early part of the 20th century, social reformers advocated eugenic sterilization as a solution to problems such as mental retardation and mental illness; and
Whereas, in 1907, Indiana was the first state to pass a eugenic sterilization program, and eventually more than 30 states passed these laws, with North Carolina following in 1929; and
Whereas, from 1933 to 1974, North Carolina's Eugenics Board reviewed petitions for sterilizations, and sterilizations were ordered in more than 90% of the cases before the Board; and
Whereas, researchers estimate that more than 7,600 people were sterilized in North Carolina between 1929 and 1974, ranking North Carolina third among the states operating eugenic sterilization programs; and
Whereas, while most states sharply curtailed their sterilization programs after World War II, nearly four‑fifths of sterilizations in North Carolina were performed after 1945, and by the late 1960s, more than 60% of those persons sterilized in the State were black, and 99% were female; and
Whereas, the governors of Virginia, Oregon, South Carolina, and North Carolina have issued apologies for these forced sterilizations, and Governor Michael F. Easley established a committee to investigate the eugenics program and consider compensation or counseling services for these persons; and
Whereas, the General Assembly finds that persons sterilized as a result of the State's eugenics sterilization program should be considered for compensation; Now, therefore,
The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:
SECTION 1.  The Department of Health and Human Services shall study a proposal to compensate persons who, as a result of the eugenic sterilization program in this State, were sterilized between the years 1929 and 1975. That study shall include a proposed process for evaluating claims, an equitable amount of compensation, and such other matters as the Department deems necessary.
SECTION 2.  The Department of Health and Human Services shall estimate the cost of providing health care, counseling, and educational assistance required as a result of sterilization under the State's eugenic sterilization program.
SECTION 3.  The Department shall report the result of its findings to the House of Representatives Appropriations Subcommittee on Health and Human Services, the Senate Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services, and the Fiscal Research Division on or before April 1, 2008.
SECTION 4.  It is the intent of the General Assembly after receiving cost estimates to consider providing compensation, appropriate health care coverage, counseling, and educational assistance to persons covered by this act.
SECTION 5.  This act is effective when it becomes law.