A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT to direct the department of military and veterans affairs to document, collect, and analyze outcomes of programs designed to serve veterans and their families in this state.
The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:
SECTION 1.  Article 14 of Chapter 143B of the General Statutes is amended by adding a new section to read:
"§ 143B‑1218.  Department of Military and Veterans Affairs to track outcomes of veterans programs.
(a)	Tracking Veterans Programs. – The Department of Military and Veterans Affairs shall track the following types of programs by documenting, collecting, and analyzing the effect of the programs on the outcomes of veterans and their families in this State:
(1)	Programs to assist veterans in obtaining access to health care, whether physical health care or mental health care.
(2)	Programs to assist veterans and their families in obtaining housing and other social supports.
(3)	Programs to assist veterans in obtaining employment.
(4)	Programs to provide financial assistance to veterans and their families.
(5)	Any other programs designed to serve veterans and their families in this State.
(b)	Methodology. – The Department of Military and Veterans Affairs shall employ a mixed‑methods approach that combines the following methods of evaluation:
(1)	Outcomes‑based evaluation. – The Department shall employ an outcomes‑based evaluation to study the long‑term effect of these programs on the outcomes of veterans and their families.
(2)	Impact evaluation. – The Department shall employ an impact evaluation to study the short‑term impact of these programs on veterans and their families. This evaluation shall include input from veterans who participate in these programs.
The Department shall collect and analyze both qualitative and quantitative data in conducting these evaluations.
(c)	Report. – Beginning November 1, 2020, the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs shall annually report its findings under this section to the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on General Government."
SECTION 2.  This act is effective when it becomes law.