A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT directing the department of health and human services to conduct a study focusing on transitional housing alternatives, additional programs and resources, and potential legislative changes to address and mitigate homelessness in the state.
The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:
SECTION 1.(a)  Study. – The Department of Health and Human Services shall study ways to address and mitigate homelessness in the State. The study shall examine at least all of the following:
(1)	The current laws, rules, and practices relating to homelessness in the State.
(2)	The current programs relating to homelessness in the State and any gaps in services provided.
(3)	The current availability of housing in metropolitan and rural areas of the State.
(4)	The current availability of transitional housing in the State and potential alternatives.
(5)	The challenges for individuals facing homelessness and those in need of housing, including the following:
a.	Individuals who have aged out of Child Welfare Services within the Department.
b.	Individuals who have been displaced by natural disasters, in consultation with North Carolina Emergency Management in the Department of Public Safety.
(6)	Any other existing housing barriers to the homeless population in the State.
(7)	The best practices of other states proven effective in decreasing homelessness.
(8)	Any other matters the Department deems relevant.
SECTION 1.(b)  Report. – The Department of Health and Human Services shall report its findings and recommendations, including any legislative proposals, to the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Health and Human Services and the Fiscal Research Division by December 1, 2025.
SECTION 1.(c)  Appropriation. – There is appropriated from the General Fund to the Department of Health and Human Services the sum of one million dollars ($1,000,000) in nonrecurring funds for the 2024‑2025 fiscal year to be used by the Department of Health and Human Services to implement the provisions of this section.
SECTION 2.  This act becomes effective July 1, 2024.