NC S556

Establishes a Capital Improvement Planning Fund as a nonreverting special fund in the Department of Administration to centralize funding for planning of state capital improvement projects through a competitive allocation process.

Requires projects seeking planning funds to meet criteria including demonstrated state need, use of standard reusable designs, cost-efficiency, incorporation of documented operating cost-savings, and planning costs not exceeding 4% of total estimated project cost.

Prohibits agencies from using allocated planning funds to seek LEED Certification from the U.S. Green Building Council and clarifies that planning fund allocation does not authorize completion of project phases beyond planning.

Expands the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on General Government's powers to examine capital improvements requested and authorized by state agencies, oversee the six-year capital improvements plan, and make recommendations on planning, financing, design, construction, and maintenance of state capital projects.

Requires the Department of Administration to report by August 1, 2015 on the competitive allocation process for the Capital Improvement Planning Fund; bill becomes effective July 1, 2015.