NC H209

Removes the requirement that Needs-Based Public School Capital Fund grants be allocated only to counties designated as development tier one or tier two areas by the Department of Commerce.

Establishes grant matching requirements and caps: tier one counties receive up to $3.00 per $1.00 county funds (maximum $15 million); tier two counties receive up to $1.00 per $1.00 county funds (maximum $10 million).

Restricts grant funds to construction of new school buildings only, prohibits use for real property acquisition, and establishes a five-year waiting period between grants to the same county.

Bars all state agencies from using Department of Commerce economic development tier designations as the basis for allocating education funds to K-12 schools, community colleges, or University of North Carolina institutions beginning fiscal year 2019-2020.

Becomes effective July 1, 2019, with Section 1 applying to grant applications submitted on or after that date.