NC H74

Establishes a three-year pilot project through the Department of Health and Human Services to implement the ApSeed program, providing interactive learning devices called "seedlings" to preschool-age children (birth through age 4) in five counties: Forsyth, Hoke, New Hanover, Watauga, and Yadkin.

Appropriates $2,500,000 in nonrecurring funds for each year of the 2021-2023 fiscal biennium, with each of the five participating counties receiving up to $500,000 annually to support equipment and program costs.

Requires counties to select preschool-age children with greatest need based on poverty level to participate in the pilot project.

Mandates the Division submit a report within six months after project completion to the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Health and Human Services, Joint Legislative Education Oversight Committee, and Fiscal Research Division, including participant numbers, skills gains compared to non-participants, parental involvement, total costs, and funding needed for statewide expansion.

Becomes effective July 1, 2021; any unexpended funds revert to the General Fund upon project completion.