NC S456

Establishes the Healthy Start NC Program with $161.6 million annually from TANF Block Grant funds and $146.3 million annually from the General Fund for the 2025-2027 fiscal biennium to provide cash allowances to expecting mothers and infants

Provides a one-time $1,500 prenatal cash award during pregnancy and $500 monthly payments for up to one year after birth for eligible low-income families

Requires the Division of Social Services to partner with a nonprofit organization to deliver funds as non-taxable private gifts and expand the program through private philanthropy

Sets the corporate income tax rate at a fixed 2.25%, halting the previously scheduled phase-down that would have reduced the rate to 0% after 2029

Program benefits are means-tested (such as Medicaid eligibility or federal poverty level percentage) and designed to avoid triggering TANF time limits, work requirements, or affecting other public benefits