NC S523

Establishes a Mental Health Voucher System pilot project in five North Carolina counties by October 1, 2026, with counties selected based on mental health service shortages and rates of untreated mental illness

Provides $25 million in total funding: $10 million reallocated from existing single-stream funding, $10 million appropriated from the General Fund, and $5 million from federal mental health block grants

Eligible individuals earning below 250% of the federal poverty level with demonstrated mental health need qualify for vouchers covering up to 10 free visits annually for therapy, psychiatric evaluations, medication management, and crisis intervention

Prioritizes veterans, uninsured individuals, young adults aged 18-26, law enforcement officers, and teachers for voucher access

Creates a seven-member Independent Review Commission to evaluate the pilot project, with statewide expansion within five years if positive health outcomes and cost-effectiveness are demonstrated