HB 1131

Contains whereas clauses. Appropriates $2.178 million in recurring funds beginning in 2026-27 from the General Fund to Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Social Services, to increase the number of full-time Adult Protective Services (APS) workers by 25 for 2026-27. Distributes funds to county departments of social services based on needs as determined by the Department of Social Services (DSS). Directs DSS to consult with the NC Association of County Directors of Social Services and to consider the four listed factors in determining which counties have the greatest need, including the number of persons aged 65 or older residing in the county, the volume of reports related to adult abuse, neglect and exploitation in the county, and the number of APS workers required to adequately assess and evaluate the APS cases in the county. Prevents county recipients from: (1) using the funds for any other purpose than to pay for salaries, benefits, and related expenses associated with the additional APS workers or (2) supplanting any other source of funding for staff. Effective July 1, 2026.