HB 780

Sets out nine “Whereas” clauses identifying statistics that support the need for paternal engagement in children’s lives. Appropriates $2 million from the General Fund to the Office of State Budget and management for 2025-26 for a directed grant to Family First, Inc., a Florida nonprofit corporation (the nonprofit), to expand its All Pro Dad fatherhood program to North Carolina. Also appropriates $3 million from the General Fund to the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) for 2025-26 for grants to address the needs of fathers and allows using up to $2 million to contract for the required Program Manger. Requires the nonprofit to register with the Secretary of State in North Carolina and to use the funds to encourage father-child engagement. Gives DHHS six months to implement the grant to the nonprofit from the effective date of July 1, 2025.