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Primary Sponsor

Last Action

Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate2025-03-20

Vote Breakdown

No floor votes recorded.

Plain Language Summary

This bill requires North Carolina's Division of Juvenile Justice to create a program teaching coding, programming, and computer skills to incarcerated youth in youth development centers. The program would include specialized courses, industry certifications, mentorship, internships, and job placement assistance, with $250,000 in funding and implementation required by January 1, 2026.

Arguments in Favor

• •Supporters argue this bill addresses recidivism by equipping incarcerated youth with marketable technical skills that lead to stable employment and financial independence after release.
• •They contend that coding and tech jobs offer higher wages and career growth potential, reducing the likelihood that youth return to the criminal justice system.
• •Additionally, this program helps fill workforce gaps in the growing technology sector while giving vulnerable youth a genuine second chance.

Arguments Against

• •Opponents may question whether $250,000 is sufficient to develop and sustain a quality program, and whether resources would be better spent on prevention or mental health services.
• •Some argue the bill lacks accountability mechanisms or performance metrics to measure whether the program actually reduces recidivism or leads to employment.
• •Others may express concerns about whether incarcerated youth will have meaningful access to jobs post-release, regardless of skills gained.