Rep. Howard files bill in North Carolina House to end state ties with NCInnovation

A new bill filed by State Rep. Julia C. Howard seeks to terminate the state’s partnership with NCInnovation and ensure the transfer of state funds and assets back to the General Fund, according to the North Carolina State House.

The bill, filed as HB 154 on Feb. 18 during the 2025 regular session, was formally listed with the short title: ‘Reclaim State Assets from NCInnovation.’

The following is our breakdown, based on the actual bill text, and may include interpretation to clarify its provisions.

In essence, this bill mandates the dissolution of the relationship between the state of North Carolina and NCInnovation, requiring NCInnovation to transfer all state-provided funds, excluding specific amounts and associated interest, and assets acquired with those funds back to the state. The State Controller is tasked with overseeing this transfer and ensuring the returned funds are deposited into the General Fund. However, this deposit will not be considered an “appropriation made by law” unless specifically appropriated in a future act by the General Assembly. Additionally, Article 76A of Chapter 143 of the General Statutes will be repealed 60 days after the bill becomes law, indicating a formal termination of the legal framework that previously supported the state’s relationship with NCInnovation. The act becomes effective upon becoming law.

Of the four sponsors of this bill, Harry Warren proposed the most bills (17) during the 2025 regular session.

Bills in North Carolina follow a multi-step process before becoming law. A lawmaker starts by filing a bill, which is assigned to a committee for review. The bill must be read three times in each chamber. If one chamber changes the bill after the other passes it, both must agree on the final version. Once both chambers approve the same bill, it goes to the governor, who has 10 days (or 30 if the legislature is not in session) to sign, veto, or let it become law without a signature.

You can read more about the bills and other measures here.

Howard graduated from Salem College in 2003 with a BA.

Howard, a Republican, was elected to the North Carolina State House in 2019 to represent the state’s 77th House district, replacing previous state representative Harry Warren.