Rep. Howard files bill in North Carolina House to fund supported employment training

A new bill filed by State Rep. Julia C. Howard in the North Carolina House seeks to provide funding for training programs that support employment for individuals with mental and developmental disabilities, according to the North Carolina State House.

The bill, filed as HB 54 on Feb. 4 during the 2025 regular session, was formally listed with the short title: ‘Funds for NC APSE.’

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

In essence, this bill appropriates $125,000 in recurring funds from the General Fund for each year of the 2025-27 fiscal biennium to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services’ Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Use Services. The funds will be allocated as a grant to the North Carolina Association of People Supporting Employment First (NC APSE) to develop and implement training programs, including online modules, to provide evidence-based supported employment services for individuals with serious mental illness, intellectual disabilities, or developmental disabilities. These programs aim to assist with preparation for, identification of, and maintenance of integrated, paid, competitive employment. Training will be made available statewide to employers, local management entities/managed care organizations, and any other entities deemed beneficial. The act becomes effective July 1, 2025.

Of the four sponsors of this bill, Mitchell S. Setzer, Howard, and Cody Huneycutt proposed the most bills (five) 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.