Expands North Carolina Innovations Waiver slots and revises eligibility for Opportunity Scholarship Program.

The Innovations Waitlist Reduction Act increases the number of waiver slots under the North Carolina Innovations Waiver, providing more opportunity for school choice. It appropriates funds to the Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Health Benefits, to fund these additional slots. The bill also revises eligibility requirements for the Opportunity Scholarship Program, focusing on families with the greatest need. It specifies income thresholds for scholarship eligibility and reduces funds for the Opportunity Scholarship Grant Fund Reserve. The changes take effect July 1, 2026.

Expands North Carolina Innovations Waiver slots and revises eligibility for Opportunity Scholarship Program.

The Innovations Waitlist Reduction Act increases the number of waiver slots under the North Carolina Innovations Waiver, providing more opportunity for school choice. It appropriates funds to the Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Health Benefits, to fund these additional slots. The bill also revises eligibility requirements for the Opportunity Scholarship Program, focusing on families with the greatest need. It specifies income thresholds for scholarship eligibility and reduces funds for the Opportunity Scholarship Grant Fund Reserve. The changes take effect July 1, 2026.