Rep. Belk files bill in North Carolina House to create technology task force

A new bill filed by State Rep. Mary Belk in the North Carolina House seeks to improve cooperation among state, federal, and private entities to promote science, technology, and innovation, according to the North Carolina State House.

The bill, filed as HB 724 on April 2 during the 2025 regular session, was formally listed with the short title: ‘NC-FACT.’

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

In essence, the bill establishes the NC-Federal Alignment for Critical Technologies Task Force within the North Carolina Department of Commerce to enhance collaboration and streamline resources among state, federal, and private entities in the promotion of science, technology, and innovation. This task force will include members from the Office of Science, Technology & Innovation and possibly from The University of North Carolina and the private sector. Its duties include researching collaboration methods, developing economic strategies to boost the science and technology industries, and attracting out-of-state investments. The task force is required to report its findings and recommendations with practical steps to the Joint Legislative Economic Development and Global Engagement Oversight Committee by April 1 annually. The act becomes effective upon becoming law.

Of the four sponsors of this bill, Robert T. Reives, II proposed the most bills (29) 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.

Belk graduated from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte in 2006 with a BA.

Belk, a Democrat, was elected to the North Carolina State House in 2017 to represent the state’s 88th House district, replacing previous state representative Rob Bryan.