Rep. Reives files bill in North Carolina House to create AI and technology hubs

A new bill filed by State Rep. Robert T. Reives, II in the North Carolina House seeks to promote economic growth and innovation through AI and technology hubs at select universities, according to the North Carolina State House.

The bill, filed as HB 1004 on April 10 during the 2025 regular session, was formally listed with the short title: ‘UNC AI & Technology Hubs.’

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

In essence, the bill proposes the establishment of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and technology hubs at select constituent institutions of the University of North Carolina. By December 1, 2026, up to eight institutions will be designated as AI hubs, ensuring representation from public historically Black colleges and universities or the University of North Carolina at Pembroke. The initiative aims to stimulate economic growth and uphold citizens’ rights. For the 2025-26 fiscal year, $16 million in nonrecurring and $8 million in recurring funds will be allocated for AI hubs, with institutions required to match 10% of non-state funds. Additionally, $70 million will be distributed to establish technology hubs supporting innovation, workforce development, entrepreneurship, and manufacturing. The bill also allocates $30 million for a grant fund via the North Carolina Collaboratory to support AI research projects. The act becomes effective July 1, 2025.

Of the three sponsors of this bill, Zack Hawkins proposed the most bills (47) 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.

Reives graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1992 with a BA and again in 1995 from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a JD.

Reives, a Democrat, was elected to the North Carolina State House in 2014 to represent the state’s 54th House district, replacing previous state representative Deb McManus.