Sen. Murdock files bill in North Carolina Senate to establish Healthy Start NC Program

A new bill filed by State Sen. Natalie S. Murdock seeks to create the Healthy Start NC Program aimed at providing financial assistance to expecting mothers and infants, according to the North Carolina State Senate.

The bill, filed as SB 456 on March 24 during the 2025 regular session, was formally listed with the short title: ‘Healthy Start NC.’

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

In essence, this bill establishes the Healthy Start NC Program to reduce maternal mortality and childhood poverty by providing financial support to expecting mothers and their babies. It directs the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services to allocate $161.6 million from the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Block Grant and $146.3 million from the General Fund annually during the 2025-27 fiscal biennium. The program offers a one-time $1,500 prenatal allowance and monthly $500 postnatal support for the first year post-birth. Additionally, it partners with a nonprofit to manage funds and enhance financial aid through private donations. The bill also reduces the corporate income tax rate, gradually decreasing from 2.25% in 2025 to 0% after 2029. Section 1 takes effect on July 1, 2025, with tax changes effective from January 1, 2025.

Of the three sponsors of this bill, Murdock proposed the most bills (37) 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.

Murdock graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a BA.

Murdock, a Democrat, was elected to the North Carolina State Senate in 2020 to represent the state’s 20th Senate district, replacing previous state senator Mickey Michaux.