A new bill filed by State Rep. Kanika Brown in the North Carolina House seeks to expand a mental health support program for minorities across multiple counties, according to the North Carolina State House.
The bill, filed as HB 756 on April 2 during the 2025 regular session, was formally listed with the short title: ‘Funds for Harmony Empowerment Life Center.’
The following is our breakdown, based on the actual bill text, and may include interpretation to clarify its provisions.
In essence, this bill allocates $100,000 in nonrecurring funds from the General Fund for the 2025-26 fiscal year to the Harmony Empowerment Life Center. The purpose is to expand the organization’s “Never Limit An Athlete’s Mind” program, which supports minorities and their families in improving mental health and preparing for future opportunities, into several North Carolina counties, including Wake, Durham, Forsyth, Guilford, Mecklenburg, Union, and Anson. This act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.
Brown proposed another 17 bills 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.
Brown, a Democrat, was elected to the North Carolina State House in 2023 to represent the state’s 71st House district, replacing previous state representative Evelyn Terry.
| Authors | Bill Number | Date Filed | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kanika Brown | HB 756 | 04/02/2025 | Funds for Harmony Empowerment Life Center. |
| Kanika Brown, Aisha O. Dew, Deb Butler, and Pricey Harrison | HB 738 | 04/02/2025 | Restore Wetlands Protections. |
| Kanika Brown | HB 757 | 04/02/2025 | Funds for Joyful Soul Treasures. |
| Kanika Brown | HB 758 | 04/02/2025 | Funds for Mind and Heart Haven Project. |
| Kanika Brown | HB 759 | 04/02/2025 | Family and Community Wellness Act/Funds. |
| Kanika Brown, Carolyn G. Logan, Garland E. Pierce, and Renée A. Price | HB 662 | 04/01/2025 | Support the State Highway Patrol. |
| Kanika Brown, Jordan Lopez, Julia Greenfield, and Pricey Harrison | HB 621 | 03/31/2025 | Funds for the Umbrella Center. |
| Kanika Brown, Bryan Cohn, James Roberson, and Phil Rubin | HB 548 | 03/26/2025 | NC Economic Progress and Well-Being. |
| Kanika Brown, Howard Penny, Jr., and Renée A. Price | HB 457 | 03/19/2025 | Increase Small County Funding. |
| Kanika Brown, Carla D. Cunningham, Julia Greenfield, and Monika Johnson-Hostler | HB 452 | 03/18/2025 | Revise Law/Obstruction of Health Facility. |
| Kanika Brown and Amber M. Baker | HB 392 | 03/13/2025 | Funds/Forsyth United Way/Summer Learning. |
| Kanika Brown and Amber M. Baker | HB 393 | 03/13/2025 | Funds for One Love Festival. |
| Kanika Brown, Amos L. Quick, III, Becky Carney, and Carla D. Cunningham | HB 398 | 03/13/2025 | Enact KinCare & Safe Days. |
| Kanika Brown, Aisha O. Dew, Bryan Cohn, and Carolyn G. Logan | HB 374 | 03/11/2025 | NCARCOG Funding/Operations Improvements. |
| Kanika Brown, Julie von Haefen, Pricey Harrison, and Zack Hawkins | HB 344 | 03/10/2025 | Litter Reduction Act of 2025. |
| Kanika Brown, Marcia Morey, Maria Cervania, and Pricey Harrison | HB 345 | 03/10/2025 | Rights of Nature/Certain River Basins. |
| Kanika Brown, Bryan Cohn, Carolyn G. Logan, and Sarah Crawford | HB 269 | 03/03/2025 | Workforce Freedom and Protection Act. |
| Kanika Brown, Bryan Cohn, Sarah Crawford, and Tracy Clark | HB 115 | 02/12/2025 | Child Care Facility Tax Exemption. |
