GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF NORTH CAROLINA
SESSION 2019
H 1
HOUSE BILL 1038
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Short Title: COVID-19 Health Care Working Grp Funding Recs. |
(Public) |
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Sponsors: |
Representatives Lambeth, Carney, Dobson, and P. Jones (Primary Sponsors). For a complete list of sponsors, refer to the North Carolina General Assembly web site. |
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Referred to: |
Appropriations, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House |
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April 28, 2020
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT providing relief to VARIOUS public and private ENTITIES OF THE STATE in order to expand capacity for PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY to address THE COVId‑19 EMERGENCY, as recommended by the health care working group of the house select committee on covid‑19.
The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:
PART I. DEFINITIONS
SECTION 1.1.(a) The following definitions apply in this act:
(1) Coronavirus Relief Fund. – Funds received by the State of North Carolina during the 2019‑2020 fiscal year from the Coronavirus Relief Fund created by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act of 2020, P.L. 116‑136.
(2) CDC. – The federal Centers for Disease Control.
(3) COVID‑19. – Coronavirus disease 2019.
(4) COVID‑19 diagnostic test. – A test the federal Food and Drug Administration has authorized for emergency use or approved to detect the presence of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2.
(5) COVID‑19 emergency. – The period beginning March 10, 2020, and ending on the date the Governor signs an executive order rescinding Executive Order No. 116, Declaration of a State of Emergency to Coordinate Response and Protective Actions to Prevent the Spread of COVID‑19.
(6) COVID‑19 antibody test. – A serological blood test the federal Food and Drug Administration has authorized for emergency use or approved to measure the amount of antibodies or proteins present in the blood when the body is responding to an infection caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2.
SECTION 1.1.(b) This section is effective when it becomes law.
PART II. ENHANCED CAPACITY FOR PUBLIC HEALTH, BEHAVIORAL HEALTH, AND CRISIS SERVICES
ENHANCED PUBLIC HEALTH CAPACITY
SECTION 2.1.(a) The sum of twenty‑five million dollars ($25,000,000) in nonrecurring funds is appropriated from the Coronavirus Relief Fund to the Department of Health and Human Services, for the 2019‑2020 fiscal year, to provide funds to support public health efforts, the State Laboratory of Public Health, local health departments, and rural health providers in building capacity to respond to the COVID‑19 pandemic.
SECTION 2.1.(b) This section is effective when it becomes law.
ENHANCED BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CAPACITY
SECTION 2.2.(a) The sum of twenty‑five million dollars ($25,000,000) in nonrecurring funds is appropriated from the Coronavirus Relief Fund to the Department of Health and Human Services, for the 2019‑2020 fiscal year, to provide funds to support behavioral health and crisis services to respond to the COVID‑19 pandemic. These funds shall be used for at least all of the following purposes:
(1) To divert individuals experiencing behavioral health emergencies from emergency departments.
(2) To allocate $12,600,000 in nonrecurring funds to be distributed as a one‑time payment to each local management entity/managed care organization (LME/MCO) for the purposes of providing temporary additional funding assistance for Intermediate Care Facilities for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities (ICF/IID) services on a per diem basis.
SECTION 2.2.(b) This section is effective when it becomes law.
PART IiI. Medicaid COVID‑19 Funding and Authorization
funds FOR ADDITIONAL MEDICAID COSTS
SECTION 3.1.(a) The sum of forty million dollars ($40,000,000) in nonrecurring funds is appropriated from the Coronavirus Relief Fund to the Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Health Benefits, for the 2019‑2020 fiscal year, for coverage of additional costs related to the Medicaid program, including any of the following costs:
(1) Funding for the support of COVID‑19 related priorities in the Medicaid program as they evolve, including additional provider support for long‑term care, primary care, and other providers most at risk of insolvency as a result of severely disrupted revenue during the COVID‑19 pandemic.
(2) Additional funding for COVID‑19 testing and the treatment of patients who test positive for COVID‑19.
(3) Costs associated with increased enrollment due to the COVID‑19 pandemic.
SECTION 3.1.(b) This section is effective when it becomes law.
medicaid provider rate increases
SECTION 3.2.(a) In addition to the five percent (5%) rate increases already requested by the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) in the 1135 Medicaid disaster State Plan amendment (SPA) submitted to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services on April 8, 2020, for certain provider types, DHHS shall increase the fee‑for‑service Medicaid rates paid directly by the Division of Health Benefits for all remaining provider types by five percent (5%). The rate increases authorized under this section shall be effective March 1, 2020, through the duration of the declared nationwide public health emergency as a result of the 2019 novel coronavirus.
SECTION 3.2.(b) This section is effective when it becomes law.
provide medicaid coverage for covid‑19 testing to uninsured individuals in nORTH carolina DURING the nationwide public health emergency
SECTION 3.3.(a) The Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Health Benefits (DHB), is authorized to provide the Medicaid coverage described in 42 U.S.C.A. § 1396a(a)(10)(A)(ii)(XXIII), which covers COVID‑19 testing for certain uninsured individuals during the period in which there is a declared nationwide public health emergency as a result of the 2019 novel coronavirus. DHB is authorized to provide this medical assistance retroactively to the earliest date allowable.
SECTION 3.3.(b) This section is effective when it becomes law.
Temporary medicaid coverage for the prevention, testing, and treatment of COVID‑19
SECTION 3.4.(a) The Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Health Benefits (DHB), is authorized to provide temporary, targeted Medicaid coverage to individuals with incomes up to two hundred percent (200%) of the federal poverty level, as requested by the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services in the 1115 waiver application submitted to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) on March 27, 2020. If CMS grants approval for different coverage or a different population than requested in that 1115 waiver application, DHB may implement the approved temporary coverage, provided that all the following criteria are met:
(1) The coverage is only provided for a limited time period related to the declared nationwide public health emergency as a result of the 2019 novel coronavirus.
(2) The coverage is not provided for services other than services for the prevention, testing, or treatment of COVID‑19.
(3) The income level to qualify for the coverage does not exceed two hundred percent (200%) of the federal poverty level.
SECTION 3.4.(b) The Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Health Benefits, is authorized to provide this Medicaid coverage retroactively to the earliest date allowable.
SECTION 3.4.(c) This section is effective when it becomes law.
implement temporary provider enrollment changes authorized under the medicaid 1135 waiver
SECTION 3.5.(a) In order for the Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Health Benefits, to implement the temporary provider enrollment changes under the 1135 waiver approved by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services for the North Carolina Medicaid program and NC Health Choice program, the following statutes shall not apply to the North Carolina Medicaid program and the NC Health Choice program from March 1, 2020, through the duration of the declared nationwide public health emergency as a result of the 2019 novel coronavirus:
(1) G.S. 108C‑2.1.
(2) G.S. 108C‑4(a).
(3) G.S. 108C‑9(a) with respect to any required trainings prior to enrollment.
(4) G.S. 108C‑9(c).
SECTION 3.5.(b) This section is effective when it becomes law.
PART IV. ENHANCED PERSONNEL SAFETY EQUIPMENT AND SANITATION SUPPLIES
FUNDS TO INCREASE THE STATE'S SUPPLY OF PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT AND OTHER EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES TO RESPOND TO COVID‑19
SECTION 4.1.(a) The sum of fifty million dollars ($50,000,000) in nonrecurring funds is appropriated from the Coronavirus Relief Fund to the Office of State Budget and Management (OSBM), for the 2019‑2020 fiscal year, for allocation to the Department of Health and Human Services and the Division of Emergency Management within the Department of Public Safety for the following purposes:
(1) To purchase personal protective equipment that meets CDC guidelines for infection control. As used in this section, personal protective equipment includes gloves, gowns and aprons, surgical and respiratory masks, goggles, face shields, and other protective clothing that meet CDC guidelines for infection control.
(2) To purchase other supplies and equipment related to emergency protective measures to address immediate threats to life, public health, and safety related to COVID‑19, such as ventilators, touch‑free thermometers, disinfectant, and sanitizing wipes.
(3) To meet State match requirements for Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) public assistance funds for the COVID‑19 pandemic.
SECTION 4.1.(b) Any supplies and equipment purchased with funds appropriated in this section may be made available to both public and private health care providers and other entities the Department of Health and Human Services or the Division of Emergency Management deem essential to the State's response to COVID‑19.
SECTION 4.1.(c) The Department of Health and Human Services and the Division of Emergency Management shall ensure that funds appropriated in this section are expended in a manner that does not adversely affect any person's or entity's eligibility for federal funds that are made available, or that are anticipated to be made available, as a result of the COVID‑19 pandemic. The Department of Health and Human Services and the Division of Emergency Management shall also, to the extent practicable, avoid using State funds to cover costs that will be, or likely will be, covered by federal funds.
SECTION 4.1.(d) This section is effective when it becomes law.
PART V. TESTING, TRACING, AND TRENDS
FUNDS FOR TESTING, CONTACT TRACING, AND TRENDS TRACKING AND ANALYSIS
SECTION 5.1.(a) The sum of twenty‑five million dollars ($25,000,000) in nonrecurring funds is appropriated from the Coronavirus Relief Fund to the Department of Health and Human Services, for the 2019‑2020 fiscal year, to expand public and private initiatives for COVID‑19 testing, contact tracing, and trends tracking and analysis through, but not limited to, all of the following ways:
(1) Building capacity for widespread COVID‑19 diagnostic testing to enable rapid case‑based interventions.
(2) Building capacity for widespread COVID‑19 antibody testing to enable rapid deployment when such testing becomes available.
(3) Expanding contact tracing workforce and infrastructure to routinely identify potentially exposed persons and take appropriate public health actions.
(4) Increasing research and data tools and analysis infrastructure to support better predictive models, surveillance and response strategies.
SECTION 5.1.(b) This section is effective when it becomes law.
PART VI. FOOD, SAFETY, SHELTER, AND CHILD CARe
FUNDING FOR VARIOUS RESPONSES RELATED TO FOOD, SAFETY, SHELTER, AND CHILD CARE
SECTION 6.1.(b) From funds received pursuant to subsection (a) of this section, the sum of $6,000,000 in nonrecurring funds is allocated equally among each of the six food banks in this State in support of responses to the COVID‑19 emergency.
SECTION 6.1.(c) From funds received pursuant to subsection (a) of this section, the sum of $2,500,000 in nonrecurring funds is allocated to Reinvestment Partners, a nonprofit organization, for its Produce Prescription Program, which provides a monthly forty‑dollar ($40.00) per household benefit for each eligible Food and Nutrition Services recipient enrolled by the recipient's health care provider, in serving individuals impacted by the COVID‑19 emergency.
SECTION 6.1.(d) Subsection (c) of this section is effective when it becomes law and expires three months from the date this section becomes effective. The remainder of this section is effective when it becomes law.
SUPPLEMENTAL PAYMENTS FOR FOSTER CARE
SECTION 6.2.(b) This section is effective when it becomes law.
ONE‑TIME FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FOR FACILITIES LICENSED TO ACCEPT STATE‑COUNTY SPECIAL ASSISTANCE
SECTION 6.3.(a) The following definitions apply in this section:
(1) Facility licensed to accept State‑County Special Assistance payments. – Any residential care facility that is (i) licensed by the Department of Health and Human Services and (ii) authorized to accept State‑County Special Assistance payments from its residents.
(2) State‑County Special Assistance. – The program authorized by G.S. 108A‑40.
SECTION 6.3.(b) The sum of twenty‑five million dollars ($25,000,000) in nonrecurring funds is appropriated from the Coronavirus Relief Fund to the Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Social Services, for the 2019‑2020 fiscal year, for facilities licensed to accept State‑County Special Assistance. These funds shall be used to provide a one‑time payment to these facilities to offset the increased costs of serving residents during the COVID‑19 emergency. Each eligible facility shall receive an amount equal to one thousand three hundred twenty‑five dollars ($1,325) for each resident of the facility who is a recipient of State‑County Special Assistance between March 10, 2020, through July 30, 2020. In the case of a recipient who transfers from one facility to another during this time period, only the first eligible facility of residence will receive the payment authorized under this section.
SECTION 6.3.(c) Nothing in this section shall be construed as an obligation by the General Assembly to appropriate funds for the purpose of this section, or as an entitlement by any facility, resident of a facility, or other person to receive financial assistance under this section.
SECTION 6.3.(d) This section is effective when it becomes law.
PART VII. TARGETED SUPPORT FOR covid‑19 assistance in RURAL AND UNDERSERVED COMMUNITIES
FUNDS FOR RURAL AND UNDERSERVED COMMUNITIES
SECTION 7.1.(a) The sum of twenty‑five million dollars ($25,000,000) in nonrecurring funds is appropriated from the Coronavirus Relief Fund to the Department of Health and Human Services, for the 2019‑2020 fiscal year, to provide funds to support rural and underserved communities especially hard hit by the COVID–19 pandemic, which may include directed grants to health care providers other than rural hospitals; targeted Medicaid assistance for rural providers; enhanced telehealth services; transportation for critical services; health care security for the uninsured; and other related purposes. These funds may be used to fund items not addressed by federal relief funds or as needed to address critical health care needs until federal funds are received for such purposes.
SECTION 7.1.(b) This section is effective when it becomes law.
FUNDS FOR RURAL HOSPITALS
SECTION 7.2.(a) The sum of seventy‑five million dollars ($75,000,000) in nonrecurring funds is appropriated from the Coronavirus Relief Fund to the Office of State Budget and Management (OSBM), for the 2019‑2020 fiscal year, to provide a directed grant to the North Carolina Healthcare Foundation (NCHF), a nonprofit corporation. NCHF shall use these funds to award grants to rural hospitals to offset expenses incurred for providing patient care in North Carolina to respond to the COVID‑19 pandemic. NCHF shall award grants to eligible rural hospitals within 30 days after receipt of an application and on the basis of need according to tier designation, county health ranking, and hospital‑specific financial data. NCHF shall provide technical assistance to grant recipients for a period of five years following distribution of funds to (i) ensure that funds are utilized according to the intended purpose, (ii) assist recipient facilities in interpreting and implementing waivers and other federal guidance related to COVID‑19 response and recovery, and (iii) support recipient facilities in preparing for post‑COVID‑19 sustainability.
SECTION 7.2.(b) Grant recipients shall not use these funds for any purpose other than to offset the following costs related to patient care provided in North Carolina as a result of the COVID‑19 pandemic:
(1) Up to sixty percent (60%) of lost revenues from foregone elective procedures during the emergency period, net of federal funds received from the CARES Act.
(2) Supplies and equipment purchased in accordance with Centers for Disease Control guidelines.
(3) Rapidly ramping up infection control and triage training for health care professionals.
(4) Retrofitting separate areas to screen and treat patients with suspected COVID‑19 infections, including isolation areas in or around hospital emergency departments.
(5) Increasing the number of patient care beds to provide surge capacity.
(6) Transporting patients with confirmed or suspected COVID‑19 safely to or from rural facilities.
(7) Planning, training, and implementing expanded telehealth capabilities.
(8) Procuring staff or consultants to help mitigate the burden of extensive review of new and incoming federal and State regulatory guidelines.
(9) Salary support for furloughed employees.
SECTION 7.2.(c) By November 1, 2020, grant recipients shall submit to NCHF a detailed written report on the use of the funds appropriated in subsection (b) of this section. By December 1, 2020, NCHF shall submit to OSBM, the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Health and Human Services, and the Fiscal Research Division a detailed written report on the use of funds appropriated in subsection (b) of this section, along with recommendations on how recipient facilities can prepare for post‑COVID‑19 sustainability.
SECTION 7.2.(d) This section is effective when it becomes law.
FUNDS FOR FREE AND CHARITABLE CLINICS
SECTION 7.3.(a) The sum of one million four hundred thousand dollars ($1,400,000) in nonrecurring funds is appropriated from the Coronavirus Relief Fund to the Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Central Management and Support, Office of Rural Health, for the 2019‑2020 fiscal year, to provide directed grants of equal amounts to the 67 member clinics of the North Carolina Association of Free and Charitable Clinics, to offset costs for providing health care and prescription medications during the COVID‑19 emergency.
SECTION 7.3.(b) This section is effective when it becomes law.
FUNDS FOR NC MEDASSIST
SECTION 7.4.(a) The sum of one million five hundred thousand dollars ($1,500,000) in nonrecurring funds received from the Coronavirus Relief Fund is appropriated to the Department of Health and Human Services, for the 2019‑2020 fiscal year, to provide a directed grant to NC MedAssist, a nonprofit corporation, to offset increased costs for providing prescription assistance services during the COVID‑19 pandemic to individuals who are indigent or uninsured.
SECTION 7.4.(b) This section is effective when it becomes law.
part viIi. COVID‑19 relief for non‑rural HOSPITALS
COVID‑19 RELIEF FOR TEACHING HOSPITALS
SECTION 8.1.(a) The sum of twenty‑five million dollars ($25,000,000) in nonrecurring funds is appropriated from the Coronavirus Relief Fund to the Office of State Budget and Management (OSBM), for the 2019‑2020 fiscal year, to establish the COVID‑19 Teaching Hospitals Relief Fund. OSBM shall allocate the monies in the fund as directed grants to hospitals located within the State that are classified as teaching hospitals by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, for the purpose of offsetting expenses incurred for providing patient care in North Carolina as a result of the COVID‑19 pandemic. OSBM shall award grants to eligible teaching hospitals based on (i) the amount of charitable care provided in North Carolina and (ii) the amount of lost revenue sustained within North Carolina as a result of the COVID‑19 pandemic. Grant recipients shall not use these funds for any purpose other than the following to offset costs related to patient care provided in North Carolina to respond to the COVID‑19 pandemic:
(1) Up to sixty percent (60%) of lost revenues from foregone elective procedures during the COVID‑19 emergency, net of federal funds received from the CARES Act.
(2) Supplies and equipment purchased in accordance with Centers for Disease Control guidelines.
(3) Rapidly ramping up infection control and triage training for health care professionals.
(4) Retrofitting separate areas to screen and treat patients with suspected COVID‑19 infections, including isolation areas in or around hospital emergency departments.
(5) Increasing the number of patient care beds to provide surge capacity.
(6) Transporting patients with confirmed or suspected COVID‑19 safely to or from health care facilities.
(7) Planning, training, and implementing expanded telehealth capabilities.
(8) Procuring staff or consultants to help mitigate the burden of extensive review of new and incoming federal and State regulatory guidelines.
(9) Salary support for furloughed employees.
SECTION 8.1.(b) By November 1, 2020, each grant recipient shall submit a detailed report to OSBM on the use of funds appropriated in subsection (a) of this section. By December 1, 2020, OSBM shall submit a detailed report to the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Health and Human Services on the use of funds appropriated in subsection (a) of this section.
SECTION 8.1.(c) This section is effective when it becomes law.
COVID‑19 relief for other HOSPITALS
SECTION 8.2.(a) The sum of twenty‑five million dollars ($25,000,000) in nonrecurring funds is appropriated from the Coronavirus Relief Fund to the Office of State Budget and Management (OSBM), for the 2019‑2020 fiscal year, to establish the COVID‑19 General Hospital Relief Fund. OSBM shall allocate the monies in the fund as directed grants to hospitals located within the State that are not classified as rural hospitals or teaching hospitals by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, for the purpose of offsetting expenses incurred for providing care to patients in North Carolina as a result of the COVID‑19 pandemic. OSBM shall award grants to eligible large hospitals based on (i) the amount of charitable care provided in North Carolina and (ii) the amount of lost revenue sustained within North Carolina as a result of the COVID‑19 pandemic. Grant recipients shall not use these funds for any purpose other than to offset the following costs related to patient care provided in North Carolina to respond to the COVID‑19 pandemic:
(1) Up to sixty percent (60%) of lost revenues from foregone elective procedures during the emergency period, net of federal funds received from the CARES Act.
(2) Supplies and equipment purchased in accordance with Centers for Disease Control guidelines.
(3) Rapidly ramping up infection control and triage training for health care professionals.
(4) Retrofitting separate areas to screen and treat patients with suspected COVID‑19 infections, including isolation areas in or around hospital emergency departments.
(5) Increasing the number of patient care beds to provide surge capacity.
(6) Transporting patients with confirmed or suspected COVID‑19 safely to or from health care facilities.
(7) Planning, training, and implementing expanded telehealth capabilities.
(8) Procuring staff or consultants to help mitigate the burden of extensive review of new and incoming federal and State regulatory guidelines.
(9) Salary support for furloughed employees.
SECTION 8.2.(b) By November 1, 2020, each grant recipient shall submit a detailed report to OSBM on the use of funds appropriated in subsection (a) of this section. By December 1, 2020, OSBM shall submit a detailed report to the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Health and Human Services on the use of funds appropriated in subsection (a) of this section.
SECTION 8.2.(c) This section is effective when it becomes law.
part IX. funds for covid‑19 research
covid‑19 response research fund
SECTION 9.1.(a) The sum of one hundred ten million dollars ($110,000,000) in nonrecurring funds is appropriated from the Coronavirus Relief Fund to the Office of State Budget and Management (OSBM), for the 2019‑2020 fiscal year, to establish the COVID‑19 Response Research Fund. OSBM shall allocate the monies from the fund as follows:
(1) The sum of $100,000,000 shall be allocated to the North Carolina Policy Collaboratory (Collaboratory) at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill to coordinate efforts among entities being provided funds pursuant to this subdivision. The Collaboratory shall facilitate best practices and strategies for those entities to maximize resources and achieve a comprehensive response to COVID‑19. The Collaboratory may assemble an advisory panel of representatives from entities receiving funds pursuant to this subdivision as necessary to discuss, review, and analyze progress towards meeting the goals for the use of the funds. Funds shall be provided to the following entities to be used for (i) the rapid development of a countermeasure of neutralizing antibodies for COVID‑19 that can be used as soon as possible to both prevent infection, and for those infected, treat infection, (ii) bringing a safe and effective COVID‑19 vaccine to the public as soon as possible, (iii) community testing initiatives, and (iv) other research related to COVID‑19:
a. The sum of $25,000,000 shall be allocated to the Duke University Human Vaccine Institute (DHVI) of the Duke University School of Medicine.
b. The sum of $25,000,000 shall be allocated to the Gillings School of Global Public Health at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
c. The sum of $25,000,000 shall be allocated to the Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University.
d. The sum of $25,000,000 shall be allocated to the Wake Forest School of Medicine.
(2) The sum of $10,000,000 shall be allocated to the Campbell University School of Osteopathic Medicine for a community and rural‑focused primary care workforce response to COVID‑19, including, but not limited to, (i) supporting community testing initiatives, (ii) providing treatment in community‑based health care settings, (iii) monitoring rural populations, (iv) educating health professionals on best practices for a pandemic response, and (v) supporting rural communities through primary care.
SECTION 9.1.(b) The Collaboratory, DHVI, Gillings School of Global Public Health, Brody School of Medicine, and Wake Forest School of Medicine shall report on the progress of the development of a countermeasure and vaccine, findings from their community testing initiatives, and other research related to COVID‑19, and the use of the appropriated funds received pursuant to this section to the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Health and Human Services by no later than September 1, 2020. Campbell University School of Osteopathic Medicine shall report on its findings on their use of community testing, educating health professionals, best practices for treating rural populations and supporting community-based hospitals during a pandemic, and the use of the appropriated funds received pursuant to this section to the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Health and Human Services by no later than September 1, 2020.
SECTION 9.1.(c) This section is effective when it becomes law.
PART X. CARRYFORWARD OF FUNDS
SECTION 10.1. Funds appropriated for the purposes described in this act that are unexpended or unencumbered on June 30, 2020, shall not revert to the General Fund, but shall remain available for the purposes authorized in this act and as provided under federal law.
Part XI. departmental receipts
PART XII. SEVERABILITY
SECTION 12.1. If any provision of this act is declared unconstitutional or invalid by the courts, it does not affect the validity of this act as a whole or any part other than the part declared unconstitutional or invalid.
PART XIII. EFFECTIVE DATE
SECTION 13.1. Except as otherwise provided, this act is effective when it becomes law.