A new bill filed by State Sen. Bradley seeks to create a program that offers coding and computer-related skills training to delinquent juveniles to improve employment prospects and reduce recidivism, according to the North Carolina State Senate.
The bill, filed as SB 353 on March 19 during the 2025 regular session, was formally listed with the short title: ‘The Second Chance Coding Act.’
The following is our breakdown, based on the actual bill text, and may include interpretation to clarify its provisions.
In essence, the bill mandates the Division of Juvenile Justice within the Department of Public Safety to create a program providing delinquent juveniles in youth development centers the opportunity to learn coding, programming, and other computer-related skills. This initiative aims to prepare these individuals for employment, enhance financial stability, and reduce recidivism. The program includes specialized courses, certification opportunities, mentorship, internships, and job placement assistance. A report on program development progress is due by Oct. 1, 2025, and the program must be operational by Jan. 1, 2026. The initiative receives $250,000 in recurring funds beginning July 1, 2025.
Of the three sponsors of this bill, Bradley proposed the most bills (11) 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.
Bradley graduated from Hollins University in 1995 with a BA.
Bradley, a Democrat, was elected to the North Carolina State Senate in 2025 to represent the state’s 42nd Senate district, replacing previous state senator Rachel Hunt.
| Legislative Session | Authors | Bill Number | Date Filed | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Woodson Bradley, Caleb Theodros, and Dan Blue | SB 353 | 03/19/2025 | The Second Chance Coding Act. |
| 2025 | Woodson Bradley, Natalie S. Murdock, and Sophia Chitlik | SB 352 | 03/19/2025 | Community Health Center Grants for LARCs. |
| 2025 | Woodson Bradley, Kandie D. Smith, and Lisa Grafstein | SB 303 | 03/17/2025 | Repeal Service Tax. |
| 2025 | Woodson Bradley, Kandie D. Smith, and Lisa Grafstein | SB 304 | 03/17/2025 | Reenact EITC. |
| 2025 | Woodson Bradley, Kandie D. Smith, and Lisa Grafstein | SB 305 | 03/17/2025 | Community Emergency Response Training. |
| 2025 | Woodson Bradley, Gladys A. Robinson, and Sophia Chitlik | SB 281 | 03/13/2025 | Essential Relief for Child Care Act. |
| 2025 | Woodson Bradley, Natalie S. Murdock, and Sophia Chitlik | SB 247 | 03/05/2025 | Redirect Crisis Pregnancy Center Funds. |
| 2025 | Woodson Bradley | SB 213 | 02/27/2025 | 42nd Senatorial District Local Act-1. |
| 2025 | Woodson Bradley, Caleb Theodros, and Val Applewhite | SB 161 | 02/25/2025 | The Jenesis Firearm Accountability Act. |
| 2025 | Woodson Bradley | SB 138 | 02/24/2025 | Restore Down-Zoning Auth./Mecklenburg Co. |
| 2025 | Woodson Bradley, Kandie D. Smith, and Terence Everitt | SB 134 | 02/21/2025 | Inclusionary Zoning/Workforce Housing Funds. |
| 2023 | Rachel Hunt | SB 909 | 05/15/2024 | Protect Women’s Healthcare. |
| 2023 | Natasha R. Marcus and Rachel Hunt | SB 831 | 05/02/2024 | Menstrual Products Sales Tax Exemption. |
| 2023 | Natasha R. Marcus and Rachel Hunt | SB 892 | 05/02/2024 | Student Voter ID Grant Program/CCs. |
| 2023 | Rachel Hunt | SB 642 | 04/05/2023 | Independent Redistricting Commission. |
| 2023 | Natasha R. Marcus and Rachel Hunt | SB 537 | 04/04/2023 | The Patrick Mays Hazard Light Safety Act. |
| 2023 | Natasha R. Marcus and Rachel Hunt | SB 462 | 04/03/2023 | Highway Safety Omnibus/Addit’l Magistrates. |
| 2023 | Rachel Hunt | SB 493 | 04/03/2023 | Go Big for Early Childhood Education. |
| 2023 | Rachel Hunt | SB 502 | 04/03/2023 | Modify School Performance Grades. |
| 2023 | Rachel Hunt | SB 522 | 04/03/2023 | Informational Literacy Bill. |
| 2023 | Rachel Hunt | SB 532 | 04/03/2023 | Restore State Emp/Teacher Retiree Med Benefit. |
| 2023 | Rachel Hunt | SB 440 | 03/30/2023 | Increase NC Minimum Wage/$15. |
| 2023 | Natasha R. Marcus and Rachel Hunt | SB 229 | 03/08/2023 | School Calendar Flexibility/Charlotte-Meck. |
| 2023 | Rachel Hunt | SB 196 | 03/02/2023 | Student Borrowers’ Bill of Rights. |
| 2023 | Rachel Hunt | SB 184 | 03/01/2023 | Restore Master’s Pay for Teachers & ISP. |
| 2023 | Rachel Hunt | SB 185 | 03/01/2023 | Restore Educator Longevity. |
| 2023 | Rachel Hunt | SB 74 | 02/06/2023 | Parents’ and Students’ Bill of Rights. |
| 2023 | Rachel Hunt | SB 63 | 02/02/2023 | 42nd Senatorial District Local Act-1. |
| 2023 | Rachel Hunt | SB 19 | 01/25/2023 | Codify Roe and Casey Protections. |
