AN ACT TO PROVIDE AID TO NORTH CAROLINIANS IN RESPONSE TO THE CORONAVIRUS DISEASE 2019 (COVID-19) CRISIS. SL 2020-3. Enacted May 4, 2020. Effective May 4, 2020, except as otherwise provided.
Bill Summaries: S704 (2019-2020 Session)
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Bill S 704 (2019-2020)Summary date: May 5 2020 - View summaryBusiness and Commerce, Occupational Licensing, Courts/Judiciary, Civil, Civil Law, Civil Procedure, Family Law, Criminal Justice, Corrections (Sentencing/Probation), Criminal Law and Procedure, Development, Land Use and Housing, Community and Economic Development, Land Use, Planning and Zoning, Property and Housing, Education, Elementary and Secondary Education, Higher Education, Employment and Retirement, Environment, Government, APA/Rule Making, General Assembly, Public Records and Open Meetings, Public Safety and Emergency Management, State Agencies, Community Colleges System Office, Department of Environmental Quality (formerly DENR), Department of Health and Human Services, Department of Transportation, State Government, State Personnel, Tax, Local Government, Health and Human Services, Health, Health Care Facilities and Providers, Health Insurance, Public Health, Mental Health, Social Services, Adult Services, Child Welfare, Public Assistance, Lottery and Gaming, Transportation
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Bill S 704 (2019-2020)Summary date: May 2 2020 - View summary
House committee substitute to the 3rd edition makes the following changes. Deletes Parts I, II, III, and IV. Any section number from the remaining Parts that is not referenced in this summary was also deleted from the previous edition.
Please note that provisions removed from this bill may be addressed in House Bill 1043. We recommend referring to both this bill and the 5th edition of House Bill 1043.
Part I. Economic Support
Section 1.1. Waive Accrual Of Interest On Deferred Payment Of Corporate Income And Franchise Tax And Individual Income Tax And Extend Certain Tax-Related Deadlines
Identical to Section 6.17 of the previous edition.
Section 1.2 Flexibility To Administer Unemployment Compensation And Suta Tax Credit
Identical to Section 6.18 of the previous edition.
Section 1.3 Changes To The Unemployment Insurance Laws, As Recommended By The Division Of Employment Security And The Joint Legislative Oversight Committee On Unemployment Insurance
This provision and Section 1.4 are identical to Sections 6.19, 6.20, and 6.21 of the previous edition, with some technical changes.
Section 1.5 Use Of Buncombe County Occupancy Tax Proceeds
Adds the following (identical to the 1st edition of S705, minus the whereas clauses). Authorizes the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority (TDA) to provide up to $5 million to an agency experienced in emergency management funding for grants to assist small businesses that have closed or been otherwise significantly affected due to the economic hardship occasioned by the COVID-19 epidemic with the cost of recommencing business activities. Requires TDA to provide the funding from available funds credited to the Tourism Product Development Fund and without regard for the provisions typically required for the expenditure of monies in that Fund.
Details seven requirements and restrictions for grants made under the program, including a grant cap of $50,000 per business and reporting requirements for TDA to report to the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners on the program. Sets out six criteria businesses must meet to be eligible for grants, including that the business has been engaged in Buncombe County primarily prior to January 1, 2020, in an activity that promotes tourism and patronage of lodging facilities in the county, that the business employed at least two but less than 200 full-time equivalent employees, that after the state of emergency the business has ceased as a result of demonstrable economic loss in revenue due to the epidemic at the time of application or can demonstrate significant economic loss and change in operations due to the epidemic at the time of application. Excludes businesses engaged in lodging from eligibility. Requires awards to cease six months following the date the state of emergency ends.
Part II. Education
Section 2.1 Definitions
Amends previous Section 5.1 as follows. Removes the term school closure period. Adds and defines the terms modified school calendar and year-round school.
Section 2.2 Introduction
Amends previous Section 5.2 as follows. Amends the purpose of the part to include clarifying or modifying certain requirements in consideration of the closure of schools for in-person instruction during the 2019-2020 school year (as consideration of the school closure period).
Section 2.3 Tests and Assessments
Amends previous Section 5.3 as follows. Specifies that for 2019-20 school year, for the diagnostic and formative reading assessments for kindergarten through third grade students, additional assessments beyond those administered prior to March 16, 2020, (previously, no date was set) are not required.
Section 2.4 School Performance, Annual Report Cards For Schools, And School Building Reports
Identical to previous Section 5.4.
Section 2.5 Low-Performing Schools
Identical to previous Section 5.5.
Section 2.6 Innovative School District
Identical to previous Section 5.6.
Section 2.7 Third Grade Retention, Reading Camps, And Fourth Grade Reading Assessment
Identical to previous Section 5.7.
Section 2.8 Advanced Courses In Mathematics
Amends previous Section 5.8 to now provide as follows (identical to H1043, 3rd edition). Requires math placement for the 2020-21 school year to be determined as follows: (1) initial math placements must be made consistent with local policies, in consultation with a student’s 2019-20 math teacher; (2) for students not initially placed in advanced courses or advanced learning opportunities in math, allows a student or student’s parent to request administration of the end-of-grade or end-of-course math test for the student’s grade or course for 2019-20 in order to determine math placement for 2020-21. Specifies that a student scoring at the highest level on the test is to be placed as required by statute.
Requires the Department of Instruction (DPI) to submit its December 15, 2020 report to the specified NCGA committee on the number and demographics of students who were (1) enrolled in advanced math courses, or (2) given other advanced learning opportunities for the 2020-21 school year. Sets out additional information that must be included in the report.
Section 2.9 CPR Graduation Requirement
Identical to previous Section 5.9.
Section 2.10 School Calendar For The 2019-2020 School Year
Amends previous Section 5.10 to provide that for the 2019-20 school year, the requirements of GS 115C-378(e) through (g) do not apply beginning March 16, 2020 (was, during the school closure period).
Section 2.11 School Calendar For The 2020-2021 School Year
Amends previous Section 5.11 as follows. Among the items to be included in a remote instruction plan, clarifies that remote learning day supports must be considered and included, as appropriate for the student, when an IEP or 504 plan is initially developed or at any subsequent review or revision of an IEP or 504 plan.
Adds that under the school calendar requirements, the required opening and closing dates are except for schools defined in subdivision (4) or (6) of Section 2.1 of this Part (modified calendar and year-round schools). Adds that a year-round or modified calendar school must not schedule a remote instruction day prior to the sixth instructional day of the year-round or modified calendar; makes conforming changes.
Section 2.12 School Improvement Plans
Adds the following (identical to H1043, 3rd edition). Extends the validity of school improvement plans set to expire at the end of the 2019-20 school year until December 31, 2020, to allow additional time for consideration and adoption of a new plan; specifies that the replacement plan for these extended plans expire in 18 months, rather than two years.
Section 2.13 Principal Recruitment Supplement
Identical to previous Section 5.12.
Section 2.14 Notification Requirement For Teacher Performance Data
Identical to previous Section 5.13.
Section 2.15 Teacher Effectiveness Reporting Requirements
Identical to previous Section 5.14.
Section 2.16 Teacher Evaluation And Observation Requirements
Amends previous Section 5.15 to provide that for the 2019-20 school year, annual teacher evaluations are to be based on (1) observations completed in the 2019-2020 school year prior to March 16, 2020 (was prior to the school closure period), and (2) other artifacts and evidence from the 2019-20 school year. Specifies that schools are not required to complete any observations required in the 2019-20 school year that were not completed prior to March 22 16, 2020 (was, prior to the school closure period).
Section 2.17 Standardized Testing Requirements For Nonpublic Schools
Identical to previous Section 5.16.
Section 2.18 Attendance And Calendar Requirements For Nonpublic Schools
Amends previous Section 5.17 to provide that nonpublic schools are not required to make, maintain, and render attendance records of children of compulsory school age, beginning March 16, 2020 (was, during the school closure period). Makes additional clarifying changes.
Section 2.19 Standardized Testing And Reporting Requirements For Nonpublic Schools With Students Receiving Opportunity Scholarship Grants
Identical to previous Section 5.18.
Section 2.20 Opportunity Scholarship Program Disbursement Of Funds
Amends previous Section 5.19 to clarify that the provisions apply to funds carried forward that were unexpended as a result of the closure of nonpublic schools for in-person instruction (was, closure in general without referring to type of instruction) due to the COVID-19 emergency.
Section 2.21 Extension Of K-12 Scholarship Program Report Dates
Identical to previous Section 5.20.
Section 2.22 Educator Preparation Programs (EPPs)
Amends previous Section 5.21 to clarify that due to the lack of student assessment data and the closure of schools for in-person instruction (was, due to lack of data and the school closure period), EPPs shall only be required to submit information practicably available in the annual report to the State Board for the 2019-20 academic year.
Section 2.23 School Administrator Preparation Programs
Makes a clarifying change to previous Section 5.22 to reflect that school are closed for the remainder of the school year.
Section 2.24 Transforming Principal Preparation Grant Program Requirements
Makes a clarifying change to previous Section 5.23 to reflect that school are closed for the remainder of the school year.
Section 2.25 Teacher Licensure Requirements
Identical to previous Section 5.24.
Section 2.26 Licensure Requirements For Other School Personnel
Identical to previous Section 5.25.
Section 2.27 Community College Tuition Waiver For Students In Apprenticeship Programs
Amends previous Section 5.26 to clarify that a student who is unable to continue participation in a pre-apprenticeship or apprenticeship program due to the COVID-19 emergency may be eligible (was, may continue to be eligible) for a tuition waiver.
Section 2.28 Waiver Of Interest Charges On UNC Student Debt
Identical to previous Section 5.27.
Section 2.29 Extension Of UNC Report Dates
Identical to previous Section 5.28.
Deletes previous Section 5.29 (Funds for Summer Learning Programs).
Part III. Health Care
Subpart III-A. Definitions
Adds the following (identical to H1043, 3rd edition). Sets out definitions to be included in the Part, including the following. Defines COVID-19 diagnostic test as 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. Defines COVID-19 emergency as the period beginning March 10, 2020, and ending on the date the Governor signs an executive order rescinding Executive Order No. 116. Defines COVID-19 antibody test as a serological blood test the FDa 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 infection caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2.
Subpart III-B. Affirmations Of Actions Taken In Response To Covid-19
Adds the following (identical to H1043, 3rd edition). Affirms specified actions taken by the North Carolina Medical Board, the North Carolina Board of Nursing, other health care provider licensing boards, and the State's teaching institutions for health care providers, as well as actions taken by health care licensing boards and health care teaching institutions to address the workforce supply challenges presented by the COVID-19 emergency. Express support for specified initiatives.
SUBPART IIIC. Increased Access To Medical Supplies Necessary To Respond To Covid-19 And Future Public Health Emergencies
Section 3C.1 State Plan For A Strategic State Stockpile Of Personal Protective Equipment And Testing Supplies For Public Health Emergencies
Adds the following (identical to H1043, 3rd edition). Directs the Division of Public Health (DPH) and the Division of Health Service Regulation (DHSR) of DHHS, in conjunction with the NC Division of Emergency Management (DEM) of the Department of Public Safety, to develop and submit to the specified NCGA committees a plan for creating and maintaining a Strategic State Stockpile (Stockpile) of personal protective equipment (PPE) and testing supplies. Specifies the legislative intent for the Stockpile to be accessible by both public and private acute care providers, first responders, health care providers, long-term care providers, and non-health care entities, as those terms are defined in Part III of the act, that are located in the State for the purpose of addressing both COVID-19 pandemic and future public health emergencies. Details nine components that the plan must encompass, including (1) designation of agency oversight and the specified divisions’ roles and collaboration strategy; (2) recommendations for improvements to existing procurement, allocation, and distribution of PPE; (3) recommendations for how to increase the manufacture of PPE consistent with CDC guidelines; (4) identification of available locations to maintain the Stockpile; and (5) an estimated five-year budget. Allows DPH and DHSR to include any other component deemed appropriate in conjunction with DEM. Requires submission of the report by June 1, 2020.
Section 3C.2 Priority Consideration Of North Carolina-Based Companies When Addressing Public Health Emergencies
Adds the following (identical to H1043, 3rd edition). Requires the Department of Health and Human Services and the Division of Emergency Management, during a public health emergency, to first consider companies based in the state that can provide mobile response units with capabilities to reach rural areas in the state. Specifies the types of operations that must be considered, including feeding operations and triage facilities.
SUBPART IIID. Support For Health Care Providers To Respond To Covid-19
Section 3D. 1 Dental Board Flexibility During Disasters And Emergencies
Adds the following (identical to H1043, 3rd edition). Enacts GS 90-28.5 to allow the NC Board of Dental Examiners to waive the requirements of Articles 2 and 16 of GS Chapter 90 (governing dentistry and dental hygiene services) in the event of a gubernatorial or local declaration of a state of emergency under specified state law, in order to permit the provision of dental and dental hygiene services to the public during the state of emergency.
Section 3D.2 Authorization For Dentists To Administer Covid-19 Tests
Adds the following (identical to H1043, 3rd edition). Amends GS 90-29 to expand the practice of dentistry to include the administration of diagnostic tests and antibody tests for coronavirus disease by dentists to patients. Conditions the authority on US FDA approval of the tests or authorization of the use of the tests for emergencies.
Section 3D.3 Authorization Process For Immunizing Pharmacists To Administer Covid-19 Immunizations/Vaccinations
Adds the following (identical to H1043, 3rd edition). Provides for a petition process for the State Health Director to authorize immunizing pharmacists to administer a COVID-19 immunization or vaccination by statewide standing order in the event the CDC recommends an immunization or vacations at a time when the NCGA is not in regular session. Allows for any person to submit a written petition to the State Health Director. Requires the State Health Director to approve or deny the petition within 30 days of receipt after consultation with specified entities representative of health care providers. Within ten days of approval of the petition, requires the State Health Director to further consult with the specified entities to develop a minimum standard screening questionnaire and safety procedures for written protocols for the recommended immunization or vaccination administration and submit them to the NC Board of Medicine, the NC Board of Nursing, the NC Board of Pharmacy, and the specified NCGA committee. Requires the Immunization Branch of DPH to develop and submit the questionnaire and recommended standards within the following ten days if the State Health Director fails to do so in the ten days after the petition’s approval. Specifies that administering pharmacists must meet the statutory requirements of immunizing pharmacists under GS 90-85.15B. Gives immunity from civil and criminal liability for the State Health Director acting pursuant to this section and any pharmacist who administers a COVID-19 immunization or vaccine pursuant to a statewide standing order issued under this section. Establishes that a statewide standing order by the State Health Director under this provision expires upon the adjournment of the next regular session of the NCGA.
Section 3D.4 Prescription Identification Requirements
Adds the following (identical to H1043, 3rd edition). Authorizes licensed pharmacists to confirm the identity of any individual seeking dispensation of a prescription by the visual inspection of any form of government-issued photo ID for the duration of the COVID-19 emergency. Further, allows the pharmacist to confirm identity of known customers by referencing existing records. Requires pharmacists to review the patient’s information in the controlled substances reporting system for the preceding 12-month period before filling a Schedule II controlled substance prescription. Requires couriers to confirm the identity of a mail-ordered prescription recipient through the visual inspection of any form of government-issued photo ID. These provisions sunset on the earlier of 60 days after Executive Order 116 is rescinded, or December 31, 2020.
Section 3D.5 Temporary Flexibility For Quality Improvement Plans
Identical to previous Section 6.2A, but amends the effective date provision to now make the section effective when it becomes law and sets it to expire December 31, 2021.
Section 3D.6 Pandemic Health Care Workforce Study
Adds a new section (identical to H1043, 3rd edition). Directs the NC Area Health Education Center (NC AHEC) to study the issues that impact health care delivery and the health care workforce during a pandemic, consistent with NC AHEC’s mission, as described. Requires the study to focus on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, issues that need to be addressed in the aftermath of the pandemic, and plans that should be implemented in the event of a future health crisis. Requires the study to include input from higher education institutions that educate health care providers, as well as health care licensing boards, DHHS, the Department of Public Safety, geographically disbursed hospitals, and other specified health care facilities. Details 15 issues that the study must examine, at minimum, including (1) the adequacy of the health care workforce supply to respond to a pandemic in specified health care setting, (2) the adequacy of health care workforce training, (3) the impact of postponing or eliminating non-essential services and procedures on both the health care workforce and hospitals, (4) interruptions in the delivery of routine health care during the COVID-19 pandemic and the impact of the interruptions, and (5) the impact of telehealth on hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic. Requires NC AHEC to report its findings and recommendations to the specified NCGA working group by November 15, 2020, and include a summary section. Allows NC AHEC to report subsequent study findings and recommendations to the specified NCGA committees.
Section 3D.7 Health Care Liability Protection For Emergency Or Disaster Treatment
Identical to previous Section 6.6.
Section 3D.8 Dispense And Use Of Controlled Substances Temporarily At Additional Places Of Business
Adds the following (identical to H1043, 3rd edition). Adds that for the duration of the COVID-19 emergency, a hospital, nursing home, or clinic with a valid State registration for controlled substances may temporarily dispense or use controlled substances at additional places of business by completing the specified registration process and providing all required information for any temporary overflow facility or satellite facility. Specifies that there is no registration fee for the emergency registration. Expires 60 days after Executive Order No. 116 is rescinded, or December 31, 2020, whichever is earlier.
Section 3D.9 Pre-Procedure COVID-19 Test Result Reporting
Adds the following (identical to H1043, 3rd edition). Adds that all healthcare providers must receive and report to the Commission for Public Health and the Division of Public Health the results of any COVID-19 diagnostic test or antibody test performed on an individual before any non-emergency surgery or procedure. Requires DHHS to report this pre-procedure test result data on its website on a county-by-county basis, updated daily.
SUBPART IIIE.
Section 3E.1 Extension Of Time For Establishing Connectivity To The State's Health Information Exchange Network Known As Healthconnex
Adds the following (identical to H1043, 3rd edition). Amends GS 90-414.4(a1)(2) to extend the date by which all providers of Medicaid and State-funded care services, unless specifically excepted, must begin submitting demographic and clinical data to the State’s Health Information Exchange (HIE) network from June 1, 2020, to October 1, 2020. Makes conforming changes to GS 90-414.4(a2).
Section 3E.2 Temporary Waiver Of Three-Year Fingerprinting Requirement/Child Care Providers/Adoptions/Foster Care
Adds the following (identical to H1043, 3rd edition). Directs the Division of Child Development and Early Education of DHHS to temporarily waive the requirements that all current child care providers complete a fingerprint-based criminal history check every three years. Requires that all available State and federal-name based criminal background checks for prospective employees seeking employment in licensed child care to be completed. Requires that where only State and federal name-based checks were completed, that fingerprint-based checks be done within 60 days of Executive Order 116 being rescinded; if that is not done, then the prospective employee is disqualified until a finger-print based check is completed. Requires that the Division of Social Services is to temporarily waive any requirement to complete a fingerprint-based criminal history check pertaining to adoptions, foster care, or child care institutions. Requires, however, that in accordance with federal guidelines, name-based criminal background checks be completed, and in such situations where only name-based checks were completed, that fingerprint-based criminal history checks be completed within 60 days of Executive Order 116 being rescinded. Sunsets the provision on the earlier of 60 days after Executive Order 116 is rescinded, or December 31, 2020.
Section 3E.3 Modification Of Facility Inspections And Training To Address Infection Control Measures For COVID-19
Adds the following (identical to H1043, 3rd edition). Directs DHSR and local departments of social services to suspend all annual and bienninal inspections and regular monitoring requirements for licensed facilities under Article 2 of GS Chapter 122C, concerning facilities for the mentally ill, the developmentally disabled, and substance abusers; and Articles 1 and 3 of GS Chapter 131D, concerning adult care homes, Articles 5 (Hospital Licensure Act), 6 (Health Care Facility Licensure Act), and 10 (Hospice Licensure Act) of GS Chapter 131E, as well as any provisions within any rules adopted under the specified chapters that pertain to DHHS or the Division of Health Service Regulation monitoring, inspection, or investigative requirements. However, authorizes DSHR to conduct inspections and regular monitoring as it deems necessary to avoid serious injury, harm, impairment, or death to employees, residents, or patients of the facilities, or if directed by CMS. Directs DHSR to review the compliance history of all of the facilities licensed under Article 2 of GS Chapter 122C and Article 1 of GS Chapter 131D that were determined to be in violation, assessed penalties, or placed on probation within the six-month period preceding the beginning of the COVID-19 emergency. Specifically requires DHSR to review compliance history for noncompliance with CDC guidelines regarding infection control or the proper use of PPE. Directs DHSR to require employees of such identified facilities to undergo immediate training by DHSR about infection control and the proper use of PPE. Allows DHSR to conduct the training online, by videoconference, or as DHSR deems appropriate. Sunsets the provisions on the earlier of 60 days after Executive Order 116 is rescinded, or December 31, 2020.
Section 3E.4 Allow Temporary Waiver Of 72-Hour Preservice Training Requirement/Child Welfare Staff
Adds the following (identical to H1043, 3rd edition). Authorizes the Division of Social Services (DSS) of DHHS to temporarily waive the 72-hour requirement of preservice training before child welfare services staff assumes direct client contact responsibilities. Allows DSS to use online training as an acceptable equivalent in meeting preservice training requirements. Sunsets the provisions on the earlier of 60 days after Executive Order 116 is rescinded, or December 31, 2020.
Subpart IIIF. Increased Access To Health Care Through Telehealth To Respond To COVID-19
Section 3F.1 Expanded Use Of Telehealth To Conduct First And Second Involuntary Commitment Examinations During The COVID-19 Emergency
Amends the previous Section 6.5 as follows. Adds that the first exam of a respondent required by statute to determine whether the respondent will be involuntarily committed due to substance use disorder may be conducted either in the physical face-to-face presence of the commitment examiner or utilizing telehealth equipment and procedures. Requires that the commitment examiner doing the exam by telehealth to be satisfied to a reasonable medical certainty that the determinations would not be different if the exam had been conducted in the physical presence of the commitment examiner. Provides that a commitment examiner who is not so satisfied must note that the exam was not satisfactorily accomplished, and the respondent must be taken for a face-to-face exam.
Extends the sunset date of the provision until 30 days after the Governor rescinds Executive Order No. 116.
Section 3F.2 Increased Access To Telehealth Under The Medicare Program
Adds the following (identical to H1043, 3rd edition). Encourages CMS to provide reimbursement for health care delivered through audio-only communication under the Medicaid program to increase access to health care for older adults.
Part IV. Continuity Of State Government/Regulatory Relief
Section 4.1 Emergency Video Notarization
Amends previous Section 6.12 as follows. Amends proposed GS 10B-10(b1) by providing that if the Secretary grants a notary commission after March 9, 2020, and before August 1, 2020 (was, October 1, 2020), the appointee has 90 days to appear before the register of deeds to take the general oath of office.
Section 4.2 Emergency Video Witnessing
Amends previous Section 6.13 as follows. Changes the expiration of new Article 3 to August 1, 2020.
Section 4.3 Masks And Hoods For The Protection Of Health
Adds the following. Amends GS 14-12.11 by adding to the instances in which a person may wear a mask without violating the specified prohibitions on masks on certain public and private premises to include wearing a mask for the purpose of ensuring the physical health or safety of the wearer or others. Requires a person wearing a mask for that purpose to remove the mask when requested by a law enforcement officer: (1) during a traffic stop, including a checkpoint or roadblock; and (2) when a law enforcement officer has reasonable suspicion or probable cause during a criminal investigation. Expires August 1, 2020.
Section 4.4 Clarify Electronic Signatures For Search Warrants And Certain Court Orders
Adds a new section (identical to H1043, 3rd edition). Permits use of electronic signature for signatures required for search warrants or any judicial order following a court hearing conducted by remote audio or visual transmission in a civil or criminal case. Expires August 1, 2020.
Section 4.5 Extend Time Period To Claim Lottery Prizes
Adds the following (identical to H1043, 3rd edition). Allows a lottery prize winner to submit a delayed claim that is expiring or awarded between March 10, 2020, and August 1, 2020. Requires the claim to be submitted to the Lottery Commission in writing no more than 90 days after the date the online game prize was announced or the instant game has closed.
Section 4.6 Lottery Commission Report
Identical to Section 6.7 with a technical change.
Section 4.7 Division Of Motor Vehicles/Extend Deadlines
Amends previous Section 6.2 as follows. Extends the duration of the credentials for five months (was, six months) from the date it would otherwise expire. Extends the duration of medical waivers by five months (was, six months).
Section 4.8 Delay DMV Headquarters Move
Adds the following (identical to H1043, 3rd edition). Amends Section 34.24(a) of SL 2018-5 to require DMV employees and contractors working at the building on New Bern Avenue in Raleigh to begin vacating the property by October 1, 2020 (was, must vacate by October 1, 2020).
Section 4.9 Dot Emergency Reserve Modification
Adds that the Department of Transportation must not transfer funds to the Transportation Emergency Reserve.
Section 4.10 Witness Requirement During State Of Emergency/Health Care Power Of Attorney And Advanced Directive For Natural Death
Identical to previous section 6.14.
Section 4.11 Adult Guardianship Service
Amend GS 35A-1109 by adding that if personal service is not possible because the respondent resides in a facility that restricts visitors due to a public health emergency, the respondent may be served by the sheriff leaving copies of the petition and initial notice of hearing at the facility with a person employed by the facility who is apparently in charge of the office or who has apparent authority to receive documents intended for residents. Requires that employee present the copies to the respondent as soon as practicable. Provides that proof of service is by return of service filed with the clerk showing the respondent was personally served or copies were left with the facility. Expires August 1, 2020.
Section 4.12 Disbursement Of Funds Prior To Recordation Of Deed In Certain Circumstances
Identical to previous Section 6.15.
Section 4.13 Marriage Licenses
Identical to previous Section 6.16 but makes the changes applicable to any marriage license issued on or after February 1, 2020 (was, March 10, 2020); retains expiration date of August 1, 2020, and that any marriage license issued on or before that date shall be valid for 120 days.
Section 4.14 Limited Business Immunity For Essential Businesses
Identical to previous Section 6.27.
Section 4.15 Expand The Definition Of Security Guard And Patrol Profession To Include Security Services Providers At State Prisons
Adds the following (identical to H1043, 3rd edition). Amends GS 74C-3 by including in the term private protective services profession, any person, firm, association, or corporation providing a security guard on a contractual basis for another for a fee or consideration and performing security services related to entry and exit, direction and movement of individuals at entry and exit, security working towers, and perimeter security patrols at State prisons.
Enacts new GS 148-5.5 to require any licensed security guard and patrol professional who is employed to provide security services related to entry and exit, direction and movement of individuals at entry and exit, security working towers, or perimeter security patrols at a State prison facility, to be trained on State prison policies, including on the use of force, before providing security services at a State prison. Gives security guard and patrol professionals receiving such training the authority to detain and use necessary force to prevent contraband entry or inmate escape.
Expires August 1, 2020.
Section 4.16 New Attorneys’ Oath
Adds the following (identical to H1043, 3rd edition). Allows, in response to the coronavirus emergency, a justice or judge to administer the required new attorney oath remotely using live video conferencing, so long as the individual taking the oath is personally known to the justice or judge or provides satisfactory evidence of identity. Expires December 1, 2020.
Section 4.17 Communicable Disease Information To Law Enforcement
Adds the following (identical to H1043, 3rd edition). Amends GS 130A-143 to allow the release of confidential information and records identify a person who has or may have a disease or condition when Release is made by the Department or a local health department to a law enforcement official for any of the following purposes: (1) to prevent or lessen a serious or imminent threat to the health or safety of a person or the public, to the extent that disclosure is permitted under federal regulations and not otherwise permitted by the statute; (2) to enforce this Article or Article 22 of this Chapter; or (3) to investigate a terrorist incident using nuclear, biological, or chemical agents. Also allows a release to a tribal health agency for the purpose of preventing or controlling the spread of a communicable disease or condition. Makes additional clarifying changes.
Section 4.18 Allow Licensed Soil Scientists To Evaluate, Inspect, And Approve On-Site Wastewater System Projects During The Coronavirus Emergency
Adds the following (identical to H1043, 3rd edition). Allows a licensed soil scientist to prepare signed and sealed soil and site evaluations, specifications, plans, and reports for a site layout, construction, operations, and maintenance of a wastewater system at the owner’s request without obtaining further certification from the NC On-Site Wastewater On-Site Contractors and Inspectors Board. Additionally, allows a licensed soil scientist engaged by the owner of a proposed on-site wastewater system to conduct all necessary inspection, certifications, and approvals, including a final inspection and certifying report. Requires compliance with GS 130A-336.2, which governs improvement permits and authorization for wastewater system construction, and rules adopted thereunder. Requires the owner to notify the local health department if engaging a licensed soil scientist pursuant to the authority of this act. Grants the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), its agents, and local health departments immunity from liability for systems developed, constructed, installed, or approved pursuant to the authority in this act. Requires the licensed soil scientists to maintain an errors and omissions insurance policy by a licensed insurer in an amount commensurate with the risk. Expires August 1, 2020, but allows a licensed soil scientist to complete a proposed system begun before the sunset date.
Section 4.19 and 4.20 (I) Allow The Department Of Environmental Quality To Establish Emergency Measures And Procedures Applicable To Solid Waste Management, (II) Expand Local Government Authority To Request Waivers From The Department With Respect To Certain Items Banned From Landfills, To Include Yard Waste In Consideration Of Impacts To Public Health, During The COVID-19 State Of Emergency, And (III) Allow Private Companies Providing Collection Services For Yard Trash To Request A Waiver From The Department To Allow Disposal Of Yard Trash Collected In A Landfill In Consideration Of Impacts To Public Health, During The COVID-19 State Of Emergency
Adds the following. Defines the term Coronavirus emergency as the period from March 10, 2020, through August 1, 2020. Authorizes the Secretary of the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) or an authorized representative to develop and implement any emergency measures and procedures necessary for the proper management of solid waste generated during the Coronavirus emergency, upon request of a public or private landfill operator or the Secretary’s own initiative. Requires written notice of emergency measures and procedures to be provided to the news media, waste organizations, governmental organizations and other interested or affected parties. Provides examples of emergency procedures and measures. Requires State agencies and political subdivisions to cooperate with the implementation of such procedures and measures. Expires August 1, 2020.
Defines the term Coronavirus emergency as the period from March 10, 2020, through August 1, 2020. Allows a county or city, or a private company that is providing collection services for yard trash, to petition DEQ for a waiver from the prohibition or disposal of yard trash in a landfill during the Coronavirus emergency, defined as the same period as above, based on a showing that prohibiting the disposal would constitute an economic hardship or a real or potential health risk. Details specific parameters for a private company’s petition. Expires August 1, 2020.
Section 4.21 State Health Plan Premium And Debt Payment Deferral Option During Declaration Of Emergency
Deletes previous Section 6.3 and replaces it with the following (identical to H1043, 3rd edition).
Effective retroactively to January 1, 2020, enacts GS 135-48.39 to authorize the State Treasurer to allow State Health Plan members, employing units, or both, adversely affected by a state of disaster, as defined, to have the option to defer premiums or debt payments that are due during the state of disaster, subject to approval of the State Health Plan’s Board of Trustees. Allows the State Treasurer to order the expiration of this option prior to the end of the state of disaster, but prohibits extension beyond the period of the state of disaster. Sets a 30-day deferral period and specifies that the deferral period can include any state law or contract provision that imposes a time limit on the Plan or a member to perform an act during the time period in which there is a state of disaster. Allows the deferral period to be extended in 30-day increments, subject to Board of Trustees’ approval, but prohibits a deferral period from lasting beyond 90 days from the last day of the state of disaster. Provides for the option to be limited to specific categories of members or employing units. Specifies that the statute does not authorize the non-payment of premiums or debt and requires all payments in arrears to be paid. Failure to pay premiums in arrears results in lapse as of the last day of the month for which premiums were paid in full. Provides that members are responsible for all medical expenses incurred since an effective lapse in coverage. Makes conforming changes to GS 135-48.30, concerning the authority of the State Treasurer.
Section 4.22 Interim Determinations And Interim Certifications For Certain Disability Benefits
Adds the following (identical to H1043, 3rd edition). Allows for the Director of the Retirement Systems Division (Director) of the Department of State Treasurer, or the Director’s designee, to make interim determinations or certifications regarding member eligibility for disability benefits for members of the following retirement systems: Legislative Retirement System; Retirement System for Counties, Cities, and Towns; Retirement System for Teachers and State Employees; Judicial Retirement System; and the State Disability Income Plan. Sunsets this authority on August 1, 2020. Prohibits the Director from making a determination of ineligibility. Specifies that interim determinations and certifications are valid until final determinations and certifications are made. Requires the respective medical board to review any interim determinations or certifications as soon as practicable and make final determinations and certifications for disability benefits. Allows a subsequent determination by a medical board of ineligibility to apply prospectively only.
Section 4.23 Temporarily Remove Barriers To Allow Retirees Of The Teachers' And State Employees' Retirement System And The Local Governmental Employees' Retirement System To Return To Work On A Part-Time, Temporary, Or Interim Basis During State Of Emergency Related To COVID-19
Adds the following (identical to H1043, 3rd edition). Institutes a one-month, rather than a six-month, separation requirement for retirement to become effective for retirees of the Teachers’ and State Employees’ Retirement System (TSERS) for individuals that retired on or after October 1, 2019, but before April 1, 2020. Sets forth further provisions applicable upon the expiration of the temporary changes to TSERS, August 1, 2020, including that for eligible retirees during the identified period, any time worked between March 10, 2020, and the time the changes expire is not considered work for purposes of the separation requirement.
Provides that any earnings received between March 10, 2020, and August 1, 2020, are not earnings by a TSERS beneficiary law or earnings by a beneficiary of the Local Government Employees Retirement System under state law.
Provides that any benefits received by or paid to a law enforcement officer or retired law enforcement officer for separation allowances under Article 12D of GS Chapter 143 cannot be impacted by any work performed between March 10, 2020, and August 1, 2020.
Expires August 1, 2020.
Section 4.24 Flexibility To Waive Of Interest On Procurement
Adds the following (identical to H1043, 3rd edition). Allows a State agency to waive any interest due on a past-due account receivable. Excludes money owed to the UNC Heath Care System, ECU’s Division of Health Sciences for health care services, to the NC Turnpike Authority for money owed for tolls or to the NC State Health Plan for past-due account receivables related to premiums and claims payments. Expires August 1, 2020.
Section 4.25 Provide For The Rescheduling Of Public Hearings During Temporary Rule Making
Adds the following (identical to H1043, 3rd edition). Amends GS 150B-21.1 to require an agency that published notice of a public hearing on proposed temporary rules which was subsequently canceled to publish five days’ notice of any rescheduled hearing. Effective retroactively to March 10, 2020.
Section 4.26 Authorize The Chief Administrative Law Judge To Extend The Time Period For The Filing Of Contested Cases During Catastrophic Conditions
Adds the following (identical to H1043, 3rd edition). Effective retroactively to March 10, 2020, amends GS 150B-23 to authorize an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) to extend the time period limiting the filing of a petition for a contested case when the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court declares that catastrophic conditions exist or have existed in one or more counties and issues an order to that effect. Requires the ALJ’s extension order to be written and extend the limitation to a date certain that must be no fewer than 10 days after the effective date of the order. Provides that the order is effective for each affected county upon the date set forth in the order or the date the order is signed, if no date is set forth. Requires that the order state its expiration upon the expiration of the Chief Justice’s order.
Section 4.27 Clarify "Available For Public Inspection"/Local Government Budget Process
Adds the following (identical to H1043, 3rd edition). Adds a new section to amend GS 159G-12 to no longer specifically require local government budget officers to submit copies of the budget submitted to the governing board to the board’s clerk in the clerk’s office, or for the copy to be available for public inspection in the clerk’s office. However, maintains the requirement for submission of a copy of the budget. Adds a new provision allowing for the clerk to post a copy of the budget on the local government’s website and requires providing copies pursuant to state public records law.
Section 4.28 Daily Deposit Requirement Under The Local Government Budget And Fiscal Control Act
Amends GS 159-32, concerning the daily deposit requirement under the Local Government Budget and Fiscal Control Act, to allow the Secretary of the Local Government Commission to set the amount of moneys on hand requiring daily deposits and require deposits on less than a daily basis during an emergency declaration. Requires moneys to be maintained in a secure location and deposited at least weekly.
Section 4.29 Local Government Commission Revisions
Identical to previous Section 6.8.
Section 4.30 Reinstate Special Obligation Bonds
Adds the following (identical to H1043, 3rd edition). Effective retroactively to July 1, 2019, reenacts GS 159I-30, repealed by SL 2019-32 (Reconstitute/Clarify Boards and Commissions), as it existed immediately before its repeal on July 1, 2019. Recodifies GS 159I-30 as GS 159-146 of Article 7A of GS Chapter 159, Special Obligation Bonds and Notes. Grants local governments the authority to borrow money for financing or refinancing its cost of the acquisition or construction of a project and issue obligation bonds and notes subject to the requirements and restrictions set forth in the statute. Specifies that the authority extends to any unit of local government, any combination of units, any joint agency of units, any regional solid waste management authority, and any consolidated city-county. Limits the scope of the act to the following projects: (1) solid waste management projects and capital expenditures to implement such projects (excluding operational and maintenance costs of solid waste management facilities or programs, general planning or feasibility studies, or the purchase of land unless purchased for recycling or a landfill); (2) water supply systems, water conservation projects, water reuse projects, wastewater collection systems, and wastewater treatment works; and (3) any service or facility provided in a municipal service district in a city. Details requirements, restrictions, and powers regarding issuance of special obligation bonds and notes under the statute, including pledging sources of payment, granting a security interest in the project financed and/or the property on which the project is located. Limits maturity to 40 years from the bond date(s), subject to state law amendment. Subjects issuance to Local Government Commission approval and requires sale by the Commission. Details further parameters for special obligation bonds and notes, including payment and interest specifications, proceed restrictions, interim document and replacement bond or note issuance, supremacy of the statute’s provisions, security by trust agreement, remedies for bond or note owners, application of the UCC, investment eligibility, and tax exemption. Makes conforming changes to GS 113A-115.1(h), GS 153A-427(a)(13), GS 159-7(4), GS 159-35(c), GS 159-123(b), GS 159-148, and GS 159-165. Makes technical change to GS 159-148.
Section 4.31 Public Bodies/Remote Meetings During Declared Emergencies
Identical to previous Section 6.24.
Section 4.32 Extend The North Carolina Child Well-Being Transformation Council
Adds the following (identical to H1043, 3rd edition). Amends Section 24.1 of SL 2018-5 to postpone the final reporting deadline and termination of the Children’s Council from June 30, 2020, to January 15, 2021.
Section 4.33 Extend Effective Date Of Chapter 160D Of The General Statutes
Adds the following (identical to H1043, 3rd edition). Amends Section 3.2 of SL 2019-11 to postpone the effective date of Part II of the act, which reorganizes, consolidates and makes changes to local planning and development statutes and enacts new GS Chapter 160D, from January 1, 2021, to August 1, 2021.
Section 4.34 Floodplain Maps By Incorporation Into Local Ordinances
Adds the following (identical to H1043, 3rd edition). Allows local land use development ordinances to reference or incorporate by reference flood insurance rate maps, watershed boundary maps, or other maps officially adopted or promulgated by State and federal agencies, subject to the specified parameters and requirements. Expires August 1, 2020.
Section 4.35 Extend GSC Ordinance Report
Adds a new section amending Section 6 of SL 2019-198 to extend the deadline by which the General Statutes Commission must report to the NCGA on recommendations regarding whether any conduct currently criminalized either by a county, city, town, or metropolitan sewerage district ordinance or in the North Carolina Administrative Code should have criminal penalties provided by a generally applicable State law. The report is now due March 1, 2021, instead of May 1, 2020. Makes conforming changes.
Section 4.36 Transportation Network Company Signage Requirements
Adds the following. Amends Section 2 of SL 2019-194 to postpone the effective date of the signage requirements of GS 20-280.5(e) and (f), as enacted in the act, from July 1, 2020, to September 1, 2020.
Section 4.37 Extend The Joint Legislative Study Committee On Small Business Retirement Options
Adds the following (identical to H1043, 3rd edition). Amends SL 2019-205, which establishes the Joint Legislative Study Committee on Small Business Retirement Options (Committee). Currently, the Committee is required to report to the Speaker of the House and the President Pro Tempore of the Senate, and the Fiscal Research Division by March 31, 2020, by which time the Committee is terminated. Amends the provisions to require the Committee to report interim findings by March 31, 2020, and to report its final findings and recommendations by December 1, 2020. Requires the Committee to terminate upon submission of the final report or December 1, 2020, whichever occurs first. Effective retroactively to March 31, 2020.
Section 4.38 Authorize State Agencies To Exercise Regulatory Flexibility During The Coronavirus Emergency In Order To Protect The Economic Well-Being Of The Citizens And Businesses Of The State
Amends previous Section 6.1 as follows. Defines "State agency" so that it does not include the Division of Employment Security of the Department of Commerce, the Department of Health and Human Services, the State Board of Education, the Department of Public Instruction, The University of North Carolina, the State Board of Community Colleges, or the State Board of Elections (was, does not include the Department of Justice, the State Board of Education, or the State Board of Elections).
Deletes the requirement for agencies to review their rules, policies, procedures, enforcement actions, and other requirements or actions that affect the economic well-being of citizens and business of the State and determine if, due to coronavirus impacts, a waiver, delay, or modification of the requirements or actions are in the public interest and economic well-being. If so, required the agency to take action to implement the waiver, delay, or modification.
No longer requires agencies to report to the specified NCGA committees on why it did not exercise regulatory flexibility.
Changes the expiration date of an emergency rule adopted pursuant to this section to August 1, 2020.
No longer states that the section is to be construed liberally.
Changes the effective date of the section so that now Subsections (a), (b), (d), and (e) of this section expire August 1, 2020.
Section 4.39 Authorize Extension Of Training And Certification Of Law Enforcement Officers By Forensic Tests For Alcohol Branch
Authorizes the Forensic Tests for Alcohol Branch (Branch) of DHHS to delay or modify any educational or exam requirements for recertification of law enforcement officers. Allows the Branch to extend issued certifications if educational and exam requirements are delayed. Provides that certifications issued before March 10, 2020, the Branch may extend that certification no later than December 31, 2020, if the educational or examination requirements associated with renewal or recertification is delayed in accordance with this section. Effective March 10, 2020, and expires January 1, 2021.
Section 4.40 Extend Certain Local Government Approvals Affecting The Development Of Real Property Within The State
Adds the following (identical to H1043, 3rd edition). Extends the expiration date and associated vested right of any development approval that is current and valid during the period beginning March 10, 2020, and ending April 28, 2020, for five months. Defines development approval as any of the following land development approval issued by a local government: approval of an erosion and sedimentation control plan; any building permit; approval by a county or city of sketch plans, preliminary plats, subdivision plats, a site specific development plan or phased development plan, a development permit, a development agreement, or a building permit; or any certificate of appropriateness issued by a preservation commission. Defines the term development.
Details construction and implementation of the provisions. Details responsibilities of the holder of any development approval extended by the provisions, including maintaining all performance guarantees imposed as conditional approval.
Provides for possible termination of the extension for failure to comply with the provisions. Provides for notice and appeal of termination of approval.
Expires September 28, 2020.
Section 4.41 Authorize Modification Of Criminal Judgments Requiring Intermittent Active Time
Adds the following (identical to H1043, 3rd edition). Authorizes the chief district judge of a judicial district in which a criminal judgement requiring a defendant to serve periods of confinement or imprisonment in a local confinement facility to modify the order if the chief district court judge finds three requirements are met. Requirements are: (1) the defendant is unable to serve one or more periods of confinement or imprisonment due to the local confinement facility’s restrictions on inmates during the COVID-19 State of Emergency; (2) without modification, the defendant will be in violation of the judgement; and (3) the District Attorney consents to modification. Requires any modification to be as minimal as possible to allow for compliance. Expires August 1, 2020.
Section 4.42 Use Of Regional Council Of Governments In Administration Of Fema Public Assistance And Individual Assistance Funds
Adds the following (identical to H1043, 3rd edition). Authorizes the Department of Emergency management to use the NC Regional Councils of Government in administering FEMA public assistance and individual assistance funds. Requires compliance with Article 19 of GS Chapter 153A and Article 160A of GS Chapter 160A. Allows for the provision of assistance with training, grant applications, and other requested services by qualifying local governments and allows a regional council to be designated by a local government to administer any FEMA public assistance funds on its behalf.
Section 4.43 Joint Legislative Oversight Committees/Extend Reporting Deadlines
Identical to previous Section 6.9.
Part V. Severability
Includes a severability clause.
Part VI. Effective Date
Except as otherwise provided, this act is effective when it becomes law. Provides that if House Bill 1043 is vetoed, this act is repealed; if the veto of House 13 Bill 1043 is overridden, this act is reenacted.
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Bill S 704 (2019-2020)Summary date: Apr 29 2020 - View summary
Senate amendments make the following changes to the 2nd edition.
Amendment #1 amends Section 3.1 to increase the amount transferred from the Coronavirus Relief Reserve to the Coronavirus Relief Fund from $598,090,000, to $726,090,000. Amends Section 3.2 by increasing the amount appropriated from the Fund to OSBM from $623,090,000, to $751,090,000. Amends Section 3.3 as follows. Adds to the required uses of the funds appropriated to OSBM to require that: (1) $20 million be allocated to the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to provide funds to support local health departments, rural health providers, the State lab, and mental health crisis services; (2) $25 million to DHHS to provide funding for food banks, support for residential settings that are incurring additional costs to mitigate spread or isolate positive cases, adult child protective services response, support for homeless and domestic violence shelters and housing security, child care response, costs to expand NCCARE360, and technology modifications to support COVID-19 emergency relief to beneficiaries; (3) $61 million to DHHS for rural and underserved communities especially hard hit by the COVID-19 pandemic; and (4) $22 million to the Department of Public Instruction to provide funds for continuity of critical school nutrition programs across the state.
Amendment #3 amends Section 3.3 by making additional conforming and clarifying changes that reflect the earlier removal of the requirement for the NC Policy Collaboratory to work with specified entities.
Amendment #4 amends Section 3.3 by amending the allocation of $9 million to the Department of Information Technology to that is to be used for the Growing Rural Economies with Access to Technology Fund to now require that it be used to provide supplemental project funding for all qualifying GREAT program applications. Makes GREAT grant applications received on or before April 1, 2020, that meet established criteria eligible to receive the supplementary funding. Allows applicants that were eliminated as a result of the scoring process or that contained proposed project areas that overlap with other applications to submit a revised application to qualify for this funding.
Amendment #5 amends Section 6.12 by clarifying in the new definition of emergency video notarization in GS 10B-3 that verification or proof is as it is defined in GS 10B-3(28).
Amendment #6 adds a new Section 6.2(b1). Allows the DMV to extend for up to six months the validity of a medical waiver if the waiver expires on or after March 1, 2020, and before August 1, 2020, and the DMV's Medical Review Unit determines the extension is appropriate.
Amendment #7 makes the following changes to Section 4.2. Adds to the requirements for the program and emergency loans to assist small business, to allow Golden LEAF to use up to $2 million of the allocated funds to provide grants for providing technical assistance to businesses working to apply for a loan from the program or for other federal assistance programs.
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Bill S 704 (2019-2020)Summary date: Apr 29 2020 - View summary
Senate committee substitute makes the following changes to the 1st edition.
Part II
Section 2.4
Modifies the stated legislative intent to now provide legislative intent to appropriate up to $150 million, rather than $300 million, if local governments experience a revenue shortfall and the federal CARES Act, PL 116-136, is amended to allow the use of federal funds for that purpose.
Part III
Section 3.1
Adds an additional directive for the Office of State Budget and Management (OSBM) to transfer $150 million from the Local Government Coronavirus Relief Fund (established by the act) to the Coronavirus Relief Fund (established by the act) for the 2019-20 fiscal year.
Section 3.2
Increases the appropriation to OSBM from $473,090,000 to $623,090,000 in nonrecurring funds for the 2019-20 fiscal year to be allocated as provided in Section 3.3 of the act.
Section 3.3
Changes the recipient of the $50 million that is to be allocated to the NC Healthcare Foundation, NC Senior Living Association, and NC Medical Society for supplies and equipment and personal protective equipment, from the Department of Health and Human Service to the Department of Public Safety. Also expands upon the entities to receive a portion of this money to also include the State Highway Patrol and the NC National Guard.
Expands the uses set forth for the allocation to the Community Colleges System Office to include the provision of Small Business Center counselors for small business needs.
Adds to the allocation to OSBM for continuity of operation needs across State government. Specifies that expenditures incurred during the period that begins March 1, 2020, and ends on December 30, 2020, are eligible for funding under this provision, as referenced in Section 2.2 of the act. Also expands upon the allowable allocation to OSBM for the continuity of operation needs across State government to further include covering overtime costs at community corrections facilities. Also clarifies that the funding can be used to provide COVID-19 testing for employees of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice (was, Division of Prisons).
Modifies the allocation to UNC for the NC Policy Collaboratory to no longer identify entities for which the Collaboratory must coordinate and provide equal funds to for the previously specified purposes concerning COVID-19 response and research. Maintains the allocation and requires the Collaboratory to use the funds within the previously specified parameters. Makes conforming changes for the Collaboratory alone to report to the specified NCGA committee by September 1, 2020.
Adds to the allocations OSBM is required to make of the appropriated funds to now include $50 million to OSBM for the Pandemic Recovery Office established by the act to create a comprehensive grants program to assist eligible communities impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak, and $100 million to OSBM for counties that did not directly receive funding from the federal CARES Act, as specified.
Part IV
Section 4.2
Changes the cross-reference definition provided for the defined term compensation as it applies to the small business loan assistance program provisions.
Part V
Section 5.11
Amends one of the items that must be addressed by a public school units Remote Instruction Plan (Plan) to require that the Plan ensure that remote instructional time, practice, and application components support learning growth that continues toward mastery of the standard course of study (was produce learning growth that is commensurate with what would have taken place had the remote instruction day been a non-remote instruction day). Delays the due date for submitting the Plan to the State Board from June 30, 2020, to July 20, 2020.
Makes clarifying and organizational changes to the school calendar requirements set forth for the 2020-21 school year for public school units and local school administrative units. Additionally, makes a correction to require local school administrative units to adopt a school calendar with a closing date no later than June 11, 2021 (was, June 11, 2020).
Part VI
Section 6.2
Expands upon the definition of credential, as it relates to extending the validity of credentials, to also include the following issued by the DMV: limited learner’s permit, limited provisional license, full provisional license, commercial learner’s permit, transportation network company permit, wholesaler license, driver training school instructor license, and professional housemoving license. Makes conforming changes. Adds that a driving eligibility certificate dated on or after February 9, 2020, and before March 10, 2020, remains valid and may be accepted by the DMV to meet the requirements for a license or permit until 30 days after the earlier of the date the Governor rescinds Executive Order No. 116 or the date DMV reopens all drivers license offices.
Section 6.6
Expands the definition given for the defined term health care facility in proposed Article 1L of GS Chapter 90, Emergency or Disaster Treatment Protection Act, to include any clinical laboratory certified under the federal Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments in specified federal law.
Section 6.8
Amends proposed GS 159-33.1(b) as follows. Requires that the finance officer of each county, municipality, water district or authority, sewer district or authority, sanitary district, and metropolitan sewage district (was, of each unit and public authority) submit the statement of financial information concerning the impact of COVID-19. Changes the due date of the statement from January 1, 2021, to February 15, 2021. Requires that the statement include monthly data for the period from July 1, 2019, to December 31, 2020, instead of a year-to-date comparison to calendar year 2020. Changes the expiration of (b) from January 1, 2021, to February 15, 2021. Amends proposed GS 159-33.1(c) by changing the due date of the Local Government Commission’s report from February 15, 2021, to March 15, 2021. Changes the expiration date of (c) from February 15, 2021, to March 15, 2021.
Section 6.13
Amends the scope of proposed Article 3 of GS Chapter 10B concerning video witnessing during a state of emergency. Now requires signature by a principal physically located in the State.
Section 6.15
Amends proposed GS 45A-4.1 concerning the disbursement of closing funds during certain declarations of emergency. Removes the requirement for all parties to agree in writing to the requirements of GS 45A-4 that closing funds be disbursed only upon collected funds.
Section 6.27
Modifies proposed Article 48 of GS Chapter 66, Limited Business Immunity, as follows. Expands civil immunity granted in the Article to include civil immunity for emergency response entities with respect to claims from any customer, user, or consumer for any injuries or death alleged to have been caused as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic or while doing business with the emergency response entity. Makes conforming changes throughout to include emergency response entities. Defines emergency response entity to mean businesses, not-for-profit organizations, educational institutions, and governmental entities that manufacture, produce, or distribute personal protective equipment, testing equipment, or ventilators, or process COVID-19 testing results. Adds that the provisions of Section 6.27 apply to claims filed on or after March 27, 2020.
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Bill S 704 (2019-2020)Summary date: Apr 29 2020 - View summary
Part I.
Titles the act as the "2020 COVID-19 Recovery Act."
Defines coronavirus or COVID-19 as the Coronavirus Disease 2019. Defines COVID-19 Recovery Legislation as: (1) Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, PL 116-136; (2) Families First Coronavirus Response Act, PL 116-127; (3) Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act 2020, PL 116-123; and (4) Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act, PL 116-139.
Sets out NCGA findings and the purpose of the act.
Specifies that the appropriations and allocations made in the act are for maximum amounts necessary to implement the act. Requires State agencies to maximize the use of federal funds made available in the act wherever possible within the allowable uses before using other State funds.
Provides that if an allocation made in the act is disallowed by federal law, then the disallowed allocation is repealed and the amount of the disallowed funds is to be transferred to the new Coronavirus Relief Fund.
Requires the Office of State Budget and Management (OSBM) to work with the recipient State agencies to budget receipts awarded pursuant to COVID-19 Recovery Legislation according to the program needs and within the parameters of the respective granting entities and applicable federal laws and regulations. Prohibits State agencies from using these funds for recurring purposes. Specifies that revenue replacement is not a permissible use of funds received pursuant to the CARES Act. Allows the employment of additional temporary state personnel depending on the nature of the award.
Requires OSBM to report to the specified NCGA commission and division by March 1, 2021, on the use of funds allocated under Section 3.3 of this act. Also requires recipient agencies and departments to report to the specified NCGA commission and division no later than 90 days from the day the grant period ends on the use of funds. Specifies what information is to be included in the reports.
Part II.
Requires the State Controller to establish a Coronavirus Relief Reserve (Reserve) in the General Fund to maintain federal funds received from the Coronavirus Relief Fund created under The CARES Act. Requires the transfer of funds to the Coronavirus Relief Fund established in this act only as needed to meet the appropriations in this act and only upon request of the Director of the Budget. Specifies that funds reserved in the Reserve do not constitute an "appropriation made by law," as used in Section 7(1) of Article V of the North Carolina Constitution.
Establishes the Coronavirus Relief Fund (Fund) to provide relief and assistance from the effects of COVID-19, consistent with the provisions of this act and subsequent legislation addressing the effects of COVID-19. Requires OSBM to administer the Fund. Requires funds allocated from the Fund to be used for necessary expenditures incurred due to the public health emergency with respect to COVID-19 and limits funding eligibility to expenditures incurred from March 1, 2020, to December 30, 2020.
Requires the State Controller to establish a DOT Coronavirus Relief Reserve (DOT Reserve) in the General Fund to maintain certain federal funds transferred from the Reserve that are eligible to mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak in the State on the Department of Transportation (DOT) and the State transportation system. Requires the transfer of $300 million from the Reserve to the DOT Reserve. States the NCGA's intent to appropriate up to $300 million if DOT experiences a revenue shortfall and the CARES Act is amended to allow the use of federal funds for that purpose. Specifies that funds reserved in the DOT Reserve do not constitute an "appropriation made by law," as that phrase is used in Section 7(1) of Article V of the North Carolina Constitution.
Requires the State Controller to establish a Local Government Coronavirus Relief Reserve (Local Reserve) in the General Fund to maintain certain federal funds transferred from the Reserve that are eligible to mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak in North Carolina on the revenue of local governments. Requires the transfer of $300 million from the Reserve to the Local Reserve. States the NCGA's intent to appropriate up to $300 million if local governments experience a revenue shortfall and the CARES Act is amended to allow the use of federal funds for that purpose. Specifies that funds reserved in the Local Reserve do not constitute an "appropriation made by law," as that phrase is used in Section 7(1) of Article V of the North Carolina Constitution.
Part III.
Directs the State Controller to transfer $598,090,000 from the Coronavirus Relief Reserve to the Coronavirus Relief Fund (Fund) for the 2019-20 fiscal year.
Appropriates $473,090,000 in nonrecurring funds to OSBM for the 2019-20 fiscal year to be allocated and used as provided below. Specifies that the funds do not revert at the end of the fiscal year and instead remain available until December 30, 2020.
Directs OSBM to allocate funds in specified amounts for specified purposes to the following entities: the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) for the NC Healthcare Foundation, the NC Senior Living Association, and the NC Medical Society for supplies and equipment; DHHS, Division of Social Services (DSS), for the six food banks in North Carolina; DHHS, Division of Social Services, for facilities licensed to accept State-County Special Assistance for resident services support; DHHS, DSS, for foster care services; DHHS, DSS, for LINKS program funding; the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services for animal depopulation and disposal; OSBM for the NC Association of Free and Charitable Clinics for health services costs; OSBM for the NC Community Health Centers Association for health services costs; the Community Colleges System Office to support online learning capacity; the UNC Board of Governors for online learning, facility sanitation, and student and employee assistance; the UNC Board of Governors for the State Education Assistance Authority for online learning and student assistance; OSBM for the General Assembly for Wake Forest University Health Services for research data; OSBM for Wake Forest University Health Services to expand its COVID-19 study; OSBM for Duke University Human Vaccine Institute for COVID-19 vaccine development; Department of Commerce to contract with a corporation for marketing COVID-19 concepts, strategies, and materials; OSBM for continuity of operations needs across state government; OSBM for the Old North State Medical Society Inc. to target rural areas and African American communities with outreach, health education, and testing; Department of Information Technology to purchase mobile Wi-Fi routers for development tier one and two areas; UNC-Chapel Hill for the NC Policy Collaboratory to coordinate entities’ COVID-19 response and development; Department of Public Instruction for summer learning programs (DPI); DPI for school nutrition services; Department of Information Technology for the Growing Rural Economies with Access to Technology Fund for supplemental funding for grantee projects that will increase broadband access or provision; and DHHS for COVID-19 testing, tracing, and trend-tracking expansion.
Part IV.
Provides that except for funds subject to the small business loan fund under the act or to Section 2.1 of the act, funds received from federal grants authorized under the COVID-19 Recovery Legislation are appropriated in the amounts specified in the award notification from the federal government or entity administering the funds. Allows State agencies, with approval from the Director of the Budget, to spend funds received from federal receipts and grants resulting from enactment of the COVID-19 Recovery Legislation that are not subject to Section 2.1 of the act. Specifies that Section 2.2(c) of SL 2019-192 (requiring that each program category under the Community Development Block Grant be increased by the same percentage as the increase in federal funds) for block grants appropriated by Congress in addition to the funds specified in the act) does not apply to grant funds received under the COVID-19 Recovery Legislation.
Sets out a schedule allocating specific funding amounts to 38 different specified programs. Provides that the programs and amounts ares estimates of the State's allocations from the COVID-19 Recovery Legislation and is illustrative of federal grants that have or will be received by the State in addition to the approximate $3.5 billion from the Coronavirus Relief Relief Fund under the CARES Act. Specifies that no funds authorized under the CARES Act for election security are appropriated in the act and that the NCGA intends to appropriate funds for election security in a subsequent act.
Allocates $125 million to OSBM for Golden LEAF for grants to entities to make emergency loans to assist small businesses with business needs during periods of economic hardship occasioned by the epidemic. States the NCGA's intent for an equitable portion of funds to be used to benefit historically underutilized small businesses. Details ten requirements and criteria for the loans, including working with specified entities to ensure that all qualifying businesses are aware of the program, setting a maximum term of the loan to 66 months and a maximum amount of the loan at $50,000 per qualifying business, and barring the award of new loans using State funds appropriated in the act at six months following the date the state of emergency, defined by Executive Order No. 116 issued on March 10, 2020, ends. Additionally, directs Golden LEAF to require lenders to prioritize loans for establishments with 100 or fewer full-time equivalent employees as of the State of Emergency, and that are independently owned by a qualifying business. Sets forth seven defined terms. Defines a qualifying business to mean a business with a physical presence in the state that is able to show economic losses as a result of COVID-19. Predicates the appropriations upon Golden LEAF matching State funds at $15 of non-State funds for every $125 of State funds appropriated by the act. Allows for matching by prior non-State fund expenditures as specified. Requires Golden LEAF to remit the net loan funds that have been received to OSBM every six months following the end of the state of emergency. Requires OSBM to deposit the funds into the General Fund. Specifies that amounts deposited into the Reserve are receipts that do not constitute "an appropriation made by law" as used in Section 7(1) of Article V of the NC Constitution. Establishes biannual reporting requirements for Golden LEAF to report to specified NCGA committees and division on the program. Terminates the reporting requirement after submission of the report following remittance of the entirety of the net loan fund to OSBM. Details required contents of the reports, including the number of loans awarded and jobs retained, and the amount of loans repaid and defaulted to date.
Part V.
Sets out five defined terms and states the purpose of Part V is to clarify or modify certain requirements in consideration of actions and circumstances related to the COVID-19 emergency, including federal testing waiver and the school closure period. Defines the school closure period as the period beginning March 16, 2020, and continuing until the latest of May 15, 2020, the date specified by an executive order superseding the school closure period in Executive Order No. 120, Additional Limitations on Mass Gatherings, Restrictions on Venues and Long Term Care Facilities, and Extension of School Closure Date, or the date specified in any such executive order superseding the superseding executive order.
Waives end-of-grade and end-of-course tests for the 2019-20 school year.
Requires public school units to administer the norm-referenced college admissions tests made available by the State Board of Education (State Board) during the fall semester of the 2020-21 school year to all 2019-20 eleventh grade students who were not administered the test during the 2019-20 school year, unless a student has already taken a comparable test and scored at or above a level set by the State Board. Defines school closure period to mean the period beginning March 16, 2020, and continuing until the latest of: May 15, 2020, the date specified by an executive order superseding the school closure period in Executive Order No. 120, or the date specified in any executive order superseding the executive order superseding Executive Order No. 120.
Specifies that no additional diagnostic and formative reading assessments beyond those administered prior to the school closure period, as defined, are required for the 2019-20 school year for kindergarten through third grade students.
Specifies that local administrative units are not required to administer the WorkKeys tests to any students who complete a concentration in career and technical education courses for the spring semester of the 2019-20 school year.
Makes the provisions of GS 115C-12(9)c1., which sets out the State Board’s duty to issue State report cards for each local school administrative unit, and GS 115C-83.15(a) through (f), which requires the State Board to award school achievement, growth, and performance scores and sets forth calculation factors, inapplicable for the 2020-21 school year based on data from the 2019-20 school year. Requires the State Board to display a brief explanation that report cards for schools were not issued for the 2020-21 school year on the Department of Public Instruction (DPI)’s website, as required under GS 115C-83.15(g). Similarly, requires public school units to display a brief explanation that report cards for schools were not issued for the 2020-21 school year, as required by specified state laws requiring distribution of issued report cards.
Directs that educational performance and growth of students in alternative schools and alternative programs are not to be evaluated based on data for the 2019-20 school year to the extent those performance and growth measures of students in alternative schools and alternative programs are measured based on the performance accountability system developed under GS 115C-83.15 and GS 115C-105.35.
Directs that the requirements for local school administrative units to produce and make public a school building report under GS 115C-12(9)c3. and GS 115C-47(35) do not apply for the October 15, 2020, report based on building level data from the 2019-20 school year.
Sets forth parameters regarding low-performing schools, continually low-performing schools, and low-performing local school administrative units for the 2020-21 school year. Prohibits the State Board from identifying additional low-performing schools, continually low-performing schools, and low-performing local school administrative units based on data from the 2019-20 school year and requires those previously identified based on data from the 2018-19 school year to continue to be identified as low-performing or continually low-performing and continue to carry out the final plan approved by the local board of education. Requires the State Board and local board of education to continue to provide access to each low-performing school and low-performing local school administrative unit’s plan. Specifies that local boards of education must include with their online final plans a brief explanation that low-performing identification continues pending assessment data from the 2020-21 school year for both low-performing schools and low-performing local school administrative units, though written parental notice is not required to be provided again. Additionally, suspends the authority of the State Board to appoint an interim superintendent in an identified local school administrative unit under GS 115C-105.39(c) through (e). For continually low-performing schools, requires assistance and intervention levels provided for the 2019-20 school year based on designation as low-performing for two or three years to continue and allows local boards of education to request to reform a continually low-performing school pursuant to GS 115C-105.37B.
Prohibits the State Board from identifying any additional schools as qualifying schools for the Innovative School District (ISD) based on data from the 2019-20 school year for the 2020-21 school year. Additionally, directs that schools identified as qualifying schools for the 2019-20 school year based on data from the 2018-19 school year must remain on the qualifying list, and the provisions of GS 115C-75.7(b1) (concerning support by the State Board and consultants), (b2) (concerning support by local boards), and (d) (concerning public notification of identified schools on the ISD website) remain applicable. Makes conforming changes to SL 2018-248 concerning the identification of an innovative school for the 2021-22 school year.
Sets forth parameters for grade level determination for the 2020-21 school year. Grants principals the authority to determine the appropriate 2020-21 school year grade level for students in the third grade during the 2019-20 school year in the same manner as for students in all other grade levels. Requires principals to designate whether a retained third grade student is retained due to reading deficiencies and encourages principals to consult with a student’s 2019-20 third grade teacher. Additionally, authorizes charter schools to determine the appropriate 2020-21 school year grade level for third grade students in the same manner that grade level classification is determined for other grade levels.
Requires parental (or guardian) notice that a first, second, or third grade student demonstrated difficulty with reading development or was not reading at grade level during the 2019-20 school year based on assessments completed on or before March 13, 2020. Requires the notice to be consistent with the requirements of GS 115C-83.9(a) and (d), which require the notification to be written and requires teachers and principals to offer opportunities to discuss the notification. Directs that the monthly written reports for parents and guardians on student progress required by GS 115C-83.9(c) do not apply during the school closure period, as defined and beginning March 16, 2020, for third-grade students retained for the 2019-20 school year based on data from the 2018-19 school year. Directs that the successful reading development strategies and requirements of GS 115C-83.8(b) through (e) and GS 115C-83.9 apply for third-grade students retained for the 2020-21 school year due to reading deficiencies in the same manner they would have had the student been retained pursuant to GS 115C-83.7(a), except that the notification regarding the exemptions in GS 115C-83.7(a) do not apply.
States that local school administrative units are not required to provide reading camps corresponding to the 2019-20 school year.
Requires public school units to administer to all fourth grade students the end-of-year diagnostic assessment otherwise required for third grade students under GS 115C-174.11 and State Board policy no later than the tenth day that school buildings are open to students for the 2020-21 school year. Mandates that the assessment results be used to identify reading deficiencies and inform instruction and remediation needs in order to ensure that all students achieve proficiency at the earliest date possible.
Sets forth parameters for the 2020-21 school year reporting requirements. Establishes that reading proficiency accountability reporting described in GS 115C-83.10 is not required based on the 2019-20 school year. Instead, requires local boards to report to the State Board specified information by September 1, 2020, including the number and percentage of students on track and not on track to meet year-end expectations based on assessments completed on or after March 13, 2020, at each of the first, second, and third grade levels, and the number and percentage of third grade students retained pursuant to principal authority set forth in the act. Additionally, establishes that reading proficiency reporting requirements established in GS 115C-218.85(b)(4) are not required based on data from the 2019-20 school year. Instead, requires charter schools and other public school units subject to charter school statutory requirements to report specified information to the State Board by September 1, 2020, including the number and percentage of third grade students on track and not on track to meet year-end expectations based on assessments completed on or before March 13, 2020, and the number and percentage of third grade students retained pursuant to charter school authority set forth in the act. Requires the State Board to compile the information required to be reported under these provisions and submit a State-level summary of each component by local school administrative unit and charter school to the specified NCGA committee by October 15, 2020.
Establishes that the provisions of GS 115C-81.36(a1) and (b) concerning advanced math placement for grades three through five and six and higher do not apply for the 2020-21 school year based on the data for the 2019-20 school year. Provides that 2020-21 math placement may be determined based on local board policy in consultation with the student’s 2019-20 school year math teacher. For purposes of reporting on eligibility and placement in advanced math pursuant to GS 115C-81.36(c), requires DPI to submit its December 15, 2020, report to the specified NCGA committee on the number of students who were enrolled in advanced math courses or given other advanced learning opportunities for the 2020-21 school year. Requires the report to include information on the type and format of advanced math courses or advanced learning opportunities provided and include any feedback provided by local boards of education on the implementation of GS 115C-81.36.
Allows for any student in grade 12 who has not satisfied the requirement for completion of CPR instruction to be eligible for graduation if CPR instruction cannot be completed due to the COVID-19 emergency, as defined by the act, and the student is eligible to graduate in all other respects as determined by the student’s principal.
Mandates all public school units to provide remote instruction for the remainder of the 2019-20 school year and provides that a public school unit that provides remote instruction is deemed to have satisfied the instructional time requirements under specified state law for the 2019-20 school year. Defines remote instruction.
Waives attendance enforcement requirements under GS 115C-378 for the 2019-20 school year during the school closure period, as defined.
Directs the governing body of each public school unit to develop a Remote Instruction Plan (Plan) for the 2020-21 school year and submit its Plan to the State Board by June 30, 2020. Details 13 specifications Plans must address, including (1) training for teachers and staff, (2) surveying student and teacher home connectivity and providing for remote instruction appropriate for those with limited connectivity capability, (3) teaching and practice opportunities for students on accessing and using remote instruction platforms and methods, (4) communicating learning targets to students on each remote instruction day with lesson design to demonstrate learning, (5) tracking and reporting attendance on remote instruction days, (6) providing online and offline contact options for student-teacher or staff communication, and (7) providing technology support for students.
Provides that the calendar requirements of GS 115C-84.2 apply to the 2020-21 school calendar for local school administrative units. Establishes that the provisions of the act supersede any school calendar adopted by a public school unit prior to the act’s enactment. Sets forth parameters applicable to the 2020-21 school year for public school units as follows. Mandates that each public school unit adopt a calendar that includes 190 days of instruction with 185 days or 1,025 hours of instruction, five individually separate and distinct full instructional days, and five remote instruction days in accordance with the Plan. Requires adoption of a school calendar that includes an opening date for students of August 17, 2020, a closing date for students no later than June 11, 2020, and no remote instruction days prior to August 24, 2020. Allows for remote instruction days to be scheduled for use as teacher workdays. Provides for waiver of the opening date requirement for good cause so long as the opening date is not before August 17, 2020, and allows use of an additional five remote instruction days as make-up days for closure due to inclement weather or other emergency situations. Allows for additional remote instruction days, provided in accordance with the Plan, to satisfy instructional time requirements if a state of emergency or disaster is declared under GS Chapter 166A ordering school closure for more than five days.
Requires the State Board to report to the specified NCGA committee by September 15, 2020, on the implementation of Remote Instruction Plans. Requires the report to include copies of each Plan submitted and a statewide summary with five specified components and any other data deemed by the State Board to be useful to the committee in evaluating the delivery of statewide remote instruction.
Provides that a school identified as an eligible school in the 2019-20 school year for the principal supplement program under GS 115C-285.1, as enacted by SL 2019-247, continues to be an eligible school in the 2020-21 school year. Makes a technical correction to GS 115C-285.1.
Directs that principals are not required to notify teachers that Education Value-Added Assessment System (EVAAS) data has been updated for the 2020-21 school year to reflect teacher performance from the 2019-20 school year.
Provides that for the 2020-21 school year, local school administrative units are not required to provide teacher effectiveness data from the 2019-20 school year to the State Board, and the State Board is not required to include any disaggregated data on teacher effectiveness from the 2019-20 school year in its December 15, 2020, teaching profession report.
Amends GS 115C-299.5(d) to add a subsection heading.
Provides that for the 2019-20 school year, annual teacher evaluations required pursuant to GS 115C-333(a) and GS 115C-333.1, concerning teacher evaluation and observation, must be based on observations completed in the 2019-20 school year prior to the closure period, as defined, and other artifacts and evidence from the 2019-20 school year. Waives the observation requirement for the 2019-20 school year for those not completed prior to the school closure period.
Establishes that nonpublic schools are not required to administer nationally recognized tests or standardized equivalent measurements for the 2019-20 school year nor make, maintain, or make available test results received by their students in the 2019-20 school year.
Establishes that nonpublic schools are not required to make, maintain, and render attendance records of children of compulsory school age during the school closure period, nor operate on a regular schedule at least nine months of the 2019-20 school year.
Waives several testing and reporting requirements mandated in GS 115C-562.5 for nonpublic schools that accept eligible students receiving opportunity scholarship grants for the 2019-20 school year, including required administration of nationally standardized tests to eligible students whose tuition and fees are paid in whole or in part with a scholarship grant in grades three and higher, and the reporting of standardized test performance of eligible students if the nonpublic school enrolls more than 25 students whose tuition and fees are paid in whole or in part with a scholarship grant.
Authorizes the State Education Assistance Authority (Authority) to remit an opportunity scholarship grant awarded to a student for the spring semester of the 2019-20 school year that was unexpended and carried forward due to school closure during the COVID-19 emergency to a nonpublic school on or before October 1, 2020.
Extends the annual reporting deadlines of the Authority regarding opportunity scholarships and disability grants to now require the Authority to report to the specified NCGA committees by November 15, 2020, rather than October 1, 2020.
Sets forth parameters for minimum admission to a recognized Educator Preparation Program (EPP) for the 2020-21 academic year, including waiving certain skills tests, minimum SAT/ACT scores, degree requirements, GPA requirements, and minimum cohort GPA requirements described in GS 115C-269.15.
Sets forth parameters for students enrolled in a recognized EPP to have the clinical internship requirement deemed completed if four specified conditions are met, including that the student has completed as much time in the clinical internship as practicable prior to March 10, 2020, and that the student would be unable to complete the EPP by August 15, 2020, unless the clinical internship is deemed completed pursuant to the provision.
With regards to individuals who have their clinical internship deemed completed pursuant to the act’s provisions, prohibits the State Board from requiring EPPs to require the individuals for the 2019-20 academic year to complete a nationally normed and valid pedagogy assessment to determine clinical practice performance, and from requiring the individuals for the 2019-20 academic year to complete the pedagogy assessment as a condition of EPP completion. Requires the individuals to attempt the pedagogy assessment by the end of their first year of licensure and pass the assessment by the end of their third year of licensure.
Specifies that EPPs are only required to submit information that is practically available in the annual report to the school board under GS 115C-269.35(b) for the 2019-20 school year.
Prohibits the State Board from considering any data that was not practically available related to the 2019-20 school year when assigning sanctions for an EPP under GS 115C-269.45(c).
Requires the State Board to create and submit annual report cards for EPPs pursuant to GS 115C-269.50 by December 15, 2020, to the specified NCGA committee, and include in its report aggregated information on the number and overall percentage of students who were admitted to an EPP with the waived minimum GPA requirement and the number and overall percentage of students who had their clinical internships deemed completed under the provisions of the act. Prohibits making the annual report cards available to the public on the State Board’s website for the 2019-20 school year.
Sets forth parameters for school administrator candidates who are enrolled in a school administrator program to have certain requirements of GS 115C-284(c2) deemed completed for the 2019-20 academic year if the candidates meet the approval standards established by the State Board under GS 115C-284. Provides that the internship requirement is deemed to be completed if four conditions are met, including that the candidate has completed as much time in the year-long internship as practicable prior to March 10, 2020, and that the candidate would be unable to complete the program by August 15, 2020, unless the internship is deemed completed pursuant to the provision. Requires the candidates to complete a portfolio for emerging leaders to demonstrate the application of his or her training to actual school needs and training to the extent practicable prior to completion of the preparation program.
Sets forth parameters for a school leader candidate enrolled in a school leader preparation program receiving a grant to have the clinical practice requirement deemed competed for the 2019-20 academic year if the candidate has completed as much time in the clinical practice as practicable prior to March 10, 2020, and the candidate has engaged in school leader duties as practicable while the school is closed during the school closure period. Prohibits the Authority from retrieving grant funds from a recipient for the 2019-20 school year based solely on a recipient’s failure to require school leader candidates to complete a full-time paid clinical practice as specified in GS 116-209.72(a)(2)e. for the 2019-20 academic year.
Requires the State Board to allow education licensure applicants additional time to meet the examination and course requirements under GS 115C-270.15 and GS 115C-270.20, consistent with four specified parameters. Allows an individual who is in the first year of licensure who has not taken the examination required by the State Board to take the examination during the individual’s second year of licensure. Allows an applicant for a continuing professional license (CPL) whose lateral entry license expires June 30, 2020, including a teacher granted an extension pursuant to Section 1.2 of SL 2019-71, as amended, who has not met the examination and coursework requirements established by the State Board as of March 10, 2020, to be provided an extension until June 30, 2021. Allows an applicant for a CPL whose initial professional license (IPL) expires June 30, 2020, who has not met the examination requirement established by the State Board as of March 10, 2020, to be provided an extension until June 30, 2021. Allows an applicant for a CPL who is an elementary education or special education general curriculum teacher with an IPL or a residency license who was granted an extension until June 30, 2020, under SL 2019-71, as amended, who has not met the examination requirement established by the State Board as of March 10, 2020, to be provided an extension until June 30, 2021.
Additionally, allows any teacher required to have at least eight continuing education credits for continuing licensure by June 30, 2020, until June 30, 2021, to meet the requirements under GS 115C-270.30(b).
Directs the State Board to allow applicants applying for a school administrator licensure who have not met the examination requirements established by the State Board as of March 10, 2020, to be permitted to meet the examination requirement in the first year of licensure, and applicants applying for licensure for a professional position in a public elementary or secondary school who have not met the examination requirements established by the State Board as of March 10, 2020, to be permitted to meet the examination requirements in the first year of licensure.
Additionally, allows any school administrator who is required to meet continuing education credits in high quality, integrated digital teaching and learning for licensure renewal by June 30, 2020, to have until June 30, 2021, to meet the requirements under GS 115C-284(c3).
Provides that a student who is unable to continue participation in a pre-apprenticeship or apprenticeship program due to the COVID-19 emergency may continue to be eligible for a tuition waiver for community college courses in the student’s document study plan related to a job-specific occupational or technical skill until December 31, 2020.
Prohibits UNC constituent institutions from accruing or charging interest to any past-due student account between March 13, 2020, and September 15, 2020.
Extends three specified reporting deadlines of the UNC Board of Governors (BOG) to the specified NCGA committee by 60 days, including reporting on teacher education efforts, the supply and demand of school administrators, and the goals for State-operated health professional schools.
Additionally, extends the deadline by which the BOG must submit its annual report on the UNC-NCCCS 2+2 E-Learning Initiative to the specified NCGA committee and state entities from April 15 to June 15, 2020.
Extends the deadline by which the UNC System Office must submit its annual report on the UNC-NCCCS Joint Initiative for Teacher Education and Recruitment to the specified NCGA committee and state entities from April 15 to June 15, 2020.
Requires the $70 million appropriated to DPI in Part III of the act is to be allotted to local school administrative units, charter schools, and the ISD to provide a supplemental summer learning program for students whose learning has been negatively affected by the impacts of COVID-19. Details requirements and restrictions for the supplemental summer learning programs, including that the programs include reading interventions for students in kindergarten through grade three, and grade four, who were not on track to meet the 2019-20 year-end expectations based on diagnostic assessments completed prior to March 16, 2020, or for fourth graders, as identified by their 2019-20 school year reading teachers, and math interventions for students who were in kindergarten through grade four who were not on track to meet the 2019-20 year-end expectation as identified by their 2019-20 school year math teachers. Requires at least $35 million to be used to provide reading interventions for student who were in grades two and three during the 2019-20 school year, with any unexpended funds to be used by December 30, 2020, to provide supplemental literacy support for fourth grade students during the 2020-21 school year who were not on track. Requires any unexpended funds for reading intervention for students in kindergarten, first grade, and fourth grade during the 2019-20 school year and math intervention for students in kindergarten through fourth grade to be used prior to December 1, 2020, to provide supplemental literacy or math support to students in grades one through five during the 2020-21 school year who are not on track to meet the 2020-21 year-end expectations as identified by their respective 2020-21 school year reading or math teachers. Allows funds provided for summer learning programs to be used to deliver interventions and instruction to participating students using methods such as digital resources, printed materials, literacy coaches, and face-to-face instruction.
Requires the governing body of a public school unit receiving funds to consult with the 2019-20 school teachers of kindergarten through fourth grade to develop the learning program plans. Requires plans to comply with executive orders and DHHS guidance. Requires all local school administrative units and the ISD to submit their summer learning program plans to DPI by May 31, 2020. Requires DPI to review the plans and provide feedback as necessary by June 26, 2020.
Specifies that summer learning programs are not to be included in scheduled instructional time for the 2020-21 school year calendar. Encourages public schools receiving funds to identify or prepare resources and strategies for parents or guardians for students that qualify and do not attend or attend and would like additional material. Places the final decision for attendance with the parents or guardians of qualified students.
Directs the State Board to report to the specified NCGA committee on the implementation and use of State funds for summer learning programs by February 15, 2021.
Part VI.
Section 6.1
Defines coronavirus as it is defined in section 506 of the Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2020. Defines coronavirus emergency as March 10, 2020, through the date the Governor signs an executive order rescinding Executive Order No. 116. Defines State agency as an agency or an officer in the executive branch of the government of this state, including the Council of State, the Governor's Office, a board, a commission, a department, a division, a council, and any other unit of government in the executive branch (it excludes the North Carolina Department of Justice, the State Board of Education, and the State Board of Elections). Requires each State agency to review its rules, policies, procedures, enforcement actions, and any other type of agency requirement or action that affects the economic well-being of the citizens and businesses of the state and determine if, due to the impacts of the coronavirus, a waiver, delay, or modification of the agency's requirements or actions would be in the public interest. It it determines that it is in the public interest, requires that agency to adopt emergency rules or take other necessary actions to implement these waivers, delays, and modifications as expeditiously as possible. Provides that if a State agency determines that, due to the impacts of the coronavirus, it is in the public interest, the agency must: (1) delay the collection of, or modify the method of collection of, any fees, fines, or late payments assessed by the agency; (2) delay the renewal dates of permits, licenses, and other similar certifications, registrations, and authorizations; and (3) delay or modify any educational or examination requirements. Requires agencies to report by October 1, 2020, to the specified NCGA committees and commissions and OSBM on its efforts to exercise such regulatory flexibility or an explanation as why it did not do so. Allows agencies to adopt emergency rules to implement this section. Such an emergency rule remains in effect during the pendency of the coronavirus emergency, unless an earlier date is specified by the agency. Effective March 10, 2020, and expires on the earlier of the date the Governor signs an executive order rescinding Executive Order No. 116, or September 1, 2020.
Section 6.2
Requires the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to extend by six months the validity of any credential that expires on or after March 1, 2020, and before August 1, 2020. Defines credential as one of the 19 listed items, including numerous types of drivers licenses, special identification cards, and various types of vehicle plates. The new expiration date is six months from the date the credential otherwise expires. Requires, however, that the subsequent expiration of an extended credential occur on the date prescribed by law prior to this section without regard to the extension. Requires DMV to notify affected individuals of the extension. Requires the waiver of fines, fees, and penalties associated with failing to renew a credential during the period of time the credential is valid by extension. Extends the due dates for motor vehicle taxes that are tied to registration expiration so as to correspond with extended expiration dates. Prohibits convicting a person or finding a person responsible for any offense resulting from failure to renew a credential issued by the DMV if the person shows that the offense occurred during the period of time the credential is valid by extension. Requires DMV to report within 30 days of the extensions to the specified NCGA committee and division on implementation. Effective retroactively to March 1, 2020, and applies to expirations on or after that date.
Section 6.2A
Prohibits the NC Medical Board and the NC Board of Nursing from enforcing any provision of the Quality Improvement Plan Rules, as defined, to the extent that they (1) require quality improvement process meetings between providers, so long as the provider was practicing within the scope of his or her license prior to February 1, 2020, and continues to practice within that scope while the provisions are effective and (2) require monthly quality improvement process meetings between providers during the first six months of the practice arrangement. Additionally, prohibits the NC Medical Board and the NC Board of Nursing from enforcing any provision of the Quality Improvement Rules or the Application Fee Rules, as defined, to the extent they require an individual to fill out an application or pay a fee, so long as the individual is providing volunteer healthcare services within the scope of his or her license in response to the COVID-19 pandemic state of emergency. Finally, prohibits the NC Medical Board and the NC Board of Nursing from enforcing any provision of the Annual Review Rules for practice arrangements, as defined. These provisions expire 60 days after all of the following are rescinded or expired: (1) Executive Order No. 116; (2) the major disaster declaration by the President for this state on March 25, 2020; and (3) a declared nationwide public health emergency as a result of the 2019 novel coronavirus declared by the Secretary of Health and Human Services on January 31, 2020.
Section 6.3
Effective retroactively to March 10, 2020, for the period between March 10, 2020, and the date that Executive Order No. 116 is rescinded or expires, and subject to approval by the Board of Trustees, authorizes the State Treasurer to order that State Health Plan members, employing units, or both, adversely affected by this state of emergency have the option to defer premiums or debt payments that are due during this limited time. Allows the State Treasurer to order the expiration of this option prior to the end of the limited time period but it may not extend beyond that period. Sets a 30-day deferral period and specifies that the deferral period can include any state law or contract provision that imposes a time limit on the Plan or a member to perform related to the Plan on or after March 10, 2020, and through the date that Executive Order No. 116 is rescinded or expired. Allows the deferral period to be extended in 30-day increments, subject to Board of Trustees’ approval, but prohibits a deferral period from lasting beyond 90 days from the last day of the state of disaster. Provides for the option to be limited to specific categories of members or employing units. Specifies that the section does not authorize the non-payment of premiums or debt and requires all payments in arrears to be paid. Failure to pay premiums in arrears results in lapse as of the last day of the month for which premiums were paid in full. Provides that members are responsible for all medical expenses incurred since an effective lapse in coverage.
Section 6.4
Authorizes the Division of Health Benefits (DHB) of DHHS to provide Medicaid coverage described in identified federal law, 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 COVID-19, and for which the federal medical assistance percentage is 100%.
Section 6.4A
Provides that the Medicaid provider rate increases requested in (1) the 1135 Medicaid disaster State Plan amendment (SPA) submitted to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services by DHHS on April 8, 2020, and (2) any additional provider rate increases requested in subsequent 1135 Medicaid disaster State Plan amendments are applicable only until the earlier of the expiration of the declared nationwide public health emergency as a result of the 2019 novel coronavirus or January 31, 2021.
Section 6.5
Allows the second examination of a respondent to determine whether the respondent will be involuntarily committed due to mental illness or due to substance use disorder to be conducted either in the physical face-to-face presence of a physician or using telehealth equipment and procedures, if the specified conditions are met. Defines telehealth as the use of two-way real-time interacting audio and video where the respondent and commitment examiner can hear and see each other. Sets the required conditions as the following. In the case of involuntary commitment due to mental illness, the physician using telehealth must be satisfied to a reasonable medical certainty that the necessary determinations would not be different if the exam had been done in the physical presence of the examining physician. Requires a physician not so satisfied to note that the exam was not satisfactorily accomplished, and requires the respondent to be taken for a face-to-face exam. In the case of involuntary commitment due to substance use disorder, requires the physician using telehealth to be satisfied to a reasonable medical certainty that the necessary determinations would not be different if the exam had been done in the physical presence of the commitment examiner. Requires an examining physician who is not so satisfied to note that the exam was not satisfactorily accomplished, and requires the respondent to be taken for a face-to-face exam. Expires on the date the Governor rescinds Executive Order No. 116.
Section 6.6
Enacts new Article 1L, Emergency or Disaster Treatment Protection Act, in GS Chapter 90. Provides for the Article’s short title and purpose, and sets forth nine defined terms. Grants civil immunity to any health care facility, health care provider, or entity that holds legal responsibility for the acts or omission of a health care provider for any harm or damages alleged to have been sustained as a result of an act or omission in the course of arranging for or providing health care services, as defined. Conditions the immunity granted on three conditions: (1) that the health care facility, health care provider, or entity is arranging for or providing health care services during the period of the COVID-19 emergency declaration, including, pursuant to a COVID-19 emergency rule (as defined); (2) the arrangement or provision of health care services is impacted by (a) a health care facility, health care provider, or entity's decisions or activities in response to or as a result of the pandemic; or (b) the decisions or activities, in response to or as a result of the pandemic, of a health care facility or entity where a health care provider provides health care services; and (3) the arrangement for or the provision of health care services is made in good faith. Limits the described immunity to exclude acts or omissions that constitute gross negligence, reckless misconduct, or intentional infliction of harm; specifies that acts or omissions resulting from a resource or staffing shortage are not willful, intentional, or the like. Provides for similar immunity provisions for volunteer organizations, as defined. Includes a severability clause. Applies retroactively to all acts or omissions during the time of Executive Order No. 116 issued on March 10, 2020, and any subsequent time period during which a state of emergency is declared to be in effect during the calendar year 2020 by the Governor in response to COVID-19.
Section 6.7
Directs the NC Lottery Commission to submit a report relating to COVID-19 and associated economic impacts to the specified NCGA committee and division on or before September 1, 2020. Details five required components of the report, including the impact of sales of lottery games, the impact of revenues, and the impact on retailers.
Section 6.8
Amends GS 159-33.1 to require the finance officer of each local government unit and public authority to submit to the secretary of the Local Government Commission (Commission) a statement of financial information, as specified, concerning the impact of COVID-19 by January 1, 2021. Requires the Commission to use the information to identify units and public authorities that require assistance similar to that provided on the Unit Assistance List compiled by the Commission. Expires on January 1, 2021. Directs the Commission to report to the specified NCGA committee and division by February 15, 2021, on the information provided and any recommendations. Expires on February 15, 2021.
Section 6.9
Specifies that any report required by law to be submitted to an NCGA joint legislative oversight committee after March 10, 2020, but before July 15, 2020, will be held in abeyance until July 15, 2020. Requires such reports to be submitted thereafter.
Section 6.10
Directs OSBM to release the $700,000 allocation authorized in Section 26.2(c)(3) of SL 2017-57, which provides for the amount to be allocated to the NC Symphony upon certain non-State fund fundraising requirements having been met.
Section 6.11
Amends Section 1.1 of SL 2019-192 to increase the schedule of appropriations from federal block grant funds made for the 2019-20 fiscal year for child care and development, from $347,525,572 to $395,525,572.
Section 6.12
Enacts new GS 10B-25 to allow a notary to perform an emergency video notarization using video conference technology if the requirements of the statute are met (new GS 10B-25 does not apply to any notarization under Article 20 of GS Chapter 163, addressing absentee ballots). Specifies that a notary not satisfied that the principal’s identify has been proven by satisfactory evidence is not required to complete an emergency video notarization. Provides that an emergency video notarization does not change any originality verification requirements for recording with a Register of Deeds, Clerk of Superior Court, or other government or private office in this State.
Specifies that video conference technology is electronic communication that: (1) occurs in real time; (2) allows direct interaction between the principal seeking the notary's services and the notary so that each can communicate simultaneously by sight and sound through an electronic device or process; (3) includes audio with sound clear enough that each participant in the notarial act can hear and understand all other participants; (4) has sufficient quality to allow a clear and unobstructed visual observation of each participant’s face and any identification provided by the principal for a sufficient time to allow the notary to determine if it is satisfactory evidence; (5) is not pre-recorded video or audio or both; and (6) may be capable of recording (a) the video conference technology's recording and storage services, (b) an independent video recording device, or (c) electronically saved screen shots clearly showing each participant's face, identification presented by the principal, and the notarized document.
Provides that the requirement of personal appearance, appear in person before a notary, physical presence, and presence are satisfied for emergency video notarization purposes if (1) notary is physically present in North Carolina, (2) the principal verifies to the notary that he or she is physically present in the state at the time of the notarization, (3) the notary identifies the county where he or she is located at the time of the notarial act, and (4) the principal and notary use video conference technology that complies with the requirements in this statute.
Allows a notary with personal knowledge of a principal to rely on the video conference technology to verify the principal’s identity unless the notary requires satisfactory evidence. Requires a notary who does not have personal knowledge of a principal to require satisfactory evidence of the principal’s identity; sets out requirements for documents that are used as satisfactory evidence.
Sets out the process for signing the document to be notarized. Sets out the procedure for submitting the signed document to the notary and for the notary notarizing the document, with procedures varying according to whether or not an original wet-signed notarization on an original wet-signed document is required.
Requires that a notary administer an oath or affirmation using video conference technology. Sets out the items that must be included in an acknowledgement or jurat certificate for an emergency video notarization, including a specified statement.
Requires a notary performing an emergency video notarization to record information about the notarization in a notary journal that is to be retained by the notary for at least 10 years; allows the journal to be maintained electronically. Specifies nine pieces of information that, at a minimum, must be recorded in the journal for each emergency video notarization. Allows a third party involved in an emergency video notarization transaction to require additional information to be included in the journal.
Requires a notary to maintain the confidentiality of a principal’s documents at all times. Allows for the issuance of interpretive guidance or emergency or temporary rules to assure the integrity of the emergency video notarization measures.
Sets the statute to expire at 12:01 a.m. on August 1, 2020; however, specifies that all notarial acts made in accordance with the statute and while the statute is in effect remain effective and do not need to be reaffirmed.
Makes a conforming change to GS 10B-3 by adding and defining the term emergency video notarization. Specifies that emergency video notarization must not include a verification of proof.
Amends GS 10B-10 to provide that if the North Carolina Secretary of State grants a notary commission after March 9, 2020, and before October 1, 2020, the appointee has 90 days (instead of the usual 45 days) to appear and take the oath of office. Allows the oath to be administered using video conference technology, as specified. Makes conforming changes.
Section 6.13
Enacts new Article 3, Video Witnessing During State of Emergency, in GS Chapter 10B, applicable to the witnessing and signature of all records signed on or after the effective date of this act; sets the Article to expire upon termination of the State of Emergency declared in Executive Order No. 116, on March 10, 2020, as extended by any subsequent executive order. Specifies that no action described in the Article (1) constitutes a notarial act and (2) is governed by Article 1 (Notary Public Act) or Article 2 (Electronic Notary Act).
Provides that any person who witnesses the signature of a record through videoconference technology is considered to be an "in-person" witness and the record is considered to have been signed by the principal signer "in the presence of" such witness, provided that the video conference technology allows for direct, real-time audio and video interaction between each principal signer and the witness. Considers an attesting witness to a record to have signed the record in the presence of the principal signer, if: (1) the signature of the principal signer is witnessed by the attesting witness in accordance with the requirements the statute and (2) the attesting witness immediately thereafter signs the record while the video conference technology still allows for direct, real-time audio and video interaction between the principal signer and the attesting witness. Sets out information that must be included in a record witnessed under the statute. Allows any record witnessed under this Article to be signed in counterpart.
Section 6.14
Enacts new GS 32A-16.1 to waive the requirement that a health care power of attorney be executed in the presence of two qualified witnesses for all instruments executed on or after the effective date of this section and prior to termination of the State of Emergency declared by Governor Cooper in Executive Order No. 116, on March 10, 2020, as may be extended by any subsequent Executive Order, such that an instrument signed by the principal, properly acknowledged before a notary public, and otherwise executed in compliance with the provisions of this Article, governing health care powers of attorney, are not invalidated by the principal's failure to execute the health care power of attorney in the presence of two qualified witnesses. Requires health care powers of attorney executed during this time without two qualified witnesses to contain a statement indicating that the instrument was executed in accordance with this statute. Expires at 12:01 a.m. on August 1, 2020, but all instruments made in accordance with the statute and while the statute is in effect remain effective and do not need to be reaffirmed.
Makes conforming changes to GS 32A-16.
Enacts GS 90-321.1 enacting the same waiver of the witness requirement as above, applicable to advance directives for a natural death declaration. Sets this statute to expire at 12:01 a.m. on August 1, 2020.
Makes conforming changes to G.S. 90-321.
Section 6.15
Enacts new GS 45A-4.1 allowing real estate transactions involving one-to-four family residential dwellings or a lot restricted to residential use, a settlement agent to disburse closing funds before recording the deeds, deeds of trust, and any other required loan documents with the register of deeds.
Sets out the following requirements to be met in order to allow the disbursement of closing funds before recordation: (1) on the date of closing, the office of the register of deeds where the deeds, deeds of trust, and any other required loan documents are to be recorded, is located within the emergency area, closed to the public as a result of the declaration of emergency, and unable to accept documents for recording by any method; (2) the lender's closing instructions authorize disbursement of closing funds prior to recording; (3) all parties agree in writing to all the following: (a) to waive the requirement that the settlement agent not disburse closing funds until the deeds, deeds of trust, and any other required loan documents are recorded in the office of the register of deeds and the required closing funds be disbursed only upon collected funds excepted as provided; (b) that they acknowledge that the recordation date may not be known on the date of closing and the date of recordation by the settlement agent is governed by this statute; (c) that they are aware of the risks and implications of proceeding with disbursement of closing funds and, if applicable, transfer of possession of property prior to recordation; (d) that after disbursement of closing funds and prior to recordation no party to the transaction will take any action to impair the quality of the title in law or equity; and (e) any other terms the parties or the closing instructions require as a condition of disbursement of closing funds prior to recording; and (4) the settlement agent complies with all conditions of the closing instructions, procures a commitment of title insurance providing for title insurance that includes indemnity coverage for the gap period, and updates the applicable title from the date of the preliminary title opinion to the time of disbursement using those public records reasonably available to the settlement agent on the date of disbursement.
Requires in all transactions under this statute in which funds are disbursed prior to recordation, the settlement agent must hold in a fiduciary capacity until the time provided below, all deeds, deeds of trust, and any other required loan documents that are to be recorded.
Terminates the authority under this statute for the settlement agent to disburse closing proceeds prior to recordation of the deeds, deeds of trust, and any other required loan documents on the earlier of the date the office of the register of deeds reopens for public business or begins to accept documents for electronic recording. Requires within three business days of this time frame, that the settlement agent record all deeds, deeds of trust, and any other required loan documents being held under the statute and immediately notify all parties that the documents have been recorded.
Section 6.16
Amends GS 51-8 to allow a register of deeds, throughout the duration of any declaration of emergency, to issue a license for marriage through remote audio-video communication if the register of deeds can positively identify each applicant.
Amends GS 51-16 by extending the validity of a marriage license from 60 to 120 days.
Applies to marriage licenses issued on or after March 10, 2020, and expires August 1, 2020, and makes any marriage license issued on or before that date valid for 120 days.
Section 6.17
Specifies that the Secretary of Revenue (Secretary) will not assess a penalty for failure to file a tax return or pay a tax due if returned or paid by July 15, 2020, as the Secretary has extended the franchise, corporate, and individual income tax payment deadline to July 15, 2020, as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak. Directs the Secretary to also waive the accrual of interest from April 15, 2020, to July 15, 2020, on an underpayment of tax, including partnership and estate and trust tax returns, due during that period. Clarifies that the relief from interest accrual during the stated period also applies to interest imposed under GS 105-163.15 (concerning installments and interest for unpaid individual income tax) and GS 105-163.41 (concerning installments and interest for unpaid corporate income tax).
Extends the statute of limitations for obtaining a refund for franchise, corporate, and individual income tax to July 15, 2020, for refund claims for which the statute of limitations to seek a refund expires on or after April 15, 2020, and before July 15, 2020.
Makes certain actions that are required to be taken by a taxpayer on or after April 1, 2020, and before July 15, 2020, considered timely if taken on or before July 15, 2020. Actions include requests for the Department of Revenue to review a proposed denial of a refund or a proposed assessment under GS 105-241.11, petitions for a contested case hearing on a final determination at the Office of Administrative Hearings under Article 3 of GS Chapter 150B and GS 105-241.15, and petitions for judicial review of a decision after a contested case hearing under Article 4 of GS Chapter 150B and GS 105-241.16.
Section 6.18
Enacts GS 96-14.15, making unemployment benefits payable in four specified circumstances in response to the coronavirus emergency. Defines coronavirus by referencing the term’s definition stated in the federal Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2020. Payable circumstances under the act include: (1) when an employer temporarily ceases operations due to the coronavirus thereby preventing the individual from going to work; (2) when an employer reduces the hours of employment due to the coronavirus; (3) when an individual has a current coronavirus diagnosis; or (4) when an individual is quarantined at the instruction of a health care provider or a local, state, or federal official. Makes the Chapter’s employment security provisions applicable to the new coronavirus emergency unemployment benefits, with five exceptions, including: (1) no waiting week applies; (2) work search requirements do not apply; (3) benefits paid are not charged to the account of any base period employer of the individual; and (4) employers may file an attached claim for benefits, as specified. Provides for an employer tax credit for contributions to the Unemployment Insurance Fund for contributions due for the calendar year 2020, equal to the amount of contributions payable on the report due on or before April 30, 2020. Provides for instances in which employers have remitted the contributions payable on the report due on or before April 30, 2020. Limits the scope of the act to include only unemployment benefits filed for periods beginning on or after March 10, 2020, through those filed for periods beginning on or after the earlier of either the date the Governor signs an Executive Order rescinding Executive Order 116 (Declaration of a State of Emergency to Coordinate Response and Protective Actions to Prevent the Spread of Covid-19), or December 31, 2020.
Section 6.19
Allows for individuals to meet the reporting requirements of GS 96-14.9 (weekly certification) by phone or Internet for the period defined by new GS 96-14.15.
Section 6.20
Amends GS 96-14.9, concerning the requirement for an individual seeking unemployment benefits to be actively seeking work. Current law requires the individual to have made at least three job contacts with potential employers during the week, among other criteria. Allows an individual to satisfy one of the weekly job contacts by attending a reemployment activity offered by a local career center. Requires the Division of Employment Security to verify the suitability of the activity for credit and the claimant’s attendance at the activity. Effective July 1, 2020.
Amends GS 96-15 to authorize employers to file unemployment claims for employees if unemployment is due directly to a disaster covered by a federal disaster declaration.
Amends GS 105-356 to clarify that priority liens for State taxes on real property under the Revenue Act include a lien for unpaid employer contributions under GS 96-10.
Section 6.21
Repeals GS 120-70.158, which sunsets Article 12R, establishing the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Unemployment Insurance, on July 1, 2023.
Section 6.22
Effective August 1, 2020, through December 1, 2020, sets the weekly benefit amount for an individual who is totally unemployed at an amount equal to the wages paid to the individual in the highest paid completed quarter of the individual’s base period divided by 52, rounded up to the next lower whole dollar.
Section 6.23
Amends GS 96-14.2, effective August 1, 2020, to increase the weekly benefit cap for unemployment at $400 from $350.
Section 6.24
Enacts GS 166A-19.24 to authorize any public body to conduct remote meetings upon a gubernatorial or legislative declaration of emergency under GS 166A-19.20. Limits the authority to public bodies within the emergency area during the declaration and requires compliance with Article 33 of GS Chapter 143, which governs meetings of public bodies.
Details nine requirements remote meetings must meet, including (1) proper notice of the remote meeting and notice of the means of public access; (2) identification of members participating by simultaneous communication for roll call, participation in deliberation, and voting; (3) roll call voting for every vote taken; and (4) simultaneous streaming live online or by conference call with option for public access.
Defines simultaneous communication as any communication by conference telephone, conference video, or other electronic means. Specifies that a member participating by simultaneous communication is present for quorum purposes and voting as if physically present while that communication is maintained for that member.
Allows for a public body to conduct public hearings during a remote meeting and take action thereon so long as written comments are allowed to be submitted between publication of any required notice and 24 hours after the public hearing. Allows for a public body to conduct a quasi-judicial proceeding as a remote meeting if (1) the right of an individual to a hearing and decision occurred during an emergency, (2) all persons subject to the proceeding who have standing to participate have been given notice and consent, and (3) all due process rights of the parties affected are protected.
Allows the public body to conduct closed sessions as authorized by state law.
Clarifies that the statute applies only during emergency declarations and does not supersede any authority for electronic meetings under Article 33C of GS Chapter 143. Makes conforming changes to GS 143-318.10(a), GS 143-318.14A(e), GS 153A-43, GS 160A-74, and GS 160A-75. Amends GS 166A-318.13 to exclude meetings conducted under new GS 166A-19.24 from electronic meetings requirements, except for compliance with subsection (c) prohibiting actions by reference.
Applies throughout the duration of any emergency declaration issued under GS 166A-19.20 in effect on or after the date the act becomes law. Provides a savings clause for the actions of any public body in an open meeting conducted by simultaneous communication between March 10, 2020, and the date the act becomes law. Specifies that new GS 166A-19.24 does not affect SL 2008-111, which amends GS 143-318.13 to authorize electronic meetings.
Section 6.25
Directs OSBM to establish a temporary NC Pandemic Recovery Office (Office), charged with oversight and coordination of funds made available under COVID-19 Recovery Legislation. Additionally requires the Office to provide technical assistance and ensure coordination of federal funds received by State agencies and local governments, and ensure proper reporting and accounting. Terminates the Office and the authorities granted in the act 12 months after the date the act becomes law.
Section 6.26
Details five requirements DHHS must meet in order for OSBM to release the $25 million allocated in the act for expanding public and private initiatives for COVID-19 testing, contract tracing, and trends tracking and analysis. Conditional requirements include DHHS required diagnostic service reporting and posting on the COVID-19 NC Dashboard; DHHS posting testing vendor contract information on its website, including cost per test; DHHS collecting and reporting on its website recovery rates; DHHS reporting COVID-19 related hospital discharges and associated underlying health conditions; and DHHS providing comprehensive reporting on COVID-19 deaths. Requires DHHS and any public or private entity receiving the allocated funds to report on the use of funds to the specified NCGA committees within six months after receipt of funds.
Section 6.27
Enacts Article 48 to GS Chapter 66 to provide civil immunity to an essential business that provides goods or services in the state for any injuries or death alleged to have been caused as a result of a customer or employee contracting COVID-19 while doing business with or while being employed by the essential business; excludes acts or omissions constituting gross negligence, reckless misconduct, or intentional infliction of harm. Sets out defined terms. Defines an essential business as businesses, not-for-profit organizations, education institutions, or governmental entities identified in the COVID-19 Essential Business Executive Order (defined as Executive Order No. 121, issued March 27, 2020, including amendments and extensions). Provides that the term also applies to any business that the Department of Revenue determines to be essential. Specifies that an employee is not precluded from seeking workers’ compensation remedies under GS Chapter 97. Limits the scope of the act to acts or omissions occurring on or after the issuance of the COVID-19 essential business executive order until the COVID-19 emergency declaration (defined as Executive Order No. 116, issued March 10, 2020, including any amendments and extensions) is rescinded. Includes a severability clause and calls for liberal construction of the Article.
Part VI
Clarifies that the act’s headings are for reference only.
Includes a severability clause and standard effective date provision.
Agriculture, Business and Commerce, Courts/Judiciary, Civil, Civil Law, Family Law, Motor Vehicle, Development, Land Use and Housing, Community and Economic Development, Property and Housing, Education, Elementary and Secondary Education, Higher Education, Government, APA/Rule Making, Budget/Appropriations, Public Records and Open Meetings, Public Safety and Emergency Management, State Agencies, Community Colleges System Office, UNC System, Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Department of Commerce, Department of Health and Human Services, Department of Information Technology, Department of Public Instruction, Department of State Treasurer, Department of Transportation, Office of State Budget and Management, Office of State Controller, State Government, State Personnel, Tax, Local Government, Health and Human Services, Health, Health Care Facilities and Providers, Health Insurance, Public Health, Mental Health, Social Services, Child Welfare, Public Assistance, Lottery and Gaming, Transportation
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Bill S 704 (2019-2020)Summary date: Apr 28 2020 - View summary
To be summarized.