Part 1

Requires the Department of Information Technology (Department) to issue a request for proposals for the creation of a disaster relief portal as title indicates that will provide updates and constituent services in response to natural disasters in the state. Requires the portal design to consolidate critical information and programs from all relevant state agency websites into a single, centralized portal.

Appropriates $500,000 for 2025-26 from the General Fund to the Department to be used for purposes described in Part 1.

Effective July 1, 2025.

Part 2

Enacts GS 143-49.2 requiring all contracts subject to Articles 3 and Article 8 of Chapter 143 to include a limitation on contractor’s liability to the state for damages arising from any cause whatsoever, unless otherwise provided. Mandates that the liability amount be determined based on the nature of the goods, services, or construction work covered by the contract. Provides a presumptive limitation of no more than two times the contract’s value. This limited liability specifically includes the contractor’s liability for damages, but is not limited to this. Amount of liability for damages may be raised to three times the contract’s value if the criteria listed are met. Requires the Secretary of Administration (Secretary) to reasonably determine that the contractor has sufficient financial resources to satisfy the agreed upon limitation of liability before entering a contract subject to Article 3 and Article 8 provisions. Provides a list of contractor actions this limited liability requirement does not apply to and clarifies this limitation does not apply to a contractor’s liability to a third party directly, nor does it impact rights and obligations related to contribution among joint tortfeasors. Includes reporting requirements for the Secretary to the Joint Legislative Commission on Governmental Operations and the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on General Government.

This part applies to contracts awarded, renewed, or amended on or after the date it becomes law.