Conference Report to the 5th edition makes the following changes.

New Part III provides that the City of Kannapolis shall hold municipal elections in even-numbered years with the mayor and city council elected on a partisan basis. Requires candidates seeking nomination by petition to comply with the requirements of Article 11 of GS Chapter 163, except that the date and time of filing must be in accordance with GS 163-122(a)(3). Provides that no municipal elections will be conducted in Kannapolis in 2027. Extends the terms of three council members whose terms expire in 2027 by one year, and extends the terms of the mayor and three council members whose terms expire in 2029 by one year. Resumes regular elections in 2028 with the same staggering of terms as when elections were held in odd-numbered years.

New Part VIII allows Moore County to expend general funds up to $500,000 (other than ad valorem property tax revenues) to comply with minimum construction standards in areas damaged by Tropical Storm Chantal that are critical to the county’s public safety and emergency services. Effective upon becoming law and expires June 30, 2028.

New Part XII requires Clayton, upon adoption of an ordinance or entering into an annexation agreement, to make major municipal services available to the annexed area on substantially the same basis and manner as these services are provided to the rest of the Town. 

New Part XIII abolishes the Southport Historic Preservation Commission. Prohibits the City of Southport from designating a new historic preservation commission. Prohibits the City from creating or expanding historic districts. Provides that any historic district in Southpoint in effect on this section’s effective date shall remain in effect but cannot be expanded.

New Part XIV allows the Town of Leland to voluntarily annex territory up to three miles from town limits if: (1) the property is owned by the Town or (2) the Town has received a petition for annexation by July 1, 2026, and the territory does not extend beyond specified boundaries.

New Part XV extends the corporate limits of the town of Franklinton to include the specified tract. Effective July 1, 2027.

Makes conforming changes to other section numbering.