House committee substitute to the 1st edition makes the following changes. 

Adds that ninth and tenth grade students enrolled in curriculum courses at South Piedmont Community College associated with the federal Youth Career Connect Grant must not be charged tuition.

Sets the act to expire on June 30, 2018.

House committee substitute makes the following changes to the 1st edition.

Enacts new GS 143B-437.52(a)(6) adding a condition that must be met to receive grants from the Job Growth Reimbursement Opportunities - People Program, requiring the local governments of projects that are located in a development tier three area to have participated in recruitment and offered incentives in a manner appropriate to the project. 

Amends GS 143B-437.53, which establishes the minimum number of positions needed, according to development tier, in order to qualify for a grant, to provide that projects in tier three development tiers must have 50 (was, 20) eligible positions to qualify for a grant. 

Amends GS 143B-437.56(d) providing that for any eligible position that is located in a development tier three area, 70 percent (was, 75 percent) of the annual grant must be payable to the business and 30 percent (was, 25 percent) must be payable to the Utility Account pursuant to GS 143B-437.61.

Amends GS 143B-437.57(a)(10) concerning the terms of the development agreements and grants, providing that the agreement must contain a provision that requires the Economic Investment Committee to recapture an appropriate portion of the grant if the business does not remain at the site for the required term (previously, required a provision that permitted the committee to recapture all or part of the grant at its discretion). 

Amends GS 160A‑20 to require the governing board of a unit of local government to adopt a resolution stating its intent at least ten days before executing a contract under subsections (a) or (b) of the statute, which concern executing a contract to (1) purchase, or finance or refinance the purchase of, real or personal property by installment contracts that create in the property purchased a security interest to secure payment of the purchase price to the seller or to an individual or entity advancing moneys or supplying financing for the purchase transaction or (2) finance or refinance the construction or repair of fixtures or improvements on real property by contracts that create a security interest to secure repayment of moneys advanced or made available for the construction or repair. Requires the resolution to state the maximum amount of the proposed contract, describe the basic purpose of the contract, and state that the contract is a form of debt financing. Provides that several contracts that are all related to the same undertaking are deemed a single contract.

Sets out when the petition must be filed depending on whether the Local Government Commission must approve the contract under the statute. Requires that the petition be: (1) in writing and (2) signed by a number of voters of the issuing unit equal to not less than 5 percent of the total number of voters registered to vote in elections of the issuing unit according to the most recent figures certified by the State Board of Elections. Requires the clerk to investigate the sufficiency of the petition and present it to the governing board, with a certificate stating the results of the investigation. Requires the governing board, after hearing any taxpayer requesting to be heard, to determine the sufficiency of the petition, and its determination is conclusive.

Provides that if a contract requires voter approval, the affirmative vote of a majority of those voting is required. Requires the governing board to set the date of a voter referendum on the contract, but prohibits the date from being more than one year after adoption of the resolution indicating the board's intent to enter into a contract, only on a date permitted by GS 163‑287. Requires the clerk to deliver a certified copy of the resolution calling a special referendum to the board of elections that is to conduct it within three days after the resolution is adopted, but specifies that failure to do so does not affect the validity of the referendum or contract entered into. Requires the referendum to be conducted by the board of elections conducting regular elections of the unit of local government. Requires the clerk to publish a notice of the referendum at least twice and specifies the timing and content of the notices. Sets out the form of the question as it is to be stated on the ballot. Requires the board of elections to canvass the referendum and certify the results to the governing board, and then certify and declare the referendum result and publish a statement of the result using specified language.

Amends GS 159-85, which prohibits the state or a municipality from issuing revenue bonds under this Article, the State and Local Government Revenue Bond Act, unless the issue is approved by the Local Government Commission (Commission). Requires the governing body to publish a public notice of the application at the time of application to the Commission. Allows a petition demanding that the revenue bond order be submitted to the voters to be filed with the clerk to the board at any time before the Commission enters its order approving or denying the application. Requires that the petition be: (1) in writing and (2) signed by a number of voters of the issuing unit equal to not less than 5 percent of the total number of voters registered to vote in elections of the issuing unit according to the most recent figures certified by the State Board of Elections. Requires the clerk to investigate the sufficiency of the petition and present it to the governing board, with a certificate stating the results of the investigation. Requires the governing board, after hearing any taxpayer requesting to be heard, to determine the sufficiency of the petition, and its determination is conclusive.

Provides that if a bond order requires voter approval, the affirmative vote of a majority of those voting is required. Requires the governing board to set the date of a voter referendum on the contract, but prohibits the date from being more than one year after adoption of the resolution indicating the board's intent to enter into a contract, only on a date permitted by GS 163‑287. Requires the clerk to deliver a certified copy of the resolution calling a special referendum to the board of elections that is to conduct it within three days after the resolution is adopted, but specifies that failure to do so does not affect the validity of the referendum or contract entered into. Requires the referendum to be conducted by the board of elections conducting regular elections of the unit of local government. Requires the clerk to publish a notice of the referendum at least twice and specifies the timing and content of the notices. Sets out the form of the question as it is to be stated on the ballot. Requires the board of elections to canvass the referendum and certify the results to the governing board, and then certify and declare the referendum result and publish a statement of the result using specified language.

Amends GS 159-104, which prohibits a local government from issuing project development financing debt instruments unless the issue is approved by the Local Government Commission. Allows a petition demanding that the project development financing be submitted to the voters to be filed with the clerk to the board at any time before the Commission enters its order approving or denying the application. Requires that the petition be: (1) in writing and (2) signed by a number of voters of the issuing unit equal to not less than 5 percent of the total number of voters registered to vote in elections of the issuing unit according to the most recent figures certified by the State Board of Elections. Requires the clerk to investigate the sufficiency of the petition and present it to the governing board, with a certificate stating the results of the investigation. Requires the governing board, after hearing any taxpayer requesting to be heard, to determine the sufficiency of the petition, and its determination is conclusive.

Provides that if a project development financing requires voter approval, the affirmative vote of a majority of those voting is required. Requires the governing board to set the date of a voter referendum on the contract, but prohibits the date from being more than one year after adoption of the resolution indicating the board's intent to enter into a contract, only on a date permitted by GS 163‑287. Requires the clerk to deliver a certified copy of the resolution calling a special referendum to the board of elections that is to conduct it within three days after the resolution is adopted, but specifies that failure to do so does not affect the validity of the referendum or contract entered into. Requires the referendum to be conducted by the board of elections conducting regular elections of the unit of local government. Requires the clerk to publish a notice of the referendum at least twice and specifies the timing and content of the notices. Sets out the form of the question as it is to be stated on the ballot. Requires the board of elections to canvass the referendum and certify the results to the governing board, and then certify and declare the referendum result and publish a statement of the result using specified language.

Amends GS 159I-30, which prohibits a local government from issuing bonds or notes unless the issuance is approved and the bonds or notes are sold by the Local Government Commission (Commission). Requires the governing body to publish a public notice at the time of application to the Commission in a newspaper of general circulation in the local government. Allows a petition demanding that the special obligation bond order be submitted to the voters to be filed with the clerk to the board at any time before the Commission enters its order approving or denying the application. Requires that the petition be: (1) in writing and (2) signed by a number of voters of the issuing unit equal to not less than 5 percent of the total number of voters registered to vote in elections of the issuing unit according to the most recent figures certified by the State Board of Elections. Requires the clerk to investigate the sufficiency of the petition and present it to the governing board with a certificate stating the results of the investigation. Requires the governing board, after hearing any taxpayer requesting to be heard, to determine the sufficiency of the petition, and its determination is conclusive.

Provides that if a special obligation bond order requires voter approval, the affirmative vote of a majority of those voting is required. Requires the governing board to set the date of a voter referendum on the contract, but prohibits the date from being more than one year after adoption of the resolution indicating the board's intent to enter into a contract, only on a date permitted by GS 163‑287. Requires the clerk to deliver a certified copy of the resolution calling a special referendum to the board of elections that is to conduct it within three days after the resolution is adopted, but specifies that failure to do so does not affect the validity of the referendum or contract entered into. Requires the referendum to be conducted by the board of elections conducting regular elections of the unit of local government. Requires the clerk to publish a notice of the referendum at least twice and specifies the timing and content of the notices. Sets out the form of the question as it is to be stated on the ballot. Requires the board of elections to canvass the referendum and certify the results to the governing board, and then certify and declare the referendum result and publish a statement of the result using specified language.

Makes conforming changes to GS 159-60 (petition for referendum on bond issue), including reducing the number of voters that must sign a petition demanding that a bond order be submitted to the voters, from 10 to 5 percent of the total number of registered voters of the issuing unit.

Amends GS 159-148 to add that if a contract, agreement, memorandum of understanding, and any other transaction having the force and effect of a contract must have Local Government Commission (Commission) approval, the local government’s governing body must publish a public notice at the time of application in a newspaper of general circulation in the local government. Allows a petition demanding that the contract, agreement, memorandum of understanding, and any other transaction having the force and effect of a contract to be filed with the clerk to the board at any time before the Commission enters its order approving or denying the application. Requires that the petition be: (1) in writing and (2) signed by a number of voters of the issuing unit equal to not less than 5 percent of the total number of voters registered to vote in elections of the issuing unit according to the most recent figures certified by the State Board of Elections. Requires the clerk to investigate the sufficiency of the petition and present it to the governing board, with a certificate stating the results of the investigation. Requires the governing board, after hearing any taxpayer requesting to be heard, to determine the sufficiency of the petition, and its determination is conclusive.

Provides that if a contract, agreement, memorandum of understanding, and any other transaction having the force and effect of a contract requires voter approval, the affirmative vote of a majority of those voting is required. Requires the governing board to set the date of a voter referendum on the contract, but prohibits the date from being more than one year after adoption of the resolution indicating the board's intent to enter into a contract, only on a date permitted by GS 163‑287. Requires the clerk to deliver a certified copy of the resolution calling a special referendum to the board of elections that is to conduct it within three days after the resolution is adopted, but specifies that failure to do so does not affect the validity of the referendum or contract entered into. Requires the referendum to be conducted by the board of elections conducting regular elections of the unit of local government. Requires the clerk to publish a notice of the referendum at least twice and specifies the timing and content of the notices. Sets out the form of the question as it is to be stated on the ballot. Requires the board of elections to canvass the referendum and certify the results to the governing board, and then certify and declare the referendum result and publish a statement of the result using specified language.

Amends GS 159-153 which requires, with specified exceptions, approval by the Local Government Commission (Commission) before a unit of local government, or any public body, agency, or similar entity created by any action of a unit of local government, may: (1) incur indebtedness, (2) enter into any similar type of financing arrangement, or (3) approve or otherwise participate in the incurrence of indebtedness or the entering into of a similar type of financing arrangement by another party on its behalf. Adds that if any of these types of transactions are undertaken by a local government, and it is subject to approval by the Commission, the governing body of the local government must, at the time of application, publish a notice in a newspaper of general circulation in the local government.

Allows a petition demanding that the contract, agreement, memorandum of understanding, and any other transaction having the force and effect of a contract to be filed with the clerk to the board at any time before the Commission enters its order approving or denying the application. Requires that the petition be: (1) in writing and (2) signed by a number of voters of the issuing unit equal to not less than 5 percent of the total number of voters registered to vote in elections of the issuing unit according to the most recent figures certified by the State Board of Elections. Requires the clerk to investigate the sufficiency of the petition and present it to the governing board, with a certificate stating the results of the investigation. Requires the governing board, after hearing any taxpayer requesting to be heard, to determine the sufficiency of the petition, and its determination is conclusive.

Provides that if a contract, agreement, memorandum of understanding, and any other transaction having the force and effect of a contract requires voter approval, the affirmative vote of a majority of those voting is required. Requires the governing board to set the date of a voter referendum on the contract, but prohibits the date from being more than one year after adoption of the resolution indicating the board's intent to enter into a contract, only on a date permitted by GS 163‑287. Requires the clerk to deliver a certified copy of the resolution calling a special referendum to the board of elections that is to conduct it within three days after the resolution is adopted, but specifies that failure to do so does not affect the validity of the referendum or contract entered into. Requires the referendum to be conducted by the board of elections conducting regular elections of the unit of local government. Requires the clerk to publish a notice of the referendum at least twice and specifies the timing and content of the notices. Sets out the form of the question as it is to be stated on the ballot. Requires the board of elections to canvass the referendum and certify the results to the governing board, and then certify and declare the referendum result and publish a statement of the result using specified language.

As the title indicates, revokes all existing applications made by the North Carolina General Assembly to the United States Congress, which call for a convention to propose amendments to the US Constitution. Additionally, the Generally Assembly urges all other state legislatures that have applied to Congress to call a constitutional convention to also repeal and withdraw their respective applications. Directs the North Carolina Secretary of State to send certified copies of this joint resolution to the secretary of each state, to the presiding officers of both houses of the legislatures of each state, to the Secretary of the United States Senate, to the Clerk of the United States House of representatives, to the members of Congress of the United States representing North Carolina, and to the Administrator of the US General Services Administration, Washington, D.C.

Presents a series of "whereas" clauses setting forth the reasons offered to support the need for this proposed joint resolution.

Provides that this resolution is effective upon ratification.

Amends GS 14-205.1 to provide that minors suspected of or charged with soliciting as a prostitute are immune from prosecution under the statute and instead requires that the minor be taken into temporary protective custody as an undisciplined juvenile. Requires a law enforcement officer to immediately report an allegation of a violation of GS 14-43.11 (human trafficking) and GS 14-43.13 (sexual servitude) to the director of the county department of social services, which must commence an initial investigation into child abuse or child neglect within 24 hours. 

As title indicates, amends GS 20-141(j2) to provide that the additional penalty for speeding in a highway work zone applies only if workers are present and work is actively in progress.

Effective December 1, 2015, applying to offenses committed on or after that date. 

Directs the State Board of Education to modify the State curriculum requirements to include one required credit in arts education, to be completed before high school graduation, any time in grades 6 through 12. Implementation begins with students entering the sixth grade in 2018. Further directs the State Board of Education to (1) establish procedures and a timeline for a phased-in implementation of the new arts requirement; (2) establish the minimum criteria to meet the arts requirement; and (3) report to the Joint Legislative Education Oversight Committee, by December 15, 2018, on the statewide implementation of Comprehensive Arts Education, including this new requirement.

Enacts new GS 160A‑311.1.  States the General Assembly's findings. Allows a city, for the purposes of operating a public enterprise, to do any of the following activities within its stormwater management program: (1) purchase property for the purpose of demolishing flood‑prone buildings; (2) implement flood damage reduction techniques that result in improvements to private property in accordance with the policy document to include elevating structures or their associated components, demolishing flood‑prone structures, and retrofitting flood‑prone structures. Allows a city to engage in these activities only under the circumstances contained in a policy document approved by the city council. Sets out issues that the policy document must, at a minimum, establish, and may elaborate on, including that the private property owner's written consent must be obtained prior to the implementation of flood reduction improvements on the owner's property and the improvements to the private property are the minimum necessary to accomplish the stormwater benefit. Requires an existing stormwater advisory committee established by the city council and having specific charges, duties, and representation as set forth by the city council, to review and approve projects that implement flood damage reduction techniques. Requires the committee to submit an annual report to the city council for its review. The new statute applies only to cities in a county which meets the following criteria: (1) the county has a population of 910,000 or greater according to the most recent annual population estimates certified by the State Budget Officer and (2) the county has at least one city with a population of 500,000 or greater according to the most recent annual population estimates certified by the State Budget Officer.

Blank bill.

Amends the definition of health care power of attorney in GS 32A-16 to require that it be signed in the presence of two qualified witnesses or acknowledged before a notary public (was, signed in the presence of two qualified witnesses and acknowledged before a notary public). Makes conforming changes.

Amends GS 32A-25.1(a), which sets out the form to be used in creating a health care power of attorney to require that the signature be witnessed by two qualified witnesses or proved by a notary public. Makes conforming changes. 

Makes the same changes to GS 90-321(c) (setting out the requirements of patient health care directives that doctors must follow) and GS 90-321(d1) [setting out the form that is specifically determined to meet the requirements of (c)].

Effective October 1, 2015. 

 

To be summarized.