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

Amends GS 145-49 by adding that the bobcat is also known as the wildcat.

House committee substitute deletes the provisions of the 1st edition, and now provides the following.

States that it is the intent of the General Assembly that all students with specific learning disabilities, including dyslexia and dyscalculia, receive the necessary and appropriate screenings, assessments, and special education services to provide interventions for learning difficulties with language, reading, writing, and mathematics. 

Directs the State Board of Education, in order to provide a definition to enable the identification of and intervention for students with dyslexia and students with dyscalculia, as part of its policies for specific learning disabilities, define dyslexia. Describes what the definition of dyslexia the State Board is to encompass. Requires the State Board of Education to include the definition of dyslexia, as described, in the policies for specific learning disabilities no later than June 30, 2017. 

Requires the State Board of Education, prior to the start of the 2017-18 school year, to ensure that ongoing professional development opportunities are made available to teachers and other school personnel on the identification of and intervention strategies for students with dyslexia, dyscalculia, or other specific learning disabilities. Directs the State Board of Education, prior to the start of the 2017-18 school year, to develop and make available information electronically to parents, educators, and other concerned groups that provides further data concerning characteristics of children with dyslexia, educational methodologies, screenings, and what is available to support the work with children with dyslexia in North Carolina. 

Directs local boards of education, prior to the start of the 2017-18 school year, to review the diagnostic tools and screening instruments used for dyslexia, dyscalculia, or other specific learning disabilities to ensure they are age-appropriate and effective, and determine if additional diagnostic and screening tools are needed.

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

Amends proposed subsection (c) of GS 20-313, clarifying that at the time the owner of a motor vehicle is charged (previously, at the time the person is charged) with a violation of subsection (a), the charging law enforcement officer must have the motor vehicle (previously, the vehicle driven by the person) towed and stored. Modifies the conditions under which a person in custody of a motor vehicle must release the vehicle to its owner, to now provide for release when: (1) the owner presents proof of the required financial responsibility covering the motor vehicle for a period of at least six months to the charging law enforcement agency or the prosecuting district attorney (previously, did not include the prosecuting district attorney in the alternative), with the charging law enforcement agency or prosecuting district attorney presenting the owner with documentation acknowledging that the owner has complied with the requirement and (2) the owner submits to the person in custody of the motor vehicle (a) the documentation provided by the charging law enforcement agency or prosecuting district attorney and (b) payment of any towing and storage fees (previously, payment in full of any towing and storage costs).

Adds two new subsections to GS 20-213.

New subsection (d) requires the charging law enforcement officer to contact the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) within one regular business day after the motor vehicle is towed and stored to obtain the name and address of any lienholder who has perfected a security interest in the motor vehicle. Requires the DMV to provide the requested information to the charging law enforcement agency within one regular business day. Directs the charging law enforcement officer to then notify any lienholders by first-class mail of the name and address of where the motor vehicle is being stored. Requires the notification to the lienholder to be sent as soon as practical but not later than 24 hours after receipt of the information from the DMV. Upon presentation of the title, requires a person in custody of a vehicle to allow a lienholder access to the vehicle without delay during business hours. Allows a lienholder to take possession of the vehicle after paying towing and storage fees.

New subsection (f) authorizes an owner of a motor vehicle to file a petition with the clerk of superior court seeking a pretrial release of the motor vehicle. Directs the clerk to consider the petition and make a determination as soon as feasible. 

Makes conforming organizational changes. Makes clarifying changes to proposed subsection (d) (now subsection (e)) to refer to the motor vehicle instead of the vehicle. Additionally, provides that the person in custody of the motor vehicle has a lien (previously, specified the lien to be a mechanics' lien) if the owner of the motor vehicle towed and stored pursuant to subsection (c) does not obtain release of the motor vehicle within 90 days from the date the motor vehicle was towed and stored, or a lienholder has not recovered possession of the motor vehicle within the same period of time (previously, did not provide for a lienholder recovering possession before the custodian obtains a lien on the motor vehicle). Makes clarifying change to proposed subsection (e) (now subsection (g)) to refer to the motor vehicle. 

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

Changes the effective date of the proposed changes to GS 58-7-179(c), making the changes effective when the act becomes law (previously, effective January 1, 2018). 

Deletes the proposed changes to GS 58-57-90(a) and GS 58-57-110(a), concerning the regulation of credit insurance.

Amends GS 58-33-56(d) requiring the insurer to notify the insurance producer of his or her termination using a form prescribed by the Commissioner of Insurance (currently, must notify the Commissioner by mail with a copy of the notification to the producer at the producer's last known address) within 15 days after making the notifications required by subsections (a), (b), and (c) of the statute. 

Amends GS 58-71-71(b) to require every bail bondsman and runner to complete the specified continuing education annually by June 30, with a person receiving his or her first license on or after January 1 of any year not being required to comply until June 30 of the following year (currently, based around license renewal with no specified date).

Amends GS 58-44A-10 (Requirements for sale of portable electronics insurance). Adds new subsection to allow notices and correspondence to be sent either by mail or by electronic means. Permits the consumer to provide an email address to the insurer or vendor of portable electronics, which constitutes the consumer's consent to receive notices and correspondence by electronic means so long as a disclosure to the effect is provided to the consumer within 30 days following the purchase of the portable electronics insurance. Effective September 1, 2017.

Makes technical changes.

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

Amends GS 20-288(a1)(2) by no longer exempting the following from the continuing education requirements for motor vehicle dealer licensees: (1) a used motor vehicle dealer whose primary business is the sale of salvage vehicles on behalf of insurers, (2) a licensed manufactured home dealer who complies with specified continuing education requirements, and (3) an applicant who holds a license as a new motor vehicle dealer and operates from an established showroom 20 miles or less from the established showroom for which the applicant seeks a used motor vehicle dealer license.

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

Amends GS 115D-5 to clarify that the time period for a student to complete course requirements left incomplete as a result of being placed on State active duty status is set by the community college (currently, by the constituent institution).

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

Amends proposed GS 47-36.2. Amends the definition ofrecorded plat to provide that the plat has been prepared by a professional land surveyor (currently, licensed land surveyor), licensed under GS Chapter 89C. Amends the requirements for a sufficient curative affidavit to require that an appropriate jurat be completed by a notary public (currently, affixed by a notary public).

Amends GS 161-14.1(a) to make the definition ofsubsequent instrument include corrective notice affidavits (was, corrective affidavits).

Repeals GS 14-51.2 (Home, workplace, and motor vehicle protection; presumption of fear of death or serious bodily harm), GS 14-51.3 (Use of force in defense of person; relief from criminal or civil liability), and GS 14-51.4 (Justification for defensive force not available).

Enacts new GS 14-51.5 (Use of deadly physical force against an intruder). Provides that lawful occupants of a residence are justified in using any degree of force, including deadly force, that the occupant reasonably believes is necessary against an intruder to prevent forcible entry or terminate unlawful entry, if the occupant reasonably believes or apprehends that the intruder (1) may kill or inflict serious bodily harm to the occupant or others in the residence or (2) intends to commit a felony in the residence. Provides that the occupant does not have a duty to retreat from an intruder in these circumstances. Does not repeal, expand, or limit any other defense that exists under the common law.

Amends GS 14-315.1. Amends the caption to read "Safe storage of firearms." Creates a Class 1 misdemeanor for any person who resides in the same premises as an unauthorized person (person who is not authorized to purchase a firearm under State or federal law), owns or possesses a firearm, and stores or leaves the firearm without having securely locked the firearm in appropriate storage or rendered it incapable of being fired. The person is guilty of the misdemeanor if the unauthorized person gains access to the firearm and either (1) possesses it in violation of GS 14-269.2(b) (regarding firearms on school premises); (2) exhibits it publicly in a careless, angry, or threatening manner; (3) causes personal injury or death with it not in self-defense; or (4) uses it in the commission of a crime. Makes conforming changes.

Amends GS 14-315.2. Amends the caption to read "Warning upon sale or transfer of firearm to protect minor; warning regarding access to firearm by person not authorized to possess firearm." Requires any retail or wholesale store, shop, or sales outlet that sells firearms to conspicuously post at each purchase counter a warning in block letters about the unlawfulness of storing firearms in a manner inconsistent with amended GS 14-315.1. Provides for the text of the warning. Violation is a Class 1 misdemeanor.

Enacts new GS 14-409.13 (Report of loss or theft of firearm). Requires the owner of a firearm to report the loss or theft of the firearm within 48 hours after discovery of the loss or theft, either to the local law enforcement agency or the State Bureau of Investigation. Initial violations are a Class 3 misdemeanor. Subsequent violations are Class I felonies.

Amends GS 14-404 to require sheriffs to determine that a person has firearm liability insurance before issuing a firearm permit to that person. Directs sheriffs to transmit a prohibiting record under the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) that requires the sheriff to deny a person a firearm permit to NICS within 48 hours after notifying the applicant of the denial, revocation, or refusal. Enacts new GS 14-415.18A, setting out the same requirements when a sheriff denies, revokes, or refuses to renew a permit.

Enacts new GS 14-409.44 (Liability insurance required for gun owners). Requires any person in this State who intends to own a firearm to obtain a policy of liability insurance for at least $100,000 prior to ownership, and to maintain the policy throughout ownership. Requires persons owning a firearm on December 1, 2017, to obtain the insurance by January 15, 2018. Does not apply to law enforcement officers authorized to carry firearms. Directs the Department of Insurance to adopt rules to implement this statute.

Amends GS 14-415.24 (Reciprocity; out-of-state handgun permits). Directs the Department of Justice to inquire what criteria other states use for the issuance of a concealed handgun permit, and to compile list of states whose criteria are at least as stringent as the criteria required in this State. Provides that only out-of-state licenses issued by those states are valid in North Carolina.

Enacts new GS Chapter 14, Article 53D (Regulation of Large-Capacity Ammunition Magazines), as follows.

New GS 14-409.60 defineslarge-capacity magazine to include three specified classes of equipment, including a fixed or detachable magazine box, drum, feed strip, or similar device capable of accepting more than 15 rounds of ammunition, and to exclude three specified classes of equipment, including a feeding device that has been permanently altered so that it cannot accomodate more than 15 rounds of ammunition.

New GS 14-409.61 prohibits a person from selling, transferring, or possessing large-capacity magazines. Initial violations are Class 2 misdemeanors, subsequent violations are Class 1 misdemeanors. Violation is a Class I felony if the person possessed the large-capacity magazine during the commission of a felony. Exempts persons who own large-capacity magazines on December 1, 2017, and maintain continuous possession of the large-capacity magazine, and requires a prosecutor to refute an assertion that a person being prosecuted under this statute is exempted. Does not apply to entities that manufacture large-capacity magazines within North Carolina exclusively for transfer, any federally licensed gun dealer that sells large-capacity magazines exclusively to listed entities or their employees acting within their employment duties, employees of listed government agencies or the military who bear firearms in the course of the employee's official duties, or a person who possesses the magazine for the sole purpose of transporting the magazine to an out-of-state entity on behalf of a North Carolina manufacturer of large-capacity magazines.

New GS 14-409.62 requires a large-capacity magazine manufactured in North Carolina on or after December 1, 2017 to include a permanent stamp or marking indicating that it was manufactured or assembled on or after that date. Authorizes the State Bureau of Investigation to adopt rules implementing this statute. Violation is a Class 2 misdemeanor.

Enacts new GS Chapter 147, Article 9 (Firearms Manufacturer Divestment Act) as follows.

New GS 147-95 defines six terms as they are used in the Article, including public fund (funds held by the State Treasurer to the credit of listed retirement and pension funds).

New GS 147-96 requires the Public Fund to make its best efforts to identify all firearms manufacturers in which the Public Fund has direct or indirect holdings or could possibly have such holdings in the future, within 90 days of September 1, 2017, and to assemble a list of all such manufacturers.

New GS 147-97 requires the State Treasurer to promptly divest all direct and indirect holdings in firearms manufacturers held by the Public Fund, and prohibits the Public Fund from acquiring direct or indirect holdings in firearms manufacturers.

Enacts new Article 21, Review of Deaths Involving Law Enforcement Officers, in GS Chapter 15A. GS 15A-410(Review of Deaths Involving Law Enforcement Officers) defines three terms as they are used in the statute. Requires law enforcement agencies to have a written policy regarding the investigation of officer-involved deaths that involve a law enforcement officer employed by the law enforcement agency, by December 1, 2017. Provides requirements for the policy, including a requirement for two independent investigators. Authorizes an internal investigation, so long as the internal investigation does not interfere with the independent investigation. Requires the investigators to report their findings to the district attorney, and if the district attorney determines that there is no basis to prosecute the law enforcement officers involved, to release the report. Effective when the bill becomes law.

Enacts new GS Chapter 50E (Gun Violence Restraining Orders), as follows.

New GS 50E-1 provides for the issuance of a court order prohibiting and enjoining a named person from having in their custody or control, owning, purchasing, possessing, or receiving, any firearms or ammunition, called a gun violence restraining order. Provides requirements for the contents of a petition for a gun violence restraining order, and requirements for the contents of a gun violence restraining order. Requires all North Carolina law enforcement agencies to enforce a gun violence restraining order without further order of the court.

New GS 50E-2 authorizes immediate family members of a person, or a law enforcement officer, to request a court to issue a one-year gun violence restraining order after notice and a hearing. Lists four factors that the court must consider in determining whether to issue the order, and six factors that the court may consider in determining whether to issue the order. Requires a petitioner to prove by clear and convincing evidence that the subject of the petition, or a person subject to an ex parte gun violence restraining order, as applicable, poses a significant danger of causing personal injury by having, owning, purchasing, possessing, or receiving a firearm, and that the order is necessary to prevent the personal injury because less restrictive alternatives have been tried and found ineffective, or are inadequate or inappropriate for the circumstances. Requires the court to issue the order, upon a finding that there is clear and convincing evidence to issue the order. Requires the court to dissolve any temporary emergency or ex parte gun violence restraining order then in effect, upon a finding that there is not clear and convincing evidence to support the issuance of the order.

New GS 50E-3 provides for a 21-day temporary emergency gun violence restraining order to issue, ex parte, upon a law enforcement officer's assertion, and a judicial officer's finding, that the subject of the petition poses an immediate and present danger of causing personal injury by having, owning, purchasing, possessing, or receiving a firearm, and that the order is necessary to prevent the personal injury because less restrictive alternatives have been tried and found to be ineffective or have been determined to be inadequate or inappropriate for the circumstances. Requires the assertion to be submitted in a written petition, unless time and circumstances do not permit the submission of a written petition, in which case the procedure for obtaining an oral search warrant applies.

New GS 50E-4 authorizes immediate family members of a person, or law enforcement officers, to file a petition requesting an ex parte gun violence restraining order, issuable upon a court finding a substantial likelihood that the subject of the petition poses a significant danger, in the near future, of causing personal injury by having, owning, purchasing, possessing, or receiving a firearm, as determined by the factors in new GS 50E-2, and that the order is necessary to prevent the personal injury because less restrictive alternatives either have been tried and found to be ineffective or are inadequate or inappropriate for the circumstances. Requires the affidavit supporting the petition to set forth the facts establishing the grounds of the petition. Requires the ex parte order to either issue or be denied on the same day that the petition is submitted to the court, unless the petition is filed too late in the day to permit effective review, in which case the order shall be issued or denied on the next day of judicial business in sufficient time for the order to be filed that day with the clerk of court.

New GS 50E-5 authorizes a person subject to a gun violence restraining order under this Chapter to submit a written request for a hearing to terminate the order. Directs the court to terminate the order upon finding that there is no longer clear and convincing evidence to believe that the circumstances in GS 50E-2 are true.

New GS 50E-6 provides for a one-year renewal of gun violence restraining orders upon a petition of an immediate family member or law enforcement officer, and clear and convincing evidence that the provisions of GS 50E-2 continue to be true, within three months prior to the expiration of a gun violence restraining order.

New GS 50E-7 requires copies of the order to be issued to each party, and to the police department or sheriff of the city or county of the restrained person's residence.

New GS 50E-8 requires the subject of a gun violence restraining order to immediately surrender all firearms and ammunition in that person's custody, control, or ownership, and any permits to purchase firearms, to local law enforcement agencies. If immediate surrender is not possible, then surrender must occur within 24 hours of being served with the order. Requires the subject to file a receipt of surrender, issued by the law enforcement officer taking possession of the firearms, within 48 hours of being served with the order. Failure is a violation of the order. Upon expiration of the order, any firearms or ammunition shall be returned to the restrained person. Authorizes the restrained person to sell or transfer title of any firearms or ammunition in the custody of a law enforcement agency under this statute. Directs law enforcement agencies to return any firearms surrendered under this statute to the lawful owner, if the lawful owner is not the restrained person.

New GS 50E-9 provides that officers and law enforcement agencies are not required to pursue a gun violence restraining order in any case.

Except as otherwise specified, effective December 1, 2017, and applies to offenses committed on or after that date.

Enacts GS 15A-270.10, requiring each local law enforcement agency to conduct an inventory of Sexual Assault Evidence Collect Kits (SAECKs) in its custody or control and report its findings to the Department of Justice, State Crime Laboratory, no later than January 1, 2018. Directs the State Crime Laboratory to compile the information and report its findings to the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Justice and Public Safety no later than April 1, 2018.

Requires the inventory report from each local law enforcement agency to include: (1) the total number of SAECKs in its custody or control that have not previously undergone forensic testing and (2) the total number of SAECKs in its custody or control that (a) are anonymous; (b) represent a case that has been resolved in court by conviction, dismissal, or any other manner; (c) were not submitted for forensic testing because the suspect admitted to the sexual act in question; and (d) were not submitted for forensic testing because the allegations were determined to be unfounded as a result of further investigation. 

Directs the Law Enforcement Support Services Office (LESS) of the Department of Public Safety to conduct an inventory of all SAECKs in its custody without regard to the age of the kits. Requires LESS to report its findings to the State Crime Laboratory by January 1, 2018. Directs the State Crime Laboratory to compile the information and report its findings to the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Justice and Public Safety by April 1, 2018.

Appropriates $699,484 in recurring funds for each year of the 2017-19 biennium from the General Fund to the State Crime Laboratory. Directs that in each year of the biennium, (1) $217,776 must be used to purchase equipment to be used for forensic testing of SAECKs and inventory tracking software and (2) $484,708 must be used to purchase DNA specific supplies needed for forensic testing of SAECKs. Effective July 1, 2017.

Amends GS 106-202.19(a) to forbid the harvesting of wild ginseng outside of a harvesting season or without a harvesting permit issued by the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Limits the permit fee to $25. Allows the North Carolina Plant Conservation Board to enter into memoranda of understanding with law enforcement agencies, including special peace officers of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, the Wildlife Resources Commission, and the Department of Environmental Quality, to provide for enforcement of new subdivision (5a) on both public and private lands.

Requires the North Carolina Plant Conservation Board (Board) to issues rules to implement the act, including: (1) a requirement that the ginseng collection permit include physical identifying information on the permitee or equivalent information to enable law enforcement to determine if the permit is being used by persons other than the permitee and (2) a program to allow ginseng dealers permitted under GS 106-202.19(6) to sell ginseng harvest permits and receive a portion of the fee authorized by this act for each permit sold. Requires the Board to propose rules to implement the act no later than April 1, 2018.

Contains whereas clauses.

Sections 1 and 2

Subject to voter approval, amends Article II, Sections 3 and 5 of the NC Constitution, directing the Independent Redistricting Commission, beginning as soon as practical, to revise the Senate and Representative districts and the apportionment of Senators and Representatives among those district after the return of every decennial census of population take by order of Congress. Requires the revision of districts and apportionment of Senators and Representatives so that the districts, to the extent possible, meet four goals: (1) the goal of politically neutral district plans to the extent possible; (2) the goal of compactness, to avoid elongated and irregularly shaped districts; (3) the goal of one person, one vote to ensure each voter's vote; and (4) the goal of minimizing the number of split counties, municipalities, and other communities of interest. Requires all districts to be contiguous, and prohibits precincts from being split. Deletes previous provisions that required the General Assembly to conduct the revisions of districts and the apportionment of Senators and Representatives subject to specified requirements. Effective beginning with the redistricting done upon the return of the 2020 decennial census.

Section 3

Subject to voter approval, adds new Section 25 to Article II of the NC Constitution, establishing the Independent Redistricting Commission (Commission). Sets out membership of the Commission, consisting of nine persons appointed by the Governor, the President Pro Tempore, and the Speaker of the House, as specified. Provides for the appointment process in the case when there are two or more parties other than the Speaker or the President Pro Tempore's party in the House or Senate with equal membership. Provides other parameters for the appointment of initial and subsequent members of the Commission, including requiring the appointing officers to take into account the advisability of having the Commission reflect the State's geographic, gender, racial, and ethnic diversity. Provides that the term of initial members is until successors are appointed and qualified. Provides that subsequent members are to take office the first day of July each year ending in the number zero, and continue until successors are adopted. Sets parameters for filling vacancies and electing a chair. Requires that NC residency is required to be eligible for appointment to the Commission. Prohibits any person from serving on the Commission who has held elective public office or been a candidate for elective public office in the four years prior to commencement of service on the Commission. Further, prohibits any person who has served as a member of the Commission from being eligible to hold any elective State office for four years after termination of service on the Commission. Defines public office to mean any partisan or nonpartisan office filled by election by the people on a statewide, county, municipal, or district basis. 

Directs the Commission to adopt computer programs to generate plans for revising the Senate and Representative districts, in accordance with Sections 3 and 5 of Article II as amended. Establishes that these plans have the same force and effect of acts of the General Assembly. Expressly prohibits the General Assembly from adopting any legislative district plan. Further provides that the Commission is responsible for adopting a computer program to generate a district plan for election of members of the House of Representatives of US Congress. Expressly prohibits the General Assembly from adopting any district plan for election of members of the US House of Representatives. Requires the Commission to adopt a computer program to generate district plans by October 1 of the year following each decennial census of population taken by order of Congress. Prohibits the Commission from considering the following in preparing or adopting its plans: (1) the political affiliation of voters; (2) voting data from previous elections; (3) the location of incumbents' residences; (4) any socioeconomic data regarding voters; and (5) demographic data from sources other than the US Bureau of the Census, with racial and ethnic data only being used for the purposes of compliance with the US Constitution and laws enacted pursuant thereto. 

Provides that the Commission is to adopt a new district plan in the event that a plan it has adopted is held invalid. Directs the Commission to consider the relevant requirements of the US Constitution and acts of Congress, and comply with the NC Constitution as enunciated by the NC Supreme Court. Permits the General Assembly to by law assign the Commission the duty to adopt districting and redistricting plans for any county, city, town, special district, and other governmental subdivision if the governing board of the unit or a court of competent jurisdiction so requests. 

Effective January 1, 2020. 

Section 4

Makes conforming changes to Section 22(5) of Article II of the NC Constitution, effective January 1, 2021.

Sections 5 and 6

Sets out the question to be used on ballots for voter approval of the constitutional amendments provided in Sections 1-4 of this act at the general election in November 2018.

Sections 7 and 8

Effective only if the proposed constitutional amendments are approved by voters, enacts new Article 12B to GS Chapter 163, Redistricting. Directs the Commission to retain independent staff under contract to prepare the redistricting plans covered by Section 25 of Article II of the NC Constitution. Prohibits the staff from providing any instructions as to the content of plans that are being drafted for consideration by the General Assembly other than to follow the guidelines set out in Section 25 of Article II. 

Part I

Amends GS 163-1(b), as amended by SL 2017-3, to provide for a voter-nominated primary election to nominate candidates in the State for certain offices. Lists 19 offices that are to be voter-nominated offices, including the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of State, Attorney General and state legislators. 

Defines the following terms for purposes of Subchapters I through VIII of GS Chapter 163. Defines a voter-nominated primary election to mean a primary in which a qualified voter can vote at the primary for any candidate described in subsection (b) without regard to the political party affiliation disclosed by either the candidate or the voter, with the two candidates receiving the highest vote totals for each of those offices in the primary election competing for office at the general election. Defines a voter-nominated office as a congressional or State elective office for which a candidate can choose to have the candidate's political party affiliation or lack of political party affiliation indicated on the ballot. 

Adds new subsection (b1) to GS 163-1 to clarify that the statute does not prohibit a political party or political party committee from endorsing, supporting, or opposing a candidate for an office listed in subsection (b).

Amends GS 163-11 (Filling vacancies in the General Assembly) to provide that if a vacancy occurs in the General Assembly by death, resignation, or otherwise than by expiration of term, the Governor must immediately make an appointment for the unexpired part of the term until an election is held to fill the office, pursuant to the Governor's powers and duties under GS 147-12. Deletes all other provisions in subsections (a), (b), (c), and (d), setting out further requirements and limitations regarding the Governor's appointment in filling a vacancy in the General Assembly, including eliminating the requirement that the Governor appoint the person recommended by the political party executive committee as specified.

Amends GS 163-12 (filling a vacancy in the US Senate) to eliminate the requirement that the person appointed by the Governor be a person affiliated with the same political party if the vacating Senator was elected as a nominee of a political party.

Amends GS 163-13 (filling a vacancy in the US House of Representatives) to eliminate the provision providing nominations to fill a vacancy in the US House to be made by the political party congressional district executive committees in the district in which the vacancy occurs if a congressional vacancy occurs beginning on the tenth day before the filing period ends under GS 163-106(c) preceding the next general election, whereby those names are certified and printed on the special election ballot. Now provides that the Governor must call a special primary for the purpose of nominating candidates to be voted on in a special election called by the Governor, as specified (currently, this is only the nominating procedure if the congressional vacancy occurs before the tenth day before the filing period ends under GS 163-106(c) prior to the next succeeding general election).

Amends GS 163-59 (Right to participate or vote in party primary), limiting the existing provisions of the statute to political party primary elections only.

Amends GS 163-82.4(c) to specify that an unaffiliated voter registrant can vote in a voter-nominated primary.

Amends GS 163-106 to provide the form for the notice and pledge of candidacy for a voter-nominated primary that must be filed with the board of elections. Provides that subsection (b), requiring a person to be affiliated with the person's political party for at least 90 days before filing as a candidate in a party primary, does not apply to individuals seeking office as voter-nominated candidates. Modifies subsection (c), setting out the time requirements for filing notice of candidacy with the State Board of Elections and the county board of elections, where applicable, to establish that the existing provisions apply to candidates seeking office for specified offices in a voter-nominated primary election. Modifies subsection (f) to provide that candidates required to file their notice of candidacy with the State Board of Elections under subsection (c) must include a certificate, as specified, stating among other information, the preference for designating the party with which the person is affiliated, and if the person has not changed affiliation from another party or from unaffiliated within three moths prior to the filing deadline, when applicable to that office. 

Amends GS 163-107.1 (Petition in lieu of payment of filing fee) to make the statute's provisions concerning nomination in the party primary also applicable to any qualified voter who seeks office in a voter-nominated primary whereby a written petition can be filed with the appropriate board of elections requesting the person be a candidate for the specified office in lieu of payment of the filing fee. Amends subsection (b), which requires a candidate seeking the office of US Senator, Governor, Lieutenant Governor, any State executive officer, Justice of the Supreme Court, or Judge of the Court of Appeals to have a petition signed by 10,000 registered voters, to provide that the voter signatures count towards the required number regardless of the voter's political affiliation (currently, requires the voter signatures to be members of the political party in whose primary the candidate desires to run, and provides for different thresholds for political parties defined by GS 163-96(a)(2)).

Amends subsection (c) of GS 163-107.1, pertaining to filing a petition in lieu of paying a filing fee for candidacy in an office set forth in GS 163-106(c) but not listed in subsection (b) of GS 163-107.1 (leaving judges of superior court, judges of district court, US Senators, US Representatives, district attorneys, State Senators, State representatives, and all county offices), or a municipal or any other office requiring a partisan primary which is not set forth in GS 163-106(c) or (d). Provides that if the office the candidate is seeking is a voter-nominated office, the petition must be signed by 5% of the registered voters of the election area in which the office will be voted for.

Makes conforming changes to GS 163-108(c), concerning the State Board of Elections certification of the filed notices of candidacy under GS 163-106(c), reflecting the option of a candidate to provide the candidate's preference for party affiliation, where applicable.

Amends GS 163-110 (Candidates declared nominees without primary) to make the existing provisions applicable to voter-nominated primaries, party primaries, or nonpartisan primaries. 

Renames GS 163-111 Determination of primary results (previously, included secondary primaries). Deletes all existing language, and now provides the following.

New subsection (a) requires, for voter-nominated offices described in GS 163-1(b), there must be a primary to narrow the field of candidates to two candidates for each position to be filled, if, when the filing period closes, there are more than two candidates for a single office or the number of candidates for a group of offices exceeds twice the number of positions to be filled. Adds that, if only one or two candidates file for a single office, no primary can be held for that office and the candidates must be declared nominated. Further, provides that if the number of candidates for a group of offices does not exceed twice the number of positions to be filled, no primary can be held for those offices and the candidates must be declared nominated. 

New subsection (a1) provides that, in the primary, the two candidates for a single office receiving the highest number of votes, and those candidates for a group of offices receiving the highest number of votes, equal to twice the number of positions to be filled, are declared nominated. Where two or more candidates receiving the highest number of votes each receive the same number of votes, the State Board of Elections must determine their relative ranking by lot and must declare the nominees accordingly. Directs that the canvass of the primary is to be held on the same date as the primary canvass fixed under GS 163-182.5. Requires the canvass to be conducted in accordance with Article 15A of GS Chapter 163.

New subsection (a2) sets forth that, in the general election, the names of those candidates declared nominated without a primary and those candidates nominated in the primary must be placed on the ballot. Directs that the candidate for a single office receiving the highest number of votes must be elected. Requires that those candidates in a group of offices receiving the highest number of votes, equal in number to the number of positions to be filled, must be elected. Sets out that if two candidates receive the highest number of votes and each received the same number of votes, the State Board of Elections must determine the winner by lot. 

New subsection (a3) establishes that the provisions of GS 163-111 as amended prevail over any local act. 

Makes conforming changes to GS 163-112 (Death of a candidate before primary; vacancy in single office) to remove references to "political party," making the statute applicable to all primaries, not just party primaries. Makes further conforming changes to GS 163-113 (Nominee's right to withdraw as candidate) to remove references to "political party."

Amends GS 163-114 to add new language providing that, except as otherwise provided, if any voter-nominated candidate for one of the offices listed in GS 163-1(b), either in a primary or by virtue of having no opposition in a primary, dies, resigns, or for any reason becomes ineligible or disqualified before the date of the ensuing general election, the vacancy must be filled by the Governor pursuant to powers enumerated under GS 147-12(a)(3). Makes conforming changes to modify the offices listed and their respective vacancy appointment instructions provided in GS 163-114, concerning vacancies of nominated candidates of a political party, to reflect the changes to GS 163-1(b). Makes conforming changes to delete related provisions in GS 163-114. Further, provides that an individual whose name appeared on the ballot in a primary election preliminary to the general election is not eligible to be nominated to fill a vacancy for the same office in the same year (previously, specified that the individual is not eligible to be nominated to fill a vacancy in the nomination of another party for the same office in the same year).

Makes conforming changes to GS 163-115 (Special provisions for obtaining nominations when vacancies occur in certain offices), reflecting changes made to GS 163-1(b) and GS 163-114.

Repeals GS 163-119 (Voting by unaffiliated voter in party primary).

Renames GS 163-123 Declaration of intent and petitions for write-in candidates in elections (currently, in partisan elections).

Amends GS 163-165.6 (Arrangement of official ballots). Modifies subsection (b), setting out the requirements of the rules the State Board of Elections is required to promulgate prescribing the order of offices to be voted on the official ballot, to require the rules to adhere to the guideline that voter-nominated offices listed under GS 163-1(b) are to be listed before partisan offices, and partisan offices, regardless of the size of constituency, are to be listed before nonpartisan offices. Modifies subsection (c) to provide that the order in which candidates appear on a county's official ballots in any primary ballot item must be determined by the county board of elections using a process designed by the State Board of Elections for random selection. Modifies subsection (d), setting out the order of candidates in any ballot item on a general election official ballot. Removes the requirement that nominees of political parties that reflect at least 5% of statewide voter registration be in alphabetical order by party beginning with the party whose nominee for Governor received the most votes in the most recent gubernatorial election and in alphabetical order within the party, to now require the nominees to be listed in alphabetical order by party. Adds that voter-nominated candidates are to be listed in alphabetical order by order of precedence pursuant to existing subsection (b), and follow the nominees of political parties as set out previously. Makes conforming change to delete subsection (d1), pertaining to the order of candidates for judge of the court of appeals on the general election official ballot. 

Amends GS 163-226.1 (Absentee voting in primary) to provide that a qualified voter can vote by absentee ballot in a primary as permitted in GS Chapter 163. Deletes other qualifications concerning partisan primaries.

Makes conforming changes to GS 163-227.2(b), concerning early one-stop voting in a primary election. Makes technical changes. 

Part II

Makes conforming changes to GS 18C-112(e), GS 160A-23.1(d), GS 163-55(c), GS 163-82.6(d), GS 163-82.17(a), GS 163-226(c), GS 163-258.9(a), GS 163-258.16(a), GS 163-258.29, GS 163-278.6(8), GS 163-278.13(d), and GS 163-278.40B(2). 

Amends GS 160A-23.1(d), providing that for cities using the election and runoff method under GS 163-293, the election must be held on the primary election date for county officers in the second year following a federal decennial census, but the results must instead be determined by the nonpartisan plurality election method under GS 163-292 (previously, provided that necessary runoffs are to be held on the date for the second primary for county officers in that year).

Repeals GS 163-227.1, GS 163-227.3(b), and GS 163-278.13B(d), all pertaining to a second primary.

Part III provides that the act applies to primaries and elections held on or after January 1, 2018.

Amends GS 143-508(d)(8), as the title indicates.

Identical to S 311, filed 3/16/17.

Includes whereas clauses.

Requires the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to study and analyze the state's ability to provide women with timely and equitable access to high-quality, risk-appropriate maternal and neonatal care. Sets out seven issues to be studied, including the complexity levels of care currently being provided by all delivering hospitals in caring for birth mothers and newborns, and disparities in access to risk‑appropriate maternal and hospital care.

Requires DHHS to make an interim report on its findings and recommendations to the 2018 Regular Session of the General Assembly by May 1, 2018, and requires a final report to the 2019 General Assembly.

Establishes a 10-member Joint Legislative Study Commission on Efficiency and Cost-Savings in State Government, with five members each appointed by the President Pro Tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives. Provides for the meeting time and location, administration, support staff, and powers of the Commission. Directs the Commission to use a zero-based budgeting review process to study whether there are obsolete programs, cost-reduction opportunities in State government, and cases where existing funds can be redirected to meet new and changing demands for public services. Authorizes the Commission to require any agency to submit written information, and lists five types of information the Commission may require. Directs the Commission to make an interim report to the 2018 Regular Session of the 2017 General Assembly, and a final report to the 2019 General Assembly, including proposed legislation. The Commission terminates upon the filing of its final report, or upon the convening of the 2019 General Assembly, whichever is earlier.

Amends GS 62-2(a), deleting language in (a)(10) that requires the state to promote the use of renewable energy and energy efficiency through the implementation of the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Portfolio Standard (REPS). Replaces it with language requiring the state to promote renewable energy and energy efficiency in a manner consistent with the development of the least cost mix of generation. Provides that State policy is to ensure that the development of renewable energy facilities does not result in stranded costs for existing generating units, including the relicensing of existing nuclear power facilities.

Amends the definition ofsmall power producerin GS 62-3(27a) to mean a person or corporation owning or operating an electrical power production facility that qualifies as a small power production facility under 16 USC s. 796.Requires that standard contracts with these producers not exceed 100 kilowatts of capacity and 2 years, and must allow the public utility to curtail power generated by the small power producer as needed to maintain economic dispatch and system reliability. Requires that the rates paid by a utility to the producer not exceed the incremental cost to the utility (was, limited to the energy cost). Requires rates to be established with further consideration of the need for the power. Provides that the contract may not include payment for capacity. Effective July 1, 2017, and applies to rates approved on or after that date.

Amends GS 62-133.8 (Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Portfolio Standard (REPS)) to revise the definition ofrenewable energy resource: limits included biomass resources to the listed types of resources, deletes wood waste and energy crops from that list, and excludes wood waste and tire-derived fuel from the definition. Deletes the provision excluding nuclear energy resource from the definition. Deletes the provisions in the REPS system providing percentage limits for electric utilities implementing energy efficiency measures and verifiable energy efficiency certificates to meet energy consumption reduction requirements, and the percentage limits for purchasing new renewable energy certificates derived from renewable energy facilities to meet those requirements. Includes all reasonable and prudent costs complying with 16 USC s. 824a-3, in addition to other currently described federal mandates, within the definition ofincremental costs. Eliminates the authority of utilities to charge account holders a higher annual fee in 2015 and thereafter to recover incremental costs related to REPS implementation (capped at 2012 amounts). Effective July 1, 2017, and applies to cost recovery proceedings initiated on or after that date.

Eliminates the requirements for renewable energy and energy efficiency standards for electric public utilities and electric membership corporations and municipalities, for compliance through the use of solar energy, and for compliance through the use of swine waste after 2018 (maintains 2015 amounts thereafter). Amends poultry waste energy sale requirements as follows: 68,000 megawatt hours required in 2012, 280,000 megawatt hours required in 2013, and 360 megawatt hours required in 2014 and thereafter. (Currently, 170,000 for 2012, 700,000 for 2013, 900,000 for 2014, and separate requirements thereafter).

Repeals GS 105-275(45), which is the tax exclusion for a solar energy electric system. Effective for taxable years beginning on or after July 1, 2017.

The Utilities Commission may allow an electric power supplier to recover reasonable and prudent incremental costs it incurred before July 1, 2017, in order to comply with REPS requirements that are repealed. Directs the Commission to consider whether reasonable steps were taken to mitigate costs in response to the changes enacted in this act.

Directs the Utilities Commission, in consultation with the Public Staff and the Department of Environmental Quality, to conduct an assessment of costs and benefits of distributed generation, including distributed solar generation, to be provided to the Joint Legislative Commission on Energy Policy by May 1, 2018. Requires utilities and others to cooperate with the assessment. Appropriates $300,000 for 2017-18 from the General Fund to the Utilities commission to contract with an independent research organization to conduct the assessment.

Enacts new GS 62-351 (Decommissioning and reclamation of utility-scale solar projects; financial assurance requirements). Requires the owner or operator of a utility-scale solar project, as defined, to decommission the project upon cessation of activities, and to reclaim the property to its condition prior to commencement of activities on the site, no later than two years following completion of the operations. Requires owners or operators to establish financial assurance that will ensure that sufficient funds are available for decommissioning and reclamation, even if the owner or operator becomes insolvent or ceases to reside, be incorporated, do business, or maintain assets in the State. Authorizes various methods of financial assurance. Directs the Department of Environmental Quality to adopt rules establishing criteria to set the amount of required financial assurance, and provides requirements for the rules. Applies to utility-scale solar projects for which construction is initiated on or after the date the act becomes law.

Includes a severability clause.

Unless otherwise provided, effective when the act becomes law.

Directs the Legislative Research Commission (Commission) to study the regulatory, financial, and infrastructure burdens in coastal communities. Provides that coastal community refers to any NC county containing or to the east of Interstate 95. Details four components the Commission must study: (1) the administrative burdens and increased costs due to unnecessary or duplicative environmental burdens, (2) the impacts on private property rights and land development due to land use and other restrictions imposed by local governments, (3) the impacts of underinvestment in necessary infrastructure to encourage and sustain economic development, and (4) any other topic or issue relevant to the study. Directs the Commission to make its final report to the 2018 Regular Session of the 2017 General Assembly. Effective July 1, 2017.

To be summarized.

Amends the requirements in GS 115C-12 regarding high school diploma endorsements to add that the purpose is to encourage students to obtain job skills necessary for a student to be successful in a wide range of high-quality careers, and requires that the endorsement reflect reading achievement. Makes the award of high school diploma endorsements contingent upon a student achieving specified performance levels on nationally norm-referenced college admissions tests for reading. Amends the required information in the report under this statute to include information on students' performance on these tests.

Applies beginning with high school diploma endorsements awarded in the 2018-19 school year.

Authorizes the Legislative Research Commission (Commission) to (1) study matters pertaining to holding a parent accountable for harm done to the parent's child before birth as a result of the parent's abuse of controlled substances and (2) report its findings and recommendations to the 2018 Regular Session of the 2017 General Assembly by April 1, 2018. Directs the Legislative Services Officer to allocate funds appropriated to the General Assembly for the expenditures of the Legislative Services Commission in conducting this study. 

Renames Article 7 of GS Chapter 23 as Municipalities and Other Governmental Units Authorized for Bankruptcy Relief.

Deletes the existing provisions of GS 23-48 and now provides the following. Details governmental entities that are authorized to seek any relief afforded under Chapter 9 of Title 11 (Bankruptcy) of the US Code as: (1) a taxing district, local improvement district, county, or municipality, with the approval of the Local Government Commission; (2) a correction enterprise as described in Article 14 of GS Chapter 148, with the approval of the Secretary of Public Safety; (3) a local school administrative unit, with the approval of the State Board of Education; and (4) a community college, with the approval of the State Board of Community Colleges; however, prohibits a community college from seeking relief under Chapter 9 of Title 11 (Bankruptcy) of the US  Code if the filing of a bankruptcy petition would result in the community college's loss of eligibility for federally funded financial aid. Allows a governmental unit that is denied approval under the statute to appeal the decision to the superior court. Directs the superior court to review whether the decision is arbitrary or capricious.

Enacts new GS 23-49, authorizing a governmental unit permitted to seek bankruptcy under GS 23-48 to use or borrow additional working capital pursuant to a plan of adjustment confirmed by a US Bankruptcy Court or pursuant to an order issued by a US Bankruptcy Court. Clarifies that the statute does not prescribe a method of composition of indebtedness, as described in 11 USC 903.

The above provisions are effective October 1, 2017.

Renames GS 1-245 as Notice of judgments discharged through bankruptcy proceedings. Makes organizational changes. Modifies and adds to existing language to now provide as follows. Establishes that when a debtor in bankruptcy or other party‑in‑interest furnishes the clerk of the superior court of any county in this state a written form, order, or certificate from a United States Bankruptcy Court to the effect that (1) a debtor has been discharged, (2) the plaintiff or judgment creditor in whose favor judgments against the defendant debtor are docketed in the office of the clerk of the superior court have received due notice as provided by law, and (3) the judgments have been discharged or avoided in whole or in part, the clerk of the superior court must file the form, order, or certificate and enter a notation thereof on the margin of the judgments. Adds that the effect of any form, order, or certificate filed by the clerk pursuant to the statute is governed by Title 11 of the US Code  and other applicable federal law. Provides that the statute applies to judgments already docketed as well as to future judgments.

Amends GS 44A-12(a), concerning the filing of a statutory lien on real property, to require a copy of the claim of lien on real property to be filed with any receiver, bankruptcy trustee, debtor in possession, or assignee (previously, with any receiver, referee in bankruptcy, or assignee) for benefit of creditors who obtains legal authority over the real property. Makes other technical and clarifying changes. 

Amends GS 44A-13(a), concerning where and when an action to enforce a statutory claim of lien on real property can be commenced. Makes organizational changes to the provision providing the specified filings that can satisfy the requirements for the commencement of the action if filed within the time required. Adds the filing of a proof of claim pursuant to 11 USC 501 to the specified filings that satisfy the requirement. 

Modifies GS 47-29 (Recording of bankruptcy records) to now provide that a copy of the petition with the schedules omitted beginning a proceeding under Title 11 of the US Code or of any form, order, or certificate of a US Bankruptcy Court in the proceeding must be recorded in the office of any register of deeds in North Carolina, and it is the duty of the register of deeds, on request, to record the form, order, or certificate. Provides that the register of deeds to is entitled to the same fees for this registration as the register of deeds is now entitled to for recording conveyances.

Amends GS 59-32(1), defining bankrupt to mean: (1) a debtor having filed a petition under any applicable chapter of Title 11 of the US Code; (2) a debtor against which an order for relief has been entered pursuant to 11 USC 303; or (3) insolvent under any State insolvent act (previously, defined to mean bankrupt under the Federal Bankruptcy Act or insolvent under any State insolvent act).

Amends GS 84-5(a)(2)l, requiring the performance of legal services in insolvency proceedings or before a US Bankruptcy Court (was, before a referee in bankruptcy or in court) to be performed for a corporation by a duly licensed attorney. 

Amends GS 96-10(c) to eliminate the provision pertaining to the priority of employer contributions to the Employment Security Administration Fund then or thereafter due in the event of an employer's adjudication in bankruptcy, judicially confirmed extension proposal, or composition under the Federal Bankruptcy Act of 1898. Makes other technical and clarifying changes.

Enacts GS 1-505.1, authorizing a receiver, in the sale of property ordered under GS 1-505, to sell assets of the receivership free and clear of interests in the assets in the manner provided by 11 USC 363. Effective October 1, 2017, and applies to sales of property ordered on or after that date. 

Includes whereas clauses. Enacts new GS 14-313(a1) prohibiting retail distributors of tobacco products and cigarette wrapping papers from displaying: (1) tobacco products or cigarette wrapping papers in an area that can be accessed by persons under 18 years old or (2) for public view any product considered drug paraphernalia. Effective October 1, 2017.

Amends GS 65-48 (definitions for the North Carolina Cemetery Act), to add and define the terms net income and perpetual care trust fund. 

Enacts new GS 65-64.1, Management of perpetual care trust fund. Establishes that the statute applies to perpetual care trust fund agreements entered into, renewed, or modified on or after the effective date of this act. Defines perpetual care trust fund as a trust fund that provides for the perpetual care and maintenance of a cemetery, including a care and maintenance trust fund, a perpetual care fund, and a perpetual trust fund. Adds that to the extent the statute conflicts with other provisions in Article 9, new GS 65-64.1 controls. 

Authorizes a cemetery company to enter into a perpetual care trust fund agreement with a trustee that meets the requirements of GS 65-60.1 or the State Treasurer. Directs the State Treasurer to replace a trustee when: (1) if the trustee is licensed by the Commissioner of Banks or the Administrator of Credit Unions, the trustee's license is suspended, revoked, or expired or (2) the Cemetery Commission disapproves the trustee. 

Provides for the management of the fund as follows. Directs the trustee to invest and reinvest the perpetual care trust fund in accordance with GS 32-71. Requires the trustee, at least quarterly, to pay to the cemetery company the net income of the perpetual care trust fund, and furnish to the cemetery company an accounting statement that shows all investments, the investments' costs, the investments' current market value, all income earned on the investments, and the net income paid to the cemetery company during the period covered by the statement. Directs the trustee to add all appreciation, gains, stock dividends, and other benefits, other than cash income, to the corpus of the perpetual care trust fund. Requires the trustee to charge any loss on investment against the corpus. Provides that, if the net income is insufficient to pay all trust administration expenses, the cemetery company is not obligated to pay the unpaid amount. Establishes that no person can withdraw, transfer, or place a security interest in any portion of the corpus.

Requires a trustee of a perpetual care trust fund to file bond with the Cemetery Commission to secure the performance of the trustee's duties under Article 9. Provides parameters for the execution and amount of the trustee's bond. Establishes that a bank or trust company licensed to do trust business in North Carolina is exempt from these requirements. Adds that the State Treasurer is also exempt from these requirements.

Prohibits the parties to a perpetual care trust fund agreement from varying the requirements of the statute without first obtaining written consent from either the Cemetery Commission or, if the State Treasurer is the trustee, the State Treasurer.

Applies to perpetual care trust fund agreements entered into, renewed, or modified on or after the date the act becomes law.

Amends GS 58-50-30 (Right to choose services of certain providers) to add licensed athletic trainers to the list of providers to which that statute applies. Effective October 1, 2017.

Enacts new GS 130A-310.8A. Requires the Department of Environmental Quality to provide each county electronic access to Geographical Information System (GIS) data on the location and dimensions of each inactive hazardous substance or waste disposal site located within a county's jurisdiction. Requires each county to make the GIS data available in any searchable property mapping system the county maintains for use by the public. Requires the information to be accompanied by a specified disclaimer, made in a conspicuous manner.

Amends GS 47E-4 to require the North Carolina Real Estate Commission's disclosure statement to include a notice that information on contaminated properties may be obtained from the Department of Environmental Quality.

Amends GS 130A-310.8 to direct the Department to further determine the dimensions of inactive hazardous substance or waste disposal sites.

Effective July 1, 2017.

As title indicates.

Enacts new Article 24, North Carolina Toxic-Free Kids Act, in GS Chapter 130A as the title indicates. 

Defines children's product to mean a consumer product intended for use by children such as clothing, toys, personal care products, baby products, or car seats. The term also applies to food containers for foods intended for consumption by children under the age of three, such as baby food and infant formula. Defines a chemical of high concern as a chemical regulated by new Article 24 and provides definitions for the following chemicals defined as chemicals of high concern under this Article: (1) bisphenol A, (2) phthalates, and (3) TRIS. Defines a child as a person under the age of twelve years. Provides definitions for additional terms as used in new Article 24.

Prohibits, beginning July 1, 2019, any wholesaler or retailer from knowingly selling, offering for sale, or distributing for sale or use in North Carolina any children's product containing the following chemicals of high concern: (1) bisphenol A, (2) phthalates individually or in combination greater than 0.10 percent by weight (1,000 parts per million), or (3) TRIS in amounts greater than 50 parts per million in any component. 

Lists ten exceptions when the requirements of Article 24 do not apply. Exceptions include but are not limited to (1) children's products manufactured using chemicals of high concern when those chemicals are not present in the final children's product; (2) pharmaceutical products or biologics; (3) consumer electronics products and electronic components; and (4) food and beverage packaging except for containers containing infant food or formula, and toddler food.

Beginning October 1, 2018, requires a retailer or distributor of a children's product, or a trade organization on behalf of its member retailers or distributors, to provide notice to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) (appears to intend the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ)) of any children's products that contain a chemical regulated under this act. Requires an annual filing of this notice with DENR and specifies the information that the notice must contain.

Authorizes DENR to adopt rules as necessary to implement, administer, and enforce this Article.

Makes conforming changes to GS 130A-17(b), GS 130A-18(b), GS 130A-19(b), and GS 130A-20(b) to reflect the enacting of new Article 24.

Directs DEQ, in consultation with the Division of Public Health of the Department of Health and Human Services, to submit a report to the General Assembly by January 1, 2019, summarizing and evaluating retailers' and distributors' notices on chemicals of high concern as identified in Article 24. Specifies requirements for the content of the report. Provides that the definitions in new GS 130A-511, as enacted in Article 24 of this act in Section 1, apply to these provisions of Section 2 of this act, unless the context clearly requires otherwise.

Provides that Section 1, enacting new Article 24, becomes effective December 1, 2017, and the remainder of the act is effective when it becomes law.

Amends the definition of a political party in GS 163-96(a) reducing the percentage requirement of entire votes cast in the state for Governor or for presidential electors to qualify as a political party in North Carolina from 2% to 0.25%. Further requires a petition by a group of voters seeking political party status to be signed by at least 200 registered voters from each of three (was, four) congressional districts. Petitions must be filed by 12:00 noon on the third Friday in July preceding the day on which is to be held the first general state election.

Amends GS 163-98, adjusting the time frame for the president of the new political party's convention to certify to the State Board of Elections names of persons chosen as the new party's candidates in the upcoming general election to be no later than the first day of September (rather than the first day of July) prior to the general election.

Amends GS 163-122(a), as amended by SL 2017-3, changing the date by which a petition by an unaffiliated candidate to be included on a ballot must be filed with the State Board of Elections from the second Wednesday prior to the primary election to the third Friday in July. Also reduces the required percentage of qualified voters who must sign the petition from 2% of the total number of voters who voted in the most recent general election to 0.25% if the office is statewide. Requires the petition be signed from voters in three (was, four) Congressional districts.

If the office is a district office under the jurisdiction of the State Board of Elections or if the office is a county office or single county legislative district, the percentage of qualified voters that must sign the petition is changed from 4% to 0.25%. Deletes various provisions concerning total number of registered voters needed in regards to county officer or single-county legislative district elections, in lieu of setting the requirement at 0.25% of the total number of registered voters that voted in the most recent general election for that office. Updates a statutory reference. If the office is a superior court judge or a district court judge, regardless of whether the district lies entirely in one county or in more than one county, the percentage of qualified voters that must sign the petition is changed from 2% to 0.25%.

Amends GS 163-296 requiring unaffiliated candidates who seek to have their names printed on the regular municipal ballot to do so in the manner provided in GS 163-122 and removing the requirement that the petition be signed by at least 4% of the qualified voters of the municipality. Makes conforming changes, and makes the language gender neutral. 

Effective with respect to all primaries and elections held on or after the date the act becomes law. 

Enacts GS 7B-2701.5 (Parental community service performed with the juvenile under certain circumstances). Establishes that if a juvenile has been adjudicated a delinquent for a violation of GS 14-33(c)(6) (assault on a school employee or volunteer) and ordered to perform community service in a dispositional order pursuant to GS 7B-2506, or in an order of probation pursuant to GS 7B-2510, and the court finds that it is in the best interests of the juvenile, the court can order at least one parent, guardian, or custodian of the juvenile to perform community service with the juvenile. Effective December 1, 2017, and applies to offenses committed on or after that date. 

Amends GS 7B-505 (Placement while in nonsecure custody) to add a new subsection providing that when a juvenile is in nonsecure custody with the department of social services pursuant to the statute, the department of social services is required to follow the placement and review the case of the juvenile in its custody throughout final disposition of the case or until permanency is achieved.

As title indicates.

Enacts new GS 143-64.17N. Provides that the General Fund current operations appropriations credit balance remaining at the end of each fiscal year for utilities of a state governmental unit that is due to energy savings realized from implementing an energy conservation measure is to be carried forward by the unit to the next fiscal year and is appropriated for energy conservation measures by that unit. Prohibits the Director of the Budget from decreasing the recommended continuation budget requirements for utilities for state governmental units carrying forward a credit balance by the amount of energy savings realized from implementing energy conservation measures. Requires state governmental units to submit annual reports on the use of funds authorized pursuant to this statute as required under GS 143-64.12. Makes conforming changes to GS 143-64.12.

Effective for fiscal years beginning on or after July 1, 2013.

Identical to S 631, filed 4/4/17.

Effective only if voters approve a constitutional amendment in November 2018 protecting the right to work as set forth in legislation filed during the 2017 Regular Session of the General Assembly (S 632 proposes such an amendment).

Amends GS 95-78 to define labor organization as any trade union, labor union, or other labor association.

Amends GS 95-79, GS 95-80, GS 95-81, GS 95-82, GS 95-83, and GS 95-84 to make technical and conforming changes.

Identical to S 303, filed 3/16/17.

Amends GS 20-146 to require any vehicle on a controlled-access or partially controlled access highway to drive in a lane other than the inside lane next to the centerline or median when traveling at less than the speed limit or when impeding the steady flow of traffic (defined as when the person knows or reasonably should know that he or she is being overtaken from the rear by a vehicle traveling at a higher rate of speed). Includes exceptions for overtaking and passing another vehicle or when making a left turn. Violations are an infraction punishable by a $200 fine. Makes conforming changes. Applies to offenses committed on or after December 1, 2017.