The Daily Bulletin: 2021-04-13

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The Daily Bulletin: 2021-04-13

PUBLIC/HOUSE BILLS
H 211 (2021-2022) SOCIAL DISTRICT/COMMON AREA CLARIFICATIONS. (NEW) Filed Mar 3 2021, AN ACT TO RECODIFY AND CLARIFY THE STATUTES GOVERNING COMMON AREA ENTERTAINMENT PERMITS AND SOCIAL DISTRICTS AND TO CLARIFY A REAL PROPERTY OWNER DENIED WATER OR SEWER SERVICE TO PROPERTY SUBJECT TO AN ANNEXATION AGREEMENT BETWEEN LOCAL GOVERNMENTS IS ALLOWED TO SEEK OTHER SERVICE OR PETITION THE COURT FOR RELIEF.

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

Now authorizes the previously specified establishments to open and operate their food and drink service for on-premises consumption, without additional restrictions, notwithstanding prohibitions or restrictions imposed by any executive order issued by the Governor during a state of emergency, any declaration of emergency issued by a municipality or county, or any municipal or county ordinance adopted pursuant to a declared emergency related to the public health emergency created by COVID-19 (was, notwithstanding any emergency declaration issued by the Governor or public health emergency local ordinance related to COVID-19; previously, did not provide for operation without additional restrictions). Adds to the establishments authorized to include any permittee other than those previously identified that serve malt beverages, unfortified wine, fortified wine, or mixed beverages for on-premises consumption pursuant to a permit under GS 18B-1001 (which lists 21 types of ABC permits).

Revises the requirements for operation under the act. Now requires the establishment to prohibit any employee a reasonable person would identify as showing respiratory illness symptoms, COVID-19 symptoms, or presenting to work with a fever of 100.4 or higher from entering the establishment to work (previously, did not specify a reasonable person standard). Requires the establishment to perform frequent and routine environmental cleaning and disinfection of high-touch areas with EPA-approved disinfectant for SARS-CoV-2 (previously, required frequent, routine cleanings of high-touch and high-use areas during hours of operation and a thorough, deep cleaning and sanitation of the establishment after the close of business each day). Limits the number of guests at each table to no more than 10 seated together unless more than 10 guests are members of the same household (was, unless all 10 guests are members of the same household).

Changes the expiration of the act, now expiring upon the expiration or termination of all prohibitions and restrictions on the service of food and drink established pursuant to any executive order, declaration of emergency, or ordinance related to COVID-19 described in Section 1 of the act (was, after any declaration of emergency prohibitions and restrictions applicable expire or are otherwise terminated to permit the establishment to open for full unrestricted service of food and drink).

Intro. by Moffitt, Setzer, Mills, Zenger.UNCODIFIED
H 279 (2021-2022) COVID-19 RELATED TAX CHNGS/UI TECH CORRECT. (NEW) Filed Mar 11 2021, AN ACT TO EXEMPT COVID-19 RELIEF PAYMENTS FROM THE INCOME DETERMINATION FOR PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTIONS BASED ON INCOME, TO PROVIDE FOR THE NONACCRUAL OF INTEREST AND TO EXTEND THE DEADLINE TO REQUEST A REFUND DUE TO THE EXTENSION OF THE INDIVIDUAL INCOME TAX PAYMENT AND FILING DEADLINE, AND TO MAKE A TECHNICAL CORRECTION TO THE EMPLOYMENT SECURITY LAW.

House committee substitute deletes the content of the 1st edition, except as follows. 

Maintains the provisions of previous Section 2.1, which deems Extra Credit Grants and COVID-19 Recovery Rebates, as defined, not to be considered income for purposes of determining a person's eligibility under the elderly or disabled property tax homestead exclusion of GS 105-277.1. Expands the provisions to also deem Extra Credit Grants and COVID-19 Recovery Rebates not to be considered income for purposes of determining a person's eligibility under the property tax homestead circuit breaker, GS 105-277.1B.

Adds the following content. 

States that the Secretary of Revenue (Secretary) has extended the State tax filing for individuals for the 2020 tax year from April 15 to May 17, 2021. Provides that the Secretary will waive the penalty to failure to file an individual income tax return, including a partnership and estate and trust tax return, or pay individual income tax return if the return is filed and the tax due is paid by May 17, 2021. Establishes that interest will not accrue from April 15, 2021, through May 17, 2021, on any underpayment of tax imposed on an individual income tax due April 15, 2021.

Extends the statute of limitations for individual income tax for obtaining a refund to May 17, 2021, for refund claims for which the statute of limitations to seek a refund expires on or after April 15, 2021, and before May 17, 2021. 

Corrects the statute referenced in the lead-in language of Section 3 of SL 2021-5 to amend GS 96-14.2(b) (concerning the partial weekly unemployment benefit amount), rather than GS 96-14(b) (which was repealed in 2013).

Makes conforming changes to the act's titles.

Intro. by Howard, Szoka, Bradford, Setzer.GS 96
H 297 (2021-2022) DMV DEPLOYED ARMED FORCES EXEMPTIONS. (NEW) Filed Mar 15 2021, AN ACT DIRECTING THE DIVISION OF MOTOR VEHICLES TO OFFER REMOTE CONVERSION OF FULL PROVISIONAL LICENSES TO PERSONS DEPLOYED OUT-OF-STATE AS MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES OF THE UNITED STATES, PROVIDING AN ADDITIONAL DEFENSE TO DRIVING WITH AN EXPIRED LICENSE, AND WAIVING THE LATE FEE FOR RENEWING AN EXPIRED REGISTRATION FOR PERSONS DEPLOYED AS MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES OF THE UNITED STATES.

House committee substitute amends the 1st edition as follows. 

Amends proposed GS 20-35(d), which establishes a defense for the offense of driving without a license if the person was deployed on active military duty when the license expired and has obtained a renewed license within 30 days after returning from deployment, to require the person to provide verifiable written proof of deployment.

Intro. by Winslow, Cleveland, Goodwin, Zenger.GS 20
H 341 (2021-2022) PROTECTION FROM ONLINE IMPERSONATION. Filed Mar 22 2021, AN ACT MAKING IMPERSONATION OF AN ACTUAL PERSON OVER THE INTERNET FOR CERTAIN UNLAWFUL PURPOSES A CLASS H FELONY AND PROTECTING CONSUMERS FROM MISLEADING OR FICTITIOUS COMMUNICATIONS DESIGNED TO ELICIT A RESPONSE OR FOR A STUDY, SURVEY, MARKETING, OR OTHER PURPOSE.

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

Amends proposed GS 14-118.8 as follows. Revises the definition of impersonate to mean engaging in a credible portrayal (was impersonation) of an actual person such that another person would reasonably believe, or did reasonably believe, that the imposter was or is the misrepresented person. No longer provides that a violation of the statute is punishable by a fine not to exceed $1,000, or by imprisonment, or by both the fine and imprisonment; maintains that a violation is a Class H felony. Makes a technical change regarding costs recoverable in a civil action brought under the statute.

Intro. by White, Strickland.GS 14
H 352 (2021-2022) HOTEL SAFETY ISSUES. Filed Mar 22 2021, AN ACT TO CLARIFY THAT OCCUPANTS OF ACCOMMODATIONS PROVIDED BY HOTELS, MOTELS, OR SIMILAR LODGINGS DO NOT CREATE A TENANCY AND ARE NOT SUBJECT TO CHAPTER 42 OF THE GENERAL STATUTES AND TO CLARIFY THAT THESE OCCUPANCIES ARE GOVERNED BY THE STATUTES RELATING TO INNS, HOTELS, AND OTHER TRANSIENT OCCUPANCIES.

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

Further amends GS 72-1 to also require innkeepers to provide suitable lodging accommodations for persons accepted as guests in a recreational vehicle park or campground. Revises the proposed definition of transient occupancy to include the rental of an accommodation by a recreational vehicle park or campground to the same guest or occupant for fewer than 90 consecutive days. Makes conforming changes to the act's effective date and application provisions. 

Intro. by Bradford, Mills, Moffitt, Richardson.GS 42, GS 72
H 477 (2021-2022) TEMPORARY EVENT VENUES. Filed Mar 31 2021, AN ACT TO AUTHORIZE A LOCAL GOVERNMENT TO PERMIT TEMPORARY EVENT VENUES.

House committee substitute amends the 1st edition as follows. 

Amends proposed GS 160D-915.1, which authorizes local governments to establish a process to permit temporary event venues. Defines local government to mean a municipality with a population of 100,000 or more. Makes conforming changes to delete the provision which limited the scope of the statute by excluding municipalities with a population less than 100,000. No longer authorizes the Building Code Council to create an inspection checklist that can be used by counties and cities for inspections conducted under the statute. Makes organizational changes. 

Deletes the proposed changes to GS 160D-910 (concerning zoning regulations for manufactured homes).

Intro. by Brody, Bradford, Faircloth, Cunningham.GS 143, GS 160D
H 536 (2021-2022) LAW ENFORCEMENT DUTY TO INTERVENE. Filed Apr 13 2021, AN ACT TO ESTABLISH A DUTY FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS TO INTERVENE IN AND REPORT EXCESSIVE USE OF FORCE; TO REQUIRE USE OF THE NATIONAL DECERTIFICATION INDEX MAINTAINED BY THE INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF DIRECTORS OF LAW ENFORCEMENT STANDARDS AND TRAINING IN THE CERTIFICATION PROCESS FOR CERTIFIED PERSONNEL; AND TO REQUIRE REPORTING RELATED TO GIGLIO MATERIAL.

Amends GS 15A-401 (Arrest by Law Enforcement Officers) to add Subsection 15A-401 by adding (d1) establishing the duty of law enforcement officers who observe another officer using excessive force to intervene to prevent the use of excessive force and to report use of excessive force even if the officer was unable to intervene. Effective December 1, 2021, and applies to use of force on or after that date.

Intro. by Szoka, K. Baker, Hunter.GS 15A
H 537 (2021-2022) FUNDS/FORSYTH UNITED WAY/SUMMER LEARNING. Filed Apr 13 2021, AN ACT APPROPRIATING FUNDS TO UNITED WAY OF FORSYTH COUNTY TO FUND SUMMER LEARNING PROGRAMS.

Appropriates $250,000 from the General Fund to the The United Way of Forsyth County, Inc. for 2021-22 to provide funding to community agencies for summer learning programs. Directs the United Way to develop and issue a Request for Proposal (RFP) to contract with community agencies that will be supporting summer learning programs, either as an extension of services already offered or through vetted organizations that desire to offer summer learning opportunities for students that will not be eligible for summer learning programs through the local school system. Effective July 1, 2021. 

Intro. by A. Baker, Lambeth.APPROP, Forsyth
H 538 (2021-2022) TRANSPARENCE IN EVIDENCE STANDARDS. Filed Apr 13 2021, AN ACT AMENDING RULE 411 OF THE NORTH CAROLINA RULES OF EVIDENCE CONCERNING THE INTERPRETATION OF WHAT CONSTITUTES "INSURANCE" UNDER THE COLLATERAL SOURCE RULE.

Identical to S 475, filed 4/1/21.

Amends Rule 411 of the NC Rules of Evidence, GS 8C-1, regarding the inadmissibility of evidence that a person was or was not insured against liability on the issue of whether the person acted negligently or otherwise wrongfully. Specifies that the rule does not require the exclusion of evidence of insurance coverage limits when offered for another purpose, such as proof of agency, ownership, or control, or bias or prejudice of a witness. Adds that the term insurance bars parties from introducing evidence of any payments made by insurance under the collateral source rule. Excludes barring evidence of health insurance, disability insurance, or other forms of benefits that can be characterized as insurance. Applies to proceedings pending on or after October 1, 2021. 

Intro. by Stevens.GS 8C
H 539 (2021-2022) PROTECTING PROPERLY INSURED INDIVIDUAL. Filed Apr 13 2021, AN ACT AMENDING RULE 414 OF THE NORTH CAROLINA RULES OF EVIDENCE AND RELATED STATUTES REGARDING THE VALIDITY OF CERTAIN LIENS FOR MEDICAL CHARGES IN CIVIL ACTIONS.

Substantively identical to S 476, filed 4/1/21.

Regarding testimony by an injured party in a civil proceeding regarding evidence as to medical charges paid or required to be paid in full satisfaction of the charges under GS 8-58.1, eliminates the rebuttable presumption established by such a testimony as to the reasonableness of the amount paid or required to be paid in full satisfaction of the charges. Instead, enacts the following. Requires that, if the injured party has health insurance that will, if filed by a particular provider, result in a reduction in the charge due to a contractual adjustment being taken by the provider, and such insurance is filed and no lien as set forth in GS 44-49 or GS 44-50 has been asserted (governing liens on recovery for personal injuries to secure sums due for medical attention), then the evidence as to the amount of the bill must be the amount paid by all sources and all amounts remaining to be paid. Requires that, if a lien under GS 44-49 or GS 44-50 has been asserted, and the injured party has no health insurance or no insurance has been filed, the evidence amount of the charge to be introduced in an action tried in NC courts must be the amount of the claimed lien. Requires that, if the injured party is covered by Medicare or Medicaid, and such benefit service provider chooses to pay the claim, the evidence of the amount of the charges must be the amount actually paid by the benefit provider and, if any, the amount paid by or on behalf of the injured party from any source and any amount left unpaid. Provides that these provisions do not change, modify, or alter the provisions of GS 44-50.

Amends the provisions providing criteria for the invalidity of a lien under GS 44-59, which governs liens on recovery for personal injuries to secure sums due for medical attention. Provides for invalidity if (1) the person entitled to the lien does not furnish, without charge to the attorney as a condition precedent to the creation of the lien, upon request to the attorney representing the person in whose behalf the claim for personal injury is made, an itemized statement, hospital record, or medical report for the use of the attorney in negotiation, settlement, or trial of the claim arising by reason of the personal injury, and written notice to the attorney of the lien claimed (same as existing law) or (2) the health care provider does not timely submit a claim to an injured party's health insurer or health plan within the allotted time requirements of the health insurer, health plan, or health program. Makes technical changes.

Adds to the general business practices that constitute unfair claim settlement practices under GS 58-63-15, thus included as unfair methods of competition and unfair and deceptive acts or practices in the business of insurance: (1) attempting to calculate the amount of a health care provider charge by any method other than that set forth in GS 8-58.1, as amended, and (2) attempting to calculate the amount of a medical provider charge for a purpose other than an action tried in NC courts, with the exception of arbitrations or other matters where the Rules of Evidence do not apply, by any method other than that set forth in GS 8-58.1, as amended. 

Intro. by Stevens.GS 8, GS 44, GS 58
H 540 (2021-2022) STUDY WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT FOR REFUGEES. Filed Apr 13 2021, AN ACT TO DIRECT THE LEGISLATIVE RESEARCH COMMISSION TO STUDY WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT ISSUES FOR REFUGEES.

Directs the Legislative Research Commission (LRC) to study workforce development for refugees. Topics to be studied include: (1) skills and education refugees bring to the State, (2) barriers and challenges refugees face seeking employment in their field, (3) difficulties refugees face in gaining recognition of their foreign credentials, and (4) how underemployment of refugees affects the State’s economy. Directs the LRC to report on (1) opportunities for refugees to fill gaps in the State’s labor market and (2) legislative, administrative, or regulatory changes to strengthen workforce development opportunities for refugees. Directs the LRC to report its findings and any proposed legislation to the 2022 regular session of the General Assembly.

Intro. by Quick, Hardister, Harrison.STUDY
H 541 (2021-2022) AMENDMENTS TO SCHEDULE VI OF THE CSA. Filed Apr 13 2021, AN ACT PROVIDING, IN THE ABSENCE OF ANY OBJECTION BY THE COMMISSION FOR MENTAL HEALTH, DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES, AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE SERVICES, FOR THE AUTOMATIC REMOVAL FROM SCHEDULE VI OF THE CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES ACT PRESCRIPTION DRUGS APPROVED BY THE FEDERAL FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION.

Substantively identical to S 448, filed 4/1/21.

Amends GS 90-94 by adding the following. Excludes any prescription drug approved by the federal Food and Drug Administration under Section 505 of the federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act that is designated, rescheduled, or deleted as a controlled substance under federal law from Schedule VI and allows it to be prescribed, distributed, dispensed, and used in accordance with federal law upon the issuance of a notice, final rule, or interim final rule by the United States Drug Enforcement Administration that designates, reschedules, or deletes such prescription drug as a controlled substance under federal law. Makes an exception for when the Commission for Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Abuse Services objects to such action; if no objection is made, the prescription drug is deemed to be designated, rescheduled, or deleted as a controlled substance in accordance with federal law and in compliance with GS Chapter 90.

Intro. by Sasser, Potts, McElraft, Saine.GS 90
H 542 (2021-2022) FIX OUR DEMOCRACY. Filed Apr 13 2021, AN ACT ESTABLISHING MINIMUM CRITERIA FOR LEGISLATIVE AND CONGRESSIONAL REDISTRICTING FOLLOWING THE RETURN OF THE 2020 DECENNIAL CENSUS, AMENDING THE NORTH CAROLINA CONSTITUTION TO PROVIDE FOR AN INDEPENDENT REDISTRICTING PROCESS, ESTABLISHING THE NORTH CAROLINA CITIZENS REDISTRICTING COMMISSION, AND MAKING CONFORMING CHANGES TO THE REDISTRICTING LAWS; REENACTING LEGISLATION THAT ESTABLISHED A NONPARTISAN METHOD OF ELECTING SUPREME COURT JUSTICES AND COURT OF APPEALS JUDGES BEGINNING IN 2022; EXTENDING THE WAITING PERIOD FOR FORMER LEGISLATORS WHO BECOME LOBBYISTS; PROVIDING FOR ONLINE VOTER REGISTRATION AND AUTOMATIC VOTER REGISTRATION; INCREASING TRANSPARENCY IN THE LEGISLATIVE PROCESS BY REQUIRING FORTY-EIGHT HOURS' NOTICE OF MEETINGS OF ALL LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEES AND DIRECTING THE LEGISLATIVE SERVICES OFFICER TO DEVELOP A PLAN TO PROVIDE LIVE VIDEO AND AUDIO STREAMING OF ALL MEETINGS OF LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEES AND COMMISSIONS MEETING IN THE LEGISLATIVE COMPLEX; ENSURING VOTING PLACES ON CERTAIN COLLEGE CAMPUSES; PROHIBITING VOTER ROLL PURGING; MAKING VARIOUS CHANGES TO THE CAMPAIGN FINANCE LAWS REGARDING TRANSPARENCY IN SOURCES OF SPENDING, DIGITAL ADVERTISEMENT CAMPAIGNS, PROTECTIONS AGAINST FOREIGN INTERFERENCE IN ELECTIONS, AND LIMITING SUPER PAC INFLUENCE; AND REESTABLISHING PUBLIC FINANCING FOR JUDICIAL CAMPAIGNS.

Includes whereas clauses.

Part I.

Section 1.1

Establishes requirements for revising legislative and congressional districts following the return of the 2020 census, listed in order of priority. Requires each member of each body to represent an equal number of inhabitants as possible, with the population for a legislative district within 5% of the ideal population for that district (as described) and the population for congressional districts within 0.1% of the ideal population for that district. Requires all districts to comply with the federal and state laws and constitutions. Requires all districts to minimize the number of split counties; be composed of convenient contiguous territory (exclude areas meeting only at points of adjoining corners); minimize the number of split municipalities; and be compact to the extent practicable (prohibiting bypassing nearby communities for more distant ones). Prohibits the NCGA from considering electoral results, political considerations, or incumbency in the preparation of legislative districts unless required by federal law. Requires legislative districts to minimize the number of split communities of interest, as defined. Prohibits splitting precincts for legislative districts, unless required by federal law. 

Sections 1.2 through 1.4

Subject to voter approval at the November 2022 general election, enacts Section 25 to Article II of the NC Constitution to charge the NCGA with establishing by law an independent process to revise the electoral districts for Congress and the NCGA after return of the decennial census, subject to the following limitations. Prohibits NCGA involvement in revising electoral districts. Requires each NCGA member and US House member to represent equal numbers of inhabitants, as possible. Mandates districts to consist of contiguous territory. Prohibits division of a county for NCGA districts to the extent practicable and consistent with federal law. Mandates that the districts remain unaltered until the return of another decennial census. Grants adopted electoral districts legislative force and effect. Makes conforming changes to Sections 3 and 5 of Article II to charge the NCGA with establishing an independent process to revise legislative districts and the apportionment of legislators among those districts. Makes these constitutional amendments effective upon certification.

Enacts Article 1B, Redistricting, to GS Chapter 120. Sets forth 14 defined terms. Establishes the NC Citizen Redistricting Commission (Commission), charged with preparing preliminary, proposed, and alternative plans for legislative and congressional apportionment and to adopt final plans for the purpose of nominating and electing legislative and congressional members. Details Commission member eligibility, including residency and voter registration requirements, and a number of disqualifications, among them: contributing more than $2,000 to any candidate for public office, having been a staff member of or legal counsel to the NCGA, having served in any public office in the preceding 10 years, having held any political appointment, and having been a member of an organization that advocates overthrowing or attacking any governmental body in the US. Bars a person having served as a member of the Commission from holding any public office for three years following termination of service. Details member application procedures, including applying to the State Auditor with relevant information and disclosures for eligibility review, then to the Human Relations Commission for review and submission of a diverse group of up to 60 applicants to the NCGA, as specified, with eight legislatively appointed members from the pool of candidates and seven randomly selected members by the Human Relations Commission from the pool of candidates. Sets terms at 10 years. Details other parameters of the Commission, including appointment of a chair, removal from office, vacancies, and reimbursement of member expenses. Provides for a $1,200 stipend for each month the Commission meets. Details Commission staffing and the application of open meetings and public records laws.

Enumerates nine criteria that all redistricting plans must meet, including electoral impartiality, minimization of the number of split communities of interest, as defined, and minimization of precincts split in preparation of a plan. Provides for Commission adoption of preliminary, proposed, alternative, and final plans depending on appointed member affiliations. Directs the State Auditor to submit to the Commission a list of qualified persons who can serve as a special master, who must draw and submit a plan which the Commission must adopt in the event a plan cannot be adopted pursuant to the statute. Provides for appointment of the special master by the Commission, depending on appointed member affiliations. Requires adoption of all plans by October 1 following each federal census. Details the maximum time line the Commission must follow in adoption of a plan, which provides for public hearings following receipt of data from the Census Bureau; release of preliminary plans to the public and further public hearings; release of proposed plans, alternative plans and summaries; and the Commission holding a vote to adopt final plans, or selection of a special master to prepare, release and present a plan to the Commission that the Commission must adopt. Provides for extensions for good cause, as specified. 

Mandates the Commission hold a minimum of 20 public hearings across the State, requiring providing the seven enumerated resources for public input, including sufficient time to review the plan, access to demographic data and mapping software.

Authorizes the NCGA to assign to the Commission the duty to prepare district plans for local government if their governing board or an appropriate court so requests. 

Provides for Commission member terms to begin on January 1, 2023, and conclude on June 30, 2030, for any redistricting that might occur pursuant to GS 120-2.4 based on data from the 2020 federal census.

Makes the above statutory and uncodified provisions effective January 1, 2023, subject to voter approval of the constitutional amendments set forth in this Part.

Makes conforming changes to GS 120-2.3 regarding judgments invalidating apportionment or redistricting acts.

Makes conforming changes to GS 120-2.4, requiring a court to grant the Commission two weeks' time to remedy any defects a court has identified in a plan apportioning or redistricting legislative or congressional districts prior to the court imposing its own substitute plan. Makes further conforming changes.

Repeals GS 120-133 which provides for the confidentiality of NCGA redistricting communications until plans become law.

Effective January 1, 2023, subject to voter approval of the constitutional amendments set forth in Section 1.2 of the act.

Part II.

Enacts new Article 26 to GS Chapter 163, Nomination and Election of Appellate Justices and Judges, providing the following. 

New GS 163-350 provides for the applicability of Article 26 to the nomination and election of justices of the Supreme Court and judges of the Court of Appeals (hereafter, justices and judges).

New GS 163-351 provides for a nonpartisan primary election method for the nomination of justices and judges when 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 when the filing period closes. Provides for the canvass of the primary and determination of nominations in the primary and election winners. 

New GS 163-352 provides for the form for notice of candidacy, the withdrawal of candidacy, and the certification of the candidate as a registered voter. Requires justices and judges to file their notices of candidacy with the State Board of Elections (State Board) no earlier than noon on the second Monday in December and no later than noon on the third Friday in December preceding the election. Prohibits any person from filing a notice of candidacy for more than one office or group of offices governed by Article 26 or GS 163-106.2, including Governor, Lieutenant Governor, all State executive officers, superior and district court judges, US Congress members, and district attorneys. Requires designation of candidacy at the time of filing when there are two or more vacancies for the office of justice or judge.

New GS 163-353 establishes a filing fee of 1% of the annual salary of the office sought. Provides for fee refunds for the withdrawal of candidacy or upon death of the candidate, as specified.

New GS 163-354 provides for the filing of a written petition in lieu of payment of the filing fee, as specified.

New GS 163-355 provides for the certification of notices of candidacy by the State Board and subsequent notification of local boards of elections.

New GS 163-356 authorizes the State Board to extend the filing period for five days for any offices for which candidates have not filed that are to be filled under Article 26. Details the process to be followed when a candidate is disqualified or dies before the primary, a candidate is alive and fails to withdraw after close of filing, or a candidate dies, is qualified, or fails to qualify after the person is elected. 

New GS 163-357 provides for elections to fill a vacancy in an office that is created after the primary filing period opens but more than 60 days before the general election. Provides that the State Board must designate a special filing period of one week for candidates for that office. Provides for a second primary election if two or more qualified candidates file and the vacancy occurs more than 63 days before the date of the second primary for members of the General Assembly, and a general election if two or more qualified candidates file and the vacancy occurs more than 64 days before the date of the second primary which must be held on the same day as the general election for members of the General Assembly. 

New GS 163-358 permits any person who will become qualified by age or residence to register to vote in the general election for which the primary is held, even though not so qualified by the date of the primary, to register for the primary and general election prior to the primary and then to vote in the primary after being registered. Prohibits such persons from registering earlier than 60 days nor later than the last day for making application to register for primary elections pursuant to GS 163-82.6(d) prior to the primary. 

New GS 163-359 sets the primary date for the same date as established for primary elections under GS 163-1(b), which provides for primaries to be on the Tuesday next after the first Monday in May preceding each general election to be held in November.

New GS 163-360 provides for the form of official ballots. Requires official ballots to be printed by the county board of elections, as specified. Provides requirements for the distribution of official ballots.

New GS 163-361 provides for counting ballots in primaries and elections to be in the same manner for nonpartisan municipal elections under Article 24 of GS Chapter 163.

New GS 163-362 establishes that the conduct of elections are governed by Article 12 of GS Chapter 163 (Precincts and Voting Places), except as provided by Article 26.

Makes conforming changes to GS 18C-112(e)(1), GS 163-1(b), GS 163-22.3, GS 163-82.10B, GS 163-106.2(a), GS 163-106.3, GS 163-107(a), GS 163-107.1(b), and GS 163-111(c)(1).

Amends GS 163-122 to exempt elections under new Article 26 of GS Chapter 163 from the provisions for unaffiliated candidates nominated by petition. Amends GS 163-123 to exempt nonpartisan elections, except for elections under new Article 26 of GS Chapter 163, from the statute's provisions concerning declaration of intent and petitions for write-in candidates in partisan elections.

Effective January 1, 2021, and applies to elections held on or after that date.

Part III.

Amends GS 120-304, extending the amount of time that a former legislator must wait before registering as a lobbyist to two years. Previously the waiting period was either the close of session or six months after leaving office, whichever was later. Extends the amount of time a public servant or former public servant must wait before registering as a lobbyist to two years after leaving office or end of employment (was, six months). Extends the amount of time an employee of any State agency must wait before registering to lobby the State agency that previously employed them to two years (was, six months). 

Effective October 1, 2021.

Part IV.

Amends GS 163-82.5 by adding the requirement that the State Board of Elections make the voter registration application forms available for completion and submission on a secure website.

Enacts new GS 163-82.5A allowing an individual to register to vote or change voter registration online if the individual: (1) is eligible to register to vote and (2) possesses a current and valid North Carolina driver's license (including a learner's permit or provisional license) or a special identification card for nonoperators. Requires the State Board to establish a secure website for the completion and submission of voter registration applications. Specifies information that the website must allow an individual to submit, including information to establish eligibility and the individual's email address. Requires the county board of elections, upon receipt of an online application, to verify specified applicant information. Requires the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to transfer the applicant's digital signature in the DMV records to the State Board if the State Board verifies the driver's license or Social Security number. Requires the State Board to notify the applicant if the State Board cannot verify the driver's license or Social Security number.

Amends GS 163-82.10 to add specified identifying information submitted during the online voter registration application process to the information that is confidential.

Effective December 1, 2021.

Part V.

Amends GS 163-82.3 and GS 163-82.6 authorizing county boards of elections to accept automatic voter registration.

Amends GS 163-82.19 to require, beginning January 1, 2022, the Division of Motor Vehicles, in consultation with the State Board of Elections, to develop and implement a method by which eligible individuals shall be automatically registered to vote. Requires DMV officials taking driver's license applications to affirmatively inquire whether the applicant wishes to register to vote or update their registration, note the applicant's response, and register the applicant to vote if the applicant wishes. The applicant must attest to the information provided for voter registration. Confidentiality of voter information must be maintained by the State Board of Elections.

The above provisions are effective January 1, 2022.

Amends GS 163-82.20 to require, beginning January 1, 2023, voter registration agencies (which include state offices that accept applications for public assistance or provide services for persons with disabilities or for unemployment benefits) to provide, in consultation with the State Board of Elections, an application process for automatic voter registration with each recertification, renewal, or change of address relating to the service or assistance of the agency.  Specifies certain procedural requirements substantially similar to those provided for in GS 163-82.19, as amended. Does not require an agency to provide automatic voter registration to a person with a disability at the person's home. Requires electronic transmittal of applications to the appropriate board of elections.

Amends GS 163-82.20A to authorize automatic voter registration at the time of restoration of citizenship, effective January 1, 2020. Further amends the statute to authorize online voter registration at the time of restoration of citizenship, effective January 1, 2022.

Part VI.

Amends GS 143-318.14A to specify that reasonable public notice (might intend to require adequate public notice, as defined below) of all commission, committee, and standing subcommittee meetings must be given to all General Assembly members; members of the commission, committee, or subcommittee; and to the Legislative Services Office (was, only that reasonable public notice must be given without specifying the recipient of the notice). Requires that the notice be posted on General Assembly’s website by the Legislative Services Office.  Defines adequate public notice as written or electronic notice that is posted and mailed or e-mailed to those who requested notice at least 48 hours before the time of the meeting.  Requires that the notice include the time, date, location, and to the extent known, the agenda of the meeting. Requires that the agenda for a noticed meeting be readily available for public inspection no less than 24 hours in advance of the time of the meeting and prohibits changing the agenda except for items of an emergency nature, after the notice has been made available to the public. Requires that commission, committee, or standing subcommittee members receive the text of all bills, proposed committee substitutes, and amendments that will be considered during the scheduled meeting no later than 24 hours in advance of the meeting. Prohibits considering or acting on a bill, proposed committee substitute, or amendment that has not been made available to the members as required.

Requires the Legislative Services Office to develop a plan to install equipment providing live video and audio of floor proceedings and committee meetings. Requires the plan to provide for: (1) public participation and comment to the extent allowed by the streaming technology and (2) access to the recorded live stream on a centralized website within 48 hours after all floor proceedings or committee meetings. Also requires the plan to include estimated costs and an implementation schedule. The plan must be submitted to the chairs of the Legislative Services Commission and the chairs of the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on General Government by April 1, 2022.

Part VII.

Amends the procedure for absentee voting under GS 163-231 to only require one witness instead of two. Makes conforming changes including removing the provision allowing one notary to act as a witness instead of the two witnesses.  Makes conforming changes to GS 163-229. Amends GS 163-230.2 to allow a request form for an absentee ballot to be delivered to the county board of elections in person or by mail, email, or fax.

Part VIII.

Amends GS 163-129 by adding that the county board of election’s ability to demand and use any school or other State, county, or municipal building, or any other building, which is supported or maintained with tax revenues, also includes ensuring the use of voting places on college campuses with at least an enrollment of 4,500 students.

Part IX.

Amends GS 163-82.14 to require a county board of elections to remove a voter from its list of registered voters when a postcard sent by nonforwardable mail from the county board of elections is returned as undeliverable (deletes the provision requiring removal for a voter who fails to respond to a confirmation mailing sent by the county board and who does not vote or appear to vote in an election beginning on the date of the notice and ending on the day after the date of the second general election for the US House of Representatives that occurs after the date of the notice).

Part X.

Amends GS 163-278.12 (special reporting of contributions and independent expenditures) and GS 163-278.12C (special reporting of electioneering communications) by adding the following. Requires that filers reporting donations of $1,000 or more under the aggregate (except for political committees that do not receive more than $5,200 from any one person in an election) disclose the identity of the original source (as defined in the act) of the funds, the amounts of those donations, and any intermediaries who transferred the funds before they were contributed to the filer. Requires any person or entity making a donation of $1,000 or more, in the aggregate, in an election to a person or entity required to report donations under these requirements to inform that person or entity of the identity of the original sources of funds being transferred, the amounts of the persons' original funds being transferred, and the identity of any persons who previously transferred the original funds.

Amends GS 163-278.39 by adding the following requirement to those that must be met in order for any sponsor to sponsor an advertisement in the print media or on radio or television that constitutes an expenditure, independent expenditure, electioneering communication, or contribution that is required to be disclosed. Requires that an advertisement made by a sponsor other than a candidate, political party organization, an individual solely spending the individual's own personal funds received through wages, investment income, or bequests or a person solely spending money received through ordinary commercial transactions include the legend or include the specified statement naming the top three donors who helped pay for the message.

Part XI.

Amends GS 163-278.6 (applicable to Article 22A, Regulating Contributions and Expenditures in Political Campaigns) by defining the term digital communication as any communication, for a fee, placed or promoted on a public-facing website, web application, or digital application, including a social network, advertising network, or search engine. Amends the definition of electioneering communication to include a digital communication that meets all of the already specified criteria. Also amends the definition of advertisement in GS 163-278.38Z (applicable to Part 1A, Disclosure Requirements for Media Advertisements), to include messaging through digital communication that constitutes a contribution or expenditure.

Amends GS 163-278.39 by making the statute’s requirements for political advertisements applicable to the sponsorship of an advertisement through digital communication. Establishes size and content requirements for digital communication advertisements. Makes conforming changes.

Amends GS 163-278.39C to make the statute’s disclosure requirements applicable to the sponsor of an advertisement though digital communication.

Enacts new GS 163-278.39D requiring that digital communication covered by GS 163-278.39(a) (setting out the requirements to be met for any sponsor to sponsor an advertisement in the print media or on radio or television that constitutes an expenditure, independent expenditure, electioneering communication, or contribution required to be disclosed) to submit that digital communication to the State Board of Elections along with the disclosure information required under G.S. 163-278.39. That information is to be on the State Board of Elections website and is deemed public record. Sets out information that must be included on the website.

Effective September 1, 2021.

Part XII.

Amends GS 163-278.39 by adding that a foreign national expending funds for political advertising that addresses a specific issue to influence State or local government policy must include a statement in the advertisement (1) that identifies the foreign national and (2) disclosing that the foreign national sponsored the advertising.

Part XIII.

Enacts GS 163-278.12B requiring a political committee that makes only independent expenditures to notify the Board of Elections of any: (1) contribution in excess of $1,000 received by the committee before an election but after the period covered by the last report due before that election and (2) any contribution or donation in excess of $1,000 made by the committee before an election but after the period covered by the last report due before that election. Sets out required timing of the notifications. Requires a person who receives such contribution or donation and transfers more than $1,000 of the funds to another person to disclose specified information on the contribution to that person when the transfer is made.

Part XIV.

Enacts new Article 22J of GS Chapter 163 providing as follows, effective when the act becomes law, with distributions from the Fund beginning in the 2022 election year. States the purpose of Article 22J. Establishes the North Carolina Public Campaign Fund (Fund) as an alternative source of campaign financing for candidates who demonstrate public support and voluntarily accept strict fundraising and spending limits. Provides that the Article is available to candidates for justice of the Supreme Court and judges of the Court of Appeals in elections held in 2022 and thereafter. The Fund is to finance the election campaigns of certified candidates for office and to pay administrative and enforcement costs of the State Board of Elections (Board). 

The following are sources of money in the Fund: (1) designations made by taxpayers to the Public Campaign Fund, (2) Fund revenues distributed for an election that remain unspent or uncommitted at the time the recipient is no longer a certified candidate in the election, (3) money ordered returned to the Fund, (4) voluntary donations made directly to the Fund, and (5) money collected from the $60 surcharge on attorney membership fees (this provision is effective January 1, 2022, and applies to membership fees due for 2022).

Requires individuals choosing to receive campaign funds from the Fund to file a declaration of intent to participate as a candidate for a stated office. Sets out requirements for the timing of the filing and for the an affirmation that only one political committee will handle all contributions, expenditures, and obligations for the candidate and that the candidate will comply with the contribution and expenditure limits and other requirements. Requires participating candidates seeking certification to receive campaign funds from the Fund to first obtain qualifying contributions from at least 425 registered voters for Supreme Court candidates, or 400 registered voters for Court of Appeals candidates, in a sum not to exceed the specified amount of maximum qualifying contributions. Sets out the procedure under which the Board will certify candidates as meeting the necessary requirements. 

Sets out the following restrictions on contributions and expenditures with respect to participating and certified candidates. (1) Beginning January 1 of the year before the election and before the filing of a declaration of intent, a candidate for office may accept in contributions up to $25,000 from sources and in amounts permitted by Article 22A and may expend up to $25,000 for any campaign purpose. Candidates exceeding these limits will be ineligible to file a declaration of intent or receive funds from the Fund. (2) From the filing of a declaration of intent through the end of the qualifying period, a candidate may accept only qualifying contributions, contributions under $10 from North Carolina voters, and personal and  family contributions. The total contributions the candidate may accept during this period must not exceed the defined maximum qualifying contributions for that candidate. In addition to these contributions, the candidate may expend during this period only the remaining money raised under (1). With named exceptions, multiple contributions from the same contributor to the same  candidate must not exceed $500. (3) After the qualifying period and through the date of the general election, the candidate must expend only the funds the candidate received from the Fund pursuant to GS 163-278.155(b)(4) (funds distributed in a contested general election in specified amounts for Supreme Court and Court of Appeals candidates) plus any funds remaining from the qualifying period. (4) During the qualifying period, the candidate may contribute up to $1,000 of that candidate's own money to the campaign. Allows accepting contributions of $1,000 from each member of that candidate's family (spouse, parent, child, brother, and sister). Allows treating up to $500 of a contribution from the candidate's family member as a qualifying contribution if it meets specified requirements. (5) Requires a candidate and the candidate's committee to limit the use of all revenues permitted by this subsection to expenditures for campaign-related purposes only. (6) Any contribution received by a participating or certified candidate that falls outside what is permitted must be returned to the donor as soon as practicable. Contributions intentionally made, solicited, or accepted in violation of this Article are subject to civil penalties. (7) Requires a candidate to return to the Fund any amount distributed for an election that is unspent and uncommitted at the date of the election, or at the time the individual ceases to be a certified candidate, whichever occurs first. Allows a decision to participate in the Fund to be revoked by the specified deadline.

Allows candidates in elections under GS 163-358 (appears to intend GS 163-357, as enacted, filling vacancies in office created after primary filing period opens) to participate in the Fund and sets out requirements for such candidates.

Requires distributions from the Fund to be made within five business days after a certified candidate's name is approved to appear on the ballot in a contested general election, but no earlier than five business days after the primary. Sets out the amounts to be distributed from the fund in contested general elections. 

Sets out candidate reporting requirements. 

Violations of the Article can result in a civil penalty of up to $10,000 per violation or three times the amount of any financial transaction involved in the violation, whichever is greater. Also, for good cause shown, may require candidates to return distributed amounts to the Fund.

Recodifies GS 163-278.69 as GS 163-278.158.

Amends GS 84-34 by requiring active members of the North Carolina State Bar to pay a $60 surcharge for the Fund, with the option for the member to designate that the surcharge required be used in its entirety for the Judicial Voter Guide described in GS 163-278.158, as recodified. Effective January 1, 2022, and applies to membership fees due for 2022.

Enacts GS 105-159.3, directing the Department of Revenue to allocate $3 from the income taxes paid each year by each individual with an income tax liability of at least that amount to the Fund, subject to each taxpayer's individual approval. Provides for notice and opportunity for the taxpayer to elect this allocation, as well as instructions for individual income tax returns. Provides for requirements for the Department under the new statute, including consultation with the State Board and parameters regarding software packages used to prepare income tax returns. Effective for taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2022. 

Makes conforming changes to GS 163-278.5, GS 163-278.32, GS 163-278.99E, and SL 2013-381, Section 38.1(a).

Makes conforming repeals of SL 2013-360(i), (j), and (l); and SL 2013-381, Section 38.1(l), (m), and (o).

Unless otherwise indicated, effective January 1, 2022.

Part XV.

Makes it unlawful to try to evade the reporting and disclosure requirements of Parts X through XIV of the act by structuring, or attempting to structure, any solicitation, contribution, donation, expenditure, disbursement, or other transaction, punishable by at least the amount contributed or undisclosed, but not to exceed double the amount contributed or undisclosed.

Part XVI.

Includes a severability clause.

Part XVII.

Provides that the act is effective on the date the act becomes law, unless otherwise provided.

Intro. by Clemmons, Willingham, Farkas, Ball.CONST, GS 18C, GS 84, GS 105, GS 120, GS 120C, GS 143, GS 163
H 543 (2021-2022) EXPEDITE VENUE CHOICE OF MASS SHOOTING CASES. Filed Apr 13 2021, AN ACT TO EXPEDITE THE DETERMINATION BY THE PROSECUTION OF WHETHER TO SEEK A CHANGE OF VENUE IN CASES INVOLVING THE DISCHARGE OF A FIREARM AND TEN OR MORE VICTIMS.

Amends Article 13 of Chapter 15 of the General Statutes (Criminal Procedure – Venue) by adding Section 15-133.1 prohibiting the court from, without consent of the defendant, granting a prosecution’s motion for change of venue more than 90 days after initial arrest in cases involving mass shootings where there are 10 or more victims. Effective December 1, 2021.

Intro. by A. Jones.GS 15
H 544 (2021-2022) REVISE ANIMAL FIGHTING LAWS. Filed Apr 13 2021, AN ACT TO CRIMINALIZE THE ACT OF CAUSING A PERSON UNDER EIGHTEEN YEARS OF AGE TO BE PRESENT AT AN EXHIBITION FEATURING ANIMAL FIGHTING.

Amends GS 14-362 (concerning cockfighting, a Class I felony), GS 14-362.1 (concerning animal fights and baiting, a Class 2 misdemeanor), and GS 14-262.2 (concerning dog fighting and baiting, a Class H felony) to expand each offense to include causing a person under 18 years of age to be present at an exhibition featuring the fighting of a cock, the fighting or baiting of an animal other than a cock or dog, or the baiting of a dog or the fighting of a dog with another dog or another animal, respectively. 

Further amends GS 14-362 by adding three new subsections. Makes it a Class I felony to own, possess, train, buy, sell, offer to buy or sell, or transport a cock, with intent that the cock be used in an exhibition featuring the fighting of that cock with another cock or another animal. Makes it a Class 2 misdemeanor to own, possess, buy, sell, transfer, or manufacture cock fighting paraphernalia, as defined, for the purpose of engaging in or otherwise promoting or facilitating the fighting or baiting of a cock. Makes each violation of GS 14-362, as amended, a separate offense which cannot be merged with any other offense. 

Applies to offenses committed on or after December 1, 2021. 

Intro. by C. Smith, McNeill, Howard, Carter.GS 14
H 545 (2021-2022) MANDATORY TRAINING CONTRIBUTING TO CEUS. Filed Apr 13 2021, AN ACT TO ALLOW TEACHERS TO RECEIVE CONTINUING EDUCATION CREDITS FOR COMPLETING MANDATORY TRAININGS AND TO MODIFY THE DIGITAL TEACHING AND LEARNING RENEWAL REQUIREMENTS FOR PROFESSIONAL EDUCATORS.

Amends GS 115C-270.30 (Teacher License renewal) to permit teachers to count hours spent attending mandatory trainings toward the continuing education hours required for renewal of their teaching license so long as the training program is required as a condition of employment and all other continuing education requirements for renewal are met. Also amends this section to prohibit the State Board of Education (SBE) from requiring continuing education hours solely related to digital teaching/learning, but to allow the SBE to require up to 2 continuing education hours that have a digital teaching/learning component.

Intro. by Elmore, Clemmons, Torbett.GS 115C
H 546 (2021-2022) NC CALL CENTER PRESERVATION ACT. Filed Apr 13 2021, AN ACT TO ENACT THE NC CALL CENTER PRESERVATION ACT.

Enacts new GS 95-31.1 requiring a call center employer that intends to relocate to out of state a call center, or one or more facilities or operating units within a call center comprising at least 30% of the call center's or operating unit's total volume when measured against the previous 12-month average call volume of operations, or substantially similar operations, to notify the Commissioner of Labor (Commissioner) at least 120 days before the relocation. Requires the Commissioner to compile a semiannual list of all such relocations and distribute the list to agencies subject to GS Chapter 95. Defines call center employer or employer as any business that employs for the purpose of customer service or back-office operations: (1) 50 or more employees, excluding part-time employees or (2) 50 or more employees who in the aggregate work at least 1,500 hours per week (exclusive of overtime hours). Requires an employer that appears on the list described to remit the unamortized value of any grants, guaranteed loans, tax benefits, or any other governmental support it has previously received to the Commissioner on a graduated scale formula provided. 

Requires the call center employer in partnership with the North Carolina Community College System to implement a program for the retraining of affected employees who have become unemployed due to the relocation of a call center outside of the State. Requires each relocating call center employer to remit retraining tuition for its former employees to the office of the NC Community College System to be used within 18 months of displacement or the tuition will be forfeited. 

Provides that the act does not permit withholding or denial of payments, compensation, or benefits under any other State law (including State unemployment compensation, disability payments, or worker retraining or adjustment funds) to workers employed by call center employers that relocate outside the State.

Includes a severability clause.

Intro. by Richardson, Setzer, Goodwin.GS 95
H 547 (2021-2022) USE LAW ENF. DECERT INDEX. (NEW) Filed Apr 13 2021, AN ACT TO ESTABLISH A REQUIREMENT FOR THE NORTH CAROLINA CRIMINAL JUSTICE EDUCATION AND TRAINING STANDARDS COMMISSION AND THE NORTH CAROLINA SHERIFFS' EDUCATION AND TRAINING STANDARDS COMMISSION TO UTILIZE THE NATIONAL DECERTIFICATION INDEX MAINTAINED BY THE INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF DIRECTORS OF LAW ENFORCEMENT STANDARDS AND TRAINING IN THE CERTIFICATION PROCESS FOR CERTIFIED PERSONNEL.

Amends GS 17C-6(a) (powers of the NC Criminal Justice Education and Training Standards Commission) to give the Commission the power to search the National Decertification Index (NDI) using applicant information for applicants for certification or lateral transfer and to use records of convictions resulting from the search to determine if an applicant is disqualified from certification or lateral transfer. Amends GS 17E-4(a) (powers of the NC Sheriffs Education and Training Standards Commission) to add subsection (17) mirroring the above changes to GS 17C-6(a). These provisions are effective October, 1 2021 and apply to applications submitted on or after that date.
Amends GS 150B-38 (Other Administrative Hearings – Scope; Hearing Required; Notice; Venue) by adding Subsection (a1) exempting the NC Criminal Justice Education and Training Standards Commission and the NC Sheriffs Education and Trainings Standards Commission from the provisions of this section. This provision is effective October 1, 2021, and applies to any contested case arising on or after that date.

Intro. by Szoka, K. Baker, Hunter.GS 17C, GS 17E, GS 150B
H 548 (2021-2022) DUTY TO REPORT GIGLIO INFORMATION. Filed Apr 13 2021, AN ACT TO REQUIRE LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS AND JUSTICE OFFICERS TO NOTIFY THE NORTH CAROLINA CRIMINAL JUSTICE EDUCATION AND TRAINING STANDARDS COMMISSION OR THE NORTH CAROLINA SHERIFFS' EDUCATION AND TRAINING STANDARDS COMMISSION, AS APPROPRIATE, WHEN THE OFFICER IS INFORMED THAT BECAUSE OF THE OFFICER'S BIAS, INTEREST, OR LACK OF CREDIBILITY, THE OFFICER MAY NOT BE CALLED TO TESTIFY AT TRIAL AS A LAW ENFORCEMENT OR JUSTICE OFFICER.

Enacts GS 17C-16, concerning persons certified by the NC Criminal Justice Education and Training Standards Commission, and GS 17E-16, concerning persons certified by the NC Sheriffs' Education and Training Standards Commission. Requires the certified individual, or any individual who has received a conditional offer of employment, who has been notified that the individual will not be called to testify at trial based on bias, interest, or lack of credibility to report to and provide a copy of the notification to the Criminal Justice Standards Division (under GS 17C-16) or the Justice Officers' Standards Division (under GS 17E-16), as appropriate, within 30 days of receiving the notification. Limits the reporting requirement to notifications: (1) in writing by a superior court judge, district court judge, federal judge, district attorney, assistant district attorney, US attorney, assistant US attorney, or the individual's agency head or (2) in open court by a superior court judge, district court judge, or federal judge, and documented in a written order. Provides for required content of the report. Also requires notification of the individual's agency head within the same time period, who then must report the notification to the named Division, as appropriate, within 30 days of the agency head's receipt of the individual's report. Requires the identified judicial officials and state and federal prosecutors who notify an individual that they may not be called to testify at trial as provided to report the notification to the named Division, as appropriate, and provide a copy of the written document or order within 30 days of notifying the individual. Requires the individual to provide the appropriate Division a copy of a document subsequently informing the individual that the notification has been rescinded. 

Directs each named Division to provide a written notification to both the head of an agency to which a certification of any person required to report following the specified notification is transferred and the elected district attorney in the prosecutorial district where the agency is located of the previous notification. Provides for the Division to notify every elected district attorney statewide if the new agency is a State agency. Makes these provisions not applicable if a notification is subsequently rescinded in writing. 

Directs each Commission to annually report to the specified NCGA committee regarding the number of individuals for whom their respective Division received a report required of individuals by the respective statute during the previous year, with specified information for each case, excluding identifying information. 

Deems the reports and notifications received under each statute not public record. 

Applies to notifications received prior to, on, or after October 1, 2021, by persons required to report under the act. 

Intro. by Szoka, K. Baker, Hunter.GS 17C, GS 17E
H 549 (2021-2022) REINSTATE INMATE LITTER CREWS. Filed Apr 13 2021, AN ACT TO DIRECT THE NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY TO REINSTATE INMATE LITTER CREWS.

As title indicates. Effective July 1, 2021.

Intro. by D. Hall, Strickland, Iler, Richardson.UNCODIFIED
H 550 (2021-2022) FREE BREAKFAST &AMP LUNCH IN PUB. SCH. UNITS. Filed Apr 13 2021, AN ACT TO APPROPRIATE FUNDS TO PROVIDE FREE BREAKFAST AND LUNCH TO STUDENTS ATTENDING PUBLIC SCHOOL UNITS.

Amends GS 115C-263 to require local boards of education to provide school nutrition services (was, to the extent practicable, school food services) in the schools under their jurisdiction. Specifies that the meals include free breakfast and lunch. Requires the services to be in accordance with standards and regulations established by the Food and Nutrition Service of the US Department of Agriculture (was, recommend by the Superintendent of Public Instruction and approved by the State Board of Education). 

Amends GS 115C-264 to also require public school units to participate in the School Breakfast Program in addition to the National School Lunch Program. Changes who has jurisdiction over the program to the Division of Safe and Health Schools Support, School Nutrition Services. Requires the Department of Public Instruction (DPI) to allocate sufficient supplementary funds to public school units to provide free breakfast or free lunch for every student electing to receive it. Requires, taking into account funds provided toward the cost of breakfast and lunch for students federal programs or programs operated by a public school unit, that supplementary funds from DPI be sufficient to ensure that each public school unit is compensated for each participating student up to the federal free meal reimbursement rate. Requires that school nutrition services earnings that is over operation costs be used to reduce food costs, serve healthier food (was, better food), or to provide free breakfast and lunch (removes reference to providing reduced price lunches to indigent children). Expands the definition of personnel to mean persons directly employed in the operation of the school nutrition program. Deletes the requirement that any cost incurred in the provisions and maintenance of school food services over and beyond the cost of operation be included in the budget request filed annually by local boards of education with boards of county commissioners. Makes clarifying and conforming changes.

Enacts new GS 115C-218.4 allowing a charter school to provide school nutrition services to enrolled students though participation in federally assisted school nutrition programs. Requires the services to meet the standards in GS 115C-263 (as amended above).

Amends GS 115C-75.9 by requiring innovative schools to provide school nutrition services for enrolled students by participating in federally assisted school nutrition programs (was, must participate in the National School Lunch Program). Requires the services to meet the standards in GS 115C-263 (as amended above).

Amends GS 115C-238.72 to require the specified local school administrative unit to provide school food services to the regional school according to GS 115C-263 (was, limited to the extent that it was practicable). Requires the local school administrative unit to include eligible students enrolled in the regional school. 

Amends GS 115C-150.14 to require schools for students with visual and hearing impairments to provide school nutrition services to enrolled students though participation in federally assisted school nutrition programs. Requires the services to meet the standards in GS 115C-263 (as amended above).

Amends GS 116-239.8 to require that laboratory schools provide enrolled students with school nutrition services though participation in federally assisted school nutrition programs. Requires the services to meet the standards in GS 115C-263 (as amended above). Makes conforming changes to also include the School Breakfast Program.

Enacts new Part 4, The North Carolina School Breakfast and Lunch Fund, in Article 17 of GS Chapter 115C.

New GS 115C-266 establishes the NC School Breakfast and Lunch Fund (Fund) to provide financing for breakfast and lunch for students in public school units. Requires the Fund to pay for all expenses for administering the Fund. Provides that any interest generated by the Fund is credited to the Fund. Directs the State Board of Education (State Board) to administer the Fund through DPI. Directs designations made to the Fund by individual taxpayers pursuant to GS 105-159.3 (as enacted) and any voluntary donations made directly to the Fund to be deposited in the Fund. Directs the State Board to annually provide, beginning December 15, 2021, to the Joint Legislative Education Oversight Committee a report documenting and evaluating the administration, implementation, and enforcement of new Part 4. Requires the State Board to set forth all funds received to date and the expected needs of the Fund in the next school year. 

New GS 115C-267 sets out provisions for the administration of the Fund. Requires each participating public school unit to survey its students to determine how many students elect to receive free breakfast or lunch and report the information to DPI within 30 days of the beginning of each school year. Requires DPI to reimburse the public school unit from the Fund within 30 business days of receipt of a request for reimbursement for breakfast or lunch. Sets out further requirements concerning reimbursement. Requires the State Board to use additional State funds provided for funding any shortfall in the Fund for purposes of funding breakfasts and lunches for students electing to receive the meals. 

Enacts GS 105-159.3, requiring the Department of Revenue to allocate to the Fund $3 from the income taxes paid each year by each individual with an income tax liability of at least that amount if the individual agrees. Requires that a taxpayer be given the opportunity to agree or object to that allocation, and requires that each individual must have the option to agree or object to the allocation in the case of a married couple filing a joint return. Details information that must be clearly stated to the taxpayer on individual income tax returns regarding this opportunity. Requires the Department to consult with the State Board to ensure that the information given to taxpayers complies with the intent of the statute. Prohibits any software package used in preparing NC income tax returns to default to an agreement or objection of this opportunity to allocate the $3 of the individual's income tax liability to the Fund. Prohibits a paid preparer of tax returns from marking an agreement or objection for a taxpayer without the taxpayer's consent. Sets forth an explanatory statement that must be included in the instruction for individual income tax returns. Effective for taxes imposed for taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2021.

Appropriates $200 million in nonrecurring funds from the General Fund to DPI for the 2021-22 fiscal year to provide free breakfast and lunches to students in public schools for the 2021-22 school year, and $200 million in recurring funds for the 2022-23 school year to supplement the Fund.

Effective July 1, 2021, and applies beginning with the 2021-22 school year.

Intro. by Brockman, Quick, Autry, Gill.APPROP, GS 105, GS 115C, GS 116
H 551 (2021-2022) FUNDS/DAVIDSON ASBESTOS CLEANUP. Filed Apr 13 2021, AN ACT TO APPROPRIATE FUNDS FOR REMEDIATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENTS RELATED TO ASBESTOS CONTAMINATION IN THE TOWN OF DAVIDSON.

Allocates $350,000 in fiscal year 2021-2022 to the Office of State Budget and Management provide a grant to the Town of Davidson for the purpose of remediation, removal, and infrastructure improvements related to asbestos. Effective July 1, 2021.

Intro. by Bradford.APPROP, Mecklenburg
H 552 (2021-2022) REMOTE LICENSE CONVERSION FOR MILITARY. Filed Apr 13 2021, AN ACT DIRECTING THE DIVISION OF MOTOR VEHICLES TO OFFER REMOTE CONVERSION OF FULL PROVISIONAL LICENSES TO PERSONS DEPLOYED OUT OF STATE AS A MEMBER OF THE ARMED FORCES OF THE UNITED STATES.

Amends GS 20-7 (Issuance and Renewal of Drivers License) to direct the Division of Motor Vehicles to adopt rules to offer remote conversion of a provisional license (GS 20-11) to North Carolina residents who are deployed members of the military. Effective October 1, 2021, and applies to applications for conversion of a provisional license made on or after that date.

Intro. by Greene.GS 20
H 553 (2021-2022) TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY ADVISORY COUNCIL/FUNDS. Filed Apr 13 2021, AN ACT TO PROVIDE FUNDING FOR THE NORTH CAROLINA TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY ADVISORY COUNCIL.

Appropriates $1 million in recurring funds in fiscal years 2021-2022 and 2022-2023 from the General Fund to the Department of Health and Human Services to support the Traumatic Brain Injury Advisory Council. A portion of the funds must be used for a part-time position to support the Council. Effective July 1, 2021.

Intro. by Cunningham.APPROP
H 554 (2021-2022) DESIGNATE 2023 AS YEAR OF THE TRAIL. Filed Apr 13 2021, AN ACT DESIGNATING THE YEAR 2023 AS "NORTH CAROLINA YEAR OF THE TRAIL."

Contains several whereas clauses. Designates the year 2023 as “North Carolina Year of the Trail” and encourages North Carolinians to take advantage of trails, support trail networks, and pay tribute to those maintaining and growing trail networks.

Intro. by Blackwell, Hurley, Strickland, Arp.UNCODIFIED
H 555 (2021-2022) 2021 GOVERNOR'S BUDGET. Filed Apr 13 2021, AN ACT TO MAKE BASE BUDGET APPROPRIATIONS FOR CURRENT OPERATIONS OF STATE DEPARTMENTS, INSTITUTIONS, AND AGENCIES, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.

Identical to S 622, filed 4/6/21.

Due to the fact that Governor Cooper's proposed budget was released on March 24, 2021, and has been available to the public in advance of the filing of S 622, we will not be including a summary of the bill version of his budget. For the content of the bill, please follow the link to the bill on the General Assembly's site above. Further information on the Governor's proposed budget can also be found on the Office of State Budget and Management's website at https://files.nc.gov/ncosbm/documents/files/BudgetBook_web_2021-2023.pdf(link is external).

Intro. by Saine, Lambeth, Arp, Faircloth.APPROP
H 556 (2021-2022) A TAX PLAN FOR A JUST RECOVERY. Filed Apr 13 2021, AN ACT TO ENACT A TAX PLAN FOR A JUST RECOVERY.

Revises the individual income tax rate set forth in GS 105-153.7, which currently sets a flat rate at 5.25%, as follows. Sets individual income tax rates based on taxpayer status and income, with tax rates set at 5.25%, 6.5,% and 7% within each taxpayer status, with the rate determined by the taxpayer's income within the ranges provided. 

Increases the corporate income tax rate under GS 105-130.3 for C Corporations from 2.5% to 5%.

Effective for taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2021. 

Intro. by Morey, Autry, Butler, Harrison.GS 105
H 557 (2021-2022) REOPEN GYM WATER FOUNTAINS/BOTTLE STATIONS. Filed Apr 13 2021, AN ACT TO REQUIRE FITNESS CENTERS AND GYMS TO PROVIDE AT LEAST ONE WATER FOUNTAIN OR TOUCHLESS WATER BOTTLE REFILLING STATION DURING THE COVID-19 STATE OF EMERGENCY.

Directs that all interim guidelines issued by the Department of Health and Human Services, executive orders issued by the Governor, and other guidance issued by executive or local government agencies in response to the COVID-19 pandemic relating to fitness centers and gyms require indoor fitness centers to provide at least one operating water fountain or touchless water bottle refill station. Does not require installation of water fountains or refill stations where not required by law. Effective when the bill becomes law and expires when Executive Order No. 116 (COVID-19 state of emergency) is rescinded.

Intro. by Johnson.UNCODIFIED
H 558 (2021-2022) PROHIBIT MANDATORY CV19 VACCINATIONS. Filed Apr 13 2021, AN ACT MAKING IT UNLAWFUL IN THE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA TO MANDATE VACCINATIONS AGAINST PARTICULAR ILLNESSES, INCLUDING COVID-19; TO REQUIRE PROOF OF VACCINATION OR PROOF OF IMMUNITY AGAINST COVID-19 OR OTHER ILLNESSES; TO DISCRIMINATE IN PUBLIC ACCOMMODATIONS, EMPLOYMENT, OR OTHERWISE ON THE BASIS OF VACCINATION STATUS, PROOF OF VACCINATION, OR PROOF OF IMMUNITY AGAINST COVID-19 AND OTHER ILLNESSES; TO MANDATE FORCED PARTICIPATION IN VACCINATION TRACKING SYSTEMS; AND TO REQUIRE A PATIENT TO WAIVE PRIVACY RIGHTS IN ORDER TO OBTAIN A VACCINATION.

Part I.

Enacts GS 166A-19.30(c1), barring the Governor from requiring or mandating that any person receive a vaccination by operation of executive order. Grants civil and criminal immunity to any person who refuses to receive a vaccination under the statute. Makes conforming changes. Applies to executive orders and directives issued on or after the date the date the act becomes law. 

Amends GS 166A-19.12 to limit the revisions of the NC Emergency Operations Plan concerning immunization procedures in accordance with new GS 166A-19.30(c1). 

Adds new subdivision (3a) to GS 150B-19 to prohibit State agencies from adopting a rule that imposes a mandate or requirement resulting in disciplinary action for a person who receives a vaccination as a condition of the receipt, renewal, or reinstatements of a license by an agency. Applies to proposed rules published in the NC Register and proposed rules on the Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH) on or after October 1, 2021.

Prohibits public health authorities, including the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), the State Health Director, the Commission for Public Health, and local health directors, from issuing an order requiring any individual to submit to COVID-19 vaccination or series of vaccinations if such action is medically contradicted for the individual, or if receiving the vaccination or series of vaccinations is against the individual's religious or philosophical beliefs, as described in existing GS 130A-157 (religious exemption) and new GS 130A-157.5 (philosophical exemption). Extends the prohibition to the vaccination of minors if the minor's parent, guardian, or person in loco parentis holds religious or philosophical beliefs against the vaccination.

Part II.

Enacts GS 130A-157.5, establishing the right of a citizen to determine whether the individual, the individual's children, or anyone for whom the individual stands in loco parentis, will receive a vaccine to be a private right. Prohibits any requirement of a written statement of the moral, philosophical, or personal beliefs and opposition to the immunization requirements of the Chapter. Prohibits a question of whether an affected person has received an immunization be asked of anyone as a condition of attending any college, university, public or private school (K-12), or child care facility. Applies to any vaccination requirement imposed upon an adult or child by a college, university, public or private school, or child care facility on or after the date the act becomes law.

Part III.

Enacts GS 130A-158.5 to require each system used to track or record information about residents who have received specific vaccinations or a series of specific vaccinations to provide written, informed consent from each adult or minor's parent or guardian whose vaccination records and information are added to the system regarding the individual's participation and disclosure or sharing of information concerning the individual's vaccine record, status with respect to a specific vaccine or series, or refusal to receive a vaccine or series. Provides that this requirement is applicable to disclosures and sharing by the system, an individual's health care provider, and an individual's health insurer. Also requires such systems to provide an option for an adult or a minor's parent or guardian to withdraw previously granted consent triggering deletion of all the individual's vaccination records and other vaccination information from the system and all other filed maintained by the State agency responsible for the system.

Part IV.

Enacts GS 93B-8.1A, prohibiting an occupational licensing board or State agency licensing board (collectively "board") from denying an applicant a license on the applicant's vaccination history record, as defined. Prohibits boards from requiring applicants to submit documents containing medical information for the sole purpose of ascertaining an applicant's vaccination history record. Prohibits using any documents or information tending to show a vaccination record as the basis for denial of licensure. Prohibits taking any disciplinary action against a licensee based on the licensee's vaccination history record. Provides for an individual denied the issuance, reinstatement, or renewal of a license in violation of the statute to bring a civil action for injunctive relief, affirmative relief, issuance of the license, or any other appropriate relief. 

Enacts GS 131E-79.5 to prohibit licensed hospitals from refusing to provide health care services to a patient on the basis of the patient's vaccination history or because of the patient's refusal to receive a specific vaccination or series or provide proof of immunity to a specific disease. Enacts GS 131E-79.6 to prohibit licensed hospitals from denying, terminating, or suspending a physician's hospital privileges on the basis of the physician's vaccination history or because of the physician's refusal to receive a specific vaccination or series or provide proof of immunity to a specific disease. Prohibits discrimination or barring of admission, enrollment, or employment against medical residency program applicants or interns on the basis of the student's vaccination history or because of the student's refusal to receive a specific vaccination or series or provide proof of immunity to a specific disease. Prohibits termination of an internship or residency based on the intern or resident's refusal to receive a specific vaccination or a series or provide proof of immunity to a specific disease. Provides for these described persons to bring a civil action for violation of this statute against the licensed hospital for injunctive relief, appropriate affirmative relief as specified, or any other appropriate relief. Authorizes the court to award reasonable costs to the prevailing party. 

Enacts GS 131D-9.5 (concerning licensed adult care homes) and GS 131E-113.5 (concerning licensed nursing homes) to prohibit licensed adult care homes and nursing homes from refusing to admit an applicant or provide services to a resident of the respective facility on the basis of the applicant or resident's vaccination history or refusal to receive a specific vaccination or series or provide proof of immunity to a specific disease. 

Part V. 

Enacts GS 95-28.2A, making it an unlawful employment practice for an employer to fail or refuse to hire, discharge, penalize, or otherwise discriminate against an individual with respect to compensation or the terms, conditions, or privileges of employment on the basis of the the individual's vaccination history or because of the individual's refusal to receive a vaccine or provide proof of immunity. Defines employer to mean the State and all political subdivisions of the State, public and quasi-public corporations, boards, bureaus, commissions, councils, and private employers. Allows employees and prospective employees to bring a civil action against an employer for violation of the statute for injunctive relief, appropriate affirmative relief as specified, an order of reinstatement as specified, an order directive the employer to offer employment as appropriate, and any other appropriate relief. Authorizes the court to award reasonable costs to the prevailing party. Provides for the statute to supersede any conflicting general laws, unless the general law provides a specific exemption to the statute by reference. 

Part VI. 

Enacts new GS 99D-1.5 that makes it a discriminatory practice to use an individual’s vaccination or immunity status to deny an individual the full and equal enjoyment of goods, services, privileges, advantages, facilities, and public spaces. Defines public space as: (1) places of public accommodation; (2) any building or space that is owned, leased, operated, occupied, or otherwise used by a public body; or (3) any other building or space generally open to the public. Sets out five specified prohibitions, including: subjecting any individual to segregation or separate treatment in any matter related to that individual's receipt of any disposition, service, financial aid, or benefit provided to other members of the general public; restricting an individual in any way in the enjoyment of any advantage or privilege enjoyed by others receiving any disposition, service, financial aid, or benefit provided to other members of the general public; and denying an individual an opportunity to participate in a program through the provision of service or otherwise afford that individual an opportunity to do so that is different from that afforded to other members of the general public. Prohibits requiring an individual to take, receive, or disclose whether a person has received a COVID-19 vaccination as a condition of (1) entering a business or public space; (2) receiving any good or service; or (3) enjoying any facilities, privileges, advantages, or public spaces. Prohibits the State and its agencies and subdivisions from creating, imposing, or allowing to be imposed any device or method of identification that might be considered to be a vaccine passport required to travel, enter any public space or private property, or do business in the state.

Part VII.

Amends GS 58-3-25 to prohibit an insurer from refusing to insure or continue to insure an individual, to limit available coverage, or to charge an individual a different rate, solely because of an individual's vaccination status.

Enacts new GS 58-50-286 prohibiting a health benefit plan from using the status of any patients of a provider as a (1) qualification or requirement for entering into a contract with the health care provider, (2) basis for terminating a contract with the health care provider, (3) factor in the provision of financial incentives for a health care provider, or (4) a factor in the imposition of penalties on a health care provider.

Enacts GS 58-51-2 prohibiting a group health plan offered on the large group market from using an insured’s vaccination status as a factor in the rating of a group health plan providing coverage in this state.

Apples to contracts issued, renewed, or amended on or after October 1, 2021.

Part VIII.

Enacts new GS 20-43.5 prohibiting the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) from collecting or maintaining vaccination information or connecting DMV records to a person’s vaccination information. Prohibits requiring vaccination information in order to get an identification card, a learner's permit, or a driver's license. Prohibits a business or governmental entity that requires a person to present a DMV-issued identification card, learner's permit, or driver's license to verify identification from requiring a person to provide vaccination information or proof of immunity; also prohibits those entities from discriminating, denying services or access, or otherwise penalizing a person for not receiving a vaccination or providing proof of immunity.

Part IX.

Prohibits a health care provider authorized to administer a COVID-19 vaccination in this state from requiring a patient to agree to the following as a condition of receiving the vaccination: (1) permission to use or disclose the patient's protected health information or personal identifying information for marketing or other business purposes or (2) waiver of any of the rights guaranteed under the specified portions of the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, and any federal regulations adopted to implement these sections, except as necessary to safely administer the vaccination to the patient and seek reimbursement for administration costs from a third-party payor.

Part X.

Includes a severability clause.

Part XI.

Effective when the act becomes law, unless otherwise provided.

Intro. by Pittman, Kidwell.GS 20, GS 93B, GS 95, GS 99D, GS 131D, GS 131E, GS 150B, GS 166A

The Daily Bulletin: 2021-04-13

PUBLIC/SENATE BILLS
S 188 (2021-2022) BD. OF ARCHITECTS/INTERIOR DESIGNERS. Filed Mar 4 2021, AN ACT TO ALLOW FOR REGISTRATION OF INTERIOR DESIGNERS AND TO MODIFY THE NORTH CAROLINA BOARD OF ARCHITECTURE.

Senate committee substitute amends the 1st edition as follows. 

Revises the proposed changes to and further amends GS Chapter 83A, which governs licensure of architects, previously expanded to also regulate interior designers.

Adds to the Chapter's defined terms: architectural firm, firm practice of interior design, and registered interior design firm. Amends the definition given for interior design to include the creation or alteration of paths of egress. Expands license to include a certificate of registration issued by the Board of Architecture and Registered Interior Designers (Board) recognizing the firm named on the certificate as meeting the requirements for registration under the Chapter (previously limited to individuals). Clarifies that nonstructural element means an element of a building or structure which does not require structural bracing. Makes clarifying changes to registered interior designer to note qualification to engage in the practice of interior design. Expands registration to include a certificate of registration issued by the Board recognizing the firm named in the certificate as meeting the requirements for registration under the Chapter (previously limited to individuals).

Makes changes to the proposed fees names in GS 83A-4, to refer to a $300 reciprocal registration fee (previously duplicated reciprocal license fee) and $500 reinstatement fee for interior designers (was interior design).

Expands GS 83A-6, regarding the Board's powers to adopt rules and standards of professional conduct, to include establishing qualifications for firm registration and establishing or approving registration renewal requirements for registered interior designers. 

Modifies proposed GS 83A-7(c) to more specifically provide requirements and qualifications for registration as a registered interior designer, now also requiring that an individual be at least 18 years of age and of good moral character.

Amends the qualifications for firm practice under GS 83A-8 to require any interior design firm desiring to practice interior design to file an application with the Board (previously phrased as any registered interior designer desiring to offer interior design services through a firm). Subjects firms holding firm certificates of licensure or registration to all applicable rules and regulations of the Board and disciplinary powers of the Board applicable to individual licensees or registered interior designers (was licensees only). Makes organizational and conforming changes. 

Specifies that the Chapter does not apply to persons holding themselves out as interior decorators or offering interior decorating services who provide services that are not subject to regulation under applicable building codes (previously did not specify such individuals must also not be subject to regulation under applicable building codes). Further specifies that the Chapter does not apply to persons engaging in professional services limited to the planning, design, and implementation (was the planning) of commercial kitchen and bath spaces within the construction area and costs set forth in  GS 83A-13(g). Makes further clarifying and organizational changes. 

Regarding the disciplinary grounds set forth in GS 83A-15, considers conduct of the registrant resulting in the imposition of other disciplinary action by a regulatory body of another state for any cause other than failure to pay applicable fees as grounds for disciplinary action by the Board (previously more generally the imposition of other disciplinary action by a regulatory body of another state, except for failure to pay applicable fees). Makes a technical change.

Expands conduct considered a violation of the Chapter, punishable by a Class 2 misdemeanor and a penalty of up to $500 per day, to include unlicensed persons presenting his or her own license of another, giving false or forged evidence to the Board or any member thereof in obtaining a license, falsely impersonating any other practitioner of like or different name, and attempting to use a license that has been revoked. Allows the Board to charge costs of a disciplinary proceeding to a registered interior designer against whom the proceedings were brought (was limited to investigations of licensees). Makes a technical change. 

Changes the effective date of the proposed changes to the Chapter, now providing that the provisions apply to applications received on or after the date the act becomes law from persons appointed to the Board pursuant to the act, and on or after January 1, 2022, from other applicants. 

Regarding initial appointments of the Board, as amended, requires each initial member to obtain registration under the act on or before December 31, 2021 (previously required registration upon appointment).

Directs the Department of Insurance to review and update all relevant documents, material, and applications and promulgate necessary rules concerning the practice of registered interior designers pursuant to the act. No longer directs the Board to adopt implementing rules. 

Intro. by Krawiec, Galey, Barnes.GS 83A
S 202 (2021-2022) NO LAPSE, NO PROBLEM. Filed Mar 8 2021, AN ACT MODIFYING THE ACTION TO BE TAKEN BY THE DIVISION OF MOTOR VEHICLES WHEN IT IS NOTIFIED OF A LAPSE IN FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY, ALLOWING AN ELECTRONIC NOTICE OF A LAPSE IN FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY, CREATING A NEW ACTION BY THE DIVISION UPON PROOF OF SPECIFIC CIRCUMSTANCES, AND REQUIRING THE DIVISION TO CREATE A PLAN TO ALLOW ELECTRONIC RECEIPT OF FORMS FROM INSURANCE COMPANIES.

Senate committee substitute deletes the content of the 1st edition and now provides the following. 

Amends GS 20-309.2 to require the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to ensure that its records accurately reflect the insurance coverage status of each owner of a registered motor vehicle or one required to be registered by reconciling the notices received under the statute. Directs the DMV not to record a termination notice received under the statute as a lapse in financial liability if the DMV has received an earlier notice that establishes the owner has met the requirements for the vehicle through a liability policy that is not the subject of the later termination notice.

Amends GS 20-311 to require the DMV to notify the owner by mail or electronically (was, mail only) upon receipt of evidence that the owner of a motor vehicle registered or required to be registered does not have financial responsibility for the operation of the vehicle. Makes clarifying changes. Adds that the DMV must assess no penalty against an owner that responds within the time period specified in existing law and establishes the following: (1) the owner sold the vehicle or transferred the title pursuant to State law regarding transfer of title or surrender of title to salvage vehicles within 10 days of the termination of financial responsibility for the vehicle; (2) the owner did not operate or allow the vehicle to be operated during the lapse due to damage or mechanical defect, or nonpossession due to sale or transfer for which there was a delay between the physical transfer and completion of the required paperwork; and (2) the owner has returned the NC registration plate or has submitted an affidavit indicating the plate has been lost, stolen, or destroyed. 

Directs the DMV to develop a plan to implement a system for accepting documentation from insurers pursuant to GS 20-309.2, as amended, in an electronic format that allows for immediate transmission of insurance coverage status for owners of vehicles registered or required to be registered in the State. Requires the plan to also provide for electronic submission of documentation required from insurers to license an individual or register a motor vehicle. Directs the DMV to report to the specified NCGA committee chairs by October 1, 2021, detailing the plan developed.

Changes the act's long title.

Intro. by Sawyer, Johnson.GS 20
S 716 (2021-2022) FIX OUR DEMOCRACY. Filed Apr 13 2021, AN ACT ESTABLISHING MINIMUM CRITERIA FOR LEGISLATIVE AND CONGRESSIONAL REDISTRICTING FOLLOWING THE RETURN OF THE 2020 DECENNIAL CENSUS, AMENDING THE NORTH CAROLINA CONSTITUTION TO PROVIDE FOR AN INDEPENDENT REDISTRICTING PROCESS, ESTABLISHING THE NORTH CAROLINA CITIZENS REDISTRICTING COMMISSION, AND MAKING CONFORMING CHANGES TO THE REDISTRICTING LAWS; REENACTING LEGISLATION THAT ESTABLISHED A NONPARTISAN METHOD OF ELECTING SUPREME COURT JUSTICES AND COURT OF APPEALS JUDGES BEGINNING IN 2022; EXTENDING THE WAITING PERIOD FOR FORMER LEGISLATORS WHO BECOME LOBBYISTS; PROVIDING FOR ONLINE VOTER REGISTRATION AND AUTOMATIC VOTER REGISTRATION; INCREASING TRANSPARENCY IN THE LEGISLATIVE PROCESS BY REQUIRING FORTY-EIGHT HOURS' NOTICE OF MEETINGS OF ALL LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEES AND DIRECTING THE LEGISLATIVE SERVICES OFFICER TO DEVELOP A PLAN TO PROVIDE LIVE VIDEO AND AUDIO STREAMING OF ALL MEETINGS OF LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEES AND COMMISSIONS MEETING IN THE LEGISLATIVE COMPLEX; ENSURING VOTING PLACES ON CERTAIN COLLEGE CAMPUSES; PROHIBITING VOTER ROLL PURGING; MAKING VARIOUS CHANGES TO THE CAMPAIGN FINANCE LAWS REGARDING TRANSPARENCY IN SOURCES OF SPENDING, DIGITAL ADVERTISEMENT CAMPAIGNS, PROTECTIONS AGAINST FOREIGN INTERFERENCE IN ELECTIONS, AND LIMITING SUPER PAC INFLUENCE; AND REESTABLISHING PUBLIC FINANCING FOR JUDICIAL CAMPAIGNS.

Identical to H 542, filed 4/13/21.

Includes whereas clauses.

Part I.

Section 1.1

Establishes requirements for revising legislative and congressional districts following the return of the 2020 census, listed in order of priority. Requires each member of each body to represent an equal number of inhabitants as possible, with the population for a legislative district within 5% of the ideal population for that district (as described) and the population for congressional districts within 0.1% of the ideal population for that district. Requires all districts to comply with the federal and state laws and constitutions. Requires all districts to minimize the number of split counties; be composed of convenient contiguous territory (exclude areas meeting only at points of adjoining corners); minimize the number of split municipalities; and be compact to the extent practicable (prohibiting bypassing nearby communities for more distant ones). Prohibits the NCGA from considering electoral results, political considerations, or incumbency in the preparation of legislative districts unless required by federal law. Requires legislative districts to minimize the number of split communities of interest, as defined. Prohibits splitting precincts for legislative districts, unless required by federal law. 

Sections 1.2 through 1.4

Subject to voter approval at the November 2022 general election, enacts Section 25 to Article II of the NC Constitution to charge the NCGA with establishing by law an independent process to revise the electoral districts for Congress and the NCGA after return of the decennial census, subject to the following limitations. Prohibits NCGA involvement in revising electoral districts. Requires each NCGA member and US House member to represent equal numbers of inhabitants, as possible. Mandates districts to consist of contiguous territory. Prohibits division of a county for NCGA districts to the extent practicable and consistent with federal law. Mandates that the districts remain unaltered until the return of another decennial census. Grants adopted electoral districts legislative force and effect. Makes conforming changes to Sections 3 and 5 of Article II to charge the NCGA with establishing an independent process to revise legislative districts and the apportionment of legislators among those districts. Makes these constitutional amendments effective upon certification.

Enacts Article 1B, Redistricting, to GS Chapter 120. Sets forth 14 defined terms. Establishes the NC Citizen Redistricting Commission (Commission), charged with preparing preliminary, proposed, and alternative plans for legislative and congressional apportionment and to adopt final plans for the purpose of nominating and electing legislative and congressional members. Details Commission member eligibility, including residency and voter registration requirements, and a number of disqualifications, among them: contributing more than $2,000 to any candidate for public office, having been a staff member of or legal counsel to the NCGA, having served in any public office in the preceding 10 years, having held any political appointment, and having been a member of an organization that advocates overthrowing or attacking any governmental body in the US. Bars a person having served as a member of the Commission from holding any public office for three years following termination of service. Details member application procedures, including applying to the State Auditor with relevant information and disclosures for eligibility review, then to the Human Relations Commission for review and submission of a diverse group of up to 60 applicants to the NCGA, as specified, with eight legislatively appointed members from the pool of candidates and seven randomly selected members by the Human Relations Commission from the pool of candidates. Sets terms at 10 years. Details other parameters of the Commission, including appointment of a chair, removal from office, vacancies, and reimbursement of member expenses. Provides for a $1,200 stipend for each month the Commission meets. Details Commission staffing and the application of open meetings and public records laws.

Enumerates nine criteria that all redistricting plans must meet, including electoral impartiality, minimization of the number of split communities of interest, as defined, and minimization of precincts split in preparation of a plan. Provides for Commission adoption of preliminary, proposed, alternative, and final plans depending on appointed member affiliations. Directs the State Auditor to submit to the Commission a list of qualified persons who can serve as a special master, who must draw and submit a plan which the Commission must adopt in the event a plan cannot be adopted pursuant to the statute. Provides for appointment of the special master by the Commission, depending on appointed member affiliations. Requires adoption of all plans by October 1 following each federal census. Details the maximum time line the Commission must follow in adoption of a plan, which provides for public hearings following receipt of data from the Census Bureau; release of preliminary plans to the public and further public hearings; release of proposed plans, alternative plans and summaries; and the Commission holding a vote to adopt final plans, or selection of a special master to prepare, release and present a plan to the Commission that the Commission must adopt. Provides for extensions for good cause, as specified. 

Mandates the Commission hold a minimum of 20 public hearings across the State, requiring providing the seven enumerated resources for public input, including sufficient time to review the plan, access to demographic data and mapping software.

Authorizes the NCGA to assign to the Commission the duty to prepare district plans for local government if their governing board or an appropriate court so requests. 

Provides for Commission member terms to begin on January 1, 2023, and conclude on June 30, 2030, for any redistricting that might occur pursuant to GS 120-2.4 based on data from the 2020 federal census.

Makes the above statutory and uncodified provisions effective January 1, 2023, subject to voter approval of the constitutional amendments set forth in this Part.

Makes conforming changes to GS 120-2.3 regarding judgments invalidating apportionment or redistricting acts.

Makes conforming changes to GS 120-2.4, requiring a court to grant the Commission two weeks' time to remedy any defects a court has identified in a plan apportioning or redistricting legislative or congressional districts prior to the court imposing its own substitute plan. Makes further conforming changes.

Repeals GS 120-133 which provides for the confidentiality of NCGA redistricting communications until plans become law.

Effective January 1, 2023, subject to voter approval of the constitutional amendments set forth in Section 1.2 of the act.

Part II.

Enacts new Article 26 to GS Chapter 163, Nomination and Election of Appellate Justices and Judges, providing the following. 

New GS 163-350 provides for the applicability of Article 26 to the nomination and election of justices of the Supreme Court and judges of the Court of Appeals (hereafter, justices and judges).

New GS 163-351 provides for a nonpartisan primary election method for the nomination of justices and judges when 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 when the filing period closes. Provides for the canvass of the primary and determination of nominations in the primary and election winners. 

New GS 163-352 provides for the form for notice of candidacy, the withdrawal of candidacy, and the certification of the candidate as a registered voter. Requires justices and judges to file their notices of candidacy with the State Board of Elections (State Board) no earlier than noon on the second Monday in December and no later than noon on the third Friday in December preceding the election. Prohibits any person from filing a notice of candidacy for more than one office or group of offices governed by Article 26 or GS 163-106.2, including Governor, Lieutenant Governor, all State executive officers, superior and district court judges, US Congress members, and district attorneys. Requires designation of candidacy at the time of filing when there are two or more vacancies for the office of justice or judge.

New GS 163-353 establishes a filing fee of 1% of the annual salary of the office sought. Provides for fee refunds for the withdrawal of candidacy or upon death of the candidate, as specified.

New GS 163-354 provides for the filing of a written petition in lieu of payment of the filing fee, as specified.

New GS 163-355 provides for the certification of notices of candidacy by the State Board and subsequent notification of local boards of elections.

New GS 163-356 authorizes the State Board to extend the filing period for five days for any offices for which candidates have not filed that are to be filled under Article 26. Details the process to be followed when a candidate is disqualified or dies before the primary, a candidate is alive and fails to withdraw after close of filing, or a candidate dies, is qualified, or fails to qualify after the person is elected. 

New GS 163-357 provides for elections to fill a vacancy in an office that is created after the primary filing period opens but more than 60 days before the general election. Provides that the State Board must designate a special filing period of one week for candidates for that office. Provides for a second primary election if two or more qualified candidates file and the vacancy occurs more than 63 days before the date of the second primary for members of the General Assembly, and a general election if two or more qualified candidates file and the vacancy occurs more than 64 days before the date of the second primary which must be held on the same day as the general election for members of the General Assembly. 

New GS 163-358 permits any person who will become qualified by age or residence to register to vote in the general election for which the primary is held, even though not so qualified by the date of the primary, to register for the primary and general election prior to the primary and then to vote in the primary after being registered. Prohibits such persons from registering earlier than 60 days nor later than the last day for making application to register for primary elections pursuant to GS 163-82.6(d) prior to the primary. 

New GS 163-359 sets the primary date for the same date as established for primary elections under GS 163-1(b), which provides for primaries to be on the Tuesday next after the first Monday in May preceding each general election to be held in November.

New GS 163-360 provides for the form of official ballots. Requires official ballots to be printed by the county board of elections, as specified. Provides requirements for the distribution of official ballots.

New GS 163-361 provides for counting ballots in primaries and elections to be in the same manner for nonpartisan municipal elections under Article 24 of GS Chapter 163.

New GS 163-362 establishes that the conduct of elections are governed by Article 12 of GS Chapter 163 (Precincts and Voting Places), except as provided by Article 26.

Makes conforming changes to GS 18C-112(e)(1), GS 163-1(b), GS 163-22.3, GS 163-82.10B, GS 163-106.2(a), GS 163-106.3, GS 163-107(a), GS 163-107.1(b), and GS 163-111(c)(1).

Amends GS 163-122 to exempt elections under new Article 26 of GS Chapter 163 from the provisions for unaffiliated candidates nominated by petition. Amends GS 163-123 to exempt nonpartisan elections, except for elections under new Article 26 of GS Chapter 163, from the statute's provisions concerning declaration of intent and petitions for write-in candidates in partisan elections.

Effective January 1, 2021, and applies to elections held on or after that date.

Part III.

Amends GS 120-304, extending the amount of time that a former legislator must wait before registering as a lobbyist to two years. Previously the waiting period was either the close of session or six months after leaving office, whichever was later. Extends the amount of time a public servant or former public servant must wait before registering as a lobbyist to two years after leaving office or end of employment (was, six months). Extends the amount of time an employee of any State agency must wait before registering to lobby the State agency that previously employed them to two years (was, six months). 

Effective October 1, 2021.

Part IV.

Amends GS 163-82.5 by adding the requirement that the State Board of Elections make the voter registration application forms available for completion and submission on a secure website.

Enacts new GS 163-82.5A allowing an individual to register to vote or change voter registration online if the individual: (1) is eligible to register to vote and (2) possesses a current and valid North Carolina driver's license (including a learner's permit or provisional license) or a special identification card for nonoperators. Requires the State Board to establish a secure website for the completion and submission of voter registration applications. Specifies information that the website must allow an individual to submit, including information to establish eligibility and the individual's email address. Requires the county board of elections, upon receipt of an online application, to verify specified applicant information. Requires the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to transfer the applicant's digital signature in the DMV records to the State Board if the State Board verifies the driver's license or Social Security number. Requires the State Board to notify the applicant if the State Board cannot verify the driver's license or Social Security number.

Amends GS 163-82.10 to add specified identifying information submitted during the online voter registration application process to the information that is confidential.

Effective December 1, 2021.

Part V.

Amends GS 163-82.3 and GS 163-82.6 authorizing county boards of elections to accept automatic voter registration.

Amends GS 163-82.19 to require, beginning January 1, 2022, the Division of Motor Vehicles, in consultation with the State Board of Elections, to develop and implement a method by which eligible individuals shall be automatically registered to vote. Requires DMV officials taking driver's license applications to affirmatively inquire whether the applicant wishes to register to vote or update their registration, note the applicant's response, and register the applicant to vote if the applicant wishes. The applicant must attest to the information provided for voter registration. Confidentiality of voter information must be maintained by the State Board of Elections.

The above provisions are effective January 1, 2022.

Amends GS 163-82.20 to require, beginning January 1, 2023, voter registration agencies (which include state offices that accept applications for public assistance or provide services for persons with disabilities or for unemployment benefits) to provide, in consultation with the State Board of Elections, an application process for automatic voter registration with each recertification, renewal, or change of address relating to the service or assistance of the agency.  Specifies certain procedural requirements substantially similar to those provided for in GS 163-82.19, as amended. Does not require an agency to provide automatic voter registration to a person with a disability at the person's home. Requires electronic transmittal of applications to the appropriate board of elections.

Amends GS 163-82.20A to authorize automatic voter registration at the time of restoration of citizenship, effective January 1, 2020. Further amends the statute to authorize online voter registration at the time of restoration of citizenship, effective January 1, 2022.

Part VI.

Amends GS 143-318.14A to specify that reasonable public notice (might intend to require adequate public notice, as defined below) of all commission, committee, and standing subcommittee meetings must be given to all General Assembly members; members of the commission, committee, or subcommittee; and to the Legislative Services Office (was, only that reasonable public notice must be given without specifying the recipient of the notice). Requires that the notice be posted on General Assembly’s website by the Legislative Services Office.  Defines adequate public notice as written or electronic notice that is posted and mailed or e-mailed to those who requested notice at least 48 hours before the time of the meeting.  Requires that the notice include the time, date, location, and to the extent known, the agenda of the meeting. Requires that the agenda for a noticed meeting be readily available for public inspection no less than 24 hours in advance of the time of the meeting and prohibits changing the agenda except for items of an emergency nature, after the notice has been made available to the public. Requires that commission, committee, or standing subcommittee members receive the text of all bills, proposed committee substitutes, and amendments that will be considered during the scheduled meeting no later than 24 hours in advance of the meeting. Prohibits considering or acting on a bill, proposed committee substitute, or amendment that has not been made available to the members as required.

Requires the Legislative Services Office to develop a plan to install equipment providing live video and audio of floor proceedings and committee meetings. Requires the plan to provide for: (1) public participation and comment to the extent allowed by the streaming technology and (2) access to the recorded live stream on a centralized website within 48 hours after all floor proceedings or committee meetings. Also requires the plan to include estimated costs and an implementation schedule. The plan must be submitted to the chairs of the Legislative Services Commission and the chairs of the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on General Government by April 1, 2022.

Part VII.

Amends the procedure for absentee voting under GS 163-231 to only require one witness instead of two. Makes conforming changes including removing the provision allowing one notary to act as a witness instead of the two witnesses.  Makes conforming changes to GS 163-229. Amends GS 163-230.2 to allow a request form for an absentee ballot to be delivered to the county board of elections in person or by mail, email, or fax.

Part VIII.

Amends GS 163-129 by adding that the county board of election’s ability to demand and use any school or other State, county, or municipal building, or any other building, which is supported or maintained with tax revenues, also includes ensuring the use of voting places on college campuses with at least an enrollment of 4,500 students.

Part IX.

Amends GS 163-82.14 to require a county board of elections to remove a voter from its list of registered voters when a postcard sent by nonforwardable mail from the county board of elections is returned as undeliverable (deletes the provision requiring removal for a voter who fails to respond to a confirmation mailing sent by the county board and who does not vote or appear to vote in an election beginning on the date of the notice and ending on the day after the date of the second general election for the US House of Representatives that occurs after the date of the notice).

Part X.

Amends GS 163-278.12 (special reporting of contributions and independent expenditures) and GS 163-278.12C (special reporting of electioneering communications) by adding the following. Requires that filers reporting donations of $1,000 or more under the aggregate (except for political committees that do not receive more than $5,200 from any one person in an election) disclose the identity of the original source (as defined in the act) of the funds, the amounts of those donations, and any intermediaries who transferred the funds before they were contributed to the filer. Requires any person or entity making a donation of $1,000 or more, in the aggregate, in an election to a person or entity required to report donations under these requirements to inform that person or entity of the identity of the original sources of funds being transferred, the amounts of the persons' original funds being transferred, and the identity of any persons who previously transferred the original funds.

Amends GS 163-278.39 by adding the following requirement to those that must be met in order for any sponsor to sponsor an advertisement in the print media or on radio or television that constitutes an expenditure, independent expenditure, electioneering communication, or contribution that is required to be disclosed. Requires that an advertisement made by a sponsor other than a candidate, political party organization, an individual solely spending the individual's own personal funds received through wages, investment income, or bequests or a person solely spending money received through ordinary commercial transactions include the legend or include the specified statement naming the top three donors who helped pay for the message.

Part XI.

Amends GS 163-278.6 (applicable to Article 22A, Regulating Contributions and Expenditures in Political Campaigns) by defining the term digital communication as any communication, for a fee, placed or promoted on a public-facing website, web application, or digital application, including a social network, advertising network, or search engine. Amends the definition of electioneering communication to include a digital communication that meets all of the already specified criteria. Also amends the definition of advertisement in GS 163-278.38Z (applicable to Part 1A, Disclosure Requirements for Media Advertisements), to include messaging through digital communication that constitutes a contribution or expenditure.

Amends GS 163-278.39 by making the statute’s requirements for political advertisements applicable to the sponsorship of an advertisement through digital communication. Establishes size and content requirements for digital communication advertisements. Makes conforming changes.

Amends GS 163-278.39C to make the statute’s disclosure requirements applicable to the sponsor of an advertisement though digital communication.

Enacts new GS 163-278.39D requiring that digital communication covered by GS 163-278.39(a) (setting out the requirements to be met for any sponsor to sponsor an advertisement in the print media or on radio or television that constitutes an expenditure, independent expenditure, electioneering communication, or contribution required to be disclosed) to submit that digital communication to the State Board of Elections along with the disclosure information required under G.S. 163-278.39. That information is to be on the State Board of Elections website and is deemed public record. Sets out information that must be included on the website.

Effective September 1, 2021.

Part XII.

Amends GS 163-278.39 by adding that a foreign national expending funds for political advertising that addresses a specific issue to influence State or local government policy must include a statement in the advertisement (1) that identifies the foreign national and (2) disclosing that the foreign national sponsored the advertising.

Part XIII.

Enacts GS 163-278.12B requiring a political committee that makes only independent expenditures to notify the Board of Elections of any: (1) contribution in excess of $1,000 received by the committee before an election but after the period covered by the last report due before that election and (2) any contribution or donation in excess of $1,000 made by the committee before an election but after the period covered by the last report due before that election. Sets out required timing of the notifications. Requires a person who receives such contribution or donation and transfers more than $1,000 of the funds to another person to disclose specified information on the contribution to that person when the transfer is made.

Part XIV.

Enacts new Article 22J of GS Chapter 163 providing as follows, effective when the act becomes law, with distributions from the Fund beginning in the 2022 election year. States the purpose of Article 22J. Establishes the North Carolina Public Campaign Fund (Fund) as an alternative source of campaign financing for candidates who demonstrate public support and voluntarily accept strict fundraising and spending limits. Provides that the Article is available to candidates for justice of the Supreme Court and judges of the Court of Appeals in elections held in 2022 and thereafter. The Fund is to finance the election campaigns of certified candidates for office and to pay administrative and enforcement costs of the State Board of Elections (Board). 

The following are sources of money in the Fund: (1) designations made by taxpayers to the Public Campaign Fund, (2) Fund revenues distributed for an election that remain unspent or uncommitted at the time the recipient is no longer a certified candidate in the election, (3) money ordered returned to the Fund, (4) voluntary donations made directly to the Fund, and (5) money collected from the $60 surcharge on attorney membership fees (this provision is effective January 1, 2022, and applies to membership fees due for 2022).

Requires individuals choosing to receive campaign funds from the Fund to file a declaration of intent to participate as a candidate for a stated office. Sets out requirements for the timing of the filing and for the an affirmation that only one political committee will handle all contributions, expenditures, and obligations for the candidate and that the candidate will comply with the contribution and expenditure limits and other requirements. Requires participating candidates seeking certification to receive campaign funds from the Fund to first obtain qualifying contributions from at least 425 registered voters for Supreme Court candidates, or 400 registered voters for Court of Appeals candidates, in a sum not to exceed the specified amount of maximum qualifying contributions. Sets out the procedure under which the Board will certify candidates as meeting the necessary requirements. 

Sets out the following restrictions on contributions and expenditures with respect to participating and certified candidates. (1) Beginning January 1 of the year before the election and before the filing of a declaration of intent, a candidate for office may accept in contributions up to $25,000 from sources and in amounts permitted by Article 22A and may expend up to $25,000 for any campaign purpose. Candidates exceeding these limits will be ineligible to file a declaration of intent or receive funds from the Fund. (2) From the filing of a declaration of intent through the end of the qualifying period, a candidate may accept only qualifying contributions, contributions under $10 from North Carolina voters, and personal and  family contributions. The total contributions the candidate may accept during this period must not exceed the defined maximum qualifying contributions for that candidate. In addition to these contributions, the candidate may expend during this period only the remaining money raised under (1). With named exceptions, multiple contributions from the same contributor to the same  candidate must not exceed $500. (3) After the qualifying period and through the date of the general election, the candidate must expend only the funds the candidate received from the Fund pursuant to GS 163-278.155(b)(4) (funds distributed in a contested general election in specified amounts for Supreme Court and Court of Appeals candidates) plus any funds remaining from the qualifying period. (4) During the qualifying period, the candidate may contribute up to $1,000 of that candidate's own money to the campaign. Allows accepting contributions of $1,000 from each member of that candidate's family (spouse, parent, child, brother, and sister). Allows treating up to $500 of a contribution from the candidate's family member as a qualifying contribution if it meets specified requirements. (5) Requires a candidate and the candidate's committee to limit the use of all revenues permitted by this subsection to expenditures for campaign-related purposes only. (6) Any contribution received by a participating or certified candidate that falls outside what is permitted must be returned to the donor as soon as practicable. Contributions intentionally made, solicited, or accepted in violation of this Article are subject to civil penalties. (7) Requires a candidate to return to the Fund any amount distributed for an election that is unspent and uncommitted at the date of the election, or at the time the individual ceases to be a certified candidate, whichever occurs first. Allows a decision to participate in the Fund to be revoked by the specified deadline.

Allows candidates in elections under GS 163-358 (appears to intend GS 163-357, as enacted, filling vacancies in office created after primary filing period opens) to participate in the Fund and sets out requirements for such candidates.

Requires distributions from the Fund to be made within five business days after a certified candidate's name is approved to appear on the ballot in a contested general election, but no earlier than five business days after the primary. Sets out the amounts to be distributed from the fund in contested general elections. 

Sets out candidate reporting requirements. 

Violations of the Article can result in a civil penalty of up to $10,000 per violation or three times the amount of any financial transaction involved in the violation, whichever is greater. Also, for good cause shown, may require candidates to return distributed amounts to the Fund.

Recodifies GS 163-278.69 as GS 163-278.158.

Amends GS 84-34 by requiring active members of the North Carolina State Bar to pay a $60 surcharge for the Fund, with the option for the member to designate that the surcharge required be used in its entirety for the Judicial Voter Guide described in GS 163-278.158, as recodified. Effective January 1, 2022, and applies to membership fees due for 2022.

Enacts GS 105-159.3, directing the Department of Revenue to allocate $3 from the income taxes paid each year by each individual with an income tax liability of at least that amount to the Fund, subject to each taxpayer's individual approval. Provides for notice and opportunity for the taxpayer to elect this allocation, as well as instructions for individual income tax returns. Provides for requirements for the Department under the new statute, including consultation with the State Board and parameters regarding software packages used to prepare income tax returns. Effective for taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2022. 

Makes conforming changes to GS 163-278.5, GS 163-278.32, GS 163-278.99E, and SL 2013-381, Section 38.1(a).

Makes conforming repeals of SL 2013-360(i), (j), and (l); and SL 2013-381, Section 38.1(l), (m), and (o).

Unless otherwise indicated, effective January 1, 2022.

Part XV.

Makes it unlawful to try to evade the reporting and disclosure requirements of Parts X through XIV of the act by structuring, or attempting to structure, any solicitation, contribution, donation, expenditure, disbursement, or other transaction, punishable by at least the amount contributed or undisclosed, but not to exceed double the amount contributed or undisclosed.

Part XVI.

Includes a severability clause.

Part XVII.

Provides that the act is effective on the date the act becomes law, unless otherwise provided.

Intro. by J. Jackson, Mohammed, Salvador.CONST, GS 18C, GS 84, GS 105, GS 120, GS 120C, GS 143, GS 163

The Daily Bulletin: 2021-04-13

LOCAL/HOUSE BILLS
H 92 (2021-2022) SCHOOL CALENDAR FLEXIBILITY/CERTAIN LEAS. (NEW) Filed Feb 16 2021, AN ACT TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL FLEXIBILITY TO CERTAIN SCHOOL SYSTEMS IN ADOPTING THE SCHOOL CALENDAR.

House committee substitute to the 1st edition makes the following changes. Expands the act's scope to also include Davidson County Schools, Iredell-Statesville School District, Lexington City Schools, Mooresville Graded School District and Thomasville City Schools in addition to the already listed Davie County Public Schools. Makes conforming changes to the act's titles. 

Intro. by Howard.Davidson, Davie, Iredell
H 106 (2021-2022) SCHOOL CALENDAR FLEXIBILITY/PITT COUNTY. Filed Feb 17 2021, AN ACT TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL FLEXIBILITY FOR A THREE-YEAR PERIOD TO THE PITT COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION IN ADOPTING THE SCHOOL CALENDAR.

House committee substitute to the 1st edition makes the following changes. Requires the Pitt County Board of Education to also report to the Joint Legislative Education Oversight Committee (Committee), in addition to the Department of Public Instruction (DPI) on the act's implementation and any related recommendations by October 3, 2023; removes the requirement for DPI to provide an evaluation of the reports and provide an aggregated report to the specified Committee by November 21, 2023. Makes clarifying changes. Amends the act's long title.

Intro. by Farkas, Humphrey, K. Smith.UNCODIFIED, Pitt
H 116 (2021-2022) SCHOOL CALENDAR FLEX./CERTAIN SCHOOL SYSTEMS. Filed Feb 17 2021, AN ACT TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL FLEXIBILITY TO CERTAIN BOARDS OF EDUCATION IN ADOPTING SCHOOL CALENDARS.

House committee substitute to the 1st edition makes the following changes. Expands the act's scope to also include Gaston County Schools in addition to the already included Randolph County Schools and Asheboro City Schools.

Intro. by McNeill, Hurley.Gaston, Randolph
H 129 (2021-2022) GRADUTATIONS/SCHOOL CALENDAR/CERTAIN COUNTIES. (NEW) Filed Feb 23 2021, AN ACT TO PERMIT INCREASED ACCESS TO INDOOR AND OUTDOOR FACILITIES IN CERTAIN COUNTIES FOR GRADUATION OR COMMENCEMENT CEREMONIES IN PUBLIC AND NONPUBLIC SCHOOLS, AND TO CERTAIN LOCAL SCHOOL ADMINISTRATIVE UNITS TO ALIGN THE SCHOOL CALENDARS OF THOSE UNITS WITH LOCAL COMMUNITY COLLEGES.

House committee substitute to the 1st edition deletes the content of the previous edition and replaces it with the following.

Makes the act applicable to only Rockingham, Stokes, and Surry counties.

Requires the governing board of a public or nonpublic school to consult with the local health department and set out the number of people who may attend graduation or commencement ceremonies held for the 2020-21 school year. Prohibits that number from exceeding the occupancy or fire capacity of the venue used for the ceremony.

Amends GS 115C-84.2 to provide that the school opening and closing dates (no earlier than the Monday closest to August 26 and no later than the Friday closest to June 11, respectively) do not apply when the school's calendar is aligned so that it is no earlier than the opening date of a community college serving the county in which the school unit is located. Makes organizational and clarifying changes. Applies beginning with the 2021-22 school year.

Makes conforming changes to the act's titles.

Intro. by K. Hall, Lambeth, Carter, Stevens.Rockingham, Stokes, Surry
H 202 (2021-2022) SCHOOL CALENDAR FLEXIBILITY/HARNETT COUNTY. Filed Mar 2 2021, AN ACT TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL FLEXIBILITY TO HARNETT COUNTY SCHOOLS, JACKSON COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS, AND SWAIN COUNTY SCHOOLS IN ADOPTING THE SCHOOL CALENDAR.

House committee substitute to the 1st edition makes the following changes. Expands the scope of the act so that it also applies to Jackson County Public Schools and Swain County Public Schools, in addition to Harnett County Schools. Makes conforming changes to the act's titles.

Intro. by Penny.Harnett, Jackson, Swain
H 396 (2021-2022) ADDRESS PANDEMIC LEARNING LOSS/SELECT SYSTEMS. Filed Mar 24 2021, AN ACT TO ADDRESS PANDEMIC LEARNING LOSS BY TEMPORARILY ALLOWING ADDITIONAL ADJUSTMENTS TO THE SCHOOL CALENDAR FOR KANNAPOLIS CITY SCHOOLS AND CABARRUS COUNTY SCHOOLS.

House committee substitute to the 1st edition makes the following changes. Amends GS 115C-174.12 to require assessments and final exams to be given within the final five instructional days of the semester for semester courses, including fall semesters ending before December 31. (was, allowed assessments to be given before the conclusion of the fall semester for local boards in Kannapolis City Schools and Cabarrus County Schools that have implemented a school calendar that concludes the fall semester prior to December 31).

Intro. by K. Baker.Cabarrus, Rowan, GS 115C
H 406 (2021-2022) SPEC. SEP. ALLOWANCE/CERTAIN 25-YR LEOS. (NEW) Filed Mar 24 2021, AN ACT PROVIDING A SPECIAL SEPARATION ALLOWANCE FOR CERTAIN CLEVELAND, RUTHERFORD, AND MOORE COUNTY LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS WHO ATTAIN TWENTY-FIVE YEARS OF SERVICE.

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

Makes a technical correction to an internal cross-reference in Section 1(e) to refer to subdivision (3) rather than (2) of Section 1(d), regarding reemployment of a retired officer by a local government.

Intro. by Hastings.Cleveland

The Daily Bulletin: 2021-04-13

ACTIONS ON BILLS

Actions on Bills: 2021-04-13

PUBLIC BILLS

H 20: 1998 CLEAN WATER BOND ADD'L CONNECTIONS.

    House: Reptd Fav
    House: Cal Pursuant Rule 36(b)
    House: Added to Calendar
    House: Passed 2nd Reading
    House: Passed 3rd Reading

H 32: EQUITY IN OPPORTUNITY ACT.

    House: Reptd Fav
    House: Cal Pursuant Rule 36(b)
    House: Added to Calendar
    House: Amend Failed A1
    House: Passed 2nd Reading
    House: Passed 3rd Reading

H 73: TEMPORARILY WAIVE ABC PERMIT RENEWAL FEES. (NEW)

    Senate: Passed 2nd Reading
    Senate: Passed 3rd Reading
    Senate: Passed 2nd Reading
    Senate: Passed 3rd Reading

H 83: REV. LAWS TECH., CLARIFYING, & ADMIN. CHANGES. (NEW)

    House: Reptd Fav
    House: Cal Pursuant Rule 36(b)
    House: Added to Calendar
    House: Withdrawn From Cal
    House: Placed On Cal For 04/14/2021
    House: Reptd Fav
    House: Cal Pursuant Rule 36(b)
    House: Added to Calendar
    House: Withdrawn From Cal
    House: Placed On Cal For 04/14/2021

H 86: INCREASE IN-SERVICE DEATH BENEFITS/LRS.

    House: Reptd Fav
    House: Cal Pursuant Rule 36(b)
    House: Added to Calendar
    House: Withdrawn From Cal
    House: Placed On Cal For 04/14/2021

H 101: ADOPT HAYWOOD CO. AS ELK CAPITAL OF NC.

    House: Reptd Fav
    House: Re-ref Com On Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House

H 141: PROMOTE NORTH CAROLINA SAWMILLS.

    House: Reptd Fav
    House: Re-ref Com On Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House

H 169: STATE HEALTH PLAN DATA TRANSPARENCY.-AB

    House: Reptd Fav
    House: Re-ref Com On Health

H 211: SOCIAL DISTRICT/COMMON AREA CLARIFICATIONS. (NEW)

    House: Reptd Fav Com Substitute
    House: Re-ref Com On Alcoholic Beverage Control
    House: Reptd Fav Com Substitute
    House: Re-ref Com On Alcoholic Beverage Control

H 217: UTILITIES COMM'N TECH. AND ADD'L CHANGES.

    Senate: Withdrawn From Com
    Senate: Re-ref to Finance. If fav, re-ref to Commerce and Insurance. If fav, re-ref to Rules and Operations of the Senate

H 269: GIVE STATE RETIREES 2% COLA/FUNDS.

    House: Serial Referral To Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House Stricken
    House: Serial Referral To Appropriations Added
    House: Serial Referral To Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House Added

H 279: COVID-19 RELATED TAX CHNGS/UI TECH CORRECT. (NEW)

    House: Reptd Fav Com Substitute
    House: Ruled Material
    House: Re-ref Com On Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House
    House: Reptd Fav
    House: Cal Pursuant Rule 36(b)
    House: Placed On Cal For 04/14/2021

H 297: DMV DEPLOYED ARMED FORCES EXEMPTIONS. (NEW)

    House: Reptd Fav Com Substitute
    House: Re-ref Com On Transportation
    House: Reptd Fav Com Substitute
    House: Re-ref Com On Transportation

H 307: NC TIME ZONE/OBSERVE DST ALL YEAR.

    House: Reptd Fav
    House: Re-ref Com On State Government

H 334: BUDGET TECHNICAL CORRECTIONS (NEW).

    House: Reptd Fav
    House: Re-ref Com On Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House
    House: Reptd Fav
    House: Re-ref Com On Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House
    House: Reptd Fav
    House: Re-ref Com On Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House

H 341: PROTECTION FROM ONLINE IMPERSONATION.

    House: Reptd Fav Com Substitute
    House: Re-ref Com On Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House

H 352: HOTEL SAFETY ISSUES.

    House: Reptd Fav Com Substitute
    House: Re-ref Com On Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House

H 370: VETERANS EMPLOYMENT ACT. (NEW)

    House: Reptd Fav
    House: Re-ref Com On Appropriations
    House: Reptd Fav
    House: Re-ref Com On Appropriations
    House: Reptd Fav
    House: Re-ref Com On Appropriations

H 376: SCHOOL CALENDAR FLEXIBILITY.

    House: Reptd Fav
    House: Re-ref Com On State Government

H 477: TEMPORARY EVENT VENUES.

    House: Reptd Fav Com Substitute
    House: Re-ref Com On Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House
    House: Withdrawn From Com
    House: Re-ref to the Com on Finance, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House

H 524: ORAL CHEMO TREATMENT ACCESS DURING PANDEMIC.

    House: Passed 1st Reading
    House: Ref to the Com on Health, if favorable, Insurance, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House

H 525: ALLOW ERPOS TO PREVENT SUICIDES & SAVE LIVES.

    House: Passed 1st Reading
    House: Ref To Com On Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House

H 526: AUTHORIZE INTERNATIONAL TRADE MARKET PERMIT.

    House: Passed 1st Reading
    House: Ref to the Com on Finance, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House

H 527: RECOMMIT SCRAP TIRE DISPOSAL FUNDS.

    House: Passed 1st Reading
    House: Ref to the Com on Transportation, if favorable, Appropriations, if favorable, Finance, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House
    House: Serial Referral To Appropriations Stricken
    House: Serial Referral To Finance Stricken
    House: Withdrawn From Com
    House: Re-ref Com On Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House

H 528: DISCLOSURE OF COSMETICS INGREDIENTS.

    House: Passed 1st Reading
    House: Ref to the Com on Commerce, if favorable, Judiciary 4, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House

H 529: REPEAL RENEWABLE ENERGY PORTFOLIO STANDARD.

    House: Passed 1st Reading
    House: Ref to the Com on Energy and Public Utilities, if favorable, Environment, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House

H 530: ESTABLISH NC TEXTILE MUSEUM.

    House: Passed 1st Reading
    House: Ref to the Com on Appropriations, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House

H 531: TIMESHARE ACT CHANGES/ED. PROV. BOND REPEAL (NEW).

    House: Passed 1st Reading
    House: Ref to the Com on Judiciary 1, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House
    House: Passed 1st Reading
    House: Ref to the Com on Judiciary 1, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House

H 532: CRIMINAL JUSTICE EQUITY ACT OF 2021.

    House: Passed 1st Reading
    House: Ref To Com On Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House

H 533: COUNTY WASTE MANAGEMENT ASSISTANCE.

    House: Passed 1st Reading
    House: Ref to the Com on Transportation, if favorable, Finance, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House

H 534: FUNDS/EST. BLACK WOMEN & GIRLS TASK FORCE.

    House: Passed 1st Reading
    House: Ref To Com On Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House

H 535: FIREFIGHTERS FIGHTING CANCER ACT OF 2021.

    House: Passed 1st Reading
    House: Ref to the Com on Health, if favorable, Finance, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House

H 536: LAW ENFORCEMENT DUTY TO INTERVENE.

    House: Filed

H 537: FUNDS/FORSYTH UNITED WAY/SUMMER LEARNING.

    House: Filed

H 538: TRANSPARENCE IN EVIDENCE STANDARDS.

    House: Filed

H 539: PROTECTING PROPERLY INSURED INDIVIDUAL.

    House: Filed

H 540: STUDY WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT FOR REFUGEES.

    House: Filed

H 541: AMENDMENTS TO SCHEDULE VI OF THE CSA.

    House: Filed

H 542: FIX OUR DEMOCRACY.

    House: Filed

H 543: EXPEDITE VENUE CHOICE OF MASS SHOOTING CASES.

    House: Filed

H 544: REVISE ANIMAL FIGHTING LAWS.

    House: Filed

H 545: MANDATORY TRAINING CONTRIBUTING TO CEUS.

    House: Filed

H 546: NC CALL CENTER PRESERVATION ACT.

    House: Filed

H 547: USE LAW ENF. DECERT INDEX. (NEW)

    House: Filed
    House: Filed

H 548: DUTY TO REPORT GIGLIO INFORMATION.

    House: Filed

H 549: REINSTATE INMATE LITTER CREWS.

    House: Filed

H 550: FREE BREAKFAST &AMP LUNCH IN PUB. SCH. UNITS.

    House: Filed

H 551: FUNDS/DAVIDSON ASBESTOS CLEANUP.

    House: Filed

H 552: REMOTE LICENSE CONVERSION FOR MILITARY.

    House: Filed

H 553: TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY ADVISORY COUNCIL/FUNDS.

    House: Filed

H 554: DESIGNATE 2023 AS YEAR OF THE TRAIL.

    House: Filed

H 555: 2021 GOVERNOR'S BUDGET.

    House: Filed

H 556: A TAX PLAN FOR A JUST RECOVERY.

    House: Filed

H 557: REOPEN GYM WATER FOUNTAINS/BOTTLE STATIONS.

    House: Filed

H 558: PROHIBIT MANDATORY CV19 VACCINATIONS.

    House: Filed

S 188: BD. OF ARCHITECTS/INTERIOR DESIGNERS.

    Senate: Reptd Fav Com Substitute
    Senate: Com Substitute Adopted
    Senate: Re-ref Com On Finance
    Senate: Withdrawn From Com
    Senate: Re-ref to Judiciary. If fav, re-ref to Finance. If fav, re-ref to Rules and Operations of the Senate

S 202: NO LAPSE, NO PROBLEM.

    Senate: Reptd Fav Com Substitute
    Senate: Com Substitute Adopted
    Senate: Re-ref Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate

S 212: BENNETT COLLEGE ACCREDIT./PRIVATE NEED-BASED.

    Senate: Passed 2nd Reading
    Senate: Passed 3rd Reading

S 226: AMEND HIE MANDATORY PARTICIP. &AMP ENFORCEMENT.

    Senate: Withdrawn From Com
    Senate: Re-ref to Health Care. If fav, re-ref to Rules and Operations of the Senate

S 315: ALLOW SELF-INSURANCE AS PROOF OF FIN. RESP.

    Senate: Passed 2nd Reading
    Senate: Passed 3rd Reading

S 323: JOINT MUNICIPAL POWER AGENCIES/INVESTMENTS.

    Senate: Passed 2nd Reading
    Senate: Passed 3rd Reading

S 339: 2022 WRC AMENDMENTS. (NEW)

    Senate: Passed 2nd Reading
    Senate: Passed 3rd Reading
    Senate: Passed 2nd Reading
    Senate: Passed 3rd Reading

S 347: CAPTIVE INSURANCE AMENDMENTS.

    Senate: Reptd Fav
    Senate: Re-ref Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate
    Senate: Withdrawn From Com
    Senate: Re-ref to Finance. If fav, re-ref to Rules and Operations of the Senate

S 415: GREATER TRANSPARENCY IN HEALTH CARE BILLING.

    Senate: Withdrawn From Com
    Senate: Re-ref to Health Care. If fav, re-ref to Commerce and Insurance. If fav, re-ref to Rules and Operations of the Senate

S 435: TERMINATIONS OF STATES OF EMERGENCY.

    Senate: Withdrawn From Com
    Senate: Re-ref to State and Local Government. If fav, re-ref to Rules and Operations of the Senate

S 448: AMENDMENTS TO SCHEDULE VI OF THE CSA.

    Senate: Withdrawn From Com
    Senate: Re-ref to Judiciary. If fav, re-ref to Rules and Operations of the Senate

S 450: VARIOUS EDUCATION CHANGES. (NEW)

    Senate: Withdrawn From Com
    Senate: Re-ref to Education/Higher Education. If fav, re-ref to Rules and Operations of the Senate
    Senate: Withdrawn From Com
    Senate: Re-ref to Education/Higher Education. If fav, re-ref to Rules and Operations of the Senate

S 453: MODERNIZE ABC CONTROLS. (NEW)

    Senate: Withdrawn From Com
    Senate: Re-ref to Commerce and Insurance. If fav, re-ref to Rules and Operations of the Senate
    Senate: Withdrawn From Com
    Senate: Re-ref to Commerce and Insurance. If fav, re-ref to Rules and Operations of the Senate

S 455: CONFORM HEMP WITH FEDERAL LAW. (NEW)

    Senate: Withdrawn From Com
    Senate: Re-ref to Judiciary. If fav, re-ref to Rules and Operations of the Senate
    Senate: Withdrawn From Com
    Senate: Re-ref to Judiciary. If fav, re-ref to Rules and Operations of the Senate

S 462: CON/THRESHOLD AMDS. & CERTIFICATE EXPIRATIONS.

    Senate: Withdrawn From Com
    Senate: Re-ref to Health Care. If fav, re-ref to Rules and Operations of the Senate

S 465: TRASH COLLECTION/MULTIFAMILY RESIDENTIAL.

    Senate: Withdrawn From Com
    Senate: Re-ref to Commerce and Insurance. If fav, re-ref to Rules and Operations of the Senate

S 468: SCIENTIFIC INTEGRITY ACT.

    Senate: Withdrawn From Com
    Senate: Re-ref to Agriculture, Energy, and Environment. If fav, re-ref to Rules and Operations of the Senate

S 474: SEPTAGE MANAGEMENT AMENDMENTS.

    Senate: Withdrawn From Com
    Senate: Re-ref to Agriculture, Energy, and Environment. If fav, re-ref to Rules and Operations of the Senate

S 488: CONSUMER PROTECTION- INVOICE ADVERTISEMENTS.

    Senate: Withdrawn From Com
    Senate: Re-ref to Judiciary. If fav, re-ref to Rules and Operations of the Senate

S 493: JDIG MODIFICATION AND OTHER CHANGES. (NEW)

    Senate: Withdrawn From Com
    Senate: Re-ref to Finance. If fav, re-ref to Rules and Operations of the Senate

S 505: MEDICAL BILLING TRANSPARENCY.

    Senate: Withdrawn From Com
    Senate: Re-ref to Health Care. If fav, re-ref to Commerce and Insurance. If fav, re-ref to Rules and Operations of the Senate

S 539: DISCLOSE HUMAN TRAFFICKING CONVICTION/CUSTODY.

    Senate: Withdrawn From Com
    Senate: Re-ref to Judiciary. If fav, re-ref to Rules and Operations of the Senate

S 542: SHP COMBAT FRAUD/PROPERTY FINDERS STNDS. (NEW)

    Senate: Withdrawn From Com
    Senate: Re-ref to Pensions and Retirement and Aging. If fav, re-ref to Rules and Operations of the Senate
    Senate: Withdrawn From Com
    Senate: Re-ref to Pensions and Retirement and Aging. If fav, re-ref to Rules and Operations of the Senate

S 548: INTERSCHOLASTIC ATHLETICS.

    Senate: Withdrawn From Com
    Senate: Re-ref to Education/Higher Education. If fav, re-ref to Rules and Operations of the Senate

S 552: LIMIT WHO MAY ADVERTISE/ADOPTION LAWS.

    Senate: Withdrawn From Com
    Senate: Re-ref to Judiciary. If fav, re-ref to Rules and Operations of the Senate

S 570: HOLD HARMLESS STAR RATINGS/ERS ASSESS. RESUME.

    Senate: Withdrawn From Com
    Senate: Re-ref to Health Care. If fav, re-ref to Rules and Operations of the Senate

S 574: LIFE INSURANCE BENEFICIARY CHANGES.

    Senate: Withdrawn From Com
    Senate: Re-ref to Judiciary. If fav, re-ref to Rules and Operations of the Senate

S 575: PHARMACISTS IMPROVE PUBLIC HEALTH NEEDS.

    Senate: Withdrawn From Com
    Senate: Re-ref to Health Care. If fav, re-ref to Rules and Operations of the Senate

S 582: HIGH SCHOOL ADJUNCT INSTRUCTORS/CC PREP.

    Senate: Withdrawn From Com
    Senate: Re-ref to Education/Higher Education. If fav, re-ref to Rules and Operations of the Senate

S 594: MEDICAID ADMIN. CHANGES & TECH. CORRECTIONS.-AB

    Senate: Withdrawn From Com
    Senate: Re-ref to Health Care. If fav, re-ref to Rules and Operations of the Senate
    Senate: Withdrawn From Com
    Senate: Re-ref to Health Care. If fav, re-ref to Rules and Operations of the Senate

S 605: NORTH CAROLINA FARM ACT OF 2021.

    Senate: Withdrawn From Com
    Senate: Re-ref to Agriculture, Energy, and Environment. If fav, re-ref to Judiciary. If fav, re-ref to Rules and Operations of the Senate

S 608: STATE IT/PROCUREMENT PROTEST PROCEDURES.

    Senate: Withdrawn From Com
    Senate: Re-ref to State and Local Government. If fav, re-ref to Rules and Operations of the Senate

S 609: INNOVATIVE SCHOOL DISTRICT/COVID-19.

    Senate: Withdrawn From Com
    Senate: Re-ref to Education/Higher Education. If fav, re-ref to Rules and Operations of the Senate

S 628: NATIVE PLANTS RIGHT TO WORK ACT.

    Senate: Withdrawn From Com
    Senate: Re-ref to Agriculture, Energy, and Environment. If fav, re-ref to Rules and Operations of the Senate

S 651: AMEND VETERINARY PRACTICE ACT/DACS BUDGET. (NEW)

    Senate: Withdrawn From Com
    Senate: Re-ref to Agriculture, Energy, and Environment. If fav, re-ref to Rules and Operations of the Senate
    Senate: Withdrawn From Com
    Senate: Re-ref to Agriculture, Energy, and Environment. If fav, re-ref to Rules and Operations of the Senate

S 654: K-12 COVID-19 PROVISIONS.

    Senate: Withdrawn From Com
    Senate: Re-ref to Education/Higher Education. If fav, re-ref to Rules and Operations of the Senate

S 666: UPDATE REQS./ADVANCE HEALTH CARE DIRECTIVES.

    Senate: Withdrawn From Com
    Senate: Re-ref to Health Care. If fav, re-ref to Rules and Operations of the Senate

S 670: ELECTRIC &AMP ZERO EMISSION VEH. CONSUM EDUC.

    Senate: Withdrawn From Com
    Senate: Re-ref to Appropriations/Base Budget. If fav, re-ref to Rules and Operations of the Senate

S 671: VIRTUAL EDUC./REMOTE ACAD./VIRTUAL CHARTERS. (NEW)

    Senate: Withdrawn From Com
    Senate: Re-ref to Education/Higher Education. If fav, re-ref to Rules and Operations of the Senate
    Senate: Withdrawn From Com
    Senate: Re-ref to Education/Higher Education. If fav, re-ref to Rules and Operations of the Senate

S 675: ADD PUBLIC DEFENDERS TO DEFENDER DISTRICT 16B.

    Senate: Withdrawn From Com
    Senate: Re-ref to Appropriations/Base Budget. If fav, re-ref to Rules and Operations of the Senate

S 694: BLACK FARMER RESTORATION PROGRAM.

    Senate: Withdrawn From Com
    Senate: Re-ref to Appropriations/Base Budget. If fav, re-ref to Rules and Operations of the Senate

S 716: FIX OUR DEMOCRACY.

    Senate: Filed

Actions on Bills: 2021-04-13

LOCAL BILLS

H 10: ASHEVILLE AIRPORT AUTH./AUTHORIZE GOLF COURSE.

    House: Reptd Fav
    House: Re-ref Com On Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House

H 12: ADDRESS PANDEMIC LEARNING LOSS/COUNTIES. (NEW)

    House: Reptd Fav
    House: Re-ref Com On State Government
    House: Reptd Fav
    House: Re-ref Com On State Government

H 77: SCHOOL CALENDAR FLEXIBILITY/MOORE COUNTY.

    House: Reptd Fav
    House: Re-ref Com On Local Government

H 92: SCHOOL CALENDAR FLEXIBILITY/CERTAIN LEAS. (NEW)

    House: Reptd Fav Com Substitute
    House: Re-ref Com On Local Government

H 106: SCHOOL CALENDAR FLEXIBILITY/PITT COUNTY.

    House: Reptd Fav Com Substitute
    House: Re-ref Com On Local Government

H 111: SCHOOL CALENDAR FLEXIBILITY/WSFCS.

    House: Reptd Fav
    House: Re-ref Com On Local Government

H 116: SCHOOL CALENDAR FLEX./CERTAIN SCHOOL SYSTEMS.

    House: Reptd Fav Com Substitute
    House: Re-ref Com On Local Government

H 125: SCHOOL CALENDAR FLEXIBILITY/LENOIR COUNTY.

    House: Reptd Fav
    House: Re-ref Com On Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House

H 129: GRADUTATIONS/SCHOOL CALENDAR/CERTAIN COUNTIES. (NEW)

    House: Reptd Fav Com Substitute
    House: Re-ref Com On Local Government

H 185: SCHOOL CALENDAR FLEXIBILITY/CERTAIN COUNTIES. (NEW)

    House: Reptd Fav
    House: Re-ref Com On Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House
    House: Reptd Fav
    House: Re-ref Com On Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House

H 201: ACADEMIC ALIGNMENT/CERTAIN SCHOOL UNITS.

    House: Reptd Fav
    House: Re-ref Com On Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House

H 202: SCHOOL CALENDAR FLEXIBILITY/HARNETT COUNTY.

    House: Reptd Fav Com Substitute
    House: Re-ref Com On Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House

H 226: SCHOOL CALENDAR FLEX/MECKLENBURG COUNTY.

    House: Reptd Fav
    House: Re-ref Com On Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House

H 319: COVID IMPACT ON CRAVEN COUNTY SCHOOL CALENDAR.

    House: Reptd Fav
    House: Re-ref Com On Local Government

H 390: SCHOOL CALENDAR FLEXIBILITY/CERTAIN SYSTEMS.

    House: Reptd Fav
    House: Re-ref Com On Local Government

H 396: ADDRESS PANDEMIC LEARNING LOSS/SELECT SYSTEMS.

    House: Reptd Fav Com Substitute
    House: Re-ref Com On Local Government

H 406: SPEC. SEP. ALLOWANCE/CERTAIN 25-YR LEOS. (NEW)

    House: Reptd Fav Com Substitute
    House: Re-ref Com On Pensions and Retirement
    House: Reptd Fav Com Substitute
    House: Re-ref Com On Pensions and Retirement

H 445: SCHOOL CALENDAR FLEXIBILITY/CHATHAM COUNTY.

    House: Reptd Fav
    House: Re-ref Com On Local Government

S 51: EVEN-YEAR ELECT CRAVEN LOCAL GOV'TS. (NEW)

    Senate: Passed 2nd Reading
    Senate: Passed 3rd Reading
    Senate: Passed 2nd Reading
    Senate: Passed 3rd Reading

S 194: RE-STAGGER TERMS/ALDERMEN/N.TOPSAIL BEACH.

    Senate: Passed 2nd Reading
    Senate: Passed 3rd Reading

S 269: WASHINGTON-WARREN AIRPORT AUTHORITY (NEW)

    Senate: Passed 2nd Reading
    Senate: Passed 3rd Reading
    Senate: Passed 2nd Reading
    Senate: Passed 3rd Reading
    Senate: Passed 2nd Reading
    Senate: Passed 3rd Reading

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