The Daily Bulletin: 2021-04-27

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The Daily Bulletin: 2021-04-27

PUBLIC/HOUSE BILLS
H 93 (2021-2022) REQ. OPIOID ANTAGONIST ED. W/OPIOID SCRIPTS. (NEW) Filed Feb 16 2021, AN ACT REQUIRING EACH HEALTH CARE PRACTITIONER WHO PRESCRIBES AN OPIOID MEDICATION TO A PATIENT TO PROVIDE EDUCATION ON AND OFFER A PRESCRIPTION FOR AN OPIOID ANTAGONIST FOR THAT PATIENT UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES AND FOR CERTAIN PURPOSES.

House committee substitute to the 2nd edition makes the following changes. Amends proposed GS 90-12.8 as follows. Adds to those practitioners excluded from the statute (1) a hospice care provider and (2) a palliative care provider. Clarifies that the practitioner must provide the education described in proposed (b) and (c) on overdose prevention and the use of an opioid antagonist if the practitioner writes a prescription for a patient for a Schedule II controlled substance and any of the already specified conditions apply. Deletes the provision that allows sanctions when a practitioner prescribes to a patient a Schedule II controlled substance and does not (1) co-prescribe an opioid antagonist prescription or (2) provide the education and use information required. Adds the requirement that a pharmacist do the following when dispensing a Schedule II controlled substance if the criteria already set out in the act are met: (1) ask the individual receiving the prescription if the individual has a prescription for an opioid antagonist and offer to fill it; (2) advise the individual that the State Health Director has issued a statewide standing order allowing the pharmacist to dispense an opioid antagonist without a specific standing order allowing the pharmacist to dispense an opioid antagonist without a prescription and offer to dispense the opioid antagonist; and (3) communicate the details of the interaction to the prescriber within 72 hours of dispensing the Schedule II controlled substance. Makes additional clarifying, technical, and conforming changes, including changing the statute's caption. Amends the act's titles. 

Intro. by Sasser, Humphrey, Moffitt, Adcock.GS 90
H 100 (2021-2022) HIGHWAY CLEANUP ACT OF 2021. Filed Feb 16 2021, AN ACT TO ENACT THE HIGHWAY CLEANUP ACT OF 2021.

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

Part I.

Titles the act as "The Highway Cleanup Act of 2021."

Part II.

Directs the Department of Transportation (DOT) to use $1 million of the funds appropriated in SL 2020-91 from the Highway Fund to DOT to establish the Detainees Clean NC grant program to award grant funds of up to $10,000 to sheriffs' offices to provide officers with overtime pay to oversee detainee litter cleanup efforts. Requires agreements between participating offices and DOT defining the scope of the work, and requires DOT to provide participating offices education materials. 

Appropriates $50,000 from the General Fund to the Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) for 2021-22 for use by the Conference of District Attorneys in producing education, training materials, and resources for district attorneys across the State regarding the detriments of litter and the need for strengthened enforcement of litter laws. Effective July 1, 2021.

Directs DOT to coordinate with the Office of State Human Resources (OSHR) to establish a program for designating days for roadside litter cleanup by State employees and encouraging State employees to use available community service leave time to participate in the program.

Amends GS 136-18.05, adding dead animals obstructing the roadways and resulting in a safety hazard to the traveling public to hazards such as potholes that must be removed (or repaired) within two business days of the date the report is received. 

Amends GS 136-28.12, which directs DOT to schedule the removal of debris, trash, and litter from the highways and highway rights-of-way prior to the moving of highway rights-of way, to no longer condition the directive with the phrase "to the extent practicable." Makes identical changes to the required terms for contracted mowing. Effective July 1, 2021. 

Part II.

Enacts GS 115C-81.56, directing the State Board of Education to integrate into science and other courses education on litter prevention and awareness which emphasize the environmental detriments and personal responsibility in prevention. Directs the Department of Public Instruction to consult with specified State entities to provide educational resources to local boards of education on litter prevention and awareness, including a video for grades 6-8.

Directs DOT to use $250,000 of the funds appropriated in SL 2020-19 from the Highway Fund to DOT to raise awareness and program participation in six identified anti-litter programs, including Detainees Clean NC. 

Part III.

Directs DPS, Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice to consult with DOT and study the feasibility of implementing a program similar to the former Inmate Litter Crews to assist in picking up litter throughout the State. Directs DPS to report to the specified NCGA committees by March 1, 2022.

Authorizes the Joint Legislative Transportation Oversight Committee to study the fines and penalties associated with violating the prohibition on littering set out in GS 14-399. Provides for consultation with specified entities, including the UNC School of Government. Requires the Committee to report to the 2022 Regular Session of the NCGA.

Directs DOT to report to the specified NCGA committee by November 1, 2021, on the effectiveness of DOT's Litter Management System website and interactive map.

 

Intro. by Bell, B. Jones, Miller, Harrison.APPROP, STUDY, GS 115C, GS 136
H 103 (2021-2022) 2022 APPROPRIATIONS ACT (NEW). Filed Feb 17 2021, AN ACT TO MODIFY THE CURRENT OPERATIONS APPROPRIATIONS ACT OF 2021 AND TO MAKE OTHER CHANGES IN THE BUDGET OPERATIONS OF THE STATE.

House committee substitute makes the following changes to the 2nd edition.

Adds to the proposed changes to GS 75-41, regarding automatic renewal clauses in contracts, to require a consumer who enters into a contract online be permitted to cancel the contract online. 

Intro. by Stevens.GS 75
H 120 (2021-2022) RESTRICT LOCAL SALES TAX/SCHOOL CONSTRUCTION. (NEW) Filed Feb 19 2021, AN ACT TO ALLOW GUILFORD COUNTY TO RESTRICT THE CHAPTER 105 ARTICLE 46 ONE-QUARTER CENT COUNTY SALES AND USE TAX TO NEW PUBLIC SCHOOL CAPITAL OUTLAY PURPOSES ONLY.

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

Makes the following changes, applicable to Guilford County only. Amends GS 105-538 by requiring that the net proceeds of a tax levied under Article 46 (one-quarter cent sales and use tax) be used only for (1) any public purpose or (2) public school capital outlay purposes. Requires that when the tax is levied for a public school outlay purpose, then the county must maintain at least the same amount of public school capital outlay funding as in the fiscal year before the one in which voters approve the ballot measure, using sources other than this tax. Makes organizational changes. Makes conforming changes to GS 105-537 concerning the ballot language and specifies that a tax levied under Article 46 must be approved in a referendum.

Makes conforming changes to the act's titles.

Intro. by Hardister.Guilford
H 156 (2021-2022) UNCLAIMED PROP. DIV. AMEND./DMV TECH CHNGS-AB. (NEW) Filed Feb 24 2021, AN ACT TO AMEND STATUTES RELATING TO THE STATE TREASURER'S UNCLAIMED PROPERTY DIVISION AND TO EXTEND DMV EMERGENCY RULE AUTHORITY.

AN ACT TO AMEND STATUTES RELATING TO THE STATE TREASURER'S UNCLAIMED PROPERTY DIVISION AND TO EXTEND DMV EMERGENCY RULE AUTHORITY. SL 2021-13. Enacted April 27, 2021. Effective April 27, 2021, except as otherwise provided.

Intro. by Hurley.GS 116B
H 160 (2021-2022) RETIREMENT SERVICE PURCHASE REWRITE PART II.-AB Filed Feb 25 2021, AN ACT MAKING TECHNICAL, CLARIFYING, AND ADMINISTRATIVE CHANGES TO LAWS RELATING TO SERVICE PURCHASES UNDER THE TEACHERS' AND STATE EMPLOYEES' RETIREMENT SYSTEM, THE LOCAL GOVERNMENTAL EMPLOYEES' RETIREMENT SYSTEM, AND THE CONSOLIDATED JUDICIAL RETIREMENT SYSTEM.

House committee substitute makes the following changes to the 2nd edition.

Part I.

Revises the proposed changes to GS 135-4.5, concerning creditable service purchases by members of the Teachers' and State Employees' Retirement System (TSERS). Modifies the proposed conforming changes to existing subsection (cc), which allows for purchase of creditable service by members for any employment as an employee of a charter school operated by a private nonprofit corporation or a charter school operated by a municipality whose board of directors did not elect to participate in TSERS upon completion of five years of service with variance in calculation and payment, limiting the provision to purchases made prior to January 1, 2023 (was, purchases made on or before January 1, 2023). 

Intro. by McNeill, C. Smith.GS 128, GS 135
H 218 (2021-2022) STREAMLINE PERMITS/REDEVELOPMENT OF PROPERTY. Filed Mar 3 2021, AN ACT TO CLARIFY STORMWATER RUNOFF REQUIREMENTS APPLICABLE TO PREEXISTING DEVELOPMENT IN WATER SUPPLY WATERSHEDS.

House committee substitute to the 1st edition makes the following changes. Amends GS 143-214.5 by deleting proposed (d3) which prohibited the Environmental Management Commission (EMC) and local governments implementing a water supply watershed protection program from applying impervious surface restrictions to the redevelopment of property when the redevelopment includes installation of a system for the collection, treatment, and discharge of stormwater runoff from both existing and redeveloped areas in a way that complies with all applicable stormwater management requirements. Instead, enacts new (d3) requiring a local government implementing a water supply watershed program to allow an applicant to exceed the allowable density under the applicable water supply watershed rules if all of the following apply: (1) the property was developed before the effective date of the local waste supply watershed program; (2) the property has not been combined with additional lots after January 1, 2021; (3) the property has not participated in a density averaging transaction; (4) the current property use is non-residential; (5) the stormwater from all of the existing and non built-upon area on the property is treated in accordance with all applicable local government, State, and federal laws and regulations; and (6) the remaining vegetated buffers on the property are preserved in accordance with the requirements of the local water supply watershed protection program. Maintains the requirement that the EMC adopt rules and for local governments to amend their ordinances and local programs to implement this act's requirements.  

Amends GS 160D-403 as follows. Provides that a developer expanding the footprint of buildings approved in the original development agreement by up to 20% is not considered a site plan (was, major) modification if the agreement has been completed within the last 15 years and there has been no change in the property's permitted use. 

Intro. by Zenger.GS 143, GS 160D
H 240 (2021-2022) CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECKS/SCHOOLS. (NEW) Filed Mar 8 2021, AN ACT TO REQUIRE CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECKS FOR INITIAL CHARTER BOARDS OF DIRECTORS AND SCHOOL PERSONNEL LICENSURE AND TO REVISE THE PROCESS FOR CRIMINAL HISTORY CHECKS FOR PUBLIC SCHOOL UNITS.

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

Changes the act's titles.

Part I.

Enacts GS 115C-218.4, directing the State Board of Education (State Board) to require all members of the board of directors of a nonprofit seeking initial approval to establish a charter school be checked for criminal history before granting final approval of a charter application, at cost to the member or the nonprofit. Defines criminal history to mean a county, state, or federal criminal history of conviction of, or a plea of nolo contendere, to a crime that indicates the applicant either poses a threat to the physical safety of students or personnel, or has demonstrated that he or she does not have the integrity or honesty to fulfill his or her duties as a board member; sets forth a list of North Carolina crimes included and provides for similar crimes under federal law or laws of other states to be included as well. Requires the member to be fingerprinted and to provide additional information necessary for the Department of Public Safety (DPS) to provide the criminal history of the member, as well as sign a consent form for the check and use of the member's fingerprints and other information. Bars the State Board from issuing a charter to a nonprofit with a member who refuses to consent to the criminal history check. Requires the State Board to make written findings with regard to any denial based on its review of a member's criminal history. Provides that criminal history information is privileged and not public record; provides for its destruction after one calendar year. Grants civil immunity for the State Board or its employees' negligence in carrying out the provisions of the statute, except when waived by operation of specified state law or when conduct constitutes gross negligence, wanton conduct, or intentional wrongdoing. Makes it a Class A1 misdemeanor for a member to willfully furnish, supply, or otherwise give false information for a criminal history check. Makes conforming changes to GS 115C-218.1. Applies to initial charters that are received on or after October 1, 2021. 

Part II.

Enacts GS 115C-270.12, directing the State Board to require all applicants for professional educator initial licensure, renewal applications, and applications for reinstatement to be checked for a criminal history before the applicant is issued an unconditional license at cost to the applicant or the governing board of a public school unit; permits issuance of a conditional license pending the criminal history check and review. Amends GS 115C-270.1 to define criminal history in the same manner as the definition enacted for charter school board of directors in new GS 115C-218.4, except it also includes crimes which indicate the applicant, as defined, otherwise fails to meet the standards and criteria adopted by the State Board governing ethics and moral character required for professional educators. Enacts identical requirements regarding fingerprinting and the provisions of other information required by DPS for the criminal history check, consent, review (with conforming changes to reflect the expansion of criminal history applicable to professional educator licensure), denial, confidentiality, and immunity, as those provisions enacted for charter school board of directors members in new GS 115C-218.4. Includes giving false information on a licensure application as a Class A1 misdemeanor offense. Adds that the State Board can provide upon request the criminal history it receives on an applicant to the governing board of a public school unit considering employment of that individual during the period of licensure. Makes conforming changes to GS 115C-270.5 and GS 115C-270.10.

Enacts GS 143B-931.1 to require DPS to provide the State Board the criminal history of applicants for professional educator licensure and members of a board of directors of a nonprofit seeking initial approval to establish a charter school. Provides for the provision of the applicant or member's fingerprints, identifying information, and signed consent form as required by new GS 115C-270.12 and GS 115C-218.4. Details the procedure for a comprehensive criminal history check. Authorizes DPS to charge a fee up to the actual cost of locating, editing, researching, and retrieving the information. Provides for confidentiality. 

Encourages the State Board to work towards programming the licensure system to align with the Multistate Educator Lookup System established by the National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification to enable electronic validation of out-of-state credentials and related information. 

Applies to applications for licensure that are received on or after October 1, 2021. 

Part III.

Amends GS 115C-218.90, revising the criminal history check requirements of charter school board of directors with regard to applicants for employment. Requires the adoption of a policy requiring an applicant for employment to be checked for a criminal history pursuant to GS 115C-332 (was conditioned upon the local board of the local unit in which the charter school is located adopting a policy requiring criminal history checks). Adds a new requirements for charter boards of directors to uniformly require applicants for employment to be checked for a criminal history either by a consumer reporting agency and/or DPS. Requires fingerprinting and the provision of other necessary information as well as a signed consent form. Establishes procedures for the check. Prohibits employing or contracting with applicants who refuse to consent to the criminal history check. Deems information received through the check privileged and not public record; allows destruction after one calendar year. Makes technical changes. 

Amends GS 115C-238.73 to require regional school board of directors to adopt a policy that requires an applicant for a school personnel position to be checked for criminal history (previously directed to adopt a policy on whether and under what circumstances school personnel are required to be checked for a criminal history). Allows the board of directors to request the criminal history check completed for licensure purposes by the State Board pursuant to GS 115C-270.12, as applicable. Authorizes rather than bars the board of directors to require applicants to pay for the check and fingerprinting. Requires uniform criminal history checks for school personnel applicants by either a consumer reporting agency, as defined, and/or DPS (currently limited to DPS). Restricts requirements regarding fingerprinting, provision of other necessary information and signed consent to checks by DPS. Bars employing or contracting with an applicant who refuses to consent (previously required to consider refusal when making employment and contract decisions). Regarding existing authority of a board of directors to adopt a policy providing for uniform periodic checks of criminal history of employees, allows the board to conduct a criminal history check as provided for applicants. Makes technical changes. 

Amends GS 115C-332, regarding criminal history checks of public school personnel. Makes technical changes to the defined term criminal history. Makes identical changes as those made to GS 115C-238.73, regarding requirements of a regional school concerning applicants for school personnel positions, making them applicable to local boards of education. 

Similarly, amends GS 116-239.12, directing the chancellor of a laboratory school to adopt a policy requiring applicants for a school personnel position to be checked for a criminal history before the applicant is offered an unconditional job (previously not specified, though existing law provides for conditional employment pending the check and review). Authorizes the chancellor to request the criminal history check completed for licensure purposes from the State Board under GS 115C-270.12, as applicable. Authorizes rather than bars the chancellor from requiring the applicant to pay for the check and fingerprinting. Requires the chancellor by policy to uniformly require applicants for employment to be checked for criminal history either by a consumer reporting agency, as defined, and/or DPS. Restricts requirements regarding fingerprinting, provision of other necessary information and signed consent to checks by DPS. Bars employing or contracting with an applicant who refuses to consent (previously required to consider refusal when making employment and contract decisions). Grants authority to adopt a policy providing for uniform periodic checks of criminal history of employees, and allows the chancellor to conduct a criminal history check as provided for applicants. Makes technical changes. 

Amends GS 143B-931 to authorize DPS to provide a criminal history check to the board of directors of a charter school of a person who is employed at a charter school or of a person who has applied for employment at a charter school, subject to employee or applicant consent, as well as school personnel by fingerprint card. Provides for confidentiality. 

Applies to applications for employment that are received on or after January 1, 2022. 

Intro. by Torbett.GS 115C, GS 116, GS 143
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.

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. SL 2021-16. Enacted April 27, 2021. Effective April 27, 2021, except as otherwise provided.

Intro. by Howard, Szoka, Bradford, Setzer.GS 96
H 294 (2021-2022) SALE OF SALVAGE VEHICLES. Filed Mar 11 2021, AN ACT PERMITTING DEALERS TO SELL USED VEHICLES ISSUED A SALVAGE CERTIFICATION WITHOUT CONDUCTING A SAFETY INSPECTION.

House committee substitute amends the 1st edition as follows. 

Revises the proposed changes to GS 20-183.4C to allow a dealer to sell a used vehicle that was issued a salvage certificate of title, without an inspection (was, a safety inspection), if the dealer has no knowledge of alterations or repairs made to the vehicle after issuance of the salvage certificate of title and before retail sale of the vehicle, and the dealer discloses either electronically or in writing to the retail purchaser that no inspection has been performed by the dealer (was, if no alterations or repairs have been made to the vehicle after the salvage certificate of title was issued and after sale of the vehicle, and the dealer makes a written disclosure to the Division of Motor Vehicles that the dealer did not perform a safety inspection).

Intro. by B. Jones, Bell.GS 20
H 330 (2021-2022) OPPOSING FEDERAL AUTHORITY REGARDING ELECTION. Filed Mar 17 2021, A JOINT RESOLUTION EXPRESSING THE NORTH CAROLINA GENERAL ASSEMBLY'S POSITION REGARDING ANY FEDERAL ACTION INFRINGING UPON THE STATE'S SOVEREIGN CONSTITUTIONAL AUTHORITY TO MANAGE, CONTROL, AND ADMINISTER ELECTIONS.

House committee substitute amends the 1st edition as follows. Revises and adds to the act's whereas clauses. Changes the act's long title.

Now states that the NCGA does not support (rather than stating legislator opposition to) any attempt by the federal government to usurp or interfere with the State's legislative authority over the management, control, and administration of elections, and federal H.R. 1 (For the People Act of 2021; introduced in Congress on January 4, 2021) and any subsequent enactment of the terms of this proposal and implores members of Congress to oppose the same. 

Intro. by Iler, Hardister, D. Hall, Stevens.JOINT RES
H 411 (2021-2022) DRIVING WITHOUT INSURANCE/TOW VEHICLE. Filed Mar 25 2021, AN ACT TO REQUIRE THE TOWING AND STORAGE OF A VEHICLE BEING OPERATED BY A DRIVER WHO IS CHARGED WITH FAILING TO MAINTAIN FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY.

House committee substitute to the 1st edition makes the following changes. Amends proposed GS 20-313(f) by correcting the internal cross-reference to the portion of the statute concerning release of the motor vehicle. Make an additional clarifying change. 

Intro. by Cleveland.GS 20
H 428 (2021-2022) TEACHER LICENSURE/RETIRED EDUCATOR PROGRAM. Filed Mar 29 2021, AN ACT TO MAKE CHANGES TO TEACHER LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS AND TO EXTEND AND EXPAND THE PROGRAM TO ALLOW RETIRED EDUCATORS TO RETURN TO WORK IN HIGH-NEED SCHOOLS.

House committee substitute amends the 2nd edition as follows.

Part I.

Amends GS 115C-270.20(a)(5), which sets forth requirements for a residency license (class of teacher license), to refer to the governing board of a public school unit requesting the license rather than a local board of education. Applies beginning with applications submitted on or after the date the act becomes law. 

Part II.

Revises the proposed changes to GS 115C-302.4, amending the second of the two criteria set forth in the definition of high-need retired teacher, to include reemployment by a local board of education as an instructional support personnel exclusively at a high-need school or schools, or reemployment by the Innovative School District as a teacher employed on an annual contract for a term of no more than one school year as a school principal for an innovative school (was limited to reemployment by a local board as a teacher employed on an annual contract to provide classroom instruction exclusively at a high-need school or schools). Amends the proposed definition for school personnel to include licensed personnel classified as a principal. Expands the modified compensation set forth for high-need retired teachers, adding to the teacher salary schedule to set the salary of high-need retired teachers serving as the school principal of an innovative school at the base salary for a principal of a school with an average daily membership of 400 or less. Makes conforming changes.

Makes conforming changes to GS 135-3(8)g., regarding the exclusion of earnings of a beneficiary of the Teachers' and State Employees' Retirement System while employed as a high-need retired teacher. Makes related conforming changes to Section 5 of SL 2019-110, as amended, regarding the prohibition against high-need retired teachers accruing any additional benefits under GS 135-3(8).

Intro. by Elmore, Brody, Miller, Clemmons.GS 115C, GS 135
H 435 (2021-2022) SPECIAL REGISTRATION PLATES. (NEW) Filed Mar 29 2021, AN ACT TO AUTHORIZE THE DIVISION OF MOTOR VEHICLES TO PRODUCE VARIOUS SPECIAL REGISTRATION PLATES.

House committee substitute amends the 1st edition as follows. 

Further amends GS 20-79.4(b) to authorize the Division of Motor Vehicles to also produce the following types of special registration plates with specified plate fees, in addition to the A Pet is Family special registration plate originally proposed: Electric Vehicle (no fee provided), Home of the Venus Flytrap ($30 fee with $20 quarterly transferred to the NC Botanical Garden Foundation Inc. to be used to support plant conservation and plant research), NC Association of Fire Chiefs ($30 fee with $20 quarterly transferred to the NC Association of Fire Chiefs for education programs for NC firefighters), and Special Olympics NC ($25 fee with $15 quarterly transferred to Special Olympics NC to fund athletic programs throughout NC). Makes issuance of Electric Vehicle, Home of the Venus Flytrap, and NC Association of Fire Chiefs plates contingent on the receipt of at least 500 plate applications for the respective plate type. No longer makes a technical change to the reference to the Fund established in GS 143B-135.234. Makes conforming changes to the authority granted to the Revisor of Statutes. Changes the act's titles.

Intro. by Iler.GS 20
H 486 (2021-2022) REPLACE EOC WITH NATIONAL ASSESSMENT. Filed Apr 1 2021, AN ACT TO USE A NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED ASSESSMENT OF HIGH SCHOOL ACHIEVEMENT AND COLLEGE READINESS TO REPLACE THE END-OF-COURSE TESTS FOR GRADES NINE THROUGH TWELVE AND TO ESTABLISH A NEW CAREER READINESS INDICATOR.

House committee substitute amends the 1st edition as follows.

Part I.

More specifically requires the State Board of Education (State Board) to eliminate the use of end-of-course (EOC) tests for grades 9-12 beginning with the 2023-23 school year. Now deems the national recognized assessment of high school achievement and readiness (no longer includes an alternate assessment) administered to students in eleventh grade pursuant to GS 115C-174.11(c)(1a), as enacted (rather than amended subdivision (4)), to constitute the testing in grades 9-12 required by federal law (rather than state mandate and state law). Provides for continued application of NCEXTEND1 policies, and use of NCEXTEND1 for students with significant cognitive disabilities (was, disabilities) as appropriate.

Directs the State Board to identify which reading, math, and science content standards adopted pursuant to GS 115C-12(9c) are aligned with the ACT, SAT, SAT Subject Test in Biology Ecological, SAT Subject Test in Biology Molecular, SAT Subject in Chemistry, and SAT Subject Test in Physics, by October 1, 2021. Directs the State Board to contract with a vendor by November 1, 2021, to evaluate the alignment between the NC content standards identified and the nationally recognized assessments of high school achievement and college readiness, with specified evaluation requirements for each nationally recognized assessment. Requires the State Board to report to the specified NCGA committee by April 15, 2022.

Eliminates the proposed changes to GS 115C-174.11(c)(4) to instead repeal subdivision (4). Amends GS 115C-174.11(c)(1) to require the State Board to adopt tests for grades 3-8 (was 3-12) that are required by federal law or as a condition of a federal grant. Enacts new subdivision (1a) to require the State Board to use a competitive bid process to adopt one nationally recognized assessment of high school achievement and college readiness to make available to public school units to administer to all students in the eleventh grade. Requires this assessment to be used to measure progress toward reading, math, and science competencies in compliance with federal law, and required the results of students with disabilities on the assessment to be included in the school accountability reporting for all public school units provided by the State Board. 

Eliminates the proposed effective date of July 1, 2022, for this Part.

Part II.

No longer provides that career readiness indicators described in specified State law are not to be considered in the calculation of school performance grades issued based on data from the 2021-22 school year. 

Adds the following content. 

Amends GS 115C-83.15(b)(2)e. regarding the calculation of school achievement scores, to include one point for each student who is enrolled in Career and Technical Education courses, earns a credential of value aligned to the pathway, and completes a work-based learning experience for academic credit (was, enrolled in a Career and Technical Education course and scores at specified levels on a nationally normed test of workplace readiness).

Directs the State Board to develop a plan to implement the new career readiness indicator, as established above, considering way to incentivize schools to engage in partnerships with local businesses to provide a variety of course offerings to meet the job skills relevant to the community in which the schools are located. Directs the State Board to report to the specified NCGA committee by April 15, 2022.

No longer provides for this Part to apply beginning with the 2021-22 school year. 

Part III.

Makes additional conforming changes, amending the following statutes to reflect the elimination of EOC tests: GS 115C-81.36; GS 115C-105.41; GS 115C-174.12 (with additional technical changes); GS 115C-276; and GS 116-11 (replacing the previously proposed changes to GS 116-11). 

Replaces the proposed changes to the assignment of points for school achievement scores for schools serving 9-12 grade students pursuant to GS 115C-83.15, now requiring assignment of points based on the percentage of students meeting the standard for proficiency in high school math, reading, and science (was, based on scores of proficient and above on specified subtests of a nationally recognized assessment of high school achievement and college readiness). Deletes the elimination of points for students enrolled in career and technical education courses who earn specified scores on a nationally normed test of workplace readiness. 

Replaces the proposed changes regarding school performance indicators for schools serving 9-12 grade students pursuant to GS 115C-83.16, revising the measures used to define indicators to refer to proficiency in high school math, reading and science (rather than proficiency on specified subtests of a nationally recognized assessment of high school achievement and college readiness) and the percentage of students meeting the career readiness criteria identified in GS 115C-83.15(b)(2) (previously, eliminated the measure of student quality and success indicator the percentage of students enrolled in career and technical education courses who earn specified scores on a nationally normed test of workplace readiness). 

Eliminates the proposed effective date of January 1, 2023, for the Part. Makes the conforming changes to GS 116-11 effective beginning July 1, 2023, and applicable to transcripts for students in eleventh grade in the 2023-24 school year and thereafter. 

Establishes an effective date for the entire act, unless otherwise provided, as follows. Effective on the date the act becomes law and applies to high school test administrations beginning with the 2023-24 school year and school performance grades beginning with those based on data from the 2023-24 school year. 

Changes the act's long title. 

Intro. by Elmore, Bell, K. Hall, Torbett.GS 115C, GS 116
H 535 (2021-2022) FIREFIGHTERS FIGHTING CANCER ACT OF 2021. Filed Apr 12 2021, AN ACT TO PROVIDE A SUPPLEMENTAL INSURANCE POLICY FOR FIREFIGHTERS DIAGNOSED WITH CANCER.

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

Section 2

Amends proposed GS 58-57A-5 to clarify that it is the Department of Insurance that is to administer the Firefighter Cancer Health Care Benefit Plan (Benefit Plan). Amends proposed GS 58-87A-15 to provide for reimbursement of up to $12,000 for any out-of-pocket expenses incurred for each diagnosis of cancer (was, $12,000 annually for any out-of-pocket expenses incurred).  

Section 4

Deletes the previous Section 4 of the act, which made changes to the tax on gross premiums of insurance contracts for property coverage, including the distribution of tax proceeds. 

Appropriates $17 million from the General Fund to the Department of Insurance for the first year of the fiscal biennium to support the Benefit Plan. Requires the funds to be used to provide the supplemental insurance policy and benefits to an eligible firefighter with a new diagnosis of cancer on or after January 1, 2022. 

Intro. by D. Hall, Bell, Saine, Hardister.APPROP, GS 58
H 598 (2021-2022) RESTITUTION/SEXUAL EXPLOITATION OF MINOR. Filed Apr 19 2021, AN ACT TO CLARIFY RESTITUTION FOR SEXUAL EXPLOITATION OF A MINOR.

House committee substitute to the 1st edition makes the following changes. Amends proposed GS 14-190.17B, by adding that the court is not required to order restitution for a violation of GS 14-190.16, GS 14-190.17, or GS 14-190.17A if the victim has not been identified. Makes additional technical changes.

Intro. by Davis.GS 14
H 616 (2021-2022) CHARTER REPLICATION ACT. Filed Apr 20 2021, AN ACT TO REMOVE CERTAIN BARRIERS RELATED TO FAST-TRACK REPLICATION OF HIGH-QUALITY CHARTER SCHOOLS.

House committee substitute amends the 1st edition as follows.

Amends the proposed changes to GS 115C-218.3 (Fast track replication of high-quality charter schools), to include an explicit requirement that the board of directors operates charter schools in addition to the board demonstrating the two previously revised requirements for qualification under revised subdivision (1).

Intro. by Torbett.GS 115C
H 657 (2021-2022) SCHOOL SAFETY/THREAT ASSESSMENT TEAMS. Filed Apr 22 2021, AN ACT TO CLARIFY THE APPLICATION OF SCHOOL SAFETY REQUIREMENTS TO PUBLIC SCHOOL UNITS, TO ENCOURAGE CERTAIN NONPUBLIC SCHOOLS TO TAKE MEASURES TO IMPROVE SCHOOL SAFETY, TO REQUIRE THAT THREAT ASSESSMENT TEAMS BE ESTABLISHED AT EACH PUBLIC SCHOOL UNIT, AND TO CODIFY THE DUTIES OF THREAT ASSESSMENT TEAMS.

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

Part I. 

Amends the proposed new subsections of GS 115C-218.75 (concerning charter schools), GS 115C-238.66 (concerning regional schools), and GS 115C-239.8 (concerning laboratory schools), requiring charter schools, regional schools, and laboratory schools to comply with the requirements for public school units in Part 2 of Article 8C, as amended (previously required compliance with the applicant requirements of Part 2). 

Part II.

Makes a technical correction to a federal statutory reference in proposed GS 115C-105.65.

Intro. by Torbett.GS 115C, GS 122C
H 692 (2021-2022) RESTRICT CERTAIN VEHICLE MODIFICATIONS. Filed Apr 27 2021, AN ACT PROHIBITING CERTAIN MODIFICATIONS TO PASSENGER VEHICLES OPERATING ON HIGHWAYS OR PUBLIC VEHICULAR AREAS.

Amends GS 20-135.4 (Certain automobile safety standards) to change the definition of "private passenger automobile" to remove the multipurpose passenger vehicle exception. Changes prohibitions on height modifications made to private passenger automobiles operated on highways or public vehicle areas to now prohibit modifying or altering a private passenger automobile by (1) elevating the automobile more than 3 inches from the manufacturer's specified height in the front and (2) lowering the automobile more than 2 inches from the manufacturer's specified height in the rear. No longer provides exceptions for those with written approval from the Commissioner. Amends GS 20-17 (offenses for which the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) must revoke license) to include a third or subsequent conviction for violating the prohibition on height modifications in GS 20-135.4(d) as one of the offenses for which the DMV must revoke an individual’s license. Amends GS 20-19 (period of license revocation and conditions of restoration) to require that the license revocation be for at least one year. Effective December 1, 2021, and applies to offenses on or after that date.

Intro. by B. Jones, Bell, Saine, Hardister.GS 20
H 693 (2021-2022) COMMON CARRIER ABC PERMIT. Filed Apr 27 2021, AN ACT TO CREATE A COMMON CARRIER VEHICLE ABC PERMIT.

Amends GS 18B-1001 (ABC permits) to add subdivision (22) establishing a common carrier vehicle permit for businesses operating common carriers under a certificate of authority by the North Carolina Utilities Commission to authorize the sale or service of alcohol in the passenger area of a common carrier on journeys of 75 miles or greater and which do not end within 10 miles of where the journey starts. Sets out limitation on hours in which alcohol can be sold, served, or consumed. Amends GS 18B-902(d) (ABC permit application and fees) establishing a $1,000 application fee for a common carrier vehicle permit. Amends GS 18B-401 (prohibiting transportation of open containers and consumption of alcohol in vehicles) to make conforming changes. Effective August 1, 2021.

Intro. by Moffitt, Bradford, Szoka, Martin.GS 18B
H 694 (2021-2022) FIRST RESPONDERS/HEALTH CARE POAS REQUIRED. (NEW) Filed Apr 27 2021, AN ACT REQUIRING THAT EMPLOYEES WHO MUST RESPOND FIRST TO EMERGENCIES MUST HAVE HEALTH CARE POWERS OF ATTORNEY.

Amends Article 3 of GS Chapter 95 (Department of Labor regulations) to add GS 95-28.5 directing that all state and local governments which employ public first responders require that all first-responder employees have a medical power of attorney, provide access to the medical power of attorney to the employer, and review the power of attorney annually with their supervisor. Also directs that private employers which employ private first-responders require their first-responder employees to have a medical power of attorney. Provides definitions for the section. Effective January 1, 2022.

Intro. by McNeely, Faircloth, Miller, McNeill.GS 95
H 695 (2021-2022) MODIFY CHARITABLE SOLICITATION LICENSING LAWS. Filed Apr 27 2021, AN ACT TO INCREASE THE QUALIFYING INCOME THRESHOLD FOR EXEMPTION FROM CHARITABLE SOLICITATION REQUIREMENTS, TO MODIFY THE DEADLINES FOR LICENSURE RENEWAL FOR CHARITABLE ORGANIZATIONS, AND TO REMOVE THE REQUIREMENT THAT APPLICATIONS FOR LICENSURE AND CERTAIN FINANCIAL REPORTS BE NOTARIZED.

Identical to S 681, filed 4/7/21.

Revises individuals and entities exempt from the provisions governing the solicitation of contributions by charitable organizations in GS Chapter 131F, as set forth in GS 131F-3. Now exempts any person who receives less than $50,000 (was, $25,000) in contributions in any calendar year who does not provide compensation to any officer, trustee, organizer, incorporator, fund-raiser, or solicitor. Adds that compensation to any organizer or incorporator does not include professional fees paid to licensed attorneys or licensed accountants. Identifies five ways a charitable organization can demonstrate to the Department of the Secretary of State (Department) that it receives less than $50,000 in contributions, including providing a copy of its most recently completed and filed IRS Form 990 or Form 990-EZ, a copy of its budget for the current year approved by its governing board with projected revenue and projected expenses, or a completed financial form developed by the Department. 

Amends GS 131F-5 regarding charitable organization licensure renewal. No longer specifies that an extension for license renewal and annual filing of update information cannot exceed three months after the initial renewed date or eight months after the conclusion of the year for which financial information is due at the time of renewal. Specifies that federal filing date means federal informational tax form filing date. Deems a license renewal application filed as of the date shown on the postmark affixed, or, if filed electronically, when it is sent, as provided in GS 66-325. Now requires a charitable organization or sponsor whose federal informational tax form filing date has been extended pursuant to filing the federal application for automatic extension, to, within seven days after filing the application for automatic renewal, notify the Department that the license renewal period is extended by forwarding a copy of the application to the Department (previously provided for forwarding the document granting the extension within seven days of receipt). Now allows the Department to extend the time for license renewal and annual filing of updated information for a period of up to 60 days beyond (1) the 15th day of the fifth calendar month after the close of each fiscal year in which the charitable organization or sponsor solicited in the State or (2) the date of any applicable extension of the federal information tax form filing date, during which time the previous license remains in effect (was, not exceeding 60 days). Adds authority for the Department to extend the time for a charitable organization or sponsor whose federal informational tax form filing date has been extended pursuant tp filing the federal application for automatic extension for an additional period not to exceed 60 days. Effective October 1, 2021. 

Amends licensure requirements for charitable organizations and sponsors in GS 131F-6, fund-raising consultants in GS 131F-15, and solicitors in GS 131F-16 to no longer require applications to be signed under oath; maintains signature requirement. Additionally no longer requires the financial report for solicitation campaigns required under GS 131F-16 to be signed certified under oath; maintain certification requirement. 

Intro. by Lofton, Howard, Reives, Moffitt.GS 131F
H 696 (2021-2022) VARIOUS CHANGES TO NONPROFIT CORPORATIONS ACT. Filed Apr 27 2021, AN ACT TO MAKE VARIOUS CHANGES TO THE NORTH CAROLINA NONPROFIT CORPORATIONS ACT.

Identical to S 540, filed 4/5/21.

Part I.

Amends GS 55A-11-02 to allow a charitable or religious corporation to merge, without prior approval of the superior court, with a limited liability company if (1) its sole member is a domestic or foreign corporation exempt from income tax; and (2) it is disregarded for income tax purposes but would be eligible for an exemption under the specified provision of the Internal Revenue Code if it were not disregarded.

Amends GS 55A-11-09, concerning merger with unincorporated entities, as follows. Expands upon the definition of a business entity to also include a nonprofit association, whether or not it was formed under this State's laws. Provides that if the surviving business entity is not a domestic limited liability company, a domestic business corporation, a domestic nonprofit corporation, or a domestic limited partnership, when the merger takes effect,  the surviving business entity is deemed to have agreed that it may be served with process in this State in any proceeding for enforcement of any obligation of any merging nonprofit association that is formed under the laws of this State. Makes additional technical and clarifying changes.

Amends GS 55A-12-02 by excluding dispositions to a charitable or religious corporation authorized under a plan of dissolution from the requirement to give written notice to the Attorney General before it sells, leases, exchanges, or otherwise disposes of its property if the transaction is not in the usual and regular course of its activities. Makes additional clarifying and technical changes.

Effective October 1, 2021.

Part II.

Enacts new GS 55A-16-22.1 requiring domestic and foreign corporations authorized to conduct affairs in the State to submit annual reports electronically to the Secretary of State that include the six specified items, including its principal office address and telephone number, brief description of the nature of its activities, and specified types of contact information. Requires corporations to also submit annual reports with due date varying based on the type of corporation. Sets out the process for filing late reports and for amending previously filed reports. Sets out actions a corporation may take under which it is deemed to have filed the required annual report.

Amends GS 55A-1-22 by providing that there is no fee for filing the annual report.

Amends GS 55A-14-20 to allow the Secretary of State to commence a proceeding to dissolve administratively a corporation for being delinquent in submitting its annual report. Makes additional technical changes.

Amends GS 55A-14-22 by amending the actions that must be taken before the Secretary of State will cancel a certificate of dissolution and prepare a certificate of reinstatement, to also require the payment of any penalties and payments due. Makes additional clarifying changes. 

Allows the Secretary of State, to waive the fee to be paid by a corporation seeking reinstatement following administrative dissolution for delinquent filing of the annual report, until January 1, 2023.

Applies to annual reports due on or after January 1, 2023.

Part III.

Adds new Article 11B, Domestication, to GS Chapter 55A, providing as follows. 

Allows a foreign nonprofit corporation to become a domestic nonprofit corporation by complying with the Article, so long as domestication is allowed by the laws in the foreign corporation's jurisdiction. Also allows a domestic nonprofit corporation to become a foreign nonprofit corporation by complying with the Article, under a plan of domestication, so long as the domestication is allowed by the laws of the jurisdiction of the foreign corporation. Provides that a charitable or religious corporation may only become a foreign nonprofit corporation in accordance with the statutory requirements for mergers involving charitable or religious corporations, and requires the domesticated corporation to meet the same requirements as the survivor in a merger. Provides that any devise, gift, grant, or promise contained in a will or other instrument made to a domesticating corporation that takes effect or remains payable after the domestication becomes effective, inures to the domesticated corporation unless the will or other instrument provides otherwise.

Allows a domestic nonprofit corporation to become a foreign nonprofit corporation by approving a plan of domestication; sets out items that must be included in the plan. Allows the plan's terms concerning the manner and basis of converting the memberships of the domesticating corporation into memberships, obligations, rights to acquire memberships, cash, or other property, to be made dependent upon facts objectionably ascertainable outside the plan.

Sets out the process under which the plan of domestication is to be adopted when the domestic nonprofit corporation is to be the domesticating corporation. Allows a plan of domestication of a domestic nonprofit corporation to be amended before articles of domestication have taken effect. Sets out the procedures that can be used by a domestic nonprofit corporation in approving an amendment of a plan of domestication. Allows a plan of domestication to be abandoned, as provided for in the plan, after it is approved but before articles of domestication have become effective. Sets out the process for abandonment and requires specified information to be included in the articles of abandonment. 

Sets out what must be included in the articles of domestication, and requires the articles to be signed by the domesticating corporation and filed with the Secretary of State. Sets out provisions governing when the domestication becomes effective. Sets out six provisions that apply once the domestication becomes effective, including that all debts, obligations, and other liabilities of the domesticating corporation remain the responsibility of the domesticated corporation, allows the name of the domesticated corporation to be substituted for the name of the domesticating corporation in any pending proceeding, and the articles of incorporation and bylaws of the domesticated corporation become effective. Sets out provisions governing the interest holder liability of a member in a foreign corporation that is domesticated into this State who had interest holder liability in respect of the domesticating corporation before the domestication becomes effective. Provides that a member who becomes subject to interest holder liability in respect of the domesticated corporation as a result of the domestication has interest holder liability only in respect of interest holder liabilities that arise after the domestication becomes effective. Specifies that a domestication does not constitute or cause the dissolution of the domesticating corporation.

Amends GS 55A-1-22, by setting a $25 fee for filing articles of domestication and a $10 fee for filing articles of abandonment of domestication. 

Amends GS 55A-1-60 to allow a judicial order requiring a meeting of a corporation to be held or that requires a method be used to obtain a vote, to also authorize obtaining votes or approvals necessary for domestication. Makes additional clarifying changes.

Amends GS 55A-8-25 to prohibit a committee of the board from recommending to members or approving domestication.

The above provisions are effective October 1, 2021.

Provides that if a protected agreement of a domestic domesticating nonprofit corporation in effect immediately before the domestication becomes effective contains a provision that applies to a merger of the corporation and the agreement does not refer to domestication, then the provision applies to a domestication as if the domestication were a merger until the provision is first amended after October 1, 2021. Sets forth four items that are considered a protected agreement if in effect immediately before October 1, 2021.

Part IV.

Amends GS 55A-1-50, concerning private foundations, by adding that a private foundation's board of directors consists of one or more natural persons, with the number specified in or fixed in accordance with the articles of incorporation or bylaws.

Amends GS 55A-8-03 to require a board of directors of a nonprofit corporation to have three or more persons (was, one or more); makes conforming and clarifying changes. Amends GS 55A-8-11 to allow a board of directors to have fewer than three members due to vacancies until the vacancies are filled.

Effective October 1, 2021.

Part V.

Amends GS 55A-1-70 to allow a nonprofit corporation to conduct a transaction by electronic means, except as limited by its articles of incorporation or bylaws or its board of directors. Requires agreement from the member, delegate, officer, or director of the corporation before conducting the transaction electronically and requires informing the person of how to revoke the agreement. Makes conforming changes.

Amends GS 55A-7-04, to make conforming changes by allowing a member's consent to action taken without a meeting to be in electronic form and delivered electronically, except as limited by the articles of incorporation or bylaws (was, allowed only to the extent the corporation agreed). Makes clarifying changes.

Amends GS 55A-8-21 to allow action required or permitted by GS Chapter 55A to be taken at a board of directors' meeting to be taken without a meeting if the action is taken by all members of the board, except to the extent that the articles of incorporation or bylaws require that action by the board of directors be taken at a meeting. Also allows a director's consent to action taken without meeting to be in an electronic form and delivered electronically, except as limited by the articles of incorporation or bylaws. 

Effective October 1, 2021.

Part VI.

Amends GS 55A-8-25 by providing that the number required to approve the creation of a committee of the board and the appointment of its members applies unless the articles of incorporation or bylaws provide otherwise. Effective October 1, 2021.

Intro. by Lofton, Howard, Reives, Moffitt.GS 55
H 697 (2021-2022) THE PRISON RESOURCES REPURPOSING ACT. Filed Apr 27 2021, AN ACT TO EXPAND THE MUTUAL AGREEMENT PAROLE PROGRAM TO ALLOW FOR THE PAROLE OF INMATES SENTENCED TO LIFE IMPRISONMENT WITHOUT PAROLE.

Amends GS Chapter 15A to add Article 85C (Mutual Agreement Parole (MAPP) program) that includes the following new statutes:
(1) GS 15A-1380.6 providing that individuals sentenced to life without parole may be released under the MAPP program after serving 20 years of their sentence and complying with educational, vocational, and work requirements;
(2) GS 15A-1380.7 directing the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice to assess the behavioral, educational, and occupational needs of an individual serving life without parole in the first five years of their sentence, then offer the individual a 15 year MAPP contract with certain mandatory education and work requirements as outlined in this section;
(3) GS 15A-1380.8 providing that an individual serving life without parole who completes the requirements of GS 15A-1380.7 is subject to the conditions and procedures for parole under Article 85 of GS Chapter 15A (parole procedures and conditions), is released with a five year parole period, and will not be eligible for parole again for at least five years after any violation of their parole; and
(4) GS 15A-1380.9 establishing retroactive parole eligibility wherein an individual sentenced to life without parole who has already served 20 years of their sentence and has completed some or most of the requirements outlined in GS 15A-1380.7 by August 1, 2021, is eligible for a modified MAPP contract of 1 to 3 years after which they serve the five year parole period outlined in GS 15A-1380.8.
Effective August 1, 2021, and applies retroactively and prospectively.

Intro. by Alexander, Gailliard.GS 15A
H 698 (2021-2022) RELEASE BODY-WORN/DASHBOARD CAMERA VIDEO. Filed Apr 27 2021, AN ACT TO REQUIRE THE RELEASE OF BODY-WORN AND DASHBOARD CAMERA RECORDINGS UPON REQUEST AFTER FORTY-EIGHT HOURS HAVE PASSED FROM THE TIME OF THE RECORDING.

Identical to S 510, filed 4/5/21.

Revises GS 132-1.4A, which governs law enforcement agency recordings. Repeals subsection (f) and (g) which sets forth the procedure for and requirements of the release of recordings in the custody of a law enforcement agency by court order to authorized persons identified in subsection (c). Replaces the provisions with new subsection (g1) as follows. Requires a custodial law enforcement agency to release a recording after 48 hours have passed from the time of the recording, upon request, unless a court orders that the release of the recording must be restricted for a specified period of time. Permits any custodial law enforcement agency to file an action for an order restricting release of the recording for a specified period of time in the appropriate county, as specified. Requires the request to identify the activity by date and time, or otherwise identify the activity. Permits the court to conduct an in-camera review of the recording. Directs the court to consider eight specified standards in determining whether to restrict the release of all or a portion of the recording for a specified period of time, in addition to any other relevant standards, including whether the release is necessary to advance a compelling public interest, whether the recording contains information that is otherwise confidential or exempt from disclosure or release under State or federal law, whether release would reveal information regarding a person that is of a highly sensitive personal nature, and whether release may harm the reputation or jeopardize the safety of a person. Directs the court to restrict the release of only those portions that it deems necessary to restrict. Requires notification of and an opportunity to be heard at any proceeding: the head of the custodial law enforcement agency, any law enforcement agency personnel whose image or voice is in the recording and the head of that person's employing law enforcement agency, and the District Attorney. Requires hearings under the new subsection as soon as practicable, with subsequent proceedings accorded priority by the trial and appellate courts. Makes conforming changes. 

Intro. by Quick, Hunter, Gailliard, Clemmons.GS 132
H 699 (2021-2022) ELDER ABUSE &AMP NEGLECT/INCREASE PUNISHMENT. Filed Apr 27 2021, AN ACT TO INCREASE THE PUNISHMENT FOR THE ABUSE OR NEGLECT OF A DISABLED OR ELDER ADULT.

Amends GS 14-32.3 (abuse, neglect, and exploitation of disabled or elder adults) elevating the offense of (1) abuse of a disabled or elder adult to a Class G felony if the victim suffers injury and to a Class E felony if the victim suffers serious injury, and (2) neglecting a disabled or elder adult to a Class H felony if the victim suffers injury and to a Class F felony if the victim suffers serious injury.
Effective December 1, 2021, and applies to offenses committed on or after that date.

Intro. by Pickett, Everitt, Setzer, Cooper-Suggs.GS 14
H 700 (2021-2022) BRING BACK INMATE LITTER CREWS. Filed Apr 27 2021, AN ACT TO BRING BACK THE PRISON INMATE LITTER CREWS PROGRAM TO EFFECT LITTER PICKUP ON STATE HIGHWAYS AND ROADS AND TO APPROPRIATE FUNDS.

Directs the Department of Public Safety, Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice (Division) to implement a program similar to the former Inmate Litter Crews program to clean up litter across the state. Directs the Department of Transportation (DOT) to transfer $9.04 million in each year of the 2021-2023 fiscal biennium to the Division to implement the program. Authorizes 183 full-time equivalent positions within DPS to implement the program. Appropriates $510,679 from the General Fund to the Department of Public Safety in each year of the 2021-2023 fiscal biennium to implement the program. Effective July 1, 2021.

Intro. by Graham.APPROP
H 701 (2021-2022) FUNDS/STATE RECOGNITION SUPPORT. Filed Apr 27 2021, AN ACT TO APPROPRIATE FUNDS TO PROVIDE THE COMMISSION OF INDIAN AFFAIRS WITH STAFFING SUPPORT FOR THE STATE RECOGNITION PROCESS.

Appropriates $100,000 from the General Fund in each year of the 2021-2023 fiscal biennium to the Department of Administration, North Carolina State Commission of Indian Affairs to fund a director and part-time paralegal position for the State recognition process. Effective July 1, 2021.

Intro. by Graham.APPROP
H 702 (2021-2022) NC STATE FOOD LAB/FOOD WASTE/COVID-19. Filed Apr 27 2021, AN ACT TO APPROPRIATE FUNDS FROM THE CORONAVIRUS STATE FISCAL RECOVERY FUND FOR THE NORTH CAROLINA STATE EXTENSION FOOD SAFETY LAB TO DEVELOP METHODS TO SAFELY REDUCE FOOD WASTE IN RESPONSE TO THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC.

Appropriates $50,000 from funds the State received under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 to the UNC Board of Governors to be allocated to North Carolina State University for the North Carolina State Extension Food Safety Lab to develop standard operating procedures and training for how to reduce prepared food waste in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Directs that expenditure of these funds be in accordance with federal law.

Intro. by Insko, Moffitt, Ager, Harrison.APPROP
H 703 (2021-2022) BREAST CANCER DIAGNOSTIC IMAGING PARITY. Filed Apr 27 2021, AN ACT TO PROVIDE HEALTH COVERAGE PARITY FOR BREAST CANCER DIAGNOSTIC IMAGING.

Repeals GS 58-65-92 (hospital or medical service plans required to cover mammograms and cervical cancer screening). Repeals GS 58-67-76 (health care maintenance organization health care plans required to cover mammograms and cervical cancer screening).
Recodifies GS 58-51-57 as GS 58-3-271. Amends GS 58-3-271 (health benefit plan coverage for screening and diagnostic examinations for breast and cervical cancer) to do the following:
(1) Defines “cost sharing requirements” and updates definitions for various diagnostic techniques for cervical and breast cancer;
(2) Makes required coverage of examinations and lab tests for screening for early detection of cervical cancer and low-dose screening mammography with the same deductible, coinsurance, and other limitations as similar covered services applicable to all health benefit plans in the State; and
(3) Requires that health benefit plans in the State which cover diagnostic examinations for breast cancer ensure that the cost sharing requirements for breast cancer diagnostic exams are not less favorable than the cost sharing requirements applicable to breast cancer screening examinations. Make additional conforming and technical changes.
Effective October 1, 2021, and applies to insurance contracts entered into, renewed, or amended on or after that date.

Intro. by Belk, White, Lambeth, Carney.GS 58
H 704 (2021-2022) LOCAL OPTION SALES TAX FLEXIBILITY. Filed Apr 27 2021, AN ACT TO GIVE COUNTIES ADDITIONAL FLEXIBILITY WITH REGARD TO THE LOCAL OPTION SALES AND USE TAX WITHOUT INCREASING THE EXISTING MAXIMUM TAX RATE.

Amends Article 46 of GS Chapter 105 (county sales and use tax) to do the following: (1) renames the Article “One-Quarter Cent (1/4¢) or One-Half (1/2¢) County Sales and Use Tax Act”; (2) expressly requires a referendum to levy a county sales and use tax under this article; (3) permits counties to levy a sales and use tax so long as the tax is in 0.25% increments and does not result in a local sales and use tax that exceeds 2.5%, or 2.75% for certain counties with public transportation systems; (4) makes conforming changes to G.S. 105-537(c) (ballot question to levy county sales and use tax) and adds space to indicate reason for the tax to the language of the ballot question; and (5) limits the use of a county sales and use tax under this article to the purposes listed in GS 153A-149 (setting forth reasons for which counties can levy property taxes) and as indicated on the ballot question presented. Amends Part 1 of Article 43 of GS Chapter 105 (local government sales and use tax for transportation) to add GS 105-506.3 aligning the maximum county sales and use tax rate allowed under Article 43 of GS Chapter 105 with the maximum tax rate allowed under Article 46 of Chapter 105 as amended by this bill.
Amends GS 105-164.3(37) to make conforming changes.

Intro. by Howard, Moffitt, Warren, Setzer.GS 105
H 705 (2021-2022) SET $15 MINIMUM WAGE FOR FIRST RESPONDERS. Filed Apr 27 2021, AN ACT SETTING THE MINIMUM WAGE OF ALL FIRST RESPONDERS IN THIS STATE AT FIFTEEN DOLLARS PER HOUR AND ESTABLISHING THE FIRST RESPONDERS FUND TO OFFSET TEMPORARILY INCREASED PAYROLL COSTS INCURRED BY EMPLOYERS OF FIRST RESPONDERS.

Amends GS 95-25.3 to add subsection (a1) (minimum wage) setting the minimum wage for first-responders at either $15 per hour or the federal minimum wage set forth in the Fair Labor Standards Act, whichever is higher. This provision is effective January 1, 2022. Appropriates $52 million the State received in federal funds under the Consolidated Appropriations Act (2021 P.L.116-260) in fiscal year 2021-2022 to the Department of Commerce (Department) to establish the First Responders Fund. Directs that the allocated funds be used to provide grants to public and private employers of first-responders between January 1, 2022, and December 31, 2022, to cover 50% of the additional costs incurred by employers for one year as a result of the minimum wage increase in GS 95-25.3. Directs the Department to use $100,000 to cover administrative costs of the grant program. This provision is effective July 1, 2021.

Intro. by Everitt, Turner, Cooper-Suggs, Gailliard.APPROP, GS 95
H 706 (2021-2022) REALIGNING EMERGENCY CHECKS AND BALANCES. Filed Apr 27 2021, AN ACT TO REQUIRE A CONCURRENCE OF THE COUNCIL OF STATE TO EFFECTUATE A STATEWIDE STATE OF EMERGENCY ISSUED BY THE GOVERNOR AND TO AMEND THE CONSTITUTION OF NORTH CAROLINA TO REQUIRE THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY TO CONVENE IN EXTRA SESSION IF THERE EXISTS A STATEWIDE STATE OF EMERGENCY FOR TWENTY-ONE DAYS.

Amends GS 166A-19.20, providing for the expiration of gubernatorially declared states of emergency for which the emergency area constitutes 45 or more counties at 120 hours after issuance without a concurrence of the Council of State, or 21 days after issuance with concurrence of the Council of State. Prohibits the Governor from issuing any further substantially similar orders declaring a state of emergency during the pendency of a state of emergency in accordance with these provisions. Amends GS 166A-19.3 to define Council of State and statewide emergency area. Adds and defines concurrence of the Council of State as the consensus of the majority of the Council of State prior to the Governor exercising a power or authority requiring the concurrence of the Council of State. Requires the Council of State be given 120 hours to concur or not concur, and permits remote meetings with the Governor during that time. Requires the Governor to document contact and responses of each member and release the response or lack of response by member name and position. Further adds to GS 166A-19.20, requiring the NCGA to take the following actions. Requires the NCGA to hold a majority vote on a joint resolution whether to continue the state of emergency that contains a statewide emergency area issued by the Governor and, if determined a statewide state of emergency exists, vote to resolve that the emergency exists and issue appropriate legislation to mitigate or address the emergency: (1) upon the convening of an extra session on legislative call pursuant to Section 11 of Article II of the NC Constitution, as amended below; or (2) if the NCGA is in regular session at the time of such a declaration or scheduled to be in regular session within 21 days of the declaration, during regular session. Conditioned upon the certification and enrollment of the below constitutional amendment.

Subject to voter approval at the November 2022 general election, amends Section 11 of Article II of the NC Constitution to require the Senate President and House Speaker to convene the NCGA in an extra session by joint proclamation if the Governor declares a state of emergency applicable to 45 or more counties that has existed continuously for 21 days or more, or at their determination, is expected to be in effect for 21 days or more, and as of the date of the declaration the NCGA has adjourned for more than 21 days jointly and is not scheduled to reconvene in regular session within 21 days of the date of declaration. Effective upon certification. 

Intro. by Kidwell, Goodwin, Hanig, Moss.CONST, GS 166A
H 707 (2021-2022) STUDENT BORROWERS' BILL OF RIGHTS. Filed Apr 27 2021, AN ACT TO ENACT A STUDENT BORROWERS' BILL OF RIGHTS, TO PROVIDE THAT THE COMMISSIONER OF BANKS SHALL LICENSE AND REGULATE STUDENT LOAN SERVICERS, AND TO ESTABLISH THE POSITION OF THE STUDENT LOAN OMBUDSMAN.

Enacts new Article 26 to GS Chapter 53 to be cited as the Student Borrowers' Bill of Rights. States the Article's purpose and sets forth defined terms. Prohibits servicing a student loan without a license issued pursuant to the Article. Sets forth four exceptions to the licensure requirement, including banks and similar savings and loan associations organized under the laws of any state or federal law. Details application requirements and requires applying through the Nationwide Multistate Licensing System and Registry (NMLS) in a form acceptable by the Commissioner of Banks (Commissioner) and verified by attestation of the applicant or a designee. Sets the application fee at $1,500, with initial applicants also responsible for the actual cost of obtaining a credit report and federal and State criminal background checks, as well as processing fees required by the NMLS. Provides for application investigation and abandonment, and establishes six qualifications for licensure. Establishes procedures by which a person seeking to act as a student loan servicer is exempt from the described application procedures upon determination by the Commissioner that the person is a party to a contract awarded by the US Secretary of Education under identified federal law. 

Establishes a minimum net worth requirement of $250,000 for applicants to possess and maintain at all times. Authorizes the Commissioner to increase the minimum upon consideration of 8 factors. Requires applicants to post a surety bond with the Commissioner at application, and licensees to maintain a surety bond, of $150,000, with an increased surety bond requirement based on the servicer's servicing volume in a calendar year, up to $500,000. Details parameters governing surety bonds.

Provides for annual license renewal and expiration. Establishes a $250 reinstatement fee. Provides for license cancellation if the licensee fails to reinstate the license prior to October 31, thereby requiring compliance with the initial licensure requirements. Establishes procedures for cessation of operations. Prohibits assigning a license. Subjects acquisition of a license to Commissioner approval.

Sets an annual assessment of $1 per borrower served by the licensee, collected annually or in periodic installments by the Commissioner. Requires payment for the prior year before renewal. Authorizes the Commissioner to make special assessments, as specified.

Establishes duties of a licensee, including notice of described material events, and annual reporting on four specified components and any other information deemed relevant by the Commissioner. Establishes duties of a student loan service to borrowers, including timely responding to written inquiries, postponing providing loan information subject to a written request to a consumer reporting agency, inquiring as to the preference for overpayment application, applying partial payments as to minimize late fees and negative credit reporting, providing notice of and transfer records to new student loan servicers as provided, and evaluating borrowers for repayment programs before placing the borrower in forbearance or default if available. 

Enumerates twelve prohibited acts of student loan services, including (1) employing a scheme, device, or artifice to defraud or mislead borrowers or the Commissioner, (2) obtaining property by fraud or misrepresentation, and (3) misapplying payments to the outstanding balance of a student loan. 

Grants the Commissioner access to documents or information including criminal, civil, and administrative history information and personal history and experience information. Authorizes the Commissioner to investigate or examine any student loan servicer as often as necessary to carry out the Article. Grants the Commissioner extensive authority to interview related parties, including borrowers. Further details the Commissioner's investigative authority, including assessing actual costs for extraordinary expenses. Provides for the Commissioner's access to records of student loan servicers upon request and details related requirements and restrictions. Provides for required reporting, including accounting compilations. Establishes five further powers of the Commissioner, including the power to hire professionals and specialists to assist in investigations and examinations. Authorizes disciplinary action against a student loan servicer who fails to timely respond to inquiries of the Commissioner regarding filed complaints involving violations of the Article or rules or orders thereunder, fails to respond to and fully cooperate with notices from the Commissioner relating to scheduling and conducting investigations and examinations, or fails to consent to a criminal history check (which is grounds for denial of licensure).

Provides for the confidentiality and sharing of information obtained by the Commissioner under the Article. Subjects actions, hearings, and procedures under the Article to the Administrative Procedure Act. Provides for notice requirements following summary suspensions and cease and desist orders and sets a period within which a licensee can request a hearing before the Commissioner.

Details the disciplinary authority and powers of the Commissioner, subject to required findings. Provides for the authority to summarily order the licensee to cease and desist or summarily suspend the license. Allows for surrender of the license.

Allows for a civil penalty for violations of the Article or rules or orders thereunder of up to $25,000 per violation. Provides for restitution, disgorgement, and injunction. Additionally establishes a civil cause of action for damages against a student loan servicer. Provides for service of process under the Article.

Authorizes the Commissioner to adopt implementing rules, with aggrieved persons permitted to appeal to the State Banking Commissioner. Authorizes the Commissioner to participate in the NMLS.

Makes the above provisions effective July 1, 2021. 

Enacts new Article 9 to GS Chapter 75, deeming the following actions unfair and deceptive trade practice: (1) presenting an opportunity to finance, as defined, an education in a misleading or unfair way; (2) presenting an opportunity to finance an education in a manner that frustrates a borrower's ability to compare the opportunity with other similar opportunities to finance; and (3) engaging in any lending that discriminates on the basis of protected classes or by institution of higher education. Prohibits lending or financing student loans until the Attorney General, Commissioner of Banks, or court finds a person who has violated the statute has satisfactorily ceased and remediated the violation. Specifies that the statute does not impose a duty to disclose anything beyond what is required by federal law. 

Enacts Article 38 to GS Chapter 116, establishing requirements for postsecondary schools regarding refunding tuition and closure. Requires compliance with federal or state law in issuing tuition refunds to students and returning financial assistance funds to the federal government and to the State. Deems a violation of the statute an unfair or deceptive trade practice.

Enacts new Article 27 to GS Chapter 53, directing the Commissioner to designate a Student Loan Ombudsman to carry out the duties and activities set forth in the Article, and provide timely assistance to any borrower of a student loan in the State. Details six duties the Commissioner is to ensure the Ombudsman provides, including monitoring and analyzing the development and implementation of related federal, State, and local laws and policies. Directs the Office of the Commissioner to ensure the Ombudsman establishes and maintains a student loan borrower education course by July 1, 2023, as specified. Requires annual reporting to the NCGA as specified. Effective July 1, 2022.

Includes a severability clause. 

Intro. by Hunt, Setzer.GS 53, GS 75, GS 116
H 708 (2021-2022) CLUB NOVA PSYCHIATRIC REHABILITATION CENTER. Filed Apr 27 2021, AN ACT TO APPROPRIATE FUNDS FOR THE REPLACEMENT FACILITY FOR THE CLUB NOVA PSYCHIATRIC REHABILITATION CENTER IN CARRBORO.

Appropriates $400,000 for 2021-22 from the General Fund to Club Nova Community Inc. to be used as title indicates. Effective July 1, 2021.

Intro. by Insko, Hardister, Setzer, Meyer.APPROP, Orange
H 709 (2021-2022) TAXPAYER PROTECTION ACT. Filed Apr 27 2021, AN ACT TO PROTECT THE TAXPAYERS OF NORTH CAROLINA WITH CONSTITUTIONAL LIMITS ON THE GROWTH OF STATE SPENDING.

Subject to voter approval at the 2022 general election, enacts new Article XV, Taxpayers' Protection Act, to the NC Constitution, establishing the maximum annual percentage change in State fiscal year spending, as defined, calculated at inflation plus the percentage change in State population in the prior calendar year, with an increase in the spending limit authorized only by two-thirds majority of each house of the NCGA. Sets forth defined terms. Effective upon certification. 

Intro. by Riddell, D. Hall, Paré, Saine.CONST
H 710 (2021-2022) SCHOOL BUS/FAILURE TO STOP/PENALTIES/EVIDENCE. Filed Apr 27 2021, AN ACT TO REVISE CERTAIN PENALTIES FOR FAILURE TO STOP FOR A SCHOOL BUS AND TO AUTHORIZE THE USE OF VEHICLE REGISTRATION AS PRIMA FACIE EVIDENCE OF RESPONSIBILITY.

Amends GS 20-217, which requires motor vehicles to stop for properly marked school buses when stopped in certain described instances, increasing the minimum fines as follows: for violation of the statute from $500 to $1,000; for willful violation of the statute and also striking any person from $1,250 to $2,250; and for willful violation of the statute and also striking a person that result in their death from $2,500 to $3,500. Enacts a new subsection, establishing that it is prima facie evidence that the vehicle was operated by the person in whose name the vehicle was registered at the time of the violation whenever evidence is presented in any court or administrative hearing of the fact that a vehicle was operated in violation of the statute. Provides a similar provision with regard to operation by a renter of a rented vehicle. Applies to offenses committed on or after December 1, 2021. 

Intro. by Logan, Brown, Garrison.GS 20
H 711 (2021-2022) BLACK AND NATIVE AMERICAN HISTORY EDUCATION. Filed Apr 27 2021, AN ACT TO INTEGRATE EDUCATION ON BLACK HISTORY AND NATIVE AMERICAN HISTORY INTO THE STANDARD COURSE OF STUDY.

Amends Part 1 of Article 8 of GS Chapter 115C (course of study) to add GS 115C-81.58 directing the State Board of Education to (1) integrate into English, social studies, and other courses education on Black and Native-American history and (2) develop a curriculum for Black history and Native-American history electives, in the middle and high school levels. Directs that content standards for these courses should include notable events in Black history and Native-American history that happened in North Carolina. Directs the Department of Public Instruction to provide curriculum content, and directs local school units to provide professional development to ensure the intent of this section is implemented. Effective when the bill becomes law and applies to standards beginning with the 2022-23 school year.

Intro. by K. Smith.GS 115C

The Daily Bulletin: 2021-04-27

PUBLIC/SENATE BILLS
S 60 (2021-2022) DISAPPROVE VARIOUS SOLID WASTE RULE CHANGES. Filed Feb 4 2021, AN ACT TO REVISE CERTAIN RULES RELATED TO SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT FACILITIES ADOPTED BY THE ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT COMMISSION.

Senate committee substitute deletes the content of the 1st edition and replaces it with the following.

Directs for the Solid Waste Landfill Rules (Rules), defined as 15 identified administrative rules adopted by the Environmental Management Commission (Commission) on July 9, 2020, to become effective on the date the act becomes law, except that the Commission and the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) must implement the Rules pursuant to the act's four requirements, described as follows. Additionally requires the Commission to adopt rules to amend the Rules consistent with the described directives. 

Directs an owner or operator of a construction and demolition debris landfill facility (C&DLF) or a municipal solid waste landfill facility (MSWLF) to submit a written notice of intent to close the final unit, with a copy of the notice in the facility's operating record, to the Division of Waste Management (Division) 180 days prior to beginning closure of the final permitted land unit. Details notice requirements. Requires submission of changes to the closure plans to the Division as a permit modification. Prohibits requiring the owner and operator to submit a permit application for the Division to issue a permit for closure and post-closure care of a landfill, and directs the Division to issue a permit that incorporated the plans identified in the notice of closure. Provides for application of notice requirements and permit issuance based on actions taken before the date the act becomes law. Enumerates eleven components that must be included in an application for an amendment to a permit for a C&CDLF or MSWLF submitted solely for a change in ownership or corporate structure. Mandates elimination of all references to "interim maximum allowable concentrations" and "IMACs."

Changes the act's long title.

Intro. by B. Jackson.UNCODIFIED
S 99 (2021-2022) CLARIFY LAW ON THEFT OF CATALYTIC CONVERTERS. Filed Feb 15 2021, AN ACT TO CLARIFY THAT, UNLESS THE CONDUCT IS COVERED UNDER ANOTHER PROVISION OF LAW PROVIDING GREATER PUNISHMENT, LARCENY OF A CATALYTIC CONVERTER IS A CLASS I FELONY, TO REQUIRE SECONDARY METALS RECYCLERS TO MAINTAIN AN ELECTRONIC RECORD OF CERTAIN INFORMATION FROM TRANSACTIONS INVOLVING THE SALE OF CATALYTIC CONVERTERS, TO INCLUDE A FINE AS PUNISHMENT FOR CERTAIN VIOLATIONS INVOLVING THE PURCHASE OF CATALYTIC CONVERTERS, TO PROVIDE THAT SECONDARY METALS RECYCLERS CAN ONLY PURCHASE CATALYTIC CONVERTERS FROM CERTAIN PEOPLE AND ONLY SECONDARY METALS RECYCLERS CAN PURCHASE USED CATALYTIC CONVERTERS, AND TO MAKE CONFORMING CHANGES.

Senate committee substitute amends the 1st edition as follows.

Revises the proposed changes to GS 14-72.8, which makes larceny of a catalytic converter a Class I felony. Replaces the exceptions to the enacted presumption of felony larceny of a catalytic converter when a person is in possession of a catalytic converter that has been removed from a motor vehicle, to now include (1) an employee or agent of a company or an individual acting in their official duties for a motor vehicle dealer, motor vehicle repair shop, secondary metals recycler, or salvage yard that is licensed, permitted, or registered pursuant to State law, and (2) an individual who possesses vehicle registration documentation indicating that the catalytic converter in the individual's possession is the result of a replacement of a catalytic converter from a vehicle registered in that individual's name (previous exceptions included a person that is an employee or agent of a company, a contractor, or an individual in the business of installing, replacing, maintaining, or removing catalytic converters, and is acting in the person's official duties; or an individual who removed the catalytic converter to repair a motor vehicle and is either intending to reattach or lawfully dispose of the catalytic converter).

Deletes the proposed changes to GS 66-421(b), which sets forth record keeping requirements for secondary metals recyclers, and replaces them with the following. Requires a secondary metals recycler who purchases a catalytic converter pursuant to GS 66-424(a)(3a), as enacted, to make and retain a copy of all documentation provided to and relied upon in determining the status of the seller of the catalytic converter. 

Amends GS 66-424, enacting new subdivision (3a) to prohibit a secondary metals recycler from purchasing any catalytic converters that are not attached to a vehicle unless purchased from a person listed in GS 14-72.8(b) (persons excepted from the presumption of larceny of a catalytic converter by possession). Makes it unlawful for any person that is not a secondary metals recycler to purchase a used catalytic converter not attached to a vehicle. Excludes from the prohibitions set forth in the statute used and detached catalytic converters that have been tested, certified, and labeled, or otherwise approved for reuse, and bought or sold for reuse pursuant to the Clean Air Act and its regulations. 

Expands GS 66-430, authorizing a court to order restitution for damage or loss caused by the defendant and arising out of violations of GS 66-424(a)(3a). 

Makes technical changes to the effective date provisions. Changes the act's long title. 

Intro. by McInnis, Burgin, Craven.GS 14, GS 66
S 212 (2021-2022) BENNETT COLLEGE ACCREDIT./PRIVATE NEED-BASED. Filed Mar 9 2021, AN ACT TO CLARIFY ACCREDITATION REQUIREMENTS FOR BENNETT COLLEGE FOR THE NEED-BASED SCHOLARSHIPS FOR STUDENTS ATTENDING PRIVATE INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER EDUCATION.

AN ACT TO CLARIFY ACCREDITATION REQUIREMENTS FOR BENNETT COLLEGE FOR THE NEED-BASED SCHOLARSHIPS FOR STUDENTS ATTENDING PRIVATE INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER EDUCATION. SL 2021-15. Enacted April 27, 2021. Effective April 27, 2021, and applies beginning with scholarships awarded for the 2021-2022 academic year.

Intro. by Robinson, Davis.GS 116
S 346 (2021-2022) EXTENDED LEARNING FOR ELECTIVE COURSES. (NEW) Filed Mar 24 2021, AN ACT TO EXTEND LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES TO INCLUDE ALTERNATIVE EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES FOR ELECTIVE COURSE CREDIT.

Senate amendment changes the effective date of the act, as set forth in the 2nd edition, from the date the act becomes law to September 1, 2021.

Intro. by Rabon, Burgin, Ford.GS 166A
S 355 (2021-2022) GOVERNMENT TRANSPARENCY ACT OF 2021. Filed Mar 25 2021, AN ACT TO STRENGTHEN CONFIDENCE IN GOVERNMENT BY INCREASING ACCESSIBILITY TO PUBLIC PERSONNEL HIRING, FIRING, AND PERFORMANCE RECORDS.

Senate committee substitute amends the 1st edition as follows. 

Further modifies GS 126-23, which provides directives for State personnel recordkeeping by each department, agency, institution, commission and bureau of the State, to specify that the directives set forth also apply to entities and persons defined in GS 116-2, which sets forth the defined terms for Article 1 of GS Chapter 116, governing the University of North Carolina.

Further amends GS 153A-98, which governs the privacy of county employee personnel records, to define employee to include employees of county officers and former employees of the county or county officers (was defined to include former employees of the county).

Adds the following content. Amends GS 131E-257.2, which governs the personnel records of public hospital employees to require records to show the date and general description of the reasons for each promotion, demotion, dismissal, transfer, suspension, separation, or other change in position classification (previously required to include the date of the most recent promotion, demotion, transfer, suspension, and separation or other change in position). 

Intro. by Sanderson, Rabon, Krawiec.GS 115C, GS 115D, GS 122C, GS 126, GS 131E, GS 153A, GS 160A, GS 162A
S 493 (2021-2022) JDIG MODIFICATION AND OTHER CHANGES. (NEW) Filed Apr 1 2021, AN ACT TO MODIFY MULTILOCATION PROJECT ENHANCEMENT FOR THE JOB DEVELOPMENT INVESTMENT GRANT PROGRAM; AND TO REPEAL A PROVISION CONCERNING CONFESSION OF JUDGMENT.

Senate amendment makes the following changes to the 1st edition. 

Revises the proposed additions to GS 143B-437.56A, now mandating a 20% rather than a 10% increase of the annual grant approved for disbursement payable to a qualifying business under the Job Development Incentive Grant (JDIG) Program, subject to the previously specified qualifications. 

Intro. by Newton, Craven.GS 143B
S 570 (2021-2022) HOLD HARMLESS STAR RATINGS/ERS ASSESS. RESUME. Filed Apr 6 2021, AN ACT TO HOLD HARMLESS CERTAIN FACILITIES WHEN THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES RESUMES ENVIRONMENTAL RATING SCALE (ERS) (STAR RATING) ASSESSMENTS FOR LICENSED CHILD CARE FACILITIES; TO PROVIDE FOR CERTAIN OTHER FLEXIBILITIES WHEN THE ERS ASSESSMENTS RESUME; AND TO REQUIRE THE DIVISION OF CHILD DEVELOPMENT AND EARLY EDUCATION TO REPORT ON SPECIFIED CRITERIA.

Senate amendment amends the 1st edition as follows. 

Directs the Division of Child Development and Early Education (Division) to implement the following when resuming ERS assessments: though June 30, 2023 (was, through June 30, 2027), and expiring June 30, 2023 (was, expiring June 30, 2027) lowering the 75% threshold to 50% for the percentage of lead teachers in the program required to meet the "rated licensed education requirements" criteria to earn quality rating improvement system (QRIS) "education points" towards a licensed facility's star rating. No longer requires the Division to recognize early childhood educators currently enrolled in accredited early childhood education programs working toward an associate degree or a bachelor's or master's degree in early childhood education by awarding one QRIS "education point" for every two staff members enrolled at the time of the assessment to the licensed care facility's cumulative final "education points" earned after all staff members in the program are assessed. 

Adds the following content. Directs the Division to submit a report to the specified NCGA committee by March 30, 2023, with eight specified data points, including the number of new high school Early Childhood Career and Technical Pathways programs across the State between June 30, 2021, and January, 31, 2023, and the number of community college and university course that allow college credits for taking online health, safety, and nutrition training modules between June 30, 2021, and January 31, 2023.

Changes the act's long title. 

Intro. by Krawiec, Burgin, Perry.UNCODIFIED
S 574 (2021-2022) LIFE INSURANCE BENEFICIARY CHANGES. Filed Apr 6 2021, AN ACT TO ALLOW A CHANGE OF BENEFICIARY UNDER A LIFE INSURANCE POLICY IF THAT BENEFICIARY WAS SELECTED UNDER FRAUDULENT CIRCUMSTANCES OR FALSE PRETENSES.

Senate committee substitute amends the 1st edition as follows.

Corrects the GS Chapter identified in the lead-in language.

Revises proposed GS 58-58-96, now requiring life insurance companies in the state to allow an owner of a life insurance policy to change the beneficiary of the owner’s policy if the current beneficiary (previously did not specify the current beneficiary) was selected under false pretenses or fraudulent circumstances. Adds a new provision to exclude irrevocable beneficiaries.

Intro. by Steinburg.GS 58
S 666 (2021-2022) UPDATE REQS./ADVANCE HEALTH CARE DIRECTIVES. Filed Apr 7 2021, AN ACT UPDATING REQUIREMENTS FOR HEALTH CARE POWERS OF ATTORNEY AND ADVANCE HEALTH CARE DIRECTIVES; AND AUTHORIZING THE SECRETARY OF STATE TO RECEIVE ELECTRONIC FILINGS OF ADVANCE HEALTH CARE DIRECTIVES.

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

Part II.

Makes a technical correction to delete duplicate changes to GS 90-321(c). Makes further conforming changes to the standard form for a living will set forth in subsection (d1).

Intro. by Krawiec, Burgin, Perry.GS 32A, GS 90, GS 130A

The Daily Bulletin: 2021-04-27

LOCAL/HOUSE BILLS
H 30 (2021-2022) TOWN OF SOUTHERN SHORES/EMINENT DOMAIN. Filed Jan 28 2021, AN ACT TO ALLOW THE TOWN OF SOUTHERN SHORES TO EXERCISE THE POWER OF EMINENT DOMAIN FOR PURPOSES OF ENGAGING IN BEACH EROSION CONTROL AND FLOOD AND HURRICANE PROTECTION WORKS.

AN ACT TO ALLOW THE TOWN OF SOUTHERN SHORES TO EXERCISE THE POWER OF EMINENT DOMAIN FOR PURPOSES OF ENGAGING IN BEACH EROSION CONTROL AND FLOOD AND HURRICANE PROTECTION WORKS. SL 2021-14. Enacted April 27, 2021. Effective April 27, 2021.

Intro. by Hanig.Dare
H 248 (2021-2022) SPRING LAKE CHARTER AMENDMENT. Filed Mar 9 2021, AN ACT TO AMEND THE CHARTER OF THE TOWN OF SPRING LAKE TO MODIFY THE METHOD OF APPOINTING THE TOWN'S FINANCE OFFICER AND TAX COLLECTOR.

House committee substitute amends the 1st edition as follows. 

Changes the act's long title. Further amends the Spring Lake Town Charter, SL 1977-742, as amended, making technical changes to the section captions. 

Intro. by Lucas, Richardson, Szoka, Wheatley.UNCODIFIED, Cumberland
H 386 (2021-2022) SUNNY POINT RAILROAD FIREARM DISCHARGE BAN. (NEW) Filed Mar 24 2021, AN ACT TO BAN THE DISCHARGE OR ATTEMPT TO DISCHARGE FIREARMS FROM, ON, ACROSS, OR OVER THE RIGHT-OF-WAY ALONG THE RAILROAD SERVING THE MILITARY OCEAN TERMINAL AT SUNNY POINT IN BRUNSWICK COUNTY.

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

Applicable to Brunswick County only, makes it a Class 3 misdemeanor to discharge or attempt to discharge a firearm from, on, across, or over the right-of-way of the US Department of Defense Strategic Rail Corridor Network connecting the Leland rail interchange yard with the Military Ocean Terminal at Sunny Point. Places enforcement responsibility with law enforcement officers of the Wildlife Resources Commission, sheriffs and deputy sheriffs, sworn civilian officers for the Military Ocean Terminal at Sunny Point, and other peace officers with general subject matter jurisdiction. Effective October 1, 2021, and applies to offenses committed on or after that date. Changes the act's titles. 

Intro. by Miller, Iler.Brunswick
H 387 (2021-2022) FLEXIBILITY IN FILLING VACANCIES/DURHAM. Filed Mar 24 2021, AN ACT TO PROVIDE FLEXIBILITY IN FILLING VACANCIES IN THE OFFICE OF MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL IN THE CITY OF DURHAM.

House committee substitute to the 1st edition makes the following changes. Further amends Sections 13.2 and 13.3 of the Charter of the City of Durham, SL 1975-671, as amended to allow the City Council to appoint a qualified person to fill a vacancy occurring in the office of Mayor or a member of City Council within 120 days of the vacancy (previously, required the appointment of a qualified person and did not specify a time frame). Requires the City Council to adopt a resolution calling a special election to fill the vacancy if the City Council does not appoint an individual to fill such vacancy within 120 days; requires that the resolution be adopted within seven days of the expiration of the 120 day period (current law requires the City Council to choose a person within 60 days of the vacancy, and if the Council fails to do so within that time period, the Council is barred from choosing and must call a special election by adopting a resolution within seven days of the 60-day period). Makes a technical change to Section 1, amending which laws have previously amended Section 13.2 of the Charter.

Intro. by Hawkins, Alston, Reives.Durham
H 388 (2021-2022) DURHAM/ELECTRONIC SCHOOL ZONES. Filed Mar 24 2021, AN ACT TO AUTHORIZE THE CITY OF DURHAM TO ESTABLISH A PILOT PROGRAM FOR THE USE OF ELECTRONIC SPEED-MEASURING SYSTEMS TO DETECT SPEED LIMIT VIOLATIONS IN SCHOOL ZONES.

House committee substitute amends the 1st edition as follows. 

Revises the requirements of the pilot program the City of Durham (City) is authorized to establish and implement pursuant to the act to use electronic speed measuring systems to detect speeding in school zones. Revises the provisions regarding required notice of criminal charges to the City, now requiring an officer that cites or arrests an owner or operator of a vehicle pursuant to GS 20-141.1, which prohibits speeding in a school zone, in accordance with GS 15A-302 and GS 15A-401 (was citing pursuant to 15A-302 and arresting pursuant to GS 15A-401, without reference to GS 20-141.1), in an area where an electronic speed-measuring system is in use for detecting speed limit violations to notify the City within 48 hours. More specifically provides that the City is not to issue a notification of violation under the act upon receipt of notification of the criminal charges, and prohibits imposing a penalty and requires a refund of penalties paid for a notification of violation issued in error following proper notice of criminal charges. 

Intro. by Hawkins, Alston, Reives.STUDY, Durham
H 412 (2021-2022) MAGGIE VALLEY/CANTON OCCUPANCY TAX. (NEW) Filed Mar 25 2021, AN ACT TO AUTHORIZE THE TOWNS OF MAGGIE VALLEY AND CANTON TO LEVY AN OCCUPANCY TAX.

House committee substitute to the 1st edition makes the following changes. Deletes the provisions of the previous edition and replaces it with the following. 

Authorizes the Town of Maggie Valley Board of Aldermen to levy a room occupancy tax of up to 2%. Provides that the tax must be levied, administered, collected and repealed as provided in GS 160A-215 (uniform provisions for room occupancy taxes). Requires the Maggie Valley Tourism Development Authority (TDA) to use at least two-thirds of the occupancy tax proceeds to promote travel and tourism in Maggie Valley and the remainder for tourism related expenditures. Requires the Town of Maggie Valley Board of Aldermen to adopt a resolution creating the TDA when it adopts the resolution levying the tax. Makes the TDA a public authority under the Local Government Budget and Fiscal Control Act. Requires at least one-third of the TDA's members be affiliated with businesses that collect the tax in the town, and at least one-half of the members be currently active in the promotion of travel and tourism in the town. Sets out the TDA's duties and reporting requirements. Makes conforming changes to GS 160A-215. Makes conforming changes to the act's titles.

Intro. by Pless, Clampitt.Haywood

The Daily Bulletin: 2021-04-27

ACTIONS ON BILLS

Actions on Bills: 2021-04-27

PUBLIC BILLS

H 93: REQ. OPIOID ANTAGONIST ED. W/OPIOID SCRIPTS. (NEW)

    House: Reptd Fav Com Sub 2
    House: Re-ref Com On Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House

H 100: HIGHWAY CLEANUP ACT OF 2021.

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

H 103: 2022 APPROPRIATIONS ACT (NEW).

    House: Reptd Fav
    House: Re-ref Com On Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House
    House: Reptd Fav Com Sub 2
    House: Cal Pursuant Rule 36(b)
    House: Placed On Cal For 04/28/2021

H 113: 2021 AOC LEGISLATIVE CHANGES.-AB

    House: Reptd Fav
    House: Cal Pursuant Rule 36(b)
    House: Added to Calendar
    House: Withdrawn From Cal
    House: Re-ref Com On Judiciary 2

H 120: RESTRICT LOCAL SALES TAX/SCHOOL CONSTRUCTION. (NEW)

    House: Reptd Fav Com Substitute
    House: Reptd Fav Com Substitute
    House: Ruled Material
    House: Re-ref Com On Finance
    House: Re-ref Com On Finance

H 156: UNCLAIMED PROP. DIV. AMEND./DMV TECH CHNGS-AB. (NEW)

    House: Signed by Gov. 4/27/2021
    House: Ch. SL 2021-13

H 160: RETIREMENT SERVICE PURCHASE REWRITE PART II.-AB

    House: Reptd Fav Com Sub 2
    House: Reptd Fav Com Sub 2
    House: Re-ref Com On Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House
    House: Re-ref Com On Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House

H 176: ENHANCE SHP DEBT COLLECTION ABILITIES.-AB

    House: Withdrawn From Com
    House: Re-ref Com On Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House
    House: Reptd Fav
    House: Reptd Fav
    House: Cal Pursuant Rule 36(b)
    House: Cal Pursuant Rule 36(b)
    House: Placed On Cal For 04/28/2021

H 177: EXTEND SPIKING MORATORIUM/LGERS SURETY. (NEW)

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

H 180: DESIGNATE OVERDOSE AWARENESS DAY.

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

H 195: CRIMINAL FALSIFICATION OF MEDICAL RECORDS.

    House: Reptd Fav
    House: Re-ref Com On Judiciary 4

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

    House: Withdrawn From Cal
    House: Re-ref Com On Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House
    House: Withdrawn From Cal
    House: Re-ref Com On Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House

H 218: STREAMLINE PERMITS/REDEVELOPMENT OF PROPERTY.

    House: Reptd Fav Com Substitute
    House: Re-ref Com On Local Government - Land Use, Planning and Development

H 233: APPLICATION FOR A CONVENTION OF THE STATES.

    House: Withdrawn From Cal
    House: Re-ref Com On Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House

H 240: CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECKS/SCHOOLS. (NEW)

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

H 266: URGING CONGRESS/NATIONAL INFRASTRUCTURE BANK.

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

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

    Senate: Passed 3rd Reading
    Senate: Ordered Enrolled
    House: Ratified
    House: Pres. To Gov. 4/27/2021
    House: Signed by Gov. 4/27/2021
    House: Ch. SL 2021-16
    House: Ch. SL 2021-16

H 286: URGE CONGRESS/PROPOSE "KEEP NINE" AMENDMENT.

    House: Reptd Fav
    House: Re-ref Com On Judiciary 1

H 294: SALE OF SALVAGE VEHICLES.

    House: Reptd Fav Com Substitute
    House: Re-ref Com On Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House
    House: Reptd Fav
    House: Reptd Fav
    House: Cal Pursuant Rule 36(b)
    House: Cal Pursuant Rule 36(b)
    House: Placed On Cal For 04/28/2021
    House: Placed On Cal For 04/28/2021

H 330: OPPOSING FEDERAL AUTHORITY REGARDING ELECTION.

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

H 340: ADVISORY COUNCIL ON PANS & PANDAS.

    House: Reptd Fav
    House: Re-ref Com On Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House
    House: Reptd Fav
    House: Reptd Fav
    House: Cal Pursuant Rule 36(b)
    House: Cal Pursuant Rule 36(b)
    House: Placed On Cal For 04/28/2021

H 362: REVISE PERSONAL LEAVE COSTS FOR TEACHERS.

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

H 367: UNIFORM PARTITION OF HEIRS PROPERTY ACT.

    House: Reptd Fav
    House: Re-ref Com On Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House
    House: Reptd Fav
    House: Reptd Fav
    House: Cal Pursuant Rule 36(b)
    House: Cal Pursuant Rule 36(b)
    House: Placed On Cal For 04/28/2021

H 371: NC TEACHER SUPPORT PROGRAM FUNDS.

    House: Withdrawn From Com
    House: Re-ref to the Com on Appropriations, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House

H 372: RESTORE FUNDING/STATE CONSERVATION PURPOSES.

    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 392: RET. SVC. PURCHASE/OMITTED MEMBERSHIP SERVICE.

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

H 411: DRIVING WITHOUT INSURANCE/TOW VEHICLE.

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

H 417: THE SERGEANT MICKEY HUTCHENS ACT.

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

H 428: TEACHER LICENSURE/RETIRED EDUCATOR PROGRAM.

    House: Reptd Fav Com Sub 2
    House: Reptd Fav Com Sub 2
    House: Re-ref Com On Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House
    House: Re-ref Com On Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House

H 435: SPECIAL REGISTRATION PLATES. (NEW)

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

H 459: PERM. REG. PLATES FOR WATER AND SEWER AUTH.

    House: Reptd Fav
    House: Re-ref Com On Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House
    House: Reptd Fav
    House: Reptd Fav
    House: Cal Pursuant Rule 36(b)
    House: Cal Pursuant Rule 36(b)
    House: Placed On Cal For 04/28/2021

H 486: REPLACE EOC WITH NATIONAL ASSESSMENT.

    House: Reptd Fav Com Substitute
    House: Reptd Fav Com Substitute
    House: Re-ref Com On Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House
    House: Re-ref Com On Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House
    House: Reptd Fav
    House: Reptd Fav
    House: Cal Pursuant Rule 36(b)
    House: Cal Pursuant Rule 36(b)
    House: Placed On Cal For 04/28/2021

H 492: WC/PSYCH. TRAUMA-RELATED INJURIES.

    House: Reptd Fav
    House: Re-ref Com On Judiciary 1

H 535: FIREFIGHTERS FIGHTING CANCER ACT OF 2021.

    House: Serial Referral To Finance Stricken
    House: Serial Referral To Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House Stricken
    House: Reptd Fav Com Substitute
    House: Re-ref to the Com on Appropriations, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House

H 598: RESTITUTION/SEXUAL EXPLOITATION OF MINOR.

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

H 599: VETS/MIL. FREE ADMISSION STATE ATTRACTIONS.

    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 600: CLARIFY OCCANEECHI BAND OF SAPONI NATION.

    House: Reptd Fav
    House: Re-ref Com On Judiciary 1

H 616: CHARTER REPLICATION ACT.

    House: Reptd Fav Com Substitute
    House: Reptd Fav Com Substitute
    House: Re-ref Com On Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House
    House: Re-ref Com On Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House
    House: Reptd Fav
    House: Reptd Fav
    House: Cal Pursuant Rule 36(b)
    House: Placed On Cal For 04/28/2021

H 657: SCHOOL SAFETY/THREAT ASSESSMENT TEAMS.

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

H 664: COUNTY SERVICE DISTRICTS/EARLY CHILDHOOD ED.

    House: Withdrawn From Com
    House: Re-ref to the Com on Local Government, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House

H 665: ADDRESS DIRECT SUP. STAFFING CRISIS/MEDICAID.

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

H 666: UP VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTERS' RETIREMENT BENEFIT.

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

H 667: EXPAND RECORDING/INTERVIEWS/INTERROGATIONS.

    House: Passed 1st Reading
    House: Ref to the Com on Judiciary 2, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House

H 668: RECORD ALL CRIMINAL JURY TRIAL PROCEEDINGS.

    House: Passed 1st Reading
    House: Ref to the Com on Judiciary 2, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House

H 669: DISTRIBUTE ALCOHOL WITHOUT DISCRIMINATION.

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

H 670: ENACT CRIMINAL JUSTICE DEBT REFORM.

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

H 671: CHANGE STATE MAMMAL TO BLACK BEAR.

    House: Passed 1st Reading
    House: Ref to the Com on Wildlife Resources, if favorable, State Government, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House

H 672: JPS OVERSIGHT COMM. STUDY--DNA PRESERV. (NEW)

    House: Passed 1st Reading
    House: Ref to the Com on Judiciary 2, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House
    House: Passed 1st Reading
    House: Ref to the Com on Judiciary 2, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House

H 673: JPS OVERSIGHT COMM. STUDY--TRAFFIC STOP DATA. (NEW)

    House: Passed 1st Reading
    House: Ref to the Com on Judiciary 2, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House
    House: Passed 1st Reading
    House: Ref to the Com on Judiciary 2, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House

H 674: REQUIRE DNA VARIOUS CONVICT'NS/OTHER MATTERS. (NEW)

    House: Passed 1st Reading
    House: Ref to the Com on Judiciary 2, if favorable, Appropriations, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House
    House: Passed 1st Reading
    House: Ref to the Com on Judiciary 2, if favorable, Appropriations, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House
    House: Passed 1st Reading
    House: Ref to the Com on Judiciary 2, if favorable, Appropriations, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House
    House: Passed 1st Reading
    House: Ref to the Com on Judiciary 2, if favorable, Appropriations, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House

H 675: FUNDS/USDA DMC PROGRAM.

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

H 676: NEW ARCHITECT RECRUITMENT ACT.

    House: Passed 1st Reading
    House: Ref to the Com on Local Government - Land Use, Planning and Development, if favorable, Judiciary 1, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House

H 677: SCHOOL ACCOUNTABILITY RECOMMENDATION COMM.

    House: Passed 1st Reading
    House: Ref to the Com on Education - K-12, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House

H 678: LEGISLATIVE TRANSPARENCY ACT.

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

H 679: EMERGENCY CARE FOR K9 UNITS.

    House: Passed 1st Reading
    House: Ref to the Com on Health, if favorable, Judiciary 2, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House

H 680: REENACT QUALIFIED BUSINESS VENTURE CREDIT.

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

H 681: CCS/TEACHER IN-STATE TUITION PILOT.

    House: Passed 1st Reading
    House: Ref to the Com on Education - K-12, if favorable, Appropriations, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House

H 682: FUNDS FOR VACCINE STORAGE.

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

H 683: PRESCRIPTION DRUG DISPOSAL/JOHN'S LAW.

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

H 684: LRC STUDY DEVELOPMENT EXACTIONS.

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

H 685: ELECTRONIC TRANSACTION FEES/OFFICIAL FEES.

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

H 686: NO GOV'T RETRIBUTION FOR REFUSAL OF CV19 VAX.

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

H 687: INTERBASIN TRANSFER AMENDMENTS.

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

H 688: FUND PITT CO. BEHAVIORAL HEALTH TREATMENT CT.

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

H 689: 2021 HOUSE PERMANENT RULES.

    House: Passed 1st Reading
    House: Cal Pursuant 32
    House: Placed On Cal For 04/28/2021
    House: Withdrawn From Cal
    House: Placed On Cal For 05/05/2021

H 690: FUNDS/GREENVILLE-ENC ALLIANCE.

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

H 691: ALLOW PHARMACISTS TO DISTRIB. CERTAIN MEDS.

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

H 692: RESTRICT CERTAIN VEHICLE MODIFICATIONS.

    House: Filed

H 693: COMMON CARRIER ABC PERMIT.

    House: Filed

H 694: FIRST RESPONDERS/HEALTH CARE POAS REQUIRED. (NEW)

    House: Filed
    House: Filed

H 695: MODIFY CHARITABLE SOLICITATION LICENSING LAWS.

    House: Filed

H 696: VARIOUS CHANGES TO NONPROFIT CORPORATIONS ACT.

    House: Filed

H 697: THE PRISON RESOURCES REPURPOSING ACT.

    House: Filed

H 698: RELEASE BODY-WORN/DASHBOARD CAMERA VIDEO.

    House: Filed

H 699: ELDER ABUSE &AMP NEGLECT/INCREASE PUNISHMENT.

    House: Filed

H 700: BRING BACK INMATE LITTER CREWS.

    House: Filed

H 701: FUNDS/STATE RECOGNITION SUPPORT.

    House: Filed

H 702: NC STATE FOOD LAB/FOOD WASTE/COVID-19.

    House: Filed

H 703: BREAST CANCER DIAGNOSTIC IMAGING PARITY.

    House: Filed

H 704: LOCAL OPTION SALES TAX FLEXIBILITY.

    House: Filed

H 705: SET $15 MINIMUM WAGE FOR FIRST RESPONDERS.

    House: Filed

H 706: REALIGNING EMERGENCY CHECKS AND BALANCES.

    House: Filed

H 707: STUDENT BORROWERS' BILL OF RIGHTS.

    House: Filed

H 708: CLUB NOVA PSYCHIATRIC REHABILITATION CENTER.

    House: Filed

H 709: TAXPAYER PROTECTION ACT.

    House: Filed

H 710: SCHOOL BUS/FAILURE TO STOP/PENALTIES/EVIDENCE.

    House: Filed

H 711: BLACK AND NATIVE AMERICAN HISTORY EDUCATION.

    House: Filed

S 60: DISAPPROVE VARIOUS SOLID WASTE RULE CHANGES.

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

S 85: ALLOW VISION SERVICE PLANS. (NEW)

    Senate: Regular Message Sent To House
    House: Regular Message Received From Senate

S 99: CLARIFY LAW ON THEFT OF CATALYTIC CONVERTERS.

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

S 113: MODIFY TERMINATION OF PARENTAL RIGHTS APPEALS.

    Senate: Concurred In H Com Sub
    Senate: Ordered Enrolled

S 183: IGNITION INTERLOCK/VARIOUS CHANGES. (NEW)

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

S 188: BD. OF ARCHITECTS/INTERIOR DESIGNERS.

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

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

    Senate: Signed by Gov. 4/27/2021
    Senate: Ch. SL 2021-15

S 241: MODIFIED UTILITY VEHICLE DEF/USE OF FUNDS. (NEW)

    Senate: Regular Message Sent To House
    House: Regular Message Received From Senate
    Senate: Regular Message Sent To House
    House: Regular Message Received From Senate

S 248: ADDITIONAL INFO ON HEALTH INS. CARDS. (NEW)

    Senate: Reptd Fav

S 255: 2021 AOC LEGISLATIVE CHANGES.-AB

    House: Withdrawn From Com
    House: Re-ref to the Com on Judiciary 2, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House

S 270: INSURANCE TECHNICAL CHANGES.

    Senate: Reptd Fav

S 346: EXTENDED LEARNING FOR ELECTIVE COURSES. (NEW)

    Senate: Amend Adopted A1
    Senate: Passed 2nd Reading
    Senate: Passed 3rd Reading
    Senate: Engrossed
    Senate: Amend Adopted A1
    Senate: Passed 2nd Reading
    Senate: Passed 3rd Reading
    Senate: Engrossed

S 355: GOVERNMENT TRANSPARENCY ACT OF 2021.

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

S 360: PROHIBIT COLLUSIVE SETTLEMENTS BY THE AG.

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

S 389: DEQ/DNCR OMNIBUS.-AB

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

S 410: OPEN MEETINGS/VARIOUS BOARD ADJ./PUBLIC RECORDS. (NEW)

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

S 435: TERMINATIONS OF STATES OF EMERGENCY.

    Senate: Regular Message Sent To House
    House: Regular Message Received From Senate

S 449: REVISE MANUFACT. HOME TITLE LAWS.

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

S 473: ENHANCE LOCAL GOV'T TRANSPARENCY.

    Senate: Reptd Fav
    Senate: Re-ref Com On State and Local Government

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

    Senate: Amend Adopted A1
    Senate: Passed 2nd Reading
    Senate: Passed 3rd Reading
    Senate: Engrossed

S 539: DISCLOSE HUMAN TRAFFICKING CONVICTION/CUSTODY.

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

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

    Senate: Amend Adopted A1
    Senate: Passed 2nd Reading
    Senate: Passed 3rd Reading
    Senate: Engrossed

S 574: LIFE INSURANCE BENEFICIARY CHANGES.

    Senate: Reptd Fav Com Substitute
    Senate: Com Substitute Adopted
    Senate: Re-ref Com On Commerce and Insurance

S 628: NATIVE PLANTS RIGHT TO WORK ACT.

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

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

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

S 660: REGULATE DISSEMINATION OF BOOKING PHOTOGRAPH.

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

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

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

Actions on Bills: 2021-04-27

LOCAL BILLS

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

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

H 30: TOWN OF SOUTHERN SHORES/EMINENT DOMAIN.

    House: Ratified
    House: Ch. SL 2021-14

H 164: GREENSBORO/DEANNEXATION.

    Senate: Passed 3rd Reading
    Senate: Ordered Enrolled

H 236: AMEND ORANGE/CHATHAM COUNTY BOUNDARY LINE.

    House: Passed 3rd Reading

H 248: SPRING LAKE CHARTER AMENDMENT.

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

H 322: LIMIT ABC LICENSE REQUIREMENTS.

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

H 386: SUNNY POINT RAILROAD FIREARM DISCHARGE BAN. (NEW)

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

H 387: FLEXIBILITY IN FILLING VACANCIES/DURHAM.

    House: Reptd Fav Com Substitute
    House: Reptd Fav Com Substitute
    House: Re-ref Com On Election Law and Campaign Finance Reform

H 388: DURHAM/ELECTRONIC SCHOOL ZONES.

    House: Reptd Fav Com Substitute
    House: Reptd Fav Com Substitute
    House: Re-ref Com On Judiciary 1

H 406: SPEC. SEP. ALLOWANCE/CERTAIN 25-YR LEOS. (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 412: MAGGIE VALLEY/CANTON OCCUPANCY TAX. (NEW)

    House: Reptd Fav Com Substitute
    House: Reptd Fav Com Substitute
    House: Ruled Material
    House: Re-ref Com On Finance
    House: Reptd Fav Com Substitute
    House: Ruled Material
    House: Re-ref Com On Finance

S 288: RUTHERFORD COLLEGE/BD. OF ED. BURKE/CALDWELL. (NEW)

    Senate: Reptd Fav
    Senate: Reptd Fav

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