Amends GS 135-5, concerning the Teachers and State Employees' Retirement System (TSERS) and GS 128-27, concerning the Local Governmental Employees' Retirement System (LGERS), to provide for certain law enforcement officers, firefighters, emergency medical services personnel (EMS personnel) benefits under each system. Defines EMS personnel under the TSERS system to mean all full-time employees of any State department, agency, or institution who meet the definition of emergency services personnel in GS 131E-155 (which defines the term as it related to EMS regulations) and under LGERS to mean all rescue squad workers and full-time employees of any employer participating in LGERS who meet the definition of emergency services personnel under GS 131E-155. Adds and defines firefighter under TSERS to mean all full-time employees of any State department, agency, or institution who are actively serving in a position with assigned primary duties and responsibilities for the prevention, detection, and suppression of fire. 

Enacts GS 135-5(a)(4b) and GS 128-27(a)(6), allowing for any TSERS member who is a law enforcement officer, firefighter, or EMS personnel who has completed 25 years of creditable service to retire upon electronic submission or written application of the Board within the time period specified; provides for members who do not retire upon meeting that creditable service threshold who becomes later employed other than as the member was employed while completing the service to continue to have the right to commence retirement. 

Enacts GS 135-5(b22) and GS 128-27(b23) to detail the service retirement allowance provided under each system for members retiring from service on or after January 1, 2022, under subsections (a) or (a1) of each statute, which include both standard retirement and early retirement. Provides for the allowance calculation of law enforcement officers, eligible former law enforcement officers, firefighters, eligible former firefighters, EMS personnel, and eligible former EMS personnel, based on age at retirement and years of creditable service, setting the base allowance at 1.82% under TSERS and 1.85% under LGERS of the member's average final compensation multiplied by the years of creditable service for those retiring after the member's 55th birthday with five years of creditable service, or after 25 years of creditable service regardless of age. Provides for reductions for early retirement. Provides for reductions for early retirement. Makes conforming and clarifying changes under each System.

Amends GS 135-5(m)(1) to extend the alternative benefit option for a survivor of a firefighter or EMS personnel member of TSERS who had obtained 15 years of service a a firefighter or EMS personnel and was killed in the line of duty. Provides for the retirement allowance to be computed pursuant to new GS 135-5(b22)(1), notwithstanding the requirement for the member to have obtained the age of 50.

Similarly amends GS 128-27(m)(1) to extend the alternative benefit option for a survivor of an EMS personnel member of LGERS who had obtained 15 years of service as EMS personnel and was killed in the line of duty. Provides for the retirement allowance to be computed pursuant to new GS 128-27(b23)(1), notwithstanding the requirement for the member to have obtained the age of 50.

Amends GS 143-166.41 and GS 143-166.42, expanding eligibility of the annual separation allowance set forth for sworn law enforcement officers retiring from a State department, agency, or institution, or a local government employer, subject to TSERS and LGERS retirement requirements, to include officers who have completed 25 years of creditable service or more or attainted the age of 55 and completed five or more years of creditable service, beginning January 1, 2022. Makes conforming changes to each statute. 

Effective January 1, 2022. 

Amends Article 9C of GS Chapter 143 as follows. 

Adds and defines private commercial inspection in GS 143-151.8, applicable to Article 9C governing the NC Code Officials Qualification Board (Board), defining the term as inspection by a private commercial inspection of the manner, workmanship, and materials for the construction of commercial buildings and structures for compliance with the NC Building Code (Code), excluding sections pertaining to boilers and elevators. Adds and defines private commercial inspector.

Adds the following to the powers of the Board under GS 143-151.12: (1) certification and registration of private commercial inspectors; (2) establishing minimum standards and level of education and experience for private commercial inspector instructors; (3) conducting and encouraging research by public and private agencies be designed to improve education and training in private commercial inspection; and (4) ensuring the minimum standards for education of private commercial inspectors includes specific instruction on the duties and responsibilities imposed by law on such inspectors. 

Adds new subsections to GS 143-151.14, authorizing the Board to grant a standard private commercial inspector certificate of a particular type of position and level for individuals holding certification as a qualified Code-enforcement official or the equivalent of a private commercial inspector in good standing by a similar out-of-state board or by the International Code Council, without requiring an exam. Provides for a three-year certificate.

Enacts GS 143-151.14A to require certification to engage in private commercial inspection. Provides for either a standard private commercial inspector certificate or a limited private commercial inspector certificate. Upon successfully passing an examination, provides for issuance of a standard certificate to building, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, or fire inspectors, with the certificate limiting the scope of practice to the specific inspection area and level. Allows for qualification for more than one standard certificate. Provides for levels of certificates and coordinating authorities to be provided by Board rules. Allows a private commercial inspector holding a limited certificate to conduct a private commercial inspection requiring a higher level private commercial inspector certificate upon issuance by the Board of a standard certificate appropriate for that higher level inspection. Requires standard certificates be issued to applicants who hold certification as a Cod-enforcement official, architectural license, or engineering license, with certificates issued to licensed architects and engineers issued granting authority to conduct any commercial inspection except a final fire inspection. 

Enacts GS 143-151.14B to authorize the Board to establish professional development requirements for private commercial inspectors as a condition of certificate renewal or reactivation. Prohibits requiring more than six credit hours per 12 month renewal period. Provides for two of the six continuing education hours of licensed architects and engineers to pertain to those professions. Authorizes the Board to require certified individuals to complete professional development courses within one year of certification, not to exceed six hours in each technical area of certification. Details specific authorities for professional development requirements for reactivation of a standard or limited certificate. Provides for extensions to meet the requirements. Authorizes the Board to adopt implementing rules that govern seven specified areas, including the ability to carry forward course credit and the procedures for compliance and sanctions for noncompliance. 

Amends GS 143-151.15, deeming standard and limited certificates valid as long as the person certified is employed by a private commercial inspector or self-employed as a private commercial inspector. Makes provisions applicable to returning and reissuing certificates of Code-enforcement officials applicable to standard and limited private commercial inspector certificates. 

Expands GS 143-151.17 to prohibit a private commercial inspector from inspecting any property in which the inspector, or a person with whom the inspector has a close familial (as defined), business, or other associational relationship, has ownership or direct financial interest. Extends the Board's investigative powers to actions of qualified private commercial inspectors and applicants, as well as the Board's disciplinary authority under the statute. 

Expands GS 143-151.16, GS 143-151.18, and GS 143-151.19, making the provisions governing certification fees, renewal certificates, examination fees, Article violations and penalties, and Article administration applicable to Code-enforcement officials applicable to private commercial inspectors. 

Enacts GS 143-151.19A to require registration with the Board to engage in private commercial inspection by submission of an application that includes proof of certification and an inspection procedure plan that meets the specified criteria, and other required information. Provides for a registration number upon review of the plan and the person's qualifications, or written notice of the Board's basis for denial and the opportunity to resubmit the application. Allows for review of denied resubmitted applications. Requires the Board to maintain a list of registrations. Allows for amendments to registration or inspector procedure plans by private commercial inspectors to the Board at any time. Requires the Board to establish a fee schedule for registrations, not to exceed $20 per applicant. 

Makes changes throughout the above amended statutes to update statutory cross-references.

Amends GS Chapter 160D as follows. 

Amends GS 160D-402 to require local governments to return fees to permit holders upon inspections performed by a private commercial inspector. 

Amends GS 160D-403 to exclude from the inspector authorities provided in subsection (e) work for which a holder has elected to use private commercial inspections for inspection of commercial buildings and structures for compliance with the Code. Prohibits local governments from conducting final inspections of work or activity on commercial buildings or structures for projects under GS 160D-1105.1, as enacted, regarding inspection reports of commercial buildings or structures by a private commercial inspector. Corrects a statutory cross-reference.

Adds private commercial inspection and private commercial inspector to the defined terms of Article 11, Building Enforcement, defined by statutory cross-reference. 

Amends GS 160D-1102, to prohibit local governments from adopting or enforcing any ordinance prohibiting private commercial inspections by private commercial inspectors, and prohibits the Commissioner of Insurance from doing the same when the Department of Insurance has intervened pursuant to subsection (b), as organized, upon failure of the local government to provide inspection services as required by law. 

Enacts GS 160D-1103.1 to prohibit private commercial inspections except by qualified private commercial inspectors pursuant to Article 9C of GS Chapter 143, as amended. 

Makes conforming changes to GS 160D-1104 to exclude from the scope of local government duties and responsibilities timely inspections made by private commercial inspectors and certificates of compliance with the Code issued or denied by a private commercial inspector. 

Amends GS 160D-1105, authorizing local governments to contract with a private commercial inspector certified and registered under Article 9C of GS Chapter 143, as amended, to conduct inspection under Article 11. Additionally authorizes a permit holder to contract with a private commercial inspector to conduct private commercial inspections of commercial buildings and structures for compliance with the Code. 

Enacts GS 160D-1105.1 to require local governments and the Commissioner of Insurance to accept and approve, without any further responsibility to inspect, a signed inspection report evidencing the inspection of a commercial building or structure by a private commercial inspector that meets seven criteria, in the event the Department of Insurance has intervened pursuant to GS 160D-1102(b) due to the local government's failure to make required inspections. Criteria include that (1) the private commercial inspection is limited in scope to compliance with the Code; (2) proof of compliance with financial responsibility requirements; and (3) execution of a written contract between the permit holder and the private commercial inspector that contains six specified terms. Upon issuing an inspection report receipt, relieves the local government, the Commissioner of Insurance, its inspection departments, and its inspectors of liability and responsibilities with respect to the inspection. Requires the inspection report comply with the form developed by the Board. Excludes final fire inspections. 

Enacts GS 160D-1105.2, explicitly denying private commercial inspectors authority to conduct final fire inspections required by the Code.

Enacts GS 160D-1105.3 to establish bond and insurance requirements of building permit applicants intending to use a private commercial inspector. Provides for the permit holder to request the local government resume project inspections at any time, which allows local governments to claim against the payment bond inspection costs or otherwise seek payment from the permit holder. 

Enacts GS 160D-1105.4 to grant civil and criminal immunity to private commercial investigators with regard to inspections or issuance of certificate of compliance unless conduct amounts to intentional or willful misconduct.

Enacts GS 160D-1105.5 to direct the Board to develop specified uniform forms for use by private commercial inspections. Limits information local government can require to information provided on these forms. 

Makes conforming changes to GS 160D-1109, regarding violations of inspection department members for failure to perform duties. 

Amends GS 160D-1110 requiring permit applicants to attach an addendum to permit applications or amendments noticing intent to use a private commercial inspector on the project, with specified required content. Provides for a reduction in the permit fee by 80%, with the remaining 20% retained by the local government for administrative costs. Provides for local governments to not interfere with permitted projects being inspected by private commercial inspectors, except for the final fire inspection to be conducted by the local government and inspections necessary to determine compliance with applicable local law.

Amends GS 160D-1112 to require building permits to be amended to designate the use of or changed in the designated private commercial inspector. 

Amends GS 160D-1116 to include private commercial inspectors in the duties of inspectors regarding final inspections and the issuance of certificates of compliance. Requires certificates issued by private commercial inspectors to be in the form developed by the Board. Requires a private commercial inspector to give a local government 60 days' notice of the date the inspector anticipates issuing a certificate of compliance, as specified, and provide a copy of an issued certificate of compliance to the local government, as specified, with receipt required to be acknowledged by the local government. Provides that only a local government may issue a temporary certificate of occupancy. Prohibits withholding a certificate of occupancy for which a certificate of compliance has been issued by a private commercial inspector. Provides for the local government and Commissioner of Insurance's reliance upon a certificate of compliance issued by a private commercial inspector and resulting indemnity. Expands the Class 1 misdemeanor for violating subsections (a) and (b) to now cover violations of the statute, as amended.

Directs the Department of Insurance to adopt temporary implementing rules within 90 days of the act becoming law.

Effective January 1, 2022. 

Includes whereas clauses.

Part I.

Prohibits a public health authority in the state from issuing an order that requires an individual to submit to a COVID-19 vaccination or series of vaccinations if such action is medically contraindicated for the individual, or if receiving the vaccination is against the individual's religious or philosophical beliefs. Specifies that for a minor, if the vaccination is against the religious or philosophical beliefs of the parent, guardian, or person in loco parentis, then the public health authority is prohibited from requiring that the minor receive the vaccination.

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

Makes the following prohibited discriminatory practices by the following entities if based on an individual's COVID-19 vaccination status: (1) the State, any of its political subdivisions, and any entity receiving State funding in any form to refuse, withhold from, or deny to an individual any State, local, or federal funds or any services, goods, facilities, advantages, privileges, licensing, educational opportunities, or access to health care; (2) any person to refuse employment to an individual, to bar an individual from employment, or to base any employment-related decision; (3) any public accommodation to exclude, limit, refuse to serve, or otherwise treat adversely.

Allows an entity, employer, or public accommodation to have a policy or practice requiring an individual to receive a COVID-19 vaccination or to verify vaccination status if: (1) the entity, employer, or public accommodation notifies the individual that the individual may decline to be vaccinated, may decline to verify the person's COVID-19 vaccination status, or both; (2) the individual may decline to receive a COVID-19 vaccine, decline to verify the person's COVID-19 vaccination status, or both, based on medical contraindication or other condition requiring a reasonable accommodation, natural immunity, or reasons of conscience including sincerely held religious beliefs; and (3) if the individual is a minor, the parent or legal guardian may decline to have the minor receive a COVID-19 vaccination, decline to verify the minor's COVID-19 vaccination status, or both. Requires the entity to keep an individual's decision to receive or decline to receive a COVID-19 vaccination, and their decision as to whether to verify their vaccination status, confidential. 

Prohibits an officer or employee of the State or any political subdivision of the State from issuing or establishing any standardized documentation for the purpose of verifying an individual's COVID-19 vaccination status to a third party, or otherwise publishing or sharing an individual's COVID-19 vaccination record. Specifies that this does not prohibit a vaccinated person from receiving a COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicating the person received a COVID-19 vaccination.

Part II.

Enacts new GS 95-25.6A setting out NCGA findings and State policies on workplace vaccination requirements. Prohibits an employer from: (1) asking whether an employee or prospective employee has received a vaccination of a drug approved by the US FDA only for emergency use; (2) requiring, as a condition of employment, that an employee receive a vaccination of a drug approved by the US FDA only for emergency use; or (3) discharging, disciplining, retaliating against, failing to promote, or otherwise discriminating against an employee or prospective employee who opposes a workplace vaccination program to administer a drug approved by the US FDA only for emergency use. Allows employees or prospective or former employees to commence a civil action against an employer for a violation; sets out what a prevailing plaintiff may be awarded. Makes conforming changes to GS 95-241. 

Part III.

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

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

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

Part IV.

Enacts new GS 130A-158.5 requiring each system used to track or record information about individuals residing in the state who have received specific vaccinations to provide: (1) written, informed consent from each adult and, from a minor's parent or guardian, whose vaccination records and vaccination information are added to the system for the following: a. the individual's participation in the system or inclusion in the system of the individual's vaccination record or vaccine status with respect to a specific vaccine and b. the disclosure or sharing of information concerning the individual's vaccination record, vaccine status with respect to a specific vaccine, or refusal to receive a specific vaccine and (2) an option for an adult or a minor's parent or guardian to withdraw previously granted consent that would trigger the deletion of all the individual's vaccination records and other vaccination information from the system and any other files maintained by the State agency responsible for operating the system.

Part V.

Enacts new GS 130A-157.5 providing that the matter of whether a person chooses for oneself, for one's children, or for anyone for whom that person stands in loco parentis to receive a vaccine or not to receive it is a private matter not to be violated. Prohibits requiring a written statement of the moral, philosophical, or personal beliefs and opposition to the immunization requirements, and prohibits asking whether such an affected person has received an immunization as a condition of attending any college, university, public or private school (Pre-K through 12), or child care facility.

Part VI.

Enacts new GS 93B-8.1A prohibiting an occupational licensing board or State agency licensing board from denying an applicant a license on the basis of whether the applicant has or has not received a specific vaccination. Prohibits requiring the submission of documents containing medical information for the sole purpose of ascertaining an applicant's vaccination history record as part of a licensure application process and prohibits a board from using any documents provided or information gathered tending to show a vaccination history record as the basis to deny the applicant a license. Prohibits a board from suspending, revoking, declining to renew, declining to reinstate, or taking any disciplinary action against a licensee based on whether the licensee has or has not received a specific vaccination. Sets out allowable remedies. 

Enacts GS 131E-79.5 prohibiting a hospital from refusing to provide service to patients on the basis of the patient's vaccination history or because of the patient's refusal to receive a specific vaccine or provide proof of immunity. Enacts GS 131E-79.6 prohibiting a hospital from denying, terminating, or suspending a physician's hospital privileges on the basis of the physician's vaccination history or because of the physician's refusal to receive a specific vaccination or provide proof of immunity. Prohibits a hospital that offers a medical residency program or a clinical program or experience necessary to satisfy degree requirements from: (1) discriminating against an applicant or prohibiting admission, enrollment, or employment as an intern or resident on the basis of the student's vaccination history or because of the student's, intern's, or resident's refusal to receive a specific vaccination or provide proof of immunity and (2) terminating an internship or residency on the basis of an intern's or resident's refusal to receive a specific vaccination or provide proof of immunity. Allows bringing a civil suit for violations and sets out allowable remedies. 

Enacts GS 131D-9.5 prohibiting a licensed adult care home from refusing to admit an applicant or provide services to a facility resident on the basis of the applicant's or resident's vaccination history or because the applicant or resident refuses to receive a specific vaccination or provide proof of immunity. Enacts new GS 131E-113.5 setting out the same prohibition for licensed nursing homes. 

Part VII.

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

Part VIII.

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

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

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

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

Part IX.

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

Part X.

Includes a severability clause.

Amends GS 115C-150.11 to change the governance and administrative structure of the Eastern NC School for the Deaf and the NC School for the Deaf (hereinafter Schools for the Deaf). Provides for general supervision of the Schools for the Deaf by the State Board of Education (State Board), which currently is the sole governing agency of the Schools. Provides for the Schools for the Deaf to be administratively housed within the Department of Public Instruction (DPI), but operate independently through a board of trustees as the governing body for each residential school established under specified state law. Requires each board of trustees to appoint a director for the school to act as secretary of the board and manage school personnel, day-to-day operations, and the school's operating budget at the direction of the board (currently the Superintendent of Public Instruction is charged with administration of the Schools for the Deaf, including appointment of staff and oversight of the school). Makes conforming changes to the current provisions of the act, limiting the provisions to the governance and administration of the Governor Morehead School for the Blind. Makes conforming changes to the section title.

Enacts GS 115C-150.11A, establishing membership for each School's board of trustees, with four members legislatively appointed and one gubernatorial appointment. Provides for ex officio, nonvoting members of each board. Provides for staggered six-year terms and provides for terms of initial members. Sets parameters for vacancies, meetings, and board procedures. 

Enacts GS 115C-150.11B, detailing the powers and duties of a board of trustees of a residential school as a body politic and corporate, among those to receive donations from any source and to acquire and dispose of real property.

Amends GS 115C-150.12 to specify that each residential school with a board of trustees established pursuant to GS 115C-150.11A is considered a local school administrative unit for purposes of federal law and the administration of state law. 

Amends GS 115C-150.13 to direct each board of trustees for the residential schools for students with hearing impairments to adopt necessary administrative rules to implement the Article's requirements, including eligibility for admission criteria that accounts for four specified factors, such as parental input and choice and recommendations of the child's Individualized Education Program (IEP). Provides that these boards of trustees are subject to rules of the State Board adopted in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act, GS Chapter 150B. Makes conforming changes to limit the applicability of the existing provisions of the statute to administrative rules required to be adopted by the State Board for the Governor Morehead School for the Blind.

Amends GS 115C-150.14 to require a residential school for students with hearing impairments which seeks to enroll a foreign exchange student to submit a plan to the school's board of trustees prior to enrollment. 

Repeals Section 10 of SL 2013-247, which allowed DPI to reorganize, if necessary, staffing of the Governor Morehead School and the Schools for the Deaf to meet needed functions.

Amends Section 8.15 of SL 2013-360 to no longer provide for DPI to retain the proceeds generated from the rental of building space on the residential school campuses of the Schools for the Deaf to staff and operate those Schools. 

Instead, beginning with 2022-23, directs DPI to retain all proceeds generated from the rental of building space on the residential school campuses of the Schools for the Deaf and allocate all respective receipts to each board of trustees to supplement funds to staff and operate that school. Prohibits using the funds to support administrative functions of DPI. 

Permits DPI to continue its administration of the Schools for the Deaf as of June 30, 2022, until the board of trustees for each school has transitioned into the administrative role required by the act, by October 1, 2022. 

Makes the above provisions effective July 1, 2022. 

Requires legislative appointments to the Schools' boards of trustees by May 1, 2022, for members to take office effective July 1, 2022. 

Directs DPI to collaborate with the personnel from the Schools for the Deaf to develop a transition plan for the change in administration pursuant to the act to be effective July 1, 2022. Directs DPI to report to the specified NCGA committee on the transition plan by December 15, 2021. 

Part I.

Enacts GS 115C-375.10, requiring that public school units permit behavioral health care providers, defined to exclude employees of the public school or the Department of Public Instruction, to provide behavioral health services to student on school property during the instructional day upon request of the student's parent or guardian, subject to seven restrictions and requirements. Defines behavioral health service to mean adaptive behavior treatment, or research-based behavioral health treatment under the Medicaid State Plan, provided by a behavioral health provider. Requirements include, among others, (1) liability insurance coverage in the amount of $1 million per occurrence and $1 million aggregate per occurrence with provision of a certificate of insurance naming the public school unit as the policy holder; and (2) provision of behavioral health services in a manner that does not prevent classroom instruction. Defines behavior health treatment plan. Prohibits a public school unit from exclusively contracting with a behavioral health provider or otherwise prohibiting a parent or guardian from choosing the preferred provider for the student.

Amends the following statutes and session law to require local boards of education, public school units, charter schools, regional schools, laboratory schools, and renewal schools comply with new GS 115C-375.10: GS 115C-47; GS 115C-12; GS 115C-218.75; GS 115C-238.66; GS 116-239.8; and Section 6 of SL 2018-32.

Applies beginning with the 2021-22 school year.

Part II.

Amends GS 58-3-192 to prohibit health benefit plans from denying coverage for autism spectrum disorder, as required by the statute, on the basis that treatment is provided in a school or other educational setting. Applies to health benefit plan contracts issued on or after October 1, 2021. 

Amends GS 136-18, expanding the powers of the Department of Transportation (DOT) to include entering into agreements with the SBI for the placement and use of automatic license plate reader systems within land or rights-of-way owned by DOT or otherwise being lawfully occupied by a public utility, subject to three criteria, including that the the system is completely above ground, moveable, and contains no combustible fuel. Requires placement and use to terminate upon request by any affected public utility. Provides for DOT's authority to relocate the system to access its or public utilities' utilities or facilities, with liability limited to gross negligence or willful misconduct, subject to notification of the SBI. Defines public utility. 

Enacts GS 20-183.33 to require an automatic license plate reader system placed by the SBI within land or right-of-way under new GS 136-18(47) to comply with the provisions of Article. Limits use of the data captured with such system, prohibiting using the data for the enforcement of traffic violations that are infractions of specified motor vehicle laws related to speeding. Directs the SBI to annually report to the specified NCGA committee on the number of requests made by law enforcement agencies under GS 20-183.32 for captured data obtained by such systems. 

Enacts new GS Chapter 53D, Fair Access to Financial Services Act, providing as follows. Requires a financial institution operating in this state to make each financial product or service it offers available on proportionally equal terms to all persons engaged in a lawful activity. Prohibits denying a person engaged in a lawful activity a financial product or service based on a personal, ideological, moral, or political opinion. Requires a financial institution operating in this state to include a directive to comply with this GS Chapter in its written policies and procedures. Defines financial institution as: (1) a banking corporation, trust company, savings and loan association, credit union, or other person principally engaged in the business of lending money or receiving or soliciting money on deposit or (2) payment processing platform or credit card company.

Allows the North Carolina Commissioner of Banks (Commissioner) to, after notice and opportunity for hearing, to revoke, suspend, or refuse to renew a financial institution's charter, license, or registration when there is a violation of this Chapter. 

Allows the Commissioner to examine a financial institution chartered or licensed by or registered with the Commissioner, with costs and expenses paid by the institution.  

Allows the Commissioner to receive complaints about a financial institution chartered or licensed by or registered with the Commissioner and allows examination of the institution upon receiving the complaint.  

Sets out provisions governing the confidentiality of information received by the Commissioner and for agreements for sharing that information.

Allows the Commissioner to adopt rules to enforce this Chapter. Allows a person aggrieved by any rule adopted or order issued by the Commissioner to appeal to the State Banking Commission for review upon providing a written notice of appeal within 20 days after the rule was adopted or order was issued. Sets out what must be included in the notice of appeal. Allows any party aggrieved by a decision of the State Banking Commission to petition for judicial review.

Allows the North Carolina Administrator of Credit Unions (Administrator) to, after notice and opportunity for hearing, revoke or suspend a credit union's certificate of approval for violations of this Chapter. Allows the Administrator to examine a credit union that is under the Administrator's supervision, with costs paid by the credit union. Allows the Administrator to receive a complaint from a person regarding a credit union under the Administrator's supervision and examine the credit union upon receiving the complaint. Allows the Administrator to adopt rules to enforce this Chapter.

Effective October 1, 2021.

Part I.

Amends GS 18B-800(a), which provides that spirituous liquor can only be sold in ABC stores operated by local boards, to define "sold only in ABC stores operated by local boards" to include online order placed in accordance with new subsection (c3), as enacted. Enacts new subsection (c3) to authorize ABC stores to accept online orders and payments for alcoholic beverages sold in its store so long as the person picking up the order is 21. Limits liability under GS 18B-302(a)(2) to when the person knew the purchaser was less than 21 years old at the time the online order was placed. Effective July 1, 2021.

Part II.

Amends GS 18B-800(c1) to allow special order bottles to be affixed with personalized labeling, including the name of the purchaser on the label, that includes any other labeling requirements set by law.

Amends GS 18B-1105(a)(4) regarding bottles of spirituous liquor sold by a distillery permittee to visitors touring the distillery, to allow the bottles to have a personalized label, including the name of the purchaser on the label, that includes any other labeling requirements set by law.

Effective July 1, 2021.

Part III.

Adds to the limitations and requirements of consumer tastings held by a spirituous liquor special event permit under GS 18B-1114.7, to include that the permit must be issued in the name of the business listed on the permit application. 

Effective July 1, 2021.

Part V.

Enacts new Article 62B to GS Chapter 18B, creating the NC Spirituous Liquor Council (Council) of the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (DACS). Enumerates powers and duties of the Council, including identification and implementation method for improving NC's rank as a spirituous liquor-producing State, enter into contracts for developing new or improved markets or marketing methods for spirituous liquor products, contracting for research services to improve farming practices related to growing necessary ingredients for alcohol distillation, and annual reporting to specified NCGA committee chairs and division. Details membership of the 10-member Council and provides for two-year terms, with initial terms commencing September 1, 2021; prohibits serving more than two consecutive terms. Provides for meetings and reporting by the Council, as well as staffing of the Council. Effective September 1, 2021. Provides for appointment of initial members to staggered terms. 

Part VI.

Further amends GS 18B-1105(a)(4) regarding bottles of spirituous liquor sold by a distillery permittee, changing a statutory cross-reference regarding hour restrictions of sales to refer to restrictions imposed on permittees instead of ABC stores. Effective July 1, 2021.

Amends GS 18B-1114.7, expanding the authorized locations of free tastings by spirituous liquor special event permittees (which may be holders of supplier representative permits, brokerage representative permits, or distillery permits) to include farmers markets. Expands the authority of the permittee to allow selling mixed beverages containing spirituous liquor or sell its spirituous liquor in closed containers at the same premises described for free tastings. Makes changes to the limitations of permittees to refer to the event rather than tastings to reflect this expansion, as applicable; however, specifies that the tasting sample restrictions do not apply to the sale of spirituous liquor in closed containers or mixed beverages. Makes conforming changes to GS 18B-1105(a)(5) regarding authorities of a distillery permittee. Effective July 1, 2021.

Amends GS 130A-247 to add and define distillery and winery, defined as licensed establishments that do not engage in the preparation of food (defined to exclude beverages) on the premises. Amends GS 130A-248 to exclude distilleries and wineries from the sanitation rules adopted by the Public Health Commission for establishments that prepare or serve drink or food for pay. Adds distilleries and wineries to the exemptions set forth in GS 130A-250. Provides a savings clause for penalties imposed and fees charged before the effective date of the act. Grants organizational authority to the Revisor of Statutes as necessary. Effective September 1, 2021. 

Expands types of commercial permits under GS 18B-1100 to allow the ABC Commission to issue a spirituous liquor special event permit. Effective May 1, 2022. 

Part VII. 

Directs the ABC Commission to implement the Growler Size Rule, 14B NCAC 15C .0307, by defining growler as a rigid glass, ceramic, plastic, aluminum, or stainless steel container with a closure or cap with a secure sealing that is no larger than 4 liters into which a malt beverage or unfortified wine is prefilled, filled, or refilled for off-premises consumption. Directs the ABC Commission to amend the Growler Size Rule consistent with this directive.

Part VII.

Expands GS 18B-800(c2), which allows local ABC boards to fulfill orders by a mixed beverage permittee for individual bottles or cases of spirituous liquor produced by an eligible distillery that are listed as a regular code item for sale in the state. Modifies the definition set forth for eligible distillery under the subsection to include a distillery permittee (or the like in another jurisdiction) that sells fewer than 10,000 proof gallons of in-house brand spiritous liquors distilled or produced and manufactured by it at the permit holder's distillery per year (currently limited to those liquors distilled and manufactured by the permittee at the distillery per year). Adds to the requirements for ABC stores to display NC distilled spirits in a designated area to include spirits produced in North Carolina. 

Expands GS 18B-1001(19), regarding spirituous liquor tasting permits, to allow those permittees to use the spirituous liquor produced at the distillery in addition to that distilled at the distillery where the event is being held.

Expands GS 18B-1105(a)(4) to further authorize distillery permittees to sell spirituous liquor produced at the distillery in closed containers to visitors who tour the distillery for consumption off the premises in the same manner as that distilled at the distillery. 

Effective July 1, 2021.

Part IX.

Further amends GS 18B-1105(a)(4) regarding bottles of spirituous liquor sold by a distillery permittee to visitors touring the distillery, to allow for the sale to visitors of the distillery (no longer requiring visitors to take a tour). Effective July 1, 2021. 

Part X.

Expands GS 18B-1105(a)(2) to allow distillery permittees to sell, deliver, and ship spirituous liquor in closed containers at wholesale or retail to consumers of other states or nations, unless the jurisdiction of the consumer required reciprocity in order to allow such sales, deliveries, or shipments. Effective July 1, 2021.

Part XI.

Further amends GS 18B-1105(a)(1) to also allow distillery permittees to manufacture, purchase, import, possess, and transport ingredients and equipment used in the production of spirituous liquor (was, limited to the distillation or the manufacturing of law alcohol beverage coolers). Adds that the authority to possess ingredients includes possession of spirituous liquor not distilled or produced at the distillery that is used for the production of spirituous liquor. Effective July 1, 2021.

Further amends GS 18B-1105(a)(5) to authorize distillery permittees conducting consumer tastings pursuant to GS 18B-1114.7 to conduct the tastings on any part of the licensed premises of the distillery. Effective July 1, 2021.

Adds a new subsection to GS 18B-1105 to allow an alcoholic beverage authorized to be sold or consumed under the statute to be sold or consumed on any part of the licensed premises of the distillery. Effective July 1, 2021. 

Part XII.

Directs the ABC Commission to implement the Identification Rule (14B NCAC 15B .0224) by making it the duty of the permittee and his employees to determine the age of any person consuming or possessing alcoholic beverages on the licensed premises, with acceptable identification to include a drivers license, special identification card issued by the Division of Motor Vehicles of any state, a military identification card, or a passport. Requires the ABC Commission to adopt a rule to amend the Identification Rule consistent with the described directive. 

Part XIII.

Effective July 1, 2021, repeals GS 18B-1010(b) which provides that not more than one alcoholic beverage drink may be sold to a single patron at one time if the beverages are sold (1) at a stadium, athletic facility, or arena on the campus or property of a public college or university or (2) during a sports event sponsored by a public college or university.

Part XIV.

Directs the ABC Commission to adopt or amend rules consistent with the act pursuant to the Administrative Procedure Act. 

Provides a savings clause for prosecutions for offenses committed before the effective date of the act.

Titles the act as the Invest NC Bond Act of 2021. States the act's purpose and legislative findings, and provides seven defined terms.

Subject to voter approval at the statewide election on November 2, 2021, authorizes the State Treasurer to issue and sell, either at one time or from time to time, general obligation bonds and notes up to $4.7 billion, subject to consent of the Council of State. Restricts use of the proceeds of the public improvement bonds and notes to specified projects and amounts, with general total amounts of: $2.5 billion for public instruction, $229 million for the relocation of Health and Human Resources Headquarters, $155,821,500 for specified neuromedical and developmental centers, $45 million for Reedy Creek Lab, $500 million for community colleges, $783 million for the University of North Carolina, $439 million for the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, and $48,178,500 for an Unforeseen Costs Reserve. Details special allocation provisions applicable to the following uses of bond and note proceeds.

Requires the Office of State Budget and Management (OSBM) to set out the process for applying for funds from the Unforeseen Costs Reserve, and allow allocating funds from the Reserve only when OSBM is satisfied that the conditions set out under its criteria have been met. Once agreed, funds may only be drawn down as needed, in line with project cashflow requirements.

Concerning proceeds used for public schools capital assistance, requires (1) equal allocation among counties of $1 billion; (2) allocation of $375 million among local administrative units located in counties whose wealth is less than the state average wealth, as specified; (3) allocation of $1.125 billion among local administrative units on the basis of average daily membership for the 2020-21 fiscal year, as specified; (4) except for low-wealth counties, local matching of proceeds at a $1 match for every $3 of proceeds for units in development tier one areas, $1 match for every $2 of proceeds for units in development tier two areas, and $1 match for every $1 of proceeds for units in development tier three areas, with periodic reports on matching to the State Board of Education and annual reports on the impact of funds provided on the property tax rate, and provisions for reallocating unmatched funds; and (5) guarantees that proceeds received are used for acquisition of real property and construction, acquisition, reconstruction, enlargement, renovation, or replacement of buildings and other structures, and that proceeds only supplement and do not decrease local funds for those projects.

Concerning proceeds used for community colleges for new construction, repairs, and renovations, requires the proceeds be used for new construction or rehabilitation of existing facilities and repairs and renovations only. Requires all such purchases and replacements to have a useful life of at least 10 years, and any renovation must extend the useful life of the facility at least 10 years. Requires matching of proceeds for new construction projects only at a $1 match for every $3 of proceeds for projects in development tier one areas, $1 match for every $2 of proceeds for projects in development tier two areas, and $1 match for every $1 of proceeds for projects in development tier three areas. 

Details the allocation and accounting of improvement bond proceeds. Allows for investment by the State Treasurer and use of investment earnings as specified. Sets forth further parameters regarding use of proceeds with other available monies and disbursement. Requires the State Treasurer or a designee to set up a comprehensive system of tracking the proceeds to account for use and compliance. Allows the State Treasurer to withhold proceeds for not complying with tracking requirements.

Details the procedure and requirements for issuance of the improvement bonds and notes, including: required terms and conditions; required signatures, forms, and registration; the manner of sale and expenses; notes and repayment; refunding of bonds and notes; tax exemption; investment eligibility; faith and credit of the State pledged; and other agreements the State Treasurer can provide for bond insurance and other derivative products. 

Provides for the variable rate demand authority of the State Treasurer of the bonds and notes and sets restrictions concerning the aggregate principal amounts payable by the State under a credit facility, as defined by the act.

Provides guidance for the act's interpretation, including that the act is meant to provide an additional or alternative financing method, statutory cross references may be amended, the act is to be construed broadly, the act supersedes other conflicting law, and the act's provisions are severable.

Requires any funds from the bond authorized by this act that are expended for school technology for public schools to be reported to the State Board of Education and be credited against the judgment in N.C. Sch. Bds. Ass'n. v. Moore. 

Includes whereas clauses. Enacts new GS 115C-306.1 requiring local boards of education, when awarding contracts to teachers, to provide for extended-year contracts (meaning a contract providing for a term of employment of 11 months during the school year) as follows. Requires the local board of education to award mandatory extended-year contracts to all IL teachers and all LPS teachers; specifies that IL teachers and LPS teachers are not eligible to receive 10-month contracts. Defines IL teacher as a teacher who holds a current North Carolina teaching license in any of the following classes: a three-year initial professional license, a three-year limited license, a one-year residency license, or a one-year emergency license. Defines an LPS teacher as a teacher assigned by a local board of education to teach at a school identified as low performing. Requires the local board of education to offer optional extended-year contracts as follows: (1) to mentor teachers in any year that the teacher is designated as such and (2) to veteran teachers one year out of each three-year period the teacher is employed by the local board. Allows mentor teachers and veteran teachers to accept the extended-year contract or to request and be awarded a 10-month contract. Defines veteran teacher as a teacher who holds a current five-year North Carolina continuing professional license for teaching; has at least six years of licensed teaching experience; and is not IL teacher, a mentor teacher, or an LPS teacher.

Requires the local board of education to annually designate up to 10% of those teachers employed by the local board as mentor teachers; specifies minimum criteria to be used in making the designation. 

Sets out additional job duties in the 11th month of employment for a teacher who is awarded and accepts an extended-year contract, with duties dependent upon the teacher's designation as an IL teacher, LPS teacher, mentor teacher, or veteran teacher.

Makes conforming changes to the provisions governing teacher contracts under GS 115C-325.3. Makes conforming changes to GS 115C-302.1 concerning payment of teacher salaries and also removes the requirement that the State Board of Education maintain the same policies related to masters pay for teachers that were in effect for the 2008-09 fiscal year.

Appropriates $297 million in recurring funds from the General Fund to the Department of Public Instruction to provide extended-year teacher contracts according to new GS 115C-306.1.

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

Enacts new GS 1-149.1, providing as follows. Sets out the purpose of the statute. Makes a claim for relief against a person arising from any act of the person which could reasonably be construed as an act in furtherance of the person's seeking elected public office, subject to a motion to dismiss or strike unless the court determines that: (1) the nonmoving party's claim has a substantial basis in law or a substantial argument for modifying the law and (2) the nonmoving party has established that there is a probability of that party prevailing. Requires the court to consider the pleadings and supporting and opposing affidavits stating the facts upon which the liability or defense is based. Provides that if the court determines that the nonmoving party has established a substantial basis or argument for the claim and a probability that the nonmoving party would prevail, then neither that determination nor the fact that it was made is admissible as evidence at any later stage of the case or in any subsequent action, and no burden of proof or degree of proof otherwise applicable is affected in any later stage or subsequent proceeding. Requires the staying of all discovery and any pending hearings or motions in the action when a motion to dismiss or strike has been made, until a final decision is made on the motion, but allows the court to order that specified discovery or other hearings or motions be conducted. Requires the hearing of the motion to be advanced and take precedence over all other causes on the court calendar. Sets out the timeline within which the hearing must be held and an order made, varying based on how much time is left before the election. Sets out provisions governing the awarding of costs and fees. Makes an order granting or denying a motion to dismiss or a motion to strike under this statute subject to an immediate appeal. Effective October 1, 2021, and applies to civil actions commenced on or after that date.

Effective July 1, 2021, appropriates $100,000 for 2021-22 from the General Fund to the Administrative Office of the Courts to implement the act's provisions.

Effective July 1, 2021, appropriates $10,000 for 2021-22 from the General Fund to the State Board of Elections for the Board's activities relating to this act.

Includes whereas clauses.

Adds new Part 2L to Article 10 of GS Chapter 143B, known as the North Carolina Small Business Retirement Savings Program (Program). Sets out and defines terms that are used in the Program. Defines a covered employer as a person or entity engaged in a business, industry, profession, trade, or other enterprise in the state, whether for profit or not for profit and provided that the covered employer does not include an employer that maintains a specified tax-favored retirement plan for its employees or has done so effective in form and operation at any time within the current or two preceding calendar years; excludes the federal government, the State, any county, any municipality, or any political subdivision of the State. Defines a participating employer as a covered employer that provides for covered employees a payroll deduction IRA provided for by this Article.

Establishes the 12-member North Carolina Small Business Retirement Savings Board (Board) housed for administrative purposes in the Department of Commerce (Department). Provides that 10 members are voting and two are nonvoting advisory members, with initial appointments to be made by October 1, 2021. Provides for the appointment of members; members serve for four-year terms with terms staggered. Requires the Governor to convene the first meeting of the Board by October 15, 2021. Provides for electing a chair and appointing vacancies. Sets out the Board's 20 duties, including: (1) design, develop, implement, maintain, govern, and promulgate rules with respect to a payroll deduction retirement savings program for covered employers that do not provide a retirement program and, to that end conduct market, legal, and feasibility analyses; (2) develop and implement an investment policy that meets specified requirements, that defines the Program's investment objectives, consistent with the objectives of the Program, and that provides for policies and procedures consistent with those investment objectives; (3) adopt rules it deems necessary or advisable for the implementation of this Article and the administration and operation of the Program; (4) invest and reinvest its funds in accordance with applicable State and federal laws; and (5) evaluate the need for, and procure if and as deemed necessary, pooled private insurance against any and all loss in connection with the property, assets, or activities of the Program. Prohibits a Board member, program administrator, and other Board staff from: (1) having any interest in the making of any investment under the Program or in gains or profits accruing from any such investment; (2) borrowing any Program-related funds or deposits or use any such funds or deposits in any manner, for himself or herself or as an agent or partner of others; or (3) becoming an endorser, surety, or obligor on investments made under the Program. Sets out provisions governing the standard of conduct for Board members and Program staff.

Sets out 20 requirements that the Program must meet, including: (1) provide a process to facilitate voluntary enrollment into the Program for covered employers, covered employees, and self-employed persons; (2) provide that the IRA to which contributions are made will be a Roth IRA, with the Board allowed to add an option for participants to affirmatively elect to contribute to a traditional IRA as an alternative to the Roth IRA; (3) provide that the standard package must be a Roth IRA with a target date fund investment, and a contribution rate that begins at 5% of salary or wages; (4) provide for a uniform annual increase in the participant's contribution rate of up to 1%; (5) allow a covered employer to withhold payroll deductions from a covered employee's paycheck for making a covered employee contribution to the Program funds; (6) include an account status notification process for covered employees to be notified about and track their investments; and (7) ensure that the Program is designed to be financially self-sustaining over time. 

Requires the Board to adopt rules on four specified items related to implementing the Program, including conducting outreach to individuals, employers, other stakeholders, and the public regarding the Program.

Provides covered employers with protection from liability in seven specified areas, including an employee's decision to participate in or not to participate in the Program or a participant's specific elections under the Program; participants' or the Board's investment decisions; and any loss, failure to realize any gain, or any other adverse consequences incurred by any person as a result of participating in the Program.

Provides that the State has no duty or liability to any party for the payment of any retirement savings benefits accrued by any individual under the Program and sets out additional protections.

Prohibits disclosing, except in specified circumstances, individual account information relating to accounts under the Program and relating to individual participants including, but not limited to, specified information such as email addresses, personal identification information, investments, contributions, and earnings. Makes these items confidential and specifies they are not public record.

Establishes the North Carolina Small Business Retirement Savings Administrative Fund (Fund) with moneys in the Fund continuously appropriated to the Board. Provides that the Fund consists of (1) moneys appropriated to the Fund by the NCGA; (2) moneys transferred to the Fund from the federal government, other State agencies, or local governments; (3) moneys from the payment of application, account, administrative, or other fees and payment of money due to the Board; (4) gifts, donations, or grants made to the State for deposit in the Fund; and (5) earnings on moneys in the Fund.

Requires the Board to submit an annual report to the Governor and specified NCGA committee; specifies the required content of the report. Requires an annual audit of the Board's books and accounts.

Requires the Board to establish the Program so that individuals can begin contributing under the Program no later than July 1, 2023. Prohibits the Board from implementing the Program if and to the extent the Board determines that the Program is preempted by ERISA; sets out how the Program is to implemented in that situation. 

Appropriates $400,000 for 2021-22 and $600,000 for 2022-23 from the General Fund to the Department of Commerce to be allocated to the Board and used to: (1) enable or facilitate the start-up and continuing operation, maintenance, administration, and management of the Program until the Program accumulates sufficient balances and can generate sufficient funding through fees assessed on Program accounts for the Program to become financially self-sustaining and (2) hire an individual to serve as the initial executive director (prohibits the individual filling the position from being considered a State employee).

Effective July 1, 2021.

Repeals GS 15A-1417(a)(3a) to no longer explicitly provide for relief in the form of referral to the NC Innocence Inquiry Commission when a court grants a motion for appropriate relief for claims of factual innocence.

Amends GS 15A-1463, modifying the membership of the NC Innocence Inquiry Commission (Commission) to include a sheriff (was a sheriff holding office at the time of his or her appointment). Adds a new requirement for the Commission to hold one administrative meeting per year to allow for public comment. Further requires that the date, time, and location for meetings allowing for public comment to be published on the Commission's website at least 30 days prior to the meeting. Directs meeting procedures to be set by Commission rules. 

No longer excludes the sheriff from the condition that members serving on the Commission by virtue of elective or appointive office may serve only so long as the officeholders hold those respective offices, as set forth in GS 15A-1464.

Enacts GS 15A-1467(a1), to allow any court, State or local agency, or a claimant's counsel that refers a case to the Commission to request a confidential case status update of a referred case once every six months from the Commission Director; allows for denial of an update for good cause shown. Requires the Director to notify the referring entity when a referred claim is closed without a Commission hearing along with a confidential explanation. Amends subsection (b) to require the Director to inform Indigent Defense Services (IDS) of an attorney's referral of the case for their consideration. Amends subsection (c) regarding formal inquiry case updates to the District Attorney and the convicted person or counsel, to require the update include a complete summary of all actions taken since the last update, including witness interviews and result of all forensic testing that has been conducted (was, a summary of actions taken since the last update and the results of any forensic testing that has been conducted).

Adds to GS 15A-1468 to require notice of dates of upcoming public hearing by the Commission to be published on the Commission's website at least 10 days prior to the hearing, with Director granted discretion in disclosing the name of the case being presented. Regarding the prehearing conference, now entitles the claimant's counsel an opportunity to inspect any evidence presented to the Commission that has not previously been presented to any judicial officer or body and any information that the DA or their designee or claimant's counsel deems relevant to the proceedings (was, limited to the DA or the DA's designee). Allows the DA or their designee to provide the Commission and the claimant's counsel with a written statement to be part of the record 72 hours prior to the proceedings (was, Commission only).

Revises the requirements for the Commission to refer the case for judicial review to include five or more members concluding there is sufficient evidence of factual innocence to merit judicial review in instances where a conviction resulted from a trial, an Alford plea, or a nolo contendere plea (previously excluded vases where the convicted person entered and was convicted on a plea of guilty). Provides that if less than five voting members, or in cases where the convicted person entered and was convicted on a guilty please less than six voting members (was, less than all eight for guilty plea convictions), conclude there is sufficient evidence to merit judicial review, then the Commission must conclude there is insufficient evidence of factual innocence to merit judicial review. No longer provides for the confidentiality of the Commission's records for conclusions supporting insufficient evidence, making the provisions regarding supporting records of the Commission's conclusion that there is sufficient evidence apply. Adds new subsection (g1) providing for otherwise confidential records of the Commission to be released by court order after notice to the Commission and an opportunity for the Commission to be heard and upon a finding that release is in the interest of justice. 

Amends GS 15A-1469, which governs the post-Commission three-judge panel review, to now require the Commission's entire file to be unencumbered by protective orders when transferred to the DA and defense counsel unless the Commission is granted a protective order by the senior judge of the panel upon a written motion and finding of good cause (was, unless the DA and defense counsel consented, or have been given an opportunity to be heard by the senior judge before the protective order is issued). Adds a new provision regarding the panel denying relief, to provide that if a claimant filed a motion for appropriate relief under Article 89 within one year of the denied relief, the motion must be considered by the senior judge of the panel. 

Appropriate $25,000 from the General Fund to the Commission for each year of the 2021-23 biennium to prepare and deliver case updates as required by the act. Effective July 1, 2021.