Appropriates $30,000 for 2024-25 from the General Fund to the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs as title indicates. Effective July 1, 2024.

Amends GS 105-153.7 (individual income taxes) to increase the individual income tax rate imposed after 2025 from 3.99% to 4% of the taxpayer’s NC income. Changes when the rate reduction trigger to when during a fiscal year the recommended Savings Reserve Balance has been met, and if both the revenue adequacy trigger and the recession indicator trigger have been met, then the applicable tax rate for that tax year and subsequent tax years will be equal to the greater of: (1) the prior taxable year's rate decreased by 0.25% or (2) 2.49%. (Currently, trigger applies if total General Fund revenue (defined) in a fiscal year set out in listed schedule exceeds the trigger amount indicated for that fiscal year, then the applicable tax rate for the indicated and subsequent tax years will be equal to the greater of (i) the prior taxable year's rate decreased by 0.50% or (ii) 2.49%). Deletes schedule of trigger amounts for FY 2025-26 through FY 2033-33.

Requires the Office of State Budget and Management (OSBM) and the Fiscal Research Division (FRD) of the General Assembly to annually jointly calculate the conditions necessary to trigger a rate reduction. Requires OSBM and FRD to report the results of the calculations to the Department of Revenue and the specified NCGA committees by no later than October 1 of each year.

Adds new GS 143C-4-12, pertaining to revenue adequacy and recession indicator triggers. Sets out calculations for meeting the revenue adequacy trigger and the recession indicator trigger. Specifies that revenue adequacy is met if it is greater than the recession indicator trigger. 

Effective for tax years beginning on January 1, 2025.

Amends GS 115D-5(b)(2)(d) (list of organizations that receive community college tuition waivers for courses that support the organization’s training needs and that are on a specialized list) to include municipal and county departments whose primary responsibility is to: (1) embed mental health clinicians in 911 call centers to assist in directing and providing appropriate resources to calls for service and (2) pair mental health clinicians, peer support specialists, and other trained professionals with first responders to respond to calls for service, as part of municipal, county, or State EMS or rescue and lifesaving departments covered by the statute. Effective July 1, 2024.

Identical to H 934, filed 4/30/24.

Defines state employee to mean a full-time or part-time permanent employee employed in a State agency, department, or institution of the legislative, judicial, or executive branches of State government (including The University of North Carolina System and the North Carolina Community Colleges System) employed on June 30, 2024, through June 30, 2025. Directs that the term does not include employees of (1) local boards of education; (2) local community colleges; or (3) schools operated by the Departments of Health and Human Services, Public Safety, or Adult Correction, or by the State Board of Education who are paid based on the Teacher Salary Schedule.

Establishes a Reserve for Appreciation Increases in the General Fund (Appreciation Reserve) in recognition of the valuable contribution made by State employees.  Directs the Appreciation Reserve to fund the following in two phases over the next two fiscal years: (1) a one-time bonus in the amount of $5,000 to be awarded to each State employee in Phase I, in appreciation for their continued  commitment and efforts, effective July 4, 2024, and (2) a moderate and equitable 5% across-the-board pay raise for State employees, effective on July 4, 2024, for Phase I and on July 4, 2025, for Phase II. Specifies that appreciation increases are in addition to any salary adjustment otherwise allowed or provided by law.  Provides for salary and pay schedule adjustments by the Office of Statement Budget and Management or by the employing unit to reflect the salary changes enacted by the act. Specifies that eligible employees will receive an appreciation increase notwithstanding any maximum salary ranges. Provides that the increase will be prorated and equitable for part-time State employees. 

Effective July 1, 2024, appropriates to the Appreciation Reserve the sum of $766,878,331 in recurring funds and the sum of $443,069,680 in nonrecurring funds for the 2024-25 fiscal year, to be funded as follows: (1) Requires the State Controller to transfer to the Appreciation Reserve from the unappropriated balance remaining in the General Fund for the 2024-25 fiscal year the sum of $221,000,503 and (2) requires the State Controller to transfer to the Appreciation Reserve, for the 2024-2025 fiscal year, the sum of: (1) $125 million from the Savings Reserve and (2) $863,947,508 from the State Capital and Infrastructure Fund. Directs that funds in the Appreciation Reserve are not subject to GS 143C-1-2(b) (pertaining to appropriations reversions) and will remain available for Phase II payments in the 2025-26 fiscal year. Provides for the Appreciation Reserve to be eliminated when the funds are fully expended.

Effective July 4, 2024, amends GS 135-5 (concerning the Teachers' and State Employees' Retirement System [TSERS]), GS 135-65 (concerning the Consolidated Judicial Retirement System [JRS]), and GS 120-4.22A (concerning the Legislative Retirement System [LRS]) to provide a 2% increase in the retirement allowance to or on account of beneficiaries whose retirement commenced on or before July 1, 2023, or a prorated amount for those whose retirement commenced after July 1, 2023 (TSERS and JRS] or January 1, 2024 (LRS), but before June 30, 2024, as determined by the respective Board of Trustees. Appropriates $100 million from the General Fund to the Reserve for Retiree Cost-of-Living Adjustments for the 2024-25 fiscal year to implement the increases.

Effective July 1, 2024, except as otherwise provided.  

Includes whereas clauses.

Appropriates $30 million for 2024-25 from the General Fund to the NC Housing Trust Fund to be used in accordance with the purposes in GS Chapter 122E (the North Carolina Housing Trust and Oil Overcharge Act). Amends GS 161-11.5, which sets out the three required uses of the $6.20 collected from each fee paid to the register of deeds for the registering and filing of instruments in general that are not otherwise provided for under GS 161-10 and for registering or filing any deed of trust or mortgage, as follows: (1) decreases the amount that is to be credited to the General Fund as nontax revenue from 20% to 18.5% and (2) adds a new distribution to the NC Housing Trust Fund of 1.5%.

Amends GS 105-228.30 to require that 33% of the proceeds from a county's excise tax on instruments conveying real property that are to be remitted to the Department of Revenue (an amount equal to one half of the proceeds, less refunded taxes and administrative expenses) be credited to the NC Housing Trust Fund, with the remainder credited to the General Fund (was, all credited to the General Fund).

Effective July 1, 2024.

Amends GS 105-153.5(c2) (pertaining to decoupling adjustments in determining modifications to adjusted gross income) to delete decoupling provision related to discharge of certain student loans. Effective for taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2025.

Includes whereas clauses.

Amends GS 115C-47 to require local boards of education to ensure that each school within the unit is staffed by at least one full-time, permanent school nurse. 

Amends GS 115C-12 to require the State Board of Education (State Board) to ensure that schools operating under the State Board's control are staffed by at least one full-time, permanent school nurse. 

Amends GS 115C-150.12C, GS 115C-218.75, GS 115C-238.66, and GS 116-239.8 to require schools for the deaf and blind, charter schools, regional schools, and lab schools to staff at least one full-time, permanent school nurse. 

Applies beginning with the 2024-25 school year.

Appropriates $89 million in recurring funds from the General Fund to the Department of Public Instruction for 2024-25 to increase the School Health Personnel Allotment to be used to increase positions for school nurses to meet the act's requirements. Specifies that the funds are supplemental to funds provided for school nurses. 

Effective July 1, 2024.

Repeals Section 9.1(d) of SL 2014-100, which established that annual longevity payments for educators are built into their salary schedules. 

Sets the rates for annual longevity payments for teachers and instructional support personnel for 2024-25 at: 1.5% of base salary for 10-14 years of State service; 2.25% of base salary for 15-19 years of State service; 3.25% for 20-24 years of State service; and 4.5% for base salary for 25 or more years of State service. Requires payment in one lump sum.

Requires that longevity payments for principals and assistant principals be provided to State employees under the Human Resources Act for 2024-25.

Appropriates $140,300,000 from the General Fund to the Department of Public Instruction for 2024-25 to restore longevity payments pursuant to the act. 

Effective July 1, 2024.

Provides for salary supplements to school psychologists for the 2024-25 fiscal year to be provided in addition to any salary received under the teacher salary schedule, as follows: (1) $650 per month and (2) for school psychologists who have a National Certified School Psychologist Credential, 12% of their monthly salary. Appropriates $8.1 million in recurring funds from the General Fund to the Department of Public Instruction (DPI) for the compensation increase.

Enacts GS 115C-316.6, the school psychologists grant program, to provide funds to public school units for signing bonuses to recruit school psychologists subject to the following conditions: (1) DPI must prioritize the award of funds to public school units without a full-time psychologist at the time the application is submitted; (2) no individual bonus can be greater than $5,000; (3) the school psychologist must agree to remain employed in the public school unit for at least one year; and (4) grants must be used to supplement, not supplant, State or non-State funds already used for these services. Sets forth application requirements and instructs the Superintendent of Public Instruction to develop criteria and guidelines for the administration of the grants. By no later than April 1, 2025, and annually thereafter in years where funds are awarded, requires the superintendent of DPI to report to the specified NCGA committee and division on the grant program. Appropriates $1.7 million in recurring funds for 2024-25 from the General Fund to DPI for the grant program.

Enacts GS 115C-316.7 requiring DPI to establish an internship program for school psychologists in public school units. Sets forth stipend and field supervisor compensation. Appropriates $5 million in recurring funds from the General Fund to DPI for the internship program.

Appropriates $5 million in nonrecurring funds from the General Fund to the UNC Board of Governors for the 2024-2025 fiscal year to be allocated to Appalachian State University (ASU) to host a virtual school psychology training program at the ASU campus in Hickory, North Carolina.

Appropriates $1.6 million in recurring funds from the General Fund to the UNC Board of Governors for the 2024-25 fiscal year to be allocated to five specified constituent institutions to support the school psychology programs at those institutions with the goal of doubling the number of school psychologists produced.

Effective July 1, 2024.

Enacts new GS 115C-376.6, the School Mental Health Grant Program (Program), to be established by the Department of Public Instruction (DPI). Specifies that the Program’s purpose is to increase student access to mental health support personnel in public school units. Defines mental health support personnel. Sets forth an application process, and authorizes DPI to set deadlines and application information. Requires DPI to award funds to selected public school units based on the need of the public school unit. In evaluating the need of the unit, DPI must prioritize the award of funds to units with a greater proportion of students who have limited or no access to mental health services, including students who do not have health insurance and students with disabilities. Requires public school units that receive Program funds to contract with mental health support personnel to provide mental health services in one or more schools in the unit. Specifies that the Program grants must supplement, not supplant, existing funds for mental health services. Starting on March 15 of each year funds are provided, sets annual reporting requirements to the specified NCGA committees on the Program, with four required prongs of information. Appropriates $50 million from the General Fund to DPI in recurring funds for 2024-25 to provide grants for school mental health services in public school units. Allows DPI to use up to $75,000 of the funds each year for Program administrative costs.

Enacts GS 116-209.47, the Mental Health Worker Loan Repayment Program (Repayment Program) to be administered by the State Education Assistance Authority (Authority). Specifies that the purpose of the Repayment Program is to provide loan repayment grants to eligible mental health workers to repay student debt held by the worker to the extent funds are made available for this purpose. Defines authority, eligible mental health worker, high-need area, program, and student debt. Authorizes the Authority to establish the following criteria for initial and continuing eligibility in the Repayment Program: (1) NC residency and graduation from a postsecondary constituent institution of UNC; (2) standards adopted by the Authority to ensure that only qualified potential recipients receive a grant; and (3) to the extent funds provided are insufficient to award forgivable loans to all interested applicants, authorizes the Authority to establish a lottery process for selection of grant recipients from among qualified applicants. Sets the award amount at 20% of each eligible mental health worker's student debt as of the date of his or her initial award. Provides for a distribution date. Sets a limit of five years for each recipient to receive an award of funds. Authorizes the Authority to adopt rules to implement the Repayment Program. Requires the Authority to submit a report to the specified NCGA committee by December 1, 2024, and every year thereafter so long as the Authority continues to award grants on grants awarded under the Repayment Program and recommendations to improve the Repayment Program and increase the number of eligible mental health workers in high need areas. Appropriates $50 million in recurring funds from the General Fund to the UNC Board of Governors to allocate to the Authority for the 2024-25 fiscal year to establish the Repayment Program. Permits the Authority to retain $500,000 for administrative costs. Effective July 1, 2024, and applies to applications for the disbursement of funds beginning in the 2024-25 fiscal year. 

Effective July 1, 2024.

Appropriates $250,000 in recurring funds from the General Fund for 2024-25 to the Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (Division) to establish a two-year child development apprenticeship pilot program. Requires the Division to establish the pilot to provide on-the-job learning and coursework, specialized training with a one-on-one mentor, and classroom-based instruction that may result in college credit. Directs the Division to establish the pilot in at least two child development centers, one in the piedmont region and one in the eastern region. Requires the Division to submit progress reports to the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Health and Human Services by December 31 of each year, with a final report due December 31, 2026. 

Amends Section 9D.3(b) of SL 2023-134 to reduce the basis of gross family income for fees from families required to share in cost of child care to 5%. The law currently establishes the basis as 10% of gross family income. 

Effective July 1, 2024. 

Requires the Commission for Public Health (Commission) to do the following no later than October 15, 2024. Requires the Commission to begin rulemaking to establish maximum contaminant levels (MCLs), as that term is defined under GS 130A-313 (the North Carolina Clean Water Act), for probable or known carcinogens and other toxic chemicals likely to pose a substantial hazard to public health.  Requires the Commission to establish MCL’s for the following five contaminants: (1) per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS); (2) perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA); (3) perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS); (4) Hexavalent chromium (chromium-6); and (5)1,4-Dioxane. Also requires considering establishing MCLs for any other contaminants for which at least two other states have set MCLs or issued guidance.

Directs the Commission to review certain materials during rulemaking, and annually review these materials thereafter to determine if the MCL’s should be modified. Specifies that the MCL’s must be protective of public health including vulnerable subpopulations such as pregnant and nursing mothers, infants, and children, which state MCLs shall not exceed any MCL or health advisory established by the United States Environmental Protection Agency.

Effective July 1, 2024, appropriates $6 million in recurring funds from the General Fund to the Department of Health and Human Services for 2024-25 to carry out the act's requirements. Allows using the funds to establish up to 37 FTE positions.

Amends GS 15A-401 (Arrest by law-enforcement officer) by creating new subsection (d2) (Protection from Retaliation), which protects law enforcement officers who report what they believe to be excessive use of force under subsection (d1) (Duty to Intervene and Report Excessive Use of Force) from termination or retaliation. Makes filing a knowingly false report under subsection (d1) a Class 2 misdemeanor. 

Creates new GS 17C-17, which obligates a criminal justice officer in the line of duty to attempt to intervene and prevent (1) violations of federal, state, city, or county laws, ordinances, or regulations; (2) fraud; (3) misappropriation of state, city, or county resources; (4) activity that poses a substantial danger to public health and safety; or (5) gross mismanagement including waste of public monies or the abuse of authority. Also obligates a criminal justice officer to report any conduct they reasonably believe falls into categories (1) through (5) within 72 hours, even if they did not intervene. Protects a criminal justice officer who files a report under this section from termination or retaliation. Makes filing a knowingly false report under the section a Class 2 misdemeanor. 

Creates new GS 17E-17, which extends the same obligations and protections to justice officers and contains text effectively identical to the new GS 17C-17. 

Appropriates a total of $1000,000 for 2024-25 from the General Fund to the Department of Justice, $50,000 to be allocated to the Criminal Justice Education and Training Standards Commission and $50,000 to the Sheriffs' Education and Training Standards Commission to train criminal justice officers regarding the changes in this act.

Effective and applicable to offenses and retaliatory actions taken on or after December 1, 2024. 

Identical to H 996, filed 5/2/24.

Enacts GS 126-8.7, requiring the State Human Resources Commission to adopt rules and policies to provide that a permanent, probationary, or time-limited full-time State employee be granted up to three consecutive workdays of paid bereavement leave, or a prorated amount of paid bereavement leave, on the death of any member of the employee's immediate family, defined to include a spouse, parent, child, brother, sister, grandparent, or grandchild, and step, half, and in-law relationships. Specifies criteria that must be included in the Commission's rules and policies, including requiring a requesting employees to submit a statement of the deceased's name and relationship to the employee and to establish a period of aggregated State service required before the employee is leave eligible. Specifies that the leave is available without exhaustion of the employee's earned and awarded leave, has no cash value upon termination, and cannot be used in calculating retirement benefits. Defines the scope of the the statute to include State agency, department, and institution employees, including UNC; public school employees; and community college employees. Directs the appropriate governing board, officer, or entity to adopt rules and policies to award paid bereavement leave to employees that are substantially equivalent to those adopted by the Commission.

Makes conforming changes to GS 126-5, effective July 1, 2024.

Appropriates $2 million from the General Fund to the Reserve for Compensation Increases for 2024-25 to fund the leave authorized by the act. 

Effective July 1, 2024.

Identical to H 953, filed 5/1/24.

Part I.

Requires the Department of Justice (DOJ) to alert law enforcement agencies to available grant funds and assist law enforcement agencies with drafting and submitting grant proposals and applications.  Appropriates $1 million in recurring funds for 2024-25 from the General Fund to DOJ to hire grant writers to assist law enforcement agencies with the above described grant proposals and applications. Effective July 1, 2024.

Part II.

Appropriates $1 million in recurring funds for 2024-25 from the General Fund to DOJ to award grants to law enforcement agencies for initiatives supporting community policing. Effective July 1, 2024.

Part III.

Appropriates $1.5 million in recurring funds for 2024-25 from the General Fund to DOJ to be used for grants: (1) provided to law enforcement agencies to be awarded to law enforcement officers exhibiting exemplary service and (2) awarded to law enforcement agencies for meeting racial or gender diversity benchmarks, as established by DOJ. Caps grant awards at $10,000. Effective July 1, 2024.

Part IV.

Amends GS 15A-401(d)(2), which sets out when a law-enforcement officer is justified in using deadly physical force, by making the following changes. Adds that the use of deadly force includes strangleholds, lateral vascular neck restraints, carotid restraints, or any other tactics that restrict oxygen or blood flow to the head or neck. Requires in all circumstances in which a law-enforcement officer uses force of any kind, that a law-enforcement officer use the minimum amount of force reasonably necessary to accomplish the law-enforcement action and attempt to use de-escalation tactics. Effective October 1, 2024.

Requires the Attorney General, in consultation with the North Carolina Sheriffs' Association and the North Carolina Association of Chiefs of Police, to develop uniform use-of-force policies that may be adopted by all law enforcement agencies in the state. Requires the policies to be submitted to the specified NCGA committee by December 1, 2024, published on DOJ's website, and distributed digitally to all law enforcement agencies in the state. 

Part V.

Amends GS 17C-6 to also give the North Carolina Criminal Justice Education and Training Standards Commission and GS 17E-4 to give the North Carolina Sheriffs' Education and Training Standards Commission the power to establish a minimum age requirement of 21 for qualification for entry level employment. Effective January 1, 2025. 

Amends GS 17C-13 and GS 17E-12 to give those same Commissions access to a person's misdemeanor conviction records and allow the Commission to deny, suspend, or revoke a person's certification based solely on that person's conviction of four or more misdemeanors, regardless of whether they were expunged. Effective January 1, 2025, and applies to officers hired on or after that date and officers employed on or after that date who are convicted of a felony or a misdemeanor on or after that date.

Part VI.

Appropriates $2 million in recurring funds for 2024-25 from the General Fund to DOJ for grants to law enforcement agencies to temporarily provide partial or total funding for detective or other investigative law enforcement positions, in order to aid in the investigation of person crimes that would constitute a charge of a Class D felony or higher. Effective July 1, 2024.

Part VII.

Includes a severability clause.

Part I.

Reenacts GS 14-402 and makes the following changes. Makes it illegal for any private person (was, person, firm, or corporation) to sell, give away, or transfer, or to purchase or receive a pistol from a person other than a federally licensed firearm dealer (was, any pistol, without indicating the source), without a pistol purchase permit from the State Bureau of Investigation (was, sheriff of the county where the purchaser resides) or a valid concealed handgun permit. Defines private person as a person, firm, or corporation who is not a federally licensed firearm dealer acting in accordance with federal law. Makes an exception to the prohibition on receiving a pistol through the mail for a person with documentation demonstrating that they are a federally licensed firearm dealer.

Amends GS 14-403 to make the State Bureau of Investigation, instead of the sheriff, responsible for issuing pistol purchase permits. Makes conforming changes to GS 14-404 and no longer requires consultation with the North Carolina Sheriff's Association in developing the permit application form. Makes conforming changes to GS 14-405 and 14-407.1. Makes conforming changes to GS 14-408.1 and also replaces references to "licensed dealers" with "federally licensed firearm dealers."

Reenacts GS 14-315(b1)(1), which includes as a defense to the prohibition on selling or giving a firearm to a minor that the person shows that the minor produced an apparently valid permit to receive the weapon. 

Reenacts GS 122C-54(d2) to give the State Bureau of Investigation access to records of involuntary commitment for mental health or substance abuse treatment for background checks under GS 14-404.

Part II.

Adds new Article 53D, Universal Background Check, to GS Chapter 14, providing as follows. Prohibits a federally licensed firearm dealer from selling, transferring, or delivering a firearm to a private person without conducting a background check that includes verifying the private person's identity by examining a government-issued identification card and conducting a check through the National Instant Criminal Background Check System. Makes it illegal for the following person to possess a firearm: (1) under an indictment or information for, or has been convicted in any state or in any court of the United States of, a felony (other than an offense pertaining to antitrust violations, unfair trade practices, or restraints of trade); (2) fugitive from justice; (3) unlawful user of or addicted to marijuana or any depressant, stimulant, or narcotic drug; (4) adjudicated mentally incompetent or has been committed to any mental institution; (5) alien illegally or unlawfully in the United States; (6) discharged from the US Armed Forces under dishonorable conditions; (7) has renounced his or her US citizenship; (8) subject to a court order that was issued after a hearing of which the person received actual notice, and at which the person had an opportunity to participate, that restrains the person from harassing, stalking, or threatening an intimate partner or child of the intimate partner, or engaging in other conduct that would place an intimate partner in reasonable fear of bodily injury to the partner or child, and that includes a finding that the person represents a credible threat to the physical safety of the intimate partner or child, or by its terms explicitly prohibits the use, attempted use, or threatened use of physical force against the intimate partner or child that would reasonably be expected to cause bodily injury. Makes it illegal for a federally licensed firearm dealer to sell, transfer, or deliver a firearm to another person if the background check reveals that possession by the person would violate the law or if the dealer knows or has reason to know that the person is prohibited from possessing a firearm. Makes it a Class F felony for a federally licensed firearm dealer to sell, transfer, or deliver a firearm to a person in violation of this Article, or any person to provide materially false information to the dealer with the intent of illegally obtaining a firearm.

Makes it illegal for a private person to transfer a firearm to another without conducting a background check through a federally licensed firearm dealer and the firearm dealer verifying that the transfer is not illegal. Defines transfer. Sets out exceptions for transactions involving specified family members and guardians. Violations are a Class F felony. Applies to transfers of firearms occurring on or after December 1, 2024. 

Part III.

Amends GS 14-315.1 by increasing the penalty for a person who resides with a minor to leave a firearm in a condition that it can be discharged and in a manner that the person knew or should have known that an unsupervised minor would be able to gain access to the firearm, from a Class 1 misdemeanor to a Class D felony. Adds a Class D felony for a person residing with an unauthorized person to own or posses a firearm and store or leave it without securely locking it or rendering it incapable of being fired, if the unauthorized person accesses the firearm and: (1) possesses it in violation of the specified law; (2) exhibits it in a public place in a careless, angry, or threatening manner; (3) causes personal injury or death that is not in self-defense; or (4) uses the firearm in the commission of a crime. Defines unauthorized person as one who is not authorized to purchase a firearm under State or federal law. Makes conforming changes. Applies to offenses committed on or after December 1, 2024.

Part IV.

Enacts new GS Chapter 50E, the Extreme Risk Protection Orders Act, providing a court procedure for concerned citizens and law enforcement to obtain an order temporarily restricting a person's access to firearms in situations where a person poses a significant danger of harming themselves or others by possessing a firearm. Includes related legislative findings. Sets out defined terms applicable to the Chapter.

Allows either a family or household member or a law enforcement officer or agency to file a verified petition in district court for an Extreme Risk Protection Order (ERPO) in any county authorized by the venue provisions set out in GS 1-82 (most commonly where the plaintiff or defendant resides). Defines family or household member to be (1) a person related by blood, marriage, or adoption to the respondent; (2) a dating partner of the respondent; (3) a person who has a child in common with the respondent; (4) a domestic partner of the respondent; (5) a person who has a biological or legal parent-child relationship with the respondent, including stepparents, stepchildren, grandparents, and grandchildren; and (6) a person who is acting or has acted as the respondent's legal guardian. Sets out information required in the petition, including: (1) a factual allegation that the respondent poses a danger of physical harm to self or others (and in the case of an ex parte ERPO, poses an imminent danger of physical harm to self or others) by having in his or her care, custody, possession, ownership, or control a firearm; (2) an identification of the number, types, and locations of firearms under the respondent's custody or control; (3) an identification of any existing protection order governing the respondent; and (4) an identification of any pending legal action between the petitioner and the respondent. Requires an ERPO petition to be accompanied by a written statement made by a witness that states specific facts supporting the allegation in the petition along with the witness's name and relationship to the petitioner, or an audio and visual recording of the incident the petitioner is using as the basis for the ERPO.

Clarifies that a petition for an ERPO can be granted without delay regardless of whether there is pending action between the petitioner and the respondent. Provides for a petitioner to use the substitute address designated by the Address Confidentiality Program when filing documents required by new Chapter 50E. Prohibits the assessment of court costs or attorneys' fees for filing or service of an ERPO petition or service of any ERPOs, except for sanctions for violations regarding signing and verification of the pleadings under GS 1A-1, Rule 11. Authorizes electronic filing of all documents filed, issued, registered, or served in an action under new Chapter 50E.

Requires a summons be issued and served no later than five days prior to the date set for the full ERPO hearing, with the ERPO petition, any ex parte ERPO that has been issued and the notice of hearing on the ex parte ERPO, and a description of an ERPO attached. Directs the clerk of court to effect service through the appropriate law enforcement agency.

Sets forth the required information that must be included in an ERPO, including (1) a statement of the grounds supporting its issuance; (2) the date and time the ERPO was issued and when it expires; (3) whether a mental health or chemical dependency evaluation of the respondent is required; (4) the court's address where a responsive pleading can be filed; (5) a description of the relinquishment and retrieval requirements for firearms, ammunition, and related permits of the respondent; (6) a description of the process for seeking termination of the ERPO; and (7) a statement that violation of the ERPO is a Class A1 misdemeanor. 

Details the parameters of issuing an ex parte ERPO without service or notice. Requires the court to find by clear, cogent, and convincing evidence that the respondent poses an imminent danger of causing physical injury to self or others by having in his or her custody a firearm before a judge or magistrate can issue an ex parte ERPO. Provides that the chief district court judge can designate for each county at least one judge or magistrate to be reasonably available to issue ex parte ERPOs when the court is not in session. Authorizes hearings to consider ex parte relief to be held by video conference.

Details the parameters of issuing a full ERPO, including a hearing on the petition no later than 10 days from either the date an ex parte ERPO was issued, if applicable, or the date the petition was filed. Allows for one continuance of no more than 10 days unless all parties consent or good cause is shown. Permits issuance of a full ERPO when (1) the court finds by a preponderance of the evidence that the respondent poses a danger of causing physical injury to self or others by having in his or her custody a firearm, (2) process was proper, and (3) notice of hearing was proper.

Requires the respondent to immediately surrender to the sheriff possession of all firearms, ammunition, and permits in the custody or control of the respondent upon service of an ERPO, or within 24 hours of service at a time and place specified by the sheriff in the event weapons cannot be surrendered at the time the ERPO is served. Requires the sheriff to issue receipt at the time of surrender or seizure, and file receipt with the court within 48 hours after issuing the receipt. Provides for a warrant to be issued for failure to surrender firearms. Allows the sheriff to charge the respondent a reasonable fee for the storage of any firearms and ammunition taken pursuant to an ERPO. Provides for retrieval if the ex parte ERPO expires and the court does not enter a full ERPO. Otherwise, requires the respondent to file a motion for retrieval within 90 days after an ERPO expires, whereby surrendered firearms, ammunition, and permits must be returned to the respondent within 30 days of the motion unless the court finds the respondent is otherwise precluded from owning or possessing a firearm pursuant to state or federal law. Provides for motion for return by a third party. Authorizes disposal of surrendered firearms that have not been or cannot be returned as specified.

Sets the duration of an ex parte ERPO to be from its effective date to the date the hearing is held, or if a hearing is not held or a continuance not granted, no more than 10 days from its issuance. Requires a full ERPO to be effective for a fixed period of time not to exceed one year. Provides for renewal of any ERPO by the petitioner one or more times prior to its expiration, providing the initial requirements are satisfied and there has been no material change in the circumstances since its issuance. Limits the granting of renewals to open court. 

Details the process of terminating an ERPO, with the respondent limited to submitting one motion for termination for every 12-month period the full ERPO is in effect. Requires the court to set a hearing no sooner than 14 days and no later than 30 days from the date of service upon the petitioner. Requires the respondent to prove by a preponderance of the evidence that he or she does not pose a danger of causing physical injury to self or others by having a firearm in his or her custody or care.

Requires the clerk to provide same day notice of ERPO issuance to the sheriff. Requires the sheriff to promptly enter the ERPO into the National Crime Information Center registry; update the orders in the registry upon modification, termination, renewal, or dismissal; and provide 24/7 access to the orders to the courts. Also requires a copy of the ERPO be issued promptly to and retained by the municipal police department. Provides for notice to the respondent if he or she was not present when the ERPO was issued, and for notice to third parties where applicable.

Makes it a Class A1 misdemeanor for any person to possess, purchase, or receive, or attempt to possess, purchase, or receive, a firearm, ammunition, or permits to purchase or carry concealed firearms for so long as an effective ERPO is entered against that person.

Makes it a Class 2 misdemeanor for any person to knowingly make a false statement when petitioning for an ERPO, and for any person to knowingly make a false statement to law enforcement that an ERPO remains in effect.

Clarifies that the remedies provided in new GS Chapter 50E are not exclusive, and that the Chapter does not affect the ability of law enforcement to remove a firearm or permit from any person, or conduct any search and seizure for firearms, pursuant to other lawful authority.

Specifies that Chapter 50E does not impose any criminal or civil liability on any person or entity for acts or omissions related to obtaining an ERPO.

Amends GS Chapter 15C, providing for the inclusion of petitioners for an ERPO in the Address Confidentiality Program. Makes conforming changes.

Amends GS 14-415.4 to require a court to deny a petition to restore the petitioner's firearm rights if the court finds an ex parte or full ERPO has been issued pursuant to GS Chapter 50E or a similar out-of-state or federal order has been issued against the petitioner and the court order is still in effect.

Directs the Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) to develop the appropriate forms to implement the processes set out in new GS Chapter 50E.

Effective December 1, 2024.

Part V.

Amends GS 105-164.3, the definitions that apply to GS Chapter 105, Article 5, Sales and Use Tax, by defining firearm safety equipment to mean an enclosure or a device, other than one that is part of the design of a firearm, that is intended to prevent access to, or unintentional or unauthorized use of, the firearm.

Amends GS 105-164.13 to exempt firearm safety equipment from sales tax.

Applies to sales made on or after October 1, 2024.

Enacts Article 1O to GS Chapter 90, titled Assisted Reproductive Technology. Bars the State or any political subdivision thereof from prohibiting, unreasonably limiting, or interfering with: (1) a patient's right to access assisted reproductive technology; (2) a health care provider's right to provide or assist with the provision of evidence-based information related to assisted reproductive technology; and (3) a health care provider's right to perform or assist with the performance of assisted reproductive technology. Defines "assisted reproductive technology" to mean all treatments or procedures that include the handling of human oocytes or human embryos, including in vitro fertilization, gamete intrafallopian transfer, and zygote intrafallopian transfer. Also defines "health care provider" and "health care service". Prohibits considering a fertilized human egg or human embryo that exists in any form outside of the uterus of a human body as an unborn fetus, an unborn child, a minor child, a natural person, or any other term connotating a legal human being. Specifies that the new Article does not prohibit the enforcement of health and safety laws related to the operation of health care facilities or the provision of health care services by health care providers.

Appropriates $500,000 in recurring funds to the Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Health Benefits for 2024-25 to be used to increase funding for Medicaid maternal support services (Baby Love program) and provide a State match to the specified amount of federal funding, also appropriated to the Division for the same purpose. Effective July 1, 2024.

Identical to H 957, filed 5/1/24.

Creates protections related various agreements, including newly defined term service agreements, that apply to all of Article 43 (pertaining to service agreements) in GS Chapter 66 [hereinafter Article 43], as follows. 

Recodifies GS 66-372(b) (currently titled as the definitions provisions to the miscellaneous requirements for motor vehicle and home appliance service agreement companies) as to new GS 66-369.1 (definitions), which now applies to all of Article 43.  Defines consumer and covered items.  Changes the definition of service agreements to an agreement between a consumer and a service agreement company in which a consumer agrees to pay a set fee or premium, and may agree to pay a deductible, in exchange for a service provider promising to repair, replace, or maintain a set list of covered items. This term includes agreements where the service provider facilitates but does not actually perform the repair, replacement, or maintenance of a covered item and agreements where a service provider reimburses the consumer for obtaining their own repair, replacement, or maintenance. (Currently, just specifies that it includes motor vehicle and home appliance agreements). Expands entities included in a service agreement company to include a person, other than an insurer licensed to write liability insurance under Article 7 or 16 of GS Chapter 58, that issues service agreements. (Currently, just specifies that it includes motor vehicle and home appliance agreements). Makes organizational changes.

Recodifies subsections (a), (c), (d), the remainder of (e), (f), (h), (i), (j), and (l) of GS 66-372 as subsections  (a), (b), (c), (d), (e), (f), (g), (h), and (i), respectively, of GS 66-369.2 (now entitled Miscellaneous requirements for service agreements) and makes the following changes to new GS 66-369.2. Specifies that the statute's requirements apply to all service agreements in Article 43. Makes organizational, technical, and conforming changes. Requires service agreements to contain a list of covered items. 

Recodifies GS 66-373 as GS 66-369.3 (insurance policy requirements) to require each person or company subject to Article 43 (currently, subject to GS 66-373) to now maintain insurance with an insurer authorized to write liability insurance under Articles 7.16.21 or 22 of GS Chapter 58 (currently, just need to have coverage under an authorized insurer). Amends the scope of GS 66-369.3 so that it applies to GS 58-1-15, GS 58-1-20, and Article 43 (currently applies to GS 58-1-15, GS 58-1-20, GS 66-370, GS 66-371, and GS 66-374).

Amends GS 66-371 (pertaining to home service agreements [currently, home appliance service agreement companies]) as follows. Expands Article 43’s scope to all home service agreements in the State. (Currently, section applies to all home appliance service agreement companies soliciting business in the State.) Defines home service agreements as a service agreement for a set list of appliances and systems in a residence, regardless of whether the agreement is titled as a contract, home warranty, extended home warranty, home appliance warranty, or other.

In addition to the general requirements pertaining to a service agreement set forth above, requires home service agreements to contain four required elements, including a list of covered items, detailed descriptions of covered losses or damages and exclusions, and a statement of the purchaser’s rights. Requires home service agreement companies to provide an electronic or paper copy of the agreement to the consumer at time of signing, maintain a list of company-approved vendors available to perform services and allow a consumer to use one of those vendors, and ensure that the repair, replacement, or maintenance requested under the agreement is completed or scheduled for completion within five business days of a consumer's claim for any covered item that is necessary for heating, air-conditioning, or the functioning of a bathroom if there is only one bathroom in the residence. Makes conforming changes. Deletes defined terms home appliance and home appliance service agreement.

Recodifies GS 66-372(e)(2) as GS 66-370(a2), and further amends GS 66-370 as follows. Defines motor vehicle. Expands Article 43’s scope to all motor vehicle service agreements in the State. (Currently, section applies to all motor vehicle service agreement companies soliciting business in the State.) Defines motor vehicle service agreement as including (1) any contract or agreement indemnifying a consumer against loss caused by a motor vehicle failure (defined) that is listed in the agreement or providing for the repair of a motor vehicle failure that is listed in the agreement; and (2) a contract or agreement to reform or to indemnify a consumer for certain repairs, including dents, key fobs, and other services that may be approved by the Commissioner of Insurance if not inconsistent with Article 43. Specifies that the general requirement set forth in GS 66-369.2 above, apply to motor vehicle service agreements. Makes technical and organizational changes. Deletes defined terms set forth in GS 66-370(b).

Effective October 1, 2024, and applies to service agreements entered into on or after that date.

Appropriates $50,000 in recurring funds from the General Fund to the Department of Justice to be allotted to the Office of the Attorney General to enforce Article 43, as amended by the act. Effective July 1, 2024.

Amends GS 105-153.5 (modifications to adjusted gross income) as title indicates. Adds to subsection (b) (other deductions) new subdivision (7a) allowing small businesses, as defined, to deduct a percentage of revenue used for capital expenditures, also defined, the percentage of which is determined by the amount of adjusted gross income. Adds to subsection (c) (additions to adjusted gross income) new subdivision (7a) requiring a taxpayer to include the amount deducted in a prior taxable year pursuant to (b)(7a) if the amount was withdrawn and not used to pay for capital improvements. 

Effective for taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2024.

 

Requires the Department of Public Instruction (DPI), in consultation with the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), the NC School Boards Association (Association), the UNC Schools of Public Health and Education, and the Friday Institute for Educational Innovation at NCSU, to study cell phone policies in public school units. Requires DPI to collect, and with the above listed entities, analyze the following information from public school units: (1) whether the policy is implemented by the governing board of the public school unit or at the individual school level; (2) what the cell phone policy is, and specifically if the school uses any of the following policies: (i) complete ban on cell phone use or possession at school, (ii) storage of cell phones in a secure location during the instructional day, or (iii)  no cell phone restrictions; (3) the impact of the policy on learning; (4) the impact of the policy on cyberbullying; (5) the impact of the policy on school safety; and (6) a catchall, authorizing any other information DPI or consultant agencies deem relevant to the study. Requires the Friday Institute to report the results of the study to the specified NCGA committee.

Appropriates $5,000 for 2024-25 from the General Fund to the UNC Board of Governors to be allocated to the Friday Institute to conduct the study and issue the report required by this act. 

Enacts new Article 6H, Baby Bond Program Trust Fund, in GS Chapter 147, providing as follows. 

Sets out the NCGA's policy and definitions that apply to the new Article. Defines eligible individual as an infant born on or after January 1, 2024, who: (1) is born to a parent who is a State resident or establishes residence in this State within six months of the infant's birth and (2) resides in a household with an annual household income that does not exceed 200% of the federal poverty level. Creates the Baby Bond Program Trust Fund (Fund) in the Department of State Treasurer, administered by the Baby Bond Program Trust Fund Board of Trustees (Board). Requires the Fund to be administered to (1) establish and fund individual accounts in the amount of $2,000 and (2) to enable contributors to save funds and increase the likelihood of the account holder's future financial success. Sets out requirements for setting up individual accounts for eligible individuals and for notifying parents of the account. Authorizes the Board to accept, hold, invest, and disburse contributions, and interest earned on such contributions, from contributors as trustees of the Fund. Requires the Board to hold all contributions to the Fund, and any earnings, in the Fund and invest the contributions. Prohibits distributing funds from an individual account before the account holder is 18 (or earlier if needed to pay for qualified tuition expenses only); sets out additional requirements for distributing funds from individual accounts, including that the holder be an NC resident. Sets out when an account is considered abandoned. Requires annual reports to account holders. Requires notifying the public about the Fund.

Establishes the six-member Board for oversight of the general administration and proper operation of the Fund and to determine investment strategy for the Fund. Sets terms at three years and provides for the filling of vacancies. Sets out the Board's seven duties. Requires the Board to determine and document in an investment policy statement an appropriate investment strategy for the Fund containing one or more forms of investment or strategies for investment from which account owners may select. Requires authorizing the State Treasurer to be responsible for engaging and discharging investment managers and service providers, including contracting and contract monitoring, to implement the investment strategy established by the Board. Requires amounts in individual accounts to be invested according to the account owner's election of one or more of the Board-approved strategies. Sets out additional provisions governing forms of investment. Provides Board members immunity from civil liability for acts or failure act arising out of service on the Board, except in specified circumstances, including when the person derived an improper personal financial benefit. Requires the Board to report annually to the specified NCGA committee.

Allows the Board to delegate authority to the State Treasurer to develop and perform all functions necessary and desirable to: (1) administer the Fund to meet and comply with the requirements of this act, (2) implement the investment strategy established by the Board, and (3) provide such other services as the State Treasurer deems necessary to facilitate participation in the Fund. Authorizes the State Treasurer to obtain the services of investment managers, investment advisors, service providers, or program managers as is necessary for the proper administration, marketing, and investment of the Fund. Allows the Treasurer to establish fees in amounts necessary to offset costs of the program and lists costs that may be paid from the Fund. Prohibits considering account distributions as income for any State benefits eligibility program that limits eligibility based on income.

Requires the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to give information and assistance to the State Treasurer and enter into a data-sharing agreement with the State Treasurer to implement this act.

Authorizes the State Treasurer and DHHS to adopt rules necessary to implement this act.

Requires the State Treasurer to begin transferring one-time deposits and accepting contributions by February 15, 2025.

Requires the Board to be organized immediately after a majority of the members have been qualified or appointed and have taken the oath of office. Sets the initial Board member terms to expire on June 30, 2027.

Appropriates $10 million from the General Fund to the Department of State Treasurer for 2024-25 for purposes consistent with this act.

Section 1

Amends Section 9D.3(b) of SL 2023-134 by reducing the amount families must pay for subsidized child care from 10% to 7% of gross family income. Effective July 1, 2024.

Section 2

Amends GS 105-153.10, which provides for the the state child tax credit. Defines qualifying child by reference to the Internal Revenue Code (Code). Eliminates the provisions which require the taxpayer to be permitted a federal tax credit as a qualifying condition to the state child tax credit. Increases the credit amount, ranging from $125 to $250 depending on filing status (was, $100 to $125). Updates the statutory cross-reference regarding the calculation of state taxable income. Prohibits married individuals who file separate returns from collectively claiming more than the maximum credit allowed under a joint return. Eliminates the provision that prohibits the credit allowed from exceeding the amount of individual income tax imposed by the Part 2, Article 4, for the taxable year reduced by the sum of all credits allowed, excluding payments made by or on behalf of the taxpayer. Instead, enacts new provisions that allow the credit to exceed the amount of individual income tax imposed for the taxable year reduced by the sum of all credits allowable, and requires the Secretary of the Department of Revenue to issue a refund of the excess to the taxpayer. Provides for refunds and computation of allowable credits, with nonrefundable credits subtracted before refundable credits. Effective for taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2025. 

Section 3

Amends GS 95-25.3, effective Labor Day, September 2, 2024, by increasing the minimum wage from $6.15 to $15 per hour. Also allows a local government to adopt an ordinance establishing a higher local minimum wage.

Section 4

Amends GS 105-277.1B by increasing the limit on the income eligibility for the property tax homestead circuit breaker from 150% to 180% of the income eligibility limit. Effective for taxes imposed for taxable years beginning on or after July 1, 2025.

Section 5

Directs the Housing Finance Agency (Agency) to establish a program under the Homeownership Fund to provide assistance, in the form of reimbursement or direct payment, to first-time homebuyers that are employed full-time as public servants in the State. Defines public servant as an active duty member or veteran, law enforcement officer, teacher, firefighter, or EMS personnel employed in the State. Defines first-time homebuyer. Provides for the lesser of $25,000 or 10% of the purchase price for down payment assistance, mortgage insurance premium assistance, and closing costs. Allows for monthly mortgage insurance payment assistance for up to 60 months for any single first-time homebuyer. Authorizes the Agency to adopt, modify, or repeal rules and regulations to implement the act. Includes other defined terms. 

Appropriates $150 million in recurring funds from the General Fund to the Homeownership Assistance Fund for 2024-25 to be used to implement the act. 

Effective July 1, 2024. 

Section 6

Enacts new GS Chapter 96A, to be cited as the "North Carolina Paid Family Leave Insurance Act." Sets forth 15 defined terms applicable to the Chapter. Deems family and medical leave benefits provided under the terms of the Chapter payable beginning January 1, 2025, to covered individuals, defined as any person who submits an application and meets the monetary eligibility criteria set forth in GS 96-14.1(b) (regarding unemployment benefit claims) or is self-employed, elects coverage, and meets the requirements of new GS 96A-13, and meets the administrative requirements of the new Chapter and rules adopted thereunder, who meet one of five requirements, including: (1) is caring for a new child during the first year after birth, adoption, or child placement; (2) is caring for a family member with a serious health condition; (3) has a serious health condition; (4) is caring for a covered service member, as defined, who is the covered individual's next of kin or other family member; and (5) because of any qualifying exigency leave (as defined) arising out of the fact that the family member of the covered individual is on active duty or has been notified of an impending call or order to active duty in the Armed Forces. Defines family member, next of kin, and serious health condition. Specifies maximum duration of benefits based on eligibility requirement, ranging from 12 weeks to 26 weeks. Provides for payment within two weeks of filing a claim and every two weeks thereafter. Details parameters regarding the determination of payment amounts, with the maximum benefit permitted to be 100% of the statewide average weekly wage, and the minimum benefit set at $100 per week, unless the covered individual's average weekly wage is less than the amount of that full wage. Bars payment for less than eight hours of leave taken in one work week.

Beginning on January 1, 2025, requires an employer to remit contributions to the Paid Family and Medical Leave Fund (Fund), at a rate annually fixed by the Assistant Secretary of the Division of Employment Security (DES). Provides for the setting of contribution rates for 2024 and 2025, and 2026 and subsequent years. Defines employer to include individuals, partnerships, associations, corporations, business trusts, legal representatives, any organized group, the State, political subdivisions of the State and any State or local agency or government instrumentality; excludes the federal government. Requires self-employed individuals electing coverage to make employer contributions as specified. Bars deducting more than 50% of the contribution required from that employee's wages.

Authorizes the covered individual to opt to take paid family and medical leave on an intermittent or reduced leave schedule with prorated benefits, subject to total leave permitted by the Chapter, employer operations, and notice requirements. 

Provides for the covered individual's restoration by the employer to the position held by the covered individual upon expiration of family and medical leave as when the leave commenced, or a position with equivalent seniority, status, employment benefits, pay, and other terms and conditions of employment. Requires employers to maintain health benefits the covered individual had prior to leave for the leave duration, with the covered individual required to continue required applicable contributions. Details employer liability for violation of these protection provisions, including damages for compensation denied or lost with interest and liquidated damages, or actual monetary losses sustained up to a sum of 12 weeks of wages or salary of the employee, and equitable relief. Allows for an action for damages to be brought in any federal or State court by one or more employees against an employer for or on behalf of the employees or the employees and others similarly situated. Provides for the award of costs of the action, such as reasonable attorneys' fees and expert witness fees. Establishes a two-year statute of limitations, with a three-year statute of limitations for willful violations.

Bars prohibiting the exercise of or interfering with the exercise of rights protected by the Chapter. Prohibits retaliatory personnel actions or otherwise discriminating against a person for exercising protected rights under the Chapter. Includes a non-exhaustive list of rights protected under the Chapter to which the anti-retaliation provisions apply. Prohibits employers from counting leave taken under the Chapter as an absence that can lead to or result in an adverse employment action. Makes these provisions applicable to persons who allege violations in good faith. Provides for the liability provisions regarding employment protections to apply to the anti-retaliation provisions. 

Provides for concurrent leave under the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). Provides for concurrent or coordinated payments and leave for disability or family care leave under a collective bargaining agreement or employer policy subject to written notice. Provides for the effect of such agreements and policy on an individual's rights and an employer's duties under the Chapter.

Provides for notice by the employer upon hiring and annually thereafter and when leave under the Chapter is requested or anticipated, stating rights and terms under the Chapter, benefit amounts, benefit procedures, Chapter protections, and rights to bring an action or file a complaint. Also requires posting of the notice in languages specified. Authorizes the Assistant Secretary to adopt rules establishing additional notice requirements. Requires employees to provide notice to their employer as soon as practicable of their intention to take leave under the Chapter. 

Directs the Assistant Secretary to establish a system for appeal of denied leave under the Chapter. Provides for judicial review of leave benefits after an aggrieved party has exhausted administrative remedies established by the Assistant Secretary. Directs the Assistant Secretary to implement confidentiality procedures for claims filed and appeals taken.

Mandates disqualification from benefits for a period of one year for willfully falsifying or misrepresenting material facts or willfully failing to report a material fact to obtain Chapter benefits. Provides for DES to seek repayment of benefits resulting from material misrepresentation or claim rejection following benefit payment. Authorizes the Assistant Secretary to waive all or some of the amount where recovery would be against equity or good conscience. 

Requires self-employed persons electing coverage to do so for an initial period of at least three years, effective upon filing written notice with the Assistant Secretary and agreeing to supply necessary income information. Provides for coverage withdrawal by self-employed persons.

Directs DES to establish and administer a family and medical leave insurance program and collect employer contributions under the Chapter. Requires DES to begin receiving and paying Chapter claims by January 1, 2025. Provides for application content and procedures. Requires DES to notify an employer within five business days of a claim filed under the Chapter. Provides for information sharing subject to the individual's consent. Deems files and records of individuals under the Chapter confidential, with the individual or authorized representative authorized to review the records or receive information from the records upon presentation of the individual's signed authorization. Directs the Department of Commerce to adopt necessary implementing rules for the Chapter. 

Provides for notice upon filing a claim if the IRS determined benefits to be subject to federal income tax.

Creates the Fund within the custody of DES solely to pay Chapter benefits, with expenditure authority restricted to the Assistant Secretary or a designee. Authorizes investment actions with excess funds by DES.

Creates the Employer Grant Fund to offset employer costs of the program if they demonstrate the need for financial assistance. Specifies that the Fund consist of appropriations from the General Fund  and unconditional and unrestricted donations from public agencies and private sources. Requires the Department of Commerce to adopt rules to administer the fund.

Establishes an annual reporting requirement for DES to report to the NCGA, beginning January 1, 2026, on projected and actual program participation by leave purpose, gender of the beneficiary, premium rates, fund balances, outreach efforts, and family members for whom leave was taken to provide care, as applicable. 

Directs DES to conduct a public education campaign, with outreach information available in specified languages.

Encourages DES to use State data collection and technology to the extent possible and to integrate the program with existing State policies. 

Includes a severability clause. 

Requires implementing rules to be adopted by October 1, 2023. 

Appropriates $30 million for 2024-25 from the General Fund to the Department of Commerce, Employer Grant Fund, to offset employer costs of the Paid Family Medical Leave Act. Effective July 1, 2024.