Under current law, the property tax homestead exclusion for disabled veterans, set at the first $45,000 of appraised value of the residence, is excluded from taxation. Revises the property tax homestead exclusion for disabled veterans under GS 105-277.1C, so that the value of the exclusion is set as follows for the following claimants:
- Disabled veteran exclusion. – For a disabled veteran, the exclusion amount is the product of (i) the appraised value of the residence and (ii) the percentage of the qualifying owner's disability rating, as determined by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs.
- Surviving spouse exclusion. – For the surviving spouse of a disabled veteran, the exclusion amount is equal to the greater of (i) the amount excluded under the disabled veteran exclusion explained above as of the date of the disabled veteran's death or (ii) the first $45,000 of appraised value of the permanent residence, provided that the applicant establishes eligibility for such exclusion by providing certification from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs that, as of January 1 preceding the taxable year for which the exclusion is claimed, the veteran's death was the result of a service-connected condition. (Current law allows a surviving spouse to provide such certification from another federal agency as well.) Makes conforming changes to the definition of disabled veteran.
Streamlines the disability component of the definition of disabled veteran so that a veteran only has to show that they have been assigned a disability rating of 50% or greater for service-connected disability by certification from the US Department of Veterans Affairs. (Currently, veteran can establish entitlement to homestead exemption as a qualifying veteran under the statute by either (1) establishing permanent and total service connected disability by the VA or (2) establishing receipt of adaptive housing under 38 USC 2101 due to blindness or other permanent and total disabilities). Makes organizational and conforming changes. Effective for taxes imposed for taxable years beginning on or after July 1, 2025.
The Daily Bulletin: 2025-02-13
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The Daily Bulletin: 2025-02-13
| Intro. by Campbell, Loftis, Schietzelt, Chesser. | GS 105 |
Appropriates $1,040,514 in recurring funds from the General Fund to the Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Aging and Adult Services, for both 2025-26 and 2026-27 to expand the Project Caregiver Alternatives to Running on Empty Program, which provides support to family caregivers of people living with Alzheimer's disease or other related dementias. Effective July 1, 2025.
| Intro. by Moss, Setzer, Huneycutt, Harrison. | APPROP |
Under current law, GS 115C-84.2(d) sets the parameters within which local boards of education must determine the opening and closing dates of public schools under subdivision (a)(1) of this statute. Amends GS 115C-84.2(d) to provide the local boards of education with additional flexibility in adopting their school calendars by removing the specified opening and closing dates. Applies beginning with the 2025-26 school year.
| Intro. by Setzer. | GS 115C |
Enacts new Article 44, Healing Arts, in GS Chapter 90, providing as follows.
Part 1 of the new Article establishes the North Carolina Healing Arts Act and sets out the act's purpose. Defines healing arts as the use of allopathic, complementary, or alternative approaches to the art and science of medicine for the prevention, identification, and treatment of human physical or mental conditions, diseases, ailments, illnesses, infirmities, pain, defects, or injuries and the promotion and restoration of health and wellness. Creates the five-member North Carolina Healing Arts Commission (Commission), with initial members to be appointed by the specified entities, for two-year or three-year terms, by December 1, 2025, with the initial terms to begin by January 1, 2026. Requires the initial reflexology and music therapist appointees be NC residents for at least two years prior to appointment, each certified by a national entity that certifies reflexologists/music therapists, and eligible for licensure under GS 90-750.14 (reflexologists)/90-750.24 (music therapists), as enacted by the act. Directs these appointees to seek a NC Healing Arts License in reflexology or music therapy as soon as the first application period begins and remain in good standing with the Commission. Specifies that subsequent appointees serve three-year terms.
Sets out provisions for the inclusion of additional members for any healing arts professions created after January 1, 2026. Provides for the filling of vacancies and sets out membership requirements for subsequent appointees, including citizenship requirements, residency requirements, and the requirement to hold a North Carolina Healing Arts License in the individual's respective healing arts profession. Sets out additional restrictions on the public members of the Commission. Allows for the removal of Commission members. Requires Commission officers to be elected annually; sets out requirements for the meeting timing, for serving as chair, for adopting rules governing meetings, and for establishing a quorum.
Sets out the Commission's nine powers, including administering, coordinating, and enforcing the Article; conducting investigations to discover violations of the Article or grounds for disciplinary action; taking specified disciplinary actions when directed to do so by an advisory committee; and conducting administrative hearings necessary to administer the Article, including disciplinary hearings. Sets out provisions governing fees payable to the Commission. Requires the Commission to establish fees of up to $300 for the issuance of a North Carolina Healing Arts License, $200 for the license application and exam, $350 for the renewal of the license every year, and $200 for late renewal.
Makes the first violation of the Article punishable by a written warning, a second violation punishable by a civil penalty of no more than $200, and third and subsequent violations subject to a civil penalty of no more than $200 per violation and a Class 1 misdemeanor. Allows the Commission to proceed in superior court to enjoin and restrain any person from violating the Article. Makes the violations and injunctive provisions of the Article effective on the date that is the first day of a month that begins 180 days after the Chair of the Healing Arts Commission certifies to the Revisor of Statutes that the Commission has begun accepting applications for Healing Arts Licenses and apply to acts committed on or after that date.
Specifies that the healing arts professions subject to the Article are reflexologists and music therapists. Clarifies that nothing in the Article should be construed to require direct third-party reimbursement to persons licensed under the Article.
Part 2 of the new Article makes it State policy to consider reflexology as a healing arts profession. Defines reflexology as a protocol of manual techniques, including specified practices, that are applied to specific reflex areas predominantly on the feet and hands and that stimulate the complex neural pathways linking body systems and support the body's efforts to function optimally; specifies that reflexology is not massage and bodywork therapy. Defines a North Carolina Licensed Reflexologist as an individual that (1) is certified by the certifying entity as a certified reflexologist and (2) has been issued a North Carolina Healing Arts License in reflexology by the Commission.
Establishes the three-member North Carolina Reflexology Advisory Committee (Reflexology Committee). Sets out membership requirements and provides for the appointment of initial members by January 1, 2026, with initial members serving 1-3 years. Subsequent membership terms are for three years, with no member serving for more than two consecutive full terms. Sets out membership qualifications including citizenship requirements, residency requirements, certification as a reflexologist, and being eligible to obtain a healing arts license in reflexology (with the requirement that appointees immediately seek to obtain the license). Sets out additional restrictions on the public members. Provides for the election of a chair and other officers, holding meetings, and establishing a quorum.
Sets out the Reflexology Committee's eight powers and duties, including establishing and determining qualification and fitness of applicants for a North Carolina Healing Arts License in reflexology; making recommendations to the Commission to issue, renew, deny, suspend, revoke, or refuse to issue or renew a North Carolina Healing Arts License in reflexology; and making recommendations to the Commission regarding the discipline of North Carolina Licensed Reflexologists. Sets out requirements for applying for a North Carolina Healing Arts License in reflexology, which must be renewed annually. Allows compensation for reflexology services to be received only when those services are performed by an individual holding an NC Healing Arts License in reflexology. Subjects non-licensed individuals providing reflexology services or engaging in the practice of reflexology to penalties or an injunction, unless: (1) the individual is a reflexology student working to obtain a certification of completion from a nationally recognized reflexology education program or (2) the individual holds a certification of completion from a nationally recognized reflexology education program, and that program was completed no more than six months before receiving compensation for services. Provides that unless all reflexology services are performed by individuals holding a national certification, a place of business where reflexology services are offered for compensation is subject to a civil penalty of no more than $500 per violation and a suspension of any license to operate the business for no more than 90 days. Requires businesses to display a valid and up-to-date NC Healing Arts License. Sets out information that must be included in advertisements. Provides for reciprocity for individuals licensed or certified to practice reflexology in another state or territory. Provides that this Part does not apply to pressure to the reflex areas on the hands, feet, and outer ears in the regular course of the individual's work, so long as the specified requirements are met.
Part 3 of the new Article makes it State policy to consider music therapy as a healing arts profession. Defines music therapy as the clinical and evidence-based use of music interventions to accomplish individualized goals within a therapeutic relationship by a credentialed professional who has completed an approved music therapy program, including the specified assessments, development and implementation of treatment plans that use specified music interventions, and evaluation and documentation of the client's response to treatment. Defines music therapy services as the provision of services to accomplish music therapy goals, including (1) conducting an individualized assessment for the purpose of collecting systematic, comprehensive, and accurate data necessary to determine the course of action subsequent to the individualized treatment plan; (2) planning and developing the individualized music therapy treatment plan that identifies an individual's goals, objectives, and potential treatment intervention strategies; (3) implementing the individualized music therapy treatment plan consistent with the individual's overall treatment program; (4) systematically evaluating and comparing the individual's response to the individualized music therapy treatment plan and suggesting modifications, as appropriate; (5) developing a discharge plan in collaboration with the individual, the individual's family, treatment team, and other identified support networks, when appropriate; (6) minimizing the impact of environmental constraints as a barrier to participation in least-restrictive environments for individuals engaging in music therapy; (7) collaborating with and educating the individual, family, caregiver, and others to foster an environment responsive to the developmental needs of the individual as addressed in music therapy; or (8) consulting with groups, programs, organizations, or communities to improve accessibility to music therapy services.
Establishes the three-member North Carolina Music Therapy Advisory Committee (Music Therapy Committee). Sets out membership requirements and provides for the appointment of initial members by January 1, 2026, with initial members serving 1-3 years. Subsequent membership terms are for three years, with no member serving for more than two consecutive full terms. Sets out membership qualifications including citizenship requirements, residency requirements, certification as a music therapist, and being eligible to obtain a healing arts certification in music therapy (with the requirement that appointees immediately seek to obtain the license). Sets out additional restrictions on the public members. Provides for the election of a chair and other officers, holding meetings, and establishing a quorum.
Sets out the Music Therapy Committee's eight powers and duties, including establishing and determining qualification and fitness of applicants for a North Carolina Healing Arts License in music therapy; recommending that the Commission issue, renew, deny, suspend, revoke, or refuse to issue or renew North Carolina Healing Arts Licenses in music therapy; and making recommendations to the the Commission regarding the discipline of a North Carolina Licensed Music Therapist. Sets out requirements for applying for a North Carolina Healing Arts License in music therapy, which must be renewed after five years, including completing the specified academic requirements, completing the specified exam, and completing the specified number of clinical training hours. Allows compensation for music therapy services to be received only when those services are performed by an individual holding an NC Healing Arts License in music therapy. Subjects non-licensed individuals providing music therapy services or engaging in the practice of music therapy to penalties or an injunction. Provides for reciprocity for individuals licensed or certified to practice music therapy in another state or territory.
Amends GS 90-624 (activities not requiring a license to practice) in Article 36 (massage and bodywork therapy practice) which states nothing in Article 36 may be used to prohibit or affect a list of specified activities, by adding new subdivision (9) listing a licensed reflexologist engaged in the practice of reflexology as defined in GS 90-730.11.
Effective January 1, 2026.
| Intro. by Warren, Riddell. | GS 90 |
Enacts GS 90-413, making it unlawful for a health care provider to knowingly and willfully destroy, alter, or falsify a medical record, or to direct another person to do so, for either: (1) concealing the commission of an error by the health care provider in providing medical services that caused injury to or death of a patient, punishable as a Class H felony; (2) unlawfully obtaining money or any other thing of value, punishable as a Class I felony; or (3) concealing any material fact not covered in the previous two purposes relating to a potential claim or cause of action, punishable as a Class A1 misdemeanor. Specifies that the statute does not affect other civil remedies available for punishable actions. Applies to offenses committed on or after December 1, 2025.
| Intro. by Pless. | GS 90 |
Includes whereas clauses. Enacts GS 145-52 as title indicates.
| Intro. by Lambeth, Paré, K. Hall, Potts. | GS 145 |
Includes whereas clauses. Enacts GS 145-52 as title indicates.
| Intro. by Lambeth, Paré, K. Hall, White. | GS 145 |
Identical to S 59, filed 2/5/25.
Changes the time when a governmental agency can initiate a formal condemnation proceeding under GS 106-740 (public hearings on condemnation of farm land) to 120 days after the date the local agricultural advisory board submits its findings and recommendations to the agency (currently, agency cannot do so while the proposed condemnation is properly before the advisory board within the statutory time limitations). Increases the time a for board designated to hold a public hearing on a proposed condemnation of farmland and to submit its findings to the agency from 30 days after receiving a hearing request to 45 days after receiving that request. Makes clarifying, organizational, and technical changes. Applies to condemnation actions initiated by any State or local public agency or governmental unit on or after October 1, 2025.
| Intro. by Dixon, N. Jackson. | GS 106 |
Requires the State Board of Elections (Board) to develop a sample voter registration form (Sample Form) under new GS 163-82.5A to be used for organized voter registration drives, which should look clearly distinguishable from the actual voter registration application forms (Voter Registration Form) required under GS 163-82.3 with a disclaimer that it is not an official Voter Registration Form for voting purposes. Provides for other required content of the Sample Form, including the following information: (1) where to obtain an official voter registration application form; (2) where to return completed voter registration application forms in person; (3) how to register online; and (4) a list of important dates, including the deadline for registering to vote and dates for any primary or general elections during the election cycle, or how to find important dates online. Directs the Board to make the sample forms available to county boards of elections to distribute to organizations that must now register with the county boards to hold a voter registration drive under the statute. Lists information that an organization seeking to conduct or sponsor a voter registration drive must provide to the county board of elections in registering, including the hierarchical structure within the organization, whether the individuals participating in the voter registration drive are paid employees or volunteers, the number of Sample Forms requested, the duration of the voter registration drive, and the physical location from which the organization will operate the voter registration drive or whether the drive will be conducted door-to-door, or both. Prevents organized voter registration drives from offering Voter Registration Forms and directs that violation of that bar is a Class 2 misdemeanor. Makes conforming change to GS 163-82.5.
Applies to voter registration drives conducted on or after the act becomes law.
| Intro. by Warren, Blackwell, Echevarria, Loftis. | GS 163 |
Appropriates $2 million in recurring funds both for 2025-26 and 2027-28 from the General Fund to the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Division of Public Health (Division) to be used to establish and administer a statewide Prostate Cancer Control Program that provides free or low-cost prostate cancer screenings and follow-up to any man residing in North Carolina who meets all of the four listed criteria, including being uninsured or underinsured and income qualifications. Effective July 1, 2025.
| Intro. by R. Pierce, Reeder, Campbell, Brody. | APPROP |
Includes whereas clauses.
Part I.
Adds new Subchapter XI, Election of Appellate, Superior, and District Court Judges, consisting of Article 26, Nomination and Election of Appellate, Superior, and District Court Judges, in GS Chapter 163, providing as follows.
Requires that justices of the Supreme Court, judges of the Court of Appeals, and superior and district court judges be elected using the nonpartisan primary election method. Requires that there be a primary to narrow the field of candidates to two candidates for each position to be filled if, when the filing period closes, there are more than two candidates for a single office or the number of candidates for a group of offices exceeds twice the number of positions to be filled. Sets out provisions for declaring candidates as nominated when these thresholds for primaries are not met. Sets out the process for declaring nominees and for determining election winners, including breaking a tie. Includes the required format of the notice of candidacy form as well as requirements for signing the form. Requires judicial candidates to file notice of candidacy between noon on the first Monday in December and noon on the third Friday in December preceding the election. Allows the notice of candidacy to be withdrawn by the specified dates. Requires filing, along with the notice of candidacy a certification that the person is registered to vote in a particular county. Prohibits filing a notice of candidacy for more than one judicial office. Requires a candidate, when there are two or more vacancies for Supreme Court, Court of Appeals, or district court, to file a written statement designating the vacancy to which the candidate seeks election; requires the same of a person seeking election for a specialized district judgeship. Sets out residency requirements for candidates for superior court judge.
Sets a required filing fee of 1% of the annual salary of the office sought. Allows the filing fee to be refunded upon withdrawing candidacy or upon the candidate's death. Allows, instead of paying the filing fee, a person to file a written petition requesting to be a candidate. For candidates seeking judicial office, the petition must be submitted by the stated date and time and must be signed by (1) 8,000 registered voters for Supreme Court or Court of Appeals candidates and (2) 5% of the registered voters of the election area in which those voters will vote for superior or district court judge candidates.
Provides the process for certifying candidates' names with the Secretary of State and county boards of elections.
Sets out rules governing elections when there is a vacancy in a superior court judgeship.
Sets out provisions concerning when there are an insufficient number of candidates, and when a candidate dies or is disqualified.
Sets out procedure for instances where a vacancy is created in the Supreme Court, Court of Appeals, or superior court after the filing period for the primary opens but more than 60 days before the general election and an election is required to be held for that position.
Allows a person who will become qualified to register and vote in the general election for which the primary is held, even though not so qualified by the primary, to register for the primary and general election before the primary and then to vote in the primary.
Requires the primary to be held on the same date as the one established for primaries under GS 163-1(b).
Sets out ballot requirements and requirements for counting ballots.
Effective with respect to primaries and elections held on or after January 1, 2026.
Part II.
Makes conforming and clarifying changes to GS 18C-112, GS 163-1, GS 163-22.3, GS 163-82.10B, GS 163-106.2, GS 163-106.3, GS 163-106.5, GS 163-107, GS 163-107.1, GS 163-108, GS 163-111, GS 163-114, GS 163-122, GS 163-123, and GS 163-165.5. Makes language gender neutral.
Effective with respect to primaries and elections held on or after January 1, 2026.
Part III.
Recodifies GS 163A-278.69 as GS 163-278.129.
Enacts new GS Chapter 163, Article 22I, the North Carolina Public Campaign Fund, providing as follows, effective when the act becomes law, with distributions from the Fund beginning in the 2026 election year. States the purpose of the Article. Establishes the North Carolina Public Campaign Fund (Fund) as an alternative source of campaign financing for candidates who demonstrate public support and voluntarily accept strict fund-raising and spending limits. Provides that the Article is available to candidates for justice of the Supreme Court and judges of the Court of Appeals in elections held in 2026 and thereafter. The Fund is to finance the election campaigns of certified candidates for office and to pay administrative and enforcement costs of the State Board of Elections (Board).
The following are sources of money in the Fund: (1) designations made by taxpayers to the Fund, (2) Fund revenues distributed for an election that remain unspent or uncommitted at the time the recipient is no longer a certified candidate in the election, (3) money ordered returned to the Fund, (4) voluntary donations made directly to the Fund, and (5) money collected from the $50 surcharge on attorney membership fees.
Requires individuals choosing to receive campaign funds from the Fund to file a declaration of intent to participate as a candidate for a stated office. Sets out requirements for the timing of the filing and for an affirmation that only one political committee will handle all contributions, expenditures, and obligations for the candidate and that the candidate will comply with the contribution and expenditure limits and other requirements. Requires participating candidates seeking certification to receive campaign funds from the Fund to first obtain qualifying contributions from at least 350 registered voters in a sum that equals at least the specified amount of minimum qualifying contributions but that does not exceed the specified amount of maximum qualifying contributions. Sets out the procedure under which the Board will certify candidates as meeting the necessary requirements.
Set out the following restrictions on contributions and expenditures with respect to participating and certified candidates. (1) Beginning January 1 of the year before the election and before the filing of a declaration of intent, a candidate for office may accept in contributions up to $10,000 from sources and in amounts permitted by Article 22A and may expend up to $10,000 for any campaign purpose. Candidates exceeding these limits will be ineligible to file a declaration of intent or receive funds from the Fund. (2) From the filing of a declaration of intent through the end of the qualifying period, a candidate may accept only qualifying contributions, contributions under $10 from North Carolina voters, and personal and family contributions. The total contributions the candidate may accept during this period must not exceed the defined maximum qualifying contributions for that candidate. In addition to these contributions, the candidate may expend during this period only the remaining money raised under (1) and possible matching funds. With named exception, multiple contributions from the same contributor to the same candidate must not exceed $500. (3) After the qualifying period and through the date of the general election, the candidate must expend only the funds the candidate receives from the Fund pursuant to GS 163-278.125(b)(4) (funds distributed in a contested general election in specified amounts for Supreme Court and Court of Appeals candidates) plus any funds remaining from the qualifying period and possible matching funds. (4) During the qualifying period, the candidate may contribute up to $1,000 of that candidate's own money to the campaign. Allows accepting contributions of $1,000 from each member of that candidate's family (spouse, parent, child, brother, and sister). Allows treating up to $500 of a contribution from the candidate's family member as a qualifying contribution if it meets specified requirements. (5) Requires a candidate and the candidate's committee to limit the use of all revenues permitted by this subsection to expenditures for campaign-related purposes only. (6) Any contribution received by a participating or certified candidate that falls outside what is permitted must be returned to the donor as soon as practicable. Contributions intentionally made, solicited, or accepted in violation of this Article are subject to civil penalties. (7) Requires a candidate to return to the Fund any amount distributed for an election that is unspent and uncommitted at the date of the election, or at the time the individual ceases to be a certified candidate, whichever occurs first.
Allows a decision to participate in the Fund to be revoked by the specified deadline.
Allows candidates in elections under GS 163-258 (filling vacancies in office created after primary filing period opens) to participate in the Fund and sets out requirements for such candidates.
Requires distributions from the Fund to be made within five business days after a certified candidate's name is approved to appear on the ballot in a contested general election, but no earlier than five business days after the primary. Sets out the amounts to be distributed from the fund in contested general elections.
Sets out candidate reporting requirements.
Requires that when any report shows that "funds in opposition to a certified candidate or in support of an opponent to that candidate" exceed the trigger for matching funds, the Board must immediately issue to that certified candidate an additional amount that equals the reported excess within the specified limits. Sets out additional provisions concerning the limit on matching funds before a primary and in contested general elections, and expediting matching funds. Requires the Board to determine which candidate, if any, is entitled to matching funds in the case of electioneering communications.
Violations of the Article can result in a civil penalty of up to $10,000 per violation or three times the amount of any financial transaction involved in the violation, whichever is greater. Also, for good cause shown, may require candidates to return distributed amounts to the Fund.
Amends GS 84-34 by requiring active members of the North Carolina State Bar to pay a $50 surcharge for the Fund.
Makes conforming changes to GS 105-159.2, GS 163-278.5, and SL 2013-381, Section 38.1(a).
Amends GS 163-278.13, concerning limitations on campaign contributions, by adding limitations on contributions to Supreme Court and Court of Appeals candidates of $1,000 from an individual contributor and $2,000 from family contributors.
Makes conforming repeals of SL 2013-381, Section 38.1(l), (m), and (o).
Unless otherwise indicated, effective January 1, 2026.
Part IV.
Contains a severability clause.
Contains legislative findings pertaining to agriculture in 2024. Directs the State Controller to transfer the following amounts to the State Emergency Response and Disaster Relief Fund (SERDF):
- $200 million from the Stabilization and Inflation Reserve
- $200 million from the Information and Technology Reserve
- $75 million from the Economic Development Project Reserve
Requires the transfer of $475 million from SERDF to the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (Department) and appropriates those funds to the Department for the 2024 Agricultural Disaster Crop Loss Program (Crop Loss Program), established below. Directs that those funds and the remaining funds from Section 5.9A(c)(2) of SL 2021-180 ($50 million appropriation for a Crop Loss Program established by that act) and Section 5.4(a)(4)a. of SL 2022-74 (additional $10 million appropriation to that Crop Loss Program) will be used to assist farmers in counties designated by the United States Department of Agriculture as agricultural disasters that occurred during 2024 in the State.
Establishes the Crop Loss Program within the Department to be used to provide financial assistance to farmers with verified losses from an agricultural disaster in this State in 2024. Allows the Department to use up to 1% of the appropriated funds for administrative costs. Sets forth the following eligibility criteria:
- Experience of a verifiable loss of agricultural commodities as a result of an agricultural disaster in 2024, and the person's farm is located in an affected area for the respective agricultural disaster.
- The agricultural commodity was planted but not harvested on or before January 1, 2024, or, for aquaculture commodities, the commodities were being raised on or before January 1, 2024.
Defines agricultural commodity as any crop, flowering plant, aquaculture species, fruit, grain, native grass, ornamental plant, sod, tree, or vegetable; excludes stored grain. Provides a process for verification of loss through forms and documentation deemed appropriate by the Department to verify the loss. Requires submission to the Department by no later than 30 days after the Crop Loss Program is effective. Allows for an additional 30-day extension for verification of nursery crops, fruit-bearing trees and bushes, and specialty crops where the survival level is not immediately known upon written request by the farmer that is received no later than 30 days after the Crop Loss Program becomes effective and approval by the Department. Requires awarded funds to be used for agricultural production expenses and recovery of losses due to the impacts of the agricultural disaster. Requires the Department to issue guidelines and procedures to ensure that funds are expended for the purposes authorized under the Crop Loss Program. Provides for a sworn affidavit verifying losses. Directs that fund awards are subject to State and federal income tax.
Sets forth criteria for administering the Crop Loss Program pertaining to payment calculations, funds to be held in reserve for losses not fully known or calculated, and determining payees under the Crop Loss Program. Allows the Department to conduct audits of payees, including by obtaining relevant payee records. Provides for refund of awards of any person who received financial assistance and who provided inaccurate information. Authorizes the NC Department of Revenue to engage in collections if the person does not refund the award. Contains defined terms.
Requires the Department to submit an report to the Fiscal Research Division no later than the first of the month six months after the Crop Loss Program becomes effective, and every six months thereafter until all funds are expended or the Crop Loss Program expires, containing, at a minimum, all of the following data:
- The number of applicants by agricultural commodity and the county in which the person incurred the verified loss.
- The number and amount of grants awarded by agricultural commodity.
- The geographic distribution of the grants awarded.
- The total amount of funding available to the Crop Loss Program, the total amount encumbered, and the total amount disbursed to date.
- Any refunds made to the Crop Loss Program.
Specifies that the Crop Loss Program will expire 30 months after the Crop Loss Program becomes effective. Directs that any unexpended or unencumbered funds will revert to SERDF.
| Intro. by Dixon, Penny, N. Jackson, Eddins. | APPROP |
Reenacts GS 105-129.16A as it existed immediately before its expiration in 2016 and amends the statute as follows. Grants a taxpayer that has constructed, purchased, or leased qualifying solar energy equipment, as defined by statutory cross-reference (was, "renewably energy property"), a credit equal to 35% of the cost of the equipment if the equipment is placed in service in the State during the taxable year. Makes conforming changes to reflect the change in terminology to qualifying solar energy equipment. Modifies the nonbusiness credit ceilings to no longer include an $8,400 ceiling for each installation of geothermal equipment or a $10,500 ceiling for each installation of any other renewable energy property. Eliminates subsections (e) through (h), which provide for outdated sunset provisions. Effective for taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2025.
| Intro. by Buansi, Harrison, Price, Longest. | GS 105 |
The Daily Bulletin: 2025-02-13
Enacts new GS 15A-1340.13A, which provides that no crime shall be punishable by death. Makes conforming changes to criminal laws and procedures in GS Chapters 7A, 14, 15, and 15A by removing all reference to punishment by death. Repeals GS Chapter 15, Subchapter XV, related to capital punishment.
Amends GS Chapter 90 to remove language in the practice acts referencing the role of doctors, nurses, and pharmacists participating in an execution.
Directs the Attorney General to petition courts to vacate every death sentence and resentence the person to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole.
Effective when the act becomes law and applies to any person sentenced to death before, on, or after that date.
Section 1
Directs the Residential Code Council (Council) to amend the Residential Code (Code) in order to permit dimension lumber that has not been grade-stamped under the authority of a lumber grading bureau to be used in the construction of one-and two-family dwellings, so long as these criteria are met: (1) that the lumber is sold directly by the sawmill owner or employee to the dwelling owner or owner's authorized representative; (2) the dimension lumber meets or exceeds all other Code requirements; (3) the sawmill operator has a certificate from a state-approved lumber grading training program, certifying that the lumber conforms with product and inspection standards under American Softwood Lumber Standard PS20 and marks the lumber as required; (4) that the appropriate code enforcement official reviews the dwelling's framing to ensure it meets all other requirements, with immunity from civil and professional liability for structural failure resulting from the use of dimension lumber; and (5) the sawmill gives the purchaser a certificate that contains the specified information.
Also requires the Council to amend the Code and the North Carolina Building Code in order to permit dimension lumber that has not been grade-stamped under the authority of a lumber grading bureau to be used in the construction of one- and two-family dwellings and structures classified as Residential Group R-2 or R-3, when that use meets the same five requirements specified above, except allows the lumber to be sold directly by the owner or employee of a small mill or a mobile sawmill and makes conforming references to such a facility.
Requires the Council to issue temporary implementing rules no later than 180 days after the section's effective date. Sunsets these provisions when the Council issues permanent rules substantially similar to the act's provisions and notifies the Codifier of Statutes.
Section 2
Enacts new GS 143-138.2 requiring the NC Cooperative Extension Service to establish a basic lumber grading training program for individuals and establish the general requirements for successful completion of the program, including requirements for initial certification and for recertification. Requires the training to be offered at least annually. Requires the Extension Forestry staff, in cooperation with the staff of the North Carolina Forest Service, to develop and establish the content of the training program, determine the certification requirements for instructors, and determine the criteria for determining successful completion of the training program. Requires instructors to be approved by the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service. Allows the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service to allow one or more private lumber grading training programs, provided that the content of the private programs and certification requirements for instructors and criteria for successful completion of the training program are at least as stringent as the program offered by the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service. Requires an individual holding an initial certification from the program established under this statute, from a private program, or from a state-approved lumber grading program in another state who mills lumber in the State to be recertified under the training program every five years. Requires certified individuals to register with the North Carolina Forest Service before selling lumber that has not been grade-stamped under the authority of a lumber grading bureau directly to the owner of a structure for use in construction of the structure.
Requires the basic lumber grading training program to be established no later than 180 days after the section becomes law.
Section 3
Amends GS 160D-110 by setting out information that a building permit applicant for a structure constructed with lumber that has not been grade-stamped under the authority of a lumber grading bureau must include with the application. Effective on the date that the temporary rules required to be adopted by the Council become effective.
Amends GS 105-357 to set the penalty for presenting payment of taxes by a check or funds transfer that is returned or not completed due to insufficient funds or nonexistence of an account of the drawer or transferor at $35, replacing the existing penalty amount that is the greater of $25 or 10% of the amount of the check or invoice and capped at $1,000. Applies to checks or electronic funds transfers presented for payment of taxes on or after July 1, 2025.
| Intro. by Mayfield, Moffitt, Daniel. | GS 105 |
Identical to H 97, filed 2/11/25.
Expands the definition of killed in the line of duty under GS 143-166.2, as it applies under the Public Safety Employees’ Death Benefits Act, to also include a presumption that a firefighter was killed in the line of duty when their death occurs as a direct and proximate result of cancer of the stomach (gastric cancer).
Appropriates $500,000 in recurring funds for each year of the 2025-27 biennium from the General Fund to the Department of State Treasurer for benefits payable under the Public Safety Employees’ Death Benefits Act related to this act.
Applies to qualifying deaths occurring on or after July 1, 2025.
Appropriates $1.5 million in recurring funds for each year of the 2025-27 biennium from the General Fund to the Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education, to be allocated the NC Partnership for Children Inc. as title indicates. Effective July 1, 2025.
| Intro. by Hise, Burgin. | APPROP |
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 $310 million in recurring funds from the General Fund to the Department of Public Instruction for 2025-26 to provide extended-year teacher contracts according to new GS 115C-306.1.
Effective July 1, 2025, and applies beginning with the 2025-26 school year.
Adds new GS 1C-1601.5, pertaining to certain tax-advantaged accounts, as follows. Defines qualifying account as an education savings and investment plan account qualified under section 529 of the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) or an ABLE account qualified under section 529A of the IRC. Defines qualifying purpose as any purpose permitted under Section 529 of the IRC (education savings and investment plan accounts) or any purpose permitted under Section 529A of the IRC (ABLE accounts), as applicable. Directs that funds located in a qualifying account or withdrawn from the account and used for a qualifying purpose are not subject to liens, attachment, garnishment, levy, seizure, any involuntary sale or assignment by operation or execution of law, or the enforcement of any other judgment or claim to pay any debt or liability of any account owner, beneficiary, or contributor to an account, notwithstanding any other provision of law including GS 1C-1601(e) (listing certain federal claims that are not subject to the State’s property exemptions). Specifies that GS 1C-1601.5 does not prevent distribution of ABLE funds following the account owner’s death or limit enforcement of judgments or claims on funds either not used for a qualifying purpose or that were deposited into a qualifying account as a result of fraud, intentional wrongdoing or other violation of law.
Repeals GS 1C-1601(a)(10) (pertaining to limits on funds of college savings plans under Section 529 of the IRC).
Applies to actions filed on or after September 1, 2025.
| Intro. by Jones, P. Newton, Lee. | GS 1C |
Under current law, GS 115C-84.2(d) sets the parameters within which local boards of education must determine the opening and closing dates of public schools under subdivision (a)(1) of this statute. Amends GS 115C-84.2(d) to provide the local boards of education with additional flexibility in adopting their school calendars by removing the specified opening and closing dates. Retains the current provision allowing local boards to revise the scheduled closing date if needed to comply with the minimum requirements for instructional days or instructional time. Applies beginning with the 2025-26 school year.
| Intro. by Everitt. | GS 115C |
Part I
Establishes the Senate’s procedures for nominating and electing members to the UNC Board of Governors (BOG), as follows. Tasks the Senate Select Committee on Nominations (the "Senate Committee") to choose nominees for each of this year’s six open positions on the BOG to which the Senate is to elect members for four-year terms. Sets the period for receiving nominations from Monday, February 24, 2025, through Friday, February 28, 2025, at 5 pm. Provides for written nominations by Senators on a form provided by the Chair of the Senate Committee and turned into the Senate Principal Clerk. Prohibits nomination by fax or email. Prohibits individuals who were nominated for election to the BOG by a member of the House of Representatives during the 2025 Session from being nominated in the Senate. Requires completion of a NC State Ethics Statement of Economic Interest by the nominee. Provides for a listing of all nominees by the Senate Committee and screening of the nominees and interviews. Directs that, on completion of the screening process, the Senate Committee will conduct a vote to ensure that the slate of legally qualified nominees lists no more than twice the number of nominees for the total seats open. Allows for withdrawal of the nominee without approval from the sponsor. Places the Senate Committee nominees before the Senate and recommended for election.
Part II
Requires for election ballots to be prepared under the supervision of the Chair of the Senate Committee. Establishes voting rules and requires the election to be held by March 24, 2025. Allows the Senators to each vote for six nominees. Designates the Chair of the Senate Committee as the person responsible for canvassing the vote and declaring results. Requires ballots to be retained by the Office of the Senate Principal Clerk. Allows for a motion for simultaneous election of those persons. Requires the results to be send by special messenger to the House of Representatives.
Part III
When the election process is complete, requires the Chair of the Senate Committee to notify the Secretary of the UNC Board of Governors of the names of the persons elected by the Senate and of the term for which each person was elected.
| Intro. by Rabon. | SENATE RES |
The Daily Bulletin: 2025-02-13
Under current law, GS 115C-84.2(d) sets the parameters within which local boards of education must determine the opening and closing dates of public schools under subdivision (a)(1) of this statute. Amends GS 115C-84.2(d) to require that Pitt County set the opening date for students, except for year-round schools, no earlier than August 10, unless August 10 falls on a weekend, then the opening date must be either the Friday immediately preceding or the Monday immediately following August 15 (current law sets the opening date, except for year-round schools, as no earlier than the Monday closest to August 26). Retains the closing date of no later than the Friday closest to June 11. Deletes language concerning waving the opening date on a showing of good cause. Applies beginning with the 2025-26 school year.
The Daily Bulletin: 2025-02-13
Under current law, GS 115C-84.2(d) provides authority to local boards of education to determine the opening and closing dates for public schools under GS 115C-84.2(a)(1). However, the local boards must comply with specified parameters for the opening and closing dates of public schools as provided in GS 115C-84.2(d). Subsection (d) also provides criteria under which the State Board of Education may waive those requirements upon a showing of good cause by a local board of education.
As the title indicates, permits the local board of education for Moore County Schools to align their calendar with the calendar of a community college serving in the city or county in which the school unit is located, notwithstanding the requirements of GS 115C-84.2(d). Applies beginning with the 2025-26 school year.
Blank bill.
Actions on Bills: 2025-02-13
H 106: REVIVE HIGH-NEED RETIRED TEACHERS PROGRAM.
H 107: ADOPT SUDEP AWARENESS WEEK.
H 108: THE SOBER OPERATOR ACT OF 2025.
H 109: STRANGULATION/INCREASE PUNISHMENT.
H 110: NAT.L GUARD STUDENT LOAN REPAYMENT PROGRAM.
H 112: INCREASE PERMISSIBLE INTERSTATE SPEED LIMIT.
H 113: CREATE COMMITTEE ON MEDICAID SUSTAINABILITY.
H 114: EMPLOYMENT PREFERENCE FOR MILITARY PERSONNEL.
H 115: CHILD CARE FACILITY TAX EXEMPTION.
H 118: DISABLED VETERANS TAX RELIEF BILL.
H 120: EXPAND PROJECT C.A.R.E./FUNDS.
H 121: SCHCALFLEX/STATEWIDE/OPEN CAL.
H 122: NORTH CAROLINA HEALING ARTS ACT.
H 123: CRIMINAL FALSIFICATION OF MEDICAL RECORDS.
H 124: ADOPT OFFICIAL STATE COOKIE.
H 125: ADOPT OFFICIAL STATE STAR.
H 126: REVISE VOLUNTARY AG. DISTRICT LAWS.
H 127: VOTER REGISTRATION DRIVE FORM.
H 128: ESTABLISH PROSTATE CANCER CONTROL PROGRAM.
H 129: JUDGE JOE JOHN NONPARTISAN JUD. ELECTIONS ACT.
H 130: AGRICULTURE CROPS DISASTER RELIEF.
H 131: REENACT SOLAR ENERGY TAX CREDIT.
S 13: CLARIFY INSURANCE FEE REFERRAL CAP.
S 24: GOVT MANDATES INCREASE HEALTHCARE COSTS.
S 37: HERTFORD COUNTY RURAL DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY.
S 85: REGULATE BODY PIERCING IN NORTH CAROLINA.
S 86: ENHANCE FIREFIGHTER BENEFITS & REPRESENTATION.
S 89: AEDS AND CPR IN SCHOOLS.
S 91: NEWBORN SAFETY DEVICES.
S 92: RELEASED TIME EDUCATION ACT.
S 93: PORTABILITY OF LEAVE/CHARTER SCHOOLS.
S 94: REPEAL DEATH PENALTY.
S 95: PROMOTE NC SAWMILLS.
S 96: MODIFY INSUFFICIENT FUNDS TAX PAYMENT FEE.
S 97: SUPPORT FIREFIGHTERS FIGHTING CANCER.
S 98: FUNDS FOR DOLLY PARTON'S IMAGINATION LIBRARY.
S 99: EXTENDED-YEAR TEACHER CONTRACTS.
S 101: PROTECT CERTAIN TAX-ADVANTAGED ACCOUNTS.
S 103: MAKE NC SCHOOL CALENDARS GREAT AGAIN.
S 104: SENATE BOG ELECTIONS.
Actions on Bills: 2025-02-13
H 6: PAMLICO CO. MUNI. EVEN-YR ELECT. (NEW)
H 17: EXTEND TERM OF MAYOR/TOWN OF MADISON.
H 104: SCHCALFLEX/BUNCOMBE/OPEN CAL.
H 105: GASTON CO. BD. OF ED. ELECT. PARTISAN.
H 111: SCHCALFLEX/CHATHAM/AUG 10 & ASSMNTS.
H 119: SCHCALFLEX/PITT/MORF AUG 10.
S 87: 37TH SENATORIAL DISTRICT LOCAL ACT-1.
S 88: 17TH SENATORIAL DISTRICT LOCAL ACT-1.
S 90: 19TH SENATORIAL DISTRICT LOCAL ACT-1.
S 100: SCHCALFLEX/MOORE/CC.
S 102: 18TH SENATORIAL DISTRICT LOCAL ACT-1.
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