House committee substitute to the 1st edition make the following changes. Removes provision in GS 14-51 (first and second degree burglary) that larceny is deemed a felony without regard to the value in question for purposes of defining burglary. Makes technical changes. Removes requirement under GS 14-53 (breaking out of a dwelling house burglary) that the breaking out of the dwelling house must occur at nighttime.  

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

Adds telecommunicators employed by a law enforcement agency and emergency management workers (defined) to the list of individuals who are considered a “public safety officer” under new GS  14-34.7A. Changes the felony grade for assault of a public safety officer with a firearm under GS 14-34.5(a) from a Class D felony to Class C felony. Makes conforming change to statutory citation contained in GS 131E-88.3. 

House committee substitute to the 1st edition makes the following changes. Increases the appropriation from $1,040,514 to $2,073,847 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, for the expansion of the Project Caregiver Alternatives to Running on Empty Program.

Creates an exemption to the offense of possessing weapons on campus or other educational property (GS 14-269.2) for a person on private school grounds who has a concealed handgun permit valid under GS Chapter 14, Article 54B, or who is exempt from obtaining a permit pursuant to that Article, if all of the following conditions apply: (1) the property in question is owned, used, or operated by a private school; (2) the weapon is a handgun; (3) there’s no conspicuous notice barring carrying concealed handguns on the property; and (4) the person(s) having legal possession or control of the property has provided signed, written  permission authorizing the person to possess and carry a handgun on the property. Makes conforming changes to GS 14-415.11 (concealed handguns permits). Effective December 1, 2025. 

Adds new GS 14-409.46A, adding protections for relocated law enforcement shooting ranges, to the Sport Shooting Range Protection Act of 1997 (Article 53C of GS Chapter 14) (Act), as follows.  Requires, for those law enforcement shooting ranges operating in the same location for at least twenty-five years, and that have relocated to a new location within the same county with no substantial change in use that: (1) the provisions of the Act be applied to the range based on the date the range began operations in the original location, (2) no local government can prohibit the range from conducting night operations for law enforcement training purposes if the range provides at least 48 hours’ written notice to the local government, and (3) no local government may require the range to comply with a setback line of more than 100 feet.  Makes a conforming change to GS 14-409.6 (sport shooting range protections).  Defines law enforcement organization and law enforcement shooting range in GS 14-409.45 (definitions provision of the Act).  Makes organizational changes.

Specifies that prosecutions for offenses committed before the effective date of the act are not abated or affected by the act, and the statutes that would be applicable but for the act remain applicable to those prosecutions.

Includes whereas clauses. Appropriates $25 million in recurring funds for 2025-26 and for 2026-27 from the General Fund to the Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Public Health, to be allocated to local health departments, with the amount to the local health departments as specified in the act, to: (1) better prepare the State for emerging and re-emerging public health threats and (2) retain and hire additional disease staff, including public health nurses and other public health professionals, and to expand public health programs and services, which are vital not only to maintaining North Carolina's communicable disease response but also to ensuring that the essential public health services are available and accessible to the population served by the local health department. Sets out a timeline for the distribution of the funds. Effective July 1, 2025.

Enacts new Article 7C, Nonconsensual Booting and Towing, to GS Chapter 20. Provides for seven defined terms including tow, nonconsensual tow (towing without the prior consent or authorization by the owner or operator of the motor vehicle), and boot. Specifies that Article 7C doesn’t apply to the towing of a vehicle at the direction of law enforcement or any other towing subject to Article 7A of GS Chapter 20 (concerning post-towing procedures). 

Establishes, in new GS 20-219.40, a nine-member Towing and Recovery Commission (Commission) within the Department of Public Safety (DPS). Tasks the Commission with six responsibilities, including:

• To issue permits to nonconsensual towing businesses.
• To annually establish the maximum fees that a nonconsensual towing business may charge for booting, towing, storage, and the handling of commercial cargo.
• To maintain a nonconsensual towing business database.
• To record reports from the public of suspected noncompliance with the Article and any resolutions of those complaints.
• To administer new Article 7C.

Requires the Commission, starting with the 2027 calendar year, to submit an annual report to the specified NCGA committee covering four listed topics, including reports from the public on noncompliance. Sets out the Commission’s membership along with appointing authority in new GS 20-219.45. Specifies that members will serve three-year terms except for those appointed to initial terms, which will be comprised of members serving one-year and two-year terms. Provides for a chair and requires at least two meetings each year. Prohibits compensation but allows Commission members to be reimbursed for necessary expenses, including travel. Provides for filling of vacancies.

Adds new GS 20-219.50, requiring every consensual and nonconsensual towing business to obtain a permit from the Commission before operating in the State, which must be annually renewed. Provides for permit fees and permit forms. Requires the Commission to issue or renew a permit if: (1) the application is complete and (2) the applicant demonstrates the willingness and ability to comply with the requirements of the Article and other applicable laws. Provides for appeal of denial of initial or renewed permit. Specifies that engaging in the practice of nonconsensual booting or towing without a valid permit is an unfair trade practice.  

Adds GS 20-219.55, requiring the Commission to develop and maintain a searchable statewide database accessible to members of the public. Requires the database to: (1) allow members of the public to report suspected noncompliance with the Article, (2) allow permit searches by the owner or operator of a towed vehicle by number or license plate so that they can learn where the vehicle was towed, and (3) allow for nonconsensual towing businesses to log in and to input the required information pertaining to the vehicle and towing location within one hour of towing or booting a vehicle. Sets out information that a nonconsensual towing business must put into the database after booting or towing a vehicle.

Requires private property owners to provide prominent posting and display of signage warning of nonconsensual towing at their parking lot entrances or areas where parking prohibitions apply in new GS 20-219.60. Prohibits a vehicle from being booted or nonconsensually towed on private property that does not have signs posted at the time of the booting or towing and at least 24 hours prior. Gives property owners 15 days to correct or remove any sign with incorrect information upon learning the signage is incorrect. Makes a private property owner that violates this section guilty of an infraction and allows the court to order the property owner to make restitution to the owner or operator of the improperly booted or towed motor vehicle in an amount equal to the fees for the booting, towing, and storage of the motor vehicle. Makes a nonconsensual tow truck driver guilty of an infraction subject to a penalty of not more than $100, with a second violation within 12 months of the first violation punished as an infraction with a penalty of not more than $200 and a third or subsequent violation within 12 months of the first violation punished as a Class 3 misdemeanor. Excludes owners of private residential property that consists of four or fewer residential units.

Adds new GS 20-219.65, listing towing and booting practices, including (1) that any vehicle removed from a parking lot or area on private property cannot be transported for storage more than 25 miles from the place of removal, unless there is no storage area within 25 miles from the place of removal suitably sized to store the motor vehicle; (2) barring occupied vehicles from being booted, towed, or attempted to be booted or towed; (3) prohibiting nonconsensual towing businesses from impeding or blocking occupied vehicles not yet booted that are attempting to leave the parking lot; (4) prohibiting booting a commercial vehicle; and (5) notice requirements for booting. Specifies that violation of GS 20-219.65 is an unfair trade practice.

Adds new GS 20-219.70, providing for nonconsensual towing fees (fees). Requires fees to be reasonable and not excessive and not to exceed the maximums established by the Commission. Prevents a nonconsensual towing business from charging storage or handling fees for: (1) cargo contained in a trailer or semitrailer and (2) days when the business is not open from at least 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. Specifies, that for nonconsensual towing of cargo, if there is a dispute, if the cargo is attached to the trailer and cannot be removed from the trailers, the parties must execute a trailer swap where the swapped trailer is of equal or better condition than the original towed trailer and owned, leased, or operated by the same company. Requires the business to wait at least one business day since the towed vehicle could first be recovered before charging a storage fee, unless it is open 24 hours per day. Requires a nonconsensual towing business to accept credit cards, debit cards and cash. Provides for a limit on payment processing fees. Specifies that charging a fee in violation of GS 20-219.70 is an unfair and deceptive trade practice. Allows for the sale of a truck tractor, trailer, or semitrailer that remains in storage more than 60 days after it is towed upon written notice to the owner by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, addressed to the property owner at the address on the vehicle registration records maintained by the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Gives property owner 30 days to respond. Directs that sale proceeds must first go towards paying outstanding towing, recovery, or storage fees and the remainder returned to the property owner. Requires billing by standardized form. 

Authorizes DPS to adopt rules to implement the Article.

Requires the Commission, beginning February 15, 2030, and every four years thereafter, to report to the specified NCGA Committee recommending either (1) that the Commission continue existing or (2) that the Commission should sunset and its responsibilities be absorbed by the Department of Public Safety.

Requires the Commission to create the permit process discussed above and issue permits by July 1, 2026.

Makes conforming change to GS 20-219.20 (concerning the requirement to give notice of vehicle towing) to account for new Article 7C, effective July 1, 2026.

Statutes concerning the Commission and its membership and meetings are effective January 1, 2026. Statutes concerning permits, the database, towing and booting practices, and nonconsensual towing fees are effective July 1, 2026. The statute concerning required signage applies to offenses committed on or after July 1, 2026. Remaining statutes (definitions, limitations, and DPS authority to adopt rules) in the new Article are effective when the act becomes law. 

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, 2025, 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 for 2025-26, to be allotted to the Office of the Attorney General to enforce Article 43, as amended by the act. Effective July 1, 2025.

Identical to S 120, filed 2/18/25.

Repeals GS 95-79, which made illegal (1) an agreement between an employer and any labor union or labor organization where persons who were not members are denied the right to work for the employer, where membership is a condition of employment, or where the union or organization acquires an employment monopoly in any enterprise or (2) any provision that conditions the purchase of agricultural products, the terms of an agreement for the purchase of agricultural products, or the terms of an agreement not to sue or settle litigation upon an agricultural producer's status as a union or nonunion employer or entry into or refusal to enter into an agreement with a labor union or labor organization. Amends GS 95-78 to make it the State's public policy that the right of persons to work must not be denied or abridged (was, denied or abridged on account of membership or non-membership in any labor union or labor organization or association). Also declares it to be public policy that the rights of labor organizations and associations to enter into labor agreements must not be denied or abridged.

Makes conforming deletions of GS 95-80 (prohibiting membership in labor organizations as a condition of employment) and GS 95-82 (prohibiting payment of dues as a condition of employment).

Amends GS 95-83 by making conforming and clarifying changes.

Repeals Article 12 of GS Chapter 95, concerning units of government and labor unions, trade unions, and labor organizations, and public employee strikes.

Titles the act the Kelsey Smith Act. Adds new Article 16C, “Provision of Wireless Call Location Information to Law Enforcement” to GS Chapter 15A, as follows. Requires a wireless telecommunications carrier (wireless carrier) to provide, upon request by certain law enforcement personnel, and subject to any limitations under applicable federal law, available phone location information of a telecommunications device without delay if the law enforcement personnel asserts either of the following:

• The device that is the subject of the request was used to place a 911 call requesting emergency assistance.
• There is reasonable suspicion that the device that is the subject of the request is in the possession of an individual who is involved in an emergency situation that involves risk of death or serious physical harm.

Permits the wireless carrier to establish protocols pertaining to voluntary disclosures.  Provides immunity for wireless carriers and their personnel providing phone location information while acting in good faith and in accordance with the statute. Requires wireless carriers registered to do business in this State or submitting to the jurisdiction thereof and all resellers of wireless telecommunications services to annually submit their emergency contact information to the State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) by June 15 to facilitate the requests set forth above. Requires those carriers to update contact information with SBI immediately upon any change. Provides for a database maintained by SBI with the wireless provider contact information. Defines wireless telecommunications provider.

Directs the SBI to adopt temporary rules to implement the act, which are effective until replaced by permanent rules. 

Effective July 1, 2025.

Enacts new GS 95-9.2 requiring employers to post a printed notice of the law in relation to veterans' benefits in North Carolina in a conspicuous place in every room where five or more persons are employed. Requires the Commissioner of Labor to provide a digital form of the notice on its website or provide the printed notice upon request. Sets out the information that must be included in the notice. Requires the Department of Labor to consult with the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs to create and distribute the veterans' benefits and services poster.

Amends GS 15A-1343.3 to create the Continuous Alcohol Monitoring Fund (Fund), in the Division of Community Supervision and Reentry (Division) of the Department of Adult Correction, to provide access to continuous alcohol monitoring as a sentencing option to people that are determined by the court as unable to pay for the monitoring. Allows the court, if it determines that continuous alcohol monitoring should be ordered and the convicted person is unable to pay for the monitoring, to order that the Division pay from the Fund the cost of monitoring for the period of time required by the court. Requires, to the extent practicable, that funds deposited in the Fund under GS 18B-805 be used in the county where the charge under GS 18B-804(b)(10) is collected. Makes conforming changes to GS 20-179(k)(4). Applies to sentences imposed on or after July 1, 2025.

Amends GS 18B-804 by adding (b)(10) an additional charge of five cents on each bottle of spirituous liquor. Makes conforming changes. Amends GS 18B-805(b) to require that a local ABC board, before making any other distribution, pay from its gross receipts to the Division the proceeds from this five-cent charge, to be deposited into the Fund. Applies to sales occurring on or after July 1, 2025.

Amends GS 20-7 as the title indicates. Applies to license and renewal applications submitted on or after October 1, 2026.