Adds new GS 144-7.1, limiting the display of governmental flags on property owned or leased by the State or a political subdivision of the state to seven listed flags, including the American flag, the State flag, a local government flag, the POW/MIA flag, the flag of any military branch of the US Armed Forces, and the flag of nations recognized by the United States of America during a visit by the nation’s head of state or national delegation. Requires the flag to be displayed (defined) in accordance with patriotic customs set forth in federal law. Makes violation of the above, including a second or subsequent violation, a Class 3 misdemeanor. Makes conforming changes to GS 144-7 (concerning local government regulation of the display of official government flags on private property), including to the statute's title.
The Daily Bulletin: 2025-02-27
Printer-friendly: Click to view
The Daily Bulletin: 2025-02-27
| Intro. by Echevarria, N. Jackson, B. Jones, Biggs. | GS 144 |
Modifies GS 14-433.9, governing allocation formulas by the NC Federal Tax Reform Allocation Committee (Committee), as follows. Directs that the Committee and any designee agency in administering the low-income housing credit program’s Qualified Allocation Plan (the Plan) can only adopt and administer the Plan if it incentivizes the development and availability of affordable housing in rural communities and counties with higher poverty levels. Sets forth the following four criteria for the Committee or its designee to use when determining how to allocate tax credits under the Plan:
- The distance between a proposed site and surrounding amenities, including grocery stores, shopping centers, and pharmacies, will be calculated using a radius and not by using actual road driving distance.
- When a proposed site is located in a municipality with a population of less than 10,000 people, favorable consideration will be awarded to proposed sites that are located 10 miles or less from the amenities identified in the Plan.
- When identifying amenities, the Plan must define grocery amenities as stores that have grocery sections.
- When two proposed sites are "tied" under the scoring criteria of the Plan, the proposed site located in the area with the highest poverty level will be awarded the tax credits under the Plan.
Effective October 1, 2025, and applies to Plans adopted by the Committee, or any agency designated by the Committee, after that date.
| Intro. by Willingham. | GS 143 |
Part I.
Amends GS 20-140 by increasing the penalties for reckless driving, which is a Class 2 misdemeanor, to a Class 1 misdemeanor if the reckless driving causes serious injury and to a Class I felony if the reckless driving causes serious bodily injury.
Part II.
Repeals GS 20-17(a)(4), which required revocation of a person’s driver's license for failure to stop and render aid in violation of GS 20-166(a) (requires stopping at the scene when the driver knows or reasonably should know that the vehicle they are operating is involved in a crash and the crash resulted in serious bodily injury or death to any person) or (b) (requires such a driver to provide specified information to the person struck or the driver or occupants of any vehicle collided with, if they are physically and mentally capable of receiving such information, and requires rendering reasonable assistance) (see new revocation provisions below).
Amends GS 20-141.3, which makes street racing illegal, to increase the penalty to a Class F felony if the speed competition causes serious injury, with drivers license revocation for four years (with the ability to apply for a new license after three years from revocation); and to a Class B2 felony if the speed competition causes a death, with permanent revocation of the person’s drivers license (with the ability to apply for a new license after seven years from revocation). Specifies that when a license is permanently revoked, the DMV’s restrictions and conditions on the new license may not exceed three years. Makes additional organizational, conforming, and technical changes.
Amends GS 20-166(a) (as described above) by amending the penalties for violations so that violations are a Class F felony unless the crash results in the death of another person, in which case, the penalty is a Class D felony. Revokes the drivers license of a person convicted of the Class F felony for four years, allowing the person to apply for a new license after three years from revocation. Permanently revokes the drivers license of a person when the crash results in the death of another person, allowing the person to apply for a new license after seven years from revocation. Specifies that persons convicted of violations of (a1) (duty to stop at the scene during a crash resulting in injury) or (b) (described above) are to have their drivers licenses revoked for one year and allows them to apply for a new license after a year from revocation. Sets out criteria that must be met for issuing a new license and allows the DMV to impose terms and conditions on the new license for the balance of the revocation period. Prohibits such restrictions and conditions from exceeding three years when the revocation period is permanent. Makes additional clarifying, conforming, and technical changes. Amends GS 20-179.63 to make a person whose driving privilege was forfeited under GS 20-166(a1) or (b) eligible for a limited driving privilege if specified conditions are met.
Part III.
Applies to offense committed on or after December 1, 2025.
| Intro. by Torbett. | GS 20 |
Makes the following changes to the Underground Utility Safety and Damage Prevention Act, Article 8A of GS Chapter 87 (Act). Expands an operator’s (i.e., a person, public utility, communications or cable service provider, municipality, electrical utility, or electric or telephone cooperative that owns or operates a facility in this State) responsibilities under GS 87-121 to now include (1) making initial contact with an excavator within three hours when there is an emergency request and (2) arranging to mark unmarked facilities (i.e., any underground line, underground system, or underground infrastructure that is used for communication, electricity, gas, petroleum, petroleum products, hazardous liquids, water, steam, or sewage) within three hours of receiving notice. Modifies provisions relating to marking the operator’s facility. Changes the time frame for an operator to provide certain information to an excavation to three full working days prior to the start date provided by the excavator for a facility (was, withing three full working days after the day notice of proposed excavation was provided). Allows operator and excavator to modify required information and notice requirements by electronically transmitted written agreements (currently, no mention of such agreements).
Modifies the notice of excavation requirements required by GS 87-122 to be given by an excavator to a Notification Center (i.e., a NC member-owned nonprofit corporation sponsored by operators that provides a system through which a person can notify operators of proposed excavations and demolitions) so that the notice for demolition or excavation that does not involve a subaqueous facility must now be given not less than three full working days prior to the proposed commencement date of the excavation or demolition (was, within three to 12 full working days before the excavation or demolition begins). Changes the expiration of the notice to 28 calendar days after the date notice was given (was, 15 full working days). Modifies the contents of the required notice so that the excavator must now give the area of locale that they reasonably believe will completed within 28 calendar days of the work start date, and excludes areas that have been completed and accepted. Requires the excavator to use safe excavation practices such as hand digging or potholing with the tolerance zone of a pipeline system. Makes technical, clarifying, and conforming changes.
Modifies GS 187-124’s exemptions to the notice requirements set forth in GS 187-122 as follows:
- Limits the exemption for an excavation or demolition that involves the tilling of soil for agricultural or gardening purposes to those that encroach on any operator's right-of-way, easement, or permitted use and are less than 12 inches in depth.
- Extends the exemptions for certain mechanisms with nonmechanized equipment to those conducted by a surveyor’s contractor.
- Removes excavations or demolitions pertaining to maintenance activities on a right-of-way by other governmental entities with labor on their permanent payroll.
Makes conforming changes.
Provides for venue for actions arising out of physical damages to facility or a party’s failure to comply with its obligations under the Act in GS 87-126. Provides for a rebuttable presumption in GS 87-128 that an excavator has exercised due care in preparing for or conducting an excavation so that it is not financially responsible to a nonresponsive operator during an excavation. Changes the standard of due care in such instances to due care in conducting or preparing the excavation (was, due care to protect existing facilities when there is evidence of the existence of those facilities near the proposed excavation area).
Modifies the vacancy and quorum provisions of the Underground Damage Prevention Review Board (Board) under GS 87-129. Requires the Board to establish an internal attendance policy, with power to Board to appoint an interim member if a member is removed or resigns for failure to meet the attendance policy. Allows Board members to appear at meetings via conference telephone or other electronic means. Allows the Utilities Commission (UC) to appoint a nonvoting ex officio member on the Board’s request. Extends the time the Board has to contact alleged violators of the Act from 10 days to 15 working days. Sets a 30-day deadline for the Board to notify individuals who it has found to have violated the Act. Provides for an informal conference upon request of the person found to be in violation of the Act. Requires Board to notify the UC if it imposes a penalty for a violation. Requires the UC to impose the penalty. Makes conforming changes. Requires the UC to annually report to the Board the compliance of persons upon whom fines or penalties have been imposed under the Act. Provides for a civil action initiated by the Attorney General for any unpaid penalties.
Effective September 1, 2025.
| Intro. by Zenger, Watford, Setzer. | GS 87 |
Section 1
Defines home business use as an accessory commercial or professional activity conducted by the owner-occupant within the dwelling that is incidental to the primary residential use. To qualify as a "home business use," the business must be operated directly by the owner-occupant and not leased or rented to a third party. Also defines live/work unit, owner-occupied, and single-family dwelling. Specifies that an owner-occupied, single-family dwelling with a home business use (Dwelling) is subject solely to the provisions of the NC State Building Code (Code) that would apply if the home had no business so long as the three listed conditions are met, including home business use of the Dwelling is permitted under local zoning law and is otherwise lawful. Specifies that the presence of such a dwelling must not alter the Dwelling’s classification as a single-family residence, cause any portion of the Dwelling to be considered a separate occupancy or trigger live/work, mixed-use, or commercial requirements under the Code, or impose any additional requirements under the Code that would not otherwise apply to single family dwellings. If the owner fails to meet the conditions for the exemption, terminates the exemption and orders the Dwelling to be subject to any applicable occupancy classification and associated requirements of the Code. Prevents a Dwelling from being reclassified solely because of the presence of a home business use. Specifies that no reinspection or reissuance of a certificate of occupancy will be required solely on that basis.
Section 2
Prohibits a local government unit from enacting or enforcing the following measures: (1) requiring a Dwelling to be classified or regulated under the commercial live/work requirements of the Code or (2) imposing any construction, fire-safety, or structural requirement more stringent than, or in addition to, those specified by the North Carolina Residential Code (RC) for single-family dwellings, solely because it is a Dwelling. Requires the NC Building Code Council and the NC Residential Code Council (collectively, Councils) to adopt permanent rules to amend their respective codes to conform to the provisions of this act. Specifies that the above provisions in Section 1 expire when those permanent rules are adopted. Applies the APA’s effective date provisions triggered when 10 or more written objections are received to the rule (GS 150B-21.3). Specifies that the provisions of the APA requiring review by the rules commission do not apply. Specifies that the provisions pertaining to local government do not impede on: (1) the authority of a county or municipality to regulate land use or to prohibit or restrict particular business activities under its zoning or police powers, including, but not limited to, adult establishments, uses involving highly flammable materials, or other operations deemed unlawful or hazardous under State or federal law; (2) any valid private covenant, deed restriction, or homeowners' association bylaw that prohibits or limits home-based businesses; and (3) the applicability of other State and federal laws, rules, and regulations to Dwellings, including health and safety laws, occupational licensing requirements, environmental standards, and any State or federal permit, license, or approval requirement.
| Intro. by Roberson, Price, Cervania. | UNCODIFIED |
Appropriates $10,112 for 2025-26 from the General Fund to the UNC Board of Governors to be allocated to the Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management in the College of Natural Resources at NC State University for a pilot program in Wake County to enhance diversity in the sport of pickleball. Requires the program to consist of: (1) at least two focus groups with people of color to gain insight into how to best create and promote a program aimed to increase diversity among pickleball participants; (2) creation of a branded program, including name, logo, and physical and digital marketing materials; (3) marketing of the program, in coordination with community partners, using specified avenues; (4) a four-week session held in the fall of 2025 and the spring of 2026 at Method Road and Chavis recreation centers in Raleigh; and (5) post-program evaluation and creation of a toolkit that can be used to implement similar programs for parks and recreation departments and other community organizations across NC. Specifies that the funds do not revert but remain available to the Department for these purposes.
Effective July 1, 2025.
| Intro. by Roberson, Baker, Logan. | APPROP |
Creates exemptions to the statutory due dates for the annual reports that must be filed by corporations (new GS 55-16-22.3), LLCs (new GS 57D-2-26), and limited liability partnerships (new GS 59-84.6) under State law for those entities owned by deployed members of the Armed Forces, as follows. For corporations and limited liability partnerships, specifies that a deployed member of the Armed Forces is a member of the United States Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, or Navy, or a member of any reserve component, who is removed from his or her county of residence pursuant to an official order for a deployment period that ends on or after the ninetieth day preceding the due date of the annual report. For LLCs the deployment period is one that ends on or after January 15 of the year in which the annual report is due. Deems an annual report timely filed for corporations and limited liability partnerships if it is filed by the requisite entity in which more than 50% of the ownership interest is owned by one or more deployed members of the Armed Forces and within 90 business days of the end of the deployment period. Imposes the same ownership requirements on LLCs owned by deployed members of the Armed Forces, but deems the date of timely filing April 15 of the year immediately following the end of the deployment period. Requires the corporation/LLC/limited liability partnership (collectively, the businesses) to file notice of deployment with the Secretary of State prior to the start of the deployment. Provides for extensions if the deployment is extended. Only allows for dissolution if the period of delinquency for the applicable ground is 180 days or more past the end of the deployment period indicated in the documentation provided to the Secretary of State. Waives document fees and the filing fee for the report due after the end of its deployment for the businesses. Makes conforming changes to GS 55-16-22 (annual report--corporations); GS 57D-2-24 (annual reports--LLC’s); and GS 59-84.4 (annual reports--limited liability partnerships). Effective October 1, 2025.
Effective when the act becomes law, requires the Secretary of State to make the notice of deployment forms available by October 1, 2025.
Contains whereas clauses. Adds to the purposes of the NC Emergency Management Act (Act) in GS 166A-19.1 so that it also includes providing for disaster recovery assistance from both federal and State funding sources to all United States citizens and legal residents of North Carolina affected by states of emergency and disaster declarations free from discrimination on the basis of political affiliation or political speech. Enacts new GS 166A-19.4, making it a Class I felony for the State or its agencies and employees to deny or discriminate against any US citizen or legal resident for disaster recovery assistance on the basis of political affiliation or political speech. Applies to offenses committed on or after December 1, 2025.
| Intro. by Hastings, Greene, Balkcom, Bell. | GS 166A |
Includes whereas clauses.
Appropriates $250,000 for 2025-26 from the General Fund to the Office of State Budget and Management for a directed grant to Steele Creek Community Place, Inc., a nonprofit organization, to support an initiative to connect opportunities and resources with the needs of all people of all backgrounds in the Steele Creek area to increase community health and wellness. Requires that the funds be allocated equally among the specified focus areas.
Appropriates $500,000 for 2025-26 from the General Fund to the Office of State Budget and Management for a directed grant to the Steele Creek Fire and Rescue Service, Inc., a nonprofit organization, to support the needs of the fire department, including the purchase of specified items.
Appropriates $500,000 for 2025-26 from the General Fund to the Department of Transportation for a comprehensive traffic study of traffic patterns and potential changes to Shopton Road West from South Tryon to Highway 160.
Effective July 1, 2025.
| Intro. by T. Brown, Reives. | APPROP, Mecklenburg |
Includes whereas clauses. Enacts new GS 103-19 as title indicates.
| Intro. by Price, Goodwin, Majeed. | GS 103 |
Repeals Article 12 of GS Chapter 95 (preventing public employees of the State or any political subdivision thereof from unionizing and striking). Adds new GS 95-78.1, applying the provisions of Article 10 of GS Chapter 95 (declaration of policy as to labor organizations) to public employees and to all State and local government employers in the State.
| Intro. by Hawkins, Alston, Lopez, T. Brown. | GS 95 |
Section 1
Appropriates $54 million from the General Fund to the Office of State Budget and Management (OSBM) for 2025-26 to provide a directed grant to Hoke County to be used for the seven specified purposes, including $5 million for the construction of a new mental health/rehabilitation facility and $11 million for water and sewer needs.
Section 2
Appropriates $83.2 million from the General Fund to OSBM for 2025-26 to provide a directed grant to Scotland County to be used for the four specified purposes, including $80 million for the construction of a new courthouse and jail facility and $1.2 million to build a new EMS/fire station in the Town of Wagram.
Section 3
Appropriates $33 million from the General Fund to OSBM for 2025-26 to provide a directed grant to the City of Laurinburg to be used for the two specified purposes, including $29 million for water/wastewater capital projects.
Section 4
Appropriates $24,810 from the General Fund to OSBM for 2025-26 to provide a directed grant to the Town of Gibson to be used for the two specified purposes for the lagoon station.
Section 5
Appropriates $185,000 from the General Fund to OSBM for 2025-26 to provide a directed grant to the Town of Wagram to be used for the three specified purposes, including $125,000 for tree root removal and pothole repairs.
Section 6
Appropriates $6 million from the General Fund to OSBM for 2025-26 to provide a directed grant to St. Andrews University for repairs to the Belk Center, which suffered hurricane damage.
Effective July 1, 2025.
The Daily Bulletin: 2025-02-27
AN ACT TO APPOINT PERSONS TO VARIOUS PUBLIC OFFICES UPON THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE PRESIDENT PRO TEMPORE OF THE SENATE AND THE SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. SL 2025-1. Enacted February 27, 2025. Effective February 27, 2025.
| Intro. by Rabon. | UNCODIFIED |
Now designates personally identifiable student disciplinary records that are in the custody of a public institution of higher education as confidential non-public records under GS 116-43.17, even if a release of those records would be permitted under the federal Family Rights and Privacy Act. Clarifies that the act does not limit the release of public records that do not contain personally identifiable information. Makes technical and conforming changes, including to statute's title. Defines personally identifiable information, personally identifiable student disciplinary records, and public institution of higher education. Makes conforming changes to GS 115D-78 and GS 132-1.2 to account for new exception. Applies to requests for personally identifiable student disciplinary records submitted on or after the act becomes law.
Appropriates $3.5 million for 2025-26 from the General Fund to the Department of Transportation, Division of Aviation (Division), to be allocated to Forsyth County to renovate the Smith Reynolds Airport Maintenance Repair and Overhaul hangar. Specifies how the funds must be used. Requires the Division to report quarterly on the use of the funds to the specified NCGA committee and division. Effective July 1, 2025.
Enacts new Article 9, Housing Market Manipulation, in GS Chapter 75, providing as follows. Sets out NCGA findings related to the state's urban growth, businesses purchasing homes as rental properties, and home ownership. States that the NCGA seeks to balance the interests of building wealth through the use of business entities acquiring properties for rental purposes against the State, local, and individual economic benefits that result from having a citizenry broadly engaged in and accruing the advantages attendant to home ownership.
Makes it illegal for any person (as defined), including affiliates of the person, to purchase a single-family home in a qualifying county for a purpose other than for use by the person as a residence if the person, including affiliates of the person, owns 100 or more single-family homes in qualifying counties that are used primarily for rental purposes. Defines a qualifying county as a county with a population greater than 150,000 as of the most recent decennial census. Defines a single family home as a residential structure that is either a fully detached or semi-detached building or that is a row or town home that (1) is separated from the adjacent unit by a ground-to-roof wall, (2) does not share heating or air-conditioning systems or utilities, and (3) does not have units located above or below.
Gives the Attorney General the same authority under this Article to make rules, conduct civil investigations, bring civil actions, and enter into assurances of discontinuances as provided under GS Chapter 75. Allows the court to award or impose any relief available under GS Chapter 75. Allows bringing a civil action for violations, allowing courts to impose civil penalties of up to $100 per day for each single-family home acquired in violation of this Article. Also allows the court to award a prevailing plaintiff one or more of the following: (1) equitable relief; (2) damages; (3) costs and fees, including reasonable attorneys' fees; and (4) exemplary damages equal to the greater of $50,000 or three times the total of damages, costs, and fees. Allows awarding a prevailing defendant costs and fees, including reasonable attorneys' fees, upon a finding by the court that the action was not well-grounded in fact and warranted by existing law or was interposed for any improper purpose.
Sets out the process for the joinder of interested parties. Provides that if a party is unable to pay an amount awarded by the court, the court may find an interested party joined as jointly and severally liable for violation of the Article and make the award recoverable against any or all of the joined parties.
Specifies that the Article does not limit rights and remedies available to the State or to any person under any other law and does not alter or restrict the Attorney General's authority under this Article concerning conduct involving assertions of violations of this Article.
| Intro. by Moffitt. | GS 75 |
Appropriates $150 million for 2025-26 from the General Fund to the North Carolina Housing Trust Fund to be administered in accordance with GS Chapter 122E (North Carolina Housing Trust and Oil Overcharge Act) in those counties designated before, on, or after the effective date of the act under a major disaster declaration by the President as a result of Hurricane Helene. Effective July 1, 2025.
| Intro. by Daniel, Moffitt, Mayfield. | APPROP |
Enacts new GS 115C-270.15A, barring the State Board of Education (Board) from adopting rules or policies requiring an applicant for a teaching license to complete a standardized examination as a condition for licensure. Repeals GS 115C-269.15(a) (testing requirement for educator preparation programs [EPP]), GS 115C-269.25(g) (pedagogy assessment for EPP’s), and GS 115C-270.15 (examination requirements for licensure). Makes conforming changes to GS 115C-270.20 (teaching licensure requirements).
| Intro. by McInnis, Johnson, Moffitt. | GS 115C |
Modifies GS 130A-280 (concerning scope of laws applying to public swimming pools), as amended by Section 4.51 of SL 2024-49, as follows. Removes list of minimum requirements that a private pool serving a single family dwelling must meet if it is offered to, and used by, individuals on a temporary basis utilizing a sharing economy platform (defined). Instead, now specifies that in all cases in which a fee is exchanged for access to a private pool serving a single family dwelling used only by the residents of the dwelling and their guests, the private pool must be maintained in good and safe working order. Makes organizational changes. Makes technical changes to account for organization of statute in GS Chapter 130A and other conforming changes, including to the statute's title. Effective July 1, 2025.
| Intro. by Jarvis. | GS 130A |
Amends GS 14-399 as the titles indicates. Sets out the kinds of documents that are sufficient to meet the presumption. Makes additional technical and clarifying changes. Applies to offense committed on or after December 1, 2025.
| Intro. by McInnis, Jarvis, Daniel. | GS 14 |
Appropriates $30 million from the General Fund to the Office of State Budget and Management for the 2025-26 fiscal year to provide a directed grant to Durham County to be used as title indicates. Effective July 1, 2025.
Reenacts GS 105-151.31, which sunset on January 1, 2014, concerning the earned income tax credit an individual could claim under section 32 of the Internal Revenue Code. Sets the earned income tax credit at 5% (previously, 4.5% for taxable year 2013 and 5% for all other taxable years). Repeals the reenacted statute effective for taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2028. Effective January 1, 2025.
| Intro. by Mohammed, Lowe, Applewhite. | GS 105 |
Appropriates $500,000 from the General Fund to the Office of State Budget and Management for 2025-26 to provide a directed grant to Durham County for the repair and improvement of various orphan roads in non-municipal areas of the County, which would allow the Department of Transportation to accept these roads for State maintenance. Effective July 1, 2025.
Identical to H156, filed 2/18/25.
Amends GS 58-50-130 (required health care provisions of the Small Employer Group Health Insurance Reform Act) to allow certain insurers and carriers to provide stop loss, catastrophic, or reinsurance coverage to small employers who employ more than five eligible employees (was, small employers with 12 or more employees). Effective October 1, 2025, and applies to contracts issued, renewed, or amended on or after that date.
| Intro. by Johnson, Galey, Moffitt. | GS 58 |
Expands the scope of Article 22A of GS Chapter 14 to govern trespass upon unposted property to hunt, fish, trap, or remove pine needles/straw, as follows. Makes it a Class 3 misdemeanor under GS 14-159.6(a1) to willfully go on another person's land, waters, ponds, or a legally established waterfowl blind of another that is not posted in accordance with the provisions of GS 14-159.7 to access public trust waters from land, hunt, fish, or trap without written permission from the landowner, lessee, or agent of the property owner that is dated within the last 12 months. Modifies the provisions in GS 14-159.6(a), governing trespass on posted property so that it also prohibits trespass on land to access public trust waters. Modifies the affirmative defense available under the section so that it requires the offender to have obtained written permission prior to entry (currently, just need to obtain permission). Makes organizational, technical, and conforming changes.
Specifies in GS 113-276.3 (concerning mandatory suspension of licenses issued by the Wildlife Resources Commission [WRC]) that violating GS Chapter 113’s Subchapter IV, pertaining to conservation of marine and estuarine, and wildlife resources, or of any rule adopted by the WRC under the subchapter which is subject to a penalty greater than a Class 3 misdemeanor upon first offense and a Class 2 misdemeanor for subsequent convictions within three years, is a suspension offense with a conviction resulting in a suspension for a period of one year. Modifies the suspension offense requirements for GS 14-159.6(a) pertaining to trespass on posted property so that any violation is a suspension offense for a two-year period (currently, just third or more offenses are suspension offenses). Makes conforming changes.
Broadens the scope of the Class 2 misdemeanor set forth in GS 113-294(d1) so that a violation of any provision of GS 14-159.6(a) is an act covered by the misdemeanor (currently, just possessing, transporting, or taking a deer from posted land without written permission). Increases the fine from a minimum of $500 to not less than $1,000. Makes it a Class 2 misdemeanor for a person to violate GS 14-159.6(a1) (trespass on unposted property discussed above) twice or more within a three-year period.
Adds new GS 14-280.4, making it a Class 3 misdemeanor for any person to willfully launch any motorized or unmotorized watercraft from the right-of-way of a public highway or street into a body of water adjacent to the right-of-way, except in public areas designated for boating access.
Applies to offenses committed on or after October 1, 2025.
Includes whereas clauses. Requires the Senate to consider whether to confirm Pamela Brewington Cashwell as the Secretary of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.
| Intro. by Rabon. | UNCODIFIED |
The Daily Bulletin: 2025-02-27
Amends GS 160D-601(d), as amended by Section 3K.1 of SL 2024-57, as follows. Allows down-zoning amendments to be initiated by a local government for the purpose of (1) farmland preservation in districts zoned for agriculture or (2) floodplain mitigation in areas designated as special flood hazard areas by FEMA, without the written consent of all property owners whose property is the subject of the amendment. Removes prohibition on enacting such amendments without the written consent of the property owners whose property owners are subject to the amendment, but specifies that such amendments cannot be initiated or enforced without such written consent. Narrows the list of what is considered down-zoning under the statute by removing a zoning ordinance that affects an area of land by creating any type of nonconformity on land not in a residential zoning district, including a nonconforming use, nonconforming lot, nonconforming structure, nonconforming improvement, or nonconforming site element. Applicable only to Henderson County and the portions of municipalities that are located in Henderson County. Applies retroactively to December 11, 2024. Makes an adopted ordinance affected by Section 3K.1 of SL 2024-57, in effect as it was on or before December 11, 2024.
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 for the Granville County Schools and Vance County Schools with additional flexibility in adopting their school calendars by removing the specified opening and closing dates. Applies beginning with the 2025-26 school year.
The Daily Bulletin: 2025-02-27
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 Charlotte-Mecklenburg 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.
| Intro. by Salvador, Waddell, Mohammed. | Mecklenburg, GS 115C |
Clarifies, under Section 41 of SL 1947-677 (definitions provision of the act authorizing Winston-Salem and Forsyth County to adopt zoning laws), that Board of Alderman and City Council have the same meaning. Directs, under Section 23 of SL 1947-677, as amended, that the City of Winston-Salem and Forsyth County must enact an ordinance to confer authority upon the joint City and County Planning Board to either revise existing zoning ordinances or to prepare new ordinances. Allows the city to enact ordinances to confer the authority for the rezoning of property, including site plan amendments, to the joint City and County Planning Board, with right of appeal and review by the City Council. Requires that authority to be exercised by the joint City and County Planning Board under such rules, regulations, and guidelines as may be established by the City Council. Makes technical changes, including replacing references to the Board of Alderman with City Council. Applicable to Winston-Salem only.
| Intro. by Lowe. | UNCODIFIED, Forsyth |
Amends GS 160D-601(d), as amended by Section 3K.1 of SL 2024-57, as follows. Allows down-zoning amendments to be initiated by a local government without the written consent of all property owners whose property is the subject of the amendment. Removes prohibition on enacting such amendments without the written consent of the property owners whose property owners are subject to the amendment, but specifies that such amendments cannot be initiated or enforced without such written consent. Narrows the list of what is considered down-zoning under the statute by removing a zoning ordinance that affects an area of land by creating any type of nonconformity on land not in a residential zoning district, including a nonconforming use, nonconforming lot, nonconforming structure, nonconforming improvement, or nonconforming site element. Applicable only to Chatham, Durham, and Wake counties and the municipalities located therein. Effective when the act becomes law and applies retroactively to December 11, 2024. Directs that any adopted ordinance affected by Section 3K.1 of SL 2024-57 will be in effect as it was on or before December 11, 2024.
Amends the Pineville Town Charter, SL 1965-296, as amended, by adding a new section that allows the town to establish a reserve police division in addition to any auxiliary police department established pursuant to GS 160A-282. Allows reserve division officers to be compensated for active-duty time. Requires the town council to set the compensation amount and cause it to be paid.
| Intro. by Salvador. | Mecklenburg |
Applicable only to the City of Charlotte, makes the provisions of GS Chapter 20 pertaining to use of highways and the operation of motor vehicles applicable to the streets, roadways, and alleys on the properties owned by or under the control of the Park South Station Master Association, Inc., or the members of the Park South Station Master Association, Inc. Specifies that the streets, roadways, and alleys in the Park South Station Community have the same meanings as highways and public vehicular areas as set forth in GS 20-4.01 (definitions). Directs that a violation of any of those laws is punishable as prescribed by those laws. Authorizes a law enforcement officer of a law enforcement agency that has contracted with the Park South Station Master Association Inc., to enforce the motor vehicle laws that will be applicable to the Park South Station Master Association. Clarifies that the act does not impact the ownership or control of the streets, roadways, and alleys of the Park South Station Master Association, Inc. or its members, nor will the act impact the current speed limit. Directs that any proposed change in the speed limit be submitted to the Charlotte City Council, who may authorize by ordinance higher or lower speed limits.
| Intro. by Salvador. | UNCODIFIED, Mecklenburg |
Amends Section 13.8 of the Wilmington City Charter, Conditions and Restrictions on the Sale of Property, to allow the city to make any sale, exchange, or transfer of property in any manner authorized by general or local law. Current law is limited to methods in GS 160A-268 through 160A-271 allowing for advertisement for sealed bids, negotiating offers and advertising for upset bids, public auction, and exchange of property.
Adds subsection (b), allowing the city council to convey real property with restrictions including by public sale or private negotiated sale in addition to other authorized means. Requires the transfer be in furtherance of adopted city policies or plans for the area. Allows the city to attach covenants, conditions, and/or restrictions to the conveyance. Permits consideration received by the city to reflect the restricted use of the property resulting from covenants, conditions, or restrictions. Authorizes the city to invite bids or written proposals for purchases. Allows transactions made pursuant to this section to be contingent upon necessary rezoning. Requires the conveyance to be made only pursuant to city council resolution. Details notice by publication requirements for transactions. Clarifies that authority in this section does not limit any other authority granted by the charter, general law, or local law.
| Intro. by Lee, Rabon. | UNCODIFIED, New Hanover |
Revises and consolidates the Charter of the Town of Pinetops to now provide the following.
Provides for the Town of Pinetop's (Town)'s incorporation, grants the Town general powers, and sets out the Town's corporate boundaries.
Establishes the five-member Town Board of Commissioners (Board) and the Mayor as the Town's governing body, with the mayor elected to serve a four-year term and Board members serving staggered four-year terms. Includes mayor and member residency requirements. Sets forth the duties of the Mayor. Requires the Board to select a Mayor Pro Tempore from among its members and details their powers. Provides for Board meetings, quorum, voting, and filling of vacancies.
Provides for nonpartisan municipal elections in odd-numbered years. Regarding Board elections, requires all members be elected at-large on a staggered schedule. Authorizes special elections to be held as provided by statutory law and local acts.
Establishes the Town's operation under the mayor-council form of government in accordance with Part 3 of Article 7 of GS Chapter 160A. Allows the Board to appoint a Town Administrator, with duties as prescribed by the Board. Requires the Board to appoint a Town Attorney. Directs the Board to appoint a Town Clerk and a Finance Director.
Requires contracts to be executed in accordance with general law. Requires all money received by the Town or in connection with Town business to be paid into the town's depository; sets out requirements related to the depository and those funds. Requires annual independent audits of the Town's accounts.
Specifies the legislative purpose and intent of the act to revise and consolidate the Town Charter.
Repeals SL 1921-64 (extra session).
Specifies that the Mayor and members of the Board serving on the date this act becomes law will serve until the expiration of their terms or until their successors are elected and qualified. Thereafter, those offices must be filled as provided in Articles II and III of the Charter contained above
Specifies that the act does not affect any rights or interests that arose under any provisions repealed by this act.
Provides for the continued validity of all existing ordinances, resolutions, and other provisions of the Town not inconsistent with the act. Includes a severability clause. Provides a savings clause for pending actions and proceedings.
| Intro. by Smith. | UNCODIFIED, Edgecombe |
Amends GS 115C-84.2(d) as title indicates. Requires Durham and Person County Schools to open no earlier than August 10 (currently, prohibited from opening earlier than the Monday closest to August 26), excluding year-round schools. Deletes the provisions of subsection (d) concerning waiver of the opening date requirements upon a showing of good cause. Amends GS 115C-174.12 allowing Durham County Schools, if the school calendar concludes the fall semester before December 31, to administer assessments before the conclusion of that semester. Applies beginning with the 2025-26 school year.
Substantively identical to H 208, filed 2/25/25.
Expands the scope of GS 132-111A (which gives specified localities limited access to the identifying information for minors participating in local government programs and programs funded by the North Carolina Partnership for Children, Inc, or a local partnership), by making it applicable to Durham County.
Amends GS 160D-601(d), as amended by Section 3K.1 of SL 2024-57, as follows. Allows down-zoning amendments to be initiated by a local government without the written consent of all property owners whose property is the subject of the amendment. Removes prohibition on enacting such amendments without the written consent of the property owners whose property owners are subject to the amendment, but specifies that such amendments cannot be initiated or enforced without such written consent. Narrows the list of what is considered down-zoning under the statute by removing a zoning ordinance that affects an area of land by creating any type of nonconformity on land not in a residential zoning district, including a nonconforming use, nonconforming lot, nonconforming structure, nonconforming improvement, or nonconforming site element. Applicable only to Granville and Wake counties and the municipalities located therein. Effective when the act becomes law and applies retroactively to December 11, 2024. Directs that any adopted ordinance affected by Section 3K.1 of SL 2024-57 will be in effect as it was on or before December 11, 2024.
Blank bill.
| Intro. by Bradley. | Mecklenburg |
Removes the two described tracts from the corporate limits of the Town of Four Oaks. Specifies that this act has no effect upon the validity of any liens of the Town for ad valorem taxes or special assessments outstanding before the act's effective date; allows those liens to be collected or foreclosed upon after the effective date of this act as though the property were still within the Town's corporate limits. Effective June 30, 2025. Specifies that property in the described area as of January 1, 2025, is no longer subject to municipal taxes for taxes imposed for taxable years beginning on or after July 1, 2025.
| Intro. by Sawrey. | UNCODIFIED, Johnston |
Blank bill.
| Intro. by Robinson. | Guilford |
Amends GS 160A-58.1, as the title indicates.
Amends GS 160A-58.1 as the title indicates. Makes additional organizational changes.
Actions on Bills: 2025-02-27
H 40: GSC TECHNICAL CORRECTIONS 2025 PART 1.
H 44: GSC ELECTRONIC SIGNATURES.
H 48: INCREASE UI MAX BENEFIT/2025 UI TAX CREDIT.
H 52: PROTECT THOSE WHO SERVE & PROTECT ACT OF 2025.
H 74: HOUSE BUDGET TECHNICAL CORRECTIONS.
H 157: STATE OF THE STATE INVITATION.
H 210: PERPETUAL CARE OF CERTAIN CEMETERIES.
H 211: THE KELSEY SMITH ACT.
H 212: CONDEMNATION/SERVICE ON SPOUSES NOT REQUIRED.
H 213: POST NC VETERANS' BENEFITS.
H 214: FAITHFUL ARTICLE V COMMISSIONER ACT.
H 216: CAM ACCESSIBILITY & SUSTAINABILITY ACT.
H 217: DRIVER EDUC./18 YRS & OLDER & UNLICENSED.
H 218: EMERGENCY INFO ON DMV APPLICATIONS.
H 219: COUNTIES/FRANCHISE AMBULANCE SERVICE.
H 222: C.O.O.P.E.R. ACCOUNTABILITY ACT.
H 224: STRENGTHEN OUR TRIBAL COMMUNITIES ACT.
H 227: U.S. & N.C. FLAGS/MADE IN USA.
H 228: CITY OF ASHEVILLE/FUNDS FOR STUDY.
H 229: MEDICAID RATES/AMBULATORY SURGICAL CENTERS.
H 230: CREATE CRIME FOR HABITUAL DOMESTIC VIOLENCE.
H 231: SOCIAL WORK INTERSTATE LICENSURE COMPACT.
H 232: FUNDS/SHORT-LINE RAILROAD DISASTER ASSISTANCE.
H 233: FUNDS FOR TOWN OF MILTON.
H 234: LITTLE FEDERAL MODEL NC EDITION.
H 235: FRAUDULENT DEEDS.
H 236: REMEMBER 9/11 WITH FREEDOM FLAG.
H 237: CHILD WELFARE.
H 238: REIMBURSE BUNCOMBE CO. FOR COST OF STUDY.
H 244: DEPOLITICIZE GOVERNMENT PROPERTY ACT.
H 245: AFFORDABLE HOUSING IN RURAL AREAS.
H 246: LIAM'S LAW.
H 247: 8-1-1 AMENDMENTS.
H 248: LIVE/WORK EXEMPTION FOR ONE-FAMILY DWELLINGS.
H 249: DIVERSITY IN PICKLEBALL PILOT PROGRAM.
H 250: WAIVE ANNUAL REPORT/FEE FOR DEPLOYED MILITARY.
H 251: DISASTER RESPONSE FUNDING/NONDISCRIMINATION.
H 252: STEELE CREEK INVESTMENT AND IMPROVEMENT ACT.
H 254: ADOPT TUSKEGEE AIRMEN DAY.
H 256: ALLOW PUBLIC EMPLOYEE COLLECTIVE BARGAINING.
H 257: FUNDS FOR SCOTLAND & HOKE PROJECTS.
S 115: GENERAL ASSEMBLY APPOINTMENTS.
S 177: ADD PSYCHIATRIC HOSPITALS TO MEDICAID HASP.
S 178: ASSESSMENT OF SELF-STORAGE FACILITIES.
S 179: PARTNERSHIP WITH VOICES TOGETHER.
S 181: INCREASE FUNDING FOR MOBILE CRISIS UNITS.
S 182: FUNDS/CONOVER WATER AND WASTEWATER.
S 183: FUNDS FOR VSO IN JONES COUNTY.
S 184: SYSTEM DEVELOPMENT FEES/EXEMPTION.
S 186: FUNDS FOR LADDER TRUCK FOR WS FIRE STATION 19.
S 188: FINANCIAL SUPPORT TO NC4ME.
S 190: PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT LICENSURE COMPACT.
S 191: CFSS GUN PRSNT. FOR GRADE 7 AND 9 STUDENTS.
S 192: INCREASE VEHICLE SAFETY INSPECTION FEE.
S 193: UPDATE REGISTER OF DEEDS' SUPP. PENSION FUND.
S 195: PROTECT CAMPUS SURVIVORS ACT.
S 197: FUNDS FOR SMITH REYNOLDS AIRPORT MRO HANGAR.
S 199: HOME OWNERSHIP MARKET MANIPULATION.
S 200: HOUSING SUPPORT FOR HURRICANE IMPACTED AREAS.
S 204: REMOVE TESTING REQUIREMENT FOR TEACHER LISC.
S 205: CLARIFY SWIMMING POOL LAWS/PRIV. POOL RENTALS.
S 207: LITTER LAW/REBUTTABLE PRESUMPTION.
S 210: FUNDS/DURHAM CO. WASTEWATER UTILITY/RTP.
S 211: REENACT THE EARNED INCOME TAX CREDIT.
S 217: FUNDS TO REPAIR ORPHAN ROADS IN DURHAM COUNTY.
S 218: INCREASE ACCESS FOR SMALL EMPLOYERS/INSURANCE.
S 220: PROTECT PRIVATE PROPERTY RIGHTS.-AB
S 221: CONFIRM PAM CASHWELL/SEC. N & CR.
Actions on Bills: 2025-02-27
H 208: PARTNERSHIP FOR CHILDREN INFORMATION ACCESS.
H 209: EMPLOYEE HOUSING/DURHAM COUNTY.
H 215: PROTECT CHARLOTTE FIREFIGHTERS' RET. SYSTEM.
H 220: TABOR CITY/CERTAIN PUBLIC ENTERPRISE FUNDS.
H 221: TABOR CITY/RAILROAD REVITALIZATION PROJECT.
H 223: TOWN OF MOORESVILLE/PROPERTY CONVEYANCE.
H 225: RESTORE DOWN-ZONING/WAKE FOREST & ROLESVILLE.
H 226: CITY OF GREENSBORO/DEANNEXATIONS.
H 253: RESTORE DOWN-ZONING/FARMLAND & FLOODPLAIN.
H 255: SCHCALFLEX/GRANVILLE,VANCE/OPEN CAL.
S 173: 23RD SENATORIAL DISTRICT LOCAL ACT-1.
S 174: RUTHERFORD CTY/ISOTHERMAL CC CONSTRUCTION.
S 175: FLEXIBILITY IN FILLING VACANCIES/DURHAM.
S 176: LET MITCHELL CO, NC SIGN MOU WITH UNICOI CO.
S 180: ANSON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS.
S 185: RESTORE DOWN-ZONING/FORSYTH CO.
S 187: 32ND SENATORIAL DISTRICT LOCAL ACT-1.
S 189: WINSTON-SALEM CIVIL SERVICE BOARD.
S 194: SCHCALFLEX/CHAR-MECK/CC.
S 196: WINSTON-SALEM/FORSYTH CO. PLANNING & ZONING.
S 198: RESTORE DOWN-ZONING AUTH./MULTIPLE COUNTIES.
S 201: TOWN OF PINEVILLE/RESERVE POLICE.
S 202: PARK SOUTH STATION TRAFFIC CITATIONS.
S 203: CITY OF WILMINGTON/PROPERTY CONVEYANCES.
S 206: PINETOPS CHARTER REVISED & CONSOLIDATED.
S 208: SCHCALFLEX/DURHAM/AUG 10 & ASSMNTS.
S 209: DATA PRIVACY FOR MINORS.
S 212: RESTORE DOWN-ZONING AUTH./GRANVILLE & WAKE.
S 213: 42ND SENATORIAL DISTRICT LOCAL ACT-1.
S 214: FOUR OAKS/CREEDMOOR DEANNEXATIONS. (NEW)
S 215: 28TH SENATORIAL DISTRICT LOCAL ACT-1.
S 216: SHARPSBURG SATELLITE ANNEXATION.
S 219: STALLINGS/MARVIN SATELLITE ANNEXATIONS. (NEW)
© 2025 School of Government The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
This work is copyrighted and subject to "fair use" as permitted by federal copyright law. No portion of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without the express written permission of the publisher. Distribution by third parties is prohibited. Prohibited distribution includes, but is not limited to, posting, e-mailing, faxing, archiving in a public database, installing on intranets or servers, and redistributing via a computer network or in printed form. Unauthorized use or reproduction may result in legal action against the unauthorized user.