House committee substitute to the 1st edition reorganizes the act’s provisions and makes the following changes. Removes changes to GS 14-269.2 (weapons on campus or other educational property) and changes to GS 14-269 (adding to the exception from the prohibition set forth in GS 14-269 against carrying a concealed weapon when a person is not on their own premises to include any elected official or person appointed to fill an elective office when the person is acting in the discharge of their official duties and possess a concealed handgun permit or an out-of-state permit as specified). Makes conforming changes, including to act’s long title.
Section 1 (was, Section 1.2).
Modifies those former servicemembers prevented from carrying a concealed handgun under new GS 14-415.35 so that it is limited to those discharged under dishonorable conditions (was, conditions other than honorable). Changes timeframe under which a person committed of certain crimes is prevented from carrying a concealed weapon from three years prior to the date of the application to three years prior to the date on which the person is carrying the weapon. Removes provision preventing a person convicted of an impaired driving offense under the circumstances described from carrying a concealed weapon.
Reduces the penalty for violations of GS 14-415.36 (barring concealed weapons in certain areas) from a Class 1 misdemeanor to an infraction that may incur a fine up to $500.
Section 2 (was, Section 1.11).
Clarifies, in GS 14-415.10A, that the concealed handgun permit system under GS Chapter 14 does not prevent a person from carrying a handgun pursuant to GS Chapter 54.
Section 3.
Amends GS 14-415.12(b) as follows. Modifies those former servicemembers whose concealed weapons permit applications must be denied by the sheriff so that they are limited to those discharged under dishonorable conditions (was, conditions other than honorable). Removes provision requiring the sheriff to deny an application for a concealed weapons permit to a person convicted of an impaired driving offense under the circumstances described.
Section 4 (was, Section 1.1).
Amends GS 14-269, which prohibits carrying concealed weapons, to establish that the term weapon does not include a firearm for purposes of subsection (a) (was, the statute). Reinstates GS 14-269(a1) so that it now makes it unlawful for a person to carry a concealed firearm, except a handgun carried pursuant to Articles 54B or 54C of GS Chapter 14. Reinstates provisions making violations of GS 14-269(a1) a Class 2 misdemeanor for the first violation and a Class H felony for the second or subsequent offenses.
Section 7 (was, Section 1.4).
Makes clarifying change to GS 14-269.4 (concerning weapons of State property and in courthouses).
Section 18 (was, Section 3.2).
Changes the effective date to December 1, 2025 and specifies that the act applies to offenses committed on or after that date (was, effective when it became law).
The Daily Bulletin: 2025-03-19
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The Daily Bulletin: 2025-03-19
House committee substitute to the 1st edition makes the following changes. Removes the provisions pertaining to formal hearings before the Underground Damage Prevention Review Board requested by a person determined to have committed a violation under GS 87-129(b1). Makes organizational changes.
| Intro. by Zenger, Watford, Setzer. | GS 87 |
House committee substitute to the 1st edition broadens the term utility or communications worker in GS 14-33(c)(10) (assault against utility or communications services workers) to include an employee, agent, or contractor of an organization, entity, or company (as described) that provides liquid petroleum, water or wastewater services.
| Intro. by K. Hall, Miller, Crawford, Jeffers. | GS 14 |
House committee substitute to the 1st edition makes the following changes. Changes the number of courses that a full-time staff member may enroll in at UNC under the tuition waiver authorized by GS 116-143 to more than three per year (was, no more than three per year). Makes conforming, organizational, and technical changes.
| Intro. by Campbell, Pickett, Chesser, Willis. | GS 116 |
House committee substitute to the 1st edition makes the following changes.
Reorganizes the provisions of Leon’s Law to new GS 115D-10.80, titled Education Records (was, academic records) of Minor Students (was, its own Article 10 in GS Chapter 115D). Now directs the State Board of Community Colleges to require each community college to adopt a policy that implements the statute’s directives. Changes requirement that community colleges make education records automatically available to the requesting party to a directive that the community college instead provide the requesting party the record. Makes technical, clarifying and organizational changes.
| Intro. by Pickett, Cotham, Liu, Hawkins. | GS 115D |
Part I.
Adds the following terms to the definitions governing utilization reviews (GS 58-50-61): chronic or long-term condition, closely related service, course of treatment, prior authorization, and urgent healthcare service. Modifies the definitions of the terms clinical peer, emergency services, participating provider, stabilize, and utilization review (UR).
Sets forth the five following clinical criteria that every insurer’s or utilization review organization (URO)’s UR program must meet:
- The criteria used is based on applicable nationally recognized medical standards.
- The clinical review and standards used are consistent with applicable government guidelines.
- The clinical review provides for the delivery of a healthcare service in a clinically appropriate type, frequency, and setting and for a clinically appropriate duration.
- The criteria used in the clinical review reflects the current medical and scientific evidence regarding emerging procedures, clinical guidelines, and best practices, as articulated in independent, peer-reviewed medical literature.
- The clinical review is sufficiently flexible to allow deviations from the norm when justified on a case-by-case basis to ensure access to care.
Prevents an insurer or URO from developing its own criteria governing when a patient needs to be placed in a substance abuse treatment program. Now requires that a noncertification (i.e., a denial of insurance coverage) are to be made by a medical doctor who, in addition to the licensure requirements described, is of the same specialty as the provider managing the patient’s condition underlying the request for services and who has experience treating patients with that condition. Requires physicians to issue noncertifications under the clinical direction of the insurer’s medical directors as described. Extends the statute’s obligations in issuing a UR to URO’s (currently, just insurers). Provides for notice if the insurer or its URO is questioning the medical necessity of the healthcare service under review along with opportunity for consultation with the insured’s healthcare provider. Requires insurers to maintain a public list of services for which a UR is required, including those provided by a third party contractor, and ensure that its UR does the same.
Modifies the timeline for completion of a prospective or current UR, including requiring a 24-hour turnaround as described for urgent healthcare services and requiring coverage of emergency services to screen and stabilize an insured. (Currently, UR timeline is three business days after insurer receives the described information.) Also sets out timelines governing non-urgent healthcare services and emergency services. Provides a timeline governing instances when the insurer or URO requires additional information.
Extends the statute’s obligations governing retrospective UR’s to URO’s. Modifies the notice requirements for noncertifications in these instances. Subject to the provisions governing UR statistics, prevents an insurer from revoking, limit, condition, or restrict a UR if care that has been previously certified by the insurer or its URO is provided within 45 business days from the date the provider received the UR. Requires an insurer to pay a provider unless any of the six specified conditions apply, including that the provider failed to meet the insurer's timely filing requirements and that the covered person was no longer eligible for healthcare on the day the care was provided.
Modifies the requirements for notice of noncertification so that the information has to include the name and medical specialty of all medical doctors involved in the noncertification. Instructs that if an insurer or URO failing to approve, deny, or request additional information for a requested UR within the applicable time frames is deemed to have approved the request. Requires that a medical doctor review appeals as specified. Extends obligations governing non-expedited appeals and expedited appeals to UROs. Requires disclosure of UR processes in detail and easily understandable language in the listed documents, now including the insurer’s website. Sets forth notice requirements that apply when an insurer intends to implement a new UR requirement or restriction or if it amends its current requirements/restrictions. Specifies that the notice provisions do not apply if an insurer removes a UR requirement or restriction or amends a restriction or requirement to be less restrictive. Requires disclosure of the specified UR statistics as described on the insurer’s website.
Directs that UR is valid for the entire duration of the approved course of treatment and effective regardless of any changes in dosage for a prescription drug prescribed by a provider. Specifies that if an insurer requires a UR for a healthcare service for the treatment of a chronic or long-term care condition, then the UR is valid for the length of the treatment and the insurer may not require the covered person to obtain a UR determination again for the healthcare service. Sets forth five provisions applicable to continuity of care.
Except for URs that pending review by an insurer or URO, prevents an insurer from requiring a to request a UR for a healthcare service in order for the covered person to whom the healthcare service is being provided to receive coverage for the service if, within the most recent 12-month period, the insurer or its URO has issued certifications, or would have issued certifications, for not less than 80% of the UR’s submitted by the provider for that healthcare service. Permits an insurer to evaluate whether the provider continues to qualify for the exemption once every 12 months. Specifies six conditions that apply to the exemption, including conditions under which the insurer may revoke the exemption and a healthcare provider’s right of appeal to an insurer’s denial of an exemption. Clarifies that the exemption does not require an insurer to evaluate an existing exemption or prevent an insurer from establishing a longer exemption period.
Directs that any failure by an insurer or URO to comply with the deadlines and other requirements in GS 58-50-61 results in any healthcare service subject to review to be automatically deemed authorized by the insurer.
Makes technical, organizational, conforming, and clarifying changes.
Enacts GS 58-3-500, requiring insurers offering health benefits to provide the six prongs of required information pertaining to UR’s to the Insurance Commissioner (Commissioner) by March 1 each year. Authorizes the Commissioner to adopt rules, including requiring additional information pertaining to UR’s. Requires the Commissioner to submit an annual report to the specified NCGA committee by April 1 each year. Provides for a $5,000 daily fine for each day an insurer fails to provide the information required under GS 58-3-500.
Applies to insurance contracts issued, renewed, or amended on or after October 1, 2025.
Directs the State Treasurer and the Executive Administrator of the State Health Plan to review all practices of the State Health Plan and all contracts with, and practices of, any third party conducting any utilization review on behalf of the State Health Plan to ensure compliance with GS 58-50-61, as amended by the act.
Part II.
Extends the definition of practicing medicine or surgery under GS 90-1.1 (definitions pertaining to the practice of medicine) to include performing any part of a UR governed by GS 58-50-61. Enacts GS 58-50-64 (UR disciplinary actions) giving the NC Medical Board (Board) authority to subpoena an insurer, or a URO acting on behalf of an insurer, for any records, documents, or other materials pertaining to the involvement of any physician licensed in this State in a UR governed by GS 58-50-61. Subjects nonresponsive insurers and URO’s to a fine of not less than $500 or each 90-day period in which the subpoenaed information is withheld. Specifies that if the Board disciplines a reviewing physician than any of the noncertifications issued that related, in whole or in part, to the disciplinary action is subject to reconsideration or appeal so long as the noncertification had not been reversed prior to the disciplinary action. Requires the Board to notify the insurer of the disciplinary action and UR involved. Makes conforming changes to GS 135-48.10 (confidentiality of information and medical information under the State Health Plan) to account for the expanded scope of the practice of medicine, the Board’s subpoena power, and its notice requirements.
Part III.
Incorporates the definitions of GS 58-50-61 to GS 58-50-62 (insurer grievance procedures). Repeals definition of health benefit plan under GS 58-50-61(a)(7). Removes defined term covered person and makes conforming and technical changes to GS 58-50-75 (purpose, scope, and definitions governing external reviews of health benefit plans). Makes conforming change to GS 90-21.52.
Sections 1 and 2
Enacts new GS 47C-2-117.1A (applicable to condominium owners’ associations) and new GS 47F-2-117.1 (applicable to homeowners' associations in planned communities), providing as follows. Specifies that amendments made to the declaration only affect owners whose units/lots are conveyed or transferred after the amendment takes effect and that for amendments made while an owner owns a unit/lot, the amendment has no effect until the unit/lot is conveyed or transferred to another owner. Provides that an owner takes the unit/lot subject to existing rules in the declaration at the time of conveyance or transfer.
Sections 3 and 8
Changes certain powers of the unit owners’ association (Association) under the NC Condominium Act (GS 47C-3-102) or a homeowners’ association (HOA) under the NC Planned Community Act (GS 47F-3-102) as follows.
Now prohibits managing agent or other contractor/employee contracts from exceeding one year in duration or containing an automatic renewal provision that requires the Association/HOA to give notice of nonrenewal more than 30 days prior to the contract’s anniversary date. Provides for termination of automatically renewable contracts upon 60 days' notice by the Association/HOA. Prohibits a managing agent from collecting from an Association/HOA or property owner any fee in connection with its collection of a fine imposed by the Association/HOA. Prevents an Association/HOA from enforcing any restriction on parking of newly defined term, personal vehicle, on a public street or public road for which the NC Department of Transportation (DOT) or local government has assumed responsibility for maintenance and repairs, unless the Association/HOA has been delegated such enforcement (was, blanket bar on enforcement of parking restrictions on public roads/streets). Authorizes the Association/HOA to enforce such restrictions if the authority to regulate parking has been expressly delegated to the Association/HOA by DOT or the local government. Specifies that such delegations are only valid for five years, after which the Association/HOA must reapply to the delegating authority. Prevents an Association/HOA from levying a fine for a violation of a provision restricting or prohibiting tutoring, educational lessons, academic lessons, music lessons, or swimming lessons provided in the owner's unit to a group of no more than five people at any one time, regardless of whether compensation is received for such lessons. Authorizes the Association/HOA to impose charges in connection with the preparation of a lender’s questionnaire or certification or a statement of unpaid assessments (was, reasonable charges in connection with the preparation of statements of unpaid assessments), which now must be furnished within 10 days (was, 10 business days) after receipt of the request. Makes conforming changes. Changes the time period triggering the expedited fee from when the request is made within 48 hours of closing to if the item is to be furnished less than 10 days after the receipt of the request. Specifies that charges for the preparation of the lender’s questionnaire or certification must be made by the requesting party. Prevents an Association/HOA or either of their managing agents (was just Association/HOA) from imposing a charge for administrative tasks required upon the transfer of title to a unit, except as authorized by GS 47C-3-102(12a) (Associations) or GS 47F-3-102(13a) (HOAs). Makes violations an unfair and deceptive trade practice. Allows imposing a reasonable charge for providing copies of records. Requires the Association/HOA to provide a fair, reasonable and expeditious procedure for making a decision pertaining to a proposed change to a unit or limited common element. Requires that the Association/HOA's decision be in writing, made in good faith, and not be unreasonable, arbitrary, or capricious. Requires that procedure be set forth in the Association/HOA's governing documents. Provides for timeframe on decision and a procedure for reconsideration of the decision if disapproved by the Association/HOA's executive board.
Section 4
Amends GS 47C-3-103 and GS 47F-3-103 by adding a requirement that ratification of a proposed budget that would increase the previous year’s common expense liability by more than 10% be approved by a majority of all of the unit/lot owners or any larger vote specified in the declaration, unless the amount of the increase is expressly allowed in the declaration. Prohibits the executive board from taking any action after the budget’s ratification that would increase the budgeted common expense liability for that fiscal year by more than 5% without the approval of a majority of the owners or any larger vote required by the declaration.
Sections 5 and 9
Amends GS 47C-3-107.1 (process for fines collected by an Association) and GS 47F-3-107.1 (same-HOA) to require for a written notice of hearing to be sent to a unit owner not less than 10 days prior to the hearing date to be heard on any charges by the Association/HOA. Caps any fines imposed without further hearing on the violation at $2,500 for continuing violations. Requires all fines collected by either an Association or an HOA as part of a proceeding for fines and suspension of planned community privileges or services to be remitted to the Civil Penalty and Forfeiture Fund (Fund).
Sections 6 and 10
Amends GS 47C-3-116 (pertaining to liens imposed for sums due to condominium owners’ associations) and GS 47F-3-116 (pertaining to liens imposed by homeowners’ association in planned communities) to require that a claim of lien securing a debt consisting of fines or fine-related charges (as defined) be filed separately from a claim of lien securing other sums owed to the association and be filed within 90 days after the date the fine was imposed. Requires the unit owners’/homeowners’ association to provide proper notice of delinquent assessment to the unit/lot owner before filing a claim of lien. Sets forth rules related to notice and requires the association to send a statement of the assessment amount via electronic mail, in addition to first class mail, if the owner has designated an email address; makes conforming changes. Extinguishes a lien securing a debt consisting of fines or fine-related charges unless proceedings to enforce the lien are instituted within one year after the filing of the claim of lien in the office of the clerk of superior court.
Amends the provisions concerning the recovery of attorney’s fees, to provide that in an action to enforce a claim of lien securing a debt consisting of fines or fine-related charges, upon findings by the court that: (1) that there was an unwarranted refusal by the unit owner to negotiate or pay the fines or fine-related charges and (2) that the amount of damages recovered exceeded the highest offer made by the unit owner no later than 90 days before the commencement of trial, the presiding judge may allow reasonable attorneys' fees to the attorneys representing the association obtaining a judgment for damages in the suit, in an amount not to exceed the greater of $10,000 or 15% of the amount recovered. Sets out findings the judge must make when awarding these attorneys’ fees.
Limits when the association may foreclose a claim of a lien securing a debt for sums due to the association so that it is only sums other than fines or fine-related charges, and requires that the delinquency have continued for 180 (was, 90) days or more. Adds to the conditions that must be met before the association can foreclose the claim of lien to also include that the (1) amount of the lien be equal to or greater than six months of assessments or equal to or greater than $2,500, whichever is less, and (2) the association offered the unit owner a reasonable opportunity to cure the default by making payments under an installment schedule and the unit owner either did not accept the offer or defaulted on payments required under the agreed schedule.
Expands upon the notice requirements in nonjudicial power of sale foreclosures of a claim of lien so that it references the owners’ right of redemption and so that it includes the association’s certification of the actions it has taken to give the owner notice of delinquent assessments. Requires the clerk to inquire as to whether the owner occupies the unit as their principal residence and, if so, about the efforts that have been made to resolve the matter voluntarily. Sets out conditions under which the clerk must order the hearing continued.
Provides that a claim of lien securing a debt consisting of fines or fine-related charges may only be enforced by the filing of a civil action seeking a judgment.
Applies to claims of lien filed and instruments presented for registration on or after December 1, 2025.
Sections 7 and 11
Amends GS 47C-3-118 (condo association records) and GS 47F-3-118 (HOA records) to require providing requested records within 30 days of receiving an owners’ written request, unless the bylaws specify a shorter time. Specifies that the association is not required to make available financial records created more than three years before the date of receiving the request. Authorizes a property owner or their authorized agent to inspect and copy, at a reasonable time and location specified by the association/HOA, any contract entered into authorizing a managing agent to exercise any of the powers granted to the association/HOA under GS 47F/C-3-102 if the owner gives the association/HOA written notice of the demand at least five business days prior to the date on which the owner wishes to inspect and copy. Allows for reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs to the prevailing party if a motion to compel such records is filed. Also allows the court to order the association to pay an owner's costs incurred in obtaining an order when the association doesn't allow the owner to inspect and copy the requested contract and the court later enters an order compelling the association to do so.
Section 12
Amends GS 115C-457.1 (creation and administration of the Civil Penalty and Forfeiture Fund) to authorize the General Assembly to authorize the placement of additional funds from other sources into the Fund. Amends GS 115C-457.2 (remittance of monies into the Fund) to direct that any additional funds that the General Assembly authorizes to be placed in the Fund must be remitted to the Office of State Budget and Management by the entity having custody of the funds within 10 days after the close of the calendar month in which the funds were received or collected.
Section 13
Amends GS 7A-38.3F, which concerns prelitigation mediation of condominium and owners’ association disputes, by exempting from the statute disputes related solely to a member’s failure to timely pay an association assessment or any fines or fees associated with the levying or collection of an association assessment. Allows the parties to a dispute arising under GS Chapter 47C (North Carolina Condominium Act), GS Chapter 47F (North Carolina Planned Community Act), or an association's declaration, bylaws, or rules and regulations to agree to mediation at any time (was, parties were encouraged to initiate mediation before filing a civil action). Requires instead that before filing a civil action a party initiate mediation. Requires if an action is initiated that it be dismissed, upon motion prior to trial, without prejudice unless one of the three conditions exist, including that the court fines good cause for a failure to attempt mediation. Allows parties to agree to waive mediation by informing the mediator in writing. Sets out when a mediator may charge a reasonable fee to prepare a mediator’s certification. Amends the content of the mediator’s certification to require that it also include the results of the mediation, and if applicable, that the parties waived mediation, and if a party failed or refused without good cause to attend or participate in mediation. Allows the Supreme Court to adopt rules and standards to implement this statute. Makes additional conforming, clarifying, and technical changes. Applies to actions field on or after October 1, 2025.
Section 14
Enacts new GS 114-8.8 requiring the Department of Justice (DOJ) to receive and record data from all complaints and concerning disputes between unit/lot owner associations and their members. Allows complaints to be submitted via phone, mail, or online; sets out the information that DOJ must collect when it receives a complaint. Requires DOJ to provide a copy of the complaint to the party complained against and to allow them to respond. Requires DOJ to post the following on their website: (1) information on the process to submit complaints; (2) information about the laws and documents governing associations of unit and lot owners; (3) general information about roles, rights, and responsibilities of associations of unit owners and lot owners, their members, and other related parties; and (4) any other information DOJ deems relevant to understanding the rights and obligations of associations of unit owners and lot owners and members of such associations. Prohibits DOJ from (1) promulgating regulations or issuing guidelines concerning the administration, governance, or governing documents of associations of unit owners or lot owners and from (2) serving as an arbiter in disputes between an association of unit owners or lot owners and its members. Requires DOJ to submit an annual report to the specified NCGA committees and division and publish the report on its website; sets out what must be included in the report and how the information must be accessible. Allows DOJ to redact certain information. Effective July 1, 2025.
Repeals GS Chapter 131E, Article 9 (Certificate of Need). Makes conforming changes to GS 6-19.1, GS 7A-29(a), GS 90-21.82A, GS 113A-12, GS 122C-23.1, GS 131D-2.4, GS 131E-13, GS 131E-84, GS 131E-136, and conforming repeals of GS 130A-45.02(i), GS 131E-78.3(c), GS 131E-146(3), GS 131E-147.5, GS GS 143B-1292, GS 150B-2(8a)k., and GS 150B-21.1(a)(6). Makes further conforming changes to GS 58-50-61 (defining health service facility as it was defined in the repealed Article), GS 58-55-35 (defining hospice and intermediate care facility for those with intellectual disabilities as they were defined in the repealed Article, and updating language and making technical changes), and GS 90-414.4 (defining hospital as it was defined in now repealed GS 131E-176). Effective January 1, 2026.
Amends GS 58-3-190 to require health insurance to cover emergency services necessary to transport the covered person to a medically appropriate location for screening and stabilization. Requires coverage of services provided by a health care provider who is not under contract with the insurer if the covered person did not have a choice in the ground ambulance transportation service provider due to the emergency. Adds that the prohibition on imposing cost-sharing for emergency services that differs from the cost-sharing that would be imposed if the provider were contracting with the insurer includes emergency ambulance transportation services. Amends the definition of emergency services as it applies to this statute by including ambulance transportation services; also removes the definitions of health benefit plan and insurer. Amends the definition of stabilize to require compliance with guidelines and policies of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (was, the Health Care Financing Administration).
Enacts new GS 58-3-193, applying to nonemergency ground ambulance transportation service. Allows nonemergency ground ambulance transportation services to be subject to cost-sharing, including deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments. Prohibits an insurer, when nonemergency ground ambulance transportation services are provided by an entity that is not a participating provider in the insured's health benefit plan from charging cost-sharing in an amount greater than 110% of the cost-sharing amount for nonemergency ground ambulance transportation services provided by a participating network provider. Applies to insurance contracts issued, renewed, or amended on or after October 1, 2025.
Amends GS 135-48.51 to make new GS 58-3-193 applicable to the State Health Plan. Applies as of the start of the next plan year.
Appropriates $1 million in recurring funds for each year of the 2025-27 biennium from the General Fund to the Department of State Treasurer to provide the additional coverage required under the act.
Amends GS 115C-472.23 by increasing the allotment amounts for small counties according to the scale that ranges from 0-1,300 allotted ADM up to 2,801-3,300 allotted ADM.
Appropriates $20,961,180 in recurring funds for 2025-26 from the General Fund to the Department of Public Instruction to implement this act.
Effective July 1, 2025.
Makes technical changes and modifies the term person in GS 95-223 (definitions pertaining to the NC Migrant Housing Act [Act]) to also include a limited liability company. Effective October 1, 2025, and applies to applications for inspections submitted on or after that date.
Prevents a migrant from occupying housing (provisionally or otherwise) for a period exceeding 14 days without a satisfactory housing inspection under GS 95-226 (pertaining to preoccupancy inspections of migrant housing). Clarifies that the inspection process begins upon receipt of a fully completed application by the described government entities (currently, process begins upon receipt of an application). Expands the information required to be submitted with an application for inspection to include the address, property tax ID, and parcel number of the property as well as an affidavit of ownership and compliance, as described, completed by the person who owns or controls the migrant housing. Applies to inspections conducted on or after the date the act becomes law.
Requires the Department of Labor (DOL), as part of its enforcement of the Act under GS 95-227, to document in its summary both the name of the operator and the identifying information of the migrant housing for cross reference on each application for inspection. Prevents DOL from providing a preoccupancy inspection to operators known to be barred by State or federal authority from participation in temporary foreign agricultural labor programs or to be otherwise in violation of the Act. If DOL determines that the affidavit required under GS 95-223 has been falsified, including any information therein, then bars DOL from providing a preoccupancy inspection for three years from the date of the affidavit.
| Intro. by Butler, Harrison, Price, Morey. | GS 95 |
Includes whereas clauses.
Amends GS 105-153.7 to set the individual income tax rate at 4.25% (was, 4.25% in 2025 and 3.99% for taxable years beginning after 2025). Makes conforming deletions. Also removes the provision providing that if total General Fund revenue, as specified, exceeds the trigger amount listed, then the applicable tax rate is equal to the greater of (1) the prior taxable year's rate decreased by 0.50%, or (2) 2.49%.
Effective for taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2029, further amends GS 105-153.7, to provide that notwithstanding the 4.25% rate, if total General Fund revenue, as specified, exceeds the trigger amount listed, then the applicable tax rate is equal to the greater of (1) the prior taxable year's rate decreased by 0.50% or (2) 2.49% (the trigger amounts are the same as those already listed in the statute, which were removed by the above provision).
| Intro. by Butler, Budd, Greenfield, Harrison. | GS 105 |
Enacts new Article 52 to GS Chapter 66. Names the act the “Medical Equipment Right to Repair Act.” Defines original equipment manufacturer (OEM) as an individual or entity that is engaged in the business of manufacturing and selling, leasing, or otherwise supplying medical imaging and radiation therapy equipment to others. Also defines authorized repair provider, independent repair provider, medical imaging equipment, medical radiation therapy equipment, owner, part, support documentation, and tool.
Lists three requirements for OEM’s that manufacture medical imaging equipment or medical radiation therapy equipment in the State in new GS 66-500.1, including: (1) having the OEM make available to any hospital or independent repair provider any support documentation, parts, or tools necessary to perform diagnostic, maintenance, or repair services of the manufacturer's medical imaging or radiation therapy equipment subject to certain terms; (2) permitting OEM’s to delegate the requirements of GS 66-500.1 to an authorized repair provider so long as the repair provider satisfies the statutory requirements on behalf of the OEM; and (3) requires the OEM that offers training courses or training materials on inspection and repair of the equipment, to also offer the same courses or materials to owners and independent repair providers.
Specifies that any violation Article 52 is an unfair or deceptive trade practice. Sets forth rules of construction pertaining to trade secrets and individual contracts. Specifies that no OEM or authorized repair provider is liable for any damage caused to medical imaging or radiation therapy equipment or injury caused to an owner or independent repair provider which occurs during repair, diagnosis, or maintenance of the equipment.
Effective July 1, 2025, and applies to equipment in use on or after that date.
| Intro. by Belk, Carney, Cunningham, Buansi. | GS 66 |
Includes whereas clauses. States that North Carolina supports admitting Washington, DC, as a state of the United States of America and urges Congress to enact federal legislation granting statehood.
| Intro. by Belk, Logan, Dahle, Hawkins. | JOINT RES |
Section 1.
Titles the act the “NC Personal Data Privacy Act.” Effective January 1, 2026, enacts new Chapter GS 75F, consisting of the Data Privacy Act. Defines 36 terms, including controller (a person that, alone or jointly with others, determines the purpose and means of processing personal data); and processor (a person that processes personal data on behalf of a controller).
Enacts GS 75F-103 applying the Chapter to persons that conduct business in the State or persons that produce products or services that are targeted to residents of the State and that during the preceding calendar year either (1) controlled or processed the personal data of not less than 35,000 consumers excluding personal data controlled or processed solely for the purpose of completing a payment transaction or (2) controlled or processed the personal data of not less than 10,000 consumers and derived more than 20% of their gross revenue from the sale of personal data. Excludes both the described State entities and described financial institutions subject to Title V of the Gramm Leach Bliley Act and the rules and implementing regulations promulgated thereunder. Lists thirteen types of data that are excluded from the Chapter including protected health information under HIPAA, certain types of personal data regulated by the specified federal laws, and personal data of a victim of or witness to child abuse, domestic violence, human trafficking, sexual assault, violent felony, or stalking that is collected, processed, or maintained by a nonprofit organization that provides services to those victims. Provides that controllers and processors that comply with the verifiable parental consent requirements of the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act of 1998 (COPPA) are deemed compliant with any obligation to obtain parental consent set forth in this Chapter with respect to a consumer who is a child.
Enacts GS 75F-104, concerning consumer personal data rights, as follows. Details six consumer rights, including the right to: (1) confirm whether a controller is processing the consumer's personal data and access the personal data, unless the confirmation or access would require the controller to reveal a trade secret; (2) correct inaccuracies in the data; and (3) opt out of the processing of the personal data for any of the three described reasons. Authorizes a consumer to exercise those rights by secure and reliable means established by the controller and described to the consumer in the controller's privacy notice. Allows for the consumer to have an authorized agent. Allows for parents to exercise the rights of a minor child and for the guardian or conservator to exercise those rights in instances where a protective arrangement is in place. Sets forth a process that a controller must follow in responding to a consumer’s rights. Provides for an appeal process in instances where a controller refuses to take action on a request within a reasonable amount of time after the consumer’s receipt of the decision. Specifies ways in which a consumer can designate an authorized agent, including through the described universal opt-out mechanisms in GS 75F-105.
Sets forth eight duties of controllers in GS 75F-106 including, (1) limiting the collection personal data to what is adequate, relevant, and reasonably necessary in relation to the purposes for which the data is processed, as disclosed to the consumer and (2) refraining from discriminating against the consumer from exercising the rights set forth in GS Chapter 75F. Clarifies that the controller duties do not require a controller to provide a product or service that requires the personal data of a consumer which the controller does not collect or maintain, or prohibit a controller from offering a different price, rate, level, quality, or selection of goods or services to a consumer, including offering goods or services for no fee, if the offering is in connection with a consumer's voluntary participation in a bona fide loyalty, rewards, premium features, discounts, or club card program.
Requires the controller to provide consumers with a reasonably accessible, clear, and meaningful privacy notice including the six described required disclosures. Provides for conspicuous notice and an opt-out if the controller sells data to third parties. Provides for means of delivery of the privacy notice described above.
Enacts GS 75F-107, setting forth the following three duties of processors in assisting the controller in meeting its obligations under GS Chapter 75F: (1) to fulfill the controller's obligation to respond to consumer rights requests, taking into account the circumstances described; (2) assisting the controller in meeting the controller's obligations in relation to the security of processing the personal data and in relation to the notification of a breach of security of the system of the processor, in order to meet the controller's obligations; and (3) providing necessary information to enable the controller to conduct and document data protection assessments.
Describes five required provisions that must be included in a contract between a controller and a processor. Clarifies that GS 75F-107 does not relieve a controller or processor from the liabilities imposed on the controller or processor by virtue of the controller's or processor's role in the processing relationship. Instructs on when a person is acting as a processor or a controller.
Enacts GS 75F-108, pertaining to data protection assessments (as described) that are required to be performed by a controller that controls or processes the data of not less than 100,000 consumers, excluding data controlled or processed solely for the purpose of completing a payment transaction for each of the controller's processing activities that presents a heightened risk of harm to a consumer, as described. Provides for instances when the Attorney General is permitted to access a controller’s data protection assessment, including for the confidentiality of that assessment for purposes of public records law. Specifies that if a controller conducts a data protection assessment for the purpose of complying with another applicable law or regulation, the data protection assessment is deemed to satisfy the requirements established in GS 75F-108 if the data protection assessment is reasonably similar in scope and effect to the data protection assessment that would otherwise be conducted. Directs that data protection assessment requirements will apply to processing activities created or generated on or after July 1, 2026, and are not retroactive.
Enacts GS 75F-109, clarifying that GS Chapter 75F does not require a controller or processor to re-identify de-identified data or pseudonymous data, or to maintain data in identifiable form, or collect, obtain, retain, or access any data or technology, in order to be capable of associating an authenticated consumer request with personal data. Relieves a controller or processor of obligation to comply with an authenticated consumer request if the described circumstances pertaining to a controller’s inability to associate the request with personal data. Requires a controller disclosing pseudonymous data or de-identified data to exercise reasonable oversight to monitor compliance with any contractual commitments to which the pseudonymous data or de-identified data is subject and shall take appropriate steps to address any breaches of those contractual commitments. Provides for the described exclusions from GS Chapter 75F in new GS 75F-110. Provides the Department of Justice with enforcement authority, as described, in GS 75F-111. Deems a violation of GS Chapter 75F an unfair trade practice. Bars anything in GS Chapter 75F from providing the basis for a private right of action. Requires the Department of Justice to engage in public outreach to educate consumers and the business community about this act, beginning at least six months prior to the effective date of the act.
Section 2.
Effective January 1, 2026, enacts GS Chapter 75G, concerning social media verifications. Defines nine terms including social media company and social media platform. Enacts GS 75G-102, pertaining to social media platforms and age verification and parental consent, as follows. Prevents a social media company from allowing a NC user who is a minor (under age 18) to be an account holder on its platform except with the express consent of their parent or legal guardian. Requires the company to verify the age of an account holder using one of the reasonable age verifications described. Specifies that if an account holder is a minor, the social media company must confirm that a minor has consent to become a new account holder at the time a North Carolina user opens the account. Requires the company to use a third-party vendor to perform the age verification. Enacts GS 75G-103, laying out liability for social media companies if they fail to perform the age verification described. Prevents the company from retaining any identifying information of the individual as part of the age verification. Directs that violations of GS 75G-102 is a Class 1 misdemeanor. Provides for venue for any criminal proceeding. Allows for a civil enforcement action by the Attorney General. Provides for penalties of either (1) $2,500 per violation, court costs, and attorneys’ fees or (2) damages resulting from the minor accessing the platform without parental consent, including court costs, and attorneys’ fees. Exempts (1) a news or public interest broadcast, website video, report, or event and (2) cloud service providers. Specifies that GS 75G-103 does affect the rights of a news-gathering organization. Clarifies that the described internet service providers do not violate GS Chapter 75G solely by providing access to the internet (as described). Prevents third party vendors or commercial entities conducting the age verification from retaining any identifying information. Specifies that a commercial entity that is found to have knowingly retained identifying information of an individual after access to the material is granted is liable to the individual for damages resulting from the retention of the identifying information, including court costs and reasonable attorneys' fees as ordered by the court.
Section 3.
Contains a severability clause.
Adds new Article 86B, First Responders Mental Healthcare Plan Act, in GS Chapter 58, providing as follows.
Establishes a first responder mental health care benefits plan, to be administered by the Department of Insurance, as a supplemental insurance policy that provides benefits to eligible first responders with a diagnosis of a mental condition. Defines first responder as a law enforcement officer, firefighter, 911 dispatcher, emergency medical technician employed by a State or local government, detention officer employed by a local government, correctional or probation officer employed by the State, or a volunteer firefighter meeting specified requirements; includes first responders employed by nongovernmental entities. Defines eligible mental condition as stress, mental injury, or mental illness that is medically diagnosed as an anxiety disorder, conduct disorder, depressive disorder, obsessive-compulsive and related disorder, sleep-wake disorder, or trauma and stressor-related disorder as described in the most recent edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Sets out definitions for 911 dispatcher, emergency medical technicians and emergency medial dispatchers, firefighter, and law enforcement officer.
Requires a first responder, in order to be eligible for benefits, to: (1) be currently employed as a first responder, regardless of the date of original diagnosis; (2) be diagnosed by a healthcare provider, who establishes with a reasonable degree of medical certainty that the condition is the result of a singular incident or accumulative effect of employment-related activities; and (3) have a diagnosed condition that resulted from the first responder acting within the scope of his or her employment as a first responder. Prohibits receiving benefits if the first responder is receiving benefits related to a mental condition under the NC Worker's Compensation Act.
Sets out provisions governing a medical cost reimbursement, salary benefit, and a disability benefit, including the amount of the benefit and limits on which benefits can be used together. Sets out additional limitations on the disability benefits including limiting duration of the benefits to 36 consecutive months.
Effective January 1, 2026.
| Intro. by Clampitt, Reeder. | GS 58 |
Includes whereas clauses.
Amends GS 115C-47 to require local boards of education to ensure that each school within the unit is staffed by at least one full-time, permanent school nurse.
Amends GS 115C-150.12C, GS 115C-218.75, GS 115C-238.66, and GS 116-239.8 to require schools for the deaf and blind, charter schools, regional schools, and lab schools to staff at least one full-time, permanent school nurse.
Applies beginning with the 2025-26 school year.
Appropriates $95 million in recurring funds from the General Fund to the Department of Public Instruction for 2025-26 to increase the School Health Personnel Allotment to be used to increase positions for school nurses to meet the act's requirements. Specifies that the funds are supplemental to funds provided for school nurses.
Effective July 1, 2025.
Amends GS 20-7, as the title indicates. Applies to licenses renewed on or after July 1, 2025.
| Intro. by Winslow, Schietzelt, Paré, Lowery. | GS 20 |
Amends GS 20-63(b1) and GS 20-79.4(b) as title indicates. Plate issuance is contingent on the receipt of at least 500 plate applications, as required by GS 20-79.3A(a)(2), applicable to all special plates with described backgrounds authorized under GS 20-63(b1). Amends GS 20-79.7 and GS 20-81.12 to establish a special plate fee of $30 and require that $20 of that fee be transferred quarterly to Halifax County Business Horizons, Inc. to be used for support commemorative and educational activities in conjunction with the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Halifax Resolves. Makes technical changes.
| Intro. by R. Pierce, Branson, Cotham, Miller. | GS 20 |
The Daily Bulletin: 2025-03-19
Senate committee substitute makes the following changes to the 1st edition.
Section 1.
Directs the NC Medical Care Commission (Commission) to notify the Revisor of Statutes (Revisor) when the rules required under GS 131E-214.13 take effect.
Section 2.
Amends GS 131E-214.31 (fair notice requirements) so that it applies when a healthcare provider not participating in the insurer’s network provides the described services (previously, applied to in-network providers). Makes a clarifying change.
Section 3.
Directs the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to notify the Revisor when the rules required under GS 131A-214.52 take effect.
Section 4.
Requires DHHS to notify the Revisor when the rules adopted under GS 131E-214.54 take effect.
Section 7.
Removes amendments to GS 90-29(c) (which expanded the acts that are not considered the “unlawful practice of dentistry” to include the mechanism by which a management company (defined), and a licensee establish the fee in a management arrangement (defined)). Makes a conforming change.
Makes organizational changes.
Repeals Section 27.7 [except subsection (d)] of SL 2023-134, which made a number of changes concerning legislative confidentiality, including: (1) making each legislator, while in office and after leaving office, the custodian of all documents, supporting documents, drafting requests, and information requests that they made or received and prohibited requiring legislators to reveal or consent to the reveal of those same items; (2) making public a letter or other written communication appointing an individual to serve on a board, commission, or other position in accordance with this Chapter and making public administrative documents prepared by legislative employees, in accordance with policies adopted by the Legislative Services Commission. Repeals Section 27.9 of SL 2023-134, which required the custodian of any General Assembly record to determine whether a record is a public record and whether to turn the records over to the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, or retain, destroy, sell, loan, or otherwise dispose of, the records.
Amends GS 120-130, specifically prohibiting a legislative employee from revealing the identity of a legislator who has made a drafting or information request, nor revealing the existence of the request, to any person who is not a legislative employee without the consent of the legislator. Eliminates the provisions that deemed drafting or information requests or supporting documents to not be public records under GS Chapter 132. Makes identical changes to existing provisions of GS 120-131 regarding the confidentiality of documents prepared by legislative employees at the request of a legislator. Similarly eliminates the provisions that deemed documents prepared by legislative employees at the request of a legislator that do not become available to the public not public records under GS Chapter 132.
Expands GS 120-132 to prohibit present and former legislative employees from disclosing documents, in addition to information, that the individual acquired while employed or retained by the State in the described contexts, unless disclosure reflects official public records or otherwise publicly disseminated information or documents. Authorizes a judge to compel disclosure of documents acquired by a legislative employee (currently limited to information) if necessary to the administration of justice, subject to legislative privilege and immunity laws.
| Intro. by Everitt. | GS 120 |
Section 1
Makes organizational changes to Article 37 of GS Chapter 90. Adds new Part 2, Health Care Practitioner Transparency Act, providing as follows.
Requires an advertisement for health care services (including medicine, nursing, dentistry, pharmacy, and related occupations involving providing health care directly to patients) that names a health care practitioner to identify their license, certification, or registration; prohibits the advertisement from containing deceptive or misleading information. Prohibits a health care practitioner from making a deceptive or misleading representation about their license, certification, or registration. Prohibits unlicensed individuals from holding themselves out as a physician or any of the listed medical titles, with the intent to represent that they practice medicine.
Makes it a violation for a health care practitioner to (1) knowingly aid, assist, procure, employ, or advise an unlicensed individual or entity in practicing or engaging in acts outside of the scope of the health care practitioner's degree of licensure; (2) knowingly delegate or contract the performance of health care services to a health care practitioner that is unqualified to perform those health care services; and (3) fail to comply with any provision of this Article. Violators are guilty of unprofessional conduct and may be subject to disciplinary action. Exempts from the Article health care practitioners who work in non-patient settings and do not have direct patient health care interactions.
Section 2
Requires the 15 listed boards to adopt temporary rules to implement this act and requires the rules to remain in effect until permanent rules are adopted.
Section 3
Effective October 1, 2025.
| Intro. by Galey, Burgin, Sawrey. | GS 90 |
Amends GS 116-11.4 by prohibiting UNC constituent institutions from taking any action in violation of State or federal law because of any accrediting agency's principle, standard, policy, or other requirement. Makes conforming changes. Amends GS 115D-6.2 to also prohibit community colleges from taking any action in violation of State or federal law because of any accrediting agency's principle, standard, policy, or other requirement. Makes conforming changes.
Repeals Article 2D of Subchapter 1 of GS Chapter 105, which levied an excise tax on controlled substances, illicit spirituous liquor, mash, and illicit mixed beverages.
Specifies that this repeal does not affect the rights or liabilities of the state, a taxpayer, or another person arising under a statute amended or repealed by this act before the effective date of its amendment or repeal; nor does it affect the right to any refund or credit of a tax that accrued under the amended or repealed statute before the effective date of its amendment or repeal.
| Intro. by Mayfield, Meyer. | GS 105 |
Amends GS 90-85.3A to allow a pharmacist to (1) administer drugs and (2) order and perform a CLIA-waived test to treat influenza in accordance with statewide protocols. Prohibits a pharmacist from treating a health condition under GS 90-85.3A with any controlled Schedule 1-IV controlled substance. Defines CLIA-waived test as a lab test approved by the FDA and determined by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to qualify for a waiver under the federal Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments of 1988 and safe for use in non-laboratory settings. Effective October 1, 2025.
Enacts GS 58-3-241, requiring health benefit plans to cover healthcare services provided by pharmacists if (1) the service or procedure was performed within the pharmacist’s licensed scope of practice and (2) the health benefit plan would have covered the service if it had been performed by another healthcare provider. Defines healthcare provider, healthcare services, and pharmacist. Specifies that the participation of a pharmacy in a drug benefit provider network of a health benefit plan does not satisfy any requirement that insurers offering health benefit plans include pharmacists in medical benefit provider networks. Applies all requirements relating to coverage of prescription drugs and pharmacy services under GS Chapter 58 governing health benefit plans to third-party administrators as well as insurers. Amends GS 58-3-230 (uniform provider credentialing) to require insurers that delegate credentialing agreements or requirements for pharmacists licensed under Article 4A of GS Chapter 90 of the General Statutes or the relevant laws of another state to a contracted healthcare facility shall accept the credentialing for all pharmacists employed by, or contracted with, those healthcare facilities. Amends GS 58-3-200 (pertaining to miscellaneous insurance requirements) to require, upon notice or request from the insured, for the insurer to determine whether a healthcare provider able to meet the needs of the insured is available to the insured without unreasonable delay by reference to the insured's location and the specific medical needs of the insured. Effective October 1, 2025, and applies to insurance contracts entered into, renewed, or amended on or after that date.
Requires the State Health Director, in consultation with the NC Board of Pharmacy and Medical Board to develop statewide protocols relating to the modifications to GS 90-85.3A discussed above, including patient parameters necessitating referral to a primary, urgent, or emergency care provider.
Enacts new Article 1O, Interstate Medical Licensure Compact, to GS Chapter 90. States the purpose and objectives of the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact (Compact) and sets forth 15 defined terms. Grants licensed physicians the opportunity to apply for issuance of an expedited license to practice in Compact states, subject to the requirements and restrictions provided in the Compact. Requires designation of a state of principal licensure where the physician has a full and unrestricted license to practice medicine which is the physician's principal residence, where the physician conducts at least 25% of their practice, and is the location of the physician's employer, or if no state applies, the state designated for federal income tax purposes; allows for re-designation of the principal state at any time.
Details application procedures for a physician seeking licensure through the Compact, including (1) applying to the member board of the selected state of principal license, (2) the member board of the selected state of principal license conducting a criminal background check prior to the issuance of a letter of qualification either verifying or denying the physician's eligibility to the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact Commission (Commission), (3) completion of the registration process established by the Commission to receive a license in the member state selected as the principal license state, including payment of applicable fees, and (4) issuance of an expedited license by any member board authorizing the physician to practice medicine in the issuing state consistent with the medical practice act and application laws and regulations of the issuing member board and member state, subject to issuance or renewal fees. Provides for eligibility appeals to be made to the member state where the application is filed. Provides for the expedited license to be valid for a period consistent with the licensure period of the member state and in the same manner as required for other physicians holding a full and unrestricted license within the member state, and terminated for failure to maintain a license in the state of principal licensure for nondisciplinary reasons without redesignating a new state. Details expedited license renewal requirements and procedures.
Requires the Commission to establish a coordinated database and reporting system containing licensure, adverse action, and investigative information on all licensed individuals and applicants in members states. Provides for reporting and access by member states. Provides for joint investigations by member states and related authorities. Deems any disciplinary action taken by any member board against a physician licensed through the Compact to be unprofessional conduct subject to discipline by other boards in addition to violation of the medical practice act or regulations in the state. Provides for licensure status following disciplinary action to be automatically mirrored by member states who have issued licenses to the physician, with each member state maintaining individual reinstatement procedures following reinstatement of the principal state of licensure. Provides for a 90-day automatic suspension of licenses issued by member states when one member state revokes, surrenders, or suspends a license.
Establishes the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact Commission (Commission) as a joint public agency created by member states. Provides for Commission membership, voting, meetings, powers and duties, executive committee, financing, recordkeeping, and member qualified immunity, defense, and indemnification. Among the 21 powers and duties charged of the Committee, includes prosecuting legal proceedings and actions, and the acquisition and disposal of property. Provides for Commission rulemaking procedures and effect, as well as member state rejection of a Commission rule.
Details dispute resolution procedures between member states and Compact enforcement. Provides for member state default grounds and procedures, member withdrawal procedures and dissolution. Provides for the Compact to become effective upon enactment in the seventh member state. Details initial Commission powers, effect of Commission rules on joining states, and Compact amendment parameters.
Deems the provisions of the Compact severable and advises on its construction and effect on other laws.
Makes conforming changes to the following statutes: GS 90-5.1 (authorizing the Board of Medical Examiners to appoint Commissioners to the Commission); GS 90-11 (authorizing background checks for Compact applicants); GS 90-13.1 (regarding licensing fees of the Board of Medical Examiners and the Commission for Compact applicants); GS 90-13.2 (regarding Compact licensing renewals); GS 90-14 (authorizing the Board of Medical Examiners to take disciplinary action for violations of the Compact); and GS 90-14.2 (regarding automatic disciplinary action upon Compact licensees).
Establishes an internationally-trained physician employee license in GS 90-12.03, as follows. Requires the Medical Board to receive satisfactory verification of nine listed requirements before issuing such a license, including (1) that the applicant has been offered employment as a physician in full-time capacity at a licensed and accredited State hospital or in a medical practice located in a rural county with a population of less than 500 people per 40 square miles in North Carolina, and will be supervised by a physician licensed by the State of North Carolina and who is physically practicing on-site at the rural medical practice and (2) and that the applicant demonstrates competency to practice medicine, as described. Prevents holders of such licenses from practicing medicine or surgery outside of their place of employment, and makes violations a Class 3 misdemeanor with a fine of up to $500 for each offense. Allows the Medical Board to revoke licensee’s license upon notice to the licensee. Specifies that an internationally-trained physician employee license becomes inactive when the person ceases to be employed as described above or when they obtain any other license to practice medicine issued by the Medical Board.
Requires the Medical Board to adopt rules necessary to issue an internationally-trained physician employee license. Allows the Medical Board to establish a time limit for the term of an internationally-trained physician employee and to implement the Compact, discussed above.
Effective October 1, 2025.
| Intro. by Sawrey, Galey, Burgin. | GS 90 |
Reverts any funds that are unspent and unencumbered from those funds appropriated to the North Carolina Civil War & Reconstruction History Center Foundation under SL 2021-180 and to the Cape Fear Historical Complex Foundation in SL 2023-234 for the North Carolina Civil War & Reconstruction History Center (collectively, the prior appropriations) back to the Office of State Budget and Management (OSBM) to be reallocated in the specified amounts, effective July 1, 2025, to (1) Fayetteville for community mental health programs, pedestrian safety projects, workforce development, and a local transportation connectivity study; (2) Hope Mills for the Town's Community Center; and (3) Cumberland County for the Gray's Creek Water and Sewer District for water and wastewater infrastructure, expansion of youth mental health and substance abuse treatment services, preconstruction activities for the regional aquatic center project, the emergency services mobile incident command unit, and for digital dispatch equipment for the Cumberland County Fire Chiefs Association. Requires the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, within 30 days of the act's effective date, to provide an accounting of the prior appropriations to the specified NCGA committees and division.
| Intro. by Applewhite. | APPROP, Cumberland |
Adds new Article 4, Prohibit Adversarial Foreign Government Acquisition of Certain Lands, providing as follows. Titles the act as the North Carolina Farmland and Military Protection Act. Sets out the act's purpose. Prohibits an adversarial foreign government from purchasing, acquiring, leasing, or holding an interest in (1) agricultural land or (2) land situated within a 25-mile radius of a military installation. Voids any land transfer in violation of this statute. Defines adversarial foreign government to mean a state-controlled enterprise (a business enterprise, however denominated, in which a foreign government has a controlling interest) or the government of a foreign national that has received designation under 15 CFR 7.4 as in effect of July 17, 2024, from a determination by the US Secretary of Commerce that the entity has engaged in a long-term pattern or serious instances of conduct significantly adverse to the national security of the United States or its persons. Defines military installation as Fort Bragg; Pope Army Airfield; Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune; New River Marine Corps Air Station; Cherry Point Marine Corps Air Station; Military Ocean Terminal at Sunny Point; the United States Coast Guard Air Station at Elizabeth City; Naval Support Activity Northwest; Air Route Surveillance Radar (ARSR-4) at Fort Fisher; and Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, in its own right and as the responsible entity for the Dare County Bombing Range; and any facility located within the state subject to the installations' oversight and control. Also defines the terms agricultural land, controlling interest, and interest. Effective January 1, 2026, and applies to interests in land acquired on or after that date.
Includes a severability clause.
Appropriates $50,000 for 2025-26 from the General Fund to the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to be allocated to the North Carolina Agricultural Development and Farmland Preservation Trust for the inventory of the state’s farmland. Effective July 1, 2025.
Section 1.
Changes the composition of the Judicial Standards Commission (JSC) under GS 7A-375 to four members of the State Bar who have actively practiced in the state courts for at least ten years appointed by the State Bar Council (SBC) (was, four appointees are judges appointed as described by the Speaker of the House and President Pro Tempore of the Senate). Effective when the act becomes law and results in the immediate conclusion of the terms of each of the four members of the JSC previously appointed by the NCGA. Directs that the four seats on the Commission will be filled for new terms by SBC, as directed by the act.
Section 2.
Amends public reprimand under GS 7A-374.2 (definitions pertaining to the JSC) so that it means a written action of the JSC issued upon its findings and that the finding is minor (as described) and does not warrant a recommendation by the JSC that the judge be disciplined by the Supreme Court. (Currently, definition pertains to findings by the Supreme Court under described circumstances.) Makes conforming changes to GS 7A-376 (grounds for discipline by the JSC). Reenacts GS 7A-377(a4) (pertaining to service in relation to a public reprimand and further disciplinary proceedings) as it existed immediately before its repeal. Amends GS 7A-377 (procedures) as amended by the act, as follows. Removes confidentiality protections for disciplinary charging documents and other pleadings should the SBC institute disciplinary proceedings after investigating a complaint. Makes conforming changes.
Enacts GS 7A-378.1, governing censure, suspension, or removal of a justice of the Supreme Court upon recommendation of the JSC, as follows. Requires panel of the Court of Appeals consisting of the Chief Judge and six most senior judges in services to hear such proceedings. Provides for recusals and vacancies.
Applies to disciplinary actions taken against justices or judges on or after the act becomes law, including disciplinary actions taken in proceedings which began prior to that date.
| Intro. by Everitt. | GS 7A |
Appropriates $10 million for 2025-26 from the General Fund to the Office of State Budget and Management for a directed grant to Pittsboro to enhance its emergency fire services; specifies how the funds are to be used. Effective July 1, 2025.
Appropriates $2.45 million for 2025-26 from the General Fund to the Office of State Budget and Management for a directed grant to Siler City for its downtown streetscape project; specifies how the funds are to be used. Effective July 1, 2025.
Appropriates $5 million from the General Fund to the Office of State Budget and Management for 2025-26 to provide a directed grant to Siler City as title indicates. Effective July 1, 2025.
Enacts new GS 150-277.1E, secure home and future property tax relief, providing the following relief from property tax. Designates a permanent residence owned and occupied by a qualifying owner as a special class of property that is to be taxed as follows. Defines a qualifying owner as one who meets all of the following as of January 1 preceding the taxable year for which the benefit is claimed: (1) the owner has owned and occupied the property as a permanent residence for the previous 15 consecutive years; and (2) the owner is a North Carolina resident. Prohibits the amount of the tax from exceeding the greater of: (1) the principal amount of tax due for the preceding tax year, increased by 2%, or (2) the amount determined under the provision requiring recalculation when the value of the property increases. Allows a qualifying owner to defer the portion of the principal amount of tax imposed for the current tax year that exceeds the amount due. Specifies that a qualifying owner does not lose the tax benefit due to a temporary absence from the residence for reasons of health, or because of an extended absence while confined to a rest home or nursing home, so long as the residence is unoccupied or occupied by the owner’s spouse or dependent. Allows for deferred taxes. A property loses eligibility upon one of the following disqualifying events: (1) the owner transfers the residence (unless, (i) the owner transfers the residence to a co-owner or, as part of a divorce proceeding, to his or her spouse and (ii) that individual occupies or continues to occupy the property as his or her permanent residence); (2) the owner dies (unless (i) the owner's share passes to a co-owner of the residence or to his or her spouse and (ii) that individual occupies or continues to occupy the property as his or her permanent residence; or (3) the owner ceases to use the property as a permanent residence. Sets out provisions governing when the residence is owned and occupied by multiple people. Requires the Local Government Division (Division) of the North Carolina Department of Revenue to post information about this tax relief on its website, including information on who qualifies and how a qualifying taxpayer may apply for tax relief. Also requires the Division, in conjunction with county tax assessors, to create a presentation to be used by county tax assessors at community workshops to educate taxpayers on this relief. Requires the Division to report annually, beginning in 2028, on the effectiveness of this tax relief to the specified NCGA committee; sets out items that must be included in the report. Requires that committee to review the effectiveness of this tax relief at least every five years to determine whether adjustments are needed.
Makes conforming changes to the definition of property tax relief in GS 105-277.1.
Amends GS 105-277.1F (uniform provisions for payment of deferred taxes) so that it applies to new GS 105-277.1E.
Amends GS 105-282.1, concerning the application for the property tax benefit, so that it also applies to new GS 105-277.1E.
Makes conforming changes to GS 105-284 (uniform assessment standard).
Effective for taxes imposed for taxable years on or after July 1, 2026.
| Intro. by Theodros, Robinson, Lowe. | GS 105 |
Requires the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Division of Health Benefits (Division), to the extent allowable under federal law, to amend its rules and policies for determining Medicaid eligibility, as necessary, to ensure that a transfer of funds by an individual 65 years of age or older into a pooled special needs trust is treated as a transfer for fair market value to the extent that the individual making the transfer demonstrates that the transferred funds are intended to be used by the trustee of the trust, within the life expectancy of the individual, to provide to the individual goods and services valued at the fair market value of the funds transferred into the trust.
Requires DHHS, to the extent allowable under federal law, to amend its rules and policies for determining eligibility for State-County Special Assistance, as necessary, to ensure that a transfer of funds by an individual 65 years of age or older into a pooled special needs trust is treated as a transfer for fair market value to the extent that the individual making the transfer demonstrates that the transferred funds are intended to be used by the trustee of the trust, within the life expectancy of the individual, to provide to the individual goods and services valued at the fair market value of the funds transferred into the trust.
| Intro. by Galey, Ford, Alexander. | UNCODIFIED |
Amends GS 90-1.1 (setting forth definitions related to the practice of medicine) to add a new definition for team-based setting or team-based practice, to include any of the following:
(1) a medical practice where: (i) the majority of the practice is owned collectively by one or more licensed physicians; (ii) an owner who is a physician licensed to practice medicine in North Carolina has consistent and meaningful participation in the design and implementation of health services to patients, as defined by rules adopted by the North Carolina Medical Board (Medical Board); and (iii) the physicians and team-based physician assistants (team-based PAs) who provide services at the medical practice work in the same clinical practice area.
(2) hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, and other health care facilities with active credentialing and quality programs where physicians have consistent and meaningful participation in the design and implementation of health services to patients, as defined by rules adopted by the Board.
Excludes a medical practice that specializes in pain management from the definition of team-based practice or team-based setting.
Enacts new GS 90-9.3A, which provides as follows. Sets out the following a physician assistant (PA) must meet to practice as a team-based PA if the PA practices in a team-based setting or team-based practice: (1) more than 4,000 hours of clinical practice experience as a licensed PA and more than 1,000 hours of clinical practice experience within the specific medical specialty of practice with a physician in that specialty and (2) submission of proof satisfactory to the Medical Board of practice in a team-based setting and the requisite clinical hours. Authorizes the Medical Board to adopt rules setting other requirements for practice or additional information required. Requires team-based PAs to collaborate and consult with or refer to the appropriate members of the health care team as required by the patient's condition and as indicated by the education, experience, and competencies of the physician assistant and the standard of care. The degree of collaboration must be determined by the practice, which may include decisions by the employer, group, hospital service, and the credentialing and privileging systems of a licensed facility. Authorizes the Medical Board to adopt rules to establish requirements for the determination and enforcement of collaboration, consultation, and referral. States that team-based PAs are responsible for the care they provide. Requires a team-based PA practicing in a perioperative setting to be supervised by a physician.
Amends PA general licensure requirements (GS 90-9.3) and limited volunteer licensure requirements (GS 90-12.4) to exempt team-based PAs from having to submit supervising physician information.
Makes technical change to GS 90-12.4B.
Amends GS 90-18.1 (limitations on PAs) as follows:
- Requires all PAs to clearly designate their credentials as a PA in all clinical settings.
- Exempts team-based PAs from the supervising physician requirement to write prescriptions for drugs.
- Changes the designated PA supervisor from licensed pharmacist to licensed physician for a PA to be able to compound and dispense drugs. Requires PA to also follow all applicable state and federal laws and rules governing compounding and dispensing (was, only the rules and regulations of the North Carolina Board of Pharmacy). Requires the PA to register with the Board of Pharmacy.
- Only requires a supervising physician to provide a PA written instructions about medications, tests, or treatments in order for the PA to be able to order those medications, tests, or treatments if the PA is subject to a supervisory arrangement. Exempts team-based PAs who may prescribe, order, administer, and procure drugs and medical devices without physician authorization from provision holding supervising physician responsible for authorizing a PA prescription or order. Allows for those practicing in a team-based setting to plan and initiate a therapeutic regimen that includes ordering and prescribing non-pharmacological interventions, including durable medical equipment, nutrition, blood, blood products, and diagnostic support services, including home health care, hospice, and physical and occupational therapy.
- Allows for PAs to authenticate any document (was, just death certificates) so long as it may have been authenticated by a physician. Deletes language deeming completion of a death certificate by a PA as authorized by a supervising physician and holding the physician responsible for that authorization.
- Bars PAs from performing final interpretations of diagnostic imaging studies (computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), nuclear medicine, positron emission tomography (PET), mammography, and ultrasound services). Requires physician to provide final interpretation of diagnostic imaging studies. Allows for PA to conduct a final interpretation of plain film radiographs only when supervised by a physician.
- Makes conforming changes to refer to new "team-based practice."
Amends definition of qualified technician in the Woman’s Right to Know Act (GS 90-21.81) to include PAs with certification in obstetrical ultrasonography.
Amends definition of attending providers in GS 58-3-169 (requiring insurance coverage for minimum hospital stays after birth) to include PAs.
Amends GS 110-91 (governing licensure requirements for child care facilities) to allow PAs to be able to complete a child health assessment before a child is admitted or within 30 days of admission to a child care facility.
Requires the Medical Board to adopt permanent rules necessary to implement the act.
The statutory changes set forth above become effective either when the Medical Board adopts permanent rules to implement all provisions of the act or June 30, 2026, whichever is earlier.
Expands the limited immunity granted in GS 90-96.2 (limited immunity under the controlled substances act for drug-related overdoses) and GS 18B-302.2 (limited immunity pertaining to possession of alcoholic beverages by a person under age 21) to prevent a person from being arrested or charged, in addition to not being prosecuted for the listed Good Samaritan acts. Expands the types of Good Samaritan acts to include assisting in seeking medical treatment. Includes campus security services as one of the emergency services providers that a person can contact for medical assistance as described, and which would trigger the limited immunity provided by GS 90-96.2/18B-302.2. Specifies that the limited immunity extends to an overdose victim (GS 90-96.2) or the person who needed medical assistance (GS 18B-302.2), regardless of whether they requested medical assistance personally or were the subject of another person’s request for assistance. Extends immunity in GS 90-96.2 to cover all violations of GS 90-95(a)(3) (possession of controlled substance) (currently, only covers misdemeanor violations of that statute). Makes language gender neutral. Applies to all acts or omissions on or after October 1, 2025.
Enacts GS 120-11.3, pertaining to in-person voting by proxy in the General Assembly, as follows. Contains legislative findings. Defines designated proxy, qualified member (a member of the General Assembly that has filed a voting designation because of a triggering event), triggering event (childbirth, adoption, stillbirth, or miscarriage to a qualified member), and voting designation.
Allows for a qualified member of the General Assembly not physically located in the chamber to be present and voting by use of a designated proxy so long as they (1) filed a voting designation and access the real-time, audio or audiovisual stream of each session in which the member votes by use of a designated proxy, (2) the designated proxy is physically located in the chamber when the question is put, and (3) over one-half of the members of the chamber have already voted in the chamber on the question. Requires the presiding officer to call on each designated proxy after all members in the chamber have voted. Requires the General Assembly to establish a process by which to validate and secure proxy voting under the conditions specified. Specifies that a voting designation is valid until the earlier of (1) 16 weeks from a triggering event or (ii) the date the qualified member revokes the designation in writing as specified. Effective July 1, 2025.
| Intro. by Chitlik, Mohammed. | GS 120 |
Contains whereas clauses. Titles the act the “Home Comfort Act.” Defines Department (the Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Aging) and eligible senior.
Appropriates $7 million from the General Fund to the Department in recurring funds for each year of the 2025-27 biennium to establish and administer a Home Modification Grant Program (Program) to provide State-funded financial assistance to eligible seniors to make essential home modifications to a primary residence to improve accessibility and safety, including the listed modifications. Requires the Department to establish an application process and eligibility criteria including specified age and income thresholds. Limits household assistance to $10,000. Authorizes up to 5% of appropriated funds for each fiscal year to be used for administrative purposes. Requires the Department to begin accepting Program applications on or before January 1, 2026.
Effective July 1, 2025, appropriates $42.25 million in recurring funds for each year of the 2025-27 biennium to be allocated for the four described purposes that (1) aid eligible seniors with their daily activities, personal care, and household maintenance; (2) provide financial assistance to eligible seniors for home health agency services; (3) provide grants to Area Agencies on Aging, county departments of social services, and local health departments to implement or expand home care independence services for eligible seniors; and (4) establish a Caregiver Assistance Program that provides a monthly stipend of up to $500 to a family member who provides in-home care to an eligible senior, as described.
Effective July 1, 2025, appropriates $750,000 in recurring funds from the General Fund to the Department for each year of the 2025-27 biennium and $1.5 million for the 2025-26 year to be allocated in the amounts described to (1) develop and implement a statewide hotline and online portal to assist eligible seniors with navigating the programs included in the aging-in-place resource guide described in the act and (2) pay for ongoing operational expenses and maintenance associated with the statewide hotline and online portal implementation.
Requires the Department to submit an annual report, starting on April 1, 2027, to the specified NCGA committee and the Fiscal Research Division on the use of funds appropriated by the act as described.
| Intro. by Theodros, Robinson, Applewhite. | APPROP |
Modifies the elderly or disabled property tax homestead exclusion under GS 105-277.1 as follows. Creates a joint income (i.e., the combined income of both spouses who are married and residing together, irrespective of whether the property is in both names) eligibility limit of 115% of the $25,000 income eligibility limit for an individual. Makes conforming changes. Makes the joint income eligibility limit applicable to GS 105-277.1B (property tax homestead circuit breaker). Allows in instances when a permanent residence is jointly owned by two or more persons who are not married for each owner to be entitled to the property tax relief provided by GS 105-277.1, provided that each owner applies separately for the relief (currently, no property tax homestead circuit breaker is allowed unless all owners qualify and elect to defer taxes). Exempts a qualifying owner from paying the portion of the principal amount of tax imposed for the current tax year on his or her permanent residence and exceeds the percentage of the qualifying owner's income as described (currently allows deferral of the described tax). Removes provisions pertaining to deferred taxes, disqualifying events, gaps in deferral, creditor limitations, and construction of GS 105-277.1.
Repeals GS 105-277.1F(a)(2) (applying the uniform provisions for payment of deferred taxes to GS 105-277.1B) and GS 105-365.1(a)(3) (setting forth the delinquent date for a deferred tax under GS 105-277.1B that lost its eligibility for deferral due to the death of the owner the first day of the ninth month following the date of death.)
Makes conforming changes to GS 153A-148.1 (preventing disclosure of county tax records as described) and GS 160A-208.1 (preventing disclosure of local government tax records as described).
Effective for taxes imposed for taxable years beginning on or after July 1, 2026.
Part I.
Enacts new GS Chapter 18D, establishing registration and licensure requirements and procedures governing the operation of cannabis establishments, and making possession and use of cannabis for personal use by persons at least 21 years of age lawful within the statutory possession limit. States legislative findings. Excludes Article 44 of GS Chapter 90, as enacted and governing medical cannabis, from the scope of the new Chapter. Creates the Office of Community Reinvestment (Office) within the Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission (Commission), and provides for the Office's executive director, funding, and powers and duties, which include defining community reinvestment applicant, advising the Commission, providing reporting, investigating establishments, and administering three funds established by the act: the Community Reinvestment and Repair Fund, the Social Opportunity Fund, and the Cannabis Education and Technical Assistance Fund. Charges the Office with promoting and encouraging full participation in the regulated cannabis industry by people from communities that have been disproportionately harmed by the cannabis prohibition and enforcement in order to positively impact those communities.
Charges the Commission with cannabis establishment registration issuance and annual renewal. Provides for conditional approval for applicants that have not yet purchased or leased the establishment location. Subjects registered establishments to Commission inspection. Requires establishments operating with on-site consumption to be issued a permit, license, or registration that expressly allows such operation by the local regulatory authority of the locality. Authorizes local prohibition of establishments by ordinance, so long as transportation through the locality is permitted. Authorizes localities to govern the time, place, manner, and number of operations consistent with the Chapter. Bars host community agreements whereby establishments or applicants provide anything of value to the locality.
Limits the sale of cannabis and cannabis products to ABC stores or cannabis stores operated by local boards; allows these stores to accept online orders, including payment, for cannabis sold in its store. Requires online orders to be picked up by the person who placed the order and sets out provision governing name and age verification. Makes the provisions of 18B-801 (location, opening, and closing of ABC stores) applicable to cannabis stores. Sets out limitations on when stores can operate. Allows the Commission to adopt rules for the organization and operation of self-service cannabis stores, the size of store signs, the display of cannabis, solicitation in around ABC stores, and any other subject related to the efficient operation of cannabis stores.
Makes the following legal by persons at least 21 years of age lawful within the statutory possession limit: (1) possessing, consuming, ingesting, smoking, growing, using, processing, purchasing, or transporting cannabis; (2) transferring cannabis to a person who is 21 years of age or older without remuneration; (3) controlling property where actions described by this section occur; and (4) assisting another person who is 21 years of age or older in any of these acts. Sets the possession limits as: (1) two ounces of cannabis, excluding concentrated cannabis or cannabis products; (2) 15 grams of concentrated cannabis; (3) cannabis products containing no more than 2,000 mg of tetrahydrocannabinol; (4) six cannabis plants; or (5) any additional cannabis produced by the person's cannabis plants provided that possession exceeding these limits is limited to the same property of cultivation. Establishes restrictions for cultivating cannabis plants, including requiring cultivation out of public view and taking reasonable precautions to secure the plants from unauthorized access by minors, with violations constituting infractions punishable by up to $750 or up to 75 hours of community service. Makes it an infraction, punishable by a fine of up to $50 or up to five hours of community service, to smoke cannabis in a public place or in an area of an on-site consumption establishment where smoking is prohibited. Makes it an infraction to operate a motor vehicle or motorized device used for transportation, punishable by a fine of up to $250, up to 25 hours of community service, and/or license suspension for up to six months. Provides increased penalties for subsequent offenses.
Makes it an infraction, punishable by a fine of up to $150 or up to 15 hours of community service, for a person under 21 to present false identification in procuring or attempting to procure cannabis, or gaining access to a cannabis establishment. Makes specified extractions from cannabis a Class E felony, punishable by a fine of up to $5,000. Makes possession, use, distribution, or manufacture of cannabis accessories by persons 21 or older lawful, subject to Commission rules. For violations, makes a first offense an infraction punishable by a fine of up to $1,000 and forfeiture, and a second offense a Class A1 misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $5,000 and/or up to 180 days in jail and forfeiture. Establishes penalties and court-ordered entry into substance abuse treatment and/or education programs for juveniles and persons under 18 for possessing, using, or purchasing cannabis or cannabis accessories. Prohibits discrimination in employment and professional licensure and public assistance benefits, and prohibits arresting, prosecuting, or assessing a penalty solely for conduct permitted by the Chapter. Provides other protections relating to child custody or visitation, State or local government benefits and entitlement, medical care, and conditions of pretrial release.
The Chapter does not prevent government employers from disciplining employees or contractors for consumption in the workplace or working while impaired, nor prevent penalization of conduct under the influence which would constitute negligence or professional malpractice. Provides for the Chapter to not apply when it conflicts with the governmental employers' federal obligations or federal monetary or licensing-related benefits. Deems operation of a registered establishment lawful, subject to the Chapter, Commission rules, and local authorities. Details requirements for establishments to verify that consumers are 21 or older and provides for an affirmative defense to prosecutions for violations. Provides protections from professional discrimination for the provision of services to or previous employment at a cannabis establishment. Provides for the rights of property owners and protections for tenants with prior cannabis-related convictions. Deems contracts related to establishment operation enforceable. Details restrictions of law enforcement and State and local governments with respect to conduct permitted under the Chapter.
Requires the Commission to adopt necessary implementing rules within 180 days of January 1, 2026, as specified, and including 27 specified regulations.
Effective January 1, 2026, and applies to offenses committed on after that date.
Adds new Article 2F to GS Chapter 105, establishing the following tax on cannabis. Levies an excise tax on cannabis and cannabis products possessed by manufacturers at the following rates: (1) cannabis plant material, at the rate of 0.00625 of 1¢ per milligram of total THC, as reflected on the product label; (2) cannabis edible products, at the rate of 0.0275 of 1¢ per milligram of total THC, as reflected on the product label; and (3) cannabis, other than cannabis plant material or cannabis edible products, at the rate of nine-tenths 0.9 of 1¢ per milligram of total THC, as reflected on the product label. Requires the tax to be paid by any manufacturer who possesses cannabis or cannabis products upon which the tax has not been paid, as evidence by a stamp. Sets out the timing of the payment and requires a stamp to be affixed to the cannabis or cannabis product after paying the tax. Sets out provisions governing the administration of this Article, assessment of the tax, penalties, and interest, and confidentiality of information obtained in administering the tax. Requires the proceeds of the tax to be credited to the new Cannabis Regulation Account (Account) and sets out how funds are to be distributed to the nine listed entities, including how the funds are to be used. Effective for taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2026.
Part II.
Enacts new Article 44, NC Medical Cannabis Act, to GS Chapter 90. Provides broad civil and criminal immunity for a patient or a designated caregiver for purchasing or possessing cannabis for medical use if the quantity does not exceed an adequate supply as determined by the NC Medical Care Commission. Requires the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to issue "registry identification cards" to persons who qualify as patients or designated caregivers, and provides that a card creates a rebuttable presumption of permissible use if the person does not possess more than an adequate supply. Requires the patient or designated caregiver to possess a registry card issued by DHHS. Specifies conditions under which provisions of the act are applicable to minors. Prohibits a school, employer, or landlord from refusing to enroll, employ, or lease to, or to otherwise penalize, a person because of his or her status under the act or the permissible possession or use of cannabis. Also provides immunity and protection from penalties for physicians for conduct consistent with the act. Provides other protections relating to conduct of law enforcement, child custody or visitation, constructive possession, and the unauthorized substances tax. Specifies criteria and procedures for DHHS issuance or renewal of registry identification cards and requires that DHHS maintain a confidential list of persons to whom cards are issued. Allows DHHS to verify for law enforcement whether a card is valid and to report to law enforcement about falsified or fraudulent information submitted to DHHS. Makes violation of the confidentiality provision a Class 1 misdemeanor, subject to a fine of up to $1,000.
Directs the NC Medical Care Commission to adopt rules to implement the provisions regarding registry cards, establishing requirements for the issuance of registry identification cards to patients and designated caregivers who meet certain minimum specifications. Requires the rules be adopted no later than 120 days after the effective date of the act.
Effective January 1, 2026, and applies to acts committed on or after that date.
Part III.
Enacts GS 15A-145.8B, mandating the automatic expunction of convictions for offenses involving marijuana or hashish that is legal under new GS Chapter 18D by July 1, 2028. Charges the Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) with determining eligible offenses, creating an electronic list of offenses, and providing the list to clerks of superior court by October 1, 2027, to prepare and complete orders of expungement. Provides for expungement of related government records, except DNA records and samples stored, and reversal of administration actions taken as a result from the charges or convictions expunged. Provides for the effect of the expunction. Effective January 1, 2026.
Part IV.
Makes conforming repeals in the following statutory sections to reflect the new enactments: GS 90-87, GS 90-94, GS 90-95, GS 90-113.22A, GS 90-113.21, GS 105-113.106, GS 105-113.107, GS 105-113-107A, GS 105-113.108, GS 106-134, GS 148-64.1, and GS 90-94.1.
Makes conforming changes to GS 105-113.106, defining dealer to exclude possession of marijuana.
Effective January 1, 2026.
Part IV.
Includes a severability clause.
Provides a savings clause for prosecutions for offenses committed before the effective date of the act.
Amends GS 105-130.19 (pertaining to when taxes must be paid by corporations) and GS 105-131.1A (pertaining to taxation of an S Corporation as a taxed pass through entity) to allow for the entity to defer the full amount of tax payable to the next taxable year if the corporation has been in existence less than five years and files a return showing a State net income of less than $5,000 for the taxable year. Makes conforming changes. Amends GS 105-157 to allow business entities, including LLC’s LLP’s and taxed partnerships, to defer the full amount of tax payable under Part 2 (individual income tax) of GS Chapter 105 to the next taxable year if the business entity has been in existence less than five years and files a return showing a State net income of less than $5,000. Effective for taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2026.
Amends GS 143-48 (state policy to promote certain contractors in goods and service contracts); GS 143-135.5 (state policy to promote certain contractors in contracts for the construction of public buildings) and GS 143B-1361 (state policy to promote certain contractors as part of its information technology procurement policy) to encourage and promote these divisions of the State to use contractors that that have been in operation for less than five years, in addition to contractors who are small businesses, women, minorities, and physically handicapped. Requires the Department of Administration to compile information on participation in State goods and services and construction contracts by contractors that have been in business for less than five years. Sets forth required analytics in report. Effective October 1, 2025, and applies to contracts awarded on or after that date.
Appropriates $2.5 million in recurring funds from the General Fund to the Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Public Health for each year of the 2025-27 fiscal biennium to be used to award grants to nonprofit community health centers for the purchase and provision of long-acting reversible contraceptives for underserved, uninsured, or medically indigent patients. Defines long-acting reversible contraceptives to mean a drug or device that meets four specified criteria, including that the design is a temporary method of birth control that can be discontinued and is an FDA approved contraceptive. Effective July 1, 2025.
| Intro. by Chitlik, Murdock, Bradley. | APPROP |
Requires the Division of Juvenile Justice (Division) of the Department of Public Safety, in consultation or collaboration with any other entity the Division deems necessary to consult or collaborate with, to develop a program giving delinquent juveniles committed to youth development centers the opportunity to develop coding, programming, and other computer-related skills in order to prepare them for job and career opportunities, increase financial stability, and reduce the likelihood of recidivism. Allows contracting with an entity to implement the program. Requires the program to include: (1) specialized courses to teach coding, programming, and other computer-related skills; (2) opportunities to earn industry-recognized certifications in those fields; and (3) connections with mentors in the relevant fields, internship programs, and job placement assistance to ensure a successful transition into the workforce. Requires the program to be implemented by January 1, 2026. Requires the Division to report to the specified NCGA committee and division on its progress in developing the program by October 1, 2025.
Appropriates $250,000 in recurring funds for 2025-26 from the General Fund to the Division for the costs of developing and implementing the program. Effective July 1, 2025.
| Intro. by Theodros, Blue, Bradley. | APPROP, UNCODIFIED |
Reenacts Article F of GS Chapter 105, pertaining to research and development, and modifies it as follows. Changes the definition of related person to a person described in one of the relationships set forth in Section 267(b) or 707(b) of the IRS Code. Modifies GS 105-129.51 (taxpayer standards) as follows. Instructs that a taxpayer is eligible for a credit under the Article in a development tier two or three area only if the taxpayer satisfies a wage standard. Specifies that no wage standard is required if the activity occurs in a development tier one area. Sets the following criteria for the wage standard:
- Jobs that are located within an urban progress zone, a port enhancement zone, or an agrarian growth zone but not in a development tier one area satisfy the wage standard if they pay an average weekly wage that is at least equal to 90% of the lesser of the average wage for all insured private employers in the State and the average wage for all insured private employers in the county.
- All other jobs satisfy the wage standard if they pay an average weekly wage that is at least equal to the lesser of 110% of the average wage for all insured private employers in the State and 90% of the average wage for all insured private employers in the county.
Requires the Department of Commerce (DOC) to annual publish the wage standard for each county. Provides for a wage calculation. Directs that a taxpayer is only eligible for under the Article if: (1) they provide health insurance (as described) for all of the full-time jobs at the establishment with respect to which the credit is claimed when the taxpayer engages in the activity that qualifies for the credit; (2) the taxpayer certifies that, at the time the taxpayer claims the credit, there has not been a final determination unfavorable (defined) to the taxpayer with respect to an environmental disqualifying event; and (3) if the taxpayer certifies that, as of the time the taxpayer claims the credit, at the establishment with respect to which the credit is claimed, the taxpayer has no citations under the Occupational Safety and Health Act that have become a final order within the past three years for willful serious violations (defined) or for failing to abate serious violations. Directs that if a taxpayer ceases to provide health insurance for the jobs during a taxable year, the credit expires and the taxpayer may not take any remaining installment or carryforward of the credit. Provides for an annual report by the Secretary of the Department of Environmental Quality to DOC listing all of the environmental disqualifying events for which a final determination unfavorable to the taxpayer was made in the prior calendar year and shall provide the name of the taxpayer involved and the date that the disqualifying event occurred. Instructs that a taxpayer is not eligible for a credit allowed under the Article if, at the time the taxpayer claims the credit or an installment or carryforward of the credit, the taxpayer has received a notice of an overdue tax debt and that overdue tax debt has not been satisfied or otherwise resolved. Makes conforming changes.
Modifies the cap under GS 105-129.52 so that the credit cannot exceed 15% (was, 50%) of the amount of tax against which it is claimed for the taxable year, reduced by the sum of all other credits allowed against that tax, except tax payments made by or on behalf of the taxpayer. Allows a credit equal to 20% of the expenses for a taxpayer that has NC university research expenses for the taxable year.
Effective for taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2025.
| Intro. by Theodros, Blue. | GS 105 |
The Daily Bulletin: 2025-03-19
The Daily Bulletin: 2025-03-19
Actions on Bills: 2025-03-19
H 5: NC CONSTITUTIONAL CARRY ACT.
H 21: DRIVERS LICENSE DESIGNATION/AUTISM.
H 28: GUN VIOLENCE PREVENTION ACT.
H 35: ESTABLISH MILITARY APPRECIATION MONTH.
H 37: ENHANCE FIREFIGHTER BENEFITS & REPRESENTATION.
H 47: DISASTER RECOVERY ACT OF 2025 - PART I.
H 91: DEFINE ARMED FORCES/CONFORMING CHANGES.
H 95: THREATEN ELECTED OFFICIAL/INCREASE PUNISHMENT.
H 124: ADOPT OFFICIAL STATE COOKIE.
H 125: ADOPT OFFICIAL STATE STAR.
H 134: PROHIBIT MISBRANDING OF CERTAIN FOOD PRODUCTS.
H 184: PROMOTE NORTH CAROLINA SAWMILLS.
H 186: THE STARS AND STRIPES COMMITMENT ACT.
H 198: AMEND LAW ON NOTICE OF ABC VIOLATION.
H 199: NONCONSENSUAL BOOTING AND TOWING REFORM.
H 247: 8-1-1 AMENDMENTS.
H 258: UTILITY WORKER PROTECTION ACT.
H 268: 2025 UNC SELF-LIQUIDATING CAPITAL PROJECTS.
H 356: PERMITTED TRADE PRACTICES/INSURANCE REBATES.-AB
H 358: MAINTAIN NAIC ACCREDITATION OF DOI.-AB
H 373: UNC TUITION DISCOUNTS FOR CERTAIN STUDENTS.
H 378: LEON'S LAW (DUAL ENROLLMENT INFO PARENTS).
H 400: BENTLEY'S LAW.
H 423: SKIP THE STUFF ACT.
H 424: GAMING LAWS/ALLOW CERTAIN SOCIAL GAMES.
H 425: PROTECT YOUTH FROM HARMS OF VAPING & NICOTINE.
H 426: WORKFORCE DIPLOMA PROGRAM.
H 427: CCW PERMIT/NO RECORDS PROVIDED.
H 428: STUDY SCHOOL DISCIPLINE PARENT INVOLVEMENT.
H 429: TURTLE RESCUE TEAM SPECIAL REGISTRATION PLATE.
H 430: PROTECT YOUTH FROM HARMS OF VAPING & NICOTINE.
H 431: PREVENTING DEED FRAUD.
H 432: PROTECT OUR HOMES ACT.
H 433: REGISTERED NURSES IN SCHOOLS.
H 434: THE CARE FIRST ACT.
H 435: MOD. BD. OF ENG'ERS & SURVEYORS.
H 436: COUNTIES/SEMIANNUAL ASSESSMENTS.
H 437: ESTABLISH DRUG-FREE HOMELESS SERVICE ZONES.
H 438: REQUIRE PAID REST BREAKS.
H 456: NO SURPRISES FOR AMBULANCE SERVICES ACT.
H 457: INCREASE SMALL COUNTY FUNDING.
H 458: IMPROVE ENFORCEMENT/MIGRANT HOUSING.
H 459: INCOME TAX RATE REDUCTION TRIGGER MODS.
H 460: MEDICAL EQUIPMENT RIGHT TO REPAIR ACT.
H 461: URGING SUPPORT FOR WASHINGTON DC STATEHOOD.
H 462: PERSONAL DATA PRIVACY/SOCIAL MEDIA SAFETY.
H 463: FIRST RESPONDERS MENTAL HEALTH PLAN ACT.
H 464: HEALTHY STUDENTS - A NURSE IN EVERY SCHOOL.
H 465: WAIVE RENEWAL FEE/MILITARY DRIVERS LICENSES.
H 466: BIRTHPLACE OF AM. INDEPENDENCE SPECIAL PLATE.
S 50: FREEDOM TO CARRY NC.
S 121: GSC CONVEYANCES BETWEEN SPOUSES.
S 122: GSC UNIF. COMMUNITY PROP. DISP. AT DEATH ACT.
S 260: CONFIRM DR. DEVDUTTA SANGVAI/DHHS.
S 316: LOWER HEALTHCARE COSTS.
S 321: ACCOUNTING WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT ACT.
S 322: UTILITY WORKER PROTECTION ACT.
S 323: STUDENT HEALTH AND RESPONSIBILITY ACT.
S 324: 2025 SAFE DRINKING WATER ACT.
S 325: CREATE DEPT. OF HOUSING AND COMM. DEVELOPMENT.
S 326: ECONOMIC SECURITY ACT.
S 327: NC BITCOIN RESERVE AND INVESTMENT ACT.
S 328: UNDERGROUND SAFETY REVISIONS.
S 329: RECOGNIZING SOUTH FORK PASSAGE STATE TRAIL.
S 330: LME/MCO TRANSPARENCY AND ACCOUNTABILITY.
S 331: MAKE LEGISLATORS' DOCS PUBLIC RECORDS.
S 332: HEALTH CARE PRACTITIONER TRANSPARENCY ACT.
S 333: PROHIBIT ILLEGAL ACCREDITATION REQUIREMENTS.
S 334: REPEAL THE NC DRUG TAX.
S 335: PHARMACISTS/TEST AND TREAT/INFLUENZA & STREP. (NEW)
S 336: INTERSTATE MED.L LIC. COMP./INTERN'L PHYS.
S 337: REALLOCATE CIVIL WAR & RECONST. HIST CTR FNDS.
S 338: NC FARMLAND AND MILITARY PROTECTION ACT.
S 339: RESTORE NC BAR APPOINT'S/JUDICIAL DISCIPLINE.
S 340: FUNDS FOR PITTSBORO FIRE SERVICES.
S 341: FUNDS FOR SILER CITY STREETSCAPE PROJECT.
S 342: FUNDS FOR NEW SILER CITY FIRE STATION.
S 343: SECURE HOME, SECURE FUTURE ACT.
S 344: POOLED TRUST TRANSFERS/PUBLIC BENEFITS ELIG.
S 345: PA TEAM-BASED PRACTICE.
S 346: GOOD SAMARITAN LAW/IMMUNITY.
S 347: SUPPORTING PARENTS WHO SERVE.
S 348: HOME COMFORT ACT.
S 349: PROPERTY TAX MODIFICATIONS.
S 350: MARIJUANA JUSTICE AND REINVESTMENT ACT.
S 351: RIGHT TO START ACT.
S 352: COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTER GRANTS FOR LARCS.
S 353: THE SECOND CHANCE CODING ACT.
S 354: NC BREAKTHROUGH ACT.
Actions on Bills: 2025-03-19
H 58: VARIOUS LOCAL ELECTIONS. (NEW)
H 223: TOWN OF MOORESVILLE/PROPERTY CONVEYANCE.
S 36: CHINA GROVE EVEN YEAR ELECTIONS.
S 127: LOWER TAXES FOR SCOTLAND COUNTY.
S 214: FOUR OAKS/CREEDMOOR DEANNEXATIONS. (NEW)
S 219: STALLINGS/MARVIN SATELLITE ANNEXATIONS. (NEW)
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