The Daily Bulletin: 2025-03-20

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The Daily Bulletin: 2025-03-20

PUBLIC/HOUSE BILLS
H 81 (2025-2026) RESTRICT USE OF VEHICLE TELEMATICS. Filed Feb 10 2025, AN ACT REQUIRING NOTICE AND CONSENT BEFORE AN INSURANCE INSTITUTION OR AGENT MAY USE VEHICLE TELEMATICS DATA.

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

Removes references to data provided by vehicle telematics in new GS 58-39-33 so that the statute prevents insurers or agents from using vehicle telematics. Clarifies that the person who can revoke consent under GS 58-39-33(b) is the applicant or policyholder. Makes conforming changes, including to the statute title. Modifies vehicle telematics so that it means data regarding an individual's driving habits obtained through the installation of a tracking device, application, or software into an individual's motor vehicle or mobile device that transmits the data via wireless networks (was, any tracking device, application, or software installed into a motor vehicle or mobile device that facilitates the transmission and storage of telemetry data regarding an individual's driving habits via wireless networks) in GS 58-39-15. Makes technical changes to the other definitions contained in GS 58-39-15.

Exempts an insurance institution or agent that collects, receives, sells, shares, or otherwise uses vehicle telematics regarding an applicant or policyholder through the installation of a tracking device, application, or software into an individual's motor vehicle or mobile device that transmits the data via wireless networks from the criminal provisions pertaining to cyberstalking under GS 14-196.3(b)(5) so long as the insurance institution or agent obtains written consent in accordance with GS 58-39-33.

Intro. by Loftis, Warren, Echevarria, Almond.GS 58
H 467 (2025-2026) REENACT LOW-INCOME HOUSING TAX CREDITS. Filed Mar 20 2025, AN ACT TO REENACT THE LOW-INCOME HOUSING TAX CREDITS.

Reenacts Article 3E, Low-Income Housing Tax Credits, of GS Chapter 105, as it existed immediately before its repeal (effective January 1, 2015), and revises the Article as follows. Does not reenact GS 105-129.41, which provided credit for low-income housing awarded federal credit allocation prior to January 1, 2003. Makes conforming changes. Amends GS 105-129.40 by removing outdated language. Retitles GS 105-129.42, Credit for low-income housing awarded a federal credit allocation (no longer specifying the award on or after January 1, 2003). Extends the sunset of the Article, so that it is now repealed effective January 1, 2030, applicable to developments to which federal credits are allocated on or after January 1, 2030. Effective for taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2025, and applies to applications of federal low-income housing tax credits on or after that date.

Intro. by Greenfield, A. Jones, T. Brown, Crawford.GS 105
H 468 (2025-2026) REGULATE KRATOM PRODUCTS. Filed Mar 20 2025, AN ACT TO REGULATE THE SALE AND DISTRIBUTION OF KRATOM PRODUCTS.

Section 1.

Article 1.

Enacts new GS Chapter 18E, pertaining to the regulation of kratom products.  Defines sixteen terms.

Enacts GS 18E-101, which sets forth six offenses involving the sale of kratom products, as follows:

  1. To knowingly sell a kratom product to a person who is under 21 years of age or to sell that product to a person under 21 years of age when the seller has reason to know they are under 21. Specifies conditions when the seller must require proof of age, including requiring age verification for online sales.   
  2. Knowingly, or having reason to know, distribute samples of kratom products in or on a public street, sidewalk, park, or public building.
  3. Engage in the business of selling a kratom product without a valid license.
  4. Knowingly, or having reason to know, sell a kratom product that is not contained in an exit package or a child-resistant package.
  5. Knowingly, or having reason to know, sell at retail a kratom product that is not in compliance with GS 18E-105.
  6. Knowingly, or having reason to know, sell at retail a kratom product that has not been tested as outlined in GS 18E-104.

Provides for three defenses to the violation described as 1 above, including (1) proof that the buyer produced an official State, tribal, military, or federal identification showing their age to be at least 21 years old and bearing a physical description reasonably describing the buyer; (2) evidence of other facts that reasonably indicated at the time of sale that the purchaser was at least the required age; and (3) evidence that at the time of sale the purchaser utilized a biometric identification system that demonstrated their age to be at least 21 and that they had registered an official federal, tribal, military, or State ID with the seller or the seller’s agent showing them to be the legal age for purchase.

Provides for civil penalties imposed by the Alcohol Law Enforcement Division of the Department of Public Safety (ALE Division) ranging from $500 to $2,000 and for a one-year suspension of retail dealer licenses for third violations, and revocation of that license for subsequent violations. Allows for compromise in cases of revocation or suspension of licensure where the retail dealer may pay a penalty of not more than $3,000. Allows the ALE Division to accept a compromise and suspend a license in the same case but prevents it from revoking a license if a compromise is accepted. Provides for payment of a testing fee conducted as part of sample testing in investigating alleged violations of the offense listed as 6 above, to be remitted to the ALE Division. Directs that the clear proceeds of any civil penalty be remitted to the Civil Penalty and Forfeiture Fund (Fund). Permits for forfeiture of products manufactured, distributed, or sold in violation of the offense listed as 6 above. Designates second violations of the offense listed as 3 above as a Class A1 misdemeanor with third or subsequent violations a Class H felony.

Enacts GS 18E-101A, preventing a producer from knowingly selling or in any way transferring kratom that has been processed or prepared with the intent to be used in a kratom product to any person or entity other than a manufacturer licensed under GS Chapter 18E. Provides for civil penalties ranging from $500 to $2,000. Designates second violations as a Class A1 misdemeanor with third or subsequent violations a Class H felony.

Directs that the clear proceeds of any civil penalty be remitted to the Fund. Clarifies that the statute cannot be construed as preventing a producer from selling or transferring kratom intended to be used in a lawful product.

Enacts GS 18E-102, as follows. Bars persons from giving a kratom product to anyone less than 21 years of age without the consent of that person’s parent or legal guardian. Prevents persons less than 21 years of age from purchasing, attempting to purchase kratom products and to use fraudulent or altered identification or documentation, identification or documents issued to another, or any other form or means of identification that indicates or symbolizes that the person is not prohibited from purchasing or possessing a kratom product under the statute. Further makes it unlawful for a person to permit use of their identification to allow an underage person to purchase a kratom product. Makes it a Class 2 misdemeanor for persons who violate the statute who are less than 21 years of age and a Class 1 misdemeanor for persons 21 and over who violate the section. Provides for aiding and abetting liability. Exempts an underage person from liability for selling, transporting, or possessing kratom products in the course of employment if the employment of the person for that purpose is lawful under applicable youth employment statutes.

Enacts GS 18E-103, which makes it unlawful for a manufacturer or distributor to do any of the following three offenses:

  1. Knowingly, or having reason to know, distribute samples of a kratom product in or on a public street, sidewalk, or park.
  2. Engage in the business of manufacturing or distributing a kratom product without a valid license.
  3. Knowingly, or having reason to know, manufacture or distribute a kratom product that violates the provisions of GS 18E-104.

Classifies violations as a Class A1 misdemeanor and provides for civil penalties ranging from $1,000 to $7,500. Authorizes suspension, revocation, or conditions placed upon manufacturer or distributor licenses. Allows for compromise in cases of revocation or suspension of licensure where the licensee may pay a penalty of not more than $8,000. Allows the ALE Division to accept a compromise and suspend a license in the same case but prevents it from revoking a license if a compromise is accepted. Provides for payment of a testing fee conducted as part of sample testing in investigating alleged violations of the offense listed as 3 above, to be remitted to the ALE Division. Directs that the clear proceeds of any civil penalty be remitted to the Fund. Permits for forfeiture of products manufactured, distributed, or sold in violation of the offense listed as 3 above.

Requires in new GS 18E-104, that a manufacturer have a kratom product tested by an independent testing laboratory prior to distribution to a distributor or before distributing the product to a seller as described and for the substances listed in the section. Requires a kratom product to be labeled with an expiration date that conforms with applicable federal law. Provides for civil penalties ranging from $1,000 to $7,500. Directs that the clear proceeds of any civil penalty be remitted to the Fund. Authorizes suspension, revocation, or conditions placed on the operating hours of the licensee’s business placed upon the licensee’s licenses. Allows for compromise in cases of revocation or suspension of licensure where the licensee may pay a penalty of not more than $8,000. Allows the ALE Division to accept a compromise and suspend a license in the same case but prevents it from revoking a license if a compromise is accepted. Requires the ALE Division to (1) maintain and post on its website a registry of testing labs that are qualified to conduct the testing required by the section and (2) develop an application and process to determine qualifying laboratories listed on its website, including a sample certificate of analysis.

Enacts new GS 18E-105, which concerns additional requirements and restrictions for manufacturers and distributors of kratom products including registration, packaging requirements, reporting of adverse events, and advertising restrictions. Prohibits a licensee or their agent or employee from knowingly allowing violations of GS Chapter 18E and other laws to occur on the licensed premises in new GS 18E-105.1. Requires a licensee to superintend the business for which the license has been issued, either in person or through a manager.

Contains a safe harbor provision for kratom products and manufacturer or storage facilities, which applies to products that contain kratom, whether as a finished product or in the process of being produced, that is allowed to be manufactured, produced, or packaged in the State but not sold in the State in new GS 18E-105.2. Enacts GS 18E-106, which sets forth eight things that continue to not be prohibited by GS Chapter 18E.

Article 2.

Requires manufacturers, sellers, and distributors of kratom products in the State to obtain the appropriate license(s) from the ALE Division either prior to commencing business or by July 1, 2026. Specifies that a person or entity engaged in more than one of the businesses listed is required to obtain only a single license. Lists five qualifications for licensure including that the licensee be at least 21 years of age and have not been convicted of a felony related to a controlled substance within 10 years in any state or federal jurisdiction. Requires annual renewal of licenses. Provides, in new GS 18E-202, for application fees ranging from $250 for each location or each website offering delivery in the State, to $15,000 for manufacturers whose income in the calendar year prior to application is $100,000 or more. Sets renewal fees at $5,000 for manufacturers, $750 for distributors, and the same amount as the initial licensing fee for sellers. Specifies that for those applicants engaging in more than one type of business requiring licensure under GS Chapter 18E, the fee will be the highest applicable.

Allows the ALE Division to revoke or refuse to issue any license for: (1) failure to comply with or meet any of the licensure qualifications; (2) submission of false or misleading information in an application for licensure or renewal; (3) submission of false or misleading information in any report or information required by this Chapter to be submitted to the ALE Division; and (4) failure to comply with civil penalties. Requires that proceedings for the assessment of civil penalties authorized in Article 1 be governed by GS Chapter 150B. Upon failure to pay a penalty, allows the ALE Division to institute an action in the superior court of the county in which the person resides or has their principal place of business to recover the unpaid amount; specifies that this recovery does not relieve any party from any other penalty prescribed by law.

Requires the ALE Division to develop and make available online an application for the license required by this Article. Authorizes the ALE Division to adopt rules, amend, and repeal rules to implement GS Chapter 18E. Provides for monthly distribution of fee revenue to the ALE Division to cover enforcement costs. 

Article 3. 

Enacts new GS 18E-300 describing the enforcement authority of the ALE Division over GS Chapter 18E, including the ability to conduct random, unannounced inspections or general investigative inspections as described at locations where kratom products are sold or distributed to ensure compliance with the Chapter. Authorizes the ALE Division to take samples for testing, if upon reasonable inspection, it determines a licensee's inventory may consist of products not in compliance with the packaging, labeling, and testing requirements discussed above. Makes it a Class 2 misdemeanor for any person to resist or obstruct an ALE Division agent attempting to make a lawful inspection. Specifies that refusal by a licensee or by any employee of a licensee to permit ALE Division agents to enter the premises to make an inspection is cause for suspension, revocation, or other action against the licensee. Starting January 1, 2027, requires the ALE Division to submit an annual report to the General Assembly on its enforcement efforts under GS Chapter 18E and to post such reports on its website. Enacts GS 18E-301 authorizing a law enforcement officer to seize any kratom product that is subject to forfeiture, and to provide for its safe storage until trial. Provides for disposition after a criminal trial and after a civil forfeiture proceeding as described. Allows for an owner of seized property to apply for return of the products if no criminal charge has been made or no action for civil forfeiture has been commenced in connection with that product within a reasonable time after seizure. Prevents return if doing so would be unlawful.

Section 2.

Makes conforming changes to GS 18B-500 (subject matter jurisdiction for investigation and enforcement by ALE Division agents).

Section 3.

Specifies that as part of the costs in criminal actions in GS 7A-304, $600 should be ordered to be remitted to the ALE Division or agency that paid for laboratory services in cases where (1) defendant is convicted of a violation of GS 18E-103 and (2) as part of the investigation leading to the defendant's conviction, testing was conducted at a laboratory on products regulated under GS Chapter 18E.

Applies to all kratom products possessed, sold, distributed, or manufactured on or after July 1, 2026, and to all offenses committed on or after that date. 

 

Intro. by McNeely, Cotham, Chesser, Campbell.GS 7A, GS 18B, GS 18E
H 469 (2025-2026) RESTORING RIVALRIES ACT. Filed Mar 20 2025, AN ACT TO REQUIRE HIGH-ENROLLMENT CONSTITUENT INSTITUTIONS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA TO REGULARLY COMPETE AGAINST ONE ANOTHER IN FOOTBALL, BASKETBALL, BASEBALL, AND SOFTBALL.

Includes whereas clauses.

Enacts GS 116-40.14, stating the legislative purpose of the act is to ensure that UNC high-enrollment constituent institutions (NC State and UNC-Chapel Hill) regularly compete against one another in eligible sports, defined as football, men's and women's basketball, baseball, and softball. Sets forth other defined terms. Defines high-enrollment institution. Requires each academic year for all eligible sports, a high-enrollment institution: (1) play at least one home or away game each academic year against another high-enrollment institution for football, men’s basketball, and women’s basketball and (2) play a series of at least three home games or three away games against another high-enrollment institution for baseball and softball. Applies beginning with the 2026-27 academic year. 

Intro. by B. Jones, K. Hall, McNeely, Schietzelt.GS 116
H 470 (2025-2026) THE SECOND AMENDMENT PROTECTION ACT. Filed Mar 20 2025, AN ACT TO ENACT THE SECOND AMENDMENT PROTECTION ACT.

Titles the act as “The Second Amendment Protection Act.”

Enacts new GS 14-409.44, providing as follows. Sets out NCGA findings. Prohibits a public officer (all officers, employees, or duly authorized representatives or agents of a public office) or employee of the State or a political subdivision of the State from: (1) enforce, attempting to enforce, or participating in any way in the enforcement of any federal acts, executive orders, administrative orders, rules, regulations, statutes, or ordinances regarding firearms, firearm accessories, or ammunition; or (2) acceding to a request from another to give material aid or support to the efforts of the other in the enforcement of or implementation of any federal acts, executive orders, administrative orders, rules, regulations, statutes, or ordinances regarding firearms, firearm accessories, or ammunition. Specifies that sovereign, official, or qualified immunity is not an affirmative defense in any action brought under the statute. Provides that if the State or a political subdivision employs a law enforcement officer who knowingly violates the prohibition above, then the State or political subdivision is liable to the injured party in an action at law, suit in equity, or other proper proceeding for redress, and subject to a $50,000 penalty per occurrence. Gives any person injured under this statute standing to pursue injunctive relief and sets out provisions governing these actions.

Specifies that neither of the following is considered a violation of this statute: (1) providing material aid to federal officials who are in pursuit of a suspect when there is a demonstrable criminal nexus with another state or country and such suspect is either not a citizen of this State or is not present in this State; or (2) providing material aid to federal prosecutions for either of the following: a. felony crimes against a person when such prosecution includes weapons violations substantially similar to those found in this Chapter, so long as such weapons violations are merely ancillary to such prosecution, or b. Class A or Class B felony violations, as designated under federal law, substantially similar to those found in GS Chapter 90, when such prosecution includes weapons violations substantially similar to those found in this Chapter, so long as such weapons violations are ancillary to the prosecution. Sets out other acts that public officers or employees of the State or political subdivisions of the State are still allowed to do under the statute.

Includes a severability clause.

Intro. by Echevarria, Kidwell, Biggs, Huneycutt.GS 14
H 471 (2025-2026) FOOD LABELING TRANSPARENCY ACT. Filed Mar 20 2025, AN ACT TO PROHIBIT THE MISBRANDING OF CERTAIN FOOD PRODUCTS.

Section 1.

Enacts new GS 106-549.28A requiring that the label of any manufactured-protein food product (a cell-cultured food product or insect-protein food product) containing an identifying meat term also contain an appropriate qualifying term in prominent type and in close proximity to the name of the product. Failure for products to do so will be deemed misbranded under Article 29B (Meat Inspection Requirements; Adulteration and Misbranding) provided that the Commissioner cannot enforce the prohibition with respect to a product deemed misbranded under this statute against any person other than the manufacturer of the manufactured-protein food product. Makes a conforming change to the definition of misbranded in GS 106-549.15.

Further adds to and amends definitions in GS 106-549.15, as they apply to Article 29B, as follows. Defines identifying meat term as any word or phrase that states, indicates, suggests, or describes a meat product, regardless of whether the word or phrase is used individually, as a portmanteau, or as a compound word; sets out examples of what is included in the term. Defines cell-cultured food product as a food product having one or more sensory attributes that resemble a type of tissue originating from an agricultural food animal but that, in lieu of being derived from meat processing, is derived from manufacturing cells, in which one or more stem cells are initially isolated from an agricultural food animal, are grown in vitro, and may be manipulated, as part of a manufacturing operation. Defines insect-protein food product as a food product having one or more sensory attributes that resemble a type of tissue originating from an agricultural food animal but that, in lieu of being derived from meat processing, is derived from manufacturing insect parts. Also defines agricultural food animalclose proximity, and qualifying term. Amends the definition of the term meat food product so that it includes products capable of use as human food made wholly or in part from any cell-cultured food product made from cells of cattle, sheep, swine, goats, bison, fallow deer, or red deer.   

Section 2.

Enacts new GS 106-549.55 requiring the label of any manufactured-protein food product containing an identifying poultry term to also contain an appropriate qualifying term in prominent type and in close proximity to the product name. Specifies that responsibility for compliance rests solely with the manufacturer and not the retailer. Amends the definitions in GS 106-549.51, as they apply to Article 49D, Poultry Products Inspection Act, as follows. Defines cell-cultured food product as a food product having one or more sensory attributes that resemble a type of tissue originating from poultry but that, in lieu of being derived from meat processing, is derived from manufacturing cells, in which one or more stem cells are initially isolated from poultry, are grown in vitro, and may be manipulated, as part of a manufacturing operation. Defines close proximityinsect-protein food product, and manufactured-protein food product, as they are defined above. Also defines identifying poultry term and qualifying term. Amends the definition of misbranded so that it also applies to any poultry product that is a manufactured-protein food product that is not labeled in accordance with GS 106-549.55. Amends the definition of poultry product to include any cell-cultured food product made from cells of poultry.

Applies to products sold or offered for sale on or after October 1, 2025.

Section 3.

Amends GS 130A-248 (regulation of food and lodging establishments) to require every establishment that prepares or serves food, that offers for sale or consumption of a food item containing or consisting of a manufactured-protein food product (defined) to clearly and conspicuously disclose that fact on its menu in accordance with the described font size and described warning language that clearly indicates that the item is derived from artificial, imitation, or cell-cultured components. Requires the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and local health departments to enforce these requirements. Contains two defined terms. Authorizes the Commission to adopt rules implementing the menu disclosure requirements.  Effective October 1, 2025, and applies to food items sold, offered for sale, or made available for consumption on or after that date.

 Section 4.

Contains a severability clause. Specifies that the act is effective 30 days after it becomes law unless otherwise provided.

Intro. by Gillespie, Penny, Loftis, Huneycutt.GS 106, GS 130A
H 472 (2025-2026) COMMERCIAL VEHICLE &AMP CARGO PROTECTION. Filed Mar 20 2025, AN ACT TO ENACT THE COMMERCIAL VEHICLE AND CARGO PROTECTION ACT.

Enacts GS 20-219.3A, preventing a commercial vehicle from being immobilized using a device such as a boot. Makes using an immobilization device on a commercial vehicle a misdemeanor. Effective December 1, 2025, and applies to offenses charged on or after that date.

Enacts GS 20-219.15, requiring a tower of a nonconsensual tow or government-initiated tow to promptly return any commercial cargo towed by the tower to the owner of the commercial cargo or to a designee of the owner. Allows for trailers that are towed to be exchanged for another trailer in equal or better condition so that the owner of the trailer containing the commercial cargo gets the cargo back.

Intro. by Branson, Loftis, Schietzelt, Hawkins.GS 20
H 473 (2025-2026) RIGHT TO IVF. Filed Mar 20 2025, AN ACT PROTECTING THE RIGHT TO ACCESS ASSISTED REPRODUCTIVE TECHNOLOGY; AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS TO THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, DIVISION OF HEALTH BENEFITS, TO INCREASE FUNDING FOR MEDICAID MATERNAL SUPPORT SERVICES.

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

Appropriates $500,000 in recurring funds for each year of the 2025-27 fiscal biennium from the General Fund to the Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Health Benefits, to increase funding for Medicaid maternal support services, aka the Baby Love Program. Specifies that these funds provide a state match for federal funds.

Intro. by Helfrich, Cohn, Pittman, Prather.APPROP, GS 90
H 474 (2025-2026) RIGHT TO USE CONTRACEPTION. Filed Mar 20 2025, AN ACT DECLARING THE RIGHT TO USE CONTRACEPTION TO PREVENT PREGNANCY SHALL NOT BE LIMITED.

Adds new Article 44 to GS Chapter 90 setting out a right to use contraception to prevent pregnancy, stating that the State has no legitimate governmental interest in restricting such use.

Intro. by Helfrich, Prather, Greenfield, T. Brown.GS 90
H 475 (2025-2026) STATE ID CARDS FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS. Filed Mar 20 2025, AN ACT TO ALLOW NORTH CAROLINA RESIDENTS WHO ARE AT LEAST SIXTEEN YEARS OF AGE TO OBTAIN A NORTH CAROLINA SPECIAL IDENTIFICATION CARD FOR A FEE AND TO ESTABLISH A PILOT PROGRAM TO ISSUE SPECIAL IDENTIFICATION CARDS TO STUDENTS IN PUBLIC HIGH SCHOOLS IN MECKLENBURG, RANDOLPH, UNION, AND WATAUGA COUNTIES.

Amends GS 20-37.7 by decreasing the age at which an applicant can receive a special identification card for free from 17 to 16.

Requires the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV), by December 31, 2025, in conjunction with the Department of Public Instruction (DPI) and the governing bodies of public school units with high schools located in Mecklenburg, Randolph, Union, and Watauga Counties, to establish and implement a pilot program to issue a special identification card as provided under GS 20-37.7 to eligible students in public high schools. Sets out the following requirements for the pilot program: (1) students that are (i) at least 16 years old and (ii) enrolled in a public high school located within those four counties are eligible to receive a special identification card; (2) requires DMV, DPI, and the governing bodies of public high schools located in those counties to give students and parents information on the issuance of special identification cards; (3) requires DMV, DPI, and the governing bodies of public high schools located in those counties to coordinate scheduled time to give students the opportunity to obtain special identification cards (sets out additional scheduling requirements); (4) when the student requests, the school must provide the DMV with the information required to complete a special identification card application; and (5) allows the State Registrar to issue a certified copy of a student's birth certificate to the governing body of a public high school or the DMV upon a student's request in connection with a special identification card application. The program expires December 31, 2027.

Intro. by Pickett, Budd, Biggs.STUDY, Mecklenburg, Randolph, Union, Watauga, GS 20
H 476 (2025-2026) DST TECHNICAL CORRECTIONS/ADMIN. CHANGES 2025.-AB Filed Mar 20 2025, AN ACT MAKING TECHNICAL CORRECTIONS AND ADMINISTRATIVE CHANGES TO THE LAWS GOVERNING AND RELATED TO THE DEPARTMENT OF STATE TREASURER.

Identical to S 363, filed 3/20/25.

Part I.

Amends GS 135-5.3 by amending the provision under which a charter school is given provisional entry into the Teachers’ and State Employees’ Retirement System (System) for one year to now allow the provisional entry to be extend by up to two additional years or allows the charter school, after the provisional year, to apply to become a participating employer in the System. Allows schools whose provisional entry is extended to apply to become a participating employer at any time during the extend period. Makes conforming changes to the timing of the required actuarial and financial reviews. Prohibits granting entry into the System to any charter school that is unable to provide the required information for the financial review.

Part II.

Amends GS 135-18.10A (applicable to the System); GS 128-38.4A (applicable to the North Carolina Local Governmental Employees' Retirement System); GS 135-75.1A (applicable to the Consolidated Judicial Retirement Act); and GS 120-4.33A (applicable to the Legislative Retirement System of North Carolina) to give each system’s Board of Trustees, instead of the State Treasurer, the power to make a decision on a reversal of benefit forfeiture for a person convicted of a felony.

Part III.

Amends GS 84-4.1 by amending the fee paid by an out-of-state attorney granted the ability to practice in a limited capacity so that $20 of the fee is transferred using the State’s electronic accounting system and changes the recipient from the State Treasurer to the North Carolina Administrative Office of the Courts.

Part IV.

Amends GS 147-86.73 (concerning administration of the Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act) to prohibit the State from filing a claim, upon the death of a designated beneficiary for payment from the beneficiary’s account for any medical assistance paid for the designated beneficiary, unless it is required by federal law. Makes conforming changes.

Part V.

Amends GS 120-32, GS 135-3, GS 135-3, GS 135-5, GS 135-5.1, GS 135-27, and GS 143B-1491 by correcting a statutory cross-reference and making other clarifying changes.

Part VI.

Amends GS 153A-82, concerning educational requirements for county managers, and GS 160A-184, concerning educational requirements for city managers, to update the reference to the Local Government Commission’s authority to Article 11 of GS Chapter 159 and to refer to a letter instead of unit letter from the Commission. Amends GS 159-25 to update the reference to the Local Government Commission’s authority to Article 11 of GS Chapter 159.

Part VII.

Makes a clarifying change to GS 12-4.21. Amends GS 120-4.28 by making clarifying, organizational, and technical changes. Amends membership in the Board of Trustees of the North Carolina Local Governmental Employees' Retirement System by changing references to the Firemen’s and Rescue Squad Workers’ Pension Fund to the North Carolina Firefighters’ and Rescue Squad Workers Pension Fund; makes other technical and clarifying changes. Recodifies GS 128-26A as GS 128-26.1. Corrects a statutory cross-reference in GS 135-48.40.

Intro. by Carson Smith, Wheatley.GS 84, GS 120, GS 128, GS 143B, GS 147, GS 153A, GS 159, GS 160A
H 477 (2025-2026) RETIREMENT DEATH BENEFITS REWRITE.-AB Filed Mar 20 2025, AN ACT TO RECODIFY AND STANDARDIZE THE LAWS RELATING TO THE DEATH BENEFIT PLAN, INCLUDING BY MAKING TECHNICAL, CLARIFYING, AND CONFORMING CHANGES, UNDER THE TEACHERS' AND STATE EMPLOYEES' RETIREMENT SYSTEM, THE LOCAL GOVERNMENTAL EMPLOYEES' RETIREMENT SYSTEM, THE CONSOLIDATED JUDICIAL RETIREMENT SYSTEM, AND THE LEGISLATIVE RETIREMENT SYSTEM, TO MAKE CHANGES TO THE SURVIVOR'S ALTERNATE BENEFIT UNDER THOSE RETIREMENT SYSTEMS, AND TO ENSURE SUFFICIENT FUNDING FOR LINE OF DUTY DEATH BENEFITS.

Identical to S 359, filed 3/20/25.

Part I.

Recodifies and amends (as detailed below) the specified statutes and portions of statutes to new statutes comprising Article 8 “Death Benefit Plan for State Employees and Retirees,” in GS Chapter 135.  Repeals the remainder of GS 135-7(g) and GS 135-5(l) that are not recodified under the act.

Enacts GS 135-153, containing five defined terms that apply in new Article 8. Defines participating plans to include the Death Benefit Plan (the Death Benefit Plan for State Employees and Retirees under Article 8-TSERS Plan), the Local Government Death Benefit Plan under Part 2 of Article 3 of GS Chapter 128 (LGERS Plan), contributory death benefits available to retired members of the Consolidated Judicial Retirement System under GS 135-64 (JRS Benefit); contributory death benefits available to retired members of the Legislative Retirement System under GS 120-4.27 (LRS Benefit); and the Separate Insurance Benefits Plan under GS 143-166.60 (Separate Plan).

Enacts GS 135-154, concerning the NC Teachers’ and State Employees’ Benefit Trust [Benefit Trust] using the portions of statutes described, with the following changes.  Specifies that the receipts, transfers, appropriations, contributions, investment earnings, and other income belonging of all participating plans are to be deposited in the Benefit Trust, and that the participating plans are the recipient from which all Benefit Trust benefits and expenses are disbursed. Currently, the plans in the Benefit Trust consist of plans governed by various provisions of GS Chapters 120, 128, 135 and 143 (the Plans). Replaces references to those Plans with participating plans. Allows for Benefit Trust funds to be used for reasonable expenses in the administration of the participating plans. Makes technical, organizational, and conforming changes. Allows for the assets of the Benefit Trust to be subject to creditor claims. 

Enacts GS 135-155, establishing the TSERS Plan using the portions of statutes described, with the following changes.  Makes conforming changes to account for changes to Benefit Trust and newly termed TSERS Plan as a participating plan, discussed above. Makes technical changes.

Enacts GS 135-160, concerning the administration of the TSERS Plan using the portions of statutes described, with the following changes. Specifies that the TSERS Plan is to be administered by the TSERS Board of Trustees (TSERS Board). Allows the TSERS Board to adopt temporary or permanent rules as necessary, to administer Article 8.  Makes conforming and technical changes.

Enacts GS 135-165, concerning a death benefit for in-service members using the portions of statutes described, with the following changes. Makes the described death benefits part of the new TSERS plan. Specifies that a member who is not retired and has completed at least one full year of membership in TSERS, is a participant in, and eligible for death benefits under the TSERS Plan in accordance with GS 135-165 (was, completion of a calendar year of service).  Makes conforming, organizational, technical, and clarifying changes.

Enacts GS 135-170, concerning the last day of actual service pertaining to the death benefit for in-service members, using the portions of statutes described, with the following changes. Specifies that if a member is deemed to be in service then the last day of actual service is the last day for which the member contributed to TSERS. Specifies that the last day of actual service for a member on an approved leave of absence but who is not in service, is either the last day for which the member contributed to TSERS or the date on which the member's sick and annual leave expired, whichever is later. Specifies that teachers or State employee members on leave of absence for service as a member of the General Assembly are eligible for the TSERS Plan and that the last of day of service is the most recent legislative day of the General Assembly or their last day of employment as a teacher or State employee, whichever is later. Specifies that the following apply to a member who is either (1) receiving workers' compensation benefits during the period for which the member would have been otherwise eligible to receive short-term benefits or extended short-term benefits under GS 135-105 or (2) a beneficiary under the Disability Income Plan:  

  • If the date the member last performed work as a teacher or State employee occurred within 180 days of the date the member died, then the last day of actual service is the last day the member performed that work.  
  • If the date the member last performed worked as a teacher or State employee occurred more than 180 days from the date the  member died, then that member is not deemed in active service for the purposes of GS 135-165.

Makes clarifying, technical, conforming, and organizational changes.

Enacts GS 135-175, concerning a fully contributory death benefit for retired members, using the portions of statutes described, with the following changes. Allows all retired members to elect to participate in the TSERS Plan as provided. Requires election to the TSERS Plan be made prior to death and no later than 60 calendar days from the effective date of the member's retirement. Provides for receipt of the election by the TSERS Board. Directs that retired members electing to receive a fully contributory death benefit under the TSERS Plan must continuously pay monthly premiums on a fully contributory basis, as described. Makes organizational, technical, and conforming changes.  

Enacts GS 135-180, concerning the death benefits for members receiving workers compensation or disability income, using the portions of statutes described, with the following changes. Specifies the following criteria that must be met for a member to receive death benefits under the TSERS Plan: the member is not retired or eligible for death benefits under GS 135-165, and that the member passes away on or after 181 days from their last day of service (as described) but before their disability income or workers’ compensation benefits ended. Directs that benefits be paid in a lump sum upon proof of death satisfactory to the TSERS Board. Makes conforming, technical, organizational, and clarifying changes.

Enacts GS 135-185, concerning beneficiaries under the TSERS Plan, as follows. Requires a member to designate beneficiaries as described. Directs that if no designated beneficiaries are living at the time of the member’s death then the benefit will be paid to the member’s legal representative.

Enacts GS 135-190, concerning the reciprocity of the TSERS Plan using the portions of statutes described, GS 135-195, concerning the accumulated contributions, using the portions of statutes described, and GS 135-200 concerning benefits disallowed under Article 8, all with technical and conforming changes.

Part II.

Organizes GS 128-21 through 128-37.29 to Part 1 of Article 3, titled “Local Government Employees Retirement System” in GS Chapter 128. Recodifies and amends (as detailed below) the specified portions of statutes to new sections comprising Part 2 of Article 3, titled “Local Government Death Benefit Plan,” in GS Chapter 128.  Repeals the remainder of (l), (l1), and (l6) of GS 128-27 not recodified by the act. Repeals subsections (l2), (l3), (l4), and (l5) of GS 128-27.

Adds defined terms Benefit Trust to mean the Benefit Trust described in Part I and Death Benefit Plan to mean the LGERS Plan discussed herein, to GS 128-21 (definitions pertaining to LGERS). Makes technical changes.

Enacts GS 128-38.30, concerning the LGERS Plan using the portions of statutes described, with the following changes. Creates the LGERS Plan, which is a group life insurance plan distinct from LGERS. Makes conforming changes and technical changes.

Enacts GS 128-38.31, concerning the administration of the LGERS Plan using the portions of statutes described, with the following changes. Charges the LGERS Board of Trustees (LGER Board) with administering the LGERS Plan.  Allows the LGERS Board to adopt temporary or permanent rules to administer new Part 2. Makes technical and conforming changes.

Enacts GS 128-38.35, concerning the death benefit for in-service members using the portions of statutes described, with the following changes. Clarifies that participation in, and benefits eligibility for, the LGERS Plan only commences when the employer and LGERS’ executive director execute the agreement specified in the section. Clarifies that law enforcement employers participating in LGERS are requires to participate in the LGERS Plan for their law enforcement employees, including funding the cost of the LGERS Plan benefits. Subject to employer participation in the LGERS Plan for members who are not law enforcement officers, a member who has not retired and who has completed at least one full year of membership in LGERS is a participant in, and eligible for the death benefits under, the LGERS Plan. Provides for payment of benefit by a lump sum upon satisfactory proof of death. Makes conforming and technical changes.

Enacts GS 128-38.36, concerning the last day of actual service pertaining to the death benefit for in-service members, using the portions of statutes described, with the following changes. Directs that for LGERS members on a leave of absence but deemed to be in service then the last day of actual services in the last day for which the member made a contribution to LGERS. Specifies that the last day of actual service for a member on an approved leave of absence but who is not in service, is either the last day for which the member contributed to LGERS or the date on which the member's sick and annual leave expired, whichever is later. Specifies that local government employee members on leave of absence for service as a member of the General Assembly are eligible for the LGERS Plan and that the last of day of service is the most recent legislative day of the General Assembly or their last day they performed work as a local government employee, whichever is later. Makes clarifying, technical, organizational and conforming changes.

Enacts GS 128-38.40, concerning a fully contributory death benefit for retired members, using the portions of statutes described, with the following changes. Allows all retired members to elect to participate in the LGERS Plan as provided. Requires election to the LGERS Plan be made prior to death and no later than 60 calendar days from the effective date of the member's retirement. Provides for receipt of the election by the LGERS Board. Directs that retired members electing to receive a fully contributory death benefit under the TSERS Plan must continuously pay monthly premiums on a fully contributory basis, as described. Makes organizational, technical, and conforming changes.

Enacts GS 128-45 (appears to intend GS 128-38.45) concerning beneficiaries under the LGERS Plan, as follows. Requires a member to designate beneficiaries as described. Directs that if no designated beneficiaries are living at the time of the member’s death, then the benefit will be paid to the member’s legal representative.

Enacts GS 128-38.46, concerning accumulated contributions using the portions of statutes described, with conforming and technical changes.

Part III.

Adds Benefit Trust as a defined term to the Judicial Retirement Act at GS 135-53. Makes conforming change to GS 135-52 to account for JRS Plan as a participating plan in the Benefit Trust. Repeals GS 135-63(b) and (d) (outdated surviving spouse provisions). Requires a member to have completed at least one year of membership service before the lump sum death benefit can be paid as described in GS 135-63.  Makes clarifying, technical, conforming and organizational changes.

Repeals GS 135-64 (f) through (j) (concerning surviving spouse benefits paid for members who passed away on certain dates ranging from before January 1, 1974, to December 31, 2014). Adds the JRS Plan, a fully contributory death benefit for retired members, using the portions of statutes described, with the following changes.  Allows all retired members to elect to participate in the JRS Plan as provided. Requires election to the JRS Plan be made prior to death and no later than 60 calendar days from the effective date of the member's retirement. Provides for receipt of the election by the TSERS Board. Directs that retired members electing to receive a fully contributory death benefit under the JRS Plan must continuously pay monthly premiums on a fully contributory basis, as described. Makes organizational, technical, and conforming changes.

Part IV.

Adds Benefit Trust as a defined term to the Legislative Retirement Act at GS 120-4.8. Makes conforming change to GS 120-4.10 to account for JRS Plan as a participating plan in the Benefit Trust. Makes technical changes to GS 120-4.26A (benefits on death after retirement). Modifies GS 120-4.27 (death while in service; fully contributory death benefit for retirees), as follows. Removes provisions requiring the lump sum death benefit capped at $15,000 as described in GS 120-4.27(a) to be provided through purchase of contracts of group life insurance. Adds the JRS Plan, a fully contributory death benefit for retired members, using the portions of statutes described, with the following changes. Allows all retired members to elect to participate in the LRS Plan as provided. Requires election to the LRS Plan be made prior to death and no later than 60 calendar days from the effective date of the member's retirement. Provides for receipt of the election by the TSERS Board. Directs that retired members electing to receive a fully contributory death benefit under the LRS Plan must continuously pay monthly premiums on a fully contributory basis, as described. Makes organizational, technical, and conforming changes.

Removes outdated provisions.

Part V.

Makes technical changes and conforming changes to the following statutes to account for the reorganization detailed in Parts I and II, above: GS 135-5(m) (TSERS survivor’s alternate benefit), GS 128-72(m)(LGERS survivor’s alternate benefit), GS 135-3(c) (TSERS intergovernmental exchanges), GS 128-24(6) (LGERS intergovernmental exchanges), GS 135-8(f) (TSERS collections of contributions), and GS128-30(g) (LGERS collections of contributions).

Makes conforming changes to GS 143-166.60(b), the Separate Insurance Benefits Plan, to account for designation as a participating plan in the Benefits Trust. Designates GS 143-166.70(5) expired (directing the separate trust fund reserves held under the death benefit plan provided for in GS 143-166.02, as it existed prior to January 1, 1986, to be transferred to the separate trust fund for the death benefit plan provided for in GS 128-27).

Part VI.

Sets a sunset date of June 30, 2025, for GS 135-5(m)(1) (TSERS: pertaining to age/service requirements in conjunction with the survivor’s alternate benefit) and GS 128-27(m)(1) (LGERS: pertaining to age/service requirements in conjunction with the survivor’s alternate benefit)

Effective July 1, 2025, amends GS 135-5(m)/GS 128-27(m), as amended by the act, as follows. Adds a new condition for a surviving spouse of a TSERS member to receive an alternate benefit directing that the deceased member must fall into one of the following categories: (1) the member had attained the minimum age, creditable service amount, or combination of both necessary to be eligible to commence retirement with an early or service retirement allowance; or (2) the member had completed at least five years of membership service, in which case the retirement allowance computed as described, notwithstanding any age or service requirements. In no case shall the retirement allowance under option (2) be less than the actuarial equivalent of the return of accumulated contributions, computed using the beneficiary's age as of the first day of the month following the date of the member's death.

Applicable to member deaths occurring on or after July 1, 2025: (1) removes the age requirement from GS 135-63(a1) (survivor’s alternate benefit-JRS) as amended by the act; (2) removes the age requirements, the service requirements if they are under age sixty for a principal beneficiary as described to receive “Option 2” under the LRS, provides for payment of excess contributions to a contingent beneficiary if the principal beneficiary has died, and for benefits payment (as described) to the contingent beneficiary’s legal representative if the person has passed before certain accumulations are paid, as described, and makes technical and conforming changes to GS 128-4.28 (survivor benefits under the LRS).

Part VII.

Effective July 1, 2025, creates a separate line fund for line of duty death benefits in the TSERS Plan as described, in GS 135-154, as amended by the act.

Intro. by Carson Smith, Wheatley.GS 120, GS 128, GS 135, GS 143
H 478 (2025-2026) MODIFY APPOINTMENT PROCESS FOR DA VACANCIES. Filed Mar 20 2025, AN ACT TO MODIFY THE APPOINTMENT PROCESS TO FILL DISTRICT ATTORNEY VACANCIES.

Amends GS 163-10, which currently requires vacancies in the office of district attorney to be filled by appointment of the Governor. Now requires those vacancies to be appointed by the Governor from a list of up to three qualified people (defined as those duly authorized to practice law in NC) recommended by the district executive committee of the political party in which the vacancy occurs; requires each recommended person to be members of the party with which the vacating district attorney was affiliated when elected or appointed (if they were not affiliated with a party, requires the recommended persons to be qualified persons recommended by a majority of the members of the NCGA representing any portion of the prosecutorial district of the vacating district attorney). Allows the Governor to make the appointment if recommendations are not made within 30 days of the occurrence of the vacancy. Makes conforming changes.

Specifies that if a vacancy requiring recommendations occurred prior to the date this act becomes effective and is vacant on the date this act becomes effective, the entity making recommendations as provided in GS 163-10 has 30 days from the date this act becomes effective to make recommendations to the Governor.

Intro. by Balkcom, Stevens, K. Hall, Biggs.GS 163
H 479 (2025-2026) TOWN OF BURGAW PROPERTY TRANSFER. Filed Mar 20 2025, AN ACT TO CONVEY CERTAIN REAL PROPERTY TO THE TOWN OF BURGAW TO BE USED FOR FIRE TRAINING FACILITY DEVELOPMENT AND OTHER PUBLIC USES.

Directs the State to convey the eleven acres of the described property in the inventory of State-owned land maintained by the Department of Administration (DOA) whose deed is registered with the Pender County Register of Deeds to the Town of Burgaw for $1.  Authorizes DOA, in consultation with the Town, to determine which portion of the land will be transferred. Subjects the conveyance to a reversionary interest reserved by the State. Specifies that the property will be conveyed to the Town for so long as it is used for public purposes. Specifies that the conveyance is "as is" and "where is" without warranty. Exempts the conveyance from the provisions of Article 7 of GS Chapter 146 (pertaining to dispositions of allocated State lands). Instead directs that the conveyance is subject to Article 16 of GS Chapter 146 (pertaining to form of conveyance), but that GS 146-74 does not apply.

Intro. by Carson Smith.UNCODIFIED, Pender
H 480 (2025-2026) MEDICAL BOARD LICENSING EFFICIENCY ACT. Filed Mar 20 2025, AN ACT TO MAKE MODIFICATIONS TO THE LAWS PERTAINING TO THE NORTH CAROLINA MEDICAL BOARD.

Enacts GS 90-12.2B, permitting licensure by endorsement of a physician, physician assistant, or anesthesiologist assistant in the State so long as they submit an application that demonstrates the four described requirements including verification of acceptance of a full-time offer of employment in the State and holding an active, full, and unrestricted license in at least one other United States jurisdiction, including any state, territory, or district, for at least five years (with physicians having to have practiced for at least two years of those five years after completing residency training after graduation from medical school as described). Provides for an attestation by the applicant that they meet the six listed criteria, including having had no felony or misdemeanor convictions in the five years preceding the application and is not the subject of adverse action taken by any agency or regulatory board overseeing their licensure in the last five years prior to the application. Provides for submission of additional information to the Medical Board (Board) within 120 days after licensure as described. Specifies that a license issued under GS 90-12.2B becomes inactive after 180 days unless the supplemental information is received (if needed). Directs that Board has authority to investigate and take appropriate action against an applicant or licensee who applied for or received licensure by endorsement and that it retains jurisdiction over an inactive license. Provides for licensing and criminal background check fees. 

Increases the application fee for a medical/surgical license from a cap of $400 to a cap of $550. Caps the application fee for licensure by endorsement at $825. Increases the fee cap for a limited license to practice in a medical education program from $100 to $125.  Increases the fee cap for the initial and annual licensure of an anesthesiologist assistant from $150 to $200.  Directs for the initial licensure fee for a physician assistant to be capped at $325. Sets the following fee caps for these applicants for licensure by endorsement: $300 for anesthesiologist assistants and $500 for physician assistants.

Increases the cap for annual registration fees under GS 90-13.2 from $250 to $350, and from $125 to $150 for those licensed to practice in a medical education program. Specifies that the cap for annual registration fees for physician assistants is $200. Instructs that failure to register by a physician assistant as required incurs an additional $25 fee. Increases the licensure application and renewal fee caps for a perfusionist under GS 90-689 by $50. Increases the provisional license fee cap by $25.

Authorizes the Medical Board to adopt temporary rules to implement the act.

Effective October 1, 2025.

Intro. by Campbell, Reeder.GS 90

The Daily Bulletin: 2025-03-20

PUBLIC/SENATE BILLS
S 50 (2025-2026) FREEDOM TO CARRY NC. Filed Feb 4 2025, AN ACT TO PROTECT A PERSON'S RIGHT TO CARRY A CONCEALED HANDGUN WITHOUT A PERMIT AND TO CONTINUE ALLOWING PERSONS TO ACQUIRE A CONCEALED HANDGUN PERMIT FOR THE PURPOSES OF RECIPROCITY OR FOR ANY OTHER REASON DESIRED AND TO INCREASE THE AMOUNT PAID FOR LINE OF DUTY DEATHS AND TO ESTABLISH A SCHOLARSHIP FOR CHILDREN OF PERMANENTLY DISABLED OR SLAIN NC LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS AND TO INCREASE THE PUNISHMENT FOR COMMITTING AN ASSAULT WITH A FIREARM AGAINST CERTAIN EMERGENCY, MEDICAL, AND LAW ENFORCEMENT PERSONNEL AND TO CREATE THE OFFENSE OF DISCHARGING A FIREARM BY A FELON DURING THE COMMISSION OR ATTEMPTED COMMISSION OF A FELONY AND TO CREATE THE OFFENSE OF POSSESSING A FIREARM BY A FELON DURING THE COMMISSION OR ATTEMPTED COMMISSION OF A FELONY.

Senate amendments add the following content to the 2nd edition and make conforming changes to the act’s long title.

Amendment #1 increases the amount paid to the surviving family member from $100,000 to $150,000 when the following individuals are killed in the line of duty or murdered in the line of duty: firefighters, law enforcement officers, noncustodial employees of the Department of Adult Correction or the Division of Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety, rescue squad workers, and Senior Civil Air Patrol members.

Amendment #2 require the UNC Board of Governors to develop a scholarship program for any child at least 17 years old but not yet 28 whose parent, legal guardian, or legal custodian is a law enforcement officer, correctional officer, firefighter, volunteer firefighter, or rescue squad worker who is permanently and totally disabled as a result of a traumatic injury sustained in the line of duty. Requires the program to include assistance with tuition, fees, educational supplies, and boarding expenses not covered under GS Chapter 115B, for both undergraduate and graduate programs. Requires a report to the specified NCGA committee by July 1, 2026.

Amendment #4 amends GS 14-34.5 (assault with a firearm on a law enforcement, probation, or parole officer, or on a member of the North Carolina National Guard, or on a person employed at a State or local detention facility) as follows. Increases the punishment so that any person who commits an assault with a firearm upon the listed government employees while the employee is performing their duties is guilty of a Class B1 felony (was, Class D felony). Adds emergency medical technicians or other emergency health care providers, medical responders, firefighters, and telecommunicators employed by a law enforcement agency as types of government employees whose assault by a firearm would trigger liability under the statute. Specifies that GS 14-34.6 applies to assaults with use of a firearm to any person not already covered under GS 14-34.5.

Amendments #6 and #8 amend GS 14-415.1 to make punishment for violations of the prohibition on a felon purchasing, owning, possessing, or having in the person's custody, care, or control any firearm or any weapon of mass death and destruction, a (1) Class C felony when the person discharges a firearm during the commission or attempted commission of a felony under GS Chapter 14 or Article 5 (North Carolina Controlled Substances Act) of GS Chapter 90, and (2) Class F felony when the violation happens during the commission or attempted commission of a felony under GS Chapter 14 or Article 5 of GS Chapter 90. Makes additional technical and clarifying changes.

Intro. by Britt, Daniel, Settle.GS 14, GS 74G, GS 113, GS 143
S 355 (2025-2026) SUPPORT THE DEPT. OF ADULT CORRECTION.-AB Filed Mar 20 2025, AN ACT TO SUPPORT THE WORK OF THE DEPARTMENT OF ADULT CORRECTION.

Part I.

Amends GS 115B-1 by amending the definition of permanently and totally disabled as a direct result of a traumatic injury sustained in the line of duty, to include probation officers (as defined). Also amends the definition of survivor to include a person whose parent, legal guardian, legal custodian, or spouse was a probation officer killed in service or training or who died as a result of a service-connected disability, and who was a North Carolina resident. Amends GS 115B-2 to require UNC constitute institutions and community colleges to allow the following person to attend classes for free: (1) survivor of a probation officers killed as a direct result of a traumatic injury sustained in the line of duty; (2) spouse of a probation officer who is permanently and totally disabled as a result of a traumatic injury sustained in the line of duty; and 93) a child, age 17-24, of a probation officer who is permanently and totally disabled as a result of a traumatic injury sustained in the line of duty. Makes conforming changes to GS 115B-5.

Amend GS 15A-101.1 by amending the definition of electronic monitoring or electronically monitor or satellite-based monitoring, by no longer requiring that the device have a battery life of at least 48 hours without being recharged. Makes additional technical changes.

Amend s GS 15A-1342 and GS 15A-1343.2 by removing the provisions that allowed the court to extend probation to allow the defendant to complete a restitution program or to continue medical or psychiatric treatment ordered as a condition of probation, up to a period three years, to be ordered only in the last six months of the original probation period. Instead, allows the court to extend probation as allowed under GS 15A-1344, thereby extending the five-year probation maximum by one additional year. Amend GS 15A-1344 as follows. Allows the probationer to waive the hearing on the extension of probation. Limits the number of extensions for any probation period to one, however, the court may extend the total time on probation by up to one additional year if the probationer admits they have violated their probation conditions or if the probationer is found by the court to have violated their probation conditions the total time on any probation term, including extensions, from exceeding the 5-year maximum term (2-year maximum for a defendant whose prosecution has been deferred or who received a conditional discharge on probation) under GS 15A-1342(a) plus one additional year if they admit to or the court finds violations of the probation conditions. Applies to new terms of probation ordered on or after December 1, 2025.

Part II.

Amends GS 14-208.20 by changing the qualifications for the members of the board of experts who are studying whether a defendant is a sexually violent predator, to prohibit the two members who are experts in the field of the behavior and treatment of sexual offenders from being employed full time (was, not be employed by) the Division of Prison (Division) of the Department of Adult Correction (Department). Applies to board of experts selected on or after December 1, 2025.

Extends the sunset on provisions concerning the training and authority of security guards and patrol professionals providing security services related to entry and exit, direction and movement of individuals at entry and exit, security working towers, or perimeter security patrols at a State prison facility from June 30, 2025, to June 30, 2027.

Part III.

Amends GS 143C-8-7 to allow the Secretary of the Department of Adult Correction to pay for projects for repairs and renovations with funds available to the agency under the following conditions: (1) the project costs do not exceed $1 million and is one of 13 listed types of projects; (2) the Department must report on these projects quarterly to the Fiscal Research Division; and (3) any funds from a General Fund appropriation that are contractually obligated one of these projects do not revert at the end of fiscal year and instead remain available to fund the completion of the project.

Allows the Department to use up to $1,612,481.14 from the projects listed in SL 2006-66, Section 23.12(g) (capital facility costs of the Regional Medical Center and Mental Health Center of the Department of Correction) and SL 2015-241, Section 31.22 (capital facility costs of renovating existing space at Central Prison for bed space for long‑term palliative care) to finance capital facility costs of HVAC projects at state facilities.

Part IV.

Amends GS 126-6.3 by exempting health services-related temporary employees working in the Department and the Department of Health and Human Services from the required break-in-service [only for the purpose of Article 1 of GS Chapter 126 (State Human Resources System)]. Makes conforming changes.

Part V.

Amends the definitions in GS 135-1 as they apply to the Retirement System for Teachers and State Employees by including in the definition of a probation/parole officer, a full-time paid employee of the Department’s Office of Staff Development and Training and who is certified as a probation/parole officer and works exclusively in a training role. Makes additional technical changes. Applies to determinations under Article 1 of GS Chapter 135 made on or after that date.

Part VI.

Amends GS 15A-1368.2(c1) to require a person required to submit to satellite-based monitoring under the provision applicable to sex offenders and persons convicted of offenses involving physical, mental, or sexual abuse of a minor, to continue to participate beyond the period of post-release supervision until the superior court in the county where the conviction occurred (was, the Post‑Release Supervision and Parole  Commission) releases the person from that requirement.

Amends GS 143-805, which prohibits agency employees from viewing pornography its network or devices by exempting employees investigating matters involving offenders incarcerated with, or otherwise under the supervision of, the Department or matters related to the misuse of devices owned by the Department.

Part VII.

Includes a severability clause.

Intro. by Daniel, Britt, B. Newton.GS 14, GS 15A, GS 115B, GS 126, GS 135, GS 143, GS 143C
S 356 (2025-2026) GLOBAL TRANSPARK AUTHORITY SALES TAX MODS. Filed Mar 20 2025, AN ACT TO REFUND CERTAIN LOCAL SALES AND USE TAXES TO THE NORTH CAROLINA GLOBAL TRANSPARK AUTHORITY.

Amends GS 63A-24 to require that the Secretary of Revenue return to the North Carolina Global Transpark Authority the quarterly refunds of local sales and use taxes that were paid indirectly by the Authority. 

Intro. by Brinson.GS 63A
S 357 (2025-2026) PHARMACISTS/COLLABORATIVE PRACTICE. Filed Mar 20 2025, AN ACT TO MODERNIZE AND EXPAND PHYSICIAN-PHARMACIST COLLABORATIVE PRACTICE.

Section 1

Amends GS 90-18(c), listing actions that do not constitute practicing medicine or surgery under Article 1, Practice of Medicine. Replaces subdivision (3a) to now exclude the provision of health care services by a licensed pharmacist under a collaborative practice agreement with at least one physician performed pursuant to rules developed by a joint subcommittee of the Medical Board and Board of Pharmacy and approved by both Boards (currently, excludes the provision of drug therapy management by a licensed pharmacist engaged in the practice of pharmacy pursuant to an agreement that is physician, pharmacist, patient, and disease specified when performed pursuant to rules approved by the Boards). Defines health care services as medical tasks, acts, or functions authorized through written agreement by a physician and delegated to a pharmacist for the purpose of providing drug therapy, disease, or population health management for patients. 

Amends GS 90-18.4, which sets limitations on clinical pharmacist practitioners, to eliminate references to drug therapy management. Provides that physicians can authorize clinical pharmacist practitioners to provide health care services so long as the Boards have adopted rules governing the approval of individual practitioners, the practitioner has current approval from both Boards, and the Medical Board has assigned an identification number to the practitioner that is shown on written prescriptions. Eliminates limitations relating to practitioners' prescription substitutions and authority to order medication and tests. Deems orders written by a clinical pharmacist practitioner for medications, tests, or other devices to have been authorized by the supervising physician, with the supervising physician responsible for authorizing the order, and authorizes registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and pharmacists to perform the order in the same manner as if the order were received from a licensed physician. Authorizes institutional and group practices to implement site-specific, multi-provider collaborative practice agreements for the care of their patients. Requires the institution or group practice to develop an oversight policy and requires evaluation of the practitioners engaged in the agreement by an appointed supervising physician. Lists six requirements that apply to clinical pharmacist practitioners and supervising physicians engaging in collaborative practice, including (1) requiring a clinical pharmacist practitioner to have a site-specific supervising physician, (2) requiring the supervising physician to conduct periodic review and evaluation of the health care services provided by the clinical pharmacist practitioner, (3) allowing a physician to supervise any number of clinical pharmacist technicians as the supervising physician deems can be safely and effectively supervised, (4) requiring delegated health care services to be included in the written agreement between the supervising physician and the clinical pharmacist practitioner, (5) allowing a supervising physician to include a statement of authorization in the written agreement to allow the clinical pharmacist practitioner to conduct drug substitutions as specified, and (6) allowing supervising physicians to add other advanced practice providers they supervise to the collaborative practice agreement. Allows for the health care settling location of health care services provided by the clinical pharmacist practitioner to be fully or partially embedded for a site-specific practice. Requires the supervising physician to determine the setting location and include the location in the site-specific collaborative practice agreement. 

Amends the definition of clinical pharmacist practitioner in GS 90-85.3 to include authorization to perform medical acts, tasks, and functions for drug therapy, disease, or population health management agreements with physicians pursuant to GS 90-18.4, as amended.

Section 2

Enacts new GS 58-50-296, which requires insurers offering a health benefit plan that delegates credentialing agreements or requirements for licensed pharmacists to a contracted healthcare facility to accept the credentialing for all pharmacists employed by, or contracted with, those healthcare facilities.

Enacts new GS 58-3-241 to require health benefit plans offered by insurers to cover healthcare services provided by a pharmacist if (1) the service or procedure was performed within the pharmacist's licensed scope of practice, (2) the plan would have provided reimbursement if performed by another health care provider, and (3) the pharmacist provided the service or procedure pursuant to any requirements of the insurer related to the service or procedure. 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. Defines healthcare services as any of the following health or medical procedures or services rendered by a healthcare provider: (1) testing, diagnosis, or treatment of a health condition, illness, injury, or disease, including testing, diagnosis, or treatment rendered by a pharmacist acting within the pharmacist's scope of practice; (2) dispensing of drugs, medical devices, medical appliances, or medical goods for the treatment of a health condition, illness, injury, or disease; and (3) administration of a vaccine or medication.

Amends GS 58-56-25 to make all requirements relating to the coverage or prescription drugs and pharmacy services under GS Chapter 58 that are applicable to health benefits applicable to a pharmacy benefits manager in the same way they apply to an insurer.

Applies to contracts entered into, renewed, or amended on or after October 1, 2025.

Section 3

Directs the Boards to adopt temporary implementing rules. 

Section 4

Effective October 1, 2025, unless otherwise provided.

Intro. by Sawrey, Hise, Galey.GS 58, GS 90
S 358 (2025-2026) HATE CRIMES PREVENTION ACT. Filed Mar 20 2025, AN ACT TO INCREASE THE SCOPE AND PUNISHMENT OF HATE CRIMES; TO REQUIRE THE STATE BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION TO CREATE AND MAINTAIN A HATE CRIMES STATISTICS DATABASE; TO REQUIRE THE NORTH CAROLINA JUSTICE ACADEMY TO DEVELOP AND PROVIDE LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS WITH TRAINING ON IDENTIFYING, RESPONDING TO, AND REPORTING HATE CRIMES; AND TO REQUIRE THE CONFERENCE OF DISTRICT ATTORNEYS OF NORTH CAROLINA TO DEVELOP AND PROVIDE TRAINING TO PROSECUTORS ON HOW TO PROSECUTE HATE CRIMES.

Part I.

Entitles this act “The Hate Crimes Prevention Act.”

Part II.

Amends GS 14-3 by expanding the categories under which a crime will be elevated to a higher level offense as a hate crime under subsection (c) to include crimes committed because of the actual or perceived race, ethnicity, color, religion, nationality, country of origin, gender, gender identity, gender expression, disability, or sexual orientation of the victim or a person or group associated with the victim (previously did not specify actual or perceived characteristics included and was limited to race, color, religion, nationality, or country of origin). Class 2 or Class 3 misdemeanors committed for these reasons will be elevated to a Class 1 misdemeanor. Class A1 or Class 1 misdemeanors committed for these reasons will be elevated to a Class H felony. Adds new subsection (d), permitting a person who is injured or whose property is damaged as a result of a hate crime as defined in subsection (c) or an immediate family member of that person to bring an action for appropriate relief, including actual damages, punitive damages, reasonable attorneys’ fees, and any other litigation costs reasonably incurred. Deems the burden of proof to be the same as in other civil actions for similar relief. Actual damages under this subsection include damages for emotional distress. Makes conforming changes to the statute's caption. Adds a new subsection (e), authorizing the ordering of a person convicted of or who has pleaded no contest to having engaged in conduct in violation of subsection (c) to participate in a restorative justice session with the victim at the victim's request, to be conducted as specified at the cost of the defendant.

Amends GS 14-401.14, changing the title to Intimidation by hate crime; teaching any technique to be used in the commission of a hate crime. Expands the categories covering hate crime identical to the above changes to GS 14-3. Adds new subsection (c), allowing for the person who is injured or whose property is damaged as a result of a hate crime or their immediate family member to seek civil damages, identical to the above changes to GS 14-3. Deems the burden of proof to be the same as in other civil actions for similar relief. Adds new subsection (d), authorizing ordering a person convicted of or who has pleaded no contest to having engaged in conduct in violation of subsection (a) to participate in a restorative justice session with the victim at the victim's request, to be conducted as specified at the cost of the defendant. Includes gender-neutral pronoun change.

Amends GS 15A-1340.16(d)(17), expanding the definition of an aggravating factor identical to the above definition of hate crime.

Amends GS Chapter 14, Article 8, adding new GS 14-34.11, titled Felonious assault as a hate crime. Creates the crime felonious assault as a hate crime, defined as assaulting and inflicting serious bodily injury or attempting an assault inflicting serious bodily injury because of, in whole or in part, the actual or perceived race, ethnicity, color, religion, nationality, country of origin, gender, gender identity, gender expression, disability, or sexual orientation of that person or a person or group associated with that person. Punishable as a Class F felony, elevated to a Class E felony if death results from the offense, or the offense includes the commission or attempted commission of kidnapping, first- or second-degree forcible rape, or first- or second-degree forcible sexual offense. Permits the person injured or whose property is damaged as a result of a hate crime or the person's immediate family to seek civil damages, identical to the above changes to GS 14-3. Deems the burden of proof to be the same as in other civil actions for similar relief. Authorizes ordering a person convicted of or who has pleaded no contest to having engaged in conduct in violation of subsection (b) to participate in a restorative justice session with the victim at the victim's request, to be conducted as specified at the cost of the defendant. Defines gender identity as actual or perceived gender-related characteristics.

This Part becomes effective December 1, 2025, and applies to offenses committed on or after that date. 

Part III.

Amends GS Chapter 143B, Article 13, enacting new GS 143B-1209, titled Hate crime statistics. Directs the State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) to collect, analyze, and disseminate information regarding the commission of offenses punishable under GS 14-3(c), 14-401.14, or 14.34.11. This information must include the total number of offenses committed for each type, personal protected characteristics of the offender and victim from each offense, and the disposition of each offense. Requires all State and local law enforcement agencies to report monthly to the SBI on offenses committed in their jurisdictions that meet the criteria for a hate crime. Requires the SBI to report to the General Assembly on a yearly basis on the information gathered. The SBI must also publish this report on its website. Requires the SBI to share any information collected under this section upon request of any local law enforcement agency, unit of local government, or State agency. Effective January 1, 2026.

Directs the SBI to develop guidelines for the information on hate crimes required to be submitted by local law enforcement agencies. Requires the first reports by the SBI to the General Assembly to be submitted by February 15, 2026, and January 15, 2027, as specified.

Appropriates $1.89 million for the 2025-26 fiscal year from the General Fund to the SBI to cover any costs incurred in establishing the hate crime statistics database. Appropriates $530,000 in recurring funds for the 2025-26 fiscal year from the General Fund to the SBI to hire an additional employee to manage the database.  

Effective July 1, 2025.

Part IV.

Amends GS 17D-2 by expanding upon the North Carolina Justice Academy’s duties to also include developing and providing training to law enforcement officers on how to identify, respond to, and report a hate crime. Amends GS 17C-6 (pertaining to the North Carolina Criminal Justice Education and Training Standards Commission [Commission]) and GS 17E-4 (pertaining to the North Carolina Sheriffs' Education and Training Standards Commission [Sheriffs’ Commission]) by adding various duties related to education and training on how to identify, respond to, and report a hate crime. Effective July 1, 2025.

Part V.

Amends GS 7A-413 by requiring the Conference of District Attorneys to develop and provide training to prosecutors on how to prosecute hate crimes. Effective July 1, 2025.

Part VI.

Except as otherwise provided, this act is effective when it becomes law.

Intro. by Chaudhuri, Mohammed, Chitlik.GS 7A, GS 14, GS 15A, GS 17C, GS 17D, GS 17E, GS 143B
S 359 (2025-2026) RETIREMENT DEATH BENEFITS REWRITE.-AB Filed Mar 20 2025, AN ACT TO RECODIFY AND STANDARDIZE THE LAWS RELATING TO THE DEATH BENEFIT PLAN, INCLUDING BY MAKING TECHNICAL, CLARIFYING, AND CONFORMING CHANGES, UNDER THE TEACHERS' AND STATE EMPLOYEES' RETIREMENT SYSTEM, THE LOCAL GOVERNMENTAL EMPLOYEES' RETIREMENT SYSTEM, THE CONSOLIDATED JUDICIAL RETIREMENT SYSTEM, AND THE LEGISLATIVE RETIREMENT SYSTEM, TO MAKE CHANGES TO THE SURVIVOR'S ALTERNATE BENEFIT UNDER THOSE RETIREMENT SYSTEMS, AND TO ENSURE SUFFICIENT FUNDING FOR LINE OF DUTY DEATH BENEFITS.

Part I.

Recodifies and amends (as detailed below) the specified statutes and portions of statutes to new statutes comprising Article 8 “Death Benefit Plan for State Employees and Retirees,” in GS Chapter 135.  Repeals the remainder of GS 135-7(g) and GS 135-5(l) that are not recodified under the act.

Enacts GS 135-153, containing five defined terms that apply in new Article 8. Defines participating plans to include the Death Benefit Plan (the Death Benefit Plan for State Employees and Retirees under Article 8-TSERS Plan), the Local Government Death Benefit Plan under Part 2 of Article 3 of GS Chapter 128 (LGERS Plan), contributory death benefits available to retired members of the Consolidated Judicial Retirement System under GS 135-64 (JRS Benefit); contributory death benefits available to retired members of the Legislative Retirement System under GS 120-4.27 (LRS Benefit); and the Separate Insurance Benefits Plan under GS 143-166.60 (Separate Plan).

Enacts GS 135-154, concerning the NC Teachers’ and State Employees’ Benefit Trust [Benefit Trust] using the portions of statutes described, with the following changes.  Specifies that the receipts, transfers, appropriations, contributions, investment earnings, and other income belonging of all participating plans are to be deposited in the Benefit Trust, and that the participating plans are the recipient from which all Benefit Trust benefits and expenses are disbursed. Currently, the plans in the Benefit Trust consist of plans governed by various provisions of GS Chapters 120, 128, 135 and 143 (the Plans). Replaces references to those Plans with participating plans. Allows for Benefit Trust funds to be used for reasonable expenses in the administration of the participating plans. Makes technical, organizational, and conforming changes. Allows for the assets of the Benefit Trust to be subject to creditor claims. 

Enacts GS 135-155, establishing the TSERS Plan using the portions of statutes described, with the following changes.  Makes conforming changes to account for changes to Benefit Trust and newly termed TSERS Plan as a participating plan, discussed above. Makes technical changes.

Enacts GS 135-160, concerning the administration of the TSERS Plan using the portions of statutes described, with the following changes. Specifies that the TSERS Plan is to be administered by the TSERS Board of Trustees (TSERS Board). Allows the TSERS Board to adopt temporary or permanent rules as necessary, to administer Article 8.  Makes conforming and technical changes.

Enacts GS 135-165, concerning a death benefit for in-service members using the portions of statutes described, with the following changes. Makes the described death benefits part of the new TSERS plan. Specifies that a member who is not retired and has completed at least one full year of membership in TSERS, is a participant in, and eligible for death benefits under the TSERS Plan in accordance with GS 135-165 (was, completion of a calendar year of service).  Makes conforming, organizational, technical, and clarifying changes.

Enacts GS 135-170, concerning the last day of actual service pertaining to the death benefit for in-service members, using the portions of statutes described, with the following changes. Specifies that if a member is deemed to be in service then the last day of actual service is the last day for which the member contributed to TSERS. Specifies that the last day of actual service for a member on an approved leave of absence but who is not in service, is either the last day for which the member contributed to TSERS or the date on which the member's sick and annual leave expired, whichever is later. Specifies that teachers or State employee members on leave of absence for service as a member of the General Assembly are eligible for the TSERS Plan and that the last of day of service is the most recent legislative day of the General Assembly or their last day of employment as a teacher or State employee, whichever is later. Specifies that the following apply to a member who is either (1) receiving workers' compensation benefits during the period for which the member would have been otherwise eligible to receive short-term benefits or extended short-term benefits under GS 135-105 or (2) a beneficiary under the Disability Income Plan:  

  • If the date the member last performed work as a teacher or State employee occurred within 180 days of the date the member died, then the last day of actual service is the last day the member performed that work.  
  • If the date the member last performed worked as a teacher or State employee occurred more than 180 days from the date the  member died, then that member is not deemed in active service for the purposes of GS 135-165.

Makes clarifying, technical, conforming, and organizational changes.

Enacts GS 135-175, concerning a fully contributory death benefit for retired members, using the portions of statutes described, with the following changes. Allows all retired members to elect to participate in the TSERS Plan as provided. Requires election to the TSERS Plan be made prior to death and no later than 60 calendar days from the effective date of the member's retirement. Provides for receipt of the election by the TSERS Board. Directs that retired members electing to receive a fully contributory death benefit under the TSERS Plan must continuously pay monthly premiums on a fully contributory basis, as described. Makes organizational, technical, and conforming changes.  

Enacts GS 135-180, concerning the death benefits for members receiving workers compensation or disability income, using the portions of statutes described, with the following changes. Specifies the following criteria that must be met for a member to receive death benefits under the TSERS Plan: the member is not retired or eligible for death benefits under GS 135-165, and that the member passes away on or after 181 days from their last day of service (as described) but before their disability income or workers’ compensation benefits ended. Directs that benefits be paid in a lump sum upon proof of death satisfactory to the TSERS Board. Makes conforming, technical, organizational, and clarifying changes.

Enacts GS 135-185, concerning beneficiaries under the TSERS Plan, as follows. Requires a member to designate beneficiaries as described. Directs that if no designated beneficiaries are living at the time of the member’s death then the benefit will be paid to the member’s legal representative.

Enacts GS 135-190, concerning the reciprocity of the TSERS Plan using the portions of statutes described, GS 135-195, concerning the accumulated contributions, using the portions of statutes described, and GS 135-200 concerning benefits disallowed under Article 8, all with technical and conforming changes.

Part II.

Organizes GS 128-21 through 128-37.29 to Part 1 of Article 3, titled “Local Government Employees Retirement System” in GS Chapter 128. Recodifies and amends (as detailed below) the specified portions of statutes to new sections comprising Part 2 of Article 3, titled “Local Government Death Benefit Plan,” in GS Chapter 128.  Repeals the remainder of (l), (l1), and (l6) of GS 128-27 not recodified by the act. Repeals subsections (l2), (l3), (l4), and (l5) of GS 128-27.

Adds defined terms Benefit Trust to mean the Benefit Trust described in Part I and Death Benefit Plan to mean the LGERS Plan discussed herein, to GS 128-21 (definitions pertaining to LGERS). Makes technical changes.

Enacts GS 128-38.30, concerning the LGERS Plan using the portions of statutes described, with the following changes. Creates the LGERS Plan, which is a group life insurance plan distinct from LGERS. Makes conforming changes and technical changes.

Enacts GS 128-38.31, concerning the administration of the LGERS Plan using the portions of statutes described, with the following changes. Charges the LGERS Board of Trustees (LGER Board) with administering the LGERS Plan.  Allows the LGERS Board to adopt temporary or permanent rules to administer new Part 2. Makes technical and conforming changes.

Enacts GS 128-38.35, concerning the death benefit for in-service members using the portions of statutes described, with the following changes. Clarifies that participation in, and benefits eligibility for, the LGERS Plan only commences when the employer and LGERS’ executive director execute the agreement specified in the section. Clarifies that law enforcement employers participating in LGERS are requires to participate in the LGERS Plan for their law enforcement employees, including funding the cost of the LGERS Plan benefits. Subject to employer participation in the LGERS Plan for members who are not law enforcement officers, a member who has not retired and who has completed at least one full year of membership in LGERS is a participant in, and eligible for the death benefits under, the LGERS Plan. Provides for payment of benefit by a lump sum upon satisfactory proof of death. Makes conforming and technical changes.

Enacts GS 128-38.36, concerning the last day of actual service pertaining to the death benefit for in-service members, using the portions of statutes described, with the following changes. Directs that for LGERS members on a leave of absence but deemed to be in service then the last day of actual services in the last day for which the member made a contribution to LGERS. Specifies that the last day of actual service for a member on an approved leave of absence but who is not in service, is either the last day for which the member contributed to LGERS or the date on which the member's sick and annual leave expired, whichever is later. Specifies that local government employee members on leave of absence for service as a member of the General Assembly are eligible for the LGERS Plan and that the last of day of service is the most recent legislative day of the General Assembly or their last day they performed work as a local government employee, whichever is later. Makes clarifying, technical, organizational and conforming changes.

Enacts GS 128-38.40, concerning a fully contributory death benefit for retired members, using the portions of statutes described, with the following changes. Allows all retired members to elect to participate in the LGERS Plan as provided. Requires election to the LGERS Plan be made prior to death and no later than 60 calendar days from the effective date of the member's retirement. Provides for receipt of the election by the LGERS Board. Directs that retired members electing to receive a fully contributory death benefit under the TSERS Plan must continuously pay monthly premiums on a fully contributory basis, as described. Makes organizational, technical, and conforming changes.

Enacts GS 128-45 (appears to intend GS 128-38.45) concerning beneficiaries under the LGERS Plan, as follows. Requires a member to designate beneficiaries as described. Directs that if no designated beneficiaries are living at the time of the member’s death, then the benefit will be paid to the member’s legal representative.

Enacts GS 128-38.46, concerning accumulated contributions using the portions of statutes described, with conforming and technical changes.

Part III.

Adds Benefit Trust as a defined term to the Judicial Retirement Act at GS 135-53. Makes conforming change to GS 135-52 to account for JRS Plan as a participating plan in the Benefit Trust. Repeals GS 135-63(b) and (d) (outdated surviving spouse provisions). Requires a member to have completed at least one year of membership service before the lump sum death benefit can be paid as described in GS 135-63.  Makes clarifying, technical, conforming and organizational changes.

Repeals GS 135-64 (f) through (j) (concerning surviving spouse benefits paid for members who passed away on certain dates ranging from before January 1, 1974, to December 31, 2014). Adds the JRS Plan, a fully contributory death benefit for retired members, using the portions of statutes described, with the following changes.  Allows all retired members to elect to participate in the JRS Plan as provided. Requires election to the JRS Plan be made prior to death and no later than 60 calendar days from the effective date of the member's retirement. Provides for receipt of the election by the TSERS Board. Directs that retired members electing to receive a fully contributory death benefit under the JRS Plan must continuously pay monthly premiums on a fully contributory basis, as described. Makes organizational, technical, and conforming changes.

Part IV.

Adds Benefit Trust as a defined term to the Legislative Retirement Act at GS 120-4.8. Makes conforming change to GS 120-4.10 to account for JRS Plan as a participating plan in the Benefit Trust. Makes technical changes to GS 120-4.26A (benefits on death after retirement). Modifies GS 120-4.27 (death while in service; fully contributory death benefit for retirees), as follows. Removes provisions requiring the lump sum death benefit capped at $15,000 as described in GS 120-4.27(a) to be provided through purchase of contracts of group life insurance. Adds the JRS Plan, a fully contributory death benefit for retired members, using the portions of statutes described, with the following changes. Allows all retired members to elect to participate in the LRS Plan as provided. Requires election to the LRS Plan be made prior to death and no later than 60 calendar days from the effective date of the member's retirement. Provides for receipt of the election by the TSERS Board. Directs that retired members electing to receive a fully contributory death benefit under the LRS Plan must continuously pay monthly premiums on a fully contributory basis, as described. Makes organizational, technical, and conforming changes.

Removes outdated provisions.

Part V.

Makes technical changes and conforming changes to the following statutes to account for the reorganization detailed in Parts I and II, above: GS 135-5(m) (TSERS survivor’s alternate benefit), GS 128-72(m)(LGERS survivor’s alternate benefit), GS 135-3(c) (TSERS intergovernmental exchanges), GS 128-24(6) (LGERS intergovernmental exchanges), GS 135-8(f) (TSERS collections of contributions), and GS128-30(g) (LGERS collections of contributions).

Makes conforming changes to GS 143-166.60(b), the Separate Insurance Benefits Plan, to account for designation as a participating plan in the Benefits Trust. Designates GS 143-166.70(5) expired (directing the separate trust fund reserves held under the death benefit plan provided for in GS 143-166.02, as it existed prior to January 1, 1986, to be transferred to the separate trust fund for the death benefit plan provided for in GS 128-27).

Part VI.

Sets a sunset date of June 30, 2025, for GS 135-5(m)(1) (TSERS: pertaining to age/service requirements in conjunction with the survivor’s alternate benefit) and GS 128-27(m)(1) (LGERS: pertaining to age/service requirements in conjunction with the survivor’s alternate benefit)

Effective July 1, 2025, amends GS 135-5(m)/GS 128-27(m), as amended by the act, as follows. Adds a new condition for a surviving spouse of a TSERS member to receive an alternate benefit directing that the deceased member must fall into one of the following categories: (1) the member had attained the minimum age, creditable service amount, or combination of both necessary to be eligible to commence retirement with an early or service retirement allowance; or (2) the member had completed at least five years of membership service, in which case the retirement allowance computed as described, notwithstanding any age or service requirements. In no case shall the retirement allowance under option (2) be less than the actuarial equivalent of the return of accumulated contributions, computed using the beneficiary's age as of the first day of the month following the date of the member's death.

Applicable to member deaths occurring on or after July 1, 2025: (1) removes the age requirement from GS 135-63(a1) (survivor’s alternate benefit-JRS) as amended by the act; (2) removes the age requirements, the service requirements if they are under age sixty for a principal beneficiary as described to receive “Option 2” under the LRS, provides for payment of excess contributions to a contingent beneficiary if the principal beneficiary has died, and for benefits payment (as described) to the contingent beneficiary’s legal representative if the person has passed before certain accumulations are paid, as described, and makes technical and conforming changes to GS 128-4.28 (survivor benefits under the LRS).

Part VII.

Effective July 1, 2025, creates a separate line fund for line of duty death benefits in the TSERS Plan as described, in GS 135-154, as amended by the act.

 

Intro. by Alexander, Ford, Hanig.GS 120, GS 128, GS 135, GS 143
S 360 (2025-2026) HEALTHY STUDENTS - A NURSE IN EVERY SCHOOL. Filed Mar 20 2025, AN ACT TO REQUIRE AT LEAST ONE SCHOOL NURSE IN EVERY SCHOOL IN A PUBLIC SCHOOL UNIT BEGINNING IN THE 2025-2026 SCHOOL YEAR AND TO APPROPRIATE ADDITIONAL FUNDS TO MEET THAT REQUIREMENT.

Identical to H 464, filed 3/19/25.

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.

Intro. by Adcock, Hise, Hanig.APPROP, GS 115C, GS 116
S 361 (2025-2026) PROTECTING FIRST RESPONDERS ACT. Filed Mar 20 2025, AN ACT TO INCREASE THE PUNISHMENT FOR COMMITTING AN ASSAULT OR AFFRAY AGAINST CERTAIN EMERGENCY RESPONDERS AND TO CRIMINALIZE EXPOSING CERTAIN EMERGENCY RESPONDERS TO FENTANYL OR OTHER HARMFUL DRUG OR CHEMICAL AGENTS AND TO APPROPRIATE NONRECURRING FUNDS TO THE NORTH CAROLINA OFFICE OF EMERGENCY SERVICES TO DISTRIBUTE AS GRANTS TO USE FOR EQUIPMENT TO PROTECT CERTAIN FIRST RESPONDERS.

Part I.
Titles the act as the “Protecting First Responders Act” or the “PROFR Act.”

Part II.

Amends GS 14-34.6 by increasing from a Class I to H felony the punishment for assault or affray causing physical injury on specified emergency responders and health care providers. Amends three of those six categories of responders and health care providers so that it now includes (1) an emergency medical services personnel (was, emergency medical technician or other emergency health care provider), (2) a member of a rescue squad or EMS service (was, a medical responder); and (3) adds in other emergency health care providers not covered under category (1) above.

Enacts new GS 14-286.3 making it a Class H felony to unlawfully and intentionally possess fentanyl or other harmful drug or chemical agents and expose an emergency responder (as defined). Increases the felony to Class G when the emergency responder suffers serious bodily injury due to the exposure. Makes it a Class I felony if a person knows fentanyl or other harmful drugs or chemical agents are unlawfully present at a location an emergency responder is responding to and willfully fails to notify the emergency responder of its presence within a reasonable time prior to the emergency responder arriving at the location.

Applies to offenses committed on or after December 1, 2025.

Part III.

Appropriates $10,350,000 for 2025-26 from the General Fund to the North Carolina Office of Emergency Medical Services, to be distributed as grants to first responders (as defined) for the purchase of bulletproof vests and bulletproof backpack plates for paramedics and emergency medical technicians. Specifies that the funds do not revert until July 1, 2028. Effective July 1, 2025.

Intro. by Alexander, Britt, Burgin.APPROP, GS 14
S 362 (2025-2026) STRENGTHEN LONG-TERM CARE OMBUDSMAN PROGRAM. Filed Mar 20 2025, AN ACT APPROPRIATING FUNDS TO THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, DIVISION OF AGING, TO STRENGTHEN THE LONG-TERM CARE OMBUDSMAN PROGRAM BY FUNDING ADDITIONAL REGIONAL OMBUDSMAN POSITIONS AND DIRECTING A STUDY AND RECOMMENDATIONS ON STATUTORY CHANGES NECESSARY TO IMPROVE THE PROGRAM AND THE SYSTEM OF VOLUNTEERS SUPPORTING THE PROGRAM.

Appropriates $1 million in recurring funds for each year of the 2025-27 biennium from the General Fund to the Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Aging (Division), to be allocated in the specified amounts to: (1) support the operational expenses of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program and (2) fund nine additional full-time Regional Ombudsman positions to move NC toward national standards for long-term care ombudsman programs (requires these positions to be dedicated to the Regional Ombudsman Programs within the Area Agencies on Aging most in need of additional ombudsman support). 

Requires the Division, in collaboration with the Office of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman, Regional Offices of Long-Term Care Ombudsman within the Area Agencies on Aging, and other interested stakeholders, to study and make recommendations to the specified NCGA committee and division on changes to the statutes needed to improve and strengthen the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program and the system of Community Advisory Committee volunteers supporting the Program.

Effective July 1, 2025.

Intro. by Alexander.APPROP, STUDY
S 363 (2025-2026) DST TECHNICAL CORRECTIONS/ADMIN. CHANGES 2025.-AB Filed Mar 20 2025, AN ACT MAKING TECHNICAL CORRECTIONS AND ADMINISTRATIVE CHANGES TO THE LAWS GOVERNING AND RELATED TO THE DEPARTMENT OF STATE TREASURER.

Part I.

Amends GS 135-5.3 by amending the provision under which a charter school is given provisional entry into the Teachers’ and State Employees’ Retirement System (System) for one year to now allow the provisional entry to be extend by up to two additional years or allows the charter school, after the provisional year, to apply to become a participating employer in the System. Allows schools whose provisional entry is extended to apply to become a participating employer at any time during the extend period. Makes conforming changes to the timing of the required actuarial and financial reviews. Prohibits granting entry into the System to any charter school that is unable to provide the required information for the financial review.

Part II.

Amends GS 135-18.10A (applicable to the System); GS 128-38.4A (applicable to the North Carolina Local Governmental Employees' Retirement System); GS 135-75.1A (applicable to the Consolidated Judicial Retirement Act); and GS 120-4.33A (applicable to the Legislative Retirement System of North Carolina) to give each system’s Board of Trustees, instead of the State Treasurer, the power to make a decision on a reversal of benefit forfeiture for a person convicted of a felony.

Part III.

Amends GS 84-4.1 by amending the fee paid by an out-of-state attorney granted the ability to practice in a limited capacity so that $20 of the fee is transferred using the State’s electronic accounting system and changes the recipient from the State Treasurer to the North Carolina Administrative Office of the Courts.

Part IV.

Amends GS 147-86.73 (concerning administration of the Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act) to prohibit the State from filing a claim, upon the death of a designated beneficiary for payment from the beneficiary’s account for any medical assistance paid for the designated beneficiary, unless it is required by federal law. Makes conforming changes.

Part V.

Amends GS 120-32, GS 135-3, GS 135-3, GS 135-5, GS 135-5.1, GS 135-27, and GS 143B-1491 by correcting a statutory cross-reference and making other clarifying changes.

Part VI.

Amends GS 153A-82, concerning educational requirements for county managers, and GS 160A-184, concerning educational requirements for city managers, to update the reference to the Local Government Commission’s authority to Article 11 of GS Chapter 159 and to refer to a letter instead of unit letter from the Commission. Amends GS 159-25 to update the reference to the Local Government Commission’s authority to Article 11 of GS Chapter 159.

Part VII.

Makes a clarifying change to GS 12-4.21. Amends GS 120-4.28 by making clarifying, organizational, and technical changes. Amends membership in the Board of Trustees of the North Carolina Local Governmental Employees' Retirement System by changing references to the Firemen’s and Rescue Squad Workers’ Pension Fund to the North Carolina Firefighters’ and Rescue Squad Workers Pension Fund; makes other technical and clarifying changes. Recodifies GS 128-26A as GS 128-26.1. Corrects a statutory cross-reference in GS 135-48.40.

Intro. by Alexander, Ford, Hanig.GS 84, GS 120, GS 128, GS 143B, GS 147, GS 153A, GS 159, GS 160A
S 364 (2025-2026) SHORTER SEPARATION FOR RETIRED ADAS AND APDS. Filed Mar 20 2025, AN ACT TO ALLOW RETIRED ASSISTANT DISTRICT ATTORNEYS AND RETIRED ASSISTANT PUBLIC DEFENDERS TO RETURN TO WORK FOR THE STATE AFTER A THIRTY-DAY SEPARATION.

Shortens the separation period barring a member of the Teachers and State Employees Retirement System (TSERS) from performing paid work from six months after retirement to 30 days after retirement for retired assistant public defenders and retired assistant district attorney in GS 135-1(20)(defining retirement). Makes conforming changes to GS 135-3(d)(changes to effective date of retirement based on work during the required separation period) and GS 135-106 (long term disability benefits).

Directs the State Treasurer to seek a private letter ruling from the IRS to determine if the modification to the separation period above, jeopardizes TSERS's status. If the IRS determines that the act does jeopardize TSERS’s status, then repeals the changes to the provisions of GS Chapter 135, discussed above on the last day of the month following the month of receipt of that determination by the State Treasurer. If that occurs, instructs the State Treasurer to inform the Revisor of Statutes and publicly notice the receipt of the letter and the repeals on its website as well as notifying all former assistant district attorneys and former assistant public defenders reemployed by that employer of the repeal.

Allows TSERS to increase receipts from the retirement assets of the system or pay costs associated with the administration directly from the retirement assets.

Effective January 1, 2027.

Effective July 1, 2025, appropriates $100,000 for 2025-26 from the General Fund to the Department of the State Treasurer to obtain the private letter ruling discussed above.

Intro. by Alexander, Johnson.GS 135
S 365 (2025-2026) THEFT OF TEMPORARY HOUSING DURING EMERGENCY. Filed Mar 20 2025, AN ACT TO SPECIFY THE PUNISHMENT FOR ENTERING THE PREMISES OF ANOTHER PERSON WITHOUT LEGAL JUSTIFICATION IN A COUNTY LOCATED IN AN EMERGENCY AREA DURING A STATE OF EMERGENCY AND TAKING OR DAMAGING THE PERSON'S TEMPORARY HOUSING.

Identical to S 164, filed 2/25/25.

Unless the conduct is covered under another provision of law providing greater punishment, establishes it as a Class F felony under GS 14-288.6 (looting and trespass during an emergency) for any person to enter the premises of another without legal justification, in a county located in an emergency area during a state of emergency, and without legal justification obtain or exert control over, damage, ransack, or destroy the temporary housing of another. Allows for recovery of three times the amount of actual damages, court costs, and attorneys’ fees in a civil suit by any person whose person or property is injured due to a violation of the above against a violator of the statute. Defines emergency area, state of emergency, and temporary housing. Applies to offenses committed on or after December 1, 2025.

Intro. by Alexander.GS 14
S 366 (2025-2026) INCREASE MEDICAID PCS AND PDN RATES. Filed Mar 20 2025, AN ACT TO INCREASE MEDICAID REIMBURSEMENT RATES FOR PERSONAL CARE SERVICES AND PRIVATE DUTY NURSING SERVICES.

Identical to H 453, filed 3/18/25.

Appropriates $11.2 million in recurring funds for each year of the 2025-27 biennium from the General Fund to the Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Health Benefits (Division)to increase to $7.50 per 15-minute increment the Medicaid rate paid for personal care services pursuant to the specified Medicaid Clinical Coverage Policies provided to Medicaid beneficiaries through the State Plan Personal Care Services Program (PCS), Community Alternatives Program for Children (CAP/C), Community Alternatives Program for Disabled Adults (CAP/DA), and Community Alternatives Program Choice (CAP/CO). Specifies that these funds provide a state match for federal funds. 

Appropriates $19.8 million in recurring funds for each year of the 2025-27 biennium from the General Fund to Division for an increase to $16.25 per 15 minutes the Medicaid rate paid for private duty nursing services pursuant to the specified Medicaid Clinical Coverage policies. Specifies that these provide a State match for federal fuds.

Effective July 1, 2025.

Intro. by Burgin, Moffitt, Adcock.APPROP
S 367 (2025-2026) CAPITAL PROJECT FUNDING AT HBCUS. Filed Mar 20 2025, AN ACT TO PROVIDE FUNDING TO THE STATE'S HISTORICALLY BLACK COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES TO FUND NEW AND ONGOING CAMPUS CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS.

Appropriates $8 million from the Education Lottery Fund to the Office of State Budget and Management (OSBM) for 2025-26 to be allocated to four listed Historically Black Colleges and University in an amount proportional to the number of undergraduate students enrolled at each eligible constituent institution who are residents of North Carolina and recipients of a federal Pell Grant. Effective July 1, 2025.

Intro. by Robinson, Lowe.APPROP
S 368 (2025-2026) OFFICE OF STATE FIRE MARSHAL OMNIBUS BILL.-AB Filed Mar 20 2025, AN ACT MANDATING ALL OTHER PERIL INSURANCE COVERAGE FOR CERTAIN ENTITIES, AUTHORIZING THE OFFICE OF THE STATE FIRE MARSHAL TO CONTRACT FOR SERVICES FOR ITS RISK MANAGEMENT DIVISION, MANDATING PARTICIPATION OF PUBLIC EDUCATION BOARDS IN THE STATE PUBLIC EDUCATION PROPERTY INSURANCE FUND, AUTHORIZING THE OFFICE OF THE STATE FIRE MARSHAL TO CHARGE AND WAIVE REGISTRATION FEES FOR ADVANCED FIRE AND RESCUE COURSES, PROVIDING STATE FUNDS FOR THE WAIVER OF REGISTRATION FEES FOR COURSES OFFERED BY THE OFFICE OF THE STATE FIRE MARSHAL, AUTHORIZING THE STATE FIRE AND RESCUE COMMISSION TO CONDUCT ADMINISTRATIVE HEARINGS, CLARIFYING THE POWERS OF THE NORTH CAROLINA HOME INSPECTOR LICENSURE BOARD, EXTENDING EXEMPTION FROM DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION OF PASSENGER MOTOR VEHICLES TO THE OFFICE OF THE STATE FIRE MARSHAL, EXEMPTING MANUFACTURED HOME MANUFACTURERS AND DEALERS FROM SHOWROOM REQUIREMENTS, MODERNIZING TERMINOLOGY FOR THE CODE OFFICIALS QUALIFICATION BOARD, ESTABLISHING FEES AND PROCEDURES FOR CODE OFFICIALS QUALIFICATION BOARD APPROVAL OF TRAINING COURSES, AUTHORIZING THE CREATION OF A VOLUNTARY APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM FOR CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICIALS, CLARIFYING ELECTRICAL CODE REQUIREMENTS FOR ENERGIZING BUILDINGS, ENHANCING THE AUTHORITY OF THE STATE FIRE MARSHAL OVER LOCAL INSPECTIONS AND EMERGENCY ELECTRICAL INSPECTIONS, REQUIRING REFUNDS AND REMITTANCE OF BUILDING INSPECTION FEES WHEN INSPECTIONS ARE PERFORMED BY STATE AND OTHER OFFICIALS, AND ESTABLISHING RECORDS AND REPORTING REQUIREMENTS FOR LOCAL INSPECTION DEPARTMENTS, AS RECOMMENDED BY THE OFFICE OF THE STATE FIRE MARSHAL.

To be summarized.

Intro. by Johnson, Barnes, Lazzara.
S 369 (2025-2026) MEDICAID TELEHEALTH SERVICES. Filed Mar 20 2025, AN ACT TO ENSURE THAT CERTAIN PROVIDERS OF TELEHEALTH SERVICES ARE ELIGIBLE TO ENROLL AS MEDICAID PROVIDERS.

Requires the Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Health Benefits (Division) to ensure that (1) a licensed health care provider providing health care services exclusively through telemedicine services is not required to maintain a physical presence in the state to be considered an eligible provider for enrollment as a Medicaid provider; and (2) a medical provider group with licensed heath care providers which exclusively offers telemedicine services is not required to have an in-state service address to be eligible to enroll as a Medicaid provider group.

Intro. by Galey, Sawrey, Burgin.UNCODIFIED
S 370 (2025-2026) REPEAL CERTIFICATE OF NEED LAWS. Filed Mar 20 2025, AN ACT REPEALING NORTH CAROLINA'S CERTIFICATE OF NEED LAWS.

Identical to H 455, filed 3/18/25.

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.

Intro. by Sawrey, Galey, Jarvis.GS 6, GS 7A, GS 58, GS 90, GS 113A, GS 122C, GS 131D, GS 131E, GS 143B, GS 150B
S 371 (2025-2026) STOP CHRONICALLY LOW-PERFORMING CHARTERS. Filed Mar 20 2025, AN ACT TO REQUIRE CHARTER REVOCATION FOR SCHOOLS THAT HAVE BEEN LOW-PERFORMING FOR FOUR CONSECUTIVE YEARS, TO RESTRICT CHARTER SCHOOLS FROM EXPANDING IF THEY ARE LOW-PERFORMING, TO LIMIT CHARTERS FOR REMOTE ACADEMIES TO THREE YEARS, AND TO REQUIRE CHARTER SCHOOLS TO LIST THE SCHOOL'S PERFORMANCE GRADE ON ENROLLMENT APPLICATIONS.

Includes whereas clauses.

Repeals: (1) GS 115C-218.7(b), which provided that if a charter school has been identified as low-performing, then it is considered a material revision of the school's charter to increase its maximum authorized enrollment by more than 20% of the previous year's maximum authorized enrollment; and (2) GS 115C-218.8(2), which provided that it was not considered a material revision of a chart, and did not require prior approval, if a school is low-performing and has planned growth authorized in its charter, increased its maximum authorized enrollment during the charter school's second year of operation and annually thereafter in accordance with planned growth as authorized in its charter.

Amends GS 115C-218.45 to requires a charter school to include the school's performance grade for the previous five years on its enrollment application.

Amends GS 115C-218.94 to prohibit a low performing charter school from expanding enrollment, even if expansion was planned in its charter, until the school is no longer identified as low-performing. Revokes the charter of a charter school that is identified as continually low-performing for four consecutive years. Provides that if a charter school has been identified as continually low-performing for three consecutive years immediately preceding the expiration of its charter, the Review Board my allow the school to operate under its existing charter for an additional year; if the school is no longer low-performing during that additional year, allows the charter to be renewed.

Amends GS 115C-218.95 by making conforming changes removing the Review Board's authority to terminate, not renew, or seek applications to assume the charter for a charter school that is continually low performing. 

Amends GS 115C-218.123 by reducing the duration of the approval of a charter or charter modification for the creation of a remote charter academy to three (was, five) years. Makes conforming changes to GS 115C-218.124.

Applies beginning with the 2025-26 school year.

Intro. by Chitlik, Grafstein.GS 115C
S 372 (2025-2026) CONFIRM MCKINLEY WOOTEN, SEC. OF REV. Filed Mar 20 2025, A SENATE RESOLUTION CONFIRMING MCKINLEY WOOTEN, JR., AS SECRETARY OF THE DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE.

Includes whereas clauses. Requires the Senate to consider whether to confirm McKinley Wooten, Jr., as Secretary of the Department of Revenue.

Intro. by Rabon.SENATE RES
S 373 (2025-2026) VACCINATION SCHEDULE VARIANCE/MINORS. Filed Mar 20 2025, AN ACT TO ENSURE MINORS ARE NOT DISCRIMINATED AGAINST FOR VARIANCE IN RECOMMENDED VACCINATION SCHEDULES.

Enacts GS 90-21.5A, concerning the treatment of minors through vaccination schedules, as follows. Prevents a health care practitioner (defined) from refusing to accept a minor as a patient in their medical practice or at a hospital solely on the basis of the minor's refusal or the minor's parent, guardian, or custodian's refusal to comply with timing or frequency of the recommended vaccination and immunization schedule as set forth in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Child Immunization Schedule. Clarifies that a refusal to be vaccinated altogether cannot be construed to supersede a requirement under GS 130A-152 (required immunizations), but that a variance in the recommended schedule or a delay is allowed. Specifies that violations of the statute constitute unprofessional conduct under each healthcare practitioner’s occupational licensing board. Effective October 1, 2025.

Directs the NC Medical Board and Board of Nursing to adopt rules to implement the act.  Directs the Commission for Public Health to adopt rules to allow for exemptions for minors who delay the administration of an immunization or vaccination.

Intro. by Moffitt, Sawrey, Overcash.GS 90
S 374 (2025-2026) LICENSING CERTAIN FIRE SAFETY EQUIP. WORK. Filed Mar 20 2025, AN ACT TO REQUIRE LICENSING AND PERMITTING FOR INDIVIDUALS AND FIRMS THAT INSTALL AND SERVICE PORTABLE FIRE EXTINGUISHERS AND FIRE SUPPRESSION SYSTEMS.

Enacts Article 82C, Licensing and Permitting for the Installation and Servicing of Portable Fire Extinguishers and Fire Suppression Systems, in GS Chapter 58.

Sets forth 11 defined terms. Provides for the State Fire Marshal (Fire Marshal) to administer the Article. Requires the Fire Marshal to establish rules for proper installation, inspection, recharging, repairing, servicing, or testing of fire suppression systems or portable fire extinguishers; and required specifications as to the number, type, size, shape, color, and information and data contained on service tags to be attached to all portable fire extinguishers and fire suppression systems covered by the Article that are installed, inspected, recharged, repaired, serviced, or tested. Permits the Fire Marshal to adopt the applicable standards of the National Fire Protection Association or another nationally recognized organization. Authorizes the Fire Marshal to adopt rules to require an exam of license or permit applicants under the Article. Authorizes the Fire Marshal to apply for and receive grants for the Article's administration from interested parties.

Requires firms to be licensed and persons to be permitted to install, inspect, repair, service, or test portable fire extinguishers, pre-engineered kitchen fire suppression systems, pre-engineered industrial fire suppression systems, and engineered special hazard fire suppression systems. Makes it unlawful to take such action on any portable fire extinguisher or fire suppression system without attaching the required tag(s) completed in detail, as described. Excludes from the permitting provisions individuals employed by any firm or governmental entity that only engages in the installation and servicing of fire suppression systems or portable fire extinguishers on such items owned by the firm and installed on property under the control of the firm, subject to the rules and regulations adopted under the Article. Provides further exemptions, including fire chiefs, fire marshals, fire inspectors, and insurance company inspectors, as described, and any firm that engages only in the routine visual inspection of the systems and extinguishers owned by the firm and installed on property under the firm's control.

Sets the license fee at $250 and the permit fee at $100. Exempts government employees and members of a legal organized fire department acting in the member's official capacity.

Sets forth license and permit requirements, including proof of comprehensive liability insurance for prospective licensees. 

Provides for keeping a permit on the permittee's person in the course of the work under the permit, and licensees and permittees producing a valid license or permit upon demand by the Fire Marshal, the Fire Marshal's representatives, or any local authority having jurisdiction, or any individual soliciting the services of the licensee or permittee.

Establishes reciprocity with individuals holding a comparable valid permit, license, or certification issued by another state which meets the minimum requirements under the Article and pays the applicable filing fees.

Details the form of licenses, permits and applications. Requires a licensee or permittee to notify the Fire Marshal within 30 days of any change to application information provided to the Fire Marshal. Requires the Fire Marshal give an applicant 60 days to correct any deficiencies discovered in the application.

Requires the licenses and permits to be issued for each license year, beginning January 1 and expiring the following December 31. Provides for restoration of an inoperative license by paying a penalty within 90 days of expiration. After 90 days of expiration, the former licensee or permittee must apply for a new license or permit.

Details license or permit sanctions and denial procedures. Allows for an applicant to request review of a denial in writing within 30 days after service of the notice of denial, and allows an applicant to request an administrative hearing on the outcome within 30 days after service of the notice of the outcome. Requires surrender of a license or surrender within 30 days of suspension, revocation or nonrenewal. Describes the effect of an order of suspension or revocation.

Authorizes the Fire Marshal to deny, suspend, place on probation, revoke, or refuse to renew any license or permit under the Article for any of the 21 specified reasons, including failure to meet requirements under the Article and conviction of a crime involving dishonesty.

Authorizes the Fire Marshal to issue cease and desist order for individuals or firms the Fire Marshal believes is or has been violating the Article. Requires the order to include a notice of opportunity for hearing upon request within 30 days of receipt of the order and notice. Provides for service of the order. Provides for noncompliance to result in the revocation of any and all permits and licenses issued by the Fire Marshal for a period of at least six months and no more than five years. Provides for effect of noncompliance on new permits or licenses held by the individual or firm. Establishes that violation of the Article can constitute grounds for license or permit refusal.

Establishes civil penalties for violations of the Article, rules adopted thereunder, or order of the Fire Marshal, as follows: a penalty not exceeding $1,000 for the first offense, no less than $1,000 and not exceeding $2,000 for the second offense, and no less than $2,000 and not exceeding $5,000 for a third or subsequent offense. Requires prior notice of a violation and a reasonable waiting period before ordering a fine, as specified. Additionally authorizes the Fire Marshal to bring a civil action to enjoin a violation.

Makes willful or intentional violations of any provision of the Article, rules, or order of the Fire Marshal a Class 1 misdemeanor. Details other conduct that constitutes a Class 1 misdemeanor, including (1) obliterating serial numbers on tags for falsifying service records, (2) improper install or service, (3) allowing another to use a license or permit or use another's license or permit, (4) impersonating a representative of the Fire Marshal, local fire chief, fire marshal, or other fire authority, (5) noncompliance with the Article, and (6) failure to comply with a cease and desist order issued by the Fire Marshal.

Clarifies that the Article does not limit certain State or local government powers. Prohibits local government from imposing any further requirements on licensees or permittees to prove competency.

Authorizes the Department of Insurance to adopt temporary rules for the Article's implementation.

Effective October 1, 2025.

Intro. by Lazzara, Barnes.GS 58
S 375 (2025-2026) AMEND HAZING LAWS. Filed Mar 20 2025, AN ACT TO REVISE THE CRIMINAL OFFENSE OF HAZING AND TO REQUIRE EDUCATION ENTITIES TO ESTABLISH POLICIES AND PROCEDURES TO PREVENT HAZING.

To be summarized.

Intro. by Galey, Barnes, Overcash.
S 376 (2025-2026) INCREASE FUNDING TO STATE AUDITOR. Filed Mar 20 2025, AN ACT TO INCREASE FUNDING FOR THE OFFICE OF THE STATE AUDITOR.

Contains whereas clauses.

Appropriates from the General Fund to the Office of the State Auditor (Auditor) $4.95 million for 2025-26 to be used for personnel expansion, contract funding, and construction needs in the specified amounts. Appropriates $12.2 million from the General Fund to the Auditor for each year of the 2025-27 fiscal biennium to be used for personnel expansion, staff compensation increases, and data analytics and technology upgrades in the specified amounts. Directs the Auditor, by December 31, 2025, to submit a report to the specified NCGA committee on the use of the funds, including the number of audits conducted, findings related to fraud or financial mismanagement, and the impact of technology investments on audit efficiency. Effective July 1, 2025.

Intro. by Sawrey, Overcash, Hanig.APPROP
S 377 (2025-2026) LICENSING COURSE REMOVAL/INSURANCE PRODUCERS. Filed Mar 20 2025, AN ACT TO ELIMINATE THE TRAINING COURSE REQUIREMENTS FOR INSURANCE PRODUCER LICENSURE.

Prevents the Insurance Commissioner (IC) from requiring an applicant for an insurance producer license or a resident applicant for a Medicare supplement and long-term care supplementary license to complete any specific amount of instruction or specific course in GS 58-33-30. Specifies that any producer training course developed to prepare an applicant for the examination required under GS 58-33-30(e) must be approved by the IC. Makes technical and conforming changes. Modifies GS 58-33-32 (interstate reciprocity in producer licensing) to authorize required pre-licensing education in such instances.

Applies to licensure applications submitted on or after October 1, 2025.

Intro. by Johnson.GS 58
S 378 (2025-2026) HOA REVISIONS. Filed Mar 20 2025, AN ACT TO AMEND LAWS GOVERNING OWNERS' ASSOCIATIONS IN CONDOMINIUMS AND PLANNED COMMUNITIES, TO MANDATE PRELITIGATION MEDIATION OF DISPUTES BETWEEN OWNERS' ASSOCIATIONS AND THEIR MEMBERS, AND TO REQUIRE THE DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE TO COLLECT AND REPORT ON COMPLAINTS SUBMITTED TO IT INVOLVING SUCH DISPUTES.

To be summarized.

Intro. by Sawrey, Johnson, Sawyer.
S 379 (2025-2026) SENIOR CARE ASSURANCE ACT. Filed Mar 20 2025, AN ACT ENHANCING AND EXPANDING ACCESS TO AFFORDABLE, HIGH-QUALITY HEALTHCARE FOR SENIOR CITIZENS THROUGH IMPROVED CHRONIC CARE MANAGEMENT, PREVENTIVE SERVICES, AND HOME-BASED CARE; AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS FOR THESE PURPOSES.

To be summarized.

Intro. by Theodros, Smith.
S 380 (2025-2026) EXPAND CERTAIN APA STANDING PROVISIONS. Filed Mar 20 2025, AN ACT TO PROVIDE A REBUTTABLE PRESUMPTION OF STANDING UNDER THE ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURE ACT FOR TRADE AND BUSINESS ASSOCIATIONS AND ORGANIZATIONS.

Amends GS 150B-4, which requires an agency to issue a declaratory ruling as to the validity of a rule or as to the applicability of a given state of facts of a statute administered by the agency or of a rule or order of the agency when it is requested by an aggrieved person. Adds that there is a presumption that a person aggrieved includes an association, organization, society, or other entity collectively representing persons similarly situated to a person aggrieved. Allows the presumption to be rebutted by specific findings by the agency that the interests of the collective entity are not substantially similar to the person aggrieved with respect to the declaratory ruling sought. Applies to declaratory rulings requested on or after July 1, 2025.

Intro. by Moffitt, Overcash, Sawrey.GS 150B
S 381 (2025-2026) EQUALITY FOR ALL. Filed Mar 20 2025, AN ACT TO PROTECT ALL NORTH CAROLINIANS AGAINST DISCRIMINATION IN ALL WALKS OF LIFE.

Part I. Housing

Amends GS 41A-4, which delineates unlawful discriminatory housing practices, to refer to the protected status of another person as the basis for unlawful discrimination instead of listing specific protected classes (currently, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, handicapping condition, or familial status). Adds protected status to the defined terms in GS 41A-3 and defines the term to mean a person's race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, sex, marital status, familial status, sexual orientation, gender identity, military or veteran status, or genetic information. Makes conforming changes to use a person's protected status language to replace specific classes of persons throughout GS 41A-4 and GS 41A-5 (concerning proof of a violation of GS 41A-4).

Amends GS 41A-6, which exempts from GS 41A-4 [except for subdivision (a)(6)] religious institutions and organizations operated by religions institutions or organizations that give preference to members of the same religion in a real estate transaction, so long as membership in that religion is not restricted by a protected status, other than religion (previously, specified race, color, sex, national origin, handicapping condition or familial status).

Part II. Employment

Amends GS 143-422.2 to establish that it is the public policy of the State to protect and safeguard the right and opportunity of all persons to seek, obtain and hold employment without discrimination or abridgment on account of race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, marital status, familial status, military or veteran status, or genetic information (previously, only protected race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex or handicap) by employers which regularly employ one or more employees (was, 15 or more employees).

Makes conforming changes to expand employment protections to those same classes added to GS 143-422.2 by this act, to GS 126-16 (Equal opportunity for employment and compensation by State departments and agencies and local political subdivisions) and GS 126-34.02(b) (concerning the appeal process for agency employment discrimination, harassment, and retaliation issues to be heard as contested cases).

Part III. Public Accommodations

Enacts Article 85 to GS Chapter 143, Equal Access to Public Accommodations, to be known as the Equal Access to Public Accommodations Act. Provides a legislative declaration that it is the public policy of the State to protect and safeguard the right and opportunity of all individuals within the State to enjoy fully and equally the goods, services, facilities, privileges, advantages, and accommodations of places of public accommodation free of discrimination because of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, marital status, familial status, military or veteran status, or genetic information.

Establishes that it is not discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity for a public accommodation to provide separate bathrooms or changing facilities based on gender. Mandates places of accommodation to provide access to facilities based on a person's gender identity. Defines place of public accommodations to have the same meaning as defined in GS 168A-3(8), but excludes any private club or other establishment that is not in fact open to the public.

Authorizes the Human Relations Commission (Commission) in the Department of Administration to receive, investigate, and conciliate complaints of discrimination in public accommodations, and directs the Commission to effect an amicable resolution. Provides that in the event the Commission cannot effect an amicable resolution of the charges of discrimination, the complainant and the Commission can proceed with an enforcement action in accordance with GS 41A-7 (State Fair Housing Act enforcement provisions).

Part IV. Credit

Enacts GS 75-45 to prohibit discrimination by any person engaged in any form of lending money in this State, or to residents of this State, in the extension of credit on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, sex, marital status, familial status, sexual orientation, gender identity, military or veteran status, or genetic information. Allows complainants concerning violations of this statute to file a grievance with the Human Relations Commission. Directs the Commission to effect an amicable resolution, and in the event the Commission cannot effect an amicable resolution, the complainant and the Commission can proceed with an enforcement action in accordance with GS 41A-7, as similarly provided in GS 143-422.13 enacted by this act. Makes a violation of this statute an unfair trade practice in violation of GS 75-1.1.

Part V. Insurance

Amends GS 58-3-25 to prohibit discriminatory practices by insurers because of an individual's race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, sex, marital status, familial status, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, military or veteran status, or genetic information (previously, only protected race, color, national or ethnic origin).

Part VI. Education

Amends GS 115C-47 to require each local board of education to adopt a policy to establish that the local board of education and school personnel employed by the local board must not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, sex, marital status, familial status, sexual orientation, gender identity, military or veteran status, or genetic information. Requires that the policy include that any person who claims to have been injured by an unlawful discriminatory practice or who reasonably believes that he or she will be irrevocably injured by an unlawful discriminatory practice may file a complaint with the North Carolina Human Relations Commission. Requires the Commission to then work with the relevant parties to develop an amicable resolution to the charge of discrimination, and allows the complainant and the Commission to proceed with an enforcement action if the Commission is unable to effect an amicable resolution of the charges.

Enacts new GS 115C-112.10 prohibiting nonpublic schools that accept students receiving scholarships grants from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, sex, marital status, familial status, sexual orientation, gender identity, military or veteran status, or genetic information. Allows person who claim to have been injured by an unlawful discriminatory practice or believes that they will be irrevocably injured by such to file a complaint with the North Carolina Human Relations Commission. Requires the Commission to then work with the relevant parties to develop an amicable resolution to the charge of discrimination, and allows the complainant and the Commission to proceed with an enforcement action if the Commission is unable to effect an amicable resolution of the charges.

Amends GS 115C-218.45 to expand the basis on which a charter school must not limit admission to also include color, age, sex, marital status, familial status, sexual orientation, gender identity, military or veteran status, or genetic information; removes creed and ancestry. Allows a charter school that serves only certain grade levels to limit admission based on age. 

Amends GS 115C-218.55 to prohibit a charter school from discriminating on the basis of national origin, race, color, religion, age, sex, marital status, familial status, sexual orientation, gender identity, military or veteran status, genetic information, or disability (was, only ethnicity, national origin, gender, or disability). Allows any person who claims to have been injured by an unlawful discriminatory practice or who reasonably believes that he or she will be irrevocably injured by an unlawful discriminatory practice to file a complaint with the North Carolina Human Relations Commission. Requires the Commission to then work with the relevant parties to develop an amicable resolution to the charge of discrimination, and allows the complainant and the Commission to proceed with an enforcement action if the Commission is unable to effect an amicable resolution of the charges.

Repeals GS 115C-521.2.

Amends GS 115C-562.5 to prohibit a nonpublic school from discriminating on the basis of on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, sex, marital status, familial status, sexual orientation, gender identity, military or veteran status, or genetic information. Allows any person who claims to have been injured by an unlawful discriminatory practice or who reasonably believes that he or she will be irrevocably injured by an unlawful discriminatory practice to file a complaint with the North Carolina Human Relations Commission. Requires the Commission to then work with the relevant parties to develop an amicable resolution to the charge of discrimination, and allows the complainant and the Commission to proceed with an enforcement action if the Commission is unable to effect an amicable resolution of the charges.

Amends GS 115D-77 to expand upon the State Board of Community Colleges and local board of trustees nondiscrimination policy to also prohibit discrimination on the basis of color, sex, marital status, familial status, sexual orientation, gender identity, military or veteran status, and genetic information. Adds that the State Board and each board of trustees must give equal opportunity for employment and compensation of personnel at community colleges without regard to marital status, familial status, sexual orientation, gender identity, military or veteran status, or genetic information, in addition to the already listed categories. Allows any person who claims to have been injured by an unlawful discriminatory practice or who reasonably believes that he or she will be irrevocably injured by an unlawful discriminatory practice to file a complaint with the North Carolina Human Relations Commission. Requires the Commission to then work with the relevant parties to develop an amicable resolution to the charge of discrimination, and allows the complainant and the Commission to proceed with an enforcement action if the Commission is unable to effect an amicable resolution of the charges.

Amends GS 116-11 to require the UNC Board of Governors to adopt a policy to provide that UNC and its affiliates and personnel employed by UNC and its affiliates must not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, sex, marital status, familial status, sexual orientation, gender identity, military or veteran status, or genetic information. Requires that the policy include that any person who claims to have been injured by an unlawful discriminatory practice or who reasonably believes that he or she will be irrevocably injured by an unlawful discriminatory practice may file a complaint with the North Carolina Human Relations Commission. Requires the Commission to then work with the relevant parties to develop an amicable resolution to the charge of discrimination, and allows the complainant and the Commission to proceed with an enforcement action if the Commission is unable to effect an amicable resolution of the charges.

Part VII. Jury Service

Amends GS 15A-1214 to prohibit excluding a person from jury service on account of race, race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, sex, marital status, familial status, sexual orientation, gender identity, military or veteran status, or genetic information.

Part VII.

Effective July 1, 2025. 

Intro. by Grafstein, Mayfield, Meyer.STUDY, GS 15A, GS 41A, GS 58, GS 75, GS 115C, GS 115D, GS 116, GS 126, GS 143C
S 382 (2025-2026) MENTAL HEALTH PROTECTION ACT. Filed Mar 20 2025, AN ACT CONCERNING THE PROTECTION OF MINORS AND ADULTS WHO HAVE DISABILITIES FROM ATTEMPTS TO CHANGE SEXUAL ORIENTATION, GENDER IDENTITY, AND GENDER EXPRESSION.

Contains whereas clauses. Enacts Article 1O, the Mental Health Protection Act in GS Chapter 90. Defines an adult who has a disability, and conversion therapy (any practices or treatments that seek to change an individual's sexual orientation or gender identity, including those described). Prevents, in GS 90-21.162, the following professionals from engaging in conversion therapy with an individual under age 18 or an adult with a disability:

  1. Fee-based practicing pastoral counselors as defined in GS 90-382.
  2. Licensed clinical social workers as defined in GS 90B-3.
  3. Licensed marriage and family therapists as defined in GS 90-270.47.
  4. Licensed professional counselors as defined in GS 90-330.
  5. Psychiatrists licensed in accordance with Article 1 of GS Chapter 90.
  6. Psychologists as defined in GS 90-270.2.

Considers conversion therapy practiced by those named classes of professionals as unprofessional conduct and makes the professional subject to discipline. Grants the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) concurrent authority to initiate proceedings for violations of GS 90-21.162. Directs DHHS to promulgate rules in accordance with the section. Prohibits State funds, or any funds belonging to a municipality, agency, or political subdivision of this State, from being expended for the purpose of conducting conversion therapy, referring an individual for conversion therapy, health benefits coverage for conversion therapy, or a grant or contract with any entity that conducts conversion therapy or refers individuals for conversion therapy. Includes a severability clause.

Intro. by Grafstein.GS 90
S 383 (2025-2026) RIGHT TO IVF. Filed Mar 20 2025, AN ACT PROTECTING THE RIGHT TO ACCESS ASSISTED REPRODUCTIVE TECHNOLOGY; AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS TO THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, DIVISION OF HEALTH BENEFITS, TO INCREASE FUNDING FOR MEDICAID MATERNAL SUPPORT SERVICES.

Identical to H 473, filed 3/20/25.

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

Appropriates $500,000 in recurring funds for each year of the 2025-27 fiscal biennium from the General Fund to the Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Health Benefits, to increase funding for Medicaid maternal support services, aka the Baby Love Program. Specifies that these funds provide a state match for federal funds.

Intro. by Bradley, Grafstein, Everitt.APPROP, GS 90
S 384 (2025-2026) 2025 SAFE DRINKING WATER ACT. Filed Mar 20 2025, AN ACT TO PROTECT NORTH CAROLINA CITIZENS FROM HARMFUL TOXINS IN DRINKING WATER BY REQUIRING THE COMMISSION FOR PUBLIC HEALTH TO ESTABLISH MAXIMUM CONTAMINANT LEVELS FOR CHEMICALS THAT ARE PROBABLE OR KNOWN CARCINOGENS OR ARE OTHERWISE TOXIC.

Identical to S 324, filed 3/18/25.

Requires the Committee for Public Health (Committee) to do the following no later than October 15, 2025. Requires the Committee to begin rulemaking to establish maximum contaminant levels (MCLs), as that term is defined under GS 130A-313 (the North Carolina Clean Water Act), for probable or known carcinogens and other toxic chemicals likely to pose a substantial hazard to public health.  Requires the Commission to establish MCL’s for the following five contaminants: (1) per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS); (2) perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA); (3) perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS); (4) Hexavalent chromium (chromium-6); and (5)1,4-Dioxane. Also requires considering establishing MCLs for any other contaminants for which at least two other states have set MCLs or issued guidance.

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

Intro. by Meyer.UNCODIFIED

The Daily Bulletin: 2025-03-20

LOCAL/HOUSE BILLS
H 58 (2025-2026) VARIOUS LOCAL ELECTIONS. (NEW) Filed Feb 4 2025, AN ACT TO EXTEND THE TERMS OF THE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS FOR THE TOWN OF KITTRELL FROM TWO TO FOUR YEARS; TO PROVIDE THAT THE ASHEBORO CITY BOARD OF EDUCATIONHALL CONSIST OF SEVEN MEMBERS ELECTED ON A PARTISAN BASIS IN EVEN-NUMBERED YEARS TO SERVE FOUR-YEAR STAGGERED TERMS; TO ESTABLISH RESIDENCY DISTRICTS FOR THE ANSON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS; TO PROVIDE THAT VACANCIES ON THE CASWELL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS ARE FILLED IN ACCORDANCE WITH G.S. 153A-27.1; AND TO AUTHORIZE THE SCOTLAND COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS TO ADOPT A SCHOOL BUDGET IN ITS DISCRETION; TO ELIMINATE THE MANDATORY SCHOOL FUNDING FLOOR; AND TO MAKE CONFORMING CHANGES.

Senate amendments to the 3rd edition make the following changes.

Amendment #1 changes the effective date of the addition of Caswell County to GS 153A-27.1 (vacancies on board of commissioners in certain counties), so that it applies to vacancies filled on or after March 3, 2025. Requires vacancies occurring on the Caswell County Board of Commission on or after March 3, 2025, to be filled according to GS 153A-27.1.

Amendment #2 adds the following content and makes conforming changes to the act's long title. Amends SL 1963-707, as amended, as follows. Removes the name of the consolidated board of education which was the Laurinburg Scotland County Board of Education. Provides that the public school system of Scotland County is the Scotland County School System and the system’s board of education’s name is the Scotland County Board of Education (Board). Requires, for fiscal year 2025-26, the Board to submit a budget request for operational and capital funding in amounts that would provide an appropriate education to all students in Scotland County during that fiscal year to the Scotland County Board of Commissioners (BOC), at the same time the other school budgets are filed. Directs the BOC to consider the educational goals and policies of the State and the local Board, the Board’s budgetary request, the Board’s financial resources, and the Board’s and the BOC’s fiscal policies in evaluating the request. Based on this evaluation, directs the BOC to determine, in its discretion, the amount of county revenues, including any voted supplemental tax revenues, to be appropriated to the Board’s local current expense fund and capital outlay fund for fiscal year 2025-2026. Prevents the Board or the BOC from initiating a dispute resolution process or filing any legal action challenging the determination of funds to be appropriated by the BOC to the local current expense fund and capital outlay fund for fiscal year 2025-26. Requires, that beginning with fiscal year 2026-27 and each year thereafter, the preparation, submission, and approval of a budget for the Board to be in accordance with Article 31 of GS Chapter 115C. Deletes provisions concerning the filing of a supplemental tax budget. Removes provisions setting formula for the base amount of educational funding as well as provisions to allow the Board and the Commissioners to deviate from that formula in extraordinary economic circumstances upon approval of both entities. Makes conforming changes to account for updated name. Makes organizational changes. Makes technical change to update reference to GS Chapter 115C (governing public secondary schools). Removes outdated language.

Intro. by Winslow.UNCODIFIED, Anson, Caswell, Randolph, Scotland, Vance

The Daily Bulletin: 2025-03-20

ACTIONS ON BILLS

Actions on Bills: 2025-03-20

PUBLIC BILLS

H 7: NC REACH ACT.

    House: Serial Referral To Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House Stricken
    House: Serial Referral To Appropriations Added
    House: Serial Referral To Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House Added

H 8: NC MANAGING ENVIRONMENTAL WASTE ACT OF 2025.

    House: Withdrawn From Com
    House: Re-ref to the Com on Appropriations, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House

H 47: DISASTER RECOVERY ACT OF 2025 - PART I.

    House: Ch. SL 2025-2

H 81: RESTRICT USE OF VEHICLE TELEMATICS.

    House: Reptd Fav Com Substitute
    House: Re-ref Com On Transportation

H 95: THREATEN ELECTED OFFICIAL/INCREASE PUNISHMENT.

    House: Regular Message Sent To Senate
    Senate: Regular Message Received From House
    Senate: Passed 1st Reading
    Senate: Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate

H 184: PROMOTE NORTH CAROLINA SAWMILLS.

    House: Regular Message Sent To Senate
    Senate: Regular Message Received From House
    Senate: Passed 1st Reading
    Senate: Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate

H 186: THE STARS AND STRIPES COMMITMENT ACT.

    House: Regular Message Sent To Senate
    Senate: Regular Message Received From House
    Senate: Passed 1st Reading
    Senate: Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate

H 198: AMEND LAW ON NOTICE OF ABC VIOLATION.

    House: Regular Message Sent To Senate
    Senate: Regular Message Received From House
    Senate: Passed 1st Reading
    Senate: Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate

H 373: UNC TUITION DISCOUNTS FOR CERTAIN STUDENTS.

    House: Serial Referral To Appropriations Stricken

H 389: CHILD CARE WORKFORCE PILOT PROGRAM. (NEW)

    House: Withdrawn From Com
    House: Re-ref to the Com on Health, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House
    House: Withdrawn From Com
    House: Re-ref to the Com on Health, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House

H 412: CHILD CARE REGULATORY REFORMS.

    House: Serial Referral To Judiciary 2 Stricken
    House: Serial Referral To Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House Stricken
    House: Serial Referral To Judiciary 1 Added
    House: Serial Referral To Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House Added

H 430: PROTECT YOUTH FROM HARMS OF VAPING & NICOTINE.

    House: Serial Referral To Finance Stricken
    House: Withdrawn From Com
    House: Re-ref Com On Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House

H 439: ALLOW CONCEALED CARRY OF KNIFE.

    House: Passed 1st Reading
    House: Ref to the Com on Judiciary 2, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House

H 440: HEALTHY FOOD HEALTHY BODIES.

    House: Passed 1st Reading
    House: Ref To Com On Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House

H 441: LOGGERHEAD TURTLE/STATE SALTWATER REPTILE.

    House: Passed 1st Reading
    House: Ref to the Com on Wildlife Resources, if favorable, State and Local Government, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House

H 442: RESTORE FLOUNDER/RED SNAPPER SEASON.

    House: Passed 1st Reading
    House: Ref to the Com on Wildlife Resources, if favorable, State and Local Government, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House

H 443: CONST. AMENDMENT: COUNCIL OF STATE VACANCIES.

    House: Passed 1st Reading
    House: Ref to the Com on Judiciary 1, if favorable, State and Local Government, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House

H 444: HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION REFORM BILL.

    House: Passed 1st Reading
    House: Ref to the Com on Housing and Development, if favorable, Commerce and Economic Development, if favorable, Judiciary 1, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House

H 445: FAIRNESS &AMP TRANSPARENCY IN EDUCATION SALARIES.

    House: Passed 1st Reading
    House: Ref to the Com on Appropriations, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House

H 446: PROHIBITION ON DISCLOSING BOOKING PHOTOGRAPHS.

    House: Passed 1st Reading
    House: Ref To Com On Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House

H 447: FUNDS FOR KERNERSVILLE EVENT CENTER.

    House: Passed 1st Reading
    House: Ref to the Com on Appropriations, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House

H 448: SAFE FIREARM STORAGE/SALES TAX EXEMPTION.

    House: Passed 1st Reading
    House: Ref to the Com on Finance, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House

H 449: CRIMES AGAINST MINORS/REVISE LAW.

    House: Passed 1st Reading
    House: Ref to the Com on Judiciary 2, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House

H 450: PRIVATE PROPERTY RIGHTS ACT.

    House: Passed 1st Reading
    House: Ref to the Com on Judiciary 2, if favorable, Wildlife Resources, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House

H 451: DIABETES EDUCATION FOR PARENTS.

    House: Passed 1st Reading
    House: Ref to the Com on Education - K-12, if favorable, Appropriations, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House

H 452: REVISE LAW/OBSTRUCTION OF HEALTH FACILITY.

    House: Passed 1st Reading
    House: Ref To Com On Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House

H 453: INCREASE MEDICAID PCS AND PDN RATES.

    House: Passed 1st Reading
    House: Ref to the Com on Appropriations, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House

H 454: REVIEW OF FEDERAL ACTS/RULES/REGULATIONS.

    House: Passed 1st Reading
    House: Ref To Com On Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House

H 455: REPEAL CERTIFICATE OF NEED LAWS.

    House: Passed 1st Reading
    House: Ref To Com On Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House

H 456: NO SURPRISES FOR AMBULANCE SERVICES ACT.

    House: Passed 1st Reading
    House: Ref to the Com on Appropriations, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House

H 457: INCREASE SMALL COUNTY FUNDING.

    House: Passed 1st Reading
    House: Ref to the Com on Appropriations, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House

H 458: IMPROVE ENFORCEMENT/MIGRANT HOUSING.

    House: Passed 1st Reading
    House: Ref To Com On Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House

H 459: INCOME TAX RATE REDUCTION TRIGGER MODS.

    House: Passed 1st Reading
    House: Ref To Com On Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House

H 460: MEDICAL EQUIPMENT RIGHT TO REPAIR ACT.

    House: Passed 1st Reading
    House: Ref To Com On Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House

H 461: URGING SUPPORT FOR WASHINGTON DC STATEHOOD.

    House: Passed 1st Reading
    House: Ref To Com On Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House

H 462: PERSONAL DATA PRIVACY/SOCIAL MEDIA SAFETY.

    House: Passed 1st Reading
    House: Ref to the Com on Judiciary 2, if favorable, Commerce and Economic Development, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House

H 463: FIRST RESPONDERS MENTAL HEALTH PLAN ACT.

    House: Passed 1st Reading
    House: Ref to the Com on Appropriations, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House

H 464: HEALTHY STUDENTS - A NURSE IN EVERY SCHOOL.

    House: Passed 1st Reading
    House: Ref to the Com on Appropriations, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House

H 465: WAIVE RENEWAL FEE/MILITARY DRIVERS LICENSES.

    House: Passed 1st Reading
    House: Ref to the Com on Finance, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House

H 467: REENACT LOW-INCOME HOUSING TAX CREDITS.

    House: Filed

H 468: REGULATE KRATOM PRODUCTS.

    House: Filed

H 469: RESTORING RIVALRIES ACT.

    House: Filed

H 470: THE SECOND AMENDMENT PROTECTION ACT.

    House: Filed

H 471: FOOD LABELING TRANSPARENCY ACT.

    House: Filed

H 472: COMMERCIAL VEHICLE &AMP CARGO PROTECTION.

    House: Filed

H 473: RIGHT TO IVF.

    House: Filed

H 474: RIGHT TO USE CONTRACEPTION.

    House: Filed

H 475: STATE ID CARDS FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS.

    House: Filed

H 476: DST TECHNICAL CORRECTIONS/ADMIN. CHANGES 2025.-AB

    House: Filed

H 477: RETIREMENT DEATH BENEFITS REWRITE.-AB

    House: Filed

H 478: MODIFY APPOINTMENT PROCESS FOR DA VACANCIES.

    House: Filed

H 479: TOWN OF BURGAW PROPERTY TRANSFER.

    House: Filed

H 480: MEDICAL BOARD LICENSING EFFICIENCY ACT.

    House: Filed

S 50: FREEDOM TO CARRY NC.

    Senate: Amend Adopted A1
    Senate: Amend Adopted A2
    Senate: Amend Adopted A4
    Senate: Amend Failed A3
    Senate: Amend Adopted A6
    Senate: Amend Failed A5
    Senate: Amend Adopted A8
    Senate: Amend Failed A7
    Senate: Amend Tabled A9
    Senate: Amend Tabled A10
    Senate: Amend Tabled A11
    Senate: Amend Tabled A12
    Senate: Amend Tabled A13
    Senate: Amend Tabled A14
    Senate: Amend Tabled A15
    Senate: Amendment Ruled Out-of-Order A16
    Senate: Passed 2nd Reading
    Senate: Passed 3rd Reading
    Senate: Engrossed

S 91: NEWBORN SAFETY DEVICES.

    Senate: Withdrawn From Com
    Senate: Re-ref to Health Care. If fav, re-ref to Rules and Operations of the Senate

S 118: MILITARY VETERAN/REDUCE CCW PERMIT FEE.

    Senate: Withdrawn From Com
    Senate: Re-ref to Judiciary. If fav, re-ref to Finance. If fav, re-ref to Rules and Operations of the Senate

S 121: GSC CONVEYANCES BETWEEN SPOUSES.

    Senate: Withdrawn From Cal
    Senate: Placed On Cal For 03/26/2025

S 122: GSC UNIF. COMMUNITY PROP. DISP. AT DEATH ACT.

    Senate: Withdrawn From Cal
    Senate: Placed On Cal For 03/26/2025

S 124: REDUCE BARRIERS TO STATE EMPLOYMENT.

    Senate: Withdrawn From Com
    Senate: Re-ref to State and Local Government. If fav, re-ref to Rules and Operations of the Senate

S 220: PROTECT PRIVATE PROPERTY RIGHTS.-AB

    Senate: Withdrawn From Com
    Senate: Re-ref to Agriculture, Energy, and Environment. If fav, re-ref to Rules and Operations of the Senate

S 292: FUNDS/TOWN OF GRIFTON RESILIENCY.

    Senate: Withdrawn From Com
    Senate: Re-ref Com On Appropriations/Base Budget

S 293: TOWN OF PINETOPS FIRE DEPT. APPROPRIATION.

    Senate: Withdrawn From Com
    Senate: Re-ref Com On Appropriations/Base Budget

S 299: GOVERNMENT TRANSPARENCY ACT OF 2025.

    Senate: Withdrawn From Com
    Senate: Re-ref to Judiciary. If fav, re-ref to Rules and Operations of the Senate

S 305: COMMUNITY EMERGENCY RESPONSE TRAINING.

    Senate: Withdrawn From Com
    Senate: Re-ref Com On Appropriations/Base Budget

S 331: MAKE LEGISLATORS' DOCS PUBLIC RECORDS.

    Senate: Passed 1st Reading
    Senate: Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate

S 332: HEALTH CARE PRACTITIONER TRANSPARENCY ACT.

    Senate: Passed 1st Reading
    Senate: Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate

S 333: PROHIBIT ILLEGAL ACCREDITATION REQUIREMENTS.

    Senate: Passed 1st Reading
    Senate: Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate

S 334: REPEAL THE NC DRUG TAX.

    Senate: Passed 1st Reading
    Senate: Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate

S 335: PHARMACISTS/TEST AND TREAT/INFLUENZA & STREP. (NEW)

    Senate: Passed 1st Reading
    Senate: Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate
    Senate: Withdrawn From Com
    Senate: Re-ref to Health Care. If fav, re-ref to Rules and Operations of the Senate
    Senate: Passed 1st Reading
    Senate: Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate
    Senate: Withdrawn From Com
    Senate: Re-ref to Health Care. If fav, re-ref to Rules and Operations of the Senate

S 336: INTERSTATE MED.L LIC. COMP./INTERN'L PHYS.

    Senate: Passed 1st Reading
    Senate: Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate
    Senate: Withdrawn From Com
    Senate: Re-ref to Health Care. If fav, re-ref to Finance. If fav, re-ref to Rules and Operations of the Senate

S 337: REALLOCATE CIVIL WAR &AMP RECONST. HIST CTR FNDS.

    Senate: Passed 1st Reading
    Senate: Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate

S 338: NC FARMLAND AND MILITARY PROTECTION ACT.

    Senate: Passed 1st Reading
    Senate: Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate

S 339: RESTORE NC BAR APPOINT'S/JUDICIAL DISCIPLINE.

    Senate: Passed 1st Reading
    Senate: Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate

S 340: FUNDS FOR PITTSBORO FIRE SERVICES.

    Senate: Passed 1st Reading
    Senate: Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate

S 341: FUNDS FOR SILER CITY STREETSCAPE PROJECT.

    Senate: Passed 1st Reading
    Senate: Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate

S 342: FUNDS FOR NEW SILER CITY FIRE STATION.

    Senate: Passed 1st Reading
    Senate: Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate

S 343: SECURE HOME, SECURE FUTURE ACT.

    Senate: Passed 1st Reading
    Senate: Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate

S 344: POOLED TRUST TRANSFERS/PUBLIC BENEFITS ELIG.

    Senate: Passed 1st Reading
    Senate: Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate

S 345: PA TEAM-BASED PRACTICE.

    Senate: Passed 1st Reading
    Senate: Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate

S 346: GOOD SAMARITAN LAW/IMMUNITY.

    Senate: Passed 1st Reading
    Senate: Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate

S 347: SUPPORTING PARENTS WHO SERVE.

    Senate: Passed 1st Reading
    Senate: Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate

S 348: HOME COMFORT ACT.

    Senate: Passed 1st Reading
    Senate: Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate

S 349: PROPERTY TAX MODIFICATIONS.

    Senate: Passed 1st Reading
    Senate: Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate

S 350: MARIJUANA JUSTICE AND REINVESTMENT ACT.

    Senate: Passed 1st Reading
    Senate: Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate

S 351: RIGHT TO START ACT.

    Senate: Passed 1st Reading
    Senate: Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate

S 352: COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTER GRANTS FOR LARCS.

    Senate: Passed 1st Reading
    Senate: Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate

S 353: THE SECOND CHANCE CODING ACT.

    Senate: Passed 1st Reading
    Senate: Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate

S 354: NC BREAKTHROUGH ACT.

    Senate: Passed 1st Reading
    Senate: Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate

S 355: SUPPORT THE DEPT. OF ADULT CORRECTION.-AB

    Senate: Filed

S 356: GLOBAL TRANSPARK AUTHORITY SALES TAX MODS.

    Senate: Filed

S 357: PHARMACISTS/COLLABORATIVE PRACTICE.

    Senate: Filed

S 358: HATE CRIMES PREVENTION ACT.

    Senate: Filed

S 359: RETIREMENT DEATH BENEFITS REWRITE.-AB

    Senate: Filed

S 360: HEALTHY STUDENTS - A NURSE IN EVERY SCHOOL.

    Senate: Filed

S 361: PROTECTING FIRST RESPONDERS ACT.

    Senate: Filed

S 362: STRENGTHEN LONG-TERM CARE OMBUDSMAN PROGRAM.

    Senate: Filed

S 363: DST TECHNICAL CORRECTIONS/ADMIN. CHANGES 2025.-AB

    Senate: Filed

S 364: SHORTER SEPARATION FOR RETIRED ADAS AND APDS.

    Senate: Filed

S 365: THEFT OF TEMPORARY HOUSING DURING EMERGENCY.

    Senate: Filed

S 366: INCREASE MEDICAID PCS AND PDN RATES.

    Senate: Filed

S 367: CAPITAL PROJECT FUNDING AT HBCUS.

    Senate: Filed

S 368: OFFICE OF STATE FIRE MARSHAL OMNIBUS BILL.-AB

    Senate: Filed

S 369: MEDICAID TELEHEALTH SERVICES.

    Senate: Filed

S 370: REPEAL CERTIFICATE OF NEED LAWS.

    Senate: Filed

S 371: STOP CHRONICALLY LOW-PERFORMING CHARTERS.

    Senate: Filed

S 372: CONFIRM MCKINLEY WOOTEN, SEC. OF REV.

    Senate: Filed

S 373: VACCINATION SCHEDULE VARIANCE/MINORS.

    Senate: Filed

S 374: LICENSING CERTAIN FIRE SAFETY EQUIP. WORK.

    Senate: Filed

S 375: AMEND HAZING LAWS.

    Senate: Filed

S 376: INCREASE FUNDING TO STATE AUDITOR.

    Senate: Filed

S 377: LICENSING COURSE REMOVAL/INSURANCE PRODUCERS.

    Senate: Filed

S 378: HOA REVISIONS.

    Senate: Filed

S 379: SENIOR CARE ASSURANCE ACT.

    Senate: Filed

S 380: EXPAND CERTAIN APA STANDING PROVISIONS.

    Senate: Filed

S 381: EQUALITY FOR ALL.

    Senate: Filed

S 382: MENTAL HEALTH PROTECTION ACT.

    Senate: Filed

S 383: RIGHT TO IVF.

    Senate: Filed

S 384: 2025 SAFE DRINKING WATER ACT.

    Senate: Filed

Actions on Bills: 2025-03-20

LOCAL BILLS

H 58: VARIOUS LOCAL ELECTIONS. (NEW)

    Senate: Amend Adopted A1
    Senate: Amend Adopted A2
    Senate: Passed 2nd Reading
    Senate: Passed 3rd Reading
    Senate: Engrossed

H 271: PARTISAN ELECTIONS/MUNI./CABARRUS CO.

    House: Withdrawn From Com
    House: Re-ref to the Com on Election Law, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House

S 36: CHINA GROVE EVEN YEAR ELECTIONS.

    Senate: Withdrawn From Cal
    Senate: Placed On Cal For 03/26/2025

S 127: LOWER TAXES FOR SCOTLAND COUNTY.

    Senate: Withdrawn From Cal
    Senate: Re-ref Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate

S 214: FOUR OAKS/CREEDMOOR DEANNEXATIONS. (NEW)

    Senate: Withdrawn From Cal
    Senate: Placed On Cal For 03/26/2025

S 219: STALLINGS/MARVIN SATELLITE ANNEXATIONS. (NEW)

    Senate: Withdrawn From Cal
    Senate: Placed On Cal For 03/26/2025

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