Includes whereas clauses.

Repeals the following sections of Article 3, Labor of Prisoners, in GS Chapter 148: GS 148-26 (State policy on employment of prisoners); GS 148-26.1 (Definitions); GS 148-26.5 (Pay and time allowances for work); GS 148-32.2 (Community work crew fee); GS 148-32.3 (Inmate Construction Program); and GS 148-33 (Prison labor furnished other State agencies). 

Retitles Article 3 as the Fair and Rehabilitative Prison Labor Act. Enacts GS 148-27.1 establishing State policy on the employment of incarcerated individuals and listing seven requirements of all work programs subject to the Article, including prioritizing training and skill development in industries with viable employment opportunities upon release, providing fair compensation with wages equal to the State minimum wage for Prison Industry Enhancement Certification Program (PIECP)-certified programs and at least $5.00 per hour for non-certified programs, and ensuring that incarcerated individuals are provided post-release employment assistance.

Enacts GS 148-27.2 setting forth defined terms. Defines incarcerated individual to mean a person in the custody of the Department of Adult Correction (DAC) or any other State or law enforcement agency. Makes changes throughout the Article to refer to incarcerated individuals rather than prisoner or inmate. Makes changes throughout the Article to make language gender neutral.

Enacts GS 148-27.3 prohibiting prison labor from being used to replace, displace, or supplement migrant, seasonal, or documented agricultural workers who have been affected by State or federal immigration enforcement actions. Requires that the Department of Labor conduct a labor market assessment to confirm a legitimate shortage before approving any prison labor contracts in the agricultural sector. Requires compensating incarcerated individuals for agricultural work at or above the prevailing wage for agricultural laborers in the State. Prohibits DAC from directly contracting with private farms. Requires DAC to annually report to the NCGA and Governor regarding the use of incarcerated individuals in agricultural labor. Details required content of the report.

Changes the circumstances by which a person under 16 years of age convicted of a felony can be imprisoned in the Central Prison in Raleigh under GS 148-28. Now requires both criteria to be met (was, either criteria): (1) the person is convicted of a capital felony; and (2) the person has previously been imprisoned in a county jail or under the authority of the Division of Prisons upon conviction of a felony.

Enacts GS 148-32.4 establishing a biannual requirement for DAC, in consultation with the Department of Transportation (DOT), to report to the NCGA and Governor regarding the work of incarcerated individuals on DOT and forestry work assignments. Details required content of the report. Prohibits compelling incarcerated individuals to work in road maintenance, construction, or forestry without voluntary participation and fair wages. Requires any forestry, conservation, or wildlife suppression work performed by incarcerated individuals to provide industry-recognized certification opportunities in firefighting, land management, and forestry to improve post-release employability. Requires DOT and forestry work medical assessments to be based on a comprehensive medical evaluation by a licensed healthcare professional and prohibits basing an assessment on outward appearance alone. Directs the Prison Labor Oversight Board established by the Article to conduct an annual audit of DOT and forestry work programs to ensure compliance with fair labor standards, workforce training foals, and public transparency requirements.

Enacts GS 148-32.5, establishing the Prison Oversight Board (Board) within DAC. Charges the Board with conducting annual audits of prison labor programs; ensuring compliance with PIECP standards and fair wage requirements; and investigating allegations of forced labor, unsafe working conditions, or wage exploitation. Directs DAC to biannually report to the NCGA and Governor regarding the work of incarcerated individuals and details required content of the report. Requires DAC to establish a Prison Labor Complaint Hotline to allow incarcerated individuals, their families and advocates to anonymously report labor violations, wage theft, or unsafe conditions related to work programs.

Makes technical and clarifying changes throughout the Article.

Provides a severability clause.

Effective July 1, 2026.

Section 1

Sets 120-day deadline from the latest of five listed events in GS 15A-1415 for filing of postconviction motion for appropriate relief in noncapital cases (was, noncapital defendant may seek appropriate relief at any time after verdict). Makes a conforming change to GS 15-1419(a)(4). Applies to verdicts entered on or after December 1, 2025.

Section 2

Modifies GS 115C-407 (school policies prohibiting tobacco on school grounds) as enacted by the above, as follows. Changes the entity responsible for adopting such written policies from the local boards of education to the governing bodies of public school units. Removes duties to implement and enforce such policies. Removes outdated language. Makes conforming changes, including to the Article’s title; makes conforming changes to SL 2018-32, Section 6(d).

Enacts new GS 115C-407.1 (policy prohibiting the use of hemp-derived consumable products in school buildings, grounds, and at school sponsored events), as follows. Defines hemp-derived consumable product as a hemp product that is a finished good intended for human ingestion or inhalation that contains a delta-9 THC concentration of not more than 0.3% on a dry weight basis but may contain concentrations of other hemp-derived cannabinoids in excess of that amount; excludes hemp products intended for topical application or seeds or seed-derived ingredients that are generally recognized as safe by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Requires governing bodies of public school units to adopt a written policy prohibiting at all times the use of any hemp-derived consumable product by any person in school buildings, in school facilities, on school campuses, and in or on any other school property owned or operated by the public school unit. Requires the policy to further prohibit the use of all hemp-derived consumable products by persons attending a school-sponsored event at any other location when in the presence of students or school personnel or in an area where the use of hemp-derived consumable products is otherwise prohibited by law. Requires the policy to include at least the following: (1) adequate notice to students, parents, the public, and school personnel of the policy; (2) posting of signs prohibiting at all times the use of hemp-derived consumable products by any person in and on school property; and (3) requirements that school personnel enforce the policy.

Authorizes hemp-derived consumable products to be included in instructional or research activities in public school buildings if the activity is conducted or supervised by the faculty member overseeing the instruction or research and the activity does not include smoking, chewing, or otherwise ingesting or inhaling the hemp-derived consumable product. Specifies that local school units can adopt and enforce a more restrictive policy on the hemp-derived consumable products in school buildings, in school facilities on school campuses, or at school-related or school-sponsored events, and in or on other school property.

Amends the following, requiring the specified kind of school to adopt policies prohibiting the use of tobacco and hemp-derived consumable products in school buildings, grounds, or school buses or school transportation service vehicles, and at school-sponsored events in accordance with Article 29A: (1) GS 115C-218.75 (charter school); GS 115C-238.66 (regional school); GS 115C-150.12C (schools for deaf and blind students); and GS 116-239.8 (laboratory schools).

Applies beginning with the 2026-27 school year.

Section 3

Enacts new GS 14-318.7 creating the following new felonies for exposing a child to a controlled substance (defined as a controlled substance, controlled substance analogue, drug, marijuana, narcotic drug, opiate, opioid, opium poppy, poppy straw, or targeted controlled substance, all defined in GS 90-87): (1) Class H felony to knowingly, recklessly, or intentionally cause or permit a child to be exposed to a controlled substance; (2) Class E felony to knowingly, recklessly, or intentionally cause or permit a child to be exposed to a controlled substance, and as a result the child ingests the controlled substance; (3) Class D felony to knowingly, recklessly, or intentionally cause or permit a child to be exposed to a controlled substance and as a result the child ingests the controlled substance, resulting in serious physical injury as defined in GS 14-318.4; (4) Class C felony to knowingly, recklessly, or intentionally cause or permit a child to be exposed to a controlled substance and as a result the child ingests the controlled substance, resulting in serious bodily injury as defined in GS 14-318.4; and (5) Class B1 felony to knowingly, recklessly, or intentionally cause or permit a child to be exposed to a controlled substance and as a result the child ingests the controlled substance, and the ingestion is the proximate cause of the death. Specifies that these punishments apply unless the conduct is covered by some other law providing greater punishment. Applies to offenses committed on or after December 1, 2025.

Section 4

Amends GS 14-415.1 as follows. Makes it unlawful for any person who is prohibited pursuant to GS 14-415.1 (general prohibition on possession of firearms by felon) from possessing a firearm or a weapon of mass death and destruction to possess a firearm or weapon of mass death and destruction during the commission or attempted commission of certain felonies. Specifies that unless the conduct is covered under some other provision of law providing a greater punishment, a person who violates the section is guilty of the following: a Class C felony if the person discharges the firearm or weapon of mass death and destruction during the commission or attempted commission of the felony; a Class D felony if the person brandishes the firearm or weapon of mass death and destruction during the commission or attempted commission of the felony; and a Class F felony for any other violations during the commission or attempted commission of a felony.

Effective December 1, 2025, and applies to offenses committed on or after that date.

Section 5

Modifies GS 130A-385 as follows. Includes documentation prepared by an autopsy center in connection with a death under criminal investigation by a public law enforcement agency in the definition of medical examiner investigation file. Adds the investigating examiner and the autopsy center to the list of those persons that must be notified by a DA or investigating law enforcement agency when their continuing disclosure obligation has terminated.

Designates records and other documents, including tests and photographs, compiled, prepared, or conducted by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner or other listed State and local personnel in connection with a death under criminal investigation by a public law enforcement agency or during the pendency of criminal charges associated with a death, including any autopsy photographs or video or audio recordings, as records of criminal investigations pursuant to GS 132-1.4. Directs that such records may only be disclosed or released to individuals authorized to obtain copies pursuant to GS 130A-389.1 or to the persons listed in new GS 130A-385(d1), including the personal representative of the decedent’s estate. Makes violations of GS 130A-385(d1) a Class 1 misdemeanor. Provides for a special proceeding in superior court for disclosure for good cause for all other persons. Allows a party aggrieved in such a proceeding to make an appeal.

Makes technical changes. Makes conforming changes to GS 130A-389.1 (photographs and video and audio recordings made pursuant to autopsy) and GS 132-1.8 (confidentiality of photographs and video and audio recordings made pursuant to autopsy). Effective October 1, 2025.

Section 6

Amends GS 14-202.3 by increasing the punishment for solicitation of a minor by computer as follows: (1) from a Class H to a Class E felony; and (2) from a Class G to a Class C felony when the defendant, or a person for whom the defendant was arranging the meeting, actually appears at the meeting location. Applies to offenses committed on or after December 1, 2025.

Section 7

Removes requirement that the DA inform the Attorney General or designee of their intent to seek immunity for a testifying witness who might assert a privilege against self-incrimination in cases necessary to the public interest before the grand jury (GS 15A-1053) and court proceedings (GS 15A-1052). Makes technical changes. Applies to applications for immunity made on or after the date the act becomes law.

Section 8

Amends GS 14-208.12A, concerning a request for termination of registration as a sex offender to require the clerk, when they receive the petition to terminate the registration, to collect the applicable filing fee and place the petition on the criminal docket, to be calendared by the district attorney. Makes the same changes to GS 14-208.12B, applicable when registration is due to an out-of-state or federal offense. Applies to petitions filed on or after December 1, 2025.

Section 9

Amends GS 50B-2 to allow person seeking relief for acts occurring in this state and the defendant resides in this State to file for a domestic violence protection order. Applies to civil actions or motions filed on or after December 1, 2025.

Section 10

Amends GS 15B-11 to allow compensation to be denied under the North Carolina Crime Victims Compensation Act if the criminally injurious conduct was not reported within six months (was, 72 hours) of occurrence, and there was no good cause for the delay.

Section 11

Amends GS 14-202, making secretly peeping into a room occupied by another person a Class 1 misdemeanor, by removing the current Class I felony for secretly and surreptitiously using any device to create a photo of another person underneath or through their clothing by that person for the purpose of viewing their body or undergarments, without their consent. Instead, makes it a Class I felony, unless covered by another law providing greater punishment, for a person, with the intent to create a photo of a private area of an individual without their consent, to knowingly do so under circumstances in which the individual has a reasonable expectation of privacy. Defines private area of an individual, and under circumstances in which that individual has a reasonable expectation of privacy; amends the definition of room to also include a dressing stall, cubicle, or similar area designed to provide privacy. Makes conforming changes. Applies to offenses committed on or after December 1, 2025.

Section 12

Amends GS 14-27.31 by making it a Class E felony for a religious organization or institution that has custody of a victim of any age or a person who is their agent or employee, to engage in vaginal intercourse or a sexual act with a victim in their custody. Applies to offenses committed on or after December 1, 2025.

Section 13

Adds new offense pertaining to larceny of gift cards (GS 14-72.12) if a person does any of the following:

1. Acquires or retains possession of a gift card or gift card redemption information without the consent of the cardholder or card issuer.
2. Obtains a gift card or gift card redemption information from a cardholder or card issuer by means of false or fraudulent pretenses, representations, or promises.
3. Alters or tampers with a gift card or its packaging with intent to defraud another.

Sets violation of GS 14-72.72 as a Class H felony unless the value of the gift card is $1,000 or less, then violation is a Class 1 misdemeanor.  

Adds defined terms gift card, gift card issuer, gift card value, and gift card redemption information to GS 14-86.5. Makes organizational changes.

Adds the following acts to the offense of organized retail theft under GS 14-86.6:

• Conspiring with another person to acquire or retain possession of a gift card or gift card redemption information without the consent of the cardholder or card issuer.
• Devising a scheme with one or more persons to obtain a gift card or gift card redemption information from a cardholder or card issuer by means of false or fraudulent pretenses, representations, or promises.
• Conspiring with another person to alter or tamper with a gift card or its packaging with intent to defraud another.

Makes conforming changes to listed punishments and multiple theft provisions of GS 14-86.6(a2), with punishment varying from a Class H to Class C felony based on the value of the gift card, to account for new gift card offenses under GS 14-86.6.

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

Section 14

Adds the offense of knowingly and wrongfully entering any area of a building (1) commonly reserved for personnel of a commercial business where money or other property is kept or (2) clearly marked with a sign that indicates to the public that entry is forbidden to GS 14-54 (breaking or entering buildings). Designates first offense as a Class 1 misdemeanor and subsequent offenses a Class I felony.

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

Section 15

Amends GS 84-7.1 to allow law school graduates who are allowed by the NC State Bar to act as an intern for a federal, State, local government agency, or a nonprofit, to render legal services under GS 84-5.1 (rendering of legal services by certain nonprofit corporations).

Section 16

Amends GS 7B-2101 by amending three of the five conditions under which a juvenile court counsel must give the juvenile’s school principal notice, to include when: (1) the court transfers jurisdiction to the superior court under GS 7B-2200.5 or GS 7B-2200 for an offense that would be a Class A, B1, B2, C, D, or E felony if committed by an adult (previously, did not specify felony level); (2) the court dismisses the petition alleging delinquent for an offense that would be a Class A, B1, B2, C, D, or E felony (was, felony in general) if committed by an adult; and (3) the court modifies or vacates an order or disposition concerning a juvenile alleged or found delinquent for an offense that would be a Class A, B1, B2, C, D, or E felony (was, felony in general) if committed by an adult.

Section 17

Amends GS 15A-268 to allow the court to order that biological evidence be returned to collecting agency to be preserved upon request of the district attorney, clerk, and the collecting agency if the court finds that the collecting agency is better equipped to preserve the evidence, and those entities agree. Requires such evidence to be preserved until the clerk notifies the collecting agency that preservation is no longer required under the specified time frame and the require preservation period has also passed.

Section 18

Amends GS 15A-1241 to require that arguments of counsel of questions of law be recorded, upon motion of any party or upon the judge’s own motion.

Section 19

Amends GS 20-160.1 to make failure to yield that results in serious bodily injury but not death a Class 2 misdemeanor (was, only punishable by a fine), punishable by a $500 fine and revocation of the violator’s drivers license (was, suspension) for 90 days. Applies to offenses committed on or after December 1, 2025.  

Section 20

Amends GS 20-175.2 by making it a Class 2 misdemeanor to fail to yield to a blind or partially blind pedestrian. Applies to offenses committed on or after December 1, 2026.

Section 21

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

Creates new GS 130A-127.1, which directs the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to establish a statewide Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) Program to prevent alcohol-exposed pregnancies, educate the public about FASD, and support individuals with FASD. Provides goals for the FASD program, including adapting existing programs to include FASD identification and support, developing screening and diagnostic capacity for FASD, supporting FASD intervention programs, and training for FASD professionals. Defines and sets out information about FASD.

Creates new GS 130A-127.2, establishing the 17-member FASD Advisory Committee to provide guidance and develop strategic plans for the FASD program. Outlines the composition of the committee, which includes a senior level employee designated by the Secretary of DHHS for each of: DHHS, Department of Corrections, Department of Public Instruction, Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, and Department of Commerce. Includes four public members who have FASD or a family member with FASD appointed by the governor. Also includes four members appointed by the President Pro Tempore of the Senate and four members appointed by the Speaker of the House, each of whom are a health, education, or justice professional; a FASD prevention or treatment service provider; or a member of a tribal population. Requires appointments to be made within 90 days of the effective date of the act.

Appropriates $2,000,000 in recurring funds from the General Fund for each year of the 2025-2027 biennium to DHHS for the FASD Program and operating expenses of the FASD Advisory Committee. Effective July 1, 2025.

Directs the Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Health Benefits (DHB) to seek approval from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to implement Medicaid coverage for certain doula services. Requires DHB to develop the parameters of services to be covered, update applicable coverage policies, and determine credentialing requirements. Provides a list of education and experience considerations for implementing credentialing requirements.

Specifies that DHB must implement coverage as soon as possible after receiving approval from CMS. Requires DHB to provide a report no later than March 1, 2026, to the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Medicaid regarding the Medicaid coverage and estimated recurring costs to the state.

Appropriates $1,000,000 in recurring funds for each year of the 2025-2027 biennium to DHB as a state match for federally-appropriated $1,826,000 in recurring funds that are also appropriated to DHB for implementing the Medicaid-related changes. Appropriates an additional $550,000 in recurring funds for each year of the 2025-2027 biennium to DHB for support services and technical assistance to the doula workforce. Appropriations are effective July 1, 2025.

Amends GS 143-341 regarding the duties of the Department of Administration (Department) in preparing and keeping a database of all buildings owned or leased by the State or State agency. Modifies the required information of each building to include (1) the current occupant of the building, or if the building is vacant, the current period of vacancy (was, the agency or agencies that occupy the building); and (2) the total potential liability to the State for the building and the land where the building is situated.

Amends GS 143-341.2 regarding the State facilities plan developed and implemented by the Department. Adds that the plan now include the occupancy status of existing State-owned facilities and identify potential facilities eligible for surplus disposal under state law. Moves the provisions directing the Department to establish a surplus real property disposal system to new GS 143-341.3 and expands the scope of the system to include limiting the duration that vacant property is retained by the State (was, limited to unneeded property). Specifies that the Department must adopt rules pursuant to the statute and establish a system for continuously identifying and disposing of surplus State-owned real property defined therein. Adds to the existing six factors to consider in establishing this system (1) whether the property has been vacant for one year of longer, and (2) as assessment of private or public interest in the property. Adds the following new provisions. Requires the Department to dispose of properties identified as surplus by sale, subject to GS Chapter 146 required approvals, and if the property has not been disposed of within six months, directs the Department to dispose of the property by auction or by transfer of title to a city or county in the State which produced satisfactory evidence of an economic development use for the property. Lists priority for the gross proceeds of any sale under the statute, with expenses incident to the sale receiving first priority and the proceeds remaining after those described for priority deposited equally between the General Fund and the Department of Administration to be used for repair and renovation projects.

Directs the Department to report to the specified NCGA committee and division within three months of the date the act becomes law with the vacant building data required under GS 143-341, as amended.

Effective July 1, 2025.

Amends GS 20-87 (Passenger vehicle registration fees) by adding new subsection (13b), which allows owners of electric vehicles or plug-in hybrid vehicles to satisfy the additional fee required for registration of electric vehicles in GS 20-87(13) by paying an alternative additional fee based on the number of miles driven since the previous registration of the vehicle. Incorporates exception language in GS 20-87(13) and (13a) for the alternative fee option. Directs the Division of Motor Vehicles to adopt rules implementing the alternative fee option.

Applicable to electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles registered on or after October 1, 2025.

Section 1.

Contains whereas clauses.

Adds 32 new terms to the definitions provision of Article 10, pertaining to Pari-Mutuel Wagering, of GS Chapter 18C. Specifies that advance deposit account wager or advance deposit account wagering is made exclusively on an advance-deposit (ADW) wagering platform, as described. Now details what ADW licensees are licensed for by the NC State Lottery Commission (Commission). Further describes what kind of bets may be placed as part of the term pari-mutuel wager or pari-mutuel system of wagering or pari-mutuel wagering or mutuel wagering.

Enacts GS 18C-1002, authorizing pari-mutuel wagering (i.e., any method of approved wagering in which one or more bettors wager on a horse race or races, whether live, simulcast, or previously run) and equipment used as part of pari-mutuel wagering placed at a legacy track or satellite facility controlled by a legacy track operator, a startup track controlled by a startup track operator, or through an ADW licensee, which includes all legacy track operators and startup track operators. Requires the pari-mutuel wagering licensee (licensee) to (1) ensure that the registered player is located within the State and not present on Indian lands within the State when placing any sports wager or pari-mutuel wager, by utilizing geofencing (i.e, approved technology used by a licensee to verify a gambler’s location) and (2) monitor and block attempts to place unauthorized pari-mutuel. Specifies three conditions for a license granted under the Article, including that, if applicable, it be only for the locations identified in the license. Excludes pari-mutuel wagering conducted exclusively on Indian lands by an Indian tribe operating according to law, as described, from the Article. Clarifies that the Article does not apply to fantasy or simulated games or contests as specified. Upon request, grants the Commission or the Department of Revenue (DOR) the authority to give reasonable notice and thereafter audit any licensee and any pari-mutuel wagering device supplier licensee as related to pari-mutuel wagering activities. Clarifies that the Article does not require the Commission to regulate maximum or minimum payouts or hold percentages. Bans five persons from gambling through pari-mutuel wagering, including those under 21 years of age and with respect to a horse race, any jockey or driver of a horse competing in the horse race. Authorizes injunctive relief against any pari-mutuel wagering not licensed under the Article.

Enacts GS 18C-1003, authorizing the Commission to award two legacy track licenses if it receives two or more qualifying applications or one such license if only one applicant applies or is qualified. In that case, or if the Commission awards no legacy licenses it will accept applications for any remaining legacy track licenses after providing 30 days' notice and not more than six months after its decision to award one legacy track license or deny all applications. Limits applicants to those who, at the time of the application, control a legacy horse track in the State. Prevents the Commission from granting a license if it determines that any of the applicant's key persons (i.e., an officer or director who is directly involved in the operation, management, or control of pari-mutuel wagering or who exercises substantial influence or control over pari-mutuel wagering activities) are determined to be unsuitable because one of more of the five listed acts are true, including convictions for certain crimes or revocation of a gambling license in another jurisdiction. Details nine required components of a legacy track license application to be provided by the applicant, including a commitment to provide the Commission an initial license fee of $500,000 upon award of the license and a minimum investment of $250,000 to redevelop the legacy track and develop the satellite facility.

Authorizes legacy track licensees to: (1) conduct horse races at the legacy track and allow pari-mutuel wagering on those races at the legacy track and satellite facility; (2) offer in-person pari-mutuel wagering by the use of simulcasting and by the use of not more than a total of 1,800 pari-mutuel wagering devices located at the legacy track and the satellite facility, collectively; (3) offer in-person sports wagering through an interactive sports wagering operator via a written designation agreement; and (4) conduct all activities of an ADW licensee. Allows a legacy track operator to accept pari-mutuel wagers through the use of advance deposit account wagering, pari-mutuel wagering devices, ADW wagering platform, kiosks, and windows. Allows business to be conducted through a disclosed affiliate to the Commission, including providing any information required by the Commission on the affiliate.

Sets out a timeline for the Commission to review and decide on legacy track license applications. Specifies three types of applicant information that are public records, including the names of all key persons, the decision on the application, and the name and address of the applicant. Requires a legacy track operator to comply with three reporting requirements to the Commission.  

Enacts GS 18C-1004 providing for evaluation of startup track licenses on a comparative basis, with one license to be issued for a thoroughbred track before the second issues for a standardbred horse track.  Directs the Commission to choose which two applicants best satisfy the criteria and purposes of the Article. Sets forth a procurement process for the thoroughbred track to include that an applicant commits to a minimum investment of $350 million in the State to develop or enhance the startup track with a minimum number of live race days. Sets forth a procurement bid process for the standardbred track to include that an applicant commits to a minimum investment of $150 million in the State to develop or enhance the startup track with a minimum number of live race days. Allows the Commission to decline to award such licenses if it determines no applicants qualify. Allows applicants to bid on both types of license tracks, unless they are awarded a license for one of the tracks. Requires any startup track operator to conduct live horse racing within 18 months of accepting pari-mutuel wagers on a pari-mutuel wagering device.

Details eleven required components of a startup track license application to be provided by the applicant, including a commitment to provide the Commission with an initial fee of $500,000 upon award of the license. Prevents the Commission from granting a license if it determines that any of the applicant's key persons are determined to be unsuitable because one of more of the five listed acts in GS 18C-1003 (described above) are true. Authorizes startup track licensees to engage in the five described activities, including conducting races at the startup track so long as thoroughbred horses do not participate in standardbred races and vice versa. Allows business to be conducted through a disclosed affiliate to the Commission, including providing any information required by the Commission on the affiliate.

Sets out a timeline for the Commission to review and decide on license applications. Specifies three types of applicant information that are public records, including the names of all key persons, the decision on the application, and the name and address of the applicant. Requires a startup track operator to comply with three reporting requirements to the Commission.  

Makes conforming change to GS 18C-1005 (ADW licensees) to account for new track operator licenses, described above.

Enacts GS 18C-1006 requiring a pari-mutuel wagering device supplier license (Supplier License) to sell any pari-mutuel wagering device or totalizator to any legacy track operator and to any startup track operator. Authorizes the Commission to issue a Supplier License to a qualified applicant even if they hold another license under the Article. Allows for provisional Supplier Licenses at the applicant’s request, as described. Specifies that both types of licenses are sufficient to offer pari-mutuel wagering devices for sale to a legacy track operator and to a startup track operator. Provides for comity upon application for persons holding a pari-mutuel wagering device supplier license or its equivalent, on the basis of comparable licensing requirements issued to that person by a proper authority by another state or territory of the United States or the District of Columbia if that jurisdiction's requirements for licensure, certification, or registration are substantially equivalent to or exceed the requirements of this State, and who, in the opinion of the Commission otherwise meets the requirements of this Article or of Article 9 of Chapter 18C. Requires the Commission to approve each pari-mutuel wagering device before it may be sold so long as it approves pari-mutuel wagering devices that have been approved in other states that allow for pari-mutuel wagering. Prevents any person from offering a pari-mutuel wagering device available for use by the public without a legacy track license or a startup track license.

Provides for a refundable (less 5%) $30,000 Supplier License licensing fee. Requires applicants to disclose the identity of four types of persons/information required by the Commission, including each key person who directly owns 10% or more of the applicant and each holding, intermediary, or parent company that directly owns 15% or more of the applicant. Provides for background checks on applicants and their key persons and current employees, as deemed necessary by the Commission, as described. Prevents the Commission from awarding a Supplier License if the applicant or a key person of the applicant has been convicted of a felony or any gambling offense in any state or federal court of the United States within 10 years of application or renewal. Sets out a timeline for the Commission to review and decide on applications. Requires a licensee to comply with the specified reporting requirements to the Commission. 

Enacts GS 18C-1007, concerning support for the NC equine industry, as follows. Creates a trust and revolving fund designated as the "Equine Breeders Incentive Fund" (Fund) for the purpose of providing rewards for breeders or owners of horses bred and foaled in this State, to be administered by the Commission. Requires the Commission to promulgate regulations establishing the conditions and criteria for the distribution of money from the fund that are consistent with GS 18C-1007. Directs that revenues deposited in the Fund be distributed in the amounts described between two programs known as the Mare Incentive Program, which promotes horse farming and mare residency in the State and the State Bred Development Program, which promotes NC bred or initially owned horses. Requires, on at least an annual basis, the Commission to disburse money in the fund to be used to promote, enhance, improve, and encourage the further and continued development of the equine industry in North Carolina to breeders or owners of horses in the State.

Establishes a trust and revolving fund designated as the "Equine Industry Purse Fund" (Purse Fund) for the purpose of promoting horse racing and to provide purses for races conducted in this State. Provides for at least 85% of the Purse Fund to be distributed for purses of live horse races, including steeplechase horse races, involving thoroughbred horses, 10% to purses of live horse races involving standardbred horses, with the rest to be distributed to purses of live horse races involving other breeds of horses.

Establishes the Equine Programs Fund (Programs Fund) for the purposes of supporting the equine industry and horses in the State. Requires distribution of the Programs Fund to three programs known as Aftercare, North Carolina State Equine Veterinarian Programs, and the National Steeplechase Association, for purposes and in the amounts described. Instructs that all revenues in the funds created by GS 18C-1007 do not revert but remain in each fund for purposes consistent with the fund.

Enacts GS 18C-1008, setting forth general provisions for authorized horse races as follows. Describes five acts that are prohibited and may be punished as set forth in general law including (1) willfully and falsely announcing a slower or faster time than the time actually accomplished by a horse in an official horse race, and (2) knowingly entering or causing to be entered for competition for a prize or stake or drive any horse under an assumed name, out of its proper class, where the prize or stake is to be decided by a contest of speed. Directs that the pari-mutuel system of wagering on live or future horse races will be operated only by a totalizator or other mechanical equipment approved by the Commission and sold by a pari-mutuel wagering device licensee, but prevents the Commission from requiring any particular make of equipment. Provides for abandonment of pari-mutuel winning tickets under the conditions described with distribution of those funds to the Purse Fund.

Provides for administrative appeals and judicial review in new GS 18C-1009. Authorizes the Commission take any of the four listed actions against licensees for violations of the act, including imposing a fine capped at $10,000 for each violation, suspension or revocation of the license, or a formal warning and reprimand.

Amends GS 18C-1010 (license renewals) so that all licenses are now renewed every five years (was, ADW licensees pay an annual fee to maintain their licenses). Provides for notice of renewal, renewal process, and authority to the Commission to deny a license if the licensee has been suspended twice during the prior five years, so long as the suspensions were not appealed or affirmed by last order of review. Sets a renewal fee of $250,000 for legacy track operators, startup track operators, and ADW licensees and $15,000 for all other licensees under the Article. Removes provisions allowing Commission to suspend or revoke licenses for failure to timely pay the annual renewal fee. Makes conforming changes.  

Enacts GS 18C-1011, concerning the relation of legacy track licenses and startup track licenses (collectively, Track Licenses) to other provisions of law, to clarify that those holders of Track Licenses are allowed to operate the track and any allowed satellite facility as authorized by the Article at the location and physical address specified on the license.

Enacts GS 18C-1012 authorizing the Governor to execute a compact as described on behalf of this State with any of the United States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and each territory or possession of the United States. Specifies that a compact is not effective unless it is ratified by a simple majority of each chamber of the General Assembly within two years of the Governor’s execution of the compact.

Sets forth five purposes of a compact including to establish uniform requirements among the party states for the licensing of participants in live racing with pari-mutuel wagering and ensure that all such participants who are licensed pursuant to this compact meet a uniform minimum standard of honesty and integrity. Defines compact committee, official, participants in live racing, party state, and state. Authorizes any state that has adopted or authorized live racing with pari-mutuel wagering to become a party to the compact. Specifies conditions for the compact’s entry into force and the effect of withdrawal from the compact.

Creates an intergovernmental entity called the Compact Committee, as described. Grants the Compact Committee nine powers and duties. Provides for voting requirements including that all officials be entitled to one vote on the Compact Committee and requirements for what majorities are required for certain action taken by the Compact Committee. Provides for Compact Committee officers, bylaws, employees, and an executive director. Provides for immunity for officials of a party state or employee of the Compact Committee for any good faith act or omission that occurs during the performance and within the scope of his responsibilities and duties under this compact. Articulates three rights and responsibilities of each party state. Specifies that no party state will be held responsible for the debts or financial obligations incurred by the Compact Committee. Provides for rules of construction and a severability clause in the compact.

Enacts GS 18C-1013, concerning simulcasting, providing conditions for simulcasted horse races as follows: (1) limiting offering of pari-mutuel wagering on simulcasted horse races to legacy track operators and startup track operators; (2) specifying that placing a pari-mutuel wager on an ADW wagering platform is not pari-mutuel wagering on simulcasted horse races; (3) authorizing a track operator to offer pari-mutuel wagering on simulcasted horse races at only the track and, as applicable, the satellite facility, identified in its track license; (4) requiring every legacy track operator and startup track operator to provide a separate accounting on all interstate simulcasting to the Commission on a form and at such times, not more than monthly, as required by the Commission; and (5) authorizing an interstate common wagering pool, as described.

Authorizes the assignment or transfer of a license issued under the Article to a third party so long as the assignment or transfer is approved by the Commission, as described, in new GS 18C-1014.

Makes conforming changes to GS 18C-1015 (wagering), GS 18C-1020 (criminal penalties) and GS 18C-1025 (rulemaking). Allows for relocation of a track or satellite facility within the county identified in its license upon notice to the Commission, as specified, in new GS 18C-1016. Requires in new GS 18C-1017 for the Commission to identify the described information on its website and to report annual reports to the General Assembly on the matters described.

Section 2.

Enacts Article 2F, Taxes on Pari-Mutuel Wagering, in GS Chapter 105. Incorporates the definitions of GS 18C-1001 and, to the extent, they do not conflict, GS 18C-901 into new article. Sets forth tax rates in new GS 105-113.151 as follows:

• Pari-mutuel wagering devices. – A tax at the rate of 29% is imposed on each legacy track operator and startup track operator. The tax applies to the adjusted gross revenue derived from pari-mutuel wagering on all pari-mutuel wagering devices.
• Pari-mutuel wagering. – A tax rate of 1.5% is imposed on each legacy track operator, startup track operator, and ADW licensee. The tax applies to the total handle of each horse race for which the pari-mutuel wagering licensee accepted pari-mutuel wagers; provided, however, the tax does not apply to pari-mutuel wagers made on pari-mutuel wagering devices. For purposes of this tax, the handle for each horse race shall include pari-mutuel wagers made in person at a licensed legacy track, a satellite facility operated by a legacy track operator, a licensed startup track, and pari-mutuel wagers made through an advance deposit wagering account, regardless of whether the horse race occurred in this State or in another jurisdiction.

Provides for monthly returns on the dates specified with taxes due at the filing of each return. Requires recordkeeping by all persons who must file taxes, to be open at all times for inspection by the Secretary of Revenue (Secretary) for the applicable time limits set forth in Article 9 of GS Chapter 105. Provides for tax refunds upon request for a pari-mutuel wager that has been refunded.

Enacts GS 105-113.152 requiring a Licensee to register with the Secretary and give notice to the Secretary if they change ownership or discontinue the taxable activities under Article 10 of GS Chapter 18C. Provides for the allocation of the taxes collected to the described Funds in the amounts specified in new GS 105-113.153.

Effective July 1, 2025, and applies to pari-mutuel wagers received on or after that date.

Section 3 through Section 5.

Makes conforming changes to GS 18C-901 (definitions pertaining to sports betting), GS 18C-905 (written designation agreements), GS 18C-926(b) (places of public accommodation concerning sports betting), GS 18B-1000 (definitions pertaining to the regulation of alcoholic beverages), GS 18B-1006 (ABC permits for listed places); GS 14-295 (gaming tables), GS 14-296 (illegal slot machines and punchboards); GS 14-297 (allowing gaming tables, illegal punchboards or slot machines on premises); GS 14-301 (operation or possession of slot machines); GS 14-302 (punchboards, vending machines, and other gambling devices); GS 14-304 (manufacture and sale of slot machines and devices); GS 14-305 (agreements with reference to slot machines or devices); GS 14-306.1A (types of machines and devices prohibited by law); and GS 14-306.4 (Electronic machines and devices for sweepstakes prohibited).

Section 6.

Directs the Commission to announce a date certain that it will begin accepting applications for legacy track licenses issued under Article 10 of GS Chapter 18C; provided, that such date is not earlier than three months nor later than four months from July 1, 2025. Instructs the Commission to also provide 30 days' notice of the date chosen.

Creates new GS 143C-9-11 that establishes the Capital for Communities Special Fund as a nonreverting special fund in the General Fund, administered by the Office of State Budget and Management (OSBM). Outlines the acceptable uses of the fund, which are state economic development projects in the following areas: (1) creation of affordable housing, (2) creation of child care centers or schools, (3) creation of specialized ambulatory care centers, (4) support for groundbreaking medical research, (5) workforce development, (6) creation of jobs paying no less than the median teacher salary in the state, and (7) building a nonprofit education facility. Creates new GS 147-69.4A that establishes the funding for the Capital for Communities Special Fund from certain funds held by the State Treasurer that have achieved a return profile of 7% or higher for the previous quarter. The section specifies the funds subject to this transfer are (1) all funds held by the State Treasurer and (2) investments of special funds under GS 147-69.1 (Investments authorized for General Fund and Highway Funds assets), GS 147-69.2 (Investments authorized for special funds held by State Treasurer), and GS 147-69.2A (Investments; special funds held by the State Treasurer).

Applicable beginning with the next fiscal quarter on or after the effective date of the act.

Amends GS 35A-1217, concerning the appointment of a guardian ad litem for an incompetent ward, as follows. Requires the guardian ad litem to have completed a training program, including at minimum of each of six listed subjects, including the rights of the incompetent person with emphasis on the due process rights of the incompetent persons, available resources to assist incompetent persons, and the legal duties and responsibilities of the guardian ad litem. Grants the clerk discretion to partially or completely waive the training requirements or expand those training requirements, based upon the clerk's consideration of at least each of the following: (1) the experience and education of the guardian with respect to those training requirements; (2) the duties and responsibilities of the guardian ad litem; and (3) the needs of the incompetent person.

Makes conforming, technical and organizational changes to GS 35A-1215 (clerk’s order and letters of appointment of guardian for an incompetent person). Requires a training be completed within six months of appointment that covers five topics, including the preparation of status reports, annual accounts, and other reports required under Article 5 of GS Chapter 35A, including financial accounting for the property and financial resources of the incompetent person.

Requires the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services to adopt rules covering the training requirements under GS 35A-1215.

Effective January 1, 2026, and applies to appointments of guardians and guardians ad litem made on or after that date.

Creates new GS 143B-135.275 (Confidentiality of rare species and sensitive natural habitat information), making the location of rare species or sensitive natural habitats available to release to the public under GS Chapter 132 unless the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) determines the disclosures would create a risk of harm, theft, or destruction.

Amends GS 150B-1(d) to create new subparagraph (27a) that exempts DNCR from the rulemaking process when developing standards and rules of conduct for visitors to DNCR sites.

Grants the authorization required by GS 146-29(b) for DNCR to enter into leases over 30 years but not more than 50 years for federal lands operated by DNCR as the Falls Lake, Jordan Lake, and Kerr Lake State Recreation Areas.

Amends GS 121-6 (Historical publications) in subsection (b) to clarify that funds for editorial assistance, printing, binding, and distribution may be paid from the Contingency and Emergency Fund, instead of the current requirement that funds shall be paid from that fund. Amends subsection (c) to remove the 700-page limit on documentary volumes for DNCR’s publication of significant records of colonial North Carolina and capitalizes General Fund.

Revises GS 126-5(c11)(2)d. to include employees assigned to assist the North Carolina Symphony in the list of exempt employees.

Amends GS 143B-94 (North Carolina Symphony Society, Inc.) to clarify that the North Carolina Symphony Society, Inc., is not a state agency within the meaning of GS Chapter 143B and is exempt from the requirements of that Chapter other than those in GS 143B-94 itself.

Creates new GS 143B-53.15 prohibiting admission fees on school groups visiting sites owned or managed by DNCR. Repeals Section 14.11(g) of SL 2015-241, which currently prohibits imposing fees on school groups.

Removes obsolete reporting requirements by repealing GS 121-12.1, which required DNCR to prepare reports on grants-in-aid, and the biennial progress report requirement in GS 143-406.

Deletes the following from the State Nature and Historic Preserve under GS 143-260.10: (1) a portion of Mayo River State Park, (2) a portion of Chimney Rock State Park, (3) an easement at Raven Rock State Park, (4) a portion of the Fonta Flora State Trail, (5) a portion of Wilderness Gateway State Trail, and (6) a portion of New River State Park.

Identical to H 499, filed 3/24/25.

Enacts new GS Chapter 96A, to be cited as the "North Carolina Paid Family Leave Insurance Act," effective January 1, 2026. Sets forth 15 defined terms applicable to the Chapter. Deems family and medical leave benefits provided under the terms of the Chapter payable beginning January 1, 2027, to covered individuals, (defined as any person who submits an application and meets the monetary eligibility criteria set forth in GS 96-14.1(b) (regarding unemployment benefit claims) or is self-employed, elects coverage, and meets the requirements of new GS 96A-13, and meets the administrative requirements of the new Chapter and rules adopted thereunder), who meet one of five requirements, including: (1) is caring for a new child during the 12 months after birth, adoption, or child placement or who has a need to be absent from work before an actual placement of a child for adoption or foster care to proceed; (2) is caring for a family member with a serious health condition; (3) has a serious health condition; (4) is caring for a covered service member, as defined, who is the covered individual's next of kin or other family member; and (5) because of any qualifying exigency leave (as defined) arising out of the fact that the family member of the covered individual is on active duty or has been notified of an impending call or order to active duty in the Armed Forces. Defines family member, next of kin, and serious health condition. Specifies maximum duration of benefits based on eligibility requirement, ranging from 12 weeks to 26 weeks. Provides for payment within two weeks of filing a claim and every two weeks thereafter.

Details parameters regarding the determination of payment amounts in GS 96A-4, with the maximum benefit permitted to be 100% of the statewide average weekly wage, and the minimum benefit set at $100 per week, unless the covered individual's average weekly wage is less than the amount of that full wage. Allows a covered individual with multiple jobs to elect to take leave from one job or multiple jobs. Requires that the family and medical leave insurance benefit pursuant to GS 96A-2(2)c (a serious health condition) be reduced by the amount of benefits that a covered individual receives for (1) unemployment insurance under GS 96-6 or (2) Worker’s Compensation benefits except for partial disability under the State Workers' Compensation Law, or under other State or federal temporary or permanent disability benefits law.  Requires the Assistant Secretary of the Division of Employment Security (Assistant Secretary) to adopt regulations to establish additional requirements concerning the coordination of family and medical leave insurance benefits with workers' compensation benefits for partial disability under the Workers' Compensation Law of the State.

Beginning on January 1, 2026, requires in GS 96A-5 for an employer to remit contributions to the Paid Family and Medical Leave Fund (Fund), at a rate annually fixed by the Assistant Secretary of the Division of Employment Security (DES). Provides for the setting of contribution rates for 2026 and 2027, and 2028 and subsequent years. Defines employer to include individuals, partnerships, associations, corporations, business trusts, legal representatives, any organized group, the State, political subdivisions of the State and any State or local agency or government instrumentality; excludes the federal government. Requires self-employed individuals electing coverage to make employer contributions as specified. Bars deducting more than 50% of the contribution required from that employee's wages.

Authorizes the covered individual to opt to take paid family and medical leave on an intermittent or reduced leave schedule with prorated benefits, subject to total leave permitted by the Chapter, employer operations, and notice requirements in GS 96A-6. 

Provides in GS 96A-7 for the covered individual's restoration by the employer to the position held by the covered individual upon expiration of family and medical leave as when the leave commenced, or a position with equivalent seniority, status, employment benefits, pay, and other terms and conditions of employment. Requires employers to maintain health benefits the covered individual had prior to leave for the leave duration, with the covered individual required to continue required applicable contributions. Details employer liability for violation of these protection provisions, including damages for compensation denied or lost with interest and liquidated damages, or actual monetary losses sustained up to a sum of 12 weeks of wages or salary of the employee, and equitable relief. Allows for an action for damages to be brought in any federal or State court by one or more employees against an employer for or on behalf of the employees or the employees and others similarly situated. Provides for the award of costs of the action, such as reasonable attorneys' fees and expert witness fees. Establishes a two-year statute of limitations, with a three-year statute of limitations for willful violations.

Bars prohibiting the exercise of or interfering with the exercise of rights protected by the Chapter. Prohibits retaliatory personnel actions or otherwise discriminating against a person for exercising protected rights under the Chapter in GS 96A-8. Includes a non-exhaustive list of rights protected under the Chapter to which the anti-retaliation provisions apply in GS 96A-9. Prohibits employers from counting leave taken under the Chapter as an absence that can lead to or result in an adverse employment action. Makes these provisions applicable to persons who allege violations in good faith. Provides for the liability provisions regarding employment protections to apply to the anti-retaliation provisions. 

Provides for concurrent leave under the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). Provides for concurrent or coordinated payments and leave for disability or family care leave under a collective bargaining agreement or employer policy subject to written notice. Provides for the effect of such agreements and policy on an individual's rights and an employer's duties under the Chapter. Clarifies that the Chapter does not require an employee to receive or use additional paid time off. Directs that an employee cannot be required to use or exhaust any accrued vacation leave, sick leave, or other paid time off prior to or while receiving family and medical leave insurance under the Chapter. Allows an individual to choose to use any accrued vacation leave, sick leave, or other paid time off while receiving family or medical leave insurance benefits under the Chapter, unless the aggregate amount a covered individual would receive would exceed the covered individual's average weekly earnings.

Provides for notice by the employer upon hiring and annually thereafter and when leave under the Chapter is requested or anticipated, stating rights and terms under the Chapter, benefit amounts, benefit procedures, Chapter protections, and rights to bring an action or file a complaint. Also requires posting of the notice in languages specified. Authorizes the Assistant Secretary to adopt rules establishing additional notice requirements. Requires employees to provide notice to their employer as soon as practicable of their intention to take leave under the Chapter. 

Directs the Assistant Secretary to establish a system for appeal of denied leave under the Chapter. Provides for judicial review of leave benefits after an aggrieved party has exhausted administrative remedies established by the Assistant Secretary. Directs the Assistant Secretary to implement confidentiality procedures for claims filed and appeals taken.

Mandates disqualification from benefits for a period of one year for willfully falsifying or misrepresenting material facts or willfully failing to report a material fact to obtain Chapter benefits. Provides for DES to seek repayment of benefits resulting from material misrepresentation or claim rejection following benefit payment. Authorizes the Assistant Secretary to waive all or some of the amount where recovery would be against equity or good conscience. 

Requires self-employed persons electing coverage to do so for an initial period of at least three years, effective upon filing written notice with the Assistant Secretary and agreeing to supply necessary income information. Provides for coverage withdrawal by self-employed persons.

Directs DES to establish and administer a family and medical leave insurance program and collect employer contributions under the Chapter. Requires DES to begin receiving and paying Chapter claims by January 1, 2027. Provides for application content and procedures. Requires DES to notify an employer within five business days of a claim filed under the Chapter. Provides for information sharing subject to the individual's consent. Deems files and records of individuals under the Chapter confidential, with the individual or authorized representative authorized to review the records or receive information from the records upon presentation of the individual's signed authorization. Directs the Department of Commerce to adopt necessary implementing rules for the Chapter. 

Provides for notice upon filing a claim if the IRS determined benefits to be subject to federal income tax.

Creates the Fund within the custody of DES solely to pay Chapter benefits, with expenditure authority restricted to the Assistant Secretary or a designee. Authorizes investment actions with excess funds by DES.

Establishes an annual reporting requirement for DES to report to the NCGA, beginning January 1, 2028, on projected and actual program participation by leave purpose, gender of the beneficiary, premium rates, fund balances, outreach efforts, and family members for whom leave was taken to provide care, as applicable. Requires the reports to be made publicly available immediately following submission.

Directs DES to conduct a public education campaign, with outreach information available in specified languages.

Encourages DES to use State data collection and technology to the extent possible and to integrate the program with existing State policies. 

Includes a severability clause. 

Requires implementing rules to be adopted by October 1, 2025.

Identical to H 503, filed 3/24/25.

Contains whereas clauses. Reorganizes existing GS Chapter 99D so that its existing provisions are now under Article 1, entitled Civil Rights. Enacts new Article 2 to GS Chapter 99D, consisting of the Individual Freedom Bill of Rights, as follows. Recognizes nine listed fundamental rights that cannot be violated absent a compelling State interest and by means narrowly tailored (defined) to achieve that interest, including that:

• No person be subjected to warrantless surveillance, tracking, or data collection by any agency of the State or political subdivision of the State.
• No agency of the State or political subdivision of the State may deny or restrict reproductive health care, contraception, or any other medical treatment based on ideology rather than medical science.
• No agency of the State or political subdivision of the State may override parental authority without due process in cases of abuse, neglect, or harm.
• Education must be fact-based, ensuring (1) parental concerns are addressed without restricting access to accurate historical and scientific information and (2) teachings provided are historically accurate and free from political manipulation.
• No agency of the State or political subdivision of the State may deny a person employment, housing, or public services based on private political beliefs, medical history, or lawful personal conduct.
• No agency of the State or political subdivision of the State may interfere with employment and housing rights in a way that is not fair and merit-based, free from quotas and ideological discrimination.

Makes changes throughout GS Chapter 95, Article 23 (Workplace Violence Prevention) to include employers, along with the existing references to employees, as parties who may seek a civil no-contact order under the Article. Includes mass picketing, obstructing or interfering with the entry to a place of employment, and obstructing or interfering with roads, streets, and other ways of travel to the types of unlawful conduct justifying a civil no-contact order.

Amends GS 95-260 (Definitions) to include Mass picketing and Place of employment as defined terms for GS Chapter 95, Article 23. Amends the definition of Unlawful conduct to include new subdivisions d., e., and f., which include mass picketing, obstructing the entry to a place of employment, and obstructing roads, streets, and other ways of travel.

Amends GS 95-261 (Civil no-contact orders; persons protected), GS 95-264 (Civil no-contact order; remedy), and GS 95-266 (Permanent civil no-contact order), to include references to employer or in addition to the existing references to employees and to replace employee’s workplace with place of employment.

Amends GS 95-262 (Commencement of action; venue) to specify that actions for civil no-contact orders must be initiated in the county where the unlawful conduct occurred, removing any civil district court.

Amends GS 95-271 to add new subsection (b), which states that nothing in the Article is intended to infringe on United States or North Carolina constitutional rights, and new subsection (c), which is a severability clause.

Applicable to any acts or omissions occurring on or after the date it becomes law.  

Appropriates $30,000 in recurring funds from the General Fund to the Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Aging, for each year of the 2025-27 fiscal biennium as title indicates. Effective July 1, 2025.

Amends GS 29-19(b)(2), which entitles a child born out of wedlock to take by, through and from, for purposes of intestate succession, any person who has acknowledged himself during his lifetime and the child's lifetime to be the child's father in a written statement executed or acknowledged before a certifying officer. Eliminates the requirement that the executed or acknowledged statement have been filed with the clerk of superior court where either he or the child resides during the person's lifetime and the child's lifetime.

Amends GS 130A-101, concerning affidavits acknowledging paternity for children born out of wedlock for purposes of listing the declaring father on the child's birth certificate. Makes a conforming change by deleting the provision specifying that the execution and filing of an affidavit under GS 130A-101 does not affect rights of inheritance unless also filed with the clerk of superior court as a statement of acknowledgment under GS 29-19(b)(2), now no longer required as amended.

Enacts GS 131E-175.5 specifying that Article 9, pertaining to Certificates of Need under GS Chapter 131E, only applies to counties that (1) have a population of less than 100,000 according to the most recent federal decennial census and (2) have at least one functioning hospital within the county.

Effective November 21, 2025, amends Section 3.2 of SL 2023-7 (setting forth reforms effective two years after the issuance of the first Healthcare Access and Stabilization Program (HASP) directed payment, including changes to various provisions of Article 9 of GS Chapter 131E), as follows. Amends the definitions provisions of Article 9 set forth in GS 131E-76 so that it conforms to the scope provisions of GS 131E-175.5. Modifies the definition of qualified ambulatory surgical facility so that it is an ambulatory surgical facility that has elected to opt out of the certificate of need requirements by obtaining a license as a qualified ambulatory surgical facility (previously the term was qualified urban ambulatory surgical facility, and required being licensed by DHHS to operate as an ambulatory surgical facility with a specified ambulatory surgery program and in a county with a population greater than 125,000). Amends definition of qualified ambulatory surgical facility (was, qualified urban ambulatory surgical facility) under GS 131E-146 so that it is an ambulatory surgical facility that has elected to opt out of the certificate of need requirements by obtaining a license as a qualified ambulatory surgical facility with a single specialty or multispecialty ambulatory surgical program and has agreed to adhere to the charity care and reporting requirements. Expands the entities subject to the licensure requirements under GS 131E-147 (the Healthcare Facility Licensure Act) to include qualified ambulatory surgical facilities. Makes conforming changes to GS 131E-147.5 (charity care requirements for qualified ambulatory surgical facilities).

Repeals Section 3.3 of SL 2023-7 (reforms effective three years after the issuance of the first HASP directed payment).

Appropriates $6,250,000 for 2025-26 from the General Fund to the Office of State Budget and Management for a directed grant to the North Carolina Coastal Federation, Inc., to be used in the specified amounts for construction of an education and event center on Bogue Sound, for the Living Shoreline Protection Program, and for a statewide oyster shell recycling program.

Appropriates $1 million in recurring funds for each year of the 2025-27 biennium from the General Fund to the Office of State Budget and Management for a directed grant to the North Carolina Coastal Federation, Inc., to support a permanent Abandoned and Derelict Vessel Removal Program.

Effective July 1, 2025.

Creates new GS 160D-707 (Residential development allowed in all commercial zones), which allows residential construction by right in any area or district zoned for commercial, office, or retail use, including the conversion of a building or portion of a building from commercial to residential use. Clarifies that the statute does not supersede or diminish any building or fire code or other public health and safety regulations.

Effective October 1, 2025.

Appropriates $11 million from the General Fund to the Office of State Budget and Management for 2025-26 as title indicates. Effective July 1, 2025.

Amends GS 130A-118 (Amendment of birth and death certificates) to create new subsection (a1), requiring the Office of Vital Records and local registers of deeds to process requests for amendments within 30 calendar days after the office receives the appropriate completed application, proof, and payment of fees. Applicable to all requests received on or after the effective date of the act.

Prohibits employees of the Office of Vital Records from teleworking unless specifically authorized by the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services during a declared disaster or emergency under GS Chapter 166A. Applicable to all permanent and temporary employees of the office.

Appropriates $16,200,000 in recurring funds for the 2025-2026 fiscal year and an additional $20,100,000 in recurring funds for the 2026-2027 fiscal year from the General Fund to the Department of Public Instruction (DPI) so that DPI may allocate the funds to public school units for salary supplements under GS 115C-310.13 (Advanced teaching roles salary supplements).

Appropriates $1,000,000 in recurring funds for the 2025-2026 fiscal year from the General Fund to DPI for expansion of the Advanced Teaching Roles program under GS Chapter 115C, Article 20A.

Effective July 1, 2025.

Amends GS 115C-270.30(b) (licensure renewals for professional educator licenses), as follows. Specifies that a teacher on a limited license that is expiring who has available growth data under the Education Value-Added Assessment System (EVAAS) may convert the license to a continuing professional license if they have a positive average growth score for two of the three most recent years. For teachers who have a negative average growth score but still maintain the level of meets expected growth, the employing local board of education may request a renewal of the limited license in accordance with GS 115C-270.30(b)(6) (affidavit requirement for teachers renewing a limited license). Applies to limited licenses expiring on or after the act becomes law. 

Contains whereas clauses. Enacts GS 145-52, adopting the censored version of the song "Raise Up" by North Carolina rapper Petey Pablo as the State's official hip hop song. 

Titles the act as the "Transportation for the Future Act."

Amends GS 136-189.10 by amending the definitions applicable to Article 14B, Strategic Prioritization Funding Plan for Transportation Investments. Amends the projects that meet the definition of division needs projects to include (1) bus rapid transit (in addition to the already included commuter rail, intercity rail, and light rail) as a public transportation service and (2) bicycle and pedestrian improvements (no longer requiring federal funding). Also removes the specification that the provision including public transportation services as division needs projects does not authorize total State funding in excess of the maximum established elsewhere in the statute for commuter rail and light rail projects. Amends the projects that meet the definition of regional impact projects as follows: (1) includes rail lines (was, rail lines that span two or more counties not included as statewide strategic mobility projects and that specifically excluded short-line railroads); (2) includes public transportation services (was, public transportation services that span two or more counties and that serve more than one municipality with a cap on programmed funds of 10% of any distribution region allocation), adding that this also includes bus rapid transit (in addition to the already included commuter rail, intercity rail, and light rail); (3) removes the cap in the public transportation service on total state funding for a commuter rail or light rail project; and (4) includes bicycle and pedestrian improvements. Amends the projects that meet the definition of statewide strategic mobility projects to also include: (1) public transportation service that spans two or more counties or that serves more than one municipality, including bus rapid transit, commuter rail, intercity rail, and light rail and (2) bicycle and pedestrian improvements that span two or more counties or that serve more than one municipality. Makes conforming changes in GS 136-189.11.

Amends GS 136-189.11 concerning the Transportation Investment Strategy Formula (Formula) as follows. Excludes Federal Surface Transportation Program-Direct Attributable funds expended on eligible projects from the Formula; makes a conforming change by deleting the provision excluding those same funds in the Regional Impact Project category from that category.

Amends the distribution of funds subject to the Formula as follows. Adds that at least 20% of the funds must be distributed to non-highway projects. Decreases from 40% to 30% the amount of the funds that must be used for Statewide Strategic Mobility Projects. Increases from 30% to 40% the amount of the funds that must be used for Regional Impact Projects and allocated by population of Distribution Regions; also amends the criteria (a) for this funding to ranking projects involving projects (was, highway projects) that address cost-effective needs from a regional-wide perspective and promote economic growth and (b) that must be used for selecting Regional Impact Projects by removing congestion, pavement condition, lane width, and shoulder width, adding vehicle miles traveled reductions, environmental quality, and accessibility and connectivity to essential services. Amends the criteria for selection Division Need Projects so that selection is based 30% (was, 50%) on local input and 70% (was 50%) on consideration of the specified criteria; amends that criteria by removing congestion, pavement condition, lane width, and shoulder width and adding infrastructure condition, vehicle miles traveled reduction, environmental quality, and accessibility and connectivity to essential services. Also removes the requirement that funding from the specified programs be included in the computation of each of the Department division equal shares. 

Removes the requirement that nonhighway projects be evaluated through a separate prioritization process; makes conforming changes. Removes the requirement to provide a written agreement establishing that all non-State funding necessary to construct the project has been committed before expending State funding for a light rail project.

Amends the allowable variance from the Formulas to require that the percentage amount obligated to Statewide Strategic Mobility Projects, Regional Impact Projects, and Division Need Projects not vary by more than 10% (was, 15%) over any five-year period and 5% (was, 10%) over any 10-year period from the percentage required to be allocated to each of those categories. Amends the allowable amount of the variation among the distribution regions or division to allow varying up to 10% (was, 15%) over any five-year period and 5% (was, 10%) over any 10-year period.

Amends the provisions governing incentives for local funding and highway tolling as follows. Amends the bonus allocation for a project with funding from toll revenue to no longer require the Metropolitan Planning Organization to apply the bonus within the counties where the toll project is located and removes the requirement to withhold or repay funds if a toll is removed or not implemented. Amends the categories to which the bonus allocation may be applied by removing the specified caps.

Repeals: (1) GS 153A-145.1 (which prohibited county ordinances on transportation impact mitigation) and (2) GS 160A-204 (which prohibited city ordinances on transportation impact mitigation).

Amends GS 160D-804 as follows. Expands upon what can be included in a subdivision regulation to also include the coordination of transportation networks and utilities within proposed subdivisions with existing or planned sidewalks, bicycle lanes, bus stops, transit infrastructure, and other transportation facilities instead of just streets and highways. Defines transportation facilities to include streets, sidewalks, bicycle lanes, bus stops, transit infrastructure, and other facilities designed to assist the movement of people or goods from one place to another. Makes conforming changes throughout the statute.

Amends GS 105-511.2 by amending the amount of the local sales tax from 1/4% to up to 1%. Removes the specified ballot language for the referendum on whether to levy the tax.

Amends GS 160D-702 to allowing a zoning regulation to include requirements that transportation facility (was, street) rights-of-way be dedicated to the public to the same extent and with the same limitations as provided for in the specified statutes. Amends GS 160D-705 to allow conditions on special use permits to include requirements that transportation facility (was, street) rights-of-way be dedicated to the public and that provision be made for recreational space and facilities.

Identical to H 514, filed 3/25/25.

Includes whereas clauses.

Enacts new GS 90-171.36B to prohibit an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) from practicing as such without a license. Defines advanced practice registered nurse or APRN as an individual licensed by the The North Carolina Board of Nursing (Board) as an advanced practice registered nurse within one of the following four roles: (1) certified nurse practitioner or CNP, (2) certified nurse midwife or CNM, (3) clinical nurse specialist or CNS, or (4) certified registered nurse anesthetist or CRNA. Enacts GS 90-171.36C to require the Board to issue an APRN license to any person recognized by the Board as an APRN or approved to practice as an APRN in the state on or before the date that this statute becomes law. Enacts GS 90-171.36D, which specifies the process for APRN license renewal and reinstatement. Makes conforming changes to GS 90-171.43, GS 90-171.43A, and GS 90-171.44.

Amends the definitions of terms used in the Nursing Practice Act. Adds definitions for advanced assessment, advanced practice registered nurse, population focus, practice of nursing as an advanced practice registered nurse or APRN, practice of nursing as a certified nurse midwife or CNM, practice of nursing as a certified registered nurse anesthetist or CRNA, practice of nursing as a clinical nurse specialist or CNS, and practice of nursing as a certified nurse practitioner or CNP. Amends the components listed that define the practice of nursing by a registered nurse to include collaborating with other health care providers in determining the appropriate health care for a patient (was, limited to not prescribing a medical treatment regimen or making a medical diagnosis, except under the supervision of a licensed physician). Amends license to include a permit issued by the Board to practice nursing as an advanced practice registered nurse and reinstatement of permits issued by the Board. Amends the term nursing program to specify the term includes education programs offered to prepare persons to meet the educational requirements for licensure as a registered nurse or a licensed practical nurse. Deletes the term practice of nursing by a licensed practical nurse. Makes clarifying, organizational, and technical changes.

Amends GS 90-18(c) to establish that the practice of nursing by a APRN does not constitute practicing medicine or surgery.

Repeals GS 90-18.2, which places limitations on nurse practitioners. Makes conforming changes to GS 90-2, GS 90-18.3, GS 90-85.24, and GS 90-85.34A.

Amends GS 90-29(b) to establish that a certified registered nurse anesthetist administering anesthetic does not constitute practicing dentistry.

Amends the powers of the Board in GS 90-171.23 by empowering the Board to grant prescribing, ordering, dispensing, and furnishing authority to holders of the advanced practice registered nurses license (deletes the power of the Board to appoint and maintain a subcommittee to work with the NC Medical Board to develop rules and regulations to govern the performance of medical acts by registered nurses and to determine related application fees).

Amends GS 90-171.27 to set out fees for application for licensure, license renewal, and reinstatement of lapsed licenses for APRNs.

Repeals GS 90-171.37(b) regarding the Board's disciplinary authority over registered nurses. 

Repeals Article 10A of GS Chapter 90, Nurses Registered Under Previous Law, Practice of Midwifery. Makes conforming changes to GS 90-18 and GS 90-21.11.

Amends GS 115C-407.57 to provide for examination of student athletes exhibiting signs or symptoms of a concussion by CNPs pursuant to the provisions of Article 9A, GS Chapter 90, as amended (was, a nurse practitioner consistent with the limitations of GS 90-18.2).

Requires the Governor to submit an opt-out letter to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services within 30 days of the date the section becomes law, requesting an exemption that allows hospitals, ambulatory surgical centers, critical access hospitals, and rural hospitals in the state the maximum flexibility to obtain Medicare reimbursement for anesthesia services in a manner that best serves each facility and its patients and community. 

Directs the Board, the NC Medical Board, and the State Board of Dental Examiners to adopt implementing rules.

Requires the Revisor of Statutes to change all references to nurse practitioners to certified nurse practitioners and change all references to the abbreviation NP to the abbreviation CNP, wherever those terms appear in: GS 15-190, GS 20-37.6(c1), GS 55B-14(c), GS 58-3-169, GS 58-50-30, GS 58-51-45, GS 90-1.1, GS 90-3, GS 90-21.17, GS 90-21.81, GS 90-171.21, GS 90-724, GS 108A-77.1, GS 115C-323, GS 375.2A, GS 122C-263.1, GS 122C-263.1, GS 122C-465, GS 130A-115, GS 130A-440.1, and GS 131D-4.8.

Effective 90 days after the act becomes law.

Titles the act the “Train Infrastructure Acceleration Act” and sets out the act’s purpose. Requires the Department of Transportation (DOT) to expedite the implementation of the Corridor Identification Program routes with the goal of enhancing rail connectivity across North Carolina.

Allocates an additional State allocation of $1 million to each of the seven specified routes for comprehensive engineering, feasibility studies, and initial development efforts.

Requires DOT to report annually by December 1 to the specified NCGA committee and division on the use of the funds, advancements in the studies, and any federal funding.

Appropriates $7 million from the General Fund to DOT.

Effective July 1, 2025.

Identical to H62, filed 2/5/25.

Adds new GS 53-6-21 barring banks from denying or cancelling service to an agriculture producer based, in whole or in part, upon the agriculture producer's greenhouse gas emissions, use of fossil-fuel derived fertilizer, or use of fossil-fuel powered machinery. Defines agriculture producer and ESG commitment (a bank’s decision either to join an initiative or  organization whose purpose is any environmental, social, or governance goal or to otherwise commit to any environmental, social, or governance goal).  Establishes a rebuttable presumption that a bank’s denial or restriction of a service to an agricultural producer violates the statute when a bank has made any ESG commitment related to agriculture. Provides for ways for banks to overcome the presumption. Requires banks to annually certify to the Commissioner of Banks (Commissioner) that they are in compliance with the act by January 1 of each year.  Designates violations of the statute as unfair or deceptive trade practices. Allows the Commissioner to bring a civil action to enforce the statue and provides for civil penalties of up to $10,000 per violation. Requires clear proceeds of any civil penalties to be remitted to the Civil Penalty and Forfeiture Fund.

Amends GS 54B-78 and GS 54C-64 and adds new GS 54-109.23 to include credit unions, State associations, and State savings banks within the scope of new GS 53C-6-21. Requires credit unions to submit the annual certification described above to the Administrator of Credit Unions. 

Amends GS 163-166.4 by increasing the dimensions of buffer zones at voting locations that are set by county boards of elections. Boards shall set increased limits from 50 feet to 100 feet from voting place entrances. Minimum distances from voting place entrances shall increase from 25 feet to 75 feet.

Requires the Legislative Research Commission (LRC) to study the need for bereavement leave for State employees, including consideration of relevant data from the Office of State Human Resources, and report findings and legislative proposals to the 2026 General Assembly.

Appropriates $50,000 from the General Fund to the NCGA for 2025-26 to fund the study.

Effective July 1, 2025. 

Adds new GS 58-3-241 (pertaining to fertility treatment coverage), as follows. Defines experimental fertility procedure, fertility treatment, and insurer. Directs that, if health benefit plan provides fertility treatment coverage then (1) any limitation on coverage for ovulation medication cannot be different than the limits imposed on other prescription medications and (2) no annual or lifetime limits may apply to the coverage for ovulation medication and in-network ovulation induction cycles. Specifies that GS 58-3-241 cannot be construed to required coverage for fertility treatment or experimental fertility procedures under a health benefit plan. Applies to insurance contracts issued, renewed or amended on or after October 1, 2025.

Requires the Board of Trustees for the State Health Plan for Teachers and State Employees to modify the plan’s provisions pertaining to ovulation medication and ovulation induction so that they mirror the provisions set forth above, effective January 1, 2026. Appropriates $300,000 in recurring funds for 2025-26 and $600,000 in recurring funds for 2026-27 from the General Fund to the Department of State Treasurer for the increased costs to the State Health Plan, effective July 1, 2025. 

Identical to H 501, filed 3/24/25.

Specifies that the term personal relationship under GS 50B-1 (concerning definitions pertaining to domestic violence) include both dating relationships and relationships where the parties either have or are currently living together that are comprised of individuals of any sex (currently, law specifies that those relationships consist of persons of the opposite sex). Makes technical changes. Applies to domestic violence protective orders issued on or after the act becomes law.