Adds new Article 44, Radiologic Technologists, Radiation Therapists, Sonographers, to GS Chapter 90, providing as follows. Sets out the title of the Article and NCGA findings. Sets out definitions that apply to the Article.

Requires a license in order to perform or offer to perform radiologic imaging or radiation therapy on humans for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes or to indicate or imply that the person is licensed to perform those procedures. Prohibits employing a non-licensed person to perform radiologic imaging or radiation therapy procedures on humans. Specifies that the Article does not limit or enlarge the practice of a licensed practitioner. Exempts from the Article: (1) a licensed practitioner performing medical imaging procedures or administering radiation therapy; (2) a registered dental hygienist (RDH); (3) a dental assistant I or II who has satisfactorily completed one of listed exams or programs; (4) a licensed resident physician; (5) a student enrolled in and attending a school or college of medicine or medical imaging or radiation therapy who performs medical imaging or radiation therapy procedures on humans while under the supervision of a licensed practitioner, or an individual holding a license under this Article; (6) a person administering radiologic imaging or radiation procedures as an employee of the US government; (7) a person performing radiologic procedures or therapy on cadavers; (8) a person licensed to perform radiologic imaging or radiation therapy who is performing supervised clinical procedures in preparation for certification in an additional radiologic imaging or radiation therapy modality who has registered with the Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy Board of Examiners (Board) (allows the Board to grant this exemption for up to three years, which may be renewed); (9) chiropractic students and diagnostic imaging technicians; (10) a licensed veterinarian performing medical imaging procedures or administering radiation therapy, or to an individual employed by, or engaged as an independent contractor by, a licensed veterinarian that performs a medical imaging procedure or administers radiation therapy in the ordinary course of their employment or engagement; and (11) an individual employed by, or engaged as an independent contractor by, a podiatrist that performs medical imaging procedures in the ordinary course of their employment or engagement.

Requires the Board to establish licensure standards for the following radiologic imaging and radiation therapy modalities: (1) computed tomography; (2) cardiac invasive specialist; (3) cardiac electrophysiology specialist; (4) diagnostic medical sonography; (5) limited practice radiographer; (6) magnetic resonance; (7) nuclear medicine technologist; (8) radiation therapist; (9) radiographer; and (10) radiologist assistant. Sets out additional parameters for the scope of practice for those licensed in medical imaging or radiation therapy, as limited practice radiographers, as cardiovascular invasive specialist, as cardiovascular electrophysiology specialist, as a radiologist assistant, those performing computed tomography for diagnostic purposes, performing nuclear medicine technology, performing rational therapy, and performing radiography.

Establishes the 9-member Board, with members meeting the specified areas of expertise appointed by the Governor. Sets out qualifications for Board members who will serve three-year terms and are limited to serving two consecutive terms. Sets out staggered terms. Sets out provisions governing officers of the Board, meeting frequency, quorum, and meeting attendance. Sets out the Board’s 16 powers, including: (1) issue interpretations of this Article; (2) establish the scope of practice for each license or permit type issued by the Board; (3) issue, renew, deny, suspend, or revoke licenses and carry out any disciplinary actions authorized by this Article; (4) conduct investigations for the purpose of determining whether violations of this Article or grounds for disciplining licensees exist; (5) establish criteria and standards for educational programs offered in the State on medical imaging and radiation therapy; and (6) approve medical imaging and radiation therapy educational programs that the Board determines meet the criteria and standards established by the Board.

Requires a person seeking licensure for a radiologic imaging or radiation therapy modality to be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or passed an approved equivalency test. Sets out additional requirements for those seeking licensure as a limited practice radiographer, magnetic resonance technologist, nuclear medicine technologist, radiation therapist, radiographer, radiologist assistant, sonographer, cardiac electrophysiology specialist, cardiac invasive specialist, or for computed tomography. Requires persons currently practicing as a medical imaging professional, radiation therapist, or radiologist assistant to be issued a license within two years if they hold a current license or certification in one of those respective modalities or fields issued by a medical imaging certification organization approved by the Board. Requires licensees to notify the Board within 30 days if they (1) fail to maintain the required certification and registration, or (2) are subject to any legal or disciplinary actions or are subject to proceedings for acts or conduct substantially the same as those that would constitute grounds for refusal to issue, refusal to renew, suspension, revocation, or other discipline by any of the specified entities.

Sets out examination requirements. Requires the Board to issue a license to an applicant meeting the licensure requirements of this Article and those adopted by the Board, verified by oath or admission, after paying the required fee. Allows issuing a license to perform more than one modality. Sets out when a temporary license may be issued and allows for temporary licensing when training in an additional modality. Allows new graduates awaiting national certification to be issued a provisional license for up to one year.

Sets out requirements for educational programs that might be approved by the Board.

Sets the duration of licenses at two years and sets out requirements for renewing a license. Sets out conditions for reciprocity for those licensed, registered, or certified in another jurisdiction.

Allows the Board to charge fees not to exceed the following: (1) $100 for initial, provisional, or temporary license application fee, (2) $150 for biennial license fee, (3) $100 for a temporary license, (4) $25 for a duplicate license, and (5) $75 for a license renewal late fee. Allows the fees to be used to pay the expenses of carrying out the Article and to pay the salaries, compensation, and expenses incurred to carry out the Article.

Allows the Board to deny, suspend, revoke, or refuse to renew a license or impose probationary conditions on a license if the licensee or applicant for licensure has engaged in any of the eight types of conduct, including: (1) obtaining a license by means of fraud, misrepresentation, or concealment of material facts; (2) having been convicted of or pleaded guilty or nolo contendere to a crime involving moral turpitude or any crime that indicates that the licensee or applicant is unfit or incompetent to administer medical imaging or radiation therapy procedures or that the licensee or applicant has deceived or defrauded the public; (3) practicing as a person licensed to administer medical imaging or radiation therapy procedures without a current license; or (4) engaging in conduct that could result in harm or injury to the public.

Violations of the Article are a Class 1 misdemeanor.

The above provisions are effective January 1, 2026.

Specifies that certain initial Board members do not have to meet the licensure requirements so long as they get a license within 90 days after the Board begins issuing licenses.

Allows persons other than radiologist assistants who have been engaged in the practice of medical imaging and radiation therapy and who do not hold a current registration from a voluntary professional certification organization approved by Board to continue to practice in the modality of medical imaging or radiation therapy in which they are currently employed so long as they (1) register with the Board on or before October 1, 2026, (2) do not change the scope of their current employment practice, (3) complete all continuing education requirements for their area of practice annually as prescribed by the Board, and (4) practice only under the supervision of a radiologist.

Includes a severability clause.

Allows the Board to adopt rules to implement this act once the Board is appointed by the Governor.

Enacts the NC Debt Settlement Services Act (Act) in Article 26 of GS Chapter 53, as follows. Defines fourteen terms including debt settlement services (i.e., any action or negotiation initiated or taken on behalf of a debtor with any creditor of the debtor for the purpose of obtaining debt forgiveness of all or a portion of the credit extended by the creditor to the debtor or a reduction of payments, charges, or fees payable by the debtor. Clarifies that the enrollment in a student loan forgiveness or student loan payment reduction programs established under federal or State law does not constitute an action or negotiation under the definition). Authorizes the Commissioner of Banks (Commissioner) to make rules to implement the Act in GS 53-443. Prevents any person from engaging in the business of providing or offering to provide debt settlement services to any debtor whether or not the person has an office, facility, agent, or other physical presence in the State unless they are licensed pursuant to the Act. Exempts any bank, savings institution, credit union, refund anticipation loan act licensee, trust company doing business under GS Chapter 53C, savings and loan association doing business under GS Chapters 54 or 54B, savings bank doing business under GS Chapter 54C, consumer finance licensee, or any person licensed to practice law in this State from the Act. Specifies that neither (1) a debt management organization offering to provide or provides debt settlement services solely in connection with offering to provide or providing debt management plans nor (2) a nonprofit organization providing credit counseling services that satisfies the requirements of 26 U.S.C. § 501(q) is required to be licensed under the Act. Instructs the Commissioner to construe the Act to promote sound personal financial advice and management.

Provides for a license application process, including a form and a $2,000 application fee in GS 53-445. Requires applicants for licensure to post a surety bond in a form satisfactory to the Commissioner with the Commissioner at the time of application and to maintain a $1 million surety bond as a licensee in GS 43-446. Directs the bond to run to the State for the benefit of any claimants against the licensee to secure the faithful performance of the obligations of the licensee with respect to debt settlement engagements. Grants Commissioner discretion to require additional insurance coverage to address cybersecurity risks as described. Limits the aggregate liability of the surety to the principal sum of the bond. Provides for suit against the bond by claimants against the licensee and the Commissioner on their behalf. Provides for cancellation of the bond and lifespan of the bond. Deems the surety bond proceeds to be held in trust for the benefit of the debtors in a debt settlement engagement in the event of the bankruptcy of the licensee.

Requires the Commissioner to issue a license at the locations specified in the license only if they find the applicant meets all five of the listed qualifications, including that the applicant meets financial responsibility, character, and general fitness sufficient to warrant belief that the business will be operated efficiently and fairly, in the public interest and in accordance with law. Bars licenses from being issued to a creditor or debt collector.

Specifies contents of licenses in GS 53-448. Requires prior approval by the Commissioner to open an additional office or relocate their place of business through an application form and $500 nonrefundable fee. Requires the application to be approved unless the Commissioner finds that that the applicant has not conducted business under the Act efficiently, fairly, in the public interest, and in accordance with law. Deems such applications approved if no notice to the contrary has been mailed by the Commissioner to the applicant within 30 days of the date the Commissioner receives the application, which can be extended by the Commissioner for good cause. Provides for notice of commencement of business and the closing of business by the applicant, as described.

Prevents, in GS 53-449, a person from acquiring, directly or indirectly, 25% or more of a licensee’s ownership, or 25% or more of its voting share if the licensee is a corporation, unless the person first follows the three required steps including submitting any information required by the Commissioner concerning the financial responsibility, background, experience, and activities of the person or the listed key corporate managers and personnel. Allows for the Commission to investigate the applicant. Requires the Commission to permit the applicant to acquire the interest in the licensee if it finds that the applicant and its listed key corporate mangers and personnel have the financial responsibility, character, reputation, experience, and general fitness to warrant belief that the business will be operated efficiently and fairly, in the public interest, and in accordance with law. Provides timeline for Commission to decide on the application and notice of its decision, including reasons for a denial, if applicable. Exempts the following from GS 53-449: (1) the acquisition of an interest in a licensee, directly or indirectly, including an acquisition by merger or consolidation, by or with another licensee; (2) the acquisition of an interest in a licensee, directly or indirectly, including an acquisition by merger or consolidation, by or with a person affiliated through common ownership with the licensee; (3) the acquisition of an interest in a licensee by a person by devise, descent, survivorship, or operation of law. Requires those persons exempt from GS 53-449 to send written notice to the Commissioner of the acquisition within 30 days of its closing.

Requires licensees to maintain in its offices any books, accounts, and records required by the Commissioner to determine whether the licensee is complying with the Act and rules adopted under it. Provides for retention times. Bars submission of inaccurate or incomplete information to the Commission as described. Prevents a principal place of business from being located in an individual’s home or residence. Provides for reporting of a licensee’s principal place of business and any change of address to the Commission. Allows the Commission to impose terms and conditions under which a licensee’s records and files may be maintained outside the State. Requires in GS 53-451 for each licensee to submit an annual report under oath to the Commission by no later than 90 days after the end of each calendar year, to include the described data. Enacts GS 53-452, requiring a licensee to submit a report, as described, on (1) the six described events to the Commission within 15 days of the event; (2) the impact of the judgment on the licensee’s business within 30 days after the judgment is entered against the licensee in a civil action relating to its debt settlement services; or (3) notice of a qualified audit and the steps the licensee is taking to address concerns raised in the audit within 10 days after its receipt of such notice. Authorizes the Commission to undertake investigations of licensees as described, and gives the Commission subpoena power to compel documents and testimony under oath in GS 53-453.

Enacts GS 53-454, allowing the Commission to enter into agreements or sharing arrangements with other governmental agencies, the Conference of State Bank Supervisors, or other associations representing governmental agencies and may share otherwise confidential information pursuant to these written agreements. Requires the Commission to report enforcement actions under the Act and allows reporting of other relevant information. Specifies that State privacy protections continue apply to the reports and information disclosed as part of intergovernmental agreements/sharing arrangements and can be shared, as described, without disturbing those confidentiality protections. Exempts information or material relating to the employment history of and publicly adjudicated disciplinary and enforcement actions for debt settlement service providers from the confidentiality provisions.

Imposes an annual fee of $1,000 on licensees as well as an assessment not to exceed $18 per $100,000 of debt enrolled in debt settlement services due according to the described timelines in GS 53-455. Requires a licensee to pay travel expenses, as described, if it becomes necessary to examine the books, accounts, and records of a licensee at a location outside this State.

Enacts GS 53-456 requiring a licensee to comply with fourteen business practices as a condition of licensure including having each debt settlement services agreement be in a record and signed by the debtor and an individual representing the licensee in writing with a duplicate provided to the debtor; providing required disclosures to the debtor; and not enrolling a covered military member. Authorizes the following fees under GS 53-457 if a licensee successfully reaches a settlement for a debtor’s debt: 15% or less of the principal amount of the debt or 20% or less of the difference between the amount of the debt at the time the licensee settles the debt and the amount to be paid by the debtor pursuant to the settlement. Bars a licensee from charging a debtor any other fee for providing debt settlement services. Prevents in GS 53-458, a licensee from using or causing to be published any advertisement that contains any false, misleading, or deceptive statement or representation or identifies the person by any name other than the name set forth on the license issued by the Commissioner. Identifies ten grounds for suspension or revocation of a license issued under the Act in GS 53-459, including any violation of a provision of the Act or its rules, a course of conduct consisting of a failure to perform debt settlement agreements, or conviction of felony or misdemeanor involving fraud, misrepresentation, or deceit. Specifies that acts of any officer, director, member, trustee, beneficiary, partner, or principal are deemed acts of the licensee for purposes of GS 53-459. Allows a licensee to cancel and surrender its license upon notice to the Commission. Allows for the Commission to impose a civil penalty in GS 53-460 after notice and a hearing for violations of the Act of not more than $1,000 per violation. Directs the clear proceeds of the civil penalty to be remitted to the Civil Penalty and Forfeiture Fund. Authorizes the Commission to issue cease and desist orders, to seek judicial relief for an injunction, and for a court to order receivership in an action brought by the Commission. Provides the referral of a matter to the Attorney General (AG) for investigation in GS 53-462. Authorizes the AG to seek injunctive relief, with or without a referral. Provides for notice to the Commissioner if a suit for injunctive relief is filed. Authorizes the AG to obtain any other relief authorized by law. Requires the AG to identify any debtors that are entitled to restitution within the time described if a court awards restitution. Specifies that the AG is entitled to reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs in any action brought by the AG in GS 53-462.

Provides for administrative hearings by the Commissioner and appeals to the State Banking Commission, with right of judicial review in the Superior Court of Wake County in GS 53-463. Provides a private right of action for a person that suffers loss because of another person's violation of the Act or its rules, including reasonable attorneys’ fees and any other litigation expenses incurred in bringing the act to a prevailing plaintiff. Specifies that a violation of the Act or its rules constitutes an unfair or deceptive trade practice. Makes violations of the act a Class 3 misdemeanor, with each transaction in violation of the Act a separate offense.

Repeals Article 56 of GS Chapter 14 (offenses pertaining to debt adjusting).

Effective January 1, 2026.

Part I.

Enacts new GS 160D-917 to require zoning regulations in areas zoned for commercial use to allow the siting of a school building primarily used for the instruction of students and is under the control of a public school unit.

Part II.

Amends GS 160D-108 by adding that a vested right obtained by permit or other local government approval must not preclude the use or extinguish the existence of any other vested right or use by right attached to the property.

Amends GS 160D-705 by adding that if a special use permit expires and does not vest, the current zoning classification or regulation for the property applies.

Amends GS 160D-203, which provides that when land is within the planning and development jurisdiction of more than one local government, the local governments may, with the landowners’ consent, assign exclusive planning and development regulation jurisdiction to any one of those local governments; specifies that this includes all development phases on the land (was the entire parcel). Adds that if such an agreement, or landowner consent, does not exist, then the landowner may elect the planning and development regulations of the local government where the majority of the total acreage of land is situated. Defines landowner as all titleholders of record owing an interest in the land. Makes additional conforming and clarifying changes.

Part III.

Section 3.1

Amends GS 160D-201 by limiting a city's exercise of powers granted by GS Chapter 160D to within the city's corporate limits, no longer including extraterritorial areas. Amends the following by removing provisions related to extraterritorial jurisdiction and areas: GS 160D-202 (municipal extraterritorial jurisdiction), GS 160D-602 (notice of hearing on proposed zoning map amendments), GS 160D-903 (agricultural uses), GS 160D-912 (outdoor advertising), GS 160D-925 (stormwater control), GS 160D-1125 (enforcement), and GS 113A-208 (regulation of mountain ridge construction by counties and cities). Makes conforming changes to GS 160D-1102 and GS 160A-58.4.

Repeals GS 160D-307, Extraterritorial representation on boards.

Amends GS 130A-317 by defining extraterritorial jurisdiction for purposes of defining the service area of a municipality that has established its own approval program instead of State approval for water system plans, as the boundaries of the area over which a municipality was exercising extraterritorial planning jurisdiction under Article 19 of GS Chapter 160A, or its successor GS Chapter 160D, before the municipality's relinquishment of jurisdiction over the area in accordance with the law.

Removes references to "extraterritorial jurisdiction" in GS 136-55.1 (notice of abandonment of roads), GS 136-63 (change or abandonment of roads), GS 136-66.3 (local government participation in improvements to the State transportation system), GS 143-138 (North Carolina State Building Code), GS 153A-317.14 (extension of economic development and training districts), GS 160A-176.1 and GS 160A-176.2 (ordinances effective in Atlantic Ocean), GS 160A-296 (establishment and control of streets), and GS 160A-299 (procedure for permanently closing streets and alleys).

Amends GS 143-215.1 (control of sources of water pollution; permits required) to define extraterritorial jurisdiction for the purpose of local permit programs for sewer extension and reclaimed water utilization, as the boundaries of the area over which a municipality was exercising extraterritorial planning jurisdiction under Article 19 of GS Chapter 160A, or its successor GS Chapter 160D, before the municipality's relinquishment of jurisdiction over the area in accordance with the law.

Repeals any provision in a local act granting a city the power to exercise extraterritorial planning jurisdiction under Article 19 (Planning and Regulation of Development) of GS Chapter 160A, or its successor, GS Chapter 160D.

Specifies that Section 3.1 applies only to extraterritorial jurisdiction territory of a city in a county as follows: (1) for counties with a population of 25,000 or less, effective October 1, 2026; (2) for counties with a population between 25,001 and 50,000, effective October 1, 2027.

Section 3.2

Prohibits cities from expanding their extraterritorial jurisdiction beyond the territory that the city was exercising extraterritorial jurisdiction authority upon as of June 1, 2025. Requires cities continuing to exercise extraterritorial jurisdiction authority to continue to appoint representation on boards according to GS 160D-307.

Section 3.3

Provides that the relinquishment of jurisdiction over an area that a city is regulating under the authority of extraterritorial planning jurisdiction will be determined by the county in which the area lies, not the city which has been exercising extraterritorial jurisdiction over the area, and becomes effective as follows: (1) for counties with a population of 25,000 or less, effective October 1, 2026, and (2) for counties with a population between 25,001 and 50,000, effective October 1, 2027. Specifies that Part does not prohibit a city from relinquishing jurisdiction over an area prior to these effective dates so long as the city complies with the provisions of Article 19 of GS Chapter 160A or its successor, GS Chapter 160D.

Requires that upon relinquishment of jurisdiction over an area a city is regulating under the authority of extraterritorial planning jurisdiction: (1) the city regulations and powers of enforcement remain in effect until the earlier of the effective date of the land use regulations adopted by the county with jurisdiction over the area or 60 days after the effective date set above for that county and allows the county to have hearings and take other measures required to adopt county regulations for the area prior to the relevant effective date and (2) any person who has acquired vested rights under a permit, certificate, or other evidence of compliance issued by the city may exercise those rights as if no change of jurisdiction had occurred, and allows the county acquiring jurisdiction to take any action regarding the permit, certificate, or other evidence of compliance that could have been taken by the city surrendering jurisdiction pursuant to the city ordinances and regulations. Specifies that except as provided in this section, any building, structure, or other land use in a territory over which a county has acquired jurisdiction is subject to the county’s ordinances and regulation. Requires the city to notify the county, at least 180 days before the relevant effective date of: (1) the boundaries of the city's extraterritorial jurisdiction in that county; (2) the existing land use regulations applying to that extraterritorial jurisdiction in that county, including zoning and overlay maps; (3) any pending requests for amendments or other changes to the existing land use regulations applying to that extraterritorial jurisdiction in that county; and (4) any vested rights with respect to properties in the county’s extraterritorial jurisdiction.

Section 3.4

Specifies that this Part has no effect on the extraterritorial jurisdiction of law enforcement officers. 

Recodifies subdivisions (1c), (1d), (1e), and (1f) of GS 75A-2 (Definitions) as subdivisions (1e), (1f), (1g), and (1h) of that statute. Amends the definition of “abandoned vessel” in subdivision (1) to include vessels left 30 consecutive days on public lands or waters of the state or on private property without permission. Provides additional definitions for “days” in subdivision (1c), “derelict vessel” in (1d), “unattended” in (4b), and “vessel emergency” in (5a). Exempts historic shipwrecks under the ownership and custody of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, which must be salvaged under the provisions of GS Chapter 121, Article 3. 

Creates new Article 5 (Abandoned and Derelict Vessels) in GS Chapter 75A. Provides for the authority of law enforcement officers and the Wildlife Resources Commission (WRC) to remove or relocate abandoned and derelict vessels and establishes the priority of Article 5 over local ordinances. Prohibits docking, beaching, or grounding any vessel on land beyond a 30 day period without approval from the WRC or other responsible government agency, or the private landowner, and prohibits leaving a vessel adrift, anchored, moored or docked for more than 10 days in a 30 day period in waters of the state unless at a private dock or with a permit issued by a state or local government. Allows those with property damage to recover damages from the vessel's owner or operator. Establishes a procedure for the removal of abandoned vessels and derelict vessels, including notice posted by the WRC informing the owner of possible consequences and penalties for not removing the vessel. Sets out timing and content requirements for the notice. Outlines a forfeiture and disposal procedure for abandoned and derelict vessels, as well as cargo and equipment in the vessels, that do not comply with the notice and compliance requirements of Article 5. Authorizes recovery of removal costs by the WRC and local governments for abandoned and derelict vessels disposed of under the Article.

Effective July 1, 2025.

Amends the permit requirements for a wind energy facility or facility expansion in GS 143-215.119(a)(4) by requiring the applicant to inform every property owner within 20 miles of the proposed wind energy facility, including the specific location of every proposed wind turbine. Creates new subparagraph (a)(7a), requiring documentation that the applicant filed a request with the FAA for a light-mitigating technology system. Amends subsection (f) to require the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) to provide notice of the time and location of the public hearing on any wind energy facility in each county where the proposed facility will be located as well as any bordering counties.

Amends GS 143-215.120(b) to require documentation of the FAA’s approval of a light-mitigating technology system for a proposed wind energy facility before DEQ makes a final decision on any permit application.

Creates new GS 143-215.121.1 (Light-mitigating technology requirements), requiring wind energy facility or facility expansion permit applicants and permit holders to apply for approval from the FAA and install light-mitigating technology, as defined, on approved wind turbines.

Applies to wind energy facility permits filed on or after the effective date, except that the requirement to apply for and install light-mitigating technology applies to existing wind energy facility permits and holders must apply to the FAA no later than 60 days after the effective date of the act.  

Exempts UL certified persons who construct, furnish, or erect signs and awnings from the general contractor license requirements in new subparagraph GS 87-1(b)(4). Changes “power plan” to “power plant” in subparagraph (b)(1) of that section as a clarifying change.

Allows persons claiming exemption from general contractor licensing as UL certified to furnish an affidavit with documentation when applying for a building permit under new GS 87-14(a)(1a). Directs that the building permit will be revoked if the applicant was not entitled to claim the exemption under GS 87-1(b)(4).

Creates new GS Chapter 131E, Article 11C (340B Covered Entities). In Part 1 (Fair Pricing of 340B Drugs by Hospitals), establishes definitions including the federal 340B Drug Pricing Program authorized under 42 U.S.C. § 256b and “covered entity” as hospitals and children’s hospitals under 42 U.S.C. § 256b(a)(4)(L) or (M). Requires that hospitals and other covered entities under the 340B program that acquire drugs at a discounted rate may not accept a higher cost as payment for dispensing or administering the drugs to patients. Makes a violation of this pricing restriction an unfair or deceptive trade practice subject to action under GS Chapter 75, Article 1.

In Part 2 (340B Covered Entity Transparency), establishes definitions again referencing the federal 340B Drug Pricing Program authorized under 42 U.S.C. § 256b, and adopting a broader definition of “covered entity” that includes additional health facilities from 42 U.S.C. § 256b(a)(4) beyond the definition in Part 1. Requires covered entities such as hospitals to report annually by October 1 to the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) on a series of items related to the dispensing and payment for 340B drugs and the prescribing and pharmacies contracted with the covered entity for 340B drugs. Requires DHHS to post the reports received from covered entities on a public portion of its website. The first report required by Part 2 is due October 1, 2026.

Section 1.

Contains whereas clauses. Titles the act “The Thrive at Midlife Act.”  

Section 2.

Defines essential midlife healthcare services to include seven services, including menopause-related care and hormone therapy, mammograms and cervical cancer screenings, cardiovascular disease prevention, diabetes screenings and management, and telehealth services for midlife-specific conditions. Defines midlife women as individuals assigned female at birth or who identify as women and who are at least 40 but less than 65 years of age.

Section 3.

Enacts GS 58-3-305 requiring all health benefit plans to include coverage for essential midlife services for midlife women. Directs that any cost-sharing requirements, including copayments and deductibles, for essential midlife healthcare services must not exceed those established for preventative services under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PL 111-148) or other federal law. Effective October 1, 2025, and applies to insurance contracts issued, renewed, or amended on or after that date. Requires the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Division of Health Benefits (DHB) to ensure the coverage described.

Effective July 1, 2025, appropriates $10 million from the General Fund to DHHS’s Division of Central Management and Support, Office of Rural Health (ORH) in recurring funds for each year of the 2025-27 fiscal biennium to establish a Midlife Health Access Grant Program (Program) to provide directed grants on a competitive basis to federally qualified health centers, rural health clinics, community-based nonprofit organizations, and other safety-net providers that are capable of providing essential midlife healthcare services to midlife women who are uninsured regardless of their ability to pay. Provides for an application to be developed by ORH. Requires ORH to give priority to grant applicants located in rural and underserved areas of the State and to cap the grant award at $100,000 per grantee. Authorizes ORH to use up to 5% of the allocated fund for administrative costs in establishing and administering the Program. Requires an annual report by ORH on the Program to the specified NCGA committee and the Fiscal Research Division (FRD), due April 1 and to start on April 1, 2027.

Section 4.

Enacts GS 105-153.12, a midlife healthcare individual tax credit, as follows. Defines five terms, including out-of-pocket expenses (total of the following expenses that are not reimbursed by health insurance: expenses for midlife healthcare (defined), expenses for menopause treatment (defined), and expenses for prescription medications (defined)).  Specifies that a taxpayer who has out-of-pocket expenses is allowed a credit against the individual income tax equal to a percentage of the taxpayer's ranging from 100% of out-of-pocket expenses to 0% of those expenses based on the taxpayer’s filing status and adjusted gross income.  Specifies that if the credit allowed by GS 105-153.12 exceeds the amount of individual income tax imposed for the taxable year reduced by the sum of all credits allowable, requires the Secretary of Revenue (Secretary) to refund the excess to the taxpayer, as described.

Enacts GS 105-153.13, establishing a midlife healthcare business tax credit, for a taxpayer who is an eligible business (defined) and has out-of-pocket expenses (defined) against the income tax imposed equal to 10% of their total out-of-pocket expenses. Specifies that if the credit allowed by GS 105-153.13 exceeds the amount of income tax imposed for the taxable year reduced by the sum of all credits allowable, requires the Secretary to refund the excess to the taxpayer, as described. Limits the total amount of credits allowed pursuant to GS 105-153.13 to $5 million in the aggregate for all taxpayers for any one calendar year. Requires an eligible business to apply for the tax.  Requires applications to be accepted on a first come, first served basis. Requires the Department of Revenue (DOR) to submit an annual report to the specified NCGA committee by March 31 of each year on the tax credit, including the matters described.

Effective for taxes imposed for taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2025.

Creates the Thrive at Midlife Grant Program (GP) to be administered by DHHS.  Defines eight terms, including eligible businesses (a business with a physical presence in the State that (1) has its headquarters located in this State, (2) employs 50 or fewer people in this State, (3) has out-of-pocket expenses during the taxable year in which it applies for grant funding under this section, and (iv) submits proof of its out-of-pocket expenses on a form and in a manner approved by the DHHS). Allows eligible businesses to apply DHHS for a grant under the GP, as described. Directs grants to be awarded on a first come, first served basis not to exceed $2,500 per year.  Limits the total of all awarded grants to the total amount of the appropriated funds and available under GP. Requires DHHS to verify that an applicant is an eligible business prior to awarding any funds under GP.  Appropriates $1 million from the General Fund to DHHS for the 2025-26 year to be used for the GP. Authorizes DHHS to use up to 3% of expenses for administrative purposes. Allows DHHS, in conjunction with DOR, to conduct random audits.  Effective July 1, 2025.

Section 5.

Expands the powers and duties of the UNC Board of Governors in GS 116-11 to require each UNC school of medicine to separately establish a midlife health fellowship program meeting the described criteria. Requires each UNC school of medicine to establish a midlife health fellowship program by July 1, 2026.

Amends Section 9B.7A(b) of SL 2023-143 so that the ORH’s telehealth infrastructure grant program includes independent practices that provide essential midlife healthcare services to individuals assigned female at birth or who identify as women and who are at least 40 but less than 65 years of age as one of the rural healthcare services to be given priority under the program. Effective July 1, 2025.

Requires ORH to establish and administer a Regional Midlife Health Hubs Pilot Program (Pilot Program) by October 1, 2025 to evaluate the effectiveness of utilizing a community hub accessible in person, through the World Wide Web, or through any other means of electronic access, to refer midlife women to community-based, essential midlife healthcare services. Places the Pilot Program in the five North Carolina counties with the highest healthcare disparities among midlife women. Requires each participating county to establish a Regional Midlife Health Hub (Hub) responsible for implementing and administering the Pilot Program on behalf of the residents of that county. Effective July 1, 2025, appropriates $2.625 million from the General Fund to ORH for each year of the 2025-27 biennium to fund the Pilot Program, and to be allocated equally amongst the Hubs. Allows each Hub to use up to 5% of its allocated funds for each year of the 2025-27 biennium to pay for administrative costs as specified.  Requires DHHS to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the Pilot Program and submit a report of its findings, including the four specified matters to the specified NCGA committee and the FRD by February 1, 2028. Sunsets the Pilot Program upon the submission of the report.

Section 6.

Effective July 1, 2025, appropriates $500,000 from the General Fund to DHHS for each year of the 2025-27 biennium to launch a statewide educational and public awareness campaign as described on health challenges for midlife women and available resources and services to address these challenges.

Effective July 1, 2025, appropriates $2 million from the General Fund to DHHS for each year of the 2025-27 biennium to provide grants on a competitive basis to local, nonprofit, and faith-based organizations that partner with DHHS to conduct culturally competent outreach and education about health challenges for midlife women and available resources and services to address these challenges. Requires ORH to annually report to the specified NCGA committee and the FRD on the use of such funds including the three listed matter, due on April 1, 2027 and April 1, 2028, respectively.

Section 7.

Annually by February 1, beginning February 1, 2027, requires DHHS to compile an annual Midlife Health Report identifying gaps in health insurance coverage for essential midlife healthcare services and evaluating healthcare  disparities among midlife women residing in the State, to be submitted to the specified NCGA committee, the FRD, and made publicly available on DHHS’s website. Enacts GS 130A-33.45 establishing the nine-member Midlife Health Advisory Council (Council) in DHHS, tasked with five duties, including to identify and examine the limitations and problems associated with existing laws, regulations, programs, and services related to the health status of midlife women and to identify and review health promotion and disease prevention strategies relating to the leading causes of death and disability among midlife women.  Provides for membership appointment, a chair, quorum, clerical support and other services from DHHS, and expenses reimbursement in GS 130A-33.46.

Appropriates $250,000 in recurring funds for each year of the 2025-27 biennium from the General Fund to DHHS for the Council's expenses.

Section 8.

Contains a severability clause.

Contains whereas clauses.

Section 1.  

Amends GS Chapter 17F (concerning law enforcement as follows). Reorganizes GS 17F-1 through 17F-4 into Article 1, titled “General Provisions,” GS 17F-5 (Defenses of highway patrol members) into Article 2, “Liability Provisions,” GS 17F-10 (developing law enforcement early warning system) into Article 3, “Early Warning System,” GS 17F-12 through GS 17F-14 into Article 5, GS 17F-16 through GS 17F-19 into Article 6, and GS 17F-20 and GS 17F-21 into Article 7, “Disposition of Equipment, Property, and Service Animals.

Enacts Article 4 of GS Chapter 17, titled the Community Safety Partnership Act (Act). Defines nine terms. Establishes the Community Safety Partnership Fund (Fund) in GS 17F-11.2 as a special fund within the Department of Public Safety (DPS) to distribute grant funds pursuant to the Community Safety Partnership Grant Program (Program). Tasks DPS with administering the Fund as described. Authorizes the Fund to receive funds from the General Assembly, monies appropriated pursuant to State law, and gifts, grants, or services from any public or private source.

Tasks the Program in GS 17F-11.3 with awarding and distributing grants to county and municipal governments, including internal departments, divisions, or offices of those governments, and nonprofit organizations to support community-led safety projects, including the four described. Specifies that the Program is funded by the Fund. Tasks DPS with establishing guidelines for administering the Program, including the six specified in the statute. Caps maximum grant awards at $100,000 and limits a total award amount to a grantee during a single fiscal year to that amount. Requires DPS to submit an annual report by March 1 each year to the specified NCGA committee on the Program, as specified. If grant funds awarded cannot be paid due to insufficient funds in the Fund, directs for payment to be delayed until sufficient funds are available and no further grant awards should be made until sufficient funds are available.

Establishes an eight-member Community Safety Partnership Commission (Commission) in DPS to ensure transparency and proper implementation of the Act. Provides for appointments, four-year terms, vacancies, election of a chair, quorum, compensation and reimbursement for expenses, meetings, and a report to DPS and the specified NCGA committee by March 1 of each year to include information on four specified matters including effectiveness of projects funded by Program grants. 

Enacts GS 17F-11.6 which creates community safety officer initiative program as follows. Grants a one-time $1,500 bonus to those officers who attend at least 10 approved community safety meetings in a calendar year to be paid within 60 days of the officer's attendance at the tenth meeting. For officers who attend at least 20 approved meetings, provides for an additional one-time $500 bonus, to be paid within 60 days of the officer's attendance at the 20th meeting. Specifies that the bonus payments supplement the law enforcement officer's salary. Provides for attendance system. 

Section 2.

Enacts GS 105-153.12, establishing a tax credit for a taxpayer attending approved community safety meetings as follows. Specifies that a taxpayer that attends at least 10 approved community safety meetings, as evidenced by the Department of Revenue (DOR) statewide digital tracking system (a digital statewide tracking system enacted in GS 17F-11.4 to record attendance at approved community safety meetings), in the taxable year, is allowed a credit against their income tax equal to $500. Provides reduction of the credit claimed by a nonresident or part-year resident claiming the credit as required by GS 105-153.4. Specifies that if the credit allowed exceeds the amount of tax income imposed for the taxable year reduced by the sum of all credits allowable, the Secretary of DOR must refund the excess to the taxpayer as described. Requires, in GS 17F-11.5, DPS to notify the public, as well as chairs or representatives in charge of approved community safety meetings of the opportunity to qualify for this tax credit. 

Effective for taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2026.

Section 3.

Requires DPS and DOR to promulgate rules to implement the act. Contains a severability clause.

Titles the act "The Hands Free NC Act."

Repeals GS 20-137.3 (pertaining to unlawful use of a mobile phone while operating a vehicle by persons under 18 years of age), GS 20-137.4 (pertaining to unlawful use of a mobile phone while operating a school bus), and GS 20-137.4A (pertaining to unlawful use of mobile telephone for text messaging or electronic mail while operating a vehicle). 

Enacts new GS 20-137.3A as follows. Prohibits operating a motor vehicle (1) with a wireless communication device in the person's hand, (2) while watching a video or movie or communicating by video on a wireless communication device, or (3) while texting on a wireless communication device. Defines wireless communication device as (1) a cell phone, personal digital assistant, electronic device with mobile data access, laptop computer, pager, smartwatch, broadband personal communication device, electronic game, and portable computing device or (2) a device through which personal wireless services, as defined in specified federal law, are transmitted. Defines operating a motor vehicle as operating a motor vehicle on a public street, highway, or public vehicular area, excluding where vehicle is off, or to the side of, a public street, highway, or public vehicular area in a location where the motor vehicle can safely remain stationary. Defines texting to mean entering text into, or reading text from, a wireless communication device. Sets out exceptions to the prohibition when (1) the device is used to communicate an emergency to one of the specified public safety entities; (2) the device is used in the performance of official duties by one of seven specified classes of public safety officers, public utilities vehicle operators, and radio response operators; or (3) an operator of a commercial motor vehicle who is using the two-way radio device or its equivalent. Prohibits persons under 18 from operating a motor vehicle while using a wireless communication device unless for following the recommended route by an electronic navigation system or communicating in an emergency situation, as specified. Specifies that the statute does not prohibit the use of equipment installed by the manufacturer and integrated into the vehicle by any person while operating a motor vehicle. First offenses (for a person with no prior or no offense in the prior 36 months) are an infraction punishable by a $100 fee with no insurance points. Second offenses (where a person is guilty of a first offense within the previous 36 months) are an infraction with a $150 fine and insurance points. Third and subsequent offenses (where a person is guilty of two or more offenses within the previous 36 months) are an infraction with a $200 fine and insurance points. Violations by school bus operators are subject to the penalties above but the person will be guilty of a Class 2 misdemeanor instead of an infraction. Clarifies that the statute does not authorize seizure of a wireless communication device. Prohibits local governments from passing ordinances regulating this topic. Directs the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles and the Superintendent of Public Instruction to incorporate in its driver education and licensing programs instructions designed to encourage compliance with the statute and requirements and penalties specified by law. 

Amends GS 58-36-75 to require the North Carolina Rate Bureau to assign one insurance point under the Safe Drive Incentive Plan for a person convicted for a second offense and two insurance points for a person convicted for a third or subsequent offense.

Amends GS 20-11 as follows. Prohibits limited learner's permit holders and limited provisional license holders from using a wireless communication device while operating a motor vehicle (was, prohibits the use of a mobile telephone or other additional technology associated with a mobile telephone). Amends the criteria to be met in order to obtain such permits and licenses to require that the individual have not been convicted of a violation of new GS 20-137.3A (was, a violation of GS 20-137.3, which makes it unlawful for a person under age 18 to use a mobile phone while driving). Makes additional conforming changes. Makes the failure to comply with restrictions regarding the use of a wireless communication device while operating a motor vehicle an infraction punishable under GS 20-137.3A (was, failure to comply with the restriction regarding the use of a mobile phone while operating a motor vehicle in an infraction punishable by a $25 fine). Makes unlawful use of a mobile telephone under GS 20-137.3A a conviction under the definition of serious traffic violation in GS 20-4.01 (definitions provision pertaining to the Division of Motor Vehicles).

Applies to offenses committed on or after December 1, 2025. Requires issuing only warning tickets for the first six months. Provides a savings clause for offenses committed before the effective date of the act. 

Amends GS 15A-1343 by prohibiting extending probation solely for failing to pay the supervision fee.

Amends GS 15A-1343, concerning allowable conditions of probation, as follows. Removes the provision requiring a person on supervised probation to pay a supervision fee; makes conforming deletions. Amends the special conditions and intermediate conditions that may be imposed to no longer include paying the community service program fee required by GS 143B-1483.

Amends GS 15A-1343.2 by amending the probation rules that apply to persons sentenced under Article 81B (Structured Sentencing) to no longer allow paying the supervision fee.

Enacts new GS 122C-146A requiring an LME or LME/MCO to reimburse private entities for the costs incurred for inpatient treatment services that extend beyond 30 days performed on behalf of clients under a commitment order. 

Appropriates $237.5 million from the State Capital and Infrastructure Fund to the UNC Board of Governors for 2025-26 to be allocated to NC Agricultural & Technical University and Winston-Salem University in the specified amounts for the purposes described. Effective July 1, 2025. 

Enacts GS 147-64.6(c)(24) as title indicates.

Enacts GS 147-64.6(c)(24) as title indicates.

Amends GS 115D-5(b)(2)(d) (list of organizations that receive community college tuition waivers for courses that support the organization’s training needs and that are on a specialized list) to include municipal and county departments whose primary responsibility is to: (1) embed mental health clinicians in 911 call centers to assist in directing and providing appropriate resources to calls for service and (2) pair mental health clinicians, peer support specialists, and other trained professionals with first responders to respond to calls for service, as part of municipal, county, or State EMS or rescue and lifesaving departments covered by the statute. Effective July 1, 2025.

Appropriates the following sums from the General Fund to the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) for these listed purposes:  

• $1.71 million recurring funds for each year of the 2025-2027 fiscal biennium to DEQ’s Division of Coastal Management (DCM) for two full-time positions to staff the Resilient Coastal Communities Program and to provide grant funding for specified projects;
• $470,000 recurring funds for each year of the 2025-2027 fiscal biennium to DCM for five full-time positions in the Coastal Habitat Assessment Program;
• $990,000 recurring funds for each year of the 2025-2027 fiscal biennium for six full-time positions to continue implementation of the Flood Resiliency Blueprint;
• $1.210 million recurring funds and $500,000 in nonrecurring funds for the 2025-2026 fiscal year for eight full-time positions pertaining to customer service, grant administration, and technical assistance to businesses;
• $600,000 recurring funds and $10,000 in nonrecurring funds to the Division of Marine Fisheries for the 2025-2026 fiscal year for five full-time marine patrol officer positions;
• $400,000 recurring funds  for each year of the 2025-2027 biennium and $550,000 in nonrecurring funds to the Division of Air Quality for the 2025-2026 fiscal year for three full-time positions to staff the mobile air quality monitoring unit;
• $3.15 million in nonrecurring funds for the 2025-2026 fiscal year to fund overtopping studies for all remaining high and intermediate hazard dams in the State;
• $1.5 million in nonrecurring funds for the 2025-2026 fiscal year to be used for the 10% cost-share required for Superfund cleanups on the National Priority List sites and to pay the operating and maintenance costs associated with those Superfund cleanups;
• $4,010,000 recurring funds for each year of the 2025-2027 biennium and $590,000 in nonrecurring funds for the 2025-2026 fiscal year to staff 24 full-time positions to assist DEQ in addressing the emerging compounds (including PFAs) issue in the State;
• $2 billion in nonrecurring funds for the 2025-2026 fiscal year for the Water Infrastructure Fund to be allocated to the Drinking Water Reserve and the Wastewater Reserve to provide project construction grants for public water systems and wastewater systems. Specifies that the limits set forth in GS 159G-36(c) (concerning grant limits pertaining to water infrastructure) do not apply to grants awarded from these funds.

Effective July 1, 2025. 

Refers to the act as the "North Carolina Equal Pay Act."

Enacts new GS 95-25.6A (Discrimination in payment of wages on the basis of gender of employee prohibited). Defines comparable work and working conditions.

Prohibits discrimination on the basis of gender in the payment of salary or wages, including benefits, or payment of salary or wage rates less than the rates paid to employees of a different gender for comparable work. Provides that variations in salary and wages are not prohibited if the variations are based on six listed things, including seniority, merit, and geographic location. Provides that an employer in violation of this statute may not reduce the pay of any employee to comply with this statute.

Prohibits employers from (1) requiring employees to refrain from inquiring about, discussing, or disclosing wages; (2) screening job applicants based on their wage histories; (3) seeking the salary history of prospective employees from current or former employers; or (4) discharging employees for opposing acts made unlawful by this statute, complaining or causing a proceeding under this statute, testifying or otherwise participating in an investigation or proceeding under this statute, or disclosing wage information.

Provides that employers violating this statute are liable to affected employees in the amount of the employees' unpaid salary or wages, including benefits and reasonable attorneys fees at the court's discretion. Provides a three-year statute of limitations for actions arising from a violation, and includes each separate wage payment in violation of this statute as a violation for purposes of the statute of limitations.

Requires employers to post notice in their workplaces of employees' rights under this statute.

Effective January 1, 2026.

Includes whereas clauses.

Appropriates $5 million from the General Fund to the Office of State Budget and Management for 2025-26 for a directed grant to Mecklenburg County for the repair and improvement of orphan roads in non-municipal areas of the County.

Requires the Department of Transportation to make necessary improvements to Grand Palisades Parkway for acceptance of a subdivision street, after which the Departmemt must accept the Parkway into the State highway system for maintenance. Appropriates $750,000 from the Highway Fund to the Department for 2025-26 to make these improvements.

Effective July 1, 2025.

Amends GS 105-153.5 (modifications to adjusted gross income) as title indicates. Adds to subsection (b) (other deductions) new subdivision (7a) allowing small businesses, as defined, to deduct a percentage of revenue used for capital expenditures, also defined, the percentage of which is determined by the amount of adjusted gross income. Adds to subsection (c) (additions to adjusted gross income) new subdivision (7a) requiring a taxpayer to include the amount deducted in a prior taxable year pursuant to (b)(7a) if the amount was withdrawn and not used to pay for capital improvements. 

Effective for taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2025.

Part I.

Directs the Housing Finance Agency (Agency) to establish a program under the Homeownership Fund to provide assistance, in the form of reimbursement or direct payment, to first-time homebuyers that are employed full-time as public servants in the State. Defines public servant as an active duty member or veteran, law enforcement officer, teacher, firefighter, or EMS personnel employed in the State. Defines first-time homebuyer. Provides for the lesser of $25,000 or 10% of the purchase price for down payment assistance, mortgage insurance premium assistance, and closing costs. Allows for monthly mortgage insurance payment assistance for up to 60 months for any single first-time homebuyer. Authorizes the Agency to adopt, modify, or repeal rules and regulations to implement the act. Includes other defined terms. 

Appropriates $200 million in recurring funds from the General Fund to the Homeownership Assistance Fund for 2025-26 to be used to implement the act. 

Effective July 1, 2025. 

Part II.

Enacts GS 105-153.12 to create an income tax credit of up to $5,000, or the amount of tax imposed for the taxable year calculated as described, for eligible firefighters and rescue squad workers for the amount of ordinary, reasonable business expenses related to their rescue work for which they are not reimbursed by the department or squad. Bars claiming the credit as both an eligible firefighter and an eligible rescue squad worker, defined to mean unpaid members of a volunteer fire department or rescue or emergency medical services squad who attended at least 36 hours of drills or training and meetings, as specified. Effective for taxable years beginning January 1, 2025.

Identical to H 521, filed 3/26/25.

Includes whereas clauses.

Enacts new Article 3A of GS Chapter 95, to be cited as the Healthy Families and Healthy Workplaces Act (HFHW Act). Denotes that state public policy in promoting the general welfare of the people of North Carolina requires the enactment of new Article 3A under the police power of the state.

Provides definitions for the following terms as used in the HFHW Act: child, domestic violence, employ, employee, employer, health care provider, immediate family member, paid sick time or paid sick days, parent, sexual assault, small business, and stalking.

Provides that the proposed HFHW Act does not apply to (1) bona fide volunteers in an organization where an employer-employee relationship does not exist or (2) any person who is exempt from the Wage and Hour Act under GS 95-25.14(a)(2) through (8), GS 95-25.14(b), GS 95-25.14 (b1), GS 95-25.14(c), and GS 95-25.14(e). Makes an exception regarding domestic workers, providing that they are exempt only if they are employed in the place of residence of their employer.

Provides that paid sick time begins to accrue at the start of employment at a rate of one hour of paid sick time for every 30 hours worked. Provides additional guidelines regarding discretionary advancement of sick time by the employer, limits on the amount of paid sick time accrued, and the accrual of paid sick time when there is a separation of employment followed by a rehiring by the same employer. Provides that with the exception of the specified exemptions to the proposed HFHW Act, any employee who works in North Carolina and who must be absent from work for the reasons delineated in proposed new GS 95-31.5(a) is entitled to paid sick time.  

Directs that paid sick time is to be provided by an employer to an employee who meets any of the following reasons listed in proposed new GS 95-31.5: (1) to care for a member of the employee's immediate family suffering from health issues or to care for the employee's own health or (2) absence necessary due to the circumstances resulting from the employee or an immediate family member of the employee being a victim of stalking or domestic violence or sexual violence if leave allows the employee or family member to obtain: medical attention needed to recover from physical or psychological injury or disability caused by stalking or domestic violence or sexual violence; services from a designated domestic violence agency or other victim services organization; psychological or other counseling, relocation, or legal services. Permits the employer to require certification of the qualifying health issue or event when a paid sick time period covers more than three consecutive work days. Provides guidelines for determining what may be deemed acceptable certification. Provides that an employer may not require certification from a health care provider employed by the employer. Prohibits an employer from requiring the disclosure of details relating to domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, or an employee's medical condition as a condition of providing paid sick time to an employee. Directs an employer to treat as confidential any information that the employer acquires about the employee or the employee's immediate family regarding domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, or health conditions. Prohibits the employer from requiring an employee to secure a replacement worker as a condition of providing sick time under the proposed HFHW Act. Specifies that an employer's absence control policy must not count paid sick time as an absence that may lead to or result in a retaliatory personnel action or any other adverse action. Directs the employee to make a good faith effort, when the use of sick time is foreseeable, to provide the employer with advance notice. States that this act provides minimum requirements regarding paid sick time and should not be construed to limit, preempt, or otherwise affect other applicability of law, regulation, or policy that extends additional or greater protections to employees, nor should this proposed act be construed to discourage employers from adopting more generous paid sick time policies. Provides that employers already offering a paid sick time policy do not have to modify that policy providing that the paid sick time policy currently in place offers an employee, at his or her discretion, the option to take paid sick time equivalent to the amount and for the same purposes offered under the proposed HFHW Act.

Requires employers to provide notice to employees, in Spanish and English, of their entitlement to paid sick time as well as other related information. Notice may be provided by supplying each employee with a notice in Spanish and English or by conspicuously displaying a poster in the place of employment in both languages. Prohibits employers from retaliating against employees who request or use paid sick time. Provides that an employee has a right to file a complaint with the Commissioner of Labor (Commissioner) or in the General Court of Justice if an employer (1) denies an employee paid sick time or (2) retaliates against an employee for requesting or taking paid sick time.

Authorizes the Commissioner to enforce and administer the provisions of the proposed HFHW Act. Provides criteria regarding an employer's liability for a violation under the proposed HFHW Act, including provisions for the potential awarding of liquidated damages for a violation of the act. Directs that actions under the proposed HFHW Act must be brought within two years pursuant to GS 1-53. Also provides that the rights and remedies created under the HFHW Act are supplementary to all existing common law and statutory rights and remedies. Directs the Commissioner to adopt rules to implement the proposed act. Provides that the provisions of the proposed act are severable.

Makes conforming changes to GS 95-241(a).

Effective January 1, 2026, and applies only to covered employment on or after that date and does not apply to any collective bargaining agreement in effect on January 1, 2026, until the agreement's stated expiration date; however, the act applies upon the agreement's renewal, extension, amendment, or modification in any respect after January 1, 2026.

Current law allows persons in a personal relationship to obtain a protective order on the grounds of domestic violence if certain types of injuries occurred. GS 50B-1 defines personal relationship as including persons who either live together or who have lived together or who are in a current or former dating relationship as “persons of the opposite sex.” The act amends GS 50B-1 to remove references to persons of the opposite sex from those instances so that the law would enable couples of any sex to obtain a protective order if all other grounds for the order were present.

Appropriates $1.5 billion in non-recurring funds from the General Fund to the Department of Public Instruction (DPI) for the 2025-26 fiscal year to be allocated to local school administrative units to make the following improvements:
(1) $1 billion allocated to make energy efficient improvements to school buildings, such as weatherizing doors/windows, insulating pipes, installing energy efficient lighting, upgrading HVAC systems, upgrading water systems, installing building management systems, upgrading plug load management systems, and upgrading electric water coolers;
(2) $250 million allocated to install solar panels on school buildings and make necessary roof repairs related to solar panel installation; and
(3) $250 million allocated to replace qualifying school buses (buses that are 10 years or older by model year and that run on motor fuel in whole or in part) with electric school buses assembled in North Carolina.
Effective July 1, 2025.

Finds that survivors of domestic violence and the children of domestic violence survivors undergo multiple forms of abuses, including monetary abuse, and that survivors of domestic violence need multiple pathways to remedy coerced debt and to repair credit reports. Declares that the public policy of this State to provide remedies for economic abuse against domestic violence survivors.

Enacts Chapter 1H of the General Statutes, the North Carolina Coerced Debt Relief Act. Defines claimant as person or an entity who has or purports to have a claim against a debtor arising from coerced debt, or that person's or entity's successor or assignee. This definition includes, but is not limited to, a debt collector or a debt buyer. The term does not include a person who caused the claim to arise through duress, intimidation, threat of force, force, fraud, or undue influence perpetrated against the debtor.

Defines coerced debt as a particular debt, or portion thereof, for personal, family, or household use in the name of a debtor who is a victim of domestic violence as defined in GS 50B-1, or a victim of domestic abuse as defined in GS 14-32.3(a), or a current or former child in foster care as defined in GS 131D-10.2, incurred as a result of duress, intimidation, threat of force, force, or undue influence.

Defines adequate documentation as documentation that identifies a particular debt, or portion thereof, as coerced debt, describes the circumstances under which the coerced debt was incurred, and takes the form of any of the following: (1) a police report; (2) a Federal Trade Commission identity theft report identifying a particular debt, or portion thereof, as coerced, but not as identity theft; (3) court order issued under Chapter 50 or Chapter 50B of the General Statutes relating to domestic violence, Chapter 7B of the General  Statutes relating to an abused, neglected, or dependent juvenile, or GS 108A-106 relating to disabled adults; (4) a sworn written certification from a qualified third-party professional based on information they received while acting in a professional capacity. This documentation must be signed by a qualified third-party professional and display the letterhead, address, and telephone number of the office, institution, center, or organization, as appropriate, that engages or employs, whether financially compensated or not, the qualified third-party professional, or, if the qualified third-party  professional is self-employed, the documentation shall display the letterhead, address, and telephone number of the qualified third-party professional.

Defines debtor as the person who owes or is otherwise liable for coerced debt.

Also defines abuse, claim, fraud, immediate family member, person, qualified third-party professional, and sworn written certification.

Prohibits a person from causing another person to incur a coerced debt. Specifies that a person who causes another person to incur a coerced debt will be civilly liable to the claimant (i.e., creditor) for the amount of the debt, or portion of the debt to be determined by a court, plus the claimant’s attorneys’ fees or costs. Specifies that GS 1H does not apply to secured debts nor does it authorize a court to order a claimant to refund any money already paid on a debt that is found to be coerced. Further specifies that GS 1H does not diminish the rights of a claimant to recover payment for a coerced debt or debts from the person who coerced a debtor into incurring that debt. Clarifies that GS 1H does not reduce or eliminate any other rights or defenses available to a debtor or claimant pursuant to any other law.

Sets forth the following process for debtor who alleges a coerced debt to seek review of the debt by the claimant claiming the debt. Requires a claimant to stop collection until it concludes review after receiving adequate documentation and the debtor’s sworn written certification that a particular debt, or portion thereof, is a coerced debt. Requires a claimant to notify any consumer credit reporting agencies to which the debt has been reported, that the debt is in dispute within 10 business days of receiving the statement and adequate documentation. Requires claimant to provide written instructions to a debtor on the form and documentation required to allege a coerced debt if the information is provided orally or is incomplete. 

Requires the claimant to initiate a review considering all of the information provided by the debtor and other information available to the claimant in its file. Within 30 days of completing the review, the claimant must notify the debtor in writing of the claimant's determination and the good-faith basis for that determination. The claimant must not recommence collection activities until the debtor has been notified in writing of the good-faith determination that the information does not establish that the particular debt, or portion thereof, is coerced debt. Provides that no inference or presumption that a debt is valid or invalid, or about the liability of the debtor for the debt, will arise if the claimant decides after its review to cease or recommence collection activities. Specifies that the exercise or nonexercised of rights under GS 1H is not a waiver of any other right or defense of the debtor or claimant.

Requires a claimant who has ceased collection activities and does not recommence those activities to do the following: (1) if they have furnished adverse information to a consumer credit reporting agency regarding the debtor and a particular debt, or portion thereof, notify the agency to delete that information no later than 10 business days after making its determination and (2) if the claimant is a debt collector, notify the creditor no later than 10 business days after making its determination that collection activities have been terminated based upon the debtor's assertion that a particular debt, or portion thereof, being collected is coerced debt.

Requires a debtor to provide notice to a claimant if they are going to file a lawsuit or other action against the claimant in connection with the coerced debt 30 days before filing suit. Specifies rules relating to that notice. Prevents a debtor from filing an action against a claimant if the claimant informs the debtor that it has ceased all efforts to collect on the particular debt, or portion thereof, identified in the debtor’s pre-suit notice, discussed above, and the debtor receives a written notice of cessation before the expiration of the 30-day time period discussed above. Sets the following as preconditions to a lawsuit against a claimant brought by a debtor in connection with a coerced debt: (1) expiration of the 30-day period and the collection activities have not ceased or the debtor has not received written notice that collection activities have ceased; or (2) the debtor receives written notice of the claimant’s good-faith determination that the information does not establish that the particular debt, or portion thereof, is coerced debt.

Authorizes a claimant to bring suit against a claimant to establish that a particular debt, or portion thereof, is a coerced debt, both by filing directly or by cross-complaint in an action brought by the claimant against the debtor to recover the debt.  If the action is initiated by cross-complaint, the pre-suit notice discussed above is not required. Requires the debtor to plead with particularity and to attach the documents originally provided to the creditor (discussed above) to the complaint. Specifies that if the debtor establishes by a preponderance of the evidence that the debt is a coerced debt, they are entitled to the following relief: (1) a declaratory judgment that the debtor is not obligated to the claimant on the particular debt, or portion thereof, that is coerced debt; (2) an injunction prohibiting the claimant from holding or attempting to hold the debtor personally liable on the particular debt, or portion thereof, that is coerced debt, and prohibiting the claimant from enforcing a judgment related to the particular debt, or portion thereof, that is coerced debt against the debtor; (3) an order dismissing any cause of action brought by the claimant to enforce or collect on the particular debt from the debtor or, if only a portion of the debt is established as coerced debt, an order directing that the complaint and judgment, if any, in the action be amended to reflect only the portion of the particular debt that is not coerced debt. Authorizes the court to enter judgment against the person who coerced the debt if the debt is found to be coerced debt and that person is within the jurisdiction of the court and the evidence supports that finding. Directs the court to take steps to prevent abuse of the debtor or an immediate family member, including sealing court records, redacting personally identifiable information, and directing that any deposition or evidentiary hearing be conducted remotely.

Specifies that a debtor who knowingly files false motions, pleadings, or other frivolous or dilatory tactics will be liable for the claimant’s attorneys’ fees and costs in defending the lawsuit. Allows for a claimant to move for written findings regarding evidence related to the person who caused the coerced debt to be incurred.

Specifies that a claimant has standing to collect a debt by any lawful means from a person who coerced a debt when it has been determined that a debt is a coerced debt. Specifies statute of limitations for that action. Contains severability clause. Specifies that Chapter 1H applies only to debts incurred on or after July 1, 2025, except that a debtor may file a cross-complaint in an action filed by a claimant to collect a debt incurred prior to July 1, 2025, unless a final judgment has been entered in that action.

Effective July 1, 2025.  

Identical to H 536, filed 3/26/25.

Section 1.

Expands the practices that are included in the definition of physical therapy under GS 90-270.90 to include the standards of acceptable and prevailing physical therapy practice. Makes organizational changes.

Section 2.

Changes references from “North Carolina Physical Therapy Association, Inc.” to the “American Physical Therapy Association North Carolina” in GS 90-270.91 (NC Board of Physical Therapy Examiners [Board]). Modifies the ground for immediate removal from the Board, so that the member no longer has to fail to attend three successive meetings without just cause; allows for immediate removal for failure to attend three meetings without just cause. Makes a technical change.  

Section 3.

Modifies the powers of the Board under GS 90-270.92 as follows. Allows the Board to restrict licenses to practices physical therapy in the State and encumber licensed physical therapists, in addition to the methods of discipline specified. Now requires that these disciplinary measures can only be imposed against physical therapists and physical therapist assistants who demonstrate unprofessional conduct, including departure from, or failure to conform to the standards commensurate with acceptable and prevailing physical therapy practice, or the ethics of the physical therapy profession as defined by the American Physical Therapy Association, Code of Ethics for the Physical Therapist, and Standards of Ethical Conduct for the Physical Therapist Assistant. Allows the Board to also contract for personnel to carry out the provisions of Article 18E in GS Chapter 90 (currently, can only employ such personnel). Makes clarifying and conforming changes.

Section 4.

Requires Board records of persons in GS 90-270.93 licensed under Article 18E to include email information.

Section 5.

Modifies the qualifications of applicants before the Board in GS 90-270.95 to remove references to examination. Changes references to the Council on Postsecondary Accreditation to the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. Makes technical changes. Makes conforming changes, including to statute's title.

Section 6.

Amends GS 90-270.96 so that refusal of an applicant to consent to a criminal background check must constitute grounds for the Board to deny the applicant licensure (currently, Board has discretion).

Section 7.

Modifies the class of applicants for the license available under GS 20-270.97 so that it covers applicants from a non-CAPTE (Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education) educational program (was, applicants trained in a foreign country). Removes references to examinations. Makes technical and conforming changes, including to the statute's title.  

Section 8.

Removes provisions in GS 90-270.98 (certificates of licensure) allowing the Board to require supervised practice of a newly graduated applicant for licensure and provisions pertaining to examination for licensure so that the Board must just furnish a license to applicants meeting the requirements of GS 90-270.95. Modifies the comity requirements so that the Board can no longer furnish a license to a physical therapist of a physical therapist assistant registered in another state, as described. Also requires any person receiving comity to satisfy the requirements of GS 90-270.95.

Section 9.

Amends the application period for a person to apply for licensure renewal under GS 90-270.99 so it runs from November 1 to the close of business on January 31 (currently, the month of January). Extends the end of the renewal period to the next business day if January 31 does not fall on a business day.

Section 10.

Amends the fee schedule set forth in GS 90-270.100 to include a $150 fee for a continuing competence course approval and to remove the examination retake, late renewal, and directory fee. Removes references to fees incurred if the Board uses a national testing service as part of its administration of an exam.

Section 11.

Adds an exemption to the licensure requirement in GS 90-270.10 for physical therapist or physical therapist assistant applicants seeking licensure or revival while completing the clinical practice requirements required by Article 18E and licensees performing remediation. Specifies that completing the clinical practice requirement without a license and performing remediation must be performed under a Board-approved plan and supervision of a licensed physical therapist. Makes a conforming change.

Section 12.

Amends GS 90-270.102 (listing unlawful practice under Article 18E) as follows. Makes it a violation to fail to refer a patient to a licensed medical doctor or appropriate healthcare professional (was, licensed medical doctor and dentist) whose medical condition should have, at the time of evaluation or treatment, been determined to be beyond the scope of practice of a physical therapist. Makes a conforming change.

Section 13.

Removes references to conviction of a crime of moral turpitude in GS 90-270.103 (grounds for disciplinary action) and replaces it with conviction of a misdemeanor. Adds a violation of the recognized standards of ethics of the physical therapy profession established under the rules adopted by the Board as another ground for discipline.

Section 14.

Authorizes the Board to adopt rules to implement the act.

Section 15.

Effective October 1, 2025.

 

Amends GS 116-143.1 to charge persons meeting all of the following the in-State tuition rate at UNC constituent institutions and NC community colleges: (1) the person graduated and received a high school diploma from a school in North Carolina or received a high school equivalency diploma within North Carolina; (2) the person attended NC schools for at least two consecutive years immediately prior to completing high school; (3) if the person does not have lawful immigration status, the person submits an affidavit to the State Education Assistance Authority through the coordinated and centralized residency determination process within 60 days of enrollment asserting that, to the extent permitted under federal law, he or she has filed an application to legalize his or her status or he or she intends to file an application to legalize his or her status upon becoming eligible to do so; and (4) the person is enrolled in a constituent institution or community college. Makes confidential and not a public record any information obtained as part of the process of applying for in-State tuition under these provisions. Effective July 1, 2025, and applies beginning with the 2025-26 academic year.

Amends GS 105-187.19 to require that 30% of the net proceeds of the scrap tire disposal tax be credited to the Scrap Tire Disposal Account (was, the entire 30% was credited to the General Fund), and adds that excess funds are to be credited to the Highway Fund if the amount in the Account exceeds $300,000 at the end of a fiscal year.

Reenacts GS 130A-309.63, Scrap Tire Disposal Account, as it existed immediately prior to repeal and makes the following changes. Specifies that the Account is located within the Department of Environmental Quality. Amends the allowable uses of the Account's revenue, to allow the use of up to 75% (was, 50%) for grants to local governments to assist in the disposal of scrap tires, allows the use of up to 15% (was, 40%) for grants to encourage the use of processed scrap tire materials, allows the use of up to $175,000 for administrative costs and to support a position for implementation (was, an unspecified amount could be used to support a position with specified duties), and allow the use of remaining revenue to clean up illegal scrap tire collection sites (was, scrap tire collection sites) that are nuisances. Removes the deadline for the report to the Environmental Review Commission (ERC) on the implementation of the NC Scrap Tire Disposal Act.

Repeals GS 130A-309.64 concerning grants for the disposal of scrap tires and activities related to scrap tires.

Amends GS 130A-309.06 to require the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) to include in its annual report to the ERC and specified NCGA division on solid waste management, the beginning and ending balances in the Scrap Tire Disposal Account for the reporting period, and the amount credited to the Scrap Tire Disposal Account during the reporting period. Makes conforming changes.

Amends GS 130A-309.09C to provide that local governments that do not comply with the requirements of GS 130A-309.09A(b) (requiring making a good-faith effort to achieve the State's 40% municipal solid waste reduction goal and to comply with the State's comprehensive solid waste management plan), GS 130A-309.09A(d) (requiring annual reporting on the solid waste management programs and waste reduction activities within the unit of local government), and GS 130A-309.09B(a) (including specific requirements for a local government's solid waste reduction program) are not eligible for grants from the Scrap Tire Disposal Account (in addition to the Solid Waste Management Trust Fund and White Goods Management Account) and shall not receive the proceeds of the scrap tire disposal tax or white goods disposal tax. Requires that the proceeds of the taxes withheld to be credited to the Highway Fund instead of the General Fund.

Amends GS 130A-309.54 to no longer allow the tax on new tires to be used for the cleanup of inactive hazardous waste sites and for the purposes for which the Bernard Allen Memorial Emergency Drinking Water Fund may be used, limiting the use to the disposal of scrap tires.

The above provisions are effective October 1, 2025, and apply to quarterly crediting of the proceeds of the scrap tire disposal tax occurring on or after that date.