House committee substitute to the 1st edition makes the following changes.
Amends proposed GS 116-11.5, concerning requirement of American history or American government instruction for a baccalaureate degree, by including George Washington’s Farewell Address in the documents students must read. Requires that the UNC Board of Governors remove one elective course requirement to account for this requirement.
Amends proposed GS 115D-11, concerning requirement of American history or American government instruction for an associate degree, by including George Washington’s Farewell Address in the documents students must read. Requires that the State Board of Community Colleges remove one elective course requirement to account for this requirement. Instead of allowing removal of the president of a community college for failure to comply with the statute over more than one academic year, allows the withdrawal or withholding of State financial and administrative support for a community college that does not comply for more than one academic year and specifies that this noncompliance also constitutes noncompliance under GS 115D-6.5 (requiring boards of trustees of the community colleges to comply with applicable State laws, rules, and sound fiscal and management practices).
Amends GS 115C-81.45 by adding George Washington’s Farewell Address to the documents high school students must read as part of the course satisfying the Founding Principles of the US and the State of NC course requirements.
The Daily Bulletin: 2025-04-02
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The Daily Bulletin: 2025-04-02
House amendment to the 2nd edition makes the following changes.
Amends proposed GS 14-159.51 by amending the conditions that must be met for a property owner or authorized representative of the property to request removal of an unauthorized person unlawfully occupying the property to clarify that the unauthorized person must not be a tenant of the owner of the property that is being illegally occupied.
| Intro. by Tyson, Biggs, K. Hall, Howard. | GS 14 |
House committee substitute to the 1st edition makes the following changes. Makes conforming changes, including to act’s long title. Makes organizational changes.
Section 3.
Removes provisions from GS 130A-335 prohibiting a local board of health from adopting any more stringent modifications or additions to wastewater system rules unless the local board of health has entered into an agreement with the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) under GS 143-300.8 (defense of local sanitarians), and DHHS has reviewed and approved the modification or addition. Removes reference to “rules of evidence” as part of the act’s requirement that DHHS determine the validity of proposals from local boards of health seeking modifications or additions to rules established by the Commission based solely on the necessity to protect the public health. Removes references to “evaluating the validity of a local health department's proposed modifications or additions under (c)(3),” as part of DHHS’s obligation to hold public hearings and set out notice requirements. Removes requirement that DHHS review all approved rules adopted by a local health department under this provision every four years and rescind approval for any rule DHHS finds is unnecessary to protect the public health. Removes provisions (1) making improvement permits for which a plat or site plan (was plat) is provided valid without expiration and (2) requiring display of a statement on an application permit and permit that an Improvement Permit or a Construction Authorization is subject to revocation or amendment if the intended use, design daily flow, or site conditions change.
Removes conforming changes to GS 130A-336(a) as well as changes to GS 130A-336(b). Instead, makes the following changes to GS 130A-336(b) (concerning improvement permits and construction authorization). Removes provisions authorizing a local health department to issue a Construction Authorization at the same time as an Improvement Permit. Requires DHHS, the local health department, or the Authorized On-Site Wastewater Evaluator (Evaluator) to verify that the system can be installed and operated according to the specified rules and that it is unchanged from the site conditions found on the Improvement Permit prior to the issuance of a Construction Authorization. Requires DHHS, the local health department, or the Evaluator to delay the start of construction until such verification is provided. Specifies that site verifications are not required prior to beginning a repair of an existing wastewater system unless the verification is required as a condition of the system’s Construction Authorization. Excludes evaluations of long-term acceptance rates or the requirement of pits from verification of site conditions. Provides for waiver of right to verification by the owner, as described. Specifies that DHHS, its employees and agents, local health departments, Evaluators or contractors will have no liability for site condition changes after the issuance of a Construction Authorization for any Construction Authorization after receiving a verification waiver form from the site owner. Makes technical changes to GS 130A-337 and now requires that an inspection by a local health department confirm that a system of wastewater collection conform to the requirements of the Construction Authorization, in addition to the Improvement Permit, rules and Article 11 of GS Chapter 130A.
Applies to permits applied for on or after the act becomes law.
Makes technical changes.
Section 4.
Removes provisions pertaining to a private drinking water well task force.
New Section 4 (was, Section 5).
Removes provisions in GS 87-96(a) that specify that the provisions of any law, rule, or local ordinance which establish standards affording greater protection to groundwater resources or public health, safety, or welfare prevail, within the jurisdiction to which they apply, over the provisions of the NC Well Construction Act (Act) and rules adopted under the Act. Removes a local board of health’s authority to adopt by reference rules adopted by the Environmental Management Commission pursuant to the Act, and may adopt more stringent rules when necessary to protect the public health. Makes conforming changes.
Amends GS 87-97, as follows. Clarifies that the private drinking water well permitting, inspection, and testing program is managed by the Environmental Management Commission. Makes technical changes. Sets ten-business-day deadline for local health department to make a decision on a permit application, with the permit to be issued automatically if the local health department misses the deadline. Clarifies that a permit cannot be denied on the basis of a local government ordinance in addition to local government policy that discourages or prohibits the drilling of new wells. Makes conforming changes to GS 130A-39.
Deletes amendments to GS 87-97(d), (allowing either the local health department or a person certified both as a well contractor and as either a Level IV contractor, inspector, or Authorized On-Site Wastewater Evaluator to conduct a field investigation to evaluate the site on which a private drinking water well is proposed to be located before issuing a permit. Specified that the well contractor of record for a proposed well site cannot perform the field investigation. Specified that the Department of Environmental Quality and its authorized agents and local health departments are not liable for site evaluations performed by a certified well contractor).
House committee substitute to the 1st edition adds the following new content and makes the following changes.
Section 1.
Amends GS 130A-334 (definitions pertaining to wastewater systems) as follows. Adds defined terms advanced pretreatment (any biological, chemical, or physical process or system used in addition to or in place of a septic tank system. Advanced pretreatment includes, but is not limited to, aeration, clarification, digestion, disinfection, filtration, separation, and settling. Advanced pretreatment effluent shall meet the treatment standards adopted by the Commission for Public Health (Commission) for better than septic tank effluent quality), removes term pretreatment (any biological, chemical, or physical process or system for improving wastewater quality and reducing wastewater constituents prior to final treatment and disposal in a subsurface wastewater system and includes, but is not limited to aeration, clarification, digestion, disinfection, filtration, separation, and settling). Makes organizational changes. Replaces references to ”pretreatment” with “advanced pretreatment” in GS 130A-335(f) and GS 130A-336.1(e)(1).
Section 2.
Further amends GS 130A-343(g)(3) (allowing for a manufacturer of a wastewater system for on-site subsurface to apply for and be considered for innovative system status) as follows. Replaces reference to “wastewater system” with reference to “advanced pretreatment system” when describing the system to be approved as an innovative wastewater system under the subsection so long as the statutory conditions are met. Now also requires the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to verify that (1) the protocol testing dataset includes a minimum of 55 influent and effluent datasets that include the applicable constituents identified in rules adopted by the Commission and obtained from testing for a minimum of 26 weeks, with protocol sampling conducted during all weeks of the testing period and (2) the protocol testing data complies with the applicable effluent standards identified in rules adopted by the Commission in addition to other required verifications for issuance of an innovative wastewater permit under the statute.
Allows the Commission to adopt temporary and permanent rules to implement the changes to GS 130A-343(g).
Makes conforming changes to the act's long title.
| Intro. by Warren, Huneycutt, Gillespie, Zenger. | GS 130A |
House committee substitute to the 1st edition makes the following changes.
Keeps the act's changes to GS Chapter 89C effective as October 1, 2025. Keeps the State Board of Examiners for Engineers and Surveyors (Board)'s authority to adopt rules to implement the act effective October 1, 2025. Makes the remainder of the act effective when it becomes law.
Section 3.
Repeals GS 89C-19.2 (limited right of entry by professional land surveyors) (was, recodified GS 89C-19.2 as GS 14-159.15).
| Intro. by Arp, Setzer, Riddell, Campbell. | GS 89C |
Amends GS 15A-1368(a)(5) by making the maximum imposed term for a prisoner serving consecutive prison terms the sum of all maximum terms imposed in the court judgment or judgments, less 60 months for each of the second and subsequent sentences imposed for Class B1 through Class E felonies for which the sentence was established pursuant to GS 15A-1340.17(f) (was, second or subsequent); 36 months (was, 12 months) for each of the second and subsequent sentences imposed for Class B through Class C felonies not otherwise covered; 18 months for each of the second and subsequent sentences imposed for Class D through Class F felonies not otherwise covered; and 9 months for each of the second and subsequent sentences imposed for Class G through Class I felonies (was, 9 months for each of the second and subsequent sentences imposed for Class F through Class I felonies).
Amends GS 15A-1368.2 by requiring applicable prisoners to be released from prison for post-release supervision on the date equivalent to his maximum imposed prison term, less 36 months (was, 12 months) for Class B1 through Class C felons (was, through Class E felons), 18 months for Class D through Class F felons, and less 9 months for Class G through Class I felons (was, Class F through Class I felons), less any time awarded by the Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction or the custodian of a local confinement facility. Makes identical changes to the number of months reduced and classes of felonies in each category for the release for post-release supervision of prisoners who have not been awarded any earned time. Modifies the supervisee’s period of post-release supervision to a period of 36 months (was, 12) for Class B1 through Class C felons (was, through Class E felons), 18 months for Class D through Class F felons, and 9 months for Class G through Class I felons (was, Class F through Class I felons), unless the offense requires registration under the Sex Offender and Public Protection Registration Programs in Article 27A of Chapter 14.
Effective December 1, 2025 and applies to offenses committed on or after that date.
| Intro. by Carson Smith, Biggs, N. Jackson, Greene. | GS 15A |
Enacts Part 4, Article 17, GS Chapter 143B, creating the Towing and Recovery Commission (commission) within the State Highway Patrol (SHP). States the purpose of the commission is to decide disputes arising from fees charges by a towing service for towing and remediation services provided in response to a request from law enforcement or other government entity that use the SHP rotation system. Provides for commission membership, appointment, terms, selection of a vice-chair, meetings, and member expenses. Grants powers and duties to the commission necessary to enforce the Part's provisions, including rulemaking authority, determining the reasonableness of fees charged by a towing service participating in the rotation system, and the disqualification and reinstatement of towing services in the rotation system. Provides for procedures to determine reasonable of fees, disqualification of a towing service, reinstatement, and any appeal of a determination by the commission to be compliant with the APA, GS Chapter 150B. Requires submission of hourly pricing rates by a towing service before participating in the rotation system or providing services under contract with the Department of Transportation (DOT). Conditions effectiveness of rate changes upon submission of rate changes, making changes effective 30 days after submission. Requires the commission maintain the rates and prohibits public disclosure. Charges SHP with determining the zone of operation of a towing service participating in the rotation system. Requires the SHP and the commission to lists the zones of operation on their websites and quarterly update the list.
Directs SHP to publish a notice of the enacted requirements within 30 days of the act passing.
Directs SHP to allocate $10,000 of appropriated recurring funds to pay for administrative costs, stipends, and travel associated with the commission, beginning 2025-26.
Applicable to a tower operating in the State on or after six months from the date the act becomes law, enacts Article 7C, GS Chapter 20, requiring a tower to obtain a towing permit from the Division of Motor Vehicles before operating in the State. Defines tow and tower by statutory cross-reference. Makes the permits valid for two years and non-transferable. Provides for application and renewal fees and makes the tower responsible for required background check costs. Directs DMV to prescribe the form of the permit application. Establishes seven criteria that must be met for a permit to be issued, including no felony convictions within five years if the applicant is a tow truck operator or within ten years if the applicant is a towing business owner. Further details permit issuance and renewal requirements. Makes appeals of permit denials, suspensions, and revocations governed by the APA, GS Chapter 150B. Authorizes DMV to provide temporary registration or authorization effective upon submission of an application until issuance or denial of permanent registration. Requires permitees to report any conviction to DMV within 14 days. Requires permitees to carry proof of registration while operating a tow truck. Makes it a misdemeanor to immobilize a commercial motor vehicle using a device such as a boot. Deems private property impound booting and towing without a valid permit an unfair trade practice under GS Chapter 75.
Directs DMV and SHP to publish notice of the enacted requirements within 30 days of the act passing.
Amends GS 44A-2, which governs liens on personal property, by enacting two new subsections. Expands the lien established in subsection (d) for towing businesses upon motor vehicles for reasonable towing charges. Makes any person entitled to a lien under subsection (d) for towing expenses also entitled to a lien on the contents of the motor vehicle, any trailer attached to the vehicle at the time of towing, and the contents of the trailer, including other vehicles and boats. Excludes personal items such as medication, wallets, eyeglasses, cell phones, and keys, and requires release of these items without charge to the owner or operator of the vehicle or their authorized agent. Requires return of cargo when there is a dispute of a heavy-duty wrecker rotation tow upon verification of required collision insurance coverage or a rider for towing and remediation for commercial motor vehicles operating in the State. Requires the return occur by a trailer swap completed by the tower. Sets requirements for a swapped trailer. Excludes farm vehicles with farm tags from the insurance requirement. Defines "cargo".
Amends GS 115C-376.5 by adding a suicide prevention education requirement to the school-based mental health policy the State Board of Education (Board) must adopt and requires that this education be provided to all licensed educators. Mandates that the material cover the educator’s role in youth suicide awareness in more detail than the model mental health training and permits self-review of suitable suicide prevention materials approved by the Board to accomplish the training. Requires the Board and Department of Public Instruction to make the materials available at no cost to K-12 school units. Requires school-based mental health plans for each K-12 school unit to include a suicide prevention education requirement as well. Mandates that each K-12 school unit provide the requirement to school personnel at no cost to the employee. Adds an annual one-hour suicide prevention education completion requirement coinciding with subsequent mental health trainings to school personnel’s training and protocol requirements. Provides that suicide prevention education requirements can be met in any of the ways mental health training requirements are fulfilled and adds completion of approved programs as a method of fulfillment. Amends the review and update, reporting, and limitation of civil liability subsections by adding the suicide prevention education requirement where relevant in each.
Amends GS 115C-218.75(h), GS 115C-238.66(16), and GS 116-239.8(b)(18) by adding the suicide prevention education requirement to the required school-based mental health plans of charter schools, regional schools, and laboratory schools, respectively.
Act applies beginning with the 2025-2026 school year.
Appropriates $91,000 in nonrecurring funds and $4,000 in recurring funds for 2025-26 from the General Fund to the General Assembly, to be used to obtain, install, and maintain equipment in committee meeting rooms and the House chamber to allow for recording of and viewing by the public via the internet of committee meetings and chamber proceedings to make possible real-time internet access to audio and video of those as well as archival of and time-shifted viewing internet access to the audio and video for a period of 10 years. Permits the presiding chair of a legislative committee to decide not to make a video recording of a committee meeting unless prohibited by state law or other chamber rules if the chair provides notice of the decision before the meeting starts and ensures an official audio recording and written minutes are maintained in accordance with applicable public records laws. Effective July 1, 2025.
| Intro. by Cervania, Johnson, Hastings. | APPROP |
Amends GS 105-449.106, adding nonprofit organizations that transport food for free distribution to State residents to the entities eligible to receive a quarterly tax refund on their purchase and use of motor fuel.
| Intro. by Johnson, Scott. | GS 105 |
Includes whereas clauses.
Amends GS 15-11.1 (pertaining to court orders for the disposition of seized firearms determined to be no longer necessary or useful as evidence). Under current law, the district attorney (DA) is required to apply to the court for disposition of the firearm after notice to all parties known or believed to have an ownership or possessory interest in the firearm. Now directs that the firearm be returned to the defendant if the DA knows or believes the defendant to be the sole party with an ownership or possessory interest in the firearm, and is not otherwise ineligible to possess the firearm. Provides for application of the existing procedure of the DA applying to the court for an order of disposition when the DA knows or believes there are multiple parties who may have an ownership or possessory interest in the firearm. Removes the requirement that the firearm not have a legible, unique identification number or is unsafe in order to be disposed of by destruction. Now allows the court to order a firearm to be turned over for destruction by any law enforcement agency in the county of trial (was limited to the sheriff of the county or their authorized agent). Removes the requirement that any firearm ordered to be turned over to law enforcement for official agency use have a legible, unique identification number. Eliminates the court's authority to order that the firearm be turned over to law enforcement for sale, trade, or exchange by the agency to a federally licensed firearm dealer.
Amends GS 15-11.2 (pertaining to dispositions of unclaimed firearms not confiscated or seized as trial evidence). Removes the limitation that firearms subject to the statute can only be ordered for destruction if the firearm does not have a legible, unique identification number or is unsafe for use because of wear, damage, age, or modification. Eliminate authority of the chief of the law enforcement agency to order disposition of the firearm by sale, trade, or exchange to a federally licensed firearm dealer or by sale at a public auction to specified licensed persons. Now allows for ordering the firearm to be disposed of by maintaining the firearm for the official use of the agency (was, training or experimental purposes). Makes conforming deletions.
Amends GS 14-269.1 (pertaining to disposition of confiscated firearms used for offenses involving a deadly weapon). Removes the limitation that disposition of the weapon by destruction can only be ordered by the presiding judge if the firearm does not have a legible, unique identification number or is unsafe for use because of wear, damage, age, or modification. Now allows for ordering the weapon be turned over to a law enforcement agency (was, the sheriff) in the county in which the trial is held or their duly authorized agent to be destroyed. Eliminates the presiding judge's authority to order that the weapon be turned over to law enforcement for sale, trade, or exchange by the agency to a federally licensed firearm dealer.
Enacts GS 15-11.3, creating the disposition of firearms received through a firearm buy-back program (a program in which firearms, ammunition, or firearms and ammunition are purchased or voluntarily surrendered for the purpose of destruction). Sets forth three requirements for participating law enforcement agencies, including checking the serial number of each firearm purchased or surrendered to the program against any local, State, and federal records for stolen firearms. Prohibits destruction without the written permission of the lawful owner if the firearm is found to be stolen, or alternatively, requires return to the lawful owner, subject to the agency determining whether the lawful owner is eligible for possession under federal law. Authorizes the agency to destroy the firearm if the lawful owner is barred from possession after the agency complies with the statute's two other requirements relating to stolen firearms, their use in crimes, and retained evidence.
Effective July 1, 2025, and applies to any firearm found or received by a law enforcement agency on or after that date.
Amends GS 20-11 to eliminate the driving eligibility certificate. Eliminates the requirement that persons desiring a driver's license or leaner's permit have a driving eligibility certificate or high school diploma (or its equivalent). Eliminates the requirement that a person who is at least 16 but less than 18 must have held a limited learner's permit for at least nine months before being able to obtain a limited provisional license.
Repeals the following specified statutes of GS Chapters 20 and 115C relating to driving eligibility certificates, certificate requirements, school notifications, and certificate suspensions and revocations:
- GS 20-9(b1);
- GS 20-13.2(c1);
- GS 115C-12(28);
- GS 115C-150.12C(19);
- GS 115C-218.70;
- GS 115C-238.66(8);
- GS 115C-288(k); and
- GS 115C-566.
Applies to permit or provisional license applications submitted on or after October 1, 2025.
Amends GS 7A-354 giving the NC Human Trafficking Commission (Commission) a new power to coordinate and support the development or use of a reporting and response system as required by the new GS 7A-354.2.
Enacts GS 7A-354.2 requiring the Commission to coordinate and support the development or use of a human trafficking reporting and response system that is secure, technology-driven, and survivor-centered with a focus on areas of the state where access to anti-human trafficking resources is most limited.
Appropriates $300,000 in recurring funds for 2025-26 from the General Fund to the Administrative Office of the Courts, Commission, to be used to coordinate and support the development or use of a human trafficking reporting and response system with a targeted focus on western NC, where access to anti-human trafficking resources remains extremely limited.
Provides that the use of funds can include, but is not limited to, expanding the reach of a reporting and response system in western NC, funding one full-time regional operations coordinator to perform, at a minimum, the job functions listed, and launching a targeted public awareness and outreach campaign to increase use of the system among at-risk communities, first responders, and the general public.
Effective July 1, 2025.
Contains whereas clauses.
Enacts GS 15A-1357 allowing an individual serving a term of imprisonment pursuant to GS 20-179 (Impaired Driving Sentencing) or Article 81B (Structured Sentencing) or Article 82 (Probation) of Chapter 15A, except those sentenced to life, to file a motion for appropriate relief for a modification of their sentence pursuant to the authority granted in this statute. Mandates that the court reduce a term of imprisonment for an offense if: (1) the defendant was sentenced pursuant to GS 20-179 or Article 81B or 82 of Chapter 15A and has served at least 10 years in prison or 50% of the imposed sentence if the sentence was for 10 years or less; (2) the court finds that the defendant is not a danger to the safety of any person or the community and that the interests of justice warrant a modification. In determining whether to reduce a prison term under this statute, the court must consider the 12 factors listed in subsection (c). Requires a hearing to be held in accordance with Article 89 of Chapter 15A, regarding Motions for Appropriate Relief and Other Post-Trial Relief, to grant or deny a motion for appropriate relief filed pursuant to this statute. Mandates that any sentence reduced be resentenced pursuant to GS 20-179 or Article 81B or 82 of this Chapter, as applicable.
Effective December 1, 2025, and applies to motions for appropriate relief filed on or after that date.
| Intro. by Morey, Price, A. Jones, Greenfield. | GS 15A |
Titles the act as “The G.U.A.R.D. Act” or “The Guaranteeing Uninterrupted Access to Resident Dignity Act.”
Enacts new GS 131E-112.10 (applicable to nursing homes or combination homes) and new GS 131D-7.10 (applicable to adult care homes), providing as follows. Requires the home to allow a resident (defined as a person residing in the home or that person’s responsible party or legal representative) to monitor their room with an electronic monitoring device. Residents who do must post a notice on their door stating that the room is being monitored. Requires that the monitoring: (1) be noncompulsory and at the resident’s election; (2) be paid for by the resident; and (3) to the greatest extent possible, the resident must protect the privacy of other residents and visitors. Requires the following of the home: (1) not refuse to admit an individual as a resident, nor discharge a resident, because they request to install an electronic monitoring device in their room; (2) make reasonable physical accommodations for a resident's electronic monitoring device by providing access to power sources, access to the internet if readily available, and a reasonably secure place to mount the device; (3) shall inform a resident or prospective resident of their right to install or arrange for the installation of an electronic monitoring device; (4) may require a resident who requests to install an electronic monitoring device to make the request in writing; (5) not include in any contract between a resident and home a provision that purports to waive or modify the resident's rights under this statute. Allows a recording created through the use of such an electronic monitoring device to be admissible in a civil or criminal action. Operating a home in violation of the statutes is a Class A1 misdemeanor, subject to a fine of up to $2,000 or imprisonment of up to one year, or both. Makes it a Class A1 misdemeanor to willfully and without consent hamper, obstruct, tamper with, or destroy a device, subject to a fine of up to $2,000 or imprisonment of up to 90 days, or both.
Makes conforming changes to GS 131E-117 and GS 131D-21 by adding installing, or having installed, at their own expense an electronic monitoring device in their room to ensure their health and safety, to the declaration of patient’s/resident’s rights.
Effective October 1, 2025.
Amends Chapter 130A adding Article 19C regarding Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) Hazard Management.
Sets out 12 NCGA findings about DEHP and other ortho-phthalates that are toxic chemicals, DEHP’s common use in medical devices, and the potential harms of DEHP leaching and exposure to humans.
Contains six definitions including DEHP, health care practitioner, intentionally added DEHP, intravenous solution container, intravenous tubing, and ortho-phthalate. Defines intentionally added DEHP as DEHP that a manufacturer intentionally added to a product that has a functional or technical effect on the product or DEHP that is an intentional breakdown product of an added chemical. Defines intravenous solution container as a container used to house medicine, fluid, or nutrition therapy that is intravenously delivered to a patient in a hospital, outpatient facility, or other healthcare facility. Defines intravenous tubing as tubing used to intravenously administer fluids, medication, or nutrients directly to an adult, child, or infant. Defines ortho-phthalate using a list of chemical classes.
Prohibits any person or entity from manufacturing, selling, or distributing into commerce in the state: (1) intravenous solution containers made with intentionally added DEHP, beginning January 1, 2030; and (2) intravenous tubing made with intentionally added DEHP, beginning January 1, 2035. Prohibits a person from replacing DEHP with another ortho-phthalate in a new or revised medical device. Mandates that an intravenous solution container or intravenous tubing product cannot have unintentionally added DEHP present in a quantity at or above 0.1 percent weight per weight.
Provides exemptions from these provisions for human blood collection and storage bags and apheresis and cell therapy blood kits and bags, including integral tubing.
Makes conforming changes to GS 130A-22(b3) and adds a penalty cap of $5,000 per day a violation of Article 19C continues.
| Intro. by Reeder, Rhyne. | GS 130A |
Amends GS 159-34 (annual independent audit of local governments) to change the entity that is certifying auditors from the Local Government Commission (LGC) to the State Auditor (SA). Only requires that the auditor be a certified accountant (was, auditor must be a CPA or a certified accountant).
Now requires that the auditor be selected based on the qualifications described using sealed bids solicited by the governing board, which must be solicited at least every five years (currently, just requires auditor be selected by governing board). Specifies that the auditor should be selected based solely on cost, expertise, and time for completion of the audit and without information as to identity of the bidder. Allows for the governing board to reject an otherwise winning bid and solicit sealed bids again if it determines that the auditor cannot meet the audit schedule of the governing board or has performed inadequately on a prior audit of the governing board. Requires the selected auditor to be certified by the SA to audit accounts of units of local government or public authorities. Requires the SA to establish a process for accountants and CPAs to become certified to conduct annual audits under GS 159-34. Allows any CPA or accountant so certified to be removed for cause.
Clarifies that the LGC may require the board of a unit of local government or public authority (currently, just refers to local government or public authority) that has been the subject of an investigative audit by the SA to select the certified public accountant from a list of three individuals provided by the LGC for its annual audit, instead of the bid process described above. Requires the secretary to provide a notice of noncompliance to a unit of local government or public authority (currently, county or municipality) and specifies it should be sent to the primary mailing address on record with the LGC (currently just sent to the primary mailing address). Requires the secretary to report annually to LGC and NCGA a list of units of local government and public authorities failing to complete and report to the LGC, in a timely fashion, two or more consecutive annual audits as required by GS 159-34. Makes organizational, clarifying, conforming, and technical changes.
Amends GS 115C-447 (annual school independent audits) to change the entity certifying the auditor from the LGC to the SA. Implements the sealed bid process described above, but requires the board of education (not the local government unit) to select the auditor from the sealed bids based on the factors described above. Implements the same annual reporting requirement described above, but for local school administrative units. Authorizes the SA to implement a process for certified public accountants and accountants to become certified to conduct annual audits under GS 115C-447. Allows any CPA or accountant so certified to be removed for cause. Authorizes the LGC to issue rules and regulations for the purposes of improving the quality of auditing and the quality and comparability of reporting pursuant to GS 115C-447 or any similar section of the General Statutes. Permits those rules to consider the needs of the public for adequate information and the performance that the auditor has demonstrated in the past and may be varied according to the size, purpose, or function of the unit, or any other criteria reasonably related to the purpose or substance of the rules or regulations. Requires the secretary to report annually to LGC and NCGA a list of units of local school administrative units failing to complete and report to the LGC, in a timely fashion, two or more consecutive annual audits. Makes technical changes and language gender neutral.
Makes conforming change to the definitions provisions of the School Budget and Fiscal Control Act (GS 115C-423) by adding Commission to mean the LGC.
Appropriates $3.52 million in recurring funds for 2025-26 to the SA to create a fiscal administrative program to implement specified goals related to bringing small local government and public authorities into compliance.
Effective July 1, 2025, and applies to audits conducted on or after that date.
Reorganizes portions of GS 75-44 into GS 75-151 (definitions; enforcement) and portions of GS 75-44 into GS 75-152 (ticket price transparency) and places them in new Article 9, Live Event Ticket Sales and Resales of GS Chapter 75. Makes the following changes to those provisions.
Amends GS 75-151 by making technical changes to reflect the reorganization.
Enacts new GS 75-153 prohibiting a ticket issuer from restricting or hindering the ability of a purchaser who has purchased a ticket from a ticket issuer from: (1) reselling a ticket independently of the primary ticket seller or any secondar ticket exchange that the issuer owns or is affiliated with; or (2) reselling a ticket on the secondary ticket exchange of the purchaser’s choosing. Prohibits ticket issuers from requiring minimum or maximum prices for the ticket resale. Prohibits the issuer from sanctioning, discriminating against, or denying a purchaser admission to an event, deny rights to bundled services tickets, or otherwise discriminating against a secondar ticket exchange seller or purchaser because the ticket was resold, gifted, or purchased as resold ticket. Requires electronic tickets to be delivered within 72 hours of order confirmation, unless the event is sooner, in which case it must be delivered as soon as reasonably possible.
Enacts new GS 75-154 prohibiting a secondary ticket exchange from using a website address that contains the name of or a name similar to the name of the event, performer, or event venue.
Effective October, 1, 2025.
| Intro. by Willis, Johnson, McNeely, Schietzelt. | GS 75 |
Includes whereas clauses.
Enacts new GS 71A-7.3 officially recognizing the Indians who comprise the Tuscarora Indians of the Kahtenuaka Territories, whose ancestors signed treaties with North Carolina and were granted the Indian Woods Reservation on the Roanoke River in Bertie County, from and after July 1, 2025, as the Tuscarora Indians of Kahtenuaka Territories, and provides that they will continue to enjoy all their rights, privileges, and immunities as an American Indian Tribe with a recognized tribal governing body carrying out and exercising substantial governmental duties and powers similar to the State. Also makes them eligible for the special programs and services provided by the United States because of their status. Requires the Tuscarora to maintain individual enrollment criteria.
Amends GS 143B-407 adding two members of the Tuscarora Indians of Kahtenuaka Territories to the State Commission of Indian Affairs. Amends GS 143B-135.5 adding one member of the Tuscarora Indians of Kahtenuaka Territories to the American Indian Heritage Commission and requires their initial term to be for two years.
Appropriates $10 million in recurring funds each year of the 2025-27 biennium from the General Fund to the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (Department) for a grant program for eligible nonprofit Disabled American Veterans chapters to renovate and expand their facilities, and provide additional resources to disabled veterans. Limits awards to one grant in each year of the biennium of up to $1 million. Sets out parameters for the Department to follow in awarding the grants. Allows the funds to remain available for grants instead of reverting to the General Fund at the end of the biennium. Requires a report in even-numbered years, beginning in 2026, on the total number of grants awarded, by county, and name of each eligible chapter to which a grant was awarded, by county, to the specified NCGA committees and division. Effective July 1, 2025.
| Intro. by Roberson, Price, R. Pierce, Jeffers. | APPROP |
Titles the act as “The Coach Safely Act.” Enacts new Article 18A, The Coach Safely Act for the Protection of Youth Athletes, in GS Chapter 130A, providing as follows. Defines association as an organization that sponsors or conducts high-risk youth athletic activities on property owned, leased, managed, or maintained by the State or any of its political subdivisions; specifies that this includes a city, county, business, or nonprofit organization that organizes community-based youth athletic events on such property. Also defines athletics personnel, coach or coaching staff, Department, and youth athlete. Requires associations to require a person engaged in or serving as part of its athletic or coaching staff to complete a free youth sports injury education course approved by the Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Public Health (Department). Requires the course to be completed within 30 days after first becoming engaged in or serving as part of the athletics personnel or coaching staff, and annually thereafter. Requires the association to maintain records of course completion for as long as the person serves in that capacity. Sets out five categories of health professionals who are exempt from this course requirement.
Requires the Department to approve courses that meet the evidence-based, best practice standards of the National Athletic Training Association, National Council of Youth Sports, or other nationally recognized organization for youth sports injury education that may be used to fulfill the course requirements. Prohibits approving a course that omits seven specified topics, including emergency preparedness and planning, and rehearsal for responding to traumatic injuries sustained during youth athletic activities, heat and extreme weather-related injuries, and heart defects and abnormalities leading to sudden cardiac death.
Protects from liability a person who is actively engaged in or serving as part of the athletics personnel or coaching staff of an association, in any action arising from an injury sustained by a youth athlete due to their participation in a youth athletic activity upon a demonstration that the athletics personnel member or coach: (1) completed the sports injury education course and (2) reasonably conformed their conduct to the safety techniques and methods identified in the course.
Effective October 1, 2025.
| Intro. by Reeder, Willis. | GS 130A |
Includes NCGA findings.
Appropriates $40 million for 2025-26 from the General Fund to the Department of Commerce (DOC) to be allocated to the Rural Economic Development Division (REDD) and used to create the Rural Community Development Grant Program (Program). Specifies that the funds do not revert and remain available until June 30, 2027. Allows up to 5% of the funds to be used for administration of the Program. Requires the Program to provide grants to local governments to attract business investment and to promote population and revenue growth in those communities for the purpose of: (1) reversing the trend of rural depopulation and (2) transitioning those communities to “commuter towns” or “bedroom communities” that promote and sustain the growth of larger adjacent communities. Requires REDD to establish guidelines for administering the Program, including specified requirements related to the use of funds, a required local government match, and a cap on individual award amounts at $2 million. Requires a local government to demonstrate that a lack of community amenities has previously prevented it from attracting business investment and promoting the population and revenue growth necessary to stimulate job and revenue growth within the community.
Appropriates $40 million for 2025-26 from the General Fund to DOC to be used to create the Downtown Revitalization Grant Program (Revitalization Program). Specifies that the funds do not revert and remain available until June 30, 2027. Allows up to 5% of the funds to be used for administration of the Revitalization Program. Requires the Revitalization Program to provide grants to local government and municipal service district administrator entities. Requires DOC to establish guidelines for administering the Revitalization Program, including capping individual grant amounts at $2 million. Requires grants to be awarded for the purpose amenitizing the downtown areas of eligible recipients in a manner that the Department determines are likely to enhance the overall appeal, functionality, or livability of a downtown area by attracting the people, businesses, or investment necessary to revitalize the downtown area and create a vibrant, desirable place to live, work, and visit.
Requires DOC, by September 15 of each year, to report on the activities conducted with the funds to the specified NCGA committee and division, including the specified information.
Effective July 1, 2025.
| Intro. by Reives, A. Jones, Willingham, Carney. | APPROP |
Specifies, in GS 1-15, that a cause of action arising out of the performance of or failure to perform services while in the course of facilitating or perpetuating gender transition (defined) will be commenced either within 25 years from the day the claimant reaches 18 years of age or four years from discovery of both the injury and the causal relationship between the treatment and the injury, whichever is later. Prevents a medical professional or entity from seeking a contractual waiver of liability for causes of action arising out of the performance of or failure to perform services while facilitating or perpetuating gender transition. Specifies that the liability limit for noneconomic damages in GS 90-21.19 does not apply to damages arising under those causes of action. Applies to causes of action accruing on or after the act becomes law.
| Intro. by Almond, Arp, Riddell, Blust. | GS 1 |
Section 1.(a)
Enacts new GS Chapter 18D, pertaining to the regulation of hemp-derived consumable products, as follows.
Article 1.
Defines Alcohol Law Enforcement (ALE) Division, batch, distributor, exit package, hemp, hemp-derived cannabinoid, hemp-derived consumable product, hemp product, independent testing laboratory, ingestion, inhalation, license, licensee, manufacture, manufacturer, producer, retail dealer, and serving.
Enacts GS 18D-101, which sets forth seven offenses involving the sale of hemp-derived consumable products, as follows:
- To knowingly sell a product containing a hemp-derived consumable product to a person who is under 21 years of age. Requires any retail dealer of hemp-derived consumable products to demand proof of age from a prospective purchaser of hemp-derived consumable products before the products are released to the purchaser if the retail dealer has reasonable grounds to believe that the prospective purchaser is under 30 years of age. Also requires a retail dealer that sells a hemp-derived consumable product on an internet website to verify the age of any prospective purchaser and use a method of delivery that requires the signature of a person at least 21 years of age before the product is released.
- Knowingly, or having reason to know, distribute samples of hemp-derived consumable products in or on a public street, sidewalk, park, or public building.
- Engage in the business of selling a hemp-derived consumable product without a valid license.
- Knowingly, or having reason to know, sell a hemp-derived consumable product that has a delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol concentration of more than 0.3% on a dry weight basis. (Designates second violations of this prong as a Class A1 misdemeanor with subsequent violations as a Class H felony.)
- Knowingly, or having reason to know, sell a hemp-derived consumable product that is not contained in an exit package or a child proof package.
- Knowingly, or having reason to know, sell at retail or on an internet website offering delivery in this State, a hemp-derived consumable product that is not in compliance with GS 18D-105.
- Knowingly, or having reason to know, sell at retail hemp flower or a product containing hemp flower that is not accompanied by a certificate of analysis issued within the previous 6-month period demonstrating that the hemp flower or product containing hemp flower has delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol concentration of no more than 0.3% on a dry weight basis.
Provides for three defenses to the violation described as 1 above, including (1) proof that the buyer produced an official State or federal identification showing their age to be at least 21 years old; (2) evidence of other facts that reasonably indicated at the time of sale that the purchaser was at least the required age; and (3) evidence that at the time of sale the purchaser utilized a biometric identification system that demonstrated their age to be at least 21 and that they had registered an official federal or State ID with the retail dealer or the retail dealer’s agent showing them to be the legal age for purchase.
Provides for civil penalties ranging from $500 to $2,000 and for a one-year suspension of the retail dealer’s licenses for third violations, and revocation of that license for subsequent violations. Allows for compromise in cases of revocation or suspension of licensure where the retail dealer may pay a penalty of not more than $3,000. Allows the ALE Division to accept a compromise and suspend a license in the same case but prevents it from revoking a license if a compromise is accepted. Provides for payment of a testing fee conducted as part of sample testing in investigating alleged violations of the offense listed as 4 above, to be remitted to the ALE Division. Directs that the clear proceeds of any civil penalty be remitted to the Civil Penalty and Forfeiture Fund (Fund). Permits for forfeiture of products manufactured, distributed, or sold in violation of the offense listed as 4 above.
Enacts GS 18D-101A, preventing a producer from knowingly selling or in any way transferring hemp that has been processed or prepared with the intent to be used in a hemp-derived consumable product to any person or entity other than a manufacturer licensed GS Chapter 18D. Provides for civil penalties ranging from $500 to $2,000. Designates second violations as a Class A1 misdemeanor with third or subsequent violations a Class H felony.
Directs that the clear proceeds of any civil penalty be remitted to the Fund. Clarifies that the statute cannot be construed as preventing a producer from selling or transferring hemp intended to be used in a lawful product.
Enacts GS 18D-102, preventing persons less than 21 years of age from purchasing, attempting to purchase or possessing hemp-derived consumable products and to use fraudulent or altered identification or documentation, identification or documents issued to another, or any other form or means of identification that indicates or symbolizes that the person is not prohibited from purchasing or possessing a hemp-derived consumable product under the statute. Further makes it unlawful for a person to permit use of their identification to allow an underage person to purchase a hemp-derived consumable product. Also prohibits a person from giving a hemp-derived consumable product to anyone younger than age 21. Makes it a Class 2 misdemeanor for persons who violate the statute who are less than 21 years of age and a Class 1 misdemeanor for persons 21 and over who violate the statute. Provides for aiding and abetting liability. Exempts an underage person from liability for selling, transporting, or possessing hemp-derived consumable products in the course of employment if the employment of the person for that purpose is lawful under applicable youth employment.
Enacts GS 18D-103, which makes it unlawful for a manufacturer or distributor to do any of the following three offenses:
- Knowingly, or having reason to know, distribute samples of a hemp-derived consumable product in or on a public street, sidewalk, park, or public building.
- Engage in the business of manufacturing or distributing a hemp-derived consumable product without a valid license.
- Knowingly, or having reason to know, manufacture or distribute a hemp-derived consumable product that has a delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol concentration of more than 0.3% on a dry weight basis.
Provides a defense to the violation listed as 3 above if the manufacturer (1) recalls all hemp-derived consumable products from the same batch as the product on which the violation is based; (2) has samples of the batch tested by an independent testing laboratory as described; and (3) provides certified results from the independent testing laboratory indicating that the sample tested does not contain a total combined delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol concentration of more than 0.3% on a dry weight basis.
Classifies violations as a Class A1 misdemeanor and provides for civil penalties ranging from $1,000 to $7,500. Authorizes suspension, revocation, or conditions placed upon manufacturer or distributor licenses. Allows for compromise in cases of revocation or suspension of licensure where the licensee may pay a penalty of not more than $8,000. Allows the ALE Division to accept a compromise and suspend a license in the same case but prevents it from revoking a license if a compromise is accepted. Provides for payment of a testing fee conducted as part of sample testing in investigating alleged violations of the offense listed as 3 above, to be remitted to the ALE Division. Directs that the clear proceeds of any civil penalty be remitted to the Fund. Permits for forfeiture of products manufactured, distributed, or sold in violation of the offense listed as 3 above.
Requires in new GS 18D-104, that a manufacturer have a hemp-derived consumable product tested by an independent testing laboratory prior to distribution to a distributor or before distributing the product to a retail dealer as described and for the substances listed in the statute. Requires a hemp-derived consumable product to be labeled with an expiration date that conforms with applicable federal law. Provides for civil penalties ranging from $1,000 to $7,500. Directs that the clear proceeds of any civil penalty be remitted to the Fund. Authorizes suspension, revocation, or conditions placed on the operating hours of the licensee’s business placed upon the licensee’s licenses in addition to any civil penalty. Allows for compromise in cases of revocation or suspension of licensure where the licensee may pay a penalty of not more than $8,000. Allows the ALE Division to accept a compromise and suspend a license in the same case but prevents it from revoking a license if a compromise is accepted. Requires the ALE Division to (1) maintain and post on its website a list of independent testing labs that meet the qualifications required to conduct the testing required by the section and (2) develop an application and process to determine qualifying independent laboratories listed on its website, including a sample certificate of analysis indicating that the lab is capable of detecting the substances listed in the act.
Enacts new GS 18D-105, which concerns additional requirements and restrictions for hemp-derived consumable products including packaging requirements, advertising restrictions, ingestible product restrictions for products containing hemp-derived consumable products (both in non-liquid and liquid form), inhalable product restrictions for vaporization restrictions for products containing hemp-derived consumable products. Provides for civil penalties ranging from $1,000 to $7,500. Directs that the clear proceeds of any civil penalty be remitted to the Fund. Authorizes suspension, revocation, or conditions placed on the operating hours of the licensee’s business placed upon the licensee’s licenses. Allows for compromise in cases of revocation or suspension of licensure where the licensee may pay a penalty of not more than $8,000. Allows the ALE Division to accept a compromise and suspend a license in the same case but prevents it from revoking a license if a compromise is accepted.
Prevents a licensee or its agent or employee to knowingly allow (1) violations of GS Chapter 18D or (2) any violations of the controlled substances act, gambling, or other unlawful acts to occur on its premises. Makes it unlawful for a permittee to fail or superintend in person or through a manager the business for which a license is issued. Contains a safe harbor provision for safe harbor hemp products and safe harbor manufacturer or storage facilities, which applies to products that contain hemp-derived compound or cannabinoids that are allowed to be manufactured, produced, or packaged in the State but not sold in the State in new GS 18D-105.2. Enacts GS 18D-106, which sets forth eight things that continue to not be prohibited by GS Chapter 18D.
Article 2.
Requires manufacturers, retail dealers, and distributors of hemp-derived consumable products in the State to obtain the appropriate license(s) from the ALE Division either prior to commencing business or by July 1, 2026. Specifies that a person or entity engaged in more than one of the businesses listed is required to obtain only a single license. Lists five qualifications for licensure including that the licensee be at least 21 years of age and have not been convicted of a felony related to a controlled substance within 10 years in any state or federal jurisdiction. Requires annual renewal of licenses. Provides, in new GS 18D-202, for application fees ranging from $250 per location for retail dealer licensees with 25 locations or less or who do not offer internet delivery in the state, to $15,000 for manufacturers whose income in the calendar year prior to application is $100,000 or more. Sets renewal fees at $5,000 for manufacturers, $750 for distributors, and for retail dealers, the same amount as the initial licensing fee. Specifies that for those applicants engaging in more than one type of business requiring licensure under GS Chapter 18D, the fee will be the highest applicable.
Allows the ALE Division to revoke or refuse to issue any license for: (1) failure to comply with or meet any of the licensure qualifications; (2) submission of false or misleading information in an application for licensure or renewal; (3) submission of false or misleading information in any report or information required by this Chapter to be submitted to the ALE Division; and (4) failure to comply with civil penalties. Requires that proceedings for the assessment of civil penalties authorized in Article 1 be governed by GS Chapter 150B. Upon failure to pay a penalty, allows the ALE Division to institute an action in the superior court of the county in which the person resides or has their principal place of business to recover the unpaid amount; specifies that this recovery does not relieve any party from any other penalty prescribed by law.
Requires the ALE Division to develop and make available online an application for the license required by this Article. Authorizes the ALE Division to adopt rules, amend, and repeal rules to implement GS Chapter 18D. Provides for monthly distribution of fee revenue to the ALE Division to cover enforcement costs.
Article 3.
Enacts new GS 18D-300 describing the enforcement authority of the ALE Division over GS Chapter 18D, including the ability to conduct random, unannounced inspections or general investigative inspections as described at locations where hemp-derived consumable products are sold or distributed to ensure compliance with the Chapter. Authorizes the ALE Division to take samples for testing, if upon reasonable inspection, it determines a licensee's inventory may consist of products not in compliance with the packaging, labeling, and testing requirements discussed above. Makes it a Class 2 misdemeanor for any person to resist or obstruct an ALE Division agent attempting to make a lawful inspection. Specifies that refusal by a licensee or by any employee of a licensee to permit ALE Division agents to enter the premises to inspect is cause for suspension, revocation, or other action against the licensee. Starting January 1, 2027, requires the ALE Division to submit an annual report to the General Assembly on its enforcement efforts under GS Chapter 18D and to post such reports on its website. Enacts GS 18D-301 authorizing a law enforcement officer to seize any hemp-derived consumable product that is subject to forfeiture, and to provide for its safe storage until trial. Provides for disposition after a criminal trial and after a civil forfeiture proceeding as described. Allows for an owner of seized property to apply for return of the products if no criminal charge has been made or no action for civil forfeiture has been commenced in connection with that product within a reasonable time after seizure. Prevents return if doing so would be unlawful.
Section 1.(b).
Makes conforming changes to GS 18B-500 (subject matter jurisdiction for investigation and enforcement by ALE Division agents).
Section 1.(c).
Specifies that as part of the costs in criminal actions in GS 7A-304, $600 should be ordered to be remitted to the ALE Division or agency that paid for laboratory services in cases where (1) defendant is convicted of a violation of GS 18D-103 and (2) as part of the investigation leading to the defendant's conviction, testing was conducted at a laboratory on products regulated under GS Chapter 18D.
Applies to all hemp-derived consumable products possessed, sold, distributed, or manufactured on or after July 1, 2026, and to all offenses committed on or after that date.
Section 2.
Repeals GS 90-94.1 (exemption under the NC Controlled Substances Act for use or possession of hemp extract), effective December 1, 2025. Applies to offenses committed on or after that date.
Contains whereas clauses. Expands what constitutes without authority for purposes of unlawfully using a computer or computer network without authority under GS 14-458 (criminal computer trespass) to include, in the case of computer data in a personnel file (defined) of a local, State, or federal government employee, when the person has no authority under local, State, or federal law to view or otherwise access that information or has willfully failed to follow the requirements of the local, State, or federal law granting such authority. Defines damages, personnel file, and protected health information in GS 1-539.2A (damages for computer trespass). For injuries arising out of a violation of GS 14-458 involving trespass to computer data that is protected health information or involving trespass to computer data in the personnel file of a local, State, or federal employee, allows the injured person to sue and recover for each violation the greater of damages sustained or $5,000 along with the cost of the suit. Makes organizational changes.
Effective July 1, 2025, and applies to offenses committed on or after that date.
Enacts GS 106-266.35A, authorizing the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (DACS) to issue a raw milk license for a period not to exceed one year and subsequent license renewals for a like term to an eligible party if the six listed conditions are met, including (1) DACS inspects the farm owned or operated by the eligible farmer and determines that the farm is in compliance with the applicable provisions of Article 28C of GS Chapter 106 and all other federal and State requirements applicable to grade "A" milk with the exception of a requirement for pasteurization; (2) the eligible farmer confirms that all cows used in the production of raw milk sold or used for the production of raw milk products sold pursuant to this statute are free from tuberculosis and brucellosis; (3) the eligible farmer provides DACS the required veterinary reports, testing results showing that the water supply is bacteriologically safe; (4) the eligible farmer agrees to comply with regular sampling and testing requirements of raw milk samples, as described; and (5) the eligible farmer agrees to comply with the specified labeling requirements. Defines seven terms. Makes conforming changes to GS 106-266.35 (sale or dispensing of milk) to account for legalization of raw milk under GS 106-266.35A. Requires the Board of Agriculture to adopt permanent rules and may adopt temporary rules to implement the act. Effective January 1, 2026.
| Intro. by Winslow, Riddell, Adams, McNeely. | GS 106 |
Requires the Department of Public Instruction to study the feasibility of requiring each local school administrative unit to maintain at least one year-round school for grades K-12 (specifies that all grade levels do not need to be offered year-round at the same school). Requires examining administrative and operational costs, transportation and other logistical challenges, barriers to establishing a year-round school, and anticipated enrollment if year-round school were more accessible. Authorizes working with a third-party to complete the study. Requires a report, and legislative or budgetary recommendations, to the specified NCGA committee by January 15, 2027.
| Intro. by Reeder, Biggs, Cotham, Paré. | STUDY |
Contains whereas clauses.
Amends GS 115C-47 to require local boards of education to increase full-time, permanent assistant principal positions employed in local school administrative units based on average daily membership for each fiscal year until the 2026-27 fiscal year. Beginning in the 2025-2026 fiscal year, in order to increase assistant principal positions, appropriates from the General Fund to the Department of Public Instruction for the following fiscal years the following amounts to the school building administration allotment to increase the ratios of funds allotted for months of employment for assistant principals to students: (1) for fiscal years 2025-26 and 2026-27 for assistant principals 1 month: 90 students, $23,560,043 and (2) for each subsequent fiscal year after for assistant principals 1 month: 80 students, $57,568,035. Applies beginning with the 2025-2026 school year.
Directs such funds will supplement and not supplant any funds from any source already provided for assistant principals.
Effective July 1, 2025.
Titles the act "The Vehicle Registration Convenience Act." Amends GS 20-66, concerning the renewal of vehicle registration, to allow an owner, when a vehicle registration is initially issued, to select a month upon which the vehicle's registration will expire. The initial registration will then expire at midnight of the last day of that selected month. Sets out the fee for initial registration, based on whether the month of issuance is selected as the month of renewal. Makes additional clarifying, organizational, and technical changes.
Amends GS 20-52, to require an application for a vehicle certificate of title, registration plate, and registration card to also include a statement indicating the month of registration renewal the owner has selected.
Applies to vehicle registrations issued or renewed on or after January 1, 2026.
| Intro. by Echevarria, Loftis, Almond. | GS 20 |
Titles the act as "The Michael Mitchke F.I.N.E. Law. Amends GS 130A-389, as the title indicates. Applies to cases arising on or after October 1, 2025.
| Intro. by Almond. | GS 130A |
Identical to S 519, and filled on 3/25/25.
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.
Appropriates $35 million for 2025-26 from the General Fund to Scotland County as title indicates. Effective July 1, 2025.
Appropriates $500,000 from the Highway Fund to the Department of Transportation for 2025-26 to be used to study and identify the economic benefits from reducing traffic congestion on the portion of road between the intersection of Vass Road and NC Highway 87 and the entrance to Fort Bragg. Directs that the study include examining expanded rail routes and other surface transportation. Effective July 1, 2025.
| Intro. by F. Jackson, Pike, Colvin, Wheatley. | APPROP, STUDY, Cumberland |
Includes whereas clauses. Enacts GS 103-19 as title indicates, designating the Sunday through the Saturday week of each year inclusive of March 12 as Girl Scouts Week in the state.
| Intro. by Cervania, Howard, Johnson-Hostler. | GS 103 |
Establishes the Reimbursement for Volunteer Firefighters Pilot Program (Program), operated by the Department of Public Safety, Division of Emergency Management (Division). Requires reimbursing firefighters who are employed by or a member of a volunteer organization for mileage from their duty station to the scene of an emergency, accident, or other event necessitating a firefighter response in their service area. Makes the reimbursement rate equal to the current standard business mileage rate issued annually by the IRS. Makes firefighters eligible for reimbursement also eligible for reimbursement for using their personal equipment at an accident scene. Sets out provisions for oversight and for submitting reimbursement requests. Terminates the Program on June 30, 2026. Requires the Division to seek to implement the Program by January 1, 2026, and advertise the Program on its website. Requires the Division to consult with volunteer firefighter organizations on the implementation of the Program.
Requires a report on the effectiveness of the Program to the specified NCGA committee by June 30, 2026.
Appropriates $1 million for 2025-2026 from the General Fund to the Department of Public Safety, Division of Emergency Management, for the operation of the Program.
Effective July 1, 2025.
| Intro. by F. Jackson. | APPROP |
Part I.
Amends GS 90-1.1 (setting forth definitions related to the practice of medicine) to add a new definition for team-based setting or team-based practice, to include any of the following:
(1) a medical practice where: (i) the majority of the practice is owned collectively by one or more licensed physicians; (ii) an owner who is a physician licensed to practice medicine in North Carolina has consistent and meaningful participation in the design and implementation of health services to patients, as defined by rules adopted by the North Carolina Medical Board (Medical Board); and (iii) the physicians and team-based physician assistants (team-based PAs) who provide services at the medical practice work in the same clinical practice area.
(2) hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, and other health care facilities with active credentialing and quality programs where physicians have consistent and meaningful participation in the design and implementation of health services to patients, as defined by rules adopted by the Board.
Excludes a medical practice that specializes in pain management from the definition of team-based practice or team-based setting.
Enacts new GS 90-9.3A, which provides as follows. Sets out the following a physician assistant (PA) must meet to practice as a team-based PA if the PA practices in a team-based setting or team-based practice: (1) more than 4,000 hours of clinical practice experience as a licensed PA and more than 1,000 hours of clinical practice experience within the specific medical specialty of practice with a physician in that specialty and (2) submission of proof satisfactory to the Medical Board of practice in a team-based setting and the requisite clinical hours. Authorizes the Medical Board to adopt rules setting other requirements for practice or additional information required. Requires team-based PAs to collaborate and consult with or refer to the appropriate members of the health care team as required by the patient's condition and as indicated by the education, experience, and competencies of the physician assistant and the standard of care. The degree of collaboration must be determined by the practice, which may include decisions by the employer, group, hospital service, and the credentialing and privileging systems of a licensed facility. Authorizes the Medical Board to adopt rules to establish requirements for the determination and enforcement of collaboration, consultation, and referral. States that team-based PAs are responsible for the care they provide. Requires a team-based PA practicing in a perioperative setting to be supervised by a physician.
Amends PA general licensure requirements (GS 90-9.3) and limited volunteer licensure requirements (GS 90-12.4) to exempt team-based PAs from having to submit supervising physician information.
Makes technical change to GS 90-12.4B.
Amends GS 90-18.1 (limitations on PAs) as follows:
- Requires all PAs to clearly designate their credentials as a PA in all clinical settings.
- Exempts team-based PAs from the supervising physician requirement to write prescriptions for drugs.
- Changes the designated PA supervisor from licensed pharmacist to licensed physician for a PA to be able to compound and dispense drugs. Requires PA to also follow all applicable state and federal laws and rules governing compounding and dispensing (was, only the rules and regulations of the North Carolina Board of Pharmacy). Requires the PA to register with the Board of Pharmacy.
- Only requires a supervising physician to provide a PA written instructions about medications, tests, or treatments in order for the PA to be able to order those medications, tests, or treatments if the PA is subject to a supervisory arrangement. Exempts team-based PAs who may prescribe, order, administer, and procure drugs and medical devices without physician authorization from provision holding supervising physician responsible for authorizing a PA prescription or order. Allows for those practicing in a team-based setting to plan and initiate a therapeutic regimen that includes ordering and prescribing non-pharmacological interventions, including durable medical equipment, nutrition, blood, blood products, and diagnostic support services, including home health care, hospice, and physical and occupational therapy.
- Allows for PAs to authenticate any document (was, just death certificates) so long as it may have been authenticated by a physician. Deletes language deeming completion of a death certificate by a PA as authorized by a supervising physician and holding the physician responsible for that authorization.
- Bars PAs from performing final interpretations of diagnostic imaging studies (computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), nuclear medicine, positron emission tomography (PET), mammography, and ultrasound services). Requires physician to provide final interpretation of diagnostic imaging studies. Allows for PA to conduct a final interpretation of plain film radiographs only when supervised by a physician.
- Makes conforming changes to refer to new "team-based practice."
Amends definition of qualified technician in the Woman’s Right to Know Act (GS 90-21.81) to include PAs with certification in obstetrical ultrasonography.
Amends definition of attending providers in GS 58-3-169 (requiring insurance coverage for minimum hospital stays after birth) to include PAs.
Amends GS 110-91 (governing licensure requirements for child care facilities) to allow PAs to be able to complete a child health assessment before a child is admitted or within 30 days of admission to a child care facility.
Requires the Medical Board to adopt permanent rules necessary to implement the act.
The statutory changes set forth above become effective either when the Medical Board adopts permanent rules to implement all provisions of the act or June 30, 2026, whichever is earlier.
Part II.
Enacts new Article 18J, Physician Assistant Licensure Compact (PA Compact), to GS Chapter 90. States the purpose of the PA Compact and sets forth 22 defined terms, including adverse action (any administrative, civil, equitable, or criminal action permitted by a state's laws which is imposed by a Licensing Board or other authority against a PA License or license application or compact privilege such as license denial, censure, revocation, suspension, probation, monitoring of the licensee, or restriction on the licensee's practice), qualifying license (an unrestricted license issued by a participating state to provide medical services as a PA), remote state (a participating state where a licensee who’s not licensed is seeking to exercise compact privileges), and significant investigative information (investigative information that a licensing board, after an inquiry or investigation that includes notification and an opportunity for the PA to respond if required by state law, has reason to believe is not groundless and, if proven true, would indicate more than a minor infraction).
Lists eight requirements for a State to participate in the PA Compact, including that it licenses PAs who have, amongst other things, passed a nationally recognized exam; conducts certain background checks; and grants PA compact privileges to qualifying licensees from participating states. Specifies that participating states may charge a fee for granting PA Compact privileges. Adds new GS 90-270.203, listing 12 requirements a licensee must meet to be granted compact privileges, including graduation from certain PA programs, certifications, holding a qualifying license, and no felony or misdemeanor convictions along with other background qualifiers. Specifies that compact privileges are valid until the expiration or revocation of the licensee’s qualifying license. Directs that if the participating state in the PA Compact where the licensee is licensed takes adverse action (defined), then the licensee’s compact privileges in any remote state in which they have privileges are lost until the license is no longer limited or restricted and two years have elapsed from the date that the license became no longer limited or restricted and the licensees again meets the 12 requirements for compact privileges in GS 90-270.203(a). Requires that, for each remote state where a PA seeks authority to prescribe controlled substances, the PA must satisfy all requirements imposed by the state in granting or renewing such authority.
Adds new GS 90-270.204, requiring that the licensee identify the participating state where they are applying along with (1) the address of their primary residence, (2) requirement to immediately report any changes of primary residence, and (3) the licensee consents to service of process at their primary residence.
Adds new GS 90-270.205, pertaining to adverse actions. Designates the participating state where the PA is licensed with exclusive power to impose adverse action against the PA’s qualifying license issued by that state. Lists four things that remote states have the authority to do, including taking adverse action against a PA’s compact privilege or other action necessary to protect the health and safety of its citizens. Requires the licensee's participating state to give priority and effect to reported conducted received from any other participating state as if the conduct occurred in the participating state itself. Requires the participating state to apply its own laws to determine appropriate action. Allows participating states to recover costs of investigation and disposition of cases from licensees subject to an adverse action. Allows for adverse actions by participating states based on factual findings of a remote state. Provides for joint investigations by participating and remote states. Specifies that if an adverse action is taken against the qualifying license then the PA’s compact privileges in all remote states are deactivated until two years have elapsed after all restrictions have been removed from the license. Provides for a disciplinary order and notice by the participating state to the administrator of the data system established under GS 90-270.207.
Adds new GS 90-270.206, establishing a PA Licensure Compact Commission (Commission), a joint government agency and national administrative body. Provides for Commission membership; voting; meetings; powers and duties; an executive committee; financing; recordkeeping; and member-qualified immunity, defense, and indemnification. Among the 23 powers and duties charged of the Committee, includes establishing a code of ethics, prosecuting legal proceedings and actions so long as the standing of any state licensing board to sue or be sued under applicable law is not affected, and the acquisition and disposal of property. Provides for Commission rulemaking procedures and effect, including a participating state challenge of a Commission rule if it conflicts with the state’s law pertaining to medical services that a PA may perform in the state and rejection of a rule by a majority of participating state legislatures.
Adds new GS 90-270.207, requiring the Commission to establish a coordinated database and reporting system containing licensure, adverse action, and the reporting of the existence of significant investigative information on all licensed PAs and applicants denied a license in participating states. Designates information provided to a participating state from the database is an authenticated business record entitled to a hearsay exception in any relevant judicial, quasi-judicial, or administrative proceeding in a participating state when certified by the Commission or an agent thereof.
Adds new GS 90-270.208 setting forth the Commission’s rulemaking powers.
Adds new GS 90-270.209, detailing oversight of the PA Compact by the executive and judicial branches in each participating state, dispute resolution procedures between member states, and PA Compact enforcement by the Commission. Provides for member state default grounds and procedures, member termination procedures, and dissolution. Provides for venue and available remedies in legal action against the Commission. Specifies that only a participating state can enforce the PA Compact against the Commission. Adds new GS 90-270.210, that provides for the Compact to become effective upon enactment in the seventh member state and withdrawal procedures by member states. Requires the Commission to review all participating state charters once the PA Compact becomes effective to ensure they are all in compliance with the model compact. Allows for a participating state to default if its compact is materially in conflict with the model compact.
Deems the provisions of the PA Compact severable and advises on its construction and effect on other laws.
Makes conforming changes to GS 90-9.3 (requirements for licensure as a physician assistant).
Amends GS 90-13.2 to require privilege holders to register annually with the North Carolina Medical Board as required by new Article 18J. Requires physician assistants who pay a $140 annual registration fee to pay an additional $25 for failure to register.
Amends GS 90-13.1 by adding a $230 fee for initial licensure or privilege of a physician assistant.
Amends GS 90-1.1 by amending the definition of license by adding that it includes any physician assistant compact privilege granted under Article 18J, and the definition of licensee to include any compact privilege issued to a holder of a qualifying license in a participating state under Article 18J.
Amends GS 90-5.1 by expanding the powers of the NC Medical Board, to also include: (1) implementing the Physician Assistant Licensure Compact under Article 18J, including issuing compact privileges; and (2) appointing a delegate to serve on the Physician Assistant Licensure Compact Commission, who must be either (a) a current physician assistant, physician, or public member of the Board, or (b) an administrator of the Board.
Amends GS 90-11 to allow the Department of Public Safety to provide the NC Medical Board with a criminal record check for purposes of Article 18J.
Amends GS 90-14 to give the NC Medical Board disciplinary power for a violation of Article 18J.
Effective nine months after the act becomes law.
Appropriates $656,000 in recurring funds from the General Fund for each year of the 2025-27 biennium to the UNC Board of Governors to be allocated to the UNC Health Care System to cover the aggregate costs of transportation services, including ambulance services, for neonatal patients from a hospital in the UNC Health Care System to another hospital in situations where insurance payors or insurance companies deny coverage for transportation and mileage fees. The Board of Governors must submit an annual report to the General Assembly detailing the amount of funds expended, the number of neonatal transports covered, and any other data deemed relevant regarding the effectiveness of the funding in reducing delays in neonatal care. Effective July 1, 2025.
| Intro. by Alston, T. Brown. | APPROP |
Appropriates $1,524,978 from the General Fund to the Office of State Budget and Management for 2025-26 to provide a directed grant to the Haywood County School system to be used to install a turf field at Tuscola High School, to purchase a metal building for use as a locker room at the C.E. Weatherby Stadium, and for stadium improvements at Bethel Middle School. Effective July 1, 2025.
Appropriates $5.4 million from the General Fund to the Office of State Budget and Management for 2025-26 to provide a directed grant to the Town of Spring Lake (1) to complete the restoration of the Historic Spring Lake Civic Center, (2) for the Spring Lake Fire Department, (3) for infrastructure needs, and (4) to assist the Manchester Fire Department or any other rural fire department that serves the Spring Lake area. Effective July 1, 2025.
| Intro. by Colvin. | APPROP, Cumberland |
Amends GS 108A-25.2 to exempt an individual who has been convicted of a drug related felony from the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 if the individual can show: (1) that they completed a substance abuse treatment program while in custody, or immediately after conviction if not in custody; or (2) are in continuous active participation in a required substance abuse treatment program. This exemption allows the individual to obtain assistance from the Work First Program and the food and nutrition services program.
Effective July 1, 2025.
| Intro. by Campbell, Crawford, Chesser. | GS 108A |
Amends GS 105-277.1C, which provides for a property tax homestead exclusion for disabled veterans, set at the first $45,000 of appraised value of the residence. Revises the exclusion to provide for a total exemption of the appraised value of the residence. Adds the following new provisions. Requires county tax collectors to annually notify the Secretary of Revenue (Secretary) of the county's total hold harmless amount, defined as the sum of the hold harmless amount (the appraised value of property excluded multiplied by the applicable local tax rate) for all property excluded from taxation in the county and the hold harmless amount of all property excluded from taxation in cities located in the county. Directs the Secretary to annually distribute each county's total hold harmless amount on or before December 31. Failure to do so bars reimbursement. Requires counties to distribute funds received attributable to its cities or other unit of government or special district for which it collected taxes. Requires the Secretary to draw on individual income tax collections under Part 2, Article 4 to pay for the reimbursement and administrative costs.
Effective for taxable years beginning on or after July 1, 2026.
| Intro. by Crawford, Pittman, Ager. | GS 105 |
Includes whereas clauses.
Amends GS 116-143.1 to make a person who meets the following eligible for the in-state tuition rate at UNC constituent institutions and the community colleges under the jurisdiction of the State Board of Community Colleges: (1) graduated and received a high school diploma from a school within North Carolina that is not a nonpublic residential school; (2) enrolled in the institution of higher education in the school year immediately following his or her graduation and receipt of a high school diploma; (3) attended North Carolina public or nonpublic schools for a minimum of four consecutive years immediately prior to high school graduation and receipt of a high school diploma; (4) holds an unexpired North Carolina drivers license or special identification card; and (5) received a social security number and card from the US Social Security Administration.
Amends GS 116-143.4 by adding that a person eligible for the in-State tuition rate under GS 116-143.1 is not considered an in-State applicant for the proposes of admission to a UNC constituent institution.
Effective July 1, 2025, and applies beginning with the 2025-26 academic year.
| Intro. by Cervania, Harrison, Prather. | GS 116 |
Substantively identical to S 660, filed 3/31/25.
Contains whereas clauses.
Section 1.
Amends the disabled veteran property tax homestead exclusion (GS 105-277.1C) as follows, effective for taxable years beginning on or after July 1, 2025. Increases the amount of the exclusion to the first $75,000 of the appraised value of the veteran’s residence (was, the first $45,000 of the appraised value). Effective for taxable years beginning on or after July 1, 2026, increases the amount of the exclusion to the first $125,000 of the appraised value and to the lesser of $500,000 or 100% of the appraised value of the residence starting July 1, 2027. Specifies that a qualifying owner who receives an exclusion under GS 105-277.1C is not eligible for any other property tax relief.
Sets a holds harmless amount as the appraised value of the property excluded from taxation under the disabled veteran’s property tax homestead exclusion, multiplied by the applicable local tax rate. Sets a total hold harmless amount as the sum of the hold harmless amount for all property excluded from taxation under this statute in the county multiplied by 50% plus the hold harmless amount for all property excluded from taxation under this statute in the cities located in the county multiplied by 50%.
Requires counties and cities to notify the Secretary of Revenue (Secretary) of the total hold harmless amount and disallows reimbursement to the local government if it fails to notify the Secretary by the due date. Requires the Secretary to reimburse the city or county on or before December 31 of each year, provided however, that if the hold harmless amount for any city or county exceeds 1% of its total general fund revenue for the most recent fiscal year, the Secretary will also reimburse that city or county for all amounts exceeding that threshold. Requires county to disperse attributable reimbursement funds to cities within the county. Requires cities or counties that received funds because they were collecting taxes for another unit of government or special district to credit those funds to those units in accordance with regulations issued by the Local Government Commission. Pays for the reimbursement and the Secretary’s costs in administering the reimbursement by drawing those from the individual income tax revenues received under Part 2 of Article 4 in GS Chapter 105.
Allows for disabled veterans or their surviving spouses who have not remarried to apply for prequalification of the homestead exemption tax relief, even before purchasing a property, so long as a prequalified veteran/eligible spouse applies for the property tax relief when purchasing the property. Sets forth an application process and notice requirements. Makes conforming changes.
Effective for tax years beginning July 1, 2025, except as otherwise specified.
Section 2.
Amends GS 105-275 (Property classified and excluded from the tax base) to exclude from property tax any motor vehicles owned by a person who has a 100% disability rating certified by the US Department of Veterans Affairs and that are used by that person as their primary personal vehicle. Excludes vehicles used primarily for business or commercial purposes.
Amends GS 105-330.4 (concerning motor vehicle property taxes), as follows. Sets a holds harmless amount as the appraised value of the property excluded from taxation under the disabled veteran’s property tax motor vehicle exclusion, multiplied by the applicable local tax rate. Sets a total hold harmless amount as the sum of the hold harmless amount for all property excluded from taxation under this statute in the county multiplied by 50% plus the hold harmless amount for all property excluded from taxation under this statute in the cities located in the county multiplied by 50%.
Requires counties and cities to notify the Secretary of Revenue (Secretary) of the total hold harmless amount and disallows reimbursement to the local government if it fails to notify the Secretary by the due date. Requires the Secretary to reimburse the city or county on or before December 31 of each year, provided however, that if the hold harmless amount for any city or county exceeds 1% of its total general fund revenue for the most recent fiscal year, the Secretary will also reimburse that city or county for all amounts exceeding that threshold. Requires county to disperse attributable reimbursement funds to cities within the county. Requires cities or counties that received funds because they were collecting taxes for another unit of government or special district to credit those funds to those units in accordance with regulations issued by the Local Government Commission. Pays for the reimbursement and the Secretary’s costs in administering the reimbursement by drawing those from the individual income tax revenues received under Part 2 of Article 4 in GS Chapter 105.
Applies to motor vehicles registered on or after the act becomes law and motor vehicle property tax exemptions occurring on or after that date.
Section 3.
Appropriates $10 million from the General Fund to the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (Department) for 2025-26 to be used to establish the Veterans’ Economic Development Incentive Grant Program (Program), to provide financial assistance in the form of grants to eligible entities to promote affordable housing initiatives for veterans, infrastructure improvements for veterans, and veteran employment programs. Specifies that the funds do not revert but remain available until they are expended. Contains definitions. Provides for an application and awards on a first-come, first-served basis. Caps the grant amount at $100,000 per qualifying project. Allows the Department to retain up to 5% of the appropriated funds for administrative expenses.
Section 4.
By no later than September 1 of each year, requires the Department to provide a report to the specified NCGA committee and the Fiscal Research Division that contains the following:
- An assessment of the financial impact on local governments of the provisions of this act.
- Data on the number of veterans benefitting from the homestead exclusion and motor vehicle tax exemption, as modified by this act.
- An evaluation of whether the Veterans' Economic Development Incentive Fund has contributed to workforce development for veterans, infrastructure improvements for veterans, and affordable housing initiatives.
The Daily Bulletin: 2025-04-02
Senate committee substitute to the 1st edition makes the following changes.
Amends the supervision provisions under the Psychology Practice Act (GS 90-270.139) as follows. Allows a licensed psychological associate to be supervised by a qualified licensed psychological associate, in addition to licensed psychologist (currently statute authorizes supervision by psychologist or other qualified professional). Clarifies that a licensed psychological associate needs supervision when they engage in psychology in accordance with the NC Psychology Board’s (Board) rules. Modifies the requirements for exemption under new GS 90-270.139(e1), (exempting certain licensed psychological associates from supervision) as follows: (1) increases the hours of postgraduate degree experience in the delivery of psychological services under the supervision of one or more qualified licensed psychologists from 3,000 to 4,000 within the specified time period and (2) now requires documentation that all performance ratings for the 4,000 hours of post-licensure experience have been average or above average. Removes provisions requiring the Board to approve a licensed psychological associate to engage in independent practice if the licensed psychological associate meets those requirements.
Expands the requirements for licensure as a psychological associate in the practice of neuropsychology (defined) or forensic pathology (defined) under GS 90-270.145 by requiring those applicants to demonstrate to the Board specialized education and training to practice in those areas including graduate level course work, continuing education, supervised training experience, or any other factors the Board deems appropriate.
Further amends GS 90-270.153 (pertaining to certification as a health services provider under the Psychology Practice Act) as follows. Now allows a licensed psychological associate who possesses a certification as a health services provider psychological associate to provide health services without supervision upon meeting the requirements in GS 90-270.139(e1) (was, allowed for all licensed psychological associates who do not need supervision under the requirements set forth above to be granted certification as a health services provider psychological associate upon submission of an application fee). Notwithstanding that limitation, permits a licensed psychological associate who was licensed before June 30, 2013, who can demonstrate, in accordance with Board rules, that he or she has been engaged in the provision of health services psychology under supervision for 4,000 hours within a time period of at least 24 consecutive months and less than 60 consecutive months is deemed to meet the requirements for certification as a health services provider psychological associate. Makes conforming changes.
Removes provisions in GS 90-270.140 (Board terms) allowing the Governor to appoint a new member to the Board within 60 days of any vacancy. Deletes provisions requiring the NC Psychological Association, in consultation with chairs of graduate departments of psychology in the State, to submit names of three candidates to the Governor for selection. Removes provisions requiring Board to solicit applications for membership from all licensees of the Board and requiring the Board must submit the names of the applicants qualified to all licensees for a vote. Removes provisions specifying that from that vote, the Board will submit a list of the three highest vote getters to the Governor for selection. Instead, as the term of a psychologist member expires, or as a vacancy of a psychologist member occurs for any other reason, instructs the Board, the North Carolina Psychological Association, or its successor, and the North Carolina Association of Professional Psychologists, or its successor, to form a nominating committee and, having sought nominees from licensees for each vacancy, to submit to the Governor a list of the names of three eligible persons.
Makes technical changes, including to effective date. Makes organizational changes.
| Intro. by Burgin. | GS 90 |
Senate committee substitute to the 1st edition makes the following changes.
Changes the definition of CLIA-waived test under GS 90-85.3 so that it now means a laboratory test authorized by the FDA and waived under the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments of 1988.
Amends GS 90-85.3A to also allow a pharmacist to order and perform a CLIA-waived test for streptococcus infections; also clarifies that a pharmacist may initiate treatment for both the flu and streptococcus infections based on the results of the CLIA-waived test. Adds to the requirement that a health benefit plan cover services provided by a pharmacist when the two specified conditions are met, that the coverage must be at no less than the same rate as any other healthcare provider performing the same service. Adds that an insurer must accept a claim under the statute regardless of whether it is submitted by a pharmacist or a pharmacy submitting the claim on behalf of a pharmacist the pharmacy employs or contracts with.
Removes the current provision requiring the State Health Director to consult with the Board of Pharmacy and Medical Board in developing statewide protocols for implementing the changes to GS 90-85.3A. Instead, requires the Medical Board and Board of Pharmacy, by October 1, 2025, to adopt rules to implement Section 1 of this act, which contains the changes to GS 90-85.3 and GS 90-85.3A, including at least the five specified measures, including an approved course of treatment pharmacists can implement for the flu and streptococcus infections, and patient parameters necessitating referral to a primary, urgent, or emergency care provider.
Changes the act’s short title.
Senate committee substitute to the 1st edition makes the following changes.
Adds that the State Auditor must organize and administer the Division of Accountability, Value, and Efficiency (DAVE) in a way that is necessary to conduct the Division's work accordingly. No longer specifies the NCGA's intent to further clarify the Division's organization, powers, and duties in a future enactment. Adds that the Division may annually require a report from any or all State agencies on the information required under the act and may reassess that information annually, based on the act's provisions, and report on the results of the assessment to the NCGA. Adds that the act expires on December 31, 2028, and terminates the Division at that time.
| Intro. by Berger, Moffitt, Jarvis. | UNCODIFIED |
Senate committee substitute to the 1st edition makes the following changes.
Amends proposed GS 115C-81.36(e) to require that a parent or guardian wanting to remove a student from the advance learning opportunities or advanced courses be first given notice that the student's placement was determined by their achievement on the previous end-of-grade or end-of-course test (was, end-of-grade test only).
| Intro. by Lee, Corbin, Overcash. | GS 115C |
Senate committee substitute to the 1st edition makes the following changes.
Amends proposed GS 115D-5(bb) to now require the State board to adopt a policy prohibiting community colleges from establishing, maintaining, or otherwise implementing a process for reporting or investigating offenses or unwanted speech that is protected by the First Amendment, including satire or speech labeled as microaggression (was, a policy that prohibits community colleges from establishing or maintaining a group or committee designed to investigate a bias incident, as previously defined).
Amends the proposed addition to GS 116-300 to now prohibit UNC constituent institutions from establishing, maintaining, or otherwise implementing a process for reporting or investigating offenses or unwanted speech that is protected by the First Amendment, including satire or speech labeled as microaggression (was, prohibited from establishing or maintaining a group or committee designed to investigate a bias incident, as previously defined).
Part I.
Enacts GS 135-5.6 (note, GS 135-5.6 exists in current law and relates to employees of the UNC Health Care System) to allow members of the Teachers' and State Employees' Retirement System (TSERS) to elect or continue to receive any retirement allowance for which the member is eligible if: (1) the member is in service as a law enforcement officer, has reached 59.5 years old, and has not separated from service as a law enforcement officer with the employer under which the member will begin receiving the retirement allowance; or (2) the member is a retired law enforcement officer, had a bona fide separation of at least six months, returns to service as a law enforcement officer with the employer under which the member began to receive that retirement allowance. Requires members making an election under the statute to also make any elections and creditable service purchases required by state law at or prior to retirement at the time of the election, as specified. Bars receiving additional membership service for any employment while the member is receiving the retirement allowance. Directs that the employer, rather than the member, must make employee contributions to TSERS in an amount calculated as described once a member elects to receive and begins receiving the retirement allowance. Provides for reduction of the member's gross salary or wage paid as if the member was making the employee contribution. Disqualifies members making an election under the statute from participating in the Disability Income Plan and instead continues the retirement allowance elected if the member becomes mentally or physically incapacitated and unable to further perform their duties of employment. Disqualifies members making an election under the statute from eligibility for State contributions to the Supplemental Retirement Income Plan and requires that contributions cease upon election. Continues eligibility for benefits under the Public Safety Employees' Death Benefits Act (Article 12A, GS Chapter 143) upon election. Provides for instances of death or separation from employment of a member receiving the retirement allowance; the effect of changes to retirement allowance of beneficiaries; and the criteria and effect of revoking the election.
Adds Justice Officer to the defined terms set forth in GS 128-21, applicable to the Local Governmental Employees' Retirement System (LGERS), defined by statutory cross-reference to GS Chapter 17E. Enacts GS 128-27.1, mirroring the provisions enacted in new GS 135-5.6, to allow members of LGERS who are employed or retired law enforcement or justice officers to elect to receive any retirement allowance for which the member is otherwise eligible while continuing or returning to service. Provides identical requirements and limitations, substituting appropriate cross-references where necessary to make the provisions applicable to LGERS members and benefits.
Makes conforming changes to GS 135-3 (TSERS membership) and GS 128-24 (LGERS membership). Changes the statutory provisions referenced in the "Notwithstanding" clauses of current GS 135-3(b) and subdivision (5a), GS 128-24 (recodified as subsection (b)). Specifies that a bona fide separation occurs when a member has severed the employment relationship with the employers and the respective System's Board of Trustees has received all applicable termination notifications. Requires the employer and beneficiary to file original sworn affidavits with the respective Board that include two described attestations within 60 days from the date a beneficiary is reemployed with an employer to preserve the bona fide separation presumption. Makes technical changes and language gender neutral.
Amends GS 143-166.41 and GS 143-166.42 governing separation allowances for law enforcement officers who are members of TSERS and LGERS. Except as otherwise described, replaces existing provisions to provide an annual special separation allowance for State and local law enforcement officers to begin the month the officer either retires on a basic service retirement or elects to begin receiving the retirement allowance while still in service pursuant to new GS 135-5.6 or GS 128-27. Sets forth four qualifying criteria for the allowance, including that the officer has completed 30 or more years of creditable service or is 55 or older and has completed five or more years of creditable service. Includes four defined terms. Establishes a formula to calculate the allowance amount and four events which trigger cessation of allowance payments. Maintains existing provisions of each statute relating to the impact of payments on other benefits and actions, eligibility determinations, and responsibility for payments, and for GS 143-166.41, the provision regarding the transfer of funds. Adds a new requirement for allowances to be paid in equal installments on the payroll frequency used by the employer. Adds captions to the statutes' subsections.
Amends GS 143-166.84 regarding eligibility for the Sheriffs' Supplemental Pension, Article 12H. Adds a new subsection expanding eligibility to county sheriffs who have completed 10 years of eligible service as a sheriff, are at least 55 or have attained at least 30 years of creditable service regardless of age, and have elected to receive a retirement allowance while in service under new GS 128-27.1 and not revoked that election. Directs that monthly payments for sheriffs eligible under the new provision begin with the month in which the officer elects to begin receiving the retirement allowance under new GS 128-27.1. Makes conforming and clarifying changes.
Amends GS 143-166.85 regarding supplemental pension benefits under Article 12H. Adds a new subsection directing a sheriff who is still in service and entitled to receive a supplemental pension benefit to receive an annual pension benefit, payable in monthly installments. Details calculation of the benefit. Excepts from the events mandating the cessation of benefits pensioners reemployed as a sheriff or another public safety position under state law or who have elected to receive distributions while in service under new GS 128-27. Adds revocation of a pensioner's election to receive a retirement allowance under new GS 128-27.1 to the events mandating cessation of benefits, and provides for benefits upon a sheriff's later subsequent retirement. Makes technical and clarifying changes.
Makes conforming changes to GS 135-103 (Disability Income Plan eligibility) and GS 143-166.60 (statutory cross-references to definitions).
Repeals GS 143-166.81(a), defining the scope of Article 12H to retired county sheriffs.
Amends GS 143-166.30, replacing eligibility provisions of the Supplemental Retirement Income Plan (Plan) to now encompass all law enforcement officers employed by the State as provided by GS Chapter 135, Article 5 (governing the Plan). Eliminates directives to the Board of Trustees' administration of the Plan. Defines "Plan". Allows Plan participants that have elected to receive a retirement allowance under new GS 135-5.6 to transfer eligible accumulated contributions to TSERS and receive a special retirement allowance based on their accumulated account balance at the date of transfer. No longer specifies that State contributions to the Plan under the statute are in addition to contributions on account of court assessments provided by the statute. Adds that State contributions cease upon an officer electing to receive a retirement allowance under new GS 135-5.6(a)(1). Makes technical changes.
Amends GS 143-166.50, regarding the Supplemental Income Plan for local law enforcement officers (Plan for local officers). Deletes outdated language. Adds that employer contributions to the Plan for local officers cease upon the officer's election to receive a retirement allowance under new GS 128-27.1. Allows local officer Plan participants that have elected to receive a retirement allowance under new GS 128-27.1 to transfer eligible accumulated contributions to LGERS and receive a special retirement allowance based on their accumulated account balance at the date of transfer.
Appropriates $10 million from the General Fund in recurring funds to the Department of State Treasurer for each year of 2025-27 to implement the act. Effective July 1, 2025.
Includes a severability clause. Sunsets any provision of Part I when the IRS notifies the State Treasurer is noncompliant with federal law at 30 days from receipt of a notification. Requires the State Treasurer to notify the Revisor of Statutes of any IRS notification requiring expiration.
Sunsets specified sections and subsections of GS Chapters 135, 128, and 143, as enacted by the act, effective December 31, 2029, as follows:
- GS 135-5.6;
- GS 135-3(b1);
- GS 128-27.1;
- GS 128-24(b2);
- GS 143-166.41(a)(2), (b2)(2), (c)(3)c., (c)(4);
- GS 143-166.42 (a)(2), (b1)(2), (c)(3)c., (c)(4);
- GS 143-166.85 (a3) and (b2);
- GS 143-166.85(a1), (d)(1)b., (d)(2); and
- GS 135-103(c).
Effective October 1, 2025.
Part II.
Further amends GS 143-166.41 and GS 143-166.42 governing eligibility for separation allowances for State and local law enforcement officers. Makes organizational changes to the language enacted to the sections in Part I of the act establishing a formula to calculate an officer's allowance amount. Enacts separate formula provisions for officers who have attained 30 years of service, providing for the amount to be multiplied by 30, if the officer meets two criteria, including (1) that, prior to the age of 62, the officer completed at least 30 years of creditable service of which 50% was as an officer; and (2) the officer completed at least five years of continuous service as a law enforcement officer immediately preceding the officer's service retirement, with exception for breaks in service for disability. Allows election of either formula for an officer meeting all eligibility requirements and specifies that the formula election is a one-time, irrevocable election to be made prior to the first allowance payment. Provides for the second formula to apply if no election is made. For officers receiving an allowance based on the second formula, provides for cessation of payments if there has been a period of receiving the allowance that is equivalent to the total of 62 years minus the age at which the officer first completed 30 years of creditable service.
Applies to law enforcement officers retiring on or after October 1, 2025.
Part I.
Retitles GS Chapter 74D, Security Systems (was Alarm Systems) and makes changes throughout the Chapter to refer to "security systems" rather than "alarm systems." Amends the Chapter as follows. Makes the Chapter's language gender-neutral.
Defines security systems business to include any person, firm, association, or corporation that, unless exempt, (1) sells or attempts to sell a security system by engaging in any personal solicitation to advise, design, or consult on specific types and specific locations of security system devices and/or (2) installs, services, monitors, or responds to electrical, wireless or hardwired electronic or mechanical alarm signal devices and security systems, integrated automation of a residence or business that includes a security element, burglar alarms, monitored access control, or cameras, analytic capturing devices, systems providing intelligence or other imaging devices used to detect or observe unauthorized or illegal activity. Eliminates the previous exclusion of locking devices that record entry and exit data and do not transmit the data in real time so long as the provider is licensed by the Locksmith Licensing Board; instead provides for this exemption from the Chapter's provisions in GS 74D-3. Defines qualifying agent to mean an individual who is a full-time employee in a management position licensed under the Chapter and who is registered with the Security Systems Board (Board; previously did not specify full-time employment). Establishes that a business entity required to be licensed under the Chapter is subject to the specified requirements regarding a qualifying agent (previously subject upon engaging in the business). Allows the business entity to notify the Board by letter or using the Board's online form upon its qualifying agent ceasing to perform his or her duties (previously only specified notification be in writing). Adds a new provision authorizing the Director of the Board, in his or her discretion, to extend the 90-day period by which the business entity must obtain a substitute qualifying agent for an additional 30 days for good cause upon written request. Prohibits any person (rather than licensee) from serving as the qualifying agent for more than one business entity without Board approval. Makes the qualifying agent responsible for maintaining current contact information with the Board. Adds minimum qualifications for qualifying agents in addition to age, experience, and character qualifications in existing law. Requires the applicant to have successfully completed or kept current a specified technician course offered by the Electronic Security System Association or equivalent approved by the Board (as an alternative to having the existing requirement for required training, qualifications, and experience to be licensed). Concerning the applicant character, includes a prayer for judgement continued, adjudication withheld, or an equivalent. Eliminates the authority of the Board to require an examination of applicants. Requires out-of-state monitoring companies not licensed in any state to be licensed by the Board and register their employees, but does not require out-of-state monitoring companies licensed in another state to register their employees upon receipt by the Board of a certificate of good standing from that state. Requires security guard and patrol companies that remotely monitor devices to obtain a separate limited monitoring license and allows them to use the same qualifying agent for the limited license used for its security guard and patrol license; excludes them from certain moral character and qualification requirements and does not require them to hold a low voltage electrical license. Requires the qualifying agent to complete a central station monitoring operator course.
Regarding criminal background checks of applicants for licensure or registration, replaces references to the Department of Public Safety with the State Bureau of Investigation (SBI). Authorizes the SBI to provide criminal record checks for applicants through the Board. Authorizes the SBI to charge applicants a fee for conducting the criminal history checks and specifies that the fee is to be collected by the Board and transmitted to the SBI. Makes an exception to the confidentiality provisions set forth for information obtained through an applicant's criminal history check, allowing such information to support the denial of an application or a disciplinary matter in a contested case.
Modifies the Chapter's exemptions as follows. Exempts installation or service (was, installation only) of an alarm system on property owned or leased to the installer, and entities through which a customer accesses marketing or advertising material or installation instructions for a security system. Eliminates the exemptions for out-of-state monitoring companies and persons or businesses providing services to a state agency or local government for five or more years. Makes organizational and clarifying changes. Allows a licensee to use (was, hire) a consultant or a manufacturer's representative (was, consultant only) to troubleshoot a location or installation if accompanied by the licensee and the licensee reports to the Board within 30 days designating the temporary consultant; eliminates the existing cap allowing for use of the consultant only up to 48 hours in a one-month period.
Renames the Alarm Systems Licensing Board the Security Systems Licensing Board (Board). Excepts the Secretary of Public Safety or a designee from the prohibition against a Board member serving more than two complete three-year consecutive terms. Requires the Board to set a travel allowance in addition to per diem compensation of members who are not also State officers or employees. Makes further technical changes.
Modifies and adds to the powers of the Board as follows. Authorizes the Board to determine minimum qualifications and establish minimum education, experience, and training standards for registrants in addition to applicants and licensees and conduct investigations of alleged violations to determine if unlicensed individuals or entities are in violation of the Chapter, in addition to investigating licensees' and registrants' compliance with the Chapter. Authorizes the Board to issue written cease and desist orders for violations with the concurrence of the Secretary of Public Safety. Allows the Board to take disciplinary action against registrants who fail to satisfy requirements of the Chapter or the Board. Additionally, grants the Board the power to acquire, rent, encumber, and deal with real property as a private person or corporation, subject to approval of the Governor and the Council of State. Limits collateral pledged by the Board for an encumbrance to the assets, income, and revenues of the Board. Deems the regulation of security system business exclusive to the Board, though permits local governments to require registration and reporting of businesses operating within their jurisdiction and even require revocable permits when alarm usage involves automatic signal transmission to law enforcement, which was previously located in GS 74D-11. Makes language gender neutral.
Expands the investigative powers of the Secretary of Public Safety to include complaints, allegations, or suspicions of wrongdoing or violation of the Chapter involving unlicensed individuals in addition to licensed or to-be-licensed individuals.
Amends GS 74D-6, now limiting the statute to grounds for denial for registration (was, licensure or registration). Modifies the grounds for the denial of registration to include conviction of any crime involving the illegal use, carrying, or possession of a firearm; felonious assault or an act of violence; felonious sexual offense; felonious larceny; or felonious fraud (was, conviction of any crime involving fraud only). Defines conviction. Now provides that the specified misdemeanor convictions are prima facie evidence that the applicant lacks good moral character and temperate habits. Includes in the specified misdemeanor convictions crimes involving assault (was, felonious assault) and sexual offenses; no longer includes offenses involving moral turpitude; adds to the definition of conviction. Lastly, establishes being registered as a sex offender in any state as grounds for denial of registration.
Amends GS 74D-7, to specify that branch office certificates must be obtained by branch offices in the state with a security systems business. Extends the period for temporary approval by the Director of the Board from 10 working days to 45 days. Increases the licensing fees to: $500 for an initial application; $1,000 for a new license or renewal; $500 for a late license renewal; $100 for a new or renewed registration; $25 for a reregistration; $300 for a branch office certificate; and $40 for a late registration fee. Eliminates the $50 fee for reconsideration of a license or registration permit filed or returned to the applicant for correctable errors.
Revises the described employees of a licensee who must register under GS 74D-8 to include: (1) employees who conduct personal sales in a private residence or who install or service a security system in a private residence and (2) employees remotely monitoring a security system, unless they are registered as a security guard with a licensed security guard and patrol company. Amends the requirements to be met by the licensee of a security systems business when registering the licensee’s employees with the Board under GS 74D-8 as follows. More specifically prohibits a licensee from employing any employee required to register under the Chapter until the Board approves the registration. Adds a provision allowing a licensee to employ an applicant as a probationary employee for 20 consecutive days. In order to continue employment as a regular employee, requires registration of the employee within 30 days after the probationary employment ends unless the Director, in his or her discretion, extends the time for good cause. Requires a probationary employee to complete training and requires a criminal record check before the probationary employee engages in services. Requires the licensee to give the Director a list of probationary employees monthly and specifies information that must be provided.
Amends GS 74D-8.1 by amending the requirements for an apprentice registration permit to no longer require applicants to be currently enrolled in high school or to have a valid driver's license. Makes a conforming deletion of the requirement that one of the applicant’s letters of recommendation be from an official at the applicant’s school.
Amends GS 74D-9 by increasing the required minimum amount of liability insurance to: (1) $250,000 (was, $50,000) because of bodily injury or death of one person as a result of the negligent act of the principal insured or his or her agents operating in the course and scope of employment and $500,000 (was, $100,000) because of bodily injury or death of two or more persons and (2) $100,000 (was, $20,000) because of injury to or destruction of property of others as a result of the negligent act of the principal insured or his or her agents operating in the course and scope of their agency.
Amends GS 74D-10 by amending instances in which the Board may suspend or revoke a license or registration as follows: (1) violations of any rule adopted (was, any rule promulgated) by the Board; (2) convictions of any felony in GS 74D-6(2) (conviction of a crime involving fraud; the illegal use, carrying, or possession of a firearm; felonious assault or an act of violence; felonious sexual offense; felonious larceny; or felonious fraud), or any crime involving moral turpitude under GS 74D-6(3) (lack of good moral character or temperate habits) (was, convictions of any crime involving moral turpitude or any other crime involving violence or the illegal use, carrying, or possession of a dangerous weapon only); (3) engaging in or permitting any employee to engage in any security systems business without possessing a valid registration (was, a valid license); (4) clarifies that the instances include failure to maintain the required certificate of liability insurance; and (5) adds that engaging in conduct that constitutes dereliction of duty or deceiving, defrauding, or harming the public in the course of professional activities or services includes fraudulently claiming a change in business ownership, fraudulently claiming dissolution of a competing business, fraudulently claiming to be a representative of the consumer's current service provider, misrepresentation of employer, or misrepresenting an upgrade of equipment as a sales tactic.
Deletes GS 74D-13, which is an outdated provision.
Amends GS 74D-30 by renaming the Alarm Systems Education Fund as the Security Systems Education Fund and makes additional technical and conforming changes. Makes conforming changes to the title of Article 2. Removes outdated language.
Makes additional clarifying and technical changes.
Allows the Board to adopt rules to implement this Part.
Effective October 1, 2025.
Part II.
Amends GS 74C-2, concerning licensing as a private protective service, to also allow the Private Protective Services Board (PPS Board) to issue a trainee permit instead of a polygraph examiner, electronic countermeasures, or digital forensic examiner license, if the applicant is supervised directly by a licensee.
Amends GS 74C-3 by amending the definition of the term private protective services profession to include a person, firm, association, or corporation providing a security guard on a contract basis for a unit of government; makes conforming changes. Also amends the definition of guard dog service profession to include a person, firm, association, or corporation who contracts with a law enforcement agency or unit of government to provide a trained dog to protect lives or property.
Amends GS 74C-9 by allowing the PPS Board to charge a fee of up to $100 for an application for approval of a continuing legal education course. Prohibits a licensed private investigator, polygraph examiner, electronic countermeasures professional, or digital forensic examiner (was, a licensed private detective) from supervising more than five trainees at once.
Amends GS 74C-11 to allow a security guard and patrol company or armored car company (was, all licensees) to employ unarmed guards as probationary employees for 20 consecutive calendar days and makes registration provisions (including those on carrying a registration card) applicable to employees of security guards and patrol companies or armored car companies. Makes conforming changes. Allows a security guard and patrol company or armored car company to employ a person who is registered or licensed as an unarmed guard in another state for up to 10 days in any month as long as the employer submits specified information to the Director of the PPS Board and the Director approves the employment; makes conforming changes to employment by those entities during disaster declarations or states of emergency.
Amends GS 74C-12 by amending the conditions under which the PPS Board may deny, suspend, or revoke a license, certification, registration, or permit to also include: (1) when the person has made any false statement or gives false information in connection with an audit; (2) when the person has committed an unlawful larceny, burglary, sexual offense, or forgery; and (3) when the person has worn, carried, or accepted any badge or shield indicating that the person is a law enforcement officer while registered under this Chapter.
Amends GS 74C-13 to requires the PPS board to issue a person a firearm registration permit before the person can be hired as an armed guard or an armed licensee (was an armed security guard or an armed private investigator) authorized to carry a firearm while preforming their duties. Makes conforming changes throughout the statute. Also amends the statute to make provision applicable to armored car companies. Exempts a licensee authorized under specified provisions of the US Code to carry a concealed handgun who is in compliance with those sections from obtaining a concealed handgun permit.
Allows the PPS Board to adopt rules to implement this Part.
Effective October 1, 2025.
Part III.
Amends GS 14-415.12 to include courses certified or sponsored by the North Carolina PPS Board and Secretary of Public Safety to those courses to be taken by an applicant for a concealed handgun permit.
Amends GS 15A-151 to allow the file for expungements to be disclosed upon request to the PPS Board or the North Carolina Alarm Systems Licensing Board if the criminal record was expunged for licensure or registration purposes only.
Amends GS 93B-8.1, concerning the use of criminal history records, by excluding the PPS Board and the North Carolina Alarm Systems Licensing Board from the statute’s provisions.
Allows the Alarm Systems Licensing Board and PPS Board to adopt rules to implement this Part.
Effective October 1, 2025.
Part IV.
Amends GS 18B-203 to give the ABC Commission authority to provide for a method for permittees and applicants to establish compliance with all local ordinances and State and federal law. Effective October 1, 2025.
Part V.
Amends GS 127A-19 to make the appointment of the Adjutant General subject to the process under GS 143B-9 (concerning appointment of the head of each principal State department).
Part VI.
Amends GS 127A-50 by amending the appointment of the court for summary courts-marital in the National Guard, so that it consists of one officer, the state military judge, and a judge advocate who is detailed to the court as a hearing officer. Gives them the authority to impose fines up to $500, to impose forfeitures of 2/3 pay for one month, to restrict to limits, to impose extra duty, and to reduce the rank of enlisted person E7 and above by up to two ranks and enlisted person E6 and below to the rank of E1. Makes clarifying changes, limiting specific actions to those taken under the statute. Applies to summary courts-martial initiated on or after the date this act becomes law.
Amends GS 127A-50.1 by amending the qualifications or appointment as a military judge presiding over courts-marital of the National Guard to require that the person be in good standing for at least 10 years of: (1) the bar of the highest court of this or any other state, or the bar of a federal court, and hold the rank of lieutenant colonel or above; removes the requirement of being certified as a military judge. Applies to military judges serving on or after the date this act becomes law, except the requirements of GS 127A-50.1, as amended, apply to appointments made on or after the date the act becomes law.
Adds terms advertising, Commission (NC Utilities Commission), lobbying, political influence activities, public official, public utility, rate base, regulatory matters, and test-year method to GS 62-133.8. Makes technical changes. Expands the fees that must be just and reasonable under GS 62-131 to include tolls, charges, and schedules made by public utilities. Specifies that those fees will only be deemed reasonable if all of the three listed criteria are met, including (1) the utility demonstrates that the aggregate rates provide revenues that are no greater than the actual costs incurred in serving NC customers, as described; (2) the utility demonstrates that no part of its rates, tolls, or charges include recovery of the 13 described prohibited costs; and (3) rates must equitably classify customer groups and ensure fairness across all categories, including residential, commercial, and industrial customers. Authorizes the Commission to apply a test-year method of estimating revenue needs and to approve special rates or contracts for individual customers or customer classes if it determines that such measures are in the public interest, do not unreasonably burden other customers, and align with State emissions reductions goals.
Enacts GS 62-131A, preventing public utilities from attempting to recover in rates any of the listed prohibited costs in GS 62-131. Requires regulated public utilities to submit an annual report to the Commission on the four specified matters, including a written, itemized description of any expenses associated with prohibited activities. Requires the Commission to review those reports for compliance with the act. Requires a public utility to clearly and conspicuously disclose in all its public messaging and advertising whether the costs of the public messaging or advertising are being paid for by the corporation's shareholders or ratepayers and publish its report to the Commission on its website. Requires the Commission to: (1) impose penalties on public utilities that recover prohibited costs through rates, equal to the amount improperly recovered and refund them to the ratepayers; and (2) assess civil penalties for the described violations that is not less than $50,000 or more than $150,000 per violation. Describes how these settlements and penalty funds are to be used. Enacts GS 62-131B authorizing the Commission to adopt alternative regulatory mechanisms, including performance-based rates or special customer rates, provided that such measures accomplish all of the following: (1) protect the public interest; (2) ensure equitable treatment across customer classes; and (3) do not compromise the reliability of electric service. Before approving any alternative regulatory plan, requires the Commission to ensure that the plan will not increase costs for other customers beyond reasonable limits or conflict with State energy goals, including renewable energy deployment. Requires the Commission to initiate rulemaking to amend its rules by November 1, 2025, to implement the act. Specifies that the rules cannot require public utilities to file more than one annual report related to advertising and political activities, except as required under GS 62-133.6.
Contains a severability clause.
| Intro. by Meyer, Murdock. | GS 62 |
Amends Chapter 115C by adding Article 6E.
Enacts GS 115C-64.31 providing definitions for the Article. Defines foster care as a 24-hour substitute care for children who are placed away from their parents and are the responsibility of Title IV-E of the Social Security Act and provides a list of placements encompassed by the term. Establishes the Foster Care and Education Council (Council), a joint council between the Department of Public Instruction (DPI) and the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).
Enacts GS 115C-64.32 outlining membership requirements and the appointment process. Mandates that the council consist of 27 members. Lists the two ex officio members from DPI and DHHS, and provides guidelines for the appointments by the Senate, House, Governor, State Board of Education, and Secretary of Health and Human Services (5 appointments for each). Requires members to serve three-year terms, allows reappointment, and provides details for filling vacancies and reasons for removal.
Enacts GS 115C-64.32 (we believe they may mean GS 115C-64.33) providing details for organization, meetings, and compensation. Requires DPI and DHHS to provide necessary staff support and supplies to the Council to carry out its duties effectively. Requires the Council, in conjunction with DPI and DHHS, to prepare a resource plan that allows the Council to carry out its functions.
Enacts GS 115C-64.33 (we believe they may mean GS 115C-64.34) providing the Council’s powers and duties. Requires the Council to establish a vision for the achievement of parity in education outcomes for children in foster care and provides a list of items the Council must engage with including review of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, Fostering Connections to Success and Increasing Adoptions Act of 2008, associated federal and state laws and guidance related to education of children in foster care; review of educational outcomes of children in foster care to assess challenges to education success; development of recommendations for changes to law, policy, rules, or guidance for children in foster care; strategy development to improve programs and agencies coordination and communication; provision of assistance to state agencies to collect and disseminate information on best practices to support educational needs of children in foster care; and identification of training needs for relevant stakeholders. Requires Council engagement with listed stakeholders. Permits the chair to establish standing and ad hoc committees and task forces of Council members. Permits the Council to apply for and receive federal, public or private initiative, grant program, or donor funding. Requires DPI and DHHS to enter, or revise existing, memorandums of understanding that facilitate child referral, data and information exchange, agency roles and responsibilities, and cooperation and collaboration among state agencies and non-governmental entities to support high school completion and enrollment/completion of postsecondary education by children in foster care. Requires appropriate agencies cooperation with the Council.
Enacts GS 115C-64.34 (we believe they may mean GS 115C-64.35) detailing the Council’s annual report requirements. Also requires the chair to report quarterly to the Superintendent of Public Instruction and Secretary of Health and Human Services.
| Intro. by Mohammed. | GS 115C |
Amends title of Part 2J of Article 9 in Chapter 130A to "Management of Clean Energy Equipment" (was, "Management of Solar Energy Equipment") and creates Subpart 1. Solar Energy Equipment, which includes GS 130A-309.240 through GS 130A-309.243.
Adds new Subpart 2. Utility-Scale Battery Energy Storage, which includes the following.
Enacts GS 130A-309.250, which provides as follows.
Subsection (a) defines energy storage, battery energy storage system, and utility-scale battery energy storage system. Defines utility-scale battery energy storage system as a battery energy storage system with a rated nameplate capacity of at least 1,000 kilowatts (1 megawatt).
Subsection (b) requires a permit from the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) to install or operate a utility-scale battery energy storage system in the state. Requires DEQ to hold at least one public meeting on a permit application in the county the storage system is proposed to be located in. Details the required information an owner of a proposed system must submit to the Environmental Management Commission.
Subsection (c) requires any owner of a utility-scale battery energy storage system in the state to develop, maintain, and submit to DEQ an emergency response and evacuation plan covering the premises of the system. Requires the owner to coordinate with local emergency management officials to develop the plan. Includes requirements for the emergency response and evacuation plan.
Subsection (d) requires the owner of a utility-scale battery energy storage system to be responsible for proper decommissioning of the system upon cessation of operations and restoration of the property in compliance with GS 130A-309.250(d)(3), within one year of operation cessation. That subdivision requires the owner to establish and maintain financial assurance in an amount acceptable to DEQ that will ensure sufficient funds available for decommissioning and restoration, even if the owner becomes insolvent or ceases to reside in, be incorporated, do business, or maintain assets in the state. Provides a list of ways an owner can establish sufficient availability of funds. Requires financial assurance to continue through the entirety of the system being decommissioned and property being restored. Provides that documentation of financial assurance must be submitted to DEQ at the time a permit application is submitted. Requires notice to DEQ within 30 days of operation cessation and details notice requirements. Provides minimum requirements for the owner’s decommissioning of a system. Requires the owner to submit a decommissioning plan to DEQ for approval and requires it to be prepared, signed, and sealed by a professional engineer licensed in the state and includes required information for the plan.
Subsection (h) requires DEQ to collect fees from any owner of a utility-scale battery energy storage system that are applied to DEQ’s cost of administering the program.
Subsection (i) requires information regarding the implementation of the requirements of this statute to be included in DEQ’s annual report.
Subsection (j) requires DEQ to adopt rules establishing criteria for all of the following: (1) siting requirements for utility-scale battery energy storage systems to reasonably ensure that any proposed system is sited at sufficient distance from other systems to mitigate fire risks and that if a fire at the system occurs it will not block the only access point to a residential area; (2) set the amount of financial assurance required under subsection (d) and sets out minimum considerations for these rules and mandates that they require periodic updates to be provided by owners with respect to financial assurance maintained; (3) requirements for decommissioning plans; (4) permit fees to be assessed; and (5) any other matter DEQ deems necessary.
Enacts GS 130A-309.251 creating the Utility Scale Battery Energy Management Fund, which is a special fund within DEQ consisting of revenue credited to the Fund from proceeds of the fee imposed on owners of these systems under GS 130A-309.250. Mandates that moneys in the fund be used by DEQ to implement provisions of Subpart 2 concerning decommissioning of utility-scale battery energy storage facilities.
Enacts GS 130A-309.252 permitting enforcement as provided by Part 2 of Article 1 in Chapter 130A and requiring any appeals of rule enforcement, administrative penalties, or other action taken by DEQ under this subpart to be governed by appeals provisions in Part 2 of Article 1 as well.
Act applies to utility-scale battery energy storage systems for which construction is commenced on or after the date the act becomes law.
| Intro. by Jarvis. | GS 130A |
Contains whereas clauses.
Section 1.
Enacts Part 18A, Artificial Intelligence (AI) Innovation, to Article 10 of Chapter 143B, as follows. Establishes the AI Innovation Trust Fund (Fund) in GS 143B-472.83A, with the Secretary of Commerce (Secretary) as trustee, to (1) provide grants or other financial assistance to companies developing or deploying artificial intelligence models in key industry sectors or (2) establish or promote artificial intelligence entrepreneurship programs, which may include partnerships with research institutions in the State or other entrepreneur support organizations. Prohibits the Fund from supporting projects involving AI intended for mass surveillance infringing constitutional rights, unlawful social scoring, discriminatory profiling based on protected characteristics, or generating deceptive digital content intended for fraudulent or electoral interference purposes. Defines sixteen terms, including:
- covered model (an AI model that, due to its scale, application domain, or potential impact, is identified by the Secretary as warranting proportionate regulatory oversight).
- covered model derivative (copy of the covered model that is either unmodified or been altered as described).
- critical harm (a harm caused or materially enabled by a covered model or covered model derivative including creation or use in a manner that results in mass casualties of a chemical, biological, radiological; nuclear weapon or mass casualties or at least $500,000 in damage from cyberattacks or that results from the AI model engaging in conduct with limited human oversight; or other grave harms, as described).
- covered entity (the legally responsible organization, corporation, or entity that directly oversees and controls the development, deployment, and ongoing operations of a covered model or covered model derivative).
- computing cluster (a set of machines transitively connected by data center networking of over 100 gigabits per second that has a theoretical maximum computing capacity of at least 10 to the power of 20 integer or floating-point operations per second and can be used for training AI).
Authorizes the Secretary to convene an AI Innovation and Safety Advisory Panel to provide recommendations, best practices, and advice regarding AI technologies, compliance proportionality, and ethical AI-human collaboration.
Enacts GS 143B-472.83B requiring a developer to comply with eight provisions before beginning to train a covered model, including (1) implementing reasonable administrative, technical and physical cybersecurity protections to prevent unauthorized access to, misuse of or unsafe post-training modifications of the covered model and all covered model derivatives controlled by the developer that are appropriate in light of the risks associated with the covered model, including from advanced persistent threats or other sophisticated actors; (2) implementing written and separate safety security protocol as described, with annual reviews; and (3) implementing the ability to promptly enact a full shutdown. Further requires a developer to comply with four provisions before using a covered model or covered model derivative for a purpose not exclusively related to the training or reasonable evaluation of the covered model for compliance with State or federal law or before making a covered model or covered model derivative available for commercial, public or foreseeably public use, including assessing whether the covered model is reasonably capable of causing or materially enabling a critical harm and taking reasonable care to implement appropriate safeguards to prevent the covered model and covered model derivatives from causing or materially enabling a critical harm.
Prevents a developer from using a covered model or covered model derivative for a purpose not exclusively related to the training or reasonable evaluation of the covered model for compliance with State or federal law or making a covered model or a covered model derivative available for commercial, public or foreseeably public use if there is an unreasonable risk that the covered model or covered model derivative will cause or materially enable a critical harm. Requires a developer to annually review their safeguards and to have an independent investigation done by a third party to ensure compliance with GS 143B-472.83B, as described. Provides for the developer to submit a statement of compliance, as described, to the Attorney General (AG) throughout the life of the covered model or its derivatives. Requires a developer to report each AI safety incident impacting the covered model or its derivative to the AG, as described. Exempts the development, use or commercial or public release of a covered model or covered model derivative for any use that is not the subject of a contract with a federal government entity, even if that covered model or covered model derivative was developed, trained or used by a federal government entity; provided, however, that GS 143B-472.83B does not apply to a product or service to the extent that compliance would strictly conflict with the terms of a contract between a federal government entity and the developer of a covered model.
Allows the Secretary to develop and propose a tiered compliance framework, as described, to the General Assembly for potential adoption. Specifies that a developer or covered entity may remain responsible for foreseeable critical harms arising from misuse or unintended use of a covered model or derivative, irrespective of whether such misuse involved fine-tuning. Allows covered entities funded under the Act developing AI systems that significantly impact individuals' rights or access to critical services such as employment, housing, education, or financial products to conduct exploratory algorithmic fairness assessments to detect and mitigate potential bias. Further authorizes covered entities to voluntarily explore methods for disclosing to end-users when they are interacting with an AI system.
Enacts GS 143B-472.83C requiring a person that operates a computing cluster to implement written policies and procedures to do the five specified things when a customer uses computer resources which would be sufficient to train a covered model including, (1) obtaining the customers basic identifying and business purpose for using the cluster and (2) implementing the capability to promptly enact a full shutdown of any resources being used to train or operate a covered model under the customer’s control. Requires operators of computing clusters to consider industry best practices as described. Authorizes an operator to impose reasonable requirements on customers to prevent the collection or retention of personal information that the person operating such computing cluster would not otherwise collect or retain, including a requirement that a corporate customer submit corporate contact information rather than information that would identify a specific individual.
Enacts GS 143B-472.83D, giving the AG enforcement authority over the Act, as described. Specifies that nothing in new Part 18A should be construed as creating a new private right of action or serving as the basis for a private right of action that would not otherwise have had a basis under any other law but for the enactment of new Part 18A. Enacts GS 143B-472.83E preventing developers of a covered model or a subcontractor of the developer from engaging in three practices including preventing or retaliating against any employee from disclosing information to the AG demonstrating the developer is not in compliance with the Act or that the technology poses an unreasonable risk. Allows an employee harmed by a violation to petition the court for appropriate relief. Allows the AG to publicly release any complaint if they conclude it will serve the public interest. Requires the developer to (1) provide clear notice to all employees of their rights and responsibilities GS 143B-472.83E, (2) provide a reasonable internal process through which an employee, contractor, subcontractor or employee of a contractor or subcontractor working on a covered model or covered model derivative may anonymously disclose information to the developer if the employee believes, in good faith, that the developer has violated any provision of this chapter or any other general or special law, has made false or materially misleading statements related to its safety and security protocol or has failed to disclose known risks to employees, to conduct an investigation on the disclosed information, and to maintain its records on the matter as described.
Enacts GS 143B-472.83, requiring the Secretary to submit an annual report to the NCGA by January 31 on AI, including the matters specified. Further requires the Secretary to promulgate regulations for the implementation, administration and enforcement of new Part 18A, and authorizes the Secretary to convene an advisory board to assist it in its rulemaking. Requires the Secretary to make annual updates to its regulations, as described.
Appropriates $750,000 from the General Fund to DOC for 2025-26 to accomplish the purposes of the act.
Effective July 1, 2025.
Section 1.
Increases the cap in GS 122A-8 on bonds and notes issued by the NC Housing Finance Agency from $12 billion to $18 billion.
Modifies the excise tax in GS 105-228.30 levied on each instrument by which any interest in real property is conveyed to another person by creating the following two tiers: (1) $1 on each $500 or fractional part thereof on the consideration or value of the interest conveyed up to $500,000 and (2) $1 on each $400 or fractional part thereof on any remaining consideration or value of the interest conveyed (currently, just $1 for every $500 of the value of the interest or consideration conveyed). Now requires the finance officer of each county to credit one-half of the proceeds of the tax levied at a rate of 0.2% to the county’s general fund and credit the remainder as described. Allows the county to retain 2% of the tax proceeds of the tax levied at a rate of .2% (was, county retained 2% of the tax proceeds) allocated for remittance to the Department of Revenue (DOR). Applies to conveyances made on or after July 1, 2025.
Offset by the excise tax described above, appropriates $5 million from the General Fund to the Housing Finance Agency (Agency) in recurring funds for each year of the 2025-27 biennium to be allocated to the Housing Innovation Office (Office) for administrative and operational costs and research and implementation of housing solutions, including technical assistance, grants, loans, and other measures designed to address the housing crisis by supporting the construction and maintenance of affordable, supportive, and sustainable homes and developing innovative funding models and building techniques. Effective July 1, 2025.
Appropriates $50 million from the General Fund to the Housing Trust Fund (Fund) in recurring funds for each year of the 2025-27 biennium to be used for its statutory purposes, and at the discretion of the Housing Finance Authority (Authority) for a competitive program to provide funds to local housing authorities, local housing trust funds, or other entities that have the primary purpose, and agree to use the funds for, loans, grants, or both for construction and maintenance of affordable housing units in the State. Tasks the Office with developing the application process. Specifies that funding in the program is reserved for properties that (1) financial assistance to an area served by a local housing trust fund does not exceed $ 2 million and (2) the local housing trust fund contributes $1 of private funds for every dollar of assistance received from the Office. Effective July 1, 2025.
Enacts GS 105-153.12, authorizing a taxpayer making a qualified contribution to take a credit against their individual income tax imposed under Article 4, Part 2 of GS Chapter 105 equal to 30% of the donation. Defines qualified contribution as a monetary donation to the Fund for the construction, maintenance, or both, of affordable housing. Provides for an application to claim the credit. Requires the taxpayer to maintain and make available for inspection records the Secretary of Revenue (Secretary) considers necessary to establish and verify the amount of the credit to which they are entitled to claim. Limits the total aggregate amount of all credits allowed to taxpayers under GS 105-153.12 to $20 million. Establishes priority tiers for funding of credits. Allows for prorating of credit, if the amount claimed in total exceeds the $20 million cap. Requires a taxpayer claiming a credit to add back to taxable income any amount deducted under the tax code for qualified contribution. Prevents a taxpayer claiming the credit from claiming another credit for the same qualified contribution. Effective for taxable years on or after January 1, 2025, and applies to qualified contributions made on or after that date.
Section 2.
Enacts Part 1A, concerning housing production and affordability to Article 9 of GS Chapter 160D.
Requires, in GS 160D-917, a local government to allow by right, without requiring a conditional use or special use permit, the following: (1) the development of at least one attached and one detached accessory dwelling unit which conforms to the North Carolina Residential Code for One- and Two-Family Dwellings, including applicable provisions from fire prevention codes, for each single-family detached dwelling in areas zoned for residential use that allow for development of single-family detached dwellings, as specified; and (2) a development in an area zoned for residential use with at least 20 units per acre that is located with one-half mile of a transit stop or that is within a transit-oriented development district or similar designation. Provides for administrative review by a local government of any application for development approval of a qualifying affordable development (defined) in GS 160D-917.1. Provides for lot size and density for affordable housing, as described, in GS 160D-917.2. Effective July 1, 2025.
Section 3.
Increases the number of other deductions a taxpayer may deduct from its adjusted gross income under GS 105-153.5 to include the amount deposited during the taxable year, not to exceed $15,000, to a first-time homebuyer savings account (that has less than $150,000) to be used for eligible expenses (downpayment and any closing costs included on a real estate settlement statement, including appraisal fees, mortgage origination fees, and inspection fees) by a qualified beneficiary. If the taxpayer withdraws funds from a homebuyer savings account and does not use it for eligible expenses, and it was listed as a deduction during the prior tax year, requires the taxpayer to add it to the taxpayer’s adjusted gross income during the year it was withdrawn. Effective for taxable years beginning January 1, 2025.
Appropriates $3 million from the General Fund to the Agency in recurring funds for each year of the 2025-27 biennium to be used for the NC 1st Home Advantage Down Payment Program for uses consistent with that program. Effective July 1, 2025.
Appropriates $10 million from the General Fund to the Agency in recurring funds for each year of the 2025-27 biennium to be used for a program to establish new, and expand existing, community land trusts with the primary purpose of facilitating affordable homeownership by retaining ownership of the land and leasing it to homeowners who purchase the house on that land at below-market pricing. Requires the Agency to develop an application process in line with the seven listed required program guidelines including that recipients provide at least 3% down payment and have less than $100,000 in total household assets. Effective July 1, 2025.
Appropriates $15 million from the General Fund to the Department of Commerce (DOC) in recurring funds for each year of the 2025-27 biennium to be used for the Rural Water Extension Program, open to rural communities with populations of 10,000 or less that apply to obtain technical assistance and necessary financing necessary for the purpose of developing drinking water and waste disposal systems to ensure safe drinking water and sanitary waste disposal systems for public health and economic vitality of rural communities of the State. Effective July 1, 2025.
Enacts GS 105-153.13, establishing a tax credit for rural affordable rental housing for a taxpayer that is allowed for the taxable year a federal income tax credit for low-income housing under section 42 of the IRS Code with respect to a qualified North Carolina low-income building located in a qualifying rural area, allowing a credit for each affordable rental unit for the taxable year within which the construction of the affordable rental unit is completed. Specifies that the amount of the credit is equal to the lesser of $25,000 or 30% of the construction costs incurred. Specifies that credit allowed may not exceed the amount of tax imposed for the taxable year reduced by the sum of all credits allowable, except payments of tax by or on behalf of the taxpayer. Prevents a taxpayer claiming the credit from claiming another credit for the same activity. Effective for taxable years beginning January 1, 2025.
Appropriates $10 million from the General Fund to the Authority in recurring funds for each year of the 2025-27 biennium to be used for a manufactured home supply program for local governments, as described, not to exceed $25,000 per manufactured home. Effective July 1, 2025.
Section 4.
Appropriates $150 million from the General Fund to the Department of Public Safety (DPS), Office of Recovery and Resiliency (NCORR) for 2025-26 to be used as follows: (1) $100 million to establish an emergency housing response fund available to NCORR to respond to housing needs after, and due to the event on which is based, a major disaster declaration by the President of the United States under the Stafford Act (P.L. 93-288) and (2) $50 million to establish a voluntary buyout fund to purchase homes undergoing, and located in areas subjected to, repeated flooding due to natural disasters. Authorizes NCORR to purchases a qualifying home for up to 110% of the pre-disaster fair market value of the home. Effective July 1, 2025.
Requires the Department of Insurance (DOI) to study the feasibility, and the best method of implementing, a low-interest loan program to provide loans to homeowners for costs associated with strengthening residential structures to withstand hurricanes, as specified, and report its findings to the General Assembly and the Fiscal Research Division (FRD) by no later than January 1, 2026.
Section 5.
Directs the Office to study methods of incentivizing the construction of, and increasing the affordability of, housing options for rent or sale, as specified, and report its findings to the General Assembly and FRD by no later than January 1, 2026. Starting January 1, 2025, and at least once every biennium, requires the State Auditor to audit all housing programs administered by a State agency that have a budget of $10 million or more.
Section 6.
Enacts GS 105-153.14 authorizing an owner of a hotel or motel providing lodging accommodations for pay located in this State with at least 30 rooms for short-term rental is to claim a credit against the tax imposed for each affordable rental unit created from the conversion of one or more rooms. Sets the amount of the credit as equal to the lesser of (1) 30% of the cost of conversion or $40,000. The credit is allowed for the taxable year within which the conversion is completed. Specifies that credit allowed may not exceed the amount of tax imposed for the taxable year reduced by the sum of all credits allowable, except payments of tax by or on behalf of the taxpayer. Specifies that the tax credit does not apply to costs paid with funds provided by a State or federal agency or program. Prevents a taxpayer claiming the credit from claiming another credit for the same activity. Effective for taxable years beginning January 1, 2025. Directs the State Building Code Council to adopt rules establishing an expedited permitting process of no more than 45 days and code flexibility for the conversion of hotel and motel rooms into affordable rental units (1) for which a tax credit is allowed as described above and (2) where there is an existing building footprint.
Appropriates $2 million from the General Fund to the Agency for 2025-26 to be used for an accommodation conversion program to provide funding to offset certain costs involved in converting hotels and motels into affordable rental units for permanent housing, as specified. Effective July 1, 2025.
Section 7.
Appropriates $30 million from the General Fund to the Agency in recurring funds for each year of the 2025-27 biennium to be used for an Emergency Rental Assistance Fund established by the Agency, to provide assistance to persons of low income or who are homeless, as described. Effective July 1, 2025. Entitles indigent persons to assistance of counsel in summary ejectment proceedings under GS 7A-541. Effective October 1, 2025, and applies to actions for summary ejectment brought on or after that date. Authorizes tenants to either (1) pay their security deposit in an installment payment plan agreed upon by the landlord and tenant, not to exceed the lease term or the six months from the start of the lease term, whichever is less; or (2) to provide security deposit insurance (defined) as a substitute for a security deposit, as described, in new GS 42-57.
Section 8.
Appropriates $35 million from the General Fund to the Agency in recurring funds for each year of the 2025-27 biennium to be used to work with local housing authorities to use the funds appropriated in this section to provide combined housing and wraparound services to persons and families experiencing homelessness. Appropriates $20 million from the General Fund to the Agency to be used for a Rapid Rehousing Program established by the Agency to work with local housing authorities to use the funds appropriated to provide temporary, short-term rental and housing assistance and case management services to persons experiencing homelessness. Authorizes the funds appropriated to also be allocated by the Agency to any local housing authorities established under GS Chapter 157 that request funds to establish coordinated entry systems designed to ensure that all people experiencing a housing crisis have fair and equal access to rental and housing assistance.
Effective July 1, 2025.
Section 9.
Enacts new Part 21A to Article 10 of GS Chapter 143B termed, “The Housing Innovation and Affordability Advancement Act”, as follows. Defines Department, construction skilled trade, and institution of higher education. Establishes the Housing Construction Development Program (HCDP) in DOC, comprised of a workforce development grant program, apprenticeship development grant program, and innovation assistance grant program. Appropriates $50 million from the General Fund to DOC in recurring funds for each year of the 2025-27 biennium for the HCDP to be allocated in the specified amounts for the described purposes. Effective July 1, 2025.
Section 10.
Appropriates $3 million from the General Fund to the NC Human Relations Commission (HRC) in recurring funds for each year of the 2025-27 biennium to be used by HRC to actively investigate, identify, and report to the Attorney General discriminatory practices in the housing market that violate the State Fair Housing Act. Appropriates $25 million from the General Fund to DOC in recurring funds for each year of the 2025-27 biennium to establish a special account known as the Equitable Development Account to identify historically underinvested neighborhoods and provide funds to the local government units in which identified neighborhoods are located to construct, improve, and repair water, sewer, electrical, transportation, and other infrastructure. Effective July 1, 2025.
Expands the contents of a comprehensive plan under GS 160D-501 so that it must also analyze, evaluate, and require the implementation of equitable distribution of affordable housing.
Amends GS 115C-12(39) by requiring a State Board of Education evaluation upon request (was, request of a local board of education specifically) and adding nonpublic schools receiving funds from scholarship grants pursuant to Part 2A of Article 39 of Chapter 115 to those who can be evaluated (was, only schools in local school administrative units). Adds a minimum requirement of accreditation for nonpublic schools that requires the State Board to verify compliance with GS 115C-562.5(a) subdivisions (3a), (10), and (11). Requires the local school administrative unit or nonpublic school (was, local school administrative unit only) to compensate the State Board for actual costs of accreditation process.
Amends GS 115C-562.2 in the following ways:
(1) Adds stipulation that scholarship grants will be awarded in monthly installments to eligible students (was, grants would be awarded to eligible students without mentioning installments);
(2) Provides that in addition to the scholarship grant, for any student receiving the grant in grades three through twelve (was three, eight, or eleven) the State Education Assistance Authority (Authority) must provide an amount equal to the cost of the test (was, nationally standardized tests) required to be administered as provided in GS 115C-562.5 to the nonpublic school;
Amends requirements for nonpublic schools that accept eligible students receiving scholarship grants compliance under GS 115C-562.5 in the following ways:
a. Requires annual provision (was, only provide without annual stipulation) of documentation for required tuition and fees charged to the student by the nonpublic school to the Authority and the Division of Nonpublic Education (Division) (was, the Authority only). Adds mandate that the Division collect this information and publish it on its website.
b. Adds requirement to limit increases to cost of tuition and fees by no more than 5% each school year.
c. Adds requirements to the subdivision pertaining to provision of a criminal background check to the Authority for nonpublic schools located in a local school administrative unit that have a policy requiring criminal history checks to adopt a policy mirroring the local board policy for all employees aside from the employee with the highest decision-making authority. Requires uniform application of policy before applicant is given an unconditional job offer and permits conditional employment while the board is checking the applicant’s criminal history. Requires those schools to also adopt a policy mirroring the local board policy if the local school administrative unit adopts a policy providing for periodic checks of criminal history of employees. Requires a nonpublic school to indicate, upon public school unit inquiry or another nonpublic school in the state’s inquiry, the reason for an employee’s resignation or dismissal, if an employee’s criminal history was relevant to resignation or dismissal. Clarifies that information provided to the Authority in accordance with this subdivision is otherwise privileged information, not public record, and is for the exclusive use of the Authority;
d. Adds requirement to comply with the standard course of study in accordance with Part 1 of Article 9 of this Chapter and related rules adopted by the State Board of Education;
e. Requires administration of all tests required by the State Board of Education pursuant to GS 115C-174.11(c) for students in grades three and higher in a local school administrative unit (was, administered to eligible students in grades three and higher whose tuition and fees are paid in whole or in part with a scholarship grant and a list of tests specified directly in the subdivision). Adds clarification that nothing in this subdivision prohibits a nonpublic school from administering additional tests to students;
f. Requires contracting with a certified public accountant to perform an audit (was, a financial review), requires the audit to be reported to the specified NCGA committee, and removes stipulation that this only applied to schools enrolling 70 students or more that received scholarship grants or funds awarded by the Authority;
g. Adds requirement to provide all attendance records of students receiving scholarship grants from the previous school year annually to the Division to ensure compliance with compulsory attendance;
h. Adds requirement to maintain accreditation from the State Board of Education in accordance with GS 115C-12(39);
i. Adds requirement that at least 50% of teachers in the nonpublic school hold teacher licenses;
j. Adds requirement to provide instruction each school year for at least 185 days or 1,025 instructional hours during 9 calendar months;
k. Adds requirement to maintain an operating reserve of 4 months’ worth of expenses;
l. Adds requirement to maintain a student population reasonably reflecting the racial and ethnic composition of the general population residing in the local school administrative unit where it is located or composition of the special population it seeks to serve residing there. Holds nonpublic schools subject to any court-ordered desegregation plan in effect for the local school administrative unit. Permits the State Board of Education to notify the Authority of a nonpublic school in violation of this subdivision;
m. Adds new annual report requirement to the Division of Nonpublic Education by September 1 to identify highest paid employee at the school;
n. Adds requirement that the school enroll an eligible student who timely applies, unless the number of applications exceeds capacity in specified ways and if capacity is reached, students must be accepted by lot. Mandates that students are not required to reapply in subsequent enrollment periods once enrolled;
o. Adds requirement to comply with all applicable state laws related to expulsion in local school administrative units;
p. Adds reporting requirement to Authority of any expulsions including the reason for it and identity of student expelled. Clarifies that this information is not a public record under GS 132.
q. Adds requirement that a school receiving more than $250,000 in grant funds to publish its expenditures in the Uniform Education Reporting System.
Amends reporting requirement for nonpublic schools enrolling more than 25 students whose tuition and fees are paid in whole or in part with a scholarship grant by requiring reports to the Authority on aggregate standardized test performance of eligible students in grades three and higher (was, three, eight, and eleven). Adds requirement that Authority post any aggregate test performance data that is a public record on its website;
Amends prohibition against discrimination from those categories listed in 42 USC § 2000d, as it read on January 1, 2014, to the following categories: race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, disability, or religion of any student or their family members;
Mandates that if the Authority or the State Board of Education (was, Authority only) determines a nonpublic school is not in compliance as required by the section, then it is ineligible to receive future scholarship funds.
Amends GS 115C-562.7 by adding additional parameters to the information the Authority must report annually under both subsections (b) and (c). Adds a new annual reporting requirement for the Division of Nonpublic Education to the Joint Legislative Education Oversight Committee on all political donations from the highest paid official and the official’s spouse, if applicable.
Amends GS 115C-562.8, pertaining to the Opportunity Scholarship Grant Fund Reserve (Reserve) by removing all appropriations from the General Fund to the Reserve as outlined in the list in subsection (b). Amends the remainder of subsection (b) in the following ways: for the 2027-2028 fiscal year (was, 2032-2033) and each fiscal year thereafter, there is appropriated from the General Fund to the Reserve $541.54 million (was, $825 million). Amends subsection (d) by removing the permission that any unexpended funds at the end of a fiscal year to be used for scholarship awards in the following fiscal year could be used, up to $1 million, by the Authority to contract with nonprofits representing parents and families for outreach and scholarship education and application assistance.
Reduces funds appropriated for opportunity scholarship grants as follows: (1) recurring funds appropriated to the Board of Governors of UNC for the opportunity scholarship program by $30 million for the 2025-2026 fiscal year; (2) funds appropriated to the Reserve for the 2024-2025 fiscal year and allocated from the Reserve for awards of scholarship grants in the 2025-2026 fiscal year by $28.46 million in nonrecurring funds for the 2025-2026 fiscal year; and (3) funds appropriated to the Reserve by $83.46 million in recurring funds for the 2025-2026 fiscal year and an additional $50 million in recurring funds for the 2026-2027 fiscal year.
Act is effective July 1, 2025, and applies beginning with the 2025-2026 school year.
| Intro. by Meyer, Chaudhuri. | GS 115C |
Includes NCGA findings.
Establishes the 11-member Study Committee on Automation and the Workforce (Committee) to serve as a study and advisory committee on the effects of automation on the State's workforce, with a special emphasis on low-income and minority workers. Sets out four specific issues the Committee must study, including the education, training, and retraining requirements, and other skills development, that will be necessary to help low-income workers adapt to automation through the early, middle, and later years of employment to avoid or defer job displacement, in collaboration with institutions of higher education, community colleges, vocational training centers, and private-sector partners. Sets out provisions for the appointment of the members by the Governor, President Pro Tempore of the Senate, and Speaker of the House of Representatives; names ex officio members. Requires appointments to be made to the Committee by October 1, 2025, and with membership terms commencing on October 1, 2025. Member terms are for two years; allows voting members to be reappointed to successive terms. Requires the election of members to conducted during the initial organizational meeting with elected members' terms deemed to begin on October 1, 2025. Provides for the appointment of co-chairs, removal of members, per diem and travel and subsistence expenses, establishing a quorum and assignment of staff. Requires the Commission to provide opportunities for public input and engagement through public hearings, listening sessions, or written submissions. Requires the Committee to report to the Governor and specified NC commission before the 2027 convening of the NCGA, with reports due biennially after that.
| Intro. by Salvador, Murdock, Theodros. | STUDY |
Includes whereas clauses.
Enacts Article 11, Artificial Intelligence Learning Laboratory, of GS Chapter 114. Defines eight terms. Creates the Office of Artificial Intelligence (AI) Policy (Office) within the Department of Commerce (Department). Charges the Secretary of the Department with oversight of the Office and appointment of the Director. States seven purposes of the Office, including (1) identifying regulatory barriers to AI development, deployment, and use in the State and recommended regulatory proposals to remove or avoid those barriers, and (2) creating and administering an AI Learning Laboratory program (Lab). Lists minimum components that must be addressed by rules adopted under the Article. Requires the Office to maintain a registry of Lab participants and publish summary reports of research findings, best practices, and policy recommendations, subject to listed exclusions. Directs the Office to annually report to the NCGA. Details required contents of the report.
Requires every State agency to compile an inventory of all AI technologies that are in use by the State agency or being developed or considered by the State agency for use. Requires the Office to prescribe a form for State agency use for compilation by March 1, 2026, with agencies required to complete and submit their inventory to the specified persons, entities, and committee by October 1, 2026. Lists 12 criteria the inventory must address as to each AI technology included in a State agency's inventory. Directs the Office to consult with relevant State agencies to conduct an analysis of the existing regulatory governance of AI technology in the State by January 1, 2027. Details required components of the Office's analysis, including (1) prescribed reviews, assessments, and identifications relating to the contents of the inventory, and (2) submission of the Office's analysis to the specified persons, entities, and NCGA committee.
Establishes the AI Learning Laboratory Program (Lab). Lists five purposes of the Lab, including (1) analyzing and researching the benefits, risks, impacts, and policy implications of AI technologies to inform the state regulatory framework, and (2) analyzing how AI technologies affect individual rights, fairness, and the public interest, as described. Requires the Office to periodically set a learning agenda for the Lab specifying the areas of AI policy to study. Provides for the initial learning agenda and allows the Office to consult with stakeholders in establishing agendas. Directs the Office to establish procedures and requirements for invitations and requests for Lab participation. Deems open-source projects eligible for participation. Lists required considerations of participant selection. Directs the Office to work with participants to establish benchmarks and assess outcomes of participation in the Lab.
Conditions participation upon approved applicants entering into a participation agreement with the Office and relevant State agencies. Details requirements of the agreement as well as participant recordkeeping and reporting. Allows participants to apply for regulatory mitigation pursuant to a regulatory mitigation agreement between the participant who uses or wants to use AI technology in the State, and the Office and relevant State agencies. Lists six criteria for eligibility for regulatory mitigation. Details requirements of the agreement and requires the Office to consult with relevant agencies regarding appropriate terms. Allows the Office to consult relevant agencies or outside experts regarding an application for regulatory mitigation. Caps the term of an initial regulatory mitigation agreement at 12 months, with an optional one-time 12-month extension as specified. Provides for application of legal and regulatory requirements not expressly waived or modified by the regulatory mitigation agreement. Authorizes the Office to remove a participant at any time and for any reason. Specifies that participants have no property right or license to participate in the Lab. Deems a participating demonstrating AI technology that violates legal or regulatory requirements, taking into account any regulatory mitigation agreement, or violates the terms of the participation agreement, to be immediately removed and subject to all applicable civil and criminal penalties. Provides for the legal affects of participation and provides for State immunity for any claims arising out of a participant's involvement in the Lab.
| Intro. by Salvador. | GS 114 |
Enacts GS 115C-81.77 requiring the standard course of study for public schools to include critical thinking instruction in kindergarten through grade five.
Act applies beginning with the 2025-2026 school year.
| Intro. by Sanderson. | GS 115C |
Under current law, GS 115C-84.2(d) sets the parameters within which local boards of education must determine the opening and closing dates of public schools under subdivision (a)(1) of this statute and limits the opening date for students to be no earlier than the Monday closest to August 26 and the closing date for students no later than the Friday closes to June 11, unless a school was a year-round school or a showing of good cause resulted in a State Board of Education (Board) waiver allowing the local board of education to set an opening date no earlier than the Monday closes to August 19, as long as school calendars could provide sufficient days to accommodate anticipated makeup days due to school closings.
Amends GS 115C-84.2(d) by allowing, in alternative to the above, the opening date for students to be earlier than the Monday closest to August 19 with no mention of the Board waiver, so long as there are an equal number of days in the spring and fall semester, and requiring that the closing date for students cannot be later than the Friday immediately preceding the last Monday in May. Makes technical changes to some language and formatting in the subsection.
Moves the permission for a local board of education to revise the scheduled closing date to new subsection (d1) and amends this by permitting the revision only with approval of the Board and if a school experienced closures caused by severe weather, energy shortages, power failures, or other emergencies (was, revision permitted if needed to comply with minimum requirements for instructional days or instructional time only without Board approval or parameters around cause for closure).
Adds new subsection (d2) that provides exceptions to these required opening and closing dates which are already allowed under current law for modified calendars and year-round schools.
Adds new section to Part 2 of Article 8 of Chapter 115C, which does the following:
(1) Enacts GS 115C-84.2A making it a duty of the local board of education to ensure local school administrative units comply with school calendar requirements in Part 2 and deeming (1) negligent failure to ensure compliance as misfeasance and (2) willful effort to prevent compliance as malfeasance.
(2) Enacts GS 115C-84.2B requiring the Board to ensure public school units compliance with Part 2 and requiring investigation of compliance by the Superintendent of Public Instruction (Superintendent) and notice to the Board if the Superintendent receives information from the listed sources that a public school unit has not complied. Details requirements for the Superintendent to report the findings to the Board and for the Board’s consideration of the report. Provides instruction for the Board on when to find a public school unit has not complied with Part 2 of this Article. Provides instruction to the Board and the governing body of the public school unit if a majority vote of the Board finds that the governing body has not complied with Part 2 of this Article. Mandates that, in the event of noncompliance, the Board must withhold the local school administrative unit’s central office administration allotment until it determines the local board is no longer noncompliant. Requires the Board to report such withholding action to the Joint Legislative Education Oversight Committee within 60 days and requires the NCGA to consider the future governance of the identified public school unit no later than the next session of the NCGA.
(3) Enacts GS 115C-84.2 that allows a person, as defined in the statute, residing in or maintaining a place of business in the boundaries of a local school administrative unit to bring a cause of action against the local board of education if it does not comply with Part 2 of this Article. Details the judgment, relief, and award a could must issue if they find noncompliance and permits the court to impose civil penalties against the board up to $10,000.
Act applies beginning with the 2025-2026 school year.
| Intro. by Galey, Berger, Lee. | GS 115C |
Reorganizes GS 87-11 (concerning disciplinary action by the NC Licensing Board for General Contractors [Board]) and makes the following changes. Expands the Board’s disciplinary power to include taking action against qualifiers or applicants. Enlarges the statute's prohibitions against fraud to include misrepresentation and the statute's willful violations prohibitions to include willful violations of the Board’s rules or orders. Makes conforming changes. Modifies the Board’s investigative process so that it is initiated upon the receipt of information about any act that might violate any provision of Article1 of GS Chapter 87, or any rule promulgated by the Board (currently, initiated when a person prefers charges of fraud, deceit, negligence, or misconduct against any general contractor). Removes language requiring the Board to hear the charges unless it dismisses them without a hearing. The Board may still dismiss the charges, but the process is now silent on whether it must do so without holding a hearing. Prevents the Board from accepting anonymous complaints. Now requires the Board to adopt rules consistent with Article 1, instead of guidelines. Removes provisions pertaining to recordkeeping, notification provisions to the Secretary of State, authorizing the Board to reissue a license that has been revoked, and to replace lost, stolen or destroyed licenses. Makes technical changes.
Prevents examination applicants who have failed to pay a court award under GS 87-13.1(Board actions for injunctive relief) from being allowed to take any exam offered by the Board until the award has been satisfied. Removes $5,000 cap on prevailing party attorneys’ fee that must be awarded to the Board if it succeeds in a judicial action brought under GS 87-13.1,
Authorizes the Board to adopt rules to implement the statutory changes discussed above. Applies to violations occurring on or after October 1, 2025.
| Intro. by Jarvis. | GS 87 |
Recodifies GS 89C-19.2 (limited right of entry by professional land surveyors) as GS 14-159.15 and makes the following changes. Defines landowner. Requires a professional land surveyor (defined) to notify landowner of entry on to their land whenever practicable. Removes provisions requiring a professional land surveyor to make reasonable efforts to notify adjoining landowners upon whose land its necessary to enter. Removes lessee liability to a professional land surveyor or a person under their supervision for damages and injury to them that was willfully or deliberately caused by the lessee. Makes organizational changes. Amends GS 89C-2 to grant a professional land surveyor licensed under GS Chapter 89C a limited right of entry onto real property in line with GS 14-159.15. Applies to acts occurring on or after the act becomes law.
| Intro. by Jarvis. | GS 14 |
Amends GS 162A-900 concerning limitations on local governments' allocation of water or sewer service for residential development. Limits the scope of the statute by defining "local government unit" to mean a political subdivision that serves more than 1,000 residential service connections (was defined by statutory cross-reference alone). Makes organizational and technical changes to subsection (a). Generally prohibits local government units from implementing a scoring or preference system to allocate water or sewer service among applicants for service for a residential development, eliminating the existing four qualifications to the prohibition. Adds a new provision to prohibit withholding the allocation of water or sewer service among applicants for service for residential developments if allocation capacity is available. Requires local government that receive public funds for water or sewer infrastructure to (1) monitor available water and sewer capacity by preparing and publishing a quarterly report with four described components; and (2) make all reasonable efforts to expand capacity consistent with growth and demand by taking three identified steps, including annually submitting an expansion plan to the State Water Infrastructure Authority (Authority). Establishes three actions a local government must take when capacity is unavailable due to physical or environmental constraints, including publishing a written explanation and providing a resolution timeline, developing and implementing a temporary allocation policy to prioritize critical development projects, and notifying applicants of their status in the allocation process and providing estimated timelines for service availability. Creates a right of action for an aggrieved party to seek injunctive relief to compel compliance with the section's requirements. Provides for venue and lists available relief, including ordering the approval of applications where capacity exists, mandating corrective actions, and assessing a civil penalty up to $5,000, or $5,000 per day for continuing violations.
Amends GS 159G-71, adding to the duties of the Authority monitoring the compliance with water and sewer allocation requirements of GS 162A-900 and providing technical assistance to local government units to satisfy those requirements.
Substantively identical to H 519, filed 3/25/25.
Removes provisions allowing a physician to give information concerning the treatment or medical services being provided to the minor to a parent, legal guardian, person standing in loco parentis, or a legal custodian other than a parent granted specific authority in a custody order to consent to medical or psychiatric treatment under GS 90-21.4 (concerning responsibility, liability, and immunity of physicians).
Limits the medical health services where a minor is allowed to give effective consent for diagnosis and treatment to pregnancy (currently health conditions also include venereal disease and other reportable diseases under GS 130A-135, abuse of controlled substances or alcohol, and emotional disturbance) under GS 90-21.5 (minor’s consent sufficient for certain medical health services). Makes technical changes.
Enacts GS 90-21.5A, concerning a limited exception for examination without parental consent in cases of suspected abuse or neglect, as follows. Authorizes a healthcare provider to conduct or continue an examination of a minor without first obtaining written or documented consent from a parent if the health care practitioner has a reasonable belief that the examination will reveal information triggering an obligation to report under GS 7B-301 (duty to report abuse, neglect, dependency, or death due to maltreatment) or GS 90-21.20(c1) (physician reporting requirements for certain wounds).
Enacts GS 90-21.5B (parental access to minors’ medical records), as follows. Grants parents rights to right to access and review all medical records of their minor child, including medical records of care for which the minor may give effective consent under GS 90-21.5(a). Creates the three following exceptions: (1) the medical records are of health care described in GS 90-21.5A; (2) the release of the medical records is prohibited by a valid court order; and (3) the parent is the subject of an investigation for a crime committed against the minor child and a law enforcement agency or official has requested that the medical records not be released.
Applies to acts occurring on or after October 1, 2025.
| Intro. by Moffitt, Jones. | GS 90 |
The Daily Bulletin: 2025-04-02
The Daily Bulletin: 2025-04-02
Actions on Bills: 2025-04-02
H 7: NC REACH ACT.
H 15: SUPPORT PRIVATE PROPERTY RIGHTS.
H 50: LEO SPECIAL SEPARATION ALLOWANCE OPTIONS.
H 67: INTERSTATE MEDICAL LICENSURE COMPACT.
H 69: MILITARY AND VETERANS EDUCATIONAL PROMISE ACT. (NEW)
H 71: RESPIRATORY CARE MODERNIZATION ACT.
H 83: REVISE LAWS GOVERNING MINORS.
H 96: EXPEDITED REMOVAL OF UNAUTHORIZED PERSONS.
H 123: CRIMINAL FALSIFICATION OF MEDICAL RECORDS.
H 141: THE JOE JOHN REMEMBRANCE ACT.
H 160: JOEL H. CRISP SUDEP AWARENESS LAW.
H 189: RED LIGHT CAMERA DELAY INTERVAL.
H 206: MOD. GUN RETRIEVAL - DVOS/JUVENILE 911 CALLS.
H 231: SOCIAL WORK INTERSTATE LICENSURE COMPACT.
H 251: DISASTER RESPONSE FUNDING/NONDISCRIMINATION.
H 268: 2025 UNC SELF-LIQUIDATING CAPITAL PROJECTS.
H 295: REQ. DOT TO INSTALL PROP. CORNER MARKERS.
H 309: BLDG. CODE FAM. CHILD CARE HOME CLASS.
H 331: ADOPT OFFICIAL STATE RICE FESTIVAL.
H 355: OSFM TO STUDY FUTURE OF RURAL FIREFIGHTING. (NEW)
H 370: GSC UNIFORM ACTS REGARDING CHILDREN.
H 376: VARIOUS ON-SITE WASTEWATER & WELL PROVISIONS.
H 381: ON-SITE WASTEWATER SYSTEM AMENDMENTS.
H 382: ELK PERMIT AUCTION/RAFFLE.
H 388: AMEND BUSINESS CORPORATIONS ACT.
H 435: MOD. BD. OF ENG'ERS & SURVEYORS.
H 612: FOSTERING CARE IN NC ACT.
H 622: LIMIT EXCESSIVE MAG SIZES.
H 623: NC FOLK FEST AND FIFA FUNDS.
H 624: PRESCRIPTION DRUG PRICING.
H 625: THE PRISON RESOURCES REPURPOSING ACT.
H 626: HOUSING CHOICE ACT.
H 627: REGULATION OF ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS.
H 628: REENACT CHILD TAX CREDIT.
H 629: EXTEND PRIMARY CARE TASK FORCE.
H 630: RESTORE LEA SALES TAX BENEFIT.
H 631: STATE INFRASTRUCTURE BANK STUDY.
H 632: AMEND HAZING LAWS.
H 633: EXPAND SICKLE CELL DISEASE PROGRAMS & SVCS.
H 634: PARITY ENHANCEMENT FOR ADDICTION RECOVERY.
H 635: INCREASE ACCESS TO FERTILITY TREATMENT.
H 636: PROMOTING WHOLESOME CONTENT FOR STUDENTS.
H 637: COMMUNITY OF PRACTICE ATR SUPPLEMENT.
H 638: EQUIT. ESCALATION OF ELECTRICITY DEMAND ACT.
H 639: PRIORITIZE IN-STATE APPLICANTS/UNC ED SCHOOLS.
H 640: PUBLIC ASSISTANCE VERIFICATION ENHANCEMENTS.
H 641: TRANSPORTATION FOR THE FUTURE ACT.
H 642: FUNDS/SCOTLAND CTY. WASTEWATER IMPROVEMENTS.
H 643: CLARIFY FIREARM STORAGE LAW.
H 644: DOT STUDY ON FORT BRAGG TRAFFIC CONGESTION.
H 645: FRIENDLY NC ACT.
H 646: CONST. AMEND.: REMOVE SLAVERY AS PUNISHMENT.
H 647: AG. PUV CONSERVATION.
H 648: DISPOSITION PLACEMENT/FINDINGS OF FACT (NEW).
H 649: COUNTY TIER DESIGNATION STUDY BILL.
H 650: NO INTERCHANGE FEES ON SALES TAX OR TIPS.
H 651: REDUCE PARENT COPAYS/CHILD CARE SUBSIDY/FUNDS.
H 652: TRANSPORTATION GOODS UNIT PRICING COST.
H 653: ADJUST FMAP TRIGGER FOR MEDICAID EXPANSION.
H 654: ADOPT GIRL SCOUTS WEEK.
H 655: ENDING OFFENSIVE INDIAN MASCOTS.
H 656: SPLIT DISTR CT/DEFENDER DISTR 43 INTO 43A/43B.
H 657: DUKE'S RESCUE ACT.
H 658: OPTOMETRISTS TELEHEALTH SERVICES.
H 659: LOCAL GOVERNMENT SPENDING TRANSPARENCY.
H 660: FUNDS FOR VARIOUS PROJECTS IN CABARRUS CO.
H 661: BUILDING INDUSTRY EFFICIENCY ACT OF 2025.
H 662: SUPPORT THE STATE HIGHWAY PATROL.
H 690: THE CITIZENS SUPPORT ACT.
H 691: VOTER PROTECTION AND RELIANCE ACT.
H 692: AEDS AND CPR IN SCHOOLS.
H 693: INTERSTATE MASSAGE COMPACT.
H 694: STUDY WATER/WASTEWATER REGIONALIZATION.
H 695: SUPPORT VIPER/ASSIST 911 OPERATIONS/DISPATCH.
H 696: HEALTH CARE PRACTITIONER TRANSPARENCY ACT.
H 697: NC GENETIC COUNSELORS WORKFORCE ACT.
H 698: CENTER FOR MISSING PERSONS TO HIGHWAY PATROL.
H 699: SHERIFF'S DEPUTIES/DISMISSALS.
H 700: THE PATIENTS' RESTORATION OF RIGHTS ACT.
H 701: ADOPT LAFAYETTE DAY.
H 702: CHIROPRACTIC EDUCATION CHANGES.
H 703: MEMORIALS IN VETERANS CEMETERIES.
H 704: ESTABLISH AAPI HERITAGE COMMISSION.
H 705: STUDY CTE LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS.
H 706: CHANGE TO NEEDS-BASED CAPITAL FUNDING.
H 707: DRONES/CERTAIN VENDOR PURCHASES PROHIBITED.
H 708: IROBOT - INCREASING ROBOTICS OPPORTUNITIES.
H 709: K-3 LITERACY AND IMPROVEMENT ACT.
H 710: MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS UNIT PILOT FOR LSAUS.
H 711: RECOVERY SUPPORT VIA REVENUE STABILIZATION.
H 712: UNIVERSAL INCOME/PAY-IT-FORWARD FUND.
H 713: UNIVERSAL FREE BREAKFAST AND LUNCH.
H 714: UNIVERSAL HEALTHCARE.
H 715: UNIVERSAL PRE-K.
H 716: BAIL BOND OMNIBUS.
H 717: AMEND NC PEO ACT.-AB
H 718: BAIL BONDSMEN REVISIONS.-AB
H 719: CONTINUING CARE RETIREMENT COMMUNITIES ACT.-AB
H 720: INSURANCE GUARANTY ASSOCIATION ACT REVISIONS.-AB
H 721: MUDDY SNEAKERS/ST. GERARD HOUSE.
H 722: ENACT CRIMINAL JUSTICE DEBT REFORM.
H 723: TECHNOLOGY COALITIONS STRATEGIC SUPPORT FUND.
H 724: NC-FACT.
H 725: MOMNIBUS 3.0.
H 726: YOUTH MENTORING & ACADEMIC ENHANCEMENT COMM.
H 727: MARRIAGE/FAMILY THERAPY MODS.
H 728: SHARED INVESTMENT IN OUR HEROES ACT.
H 729: FARMLAND PROTECTION ACT.
H 730: COMPREHENSIVE STATE COMMUNICATIONS.
H 731: FUNDS FOR PAULI MURRAY CENTER.
H 732: COMMON SENSE GUN REGULATIONS.
H 733: THE EVERYBODY EATS ACT.
H 734: MODERNIZE DEBT SETTLEMENT PROHIBITION.
H 735: MODERNIZE STI TRANSIT FUNDING.
H 736: PHARMACISTS/TEST AND TREAT.
H 737: LICENSING COURSE REMOVAL/INSURANCE PRODUCERS.
H 738: RESTORE WETLANDS PROTECTIONS.
H 739: FUNDS FOR WILSON & NASH COUNTIES.
H 740: CONSTITUENT PORTAL/CONTRACTOR LIABILITY LIMIT.
H 741: VETERANS REGISTRATION PLATE MODIFICATIONS.
H 742: HEALTHY AND HIGH-PERFORMING SCHOOLS.
H 743: ALLOW LIVE-IN DSPS IN GROUP HOMES.
H 744: FERTILITY PRESERVATION PILOT PROGRAM.
H 745: FAIR COMPETITION STUDY ACT.
H 746: LIMITED IMMUNITY/NURSES.
H 747: 2025 WILDLIFE RESOURCES CHANGES.-AB
H 748: FUNDS/GREENSBORO WATER AND WASTEWATER.
H 749: GREENSBORO PUBLIC SAFETY FUNDS.
H 750: COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTER GRANTS FOR LARCS.
H 751: UNIFORM ENERGY RATES FOR SEASONAL SERVICE.
H 752: TRANSPORTATION ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT FUNDING.
H 753: LEOS RETURN TO WORK.
H 754: FIN. EXPLOIT. PREVENTION/SAVINGS BANK UPDATES.
H 755: NONPROFIT SALES TAX EXEMPTION.
H 756: FUNDS FOR HARMONY EMPOWERMENT LIFE CENTER.
H 757: FUNDS FOR JOYFUL SOUL TREASURES.
H 758: FUNDS FOR MIND AND HEART HAVEN PROJECT.
H 759: FAMILY AND COMMUNITY WELLNESS ACT/FUNDS.
H 760: BLOODBORNE PATHOGEN TRAINING FOR TATTOOISTS.
H 761: LIMIT SESSION LENGTH.
H 762: MODERNIZE NC S.A.F.E. ACT.
H 763: NEIGHBOR STATE LICENSE RECOGNITION ACT.
S 101: PROTECT CERTAIN TAX-ADVANTAGED ACCOUNTS.
S 124: REDUCE BARRIERS TO STATE EMPLOYMENT.
S 171: MODERNIZE REG/MASTER'S LEVEL PSYCHOLOGISTS.
S 205: CLARIFY SWIMMING POOL LAWS/PRIV. POOL RENTALS.
S 224: GABRIEL ESPARZA/SECRETARY OF DOA.
S 229: AUTHORIZE NIL AGENCY CONTRACTS.
S 254: ESTABLISH OFFENSE FOR POSS. OF EXPLOSIVE.
S 260: CONFIRM DR. DEVDUTTA SANGVAI/DHHS.
S 307: INFO. RIGHTS OF ESTATE/DEATH OF LLC MEMBER.
S 321: ACCOUNTING WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT ACT.
S 335: PHARMACISTS/TEST AND TREAT/INFLUENZA & STREP. (NEW)
S 370: REPEAL CERTIFICATE OF NEED LAWS.
S 445: REG. RELIEF FOR HOSPITALS IN DISASTER ZONES.
S 474: THE DAVE ACT.
S 506: ATR SALARY SUPS AND GRANT INCREASES.
S 507: AUTO ENROLLMENT IN ADVANCED ELA COURSES.
S 554: FARMERS PROTECTION ACT.
S 558: ELIMINATING "DEI" IN PUBLIC HIGHER ED.
S 664: JMAC COMPLIANCE FLEXIBILITY.
Actions on Bills: 2025-04-02
H 173: WAKE COUNTY ETJ.
H 302: PITT CO. BD. OF ED. ELECT. PARTISAN.
H 352: MODIFY WATER AND SEWAGE PROJECT BID REQ. (NEW)
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