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

Part III.

Amends GS 87-1, which sets out who is considered to be a general contractor, by excluding a person providing installation, maintenance, or replacement services related to floor covering services or painting services related to the construction or improvement of a building or structure. (Was, just a person providing services related to floor coverings and painting.) Specifies that the provision of those services for a  building falling under the NC Residential Code (Code) does not require a building permit under GS 160D-1110 or under GS 143-138 (concerning the NC State Building Code). Makes organizational changes.

Part V.

Specifies that a contractor must respond to a notice of claim concerning a construction defect under GS 87-152 in writing and that if the claimant chooses to accept a contractor’s offer to settle, they must do so in writing. Enacts GS 87-155, tolling any statute of limitations under new Article 9 of GS Chapter 87 until the later of when any of four listed events occur, including when either the claimant denies the general contractor’s offer to settle (described herein) or the general contractor denies the claimant’s claim, or when either party determines the general contractor cannot or will not repair the defect and provides written notice to the other party of the same.

Part VI.

Further modifies GS 130A-280 (concerning scope of laws applying to public swimming pools), as amended by Section 4.51 of SL 2024-49, as follows. Broadens the scope of pools excluded from Article 8 (concerning sanitation) of GS Chapter 130A to include floatation or sensory deprivation systems certified by the National Sanitation Foundation to meet the most current version of Standard 50 of the National Sanitation Foundation/American National Standards Institute.

Makes conforming changes, including to Part titles.

Enacts Article 7, the NC Emergency Citizen Pilot Training Program (Program), to GS Chapter 166A to set standards and certification for citizen pilots to assist emergency response and recovery operations after declared disasters. Places the Program within the Division of Emergency Management (Division) of the Department of Public Safety (DPS). Tasks the Director of Emergency Management (director) with administering the Program. Requires the Program to offer classes and training courses, training emergency citizen pilots on four specified skill areas including, assisting State and federal emergency response and recovery operations after declared disasters within an emergency area in GS 166A-72. Caps Program fees at $500. Establishes an Emergency Citizen Pilot Registry (Registry) maintained by DPS that lists all certified emergency citizen pilots who have an active status (defined), or inactive status (defined) certificate awarded by the Program. Requires continuing education to maintain active status. Directs DPS to work with the State Emergency Response Team, units of local governments, its Civil Air Patrol Section, other State agencies, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency to develop standards, criteria, best practices, safety standards, and any other criteria necessary in its discretion to integrate emergency citizen pilot training into the North Carolina Emergency Operations Plan and other disaster response plans in GS 166A-73.

Includes emergency citizen pilots as one of those first responders who are eligible for unpaid leave from civilian employment in the event of a declaration of emergency under GS 166A-19.76.

Also includes emergency citizen pilots as emergency management workers under GS 166A-19.60, setting out immunity and liability for emergency management activities.

Effective October 1, 2025.

Requires the Division to adopt rules to implement the act and to have the Program operational by January 1, 2027. Instructs the Division to report to the specified NCGA committee on the implementation of the Program on or before October 1, 2026, and one year after. 

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.

Effective October 1, 2025, makes the following changes relating to the Office of the Fire Marshal (OSFM).

Repeals the following:

• Section 30.8, SL 2023-134, which created OSBM within the Department of Insurance; made the "State Fire Marshal" the head of OSBM; and made the State Fire Marshal an appointee of the Commissioner of Insurance rather than the Commissioner; 
• Parts X, XI, and XII, SL 2023-151, which amended Article 78A, GS Chapter 58, to further establish OSBM as an independent Office, expand the powers and duties of the State Fire Marshal throughout GS Chapters 14, 66, 58, 115C, 143, 143B, 150B, 160D, 169, Section 30.4A, SL 2021-180 (Firefighters' Health Benefits Pilot Program), and Section 30.7, SL 2023-134 (volunteer fire department grant administration); and
• Section 6.4, SL 2021-1.

Directs that all OSFM employees on October 1, 2025, continue OSFM employment at their option or until action is taken by the Commissioner of Insurance (Commissioner). Directs that all OSFM positions remain unchanged until legislative action is taken.

Provides for the continued effect of rules adopted by the State Fire Marshal until amended by the Commissioner. 

Directs that unique fire department identification numbers issued by the State Fire Marshal on or before October 1, 2025, are to be continued to be used for the purposes provided under state law.

Provides for appointees of the State Fire Marshal as representative trustee on the Local Firefighters' Relief Fund and designee on the Firefighters' and Rescue Squad Workers' Pension Fund Advisory Panel to continue service under the Commissioner. 

Provides that State Fire Marshal board and commission appointees can continue service for the duration of their terms, whereby the Commissioner will appoint a successor.

Enacts new GS 14-409.44, authorizing a federal firearms licensee to enter into a safety hold agreement with a firearm owner. Defines federal firearms licensee as a person licensed as a dealer, manufacturer, or importer under 18 U.S.C. § 923, and safety hold agreement as a private agreement in which a licensee takes possession of an owner’s lawfully possessed firearm for an agreed-upon period of time. Provides that such agreements shall not require the payment of a fee. Grants immunity to licensees for any act or omission arising from a safety hold agreement that results in personal injury or death, except for actions resulting from the negligent or reckless storage of a firearm or otherwise unlawful conduct on the part of the licensee. Provides that licensees may sell or otherwise dispose of firearms unclaimed at the termination of an agreement. Requires the State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) to develop and make available a form for such agreements. Provides that agreements are confidential and not a public record under GS Chapter 132. Clarifies that nothing in the new statute requires a licensee to take possession of an unlawfully possessed firearm or to return a firearm to a person prohibited by law from possessing it. Requires the SBI to adopt rules consistent with the act. Effective July 1, 2025.

Section 1

Appropriates $999,400 in recurring funds and $1,088,592 in nonrecurring funds from the General Fund to the State Highway Patrol for 2025-26 to fund 12 full-time Trooper positions for District H5 of Troop H. Effective July 1, 2025.

Section 2

Increases the minimum number of magistrates required by GS 7A-133 for Mecklenburg County from 38.5 to 43.5. Appropriates $402,070 in recurring funds for 2025-26 and $15,140 in nonrecurring funds for 2025-26 from the General Fund to the Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) to hire the five additional magistrates required by the act in Mecklenburg County. Effective July 1, 2025.

Section 3

Amends GS 20-217, which requires motor vehicles to stop for properly marked school buses when stopped in certain described instances, increasing the minimum fines as follows: for violation of the statute, from $500 to $1,000; for willful violation of the statute and also striking any person, from $1,250 to $4,500; and for willful violation of the statute and also striking a person that results in their death, from $2,500 to $7,000. Enacts a new subsection, establishing that it is prima facie evidence that the vehicle was operated by the person in whose name the vehicle was registered at the time of the violation whenever evidence is presented in any court or administrative hearing of the fact that a vehicle was operated in violation of the statute. Provides a similar provision with regard to operation by a renter of a rented vehicle. Applies to offenses committed on or after December 1, 2025. 

Section 4

Amends GS 132-1.1 to prohibit highway camera video records stored by the Department  from being disclosed except as provided in new GS 132-1.7B.

Enacts new GS 132-1.7B, providing as follows. Sets out and defines terms, including defining highway camera as a Department of Transportation (Department) video or digital camera, located on highway rights-of-way, for the purpose of monitoring vehicle traffic.

Requires highway cameras to record and store incidents when requested by law enforcement agencies to assist in the following types of incident investigations along interstates and highways: vehicle chases, hit-and-run crashes, road rage altercations, street races, street takeovers, and any other incident investigations law enforcement agencies feel would be supported and expedited by the use of this technology. Specifies that recordings under this statute are not public records. 

Allows a person to request disclosure of a recording through a written request to the Department that includes the name of the person making the request, date and approximate time of the activity, or otherwise identify the activity with reasonable particularity sufficient to identify the recording. Allows disclosure of a recording to only: (1) a person whose image or voice is in the recording; (2) a personal representative of an adult person whose image or voice is in the recording, if the adult person has consented to the disclosure; (3) a personal representative of a minor or of an adult person under lawful guardianship whose image or voice is in the recording; (4) a personal representative of a deceased person whose image or voice is in the recording; (5) a personal representative of an adult person who is incapacitated and unable to provide consent to disclosure. Requires disclosing only the portions of the recording relevant to the person's request. Prohibits a person receiving disclosure from recording or copying the recording. Requires the Department to make the disclosure or deny the request as promptly as possible. Sets out six factors the Department is to consider when deciding whether to grant or deny the request. Sets out the procedure under which the person seeking disclosure may apply to the appropriate superior court for a review of the denial of disclosure when disclosure has been denied or disclosure has not been made more than three business days after the request. Sets out conditions under which the court may order disclosure. Sets out individuals that must be notified and given an opportunity to be heard at the hearing.

Provides that recordings are to be released only pursuant to court order. Allows any person requesting release of a recording to file an action in the appropriate superior court for an order releasing the recording. Requires the request to state the date and approximate time of the activity captured in the recording or otherwise identify the activity with reasonable particularity sufficient to identify the recording to which the action refers. Sets out factors the court is to consider in determining whether to order the release of all or a portion of the recording. Limits the release to only those portions of the recording relevant to the person's request and allows placing conditions or restrictions on the release. Sets out individuals that must be notified and given an opportunity to be heard at the hearing.

Requires the Department to disclose or release a recording to a district attorney (1) for review of potential criminal charges, (2) to comply with discovery requirements in a criminal prosecution, (3) for use in criminal proceedings in district court, or (4) for any other law enforcement purpose and allows disclosure or release of a recording for suspect identification or apprehension or to locate a missing or abducted person.

Provides that the Department is not required to retain any recording subject to this statute for more than 30 days, unless a court of competent jurisdiction orders otherwise.

Provides that no civil liability arises from compliance with the statute, so long as the acts or omissions are made in good faith. 

Allows the Department to charge a fee for making a copy of a recording for release, not to exceed the actual cost. Prohibits the court from awarding attorneys' fees.

Prohibits using recordings subject to the statute for fines or private investigation. Provides that no elected official may review recordings subject to this statute, unless they meet the statute's disclosure criteria; excludes a county sheriff or district attorney if review of the recordings is within the scope of a criminal investigation. 

Effective July 1, 2025.

Appropriates $3 million in recurring funds for 2024-25 from the Highway Fund to the Department of Transportation to be used to expand the operational hours of the IMap and North Carolina Department of Transportation Metrolina Transportation Management Center in Charlotte to 24 hours a day, every day of the year. Allocates $15 million in recurring funds from the fund appropriated to the Department of Transportation for 2025-26, and $20 million in nonrecurring funds, to be used to expand operational hours of the IMap and Metrolina Transportation Management Center to 24 hours a day, every day. Effective July 1, 2025.

Creates new GS 115C-364.1 (Admission for part-time students), allowing students that attend non-public schools to enroll part time in local public schools and charter schools, as long as the student is eligible for admission to the public schools under the applicable requirements. Establishes a system where the State Board of Education must allocate to the local school administrative unit or charter school an appropriate amount depending on the instructional time the part-time student is enrolled. 

Amends GS 115C-47 to create new subdivision (70), requiring local boards of education to develop policies for students from non-public schools that enroll part time under the boards’ jurisdiction. Requires the policy to be posted to the website of each board. 

Amends GS 115C-218.45 to create new subsection (a1), allowing a student that attends non-public school to enroll in a charter school part-time in accordance with the new GS 115C-364.1. Requires each charter school to make information about part-time enrollment available on its website. Excludes part-time students from counting towards enrollment growth of the charter school under GS 115C-218.7. 

Appropriates $500,000 to the Department of Public Instruction from the General Fund for 2025-26 to be allocated to local school administrative units and charter schools to cover the administrative costs of implementing the act. 

Appropriates $270,000 in recurring funds to the Department of Public Instruction from the General Fund for 2025-26 to be allocated to local administrative units and charter schools to fund part-time students. 

Effective July 1, 2025, and applicable to requests for part-time enrollment for the 2025-26 school year. 

Establishes the Disaster Readiness and Response Fund as a special fund in the Office of State Treasurer separate from the General Fund and other funds and reserves in new GS 143B-1042.25.

Enacts GS 143B-472.130, establishing the State Infrastructure Bank Board (Board) an independent entity within the Department of Commerce. Directs the Board to establish, administer, and receive federal funds for a State infrastructure bank (bank) authorized by specified federal laws. Allows receipt and administration of State and private funds through the bank for transportation projects, water and sewer projects, and other infrastructure projects. Provides for the Board's application, receipt, and administration of federal financial assistance to fund the bank.

Authorizes the Board to provide loans and financial assistance to governmental units, including toll authorities, in the following manner: (1) federal funds, State funds, and private funds for financing the costs of transportation projects, including aviation projects; and (2) State funds and private funds for financing the costs of water and sewer projects and other infrastructure projects. Establishes conditions and repayment obligations for loans and other financial assistance provided under the statute. Provides for accounting of funds and specifies that federal funds do not revert and accrue interest and other investment income to be used for the purposes specified. Grants the Board rulemaking authority. Bars the Board from modifying the statutory Transportation Investment Strategy formula. Requires cooperation with the Division of Water Infrastructure and State Water Infrastructure Authority with respect to water and sewer projects. 

Directs the State Treasurer to develop and adopt debt instruments with the assistance of the Local Government Commission and directs the Local Government Commission to develop and adopt procedures for the delivery of debt instruments to the State without any public bidding. 

Details require Board review and approval for all proposed loans and other financial assistance to applicants, with a more limited review and approval required by the Local Government Commission for certain proposed loans as described.

Deems loans under the statute outstanding debt under Article 10, GS Chapter 159 (Assistance for Defaulting Units in Refinancing Debt).

Enacts GS 143B-472.131, listing the six members of the Board. Provides for member terms and compensation, Board officers, and Board meetings. Directs the Board to adopt rules for reviewing and approving loans and other financial assistance. Requires publication on the Board or Department's website. Establishes quarterly reporting requirements to the specified NCGA committee.

Repeals GS 136-18(12a), which grants the Department of Transportation the powers and duties relating to the establishment, administration, and receipt of federal funds for a transportation infrastructure banking program. Directs that the State infrastructure bank established by this subdivision be transferred to the Board.

Includes funds held by the bank with those the State Treasurer are authorized to invest under GS 147-69.2.

Applies to loans and other financial assistance applied for on or after July 1, 2025.

Part I

Revises the minimum salary schedule for occupational and physical therapists employed full time by local boards of education in GS 115C-316(b1). Specifies that the salary schedule must be based on years of experience as a licensed therapist, divided evenly, no more than five years apart, and limited to a maximum of 30 years’ experience. Requires each local board to report the salary schedule by October 15th of each year to the Department of Public Instruction (DPI), which must then report to the specified NCGA Committee. Mandates that for the 2025-2026 fiscal year, a therapist must receive the greater of either the applicable amount under the salary schedule or the salary they received for 2024-2025.

Part II

Provides that in the 2025-2026 fiscal year, occupational and physical therapists employed full time at public schools will receive a monthly salary supplement equal to (1) 10% of a teacher on the "A" salary schedule who had five years more experience than the therapist, and (2) $350. Also specifies that these therapists are eligible for salary supplements equal to those of teachers and support staff who have six-year degrees or doctoral degrees. Effective July 1, 2025, only if the General Assembly appropriates funds to DPI to provide the supplements in this part.

Part III

Enacts GS 115C-316.3 (Occupational therapist and physical therapist workforce report), requiring local boards of education to submit a report no later than February 15th of each year to DPI showing the number of occupational and physical therapists employed in local units, along with third-party contractors and vacant positions. Directs DPI to prepare a report by April 15th of each year for the Joint Legislative Education Oversight Committee with the information collected from each local board report.

Enacts GS 160D-1425, establishing authority and requirements of courts with regard to civil actions brought against local governments under Article 14 of the Chapter for decisions made or actions taken in violation of the Chapter's zoning and development laws. Authorizes courts to allow plaintiffs to recover reasonable attorneys' fees attributed to the action, and mandates the court award such fees when plaintiffs successfully show that the local government intentionally acted in violation of the Chapter; intentionally delayed action on a development approval to cause the plaintiff to seek the civil action; or acted in a flagrantly unfair or deceptive manner with respect to the development approval with intent to cause initiation of the civil action. Mandates the award of punitive damages in an amount up to 10 times the damages (as defined) where the plaintiff successfully shows the local government acted in a flagrantly unfair or deceptive manner with respect to the development approval with intent to cause initiation of the civil action. Bars award of attorneys' fees when the court finds that the local government acted in reasonable reliance on specified court orders and judgments or opinions, decisions, and letters of the Attorney General. Applies to causes of action arising on or after October 1, 2025.

Reenacts GS 105-151.29, the individual income tax credit for qualifying expenses of film or tv production companies, and recodifies the statute as GS 105-153.12.

Defines qualifying expenses for purposes of the section to include expenses spent in the state on goods and services, wages, and insurance coverage, but excluding salaries paid to highly compensated individuals receiving over $1,000,000. Allows a credit of 25% of qualifying expenses for productions with at least $250,000 in qualifying expenses.

Makes a pass-through entity the taxpayer for purposes of claiming the tax credit. Requires a return filed in the year claiming the taxable credit to show all qualifying expenses. Makes the credit refundable.

Limits the amount of credit allowed under the statute to $20,000,000. Excludes productions that are for political advertising, news or live sporting events, obscene materials, or radio productions.

Requires the taxpayer to maintain records and make them available to the Department of Revenue upon request.

Includes the amount of credit under this statute in the economic incentives the department must report under GS 105-256.

Requires the taxpayer to notify the Division of Tourism, Film, and Sports Development in the Department of Commerce of their intent to claim the credit and provide the required information to the department. Specifies that the production must acknowledge the NC Film Office and the regional film office for the area of production in the credits of the production.

Repeals the sunset provision in former subsection (k).

Reenacts GS 105-130.47, which has effectively the same language and creates a credit applicable to corporation income tax, and repeals the sunset provision in former subsection (k).

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

Section 1: Reenacts repealed statutes in Chapter 143E of the General Statutes (The North Carolina Measurability Assessment Act of 2016), Article 7C (Program Evaluation) of Chapter 120 of the General Statutes (General Assembly), and GS 120-32(1)j., GS 120-79(c), GS 120-131.1(a1), and GS 143-49(16).

Section 2: Adds requirement to GS 63A-23 that the North Carolina Global Transpark Authority provide its annual report to the Data Analytics, Transparency, and Accountability Division of the North Carolina General Assembly.

Section 3: Adds requirement to GS 90-414(b) that the North Carolina Health Information Exchange Authority shall provide, upon request, aggregate analysis of data and information provided though the Health Information Exchange (HIE) to the Data Analytics, Transparency, and Accountability Division of the North Carolina General Assembly.

Section 4: Adds requirement to GS 120-32.01 that State departments, agencies, or institutions shall furnish, upon request, information, records, and access to personnel and facilities to the Data Analytics, Transparency, and Accountability Division of the North Carolina General Assembly. Also provides access to BEACON/HR payroll by the Data Analytics, Transparency, and Accountability Division of the North Carolina General Assembly through the Fiscal Research Division Director and two employees of the Division as designated by the Director.

Section 5: Amends GS 126-85(c) to extend protections from retaliation to State employees who make certain reports to the Data Analytics, Transparency, and Accountability Division of the North Carolina General Assembly.

Section 6: Amends GS 143-341.2(a) to add the Data Analytics, Transparency, and Accountability Division of the North Carolina General Assembly to the list of required State agencies to which the Department of Administration must make reports about its comprehensive State facilities plan and its performance management procedures and the State’s portfolio of real property. This section applies to reports due on or after July 1, 2025.

Section 7: Appropriates from the General Fund to the General Assembly $2,000,000 for 2025-26 in recurring funds for reenacting and operating the Data Analytics, Transparency, and Accountability Division of the North Carolina General Assembly.

Section 8: Revisor of Statutes is directed to replace “Program Evaluation Division” with “Data Analytics, Transparency, and Accountability Division” in the General Statutes.

Section 9: Effective date July 1, 2025.

Enacts GS 53C-6-21, listing five factors for which it is unlawful for a bank to deny or cancel services, or otherwise discriminate against, a person, including (1) the person's political opinions, speech, or affiliations; (2) any factor that is not quantitative, impartial, and risk-based standard, including those related to the person's business; and (3) the use of rating, scoring, analysis, tabulation or action that considers a social credit score based on five criteria, such as lawful ownership of a firearm. Authorizes banks to offer services based on subjective standards upon full disclosure and explanations provided to the person before contracting for the service, subject to the person's attestation of the bank's compliance with the requirement. Requires banks to annually attest, under penalty of perjury, their compliance with the statute. Creates a cause of action for persons aggrieved by a bank's violation of the provisions. Deems any violation an unfair and deceptive trade practice. 

Amends GS 54B-78 and GS 54C-64, making new GS 53C-6-21 applicable to State associations and State savings banks. Makes technical changes.

Enacts GS 54-109.23, making new GS 53C-6-21 applicable to credit unions, and requires annual reports of credit unions be submitted to the Administrator of Credit Unions.

Enacts GS 58-63-15(7)e. to add to the acts constituting unfair discrimination which are unfair and deceptive trade practices, refusing to insure or charging a different rate solely in consideration of the risks relating to environmental, social, and governance criteria, as defined by state law; diversity, equity, or inclusion policies; or political and ideological factors, unless the refusal or different rate is the result of the application of sound underwriting and actuarial principles related to actual or reasonably anticipated loss experience.

Section 1

Amends GS 18B-200 to allow ABC stores to comply with the requirement to display spirits distilled or produced in NC in an area dedicated solely to NC products by identifying the product as a NC product by a price or shelf tag.

Section 2

Amends GS 18B-1001(12a), which provides for mobile bar services permits and requires such permittees to purchase spirituous liquor from a mixed beverage ABC store operating in the same county where the permittee's principal place of business is operated. Specifies that the requirement only applies if the permittee serves spirituous liquor.

Section 3

Repeals GS 18B-1116(a)(4), which prohibits manufacturers, bottlers, and wholesalers of alcoholic beverages from providing draft line cleaning services to alcoholic beverage retailers unless the retailer pays fair market value for the services.

Section 4

Amends GS 18B-404 to allow mixed beverage permittees to purchase spirituous liquor from any mixed beverage ABC store in the State rather than only those designated as mixed beverage ABC stores by the local board operating in the same county as the permittee. Makes technical changes.

Section 5

Amends GS 153A-145.7 to allow a county to adopt an ordinance permitting Sunday operation of ABC stores if the local ABC board petitions the board of county commissioners to do so. Enacts the same procedure and authority for cities by amending GS 160A-205.3, and for the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and Catawba Indian Nation by creating new subsection (b2) in GS 18B-112. Makes conforming changes to include the possibility of Sunday sales at ABC stores in GS 18B-802 and GS 18B-1004(c). Amends GS 18B-802 to prohibit opening the store or selling alcoholic beverages before 10:00 am on a Sunday where Sunday sales are authorized by local appointing authorizes, or noon where Sunday sales are authorized by either tribal nation.

Section 6

Enacts Article 14, GS Chapter 18B, Premixed Cocktail Franchise Law. Details the Article's purpose and defined terms. Defines the nature of a franchise agreement between a wholesaler or supplier whereby a wholesaler is granted the right to offer and sell the brands of premixed cocktails offered by the supplier, or a supplier grants to a wholesaler a license to use a trade name, trademark, service mark, or related characteristic and in which there is a community of interest in the marking of products of the supplier by lease or otherwise. Lists four situations that create a franchise agreement, including (1) when the supplier has shipped malt premixed cocktails to a wholesaler or accepted an order for premixed cocktails from the wholesaler, or (2) when a wholesaler has paid or the supplier has accepted payment for an order of premixed cocktails intended for sale within the State. Makes it unlawful for a supplier to provide premixed cocktails to a wholesaler unless the supplier has notified the ABC Commission (Commission) of the brands the wholesaler is authorized to sell and the territory for the sales. Details limitations and requirements of distribution agreements and exceptions thereunder. Prohibits discrimination in distribution to retail permittees except, at the direction of retail permit holder, retail permit holder private label brands, as defined. Bars establishing or maintaining a resell price of any brand of premixed cocktails by a wholesaler through a franchise agreement. Enumerates ten prohibited actions of suppliers and their agents, including (1) terminating, canceling, or not renewing, or an attempt to do the same, a franchise agreement on the basis that the wholesaler fails to agree or consent to an amendment to the agreement; and (2) refusing to approve or require a wholesaler to terminate a brand manager or successor manager without good cause, limited as described. Establishes criteria for terminating a franchise agreement based on good cause, subject to specified periods for the supplier to give notice and an opportunity for the wholesaler to take corrective action. Lists six circumstances where termination is permitted without advanced notice. Details seven actions or circumstances that do not constitute good cause, including the desire of a supplier to consolidate its franchises. Establishes a right of action for a wholesaler whose franchise agreement is altered, terminated, or not renewed in violation of the Article, and provides for available relief. Provides rights, procedures, and available damages for transfers or mergers of interests in a wholesaler's business. Incorporates the Article's provisions into all franchise agreements and prohibits altering its provisions or waiving or superseding a wholesaler's rights thereunder. Authorizes the Commission to require participation in mediation for disputes arising under the Article and details the mediation procedures and requirements.

Enacts GS 18B-1109.1, setting forth authorities of a spirituous liquor wholesaler permit holder with regard to premixed cocktails. Enacts GS 18B-1113.2, setting forth authorities of a nonresident premixed cocktail vendor permit holder with regard to premixed cocktails.

Adds to the authorities of a liquor importer/bottler permit under GS 18B-1105.1 to include receiving premixed cocktails in closed containers into the State for storage, sale, shipment, and transshipment to premixed cocktail wholesalers for purposes of resale.

Amends GS 18B-1100 and GS 18B-902, authorizing the Commission to issue premixed cocktail wholesaler permits and nonresident premixed cocktail vendor permits and setting their application fees at $300 and $100, respectively.

Amends GS 18B-804 to make the uniform State retail price set in subsection (a) applicable to the price of premixed cocktails sold by a mixed beverages permittee if the premixed cocktails were purchased from a premixed cocktail wholesaler permit holder.

Adds to the authorized acts of the holder of a salesman permit under GS 18B-1111 to include selling and transporting premixed cocktails for a premixed cocktail wholesaler.

Amends GS 18B-1115, exempting premixed cocktails from the provisions of subsections (b) and (e) pertaining to the transportation of spirituous liquor. Makes technical and clarifying changes.

Amends GS 18B-1110.1 to authorize the holder of a packaging and logistics permit to deliver and ship premixed cocktails in closed containers to licensed suppliers and wholesalers.

Expands GS 18B-105(c) to authorize premixed cocktail wholesalers to give, furnish, rent, loan, or sell retailer advertising specialty items and product displays to retail permittees, subject to existing limitations for beer and wine wholesalers.

Amends GS 18B-112(f) to exempt premixed cocktails sold to mixed beverages permittees by premixed cocktail wholesaler permittees from the purchasing restrictions set forth for purchases by a tribal alcoholic beverage control commission.

Amends GS 18B-204 to specify that the statute does not prohibit the receipt, storage, and distribution of premixed cocktails pursuant to specified Articles of the Chapter.

Amends GS 18B-404 to authorize a mixed beverage permittee to purchase premixed cocktails from a premixed cocktail wholesaler permittee.

Amends GS 18B-603 to authorize sports clubs holding mixed beverage permits to purchase their premixed cocktails from premixed cocktail wholesaler permittees.

Makes conforming changes to GS 18B-900 relating to residency requirements for nonresident premixed cocktail vendor permit applicants.

Makes conforming changes to GS 105-113.68(a)(13) to include premixed cocktail wholesaler permittees in the definition of wholesaler.

Amends GS 105-113.79, authorizing cities to require and charge an annual tax for premixed cocktail wholesaler licensees for business in the city.

Amends GS 105-113.80, establishing a 30% excise tax on premixed cocktails. Specifies that the price taxes is that calculated pursuant to GS 18B-804(b). Amends GS 105-113.81, making the tax exemption for product rendered unsalable by a major disaster applicable to premixed cocktails. Makes conforming changes. Amends GS 105-113.83 to detail payment and filing requirements for wholesalers and importers. 

Amends GS 105-113.83A to require premixed cocktail wholesaler permittees and nonresident premixed cocktail vendor permittees to register with the Secretary of Revenue.

Applies to premixed cocktails sold on or after October 1, 2025.

Section 7

Amends GS 18B-101 to include manufactured and packaged whipped cream containing at least 0.5% alcohol by volume in the definition of alcohol consumable. Applies to offenses committed on or after December 1, 2025.

Section 8

Amends GS 18B-800 to require the local board conducting a lottery or other random drawing to sell apportioned products, as defined, to customers of an ABC store to give 30 days' written notice to mixed beverage permittees. Permits electronic notice. Applies to lotteries or other random drawings to sell apportioned products on or after July 1, 2025.

Section 9

Enacts GS 18B-1005(c) establishing conditions that ABC permit holders can satisfy to offer temporary pricing adjustments on alcoholic beverages sold by the establishment, such as offering the pricing within a specified and limited duration on a single business day. Applies establishments holding an on-premises malt beverage permit, on-premises unfortified wine permit, on-premises fortified wine permit, and/or mixed beverages permit. Applies to alcoholic beverages sold on or after October 1, 2025.

Section 10

Amends GS 18B-300.1(f) to allow a permittee business that is not permitted to sell mixed beverages to allow a customer to possess and consume on the business's premises mixed beverages purchased from a mixed beverages permittee in the social district.

Section 11

Amends GS 18B-1002 to clarify that nonprofit organizations holding ticketed events for fund-raising on specified permitted premises are not required to obtain a one-time permit if the wine, malt beverages, and spirituous liquor sold at the event are sold by a retail permittee from the retail permittee's inventory.

Section 12

Amends GS 18B-905 to provide for an applicant for an ABC permit under GS 18B- 1001 or GS 18B-1100 to submit a sworn affidavit with their application stating they have applied to the local government for the Inspection/Zoning Compliance and Local Government Opinion approvals required for the application, in lieu of those approvals. Requires the person to send the approvals or denials to the Commission within three business days of receipt. Applies to applications received on or after October 1, 2025.

Section 13

Amends GS 18B-1010, eliminating the restrictions for selling and delivering alcoholic beverages to a single patron based on type of alcoholic beverage. Instead, enacts a general restriction to limit holders of an on-premises malt beverage permit, on-premises unfortified wine permit, on-premises fortified wine permit, or mixed beverages permit from selling and delivering more than two alcoholic beverage drinks at one time to a single patron. Applies to alcoholic beverages sold on or after October 1, 2025.

Section 14

No longer allows possession and consumption of up to eight liters of fortified wine or spirituous liquor, or the two combined, without an ABC permit at properties not primarily used for commercial purposes and not open to the public at a time of possession with consent of the property owner for the possession and consumption. Applies to fortified wine and spirituous liquor possessed and consumed on or after October 1, 2025.

Section 15

Amends GS 14-309.28 to increase the annual limit on game nights for those conducted or sponsored by an exempt organization from four to 24, and for those hosted by a qualified facility from two to 24. Applies to game nights conducted on or after October 1, 2025.

Section 16

Amends GS 14-309.15, governing raffles, to exempt 50/50 raffles from the restrictions for raffles set forth in subsections (c) through (g) of the section, which provide for annual caps on the number of raffles, maximum prize amounts, a prohibition against raffles conducted in conjunction with bingo, requirements for raffle proceeds, and limitations on offering real property prizes. Defines "50/50" raffle as a raffle conducted by a nonprofit organization or any government entity within the State whereby funds collected by the sale of raffle tickets are split evenly between the prize winner(s) and the organization or entity after the raffle drawing. Applies to offenses committed before or after December 1, 2025.

Section 17

Includes a severability clause.

For purposes of the act, defines personal information to include the physical address and phone number, but not the name, of the individual. Enacts GS 153A-148.2 and GS 160A-208.2 to require counties and cities, respectively, to develop and make available a process by which any named official can request that the county or city remove that individual's personal information from any website maintained by that county or city and available to the general public. Allows for the request to include removal of personal information of the individual's spouse. Limits the right to request removal of personal information to: (1) a State judge, justice, or magistrate; (2) a district attorney or assistant district attorney; (3) a prosecutor employed by the NC Department of Justice; (4) a US Attorney or Assistant US Attorney; (5) a public defender or assistant public defender; and (6) a federal judge. Details required content of written requests. Requires the county or city to remove the personal information if properly requested, and prohibits placing the information on the website again without written revocation from the individual. Deems the request or revocation not public record. Specifies that personal information removed from the website continues to be public record if it would otherwise be subject to disclosure under GS Chapter 132. Grants civil immunity to counties and cities and their officers, officials, employees and agents, past and present, acting within the course and scope of their duties and pursuant to the statute. 

Requires counties and cities to develop and implement the above described process by October 1, 2025.

Amends GS 153A-98 and GS 160A-168 to prohibit counties and cities from disclosing county or city law enforcement officer employee's information concerning the officer's residence (previously prohibited from disclosing information that might identify the residence; previously specified the disclosures were prohibited even if considered part of an employee's personnel file).

Enacts new Article 94, Consumers in Crisis Protection Act (Act), in GS Chapter 58, providing as follows.

Sets out and defines terms as they are used in the act. Defines a consumer legal funding company as a person that enters into a consumer legal funding transaction with a consumer, whether or not the person is registered under this Article. Defines consumer legal funding contract as a contract for a consumer legal funding transaction. Defines consumer legal funding transaction as a nonrecourse transaction in which a consumer sells an unvested, contingent future interest in the potential net proceeds of a settlement or judgment obtained from a legal claim so long as: (1) the consumer is required to use the funds to address personal needs or household expenses; (2) the consumer is prohibited from using the funds to pay for attorneys' fees, legal filings, legal marketing, legal document preparation or drafting, appeals, expert testimony, or other litigation-related expenses; and (3) the consumer is not required to use the funds in a particular manner, including to make specific payments or secure specific services.

Requires registering as a consumer legal funding company with the Commissioner of Insurance (Commissioner) before entering into a consumer legal funding transaction with a consumer. Requires submission of a registration fee and proof of financial stability. Voids a consumer legal funding contract between a consumer and a consumer legal funding company that has not registered under this Article. Sets the registration and renewal fee at $1,000 and requires registrations to be renewed every three years. Allows a consumer legal funding company's registration or renewal to be denied for failure to comply with this Article. Exempts from the Article: (1) a consumer’s immediate family member; (2) a bank, lender, financing entity, or other special purpose entity that either provides financing to a consumer legal funding company or receives an interest in a consumer legal funding from a consumer legal funding company; and (3) an attorney or accountant who provides services to a consumer.

Specifies that a consumer legal funding transaction that complies with this Article is not a loan and is not subject to any provision of law governing loans or investment contracts. Provides that to the extent that this Article conflicts with any other law, this Article supersedes that law for purposes of regulating consumer legal funding transactions in this State.

Sets out content that must be included in an application for registration. Allows the Commissioner to deem an application abandoned if the applicant fails to respond to a written request for information by the Commissioner within 30 days of the date of the request.

Requires a consumer legal funding company, before entering into a consumer legal funding transaction in this State, to file a template of a consumer legal funding contract with the Commissioner. Requires the contract to be written using plain language and be understandable to the average consumer who makes a reasonable effort under ordinary circumstances to read and comprehend the terms of the contract without needing professional assistance. Requires that all terms of the consumer legal funding contract be completed when it is presented to the consumer for their signature. Sets out required content for the contract. Requires the contract to include consumer disclosures, including 11 specified disclosures, on the first two pages, including a description of a consumer’s right to recission, total amount due from the consumer in six-month intervals for 36 months, and a statement that, if the net proceeds of the claim are insufficient to repay the consumer's financial obligation to the company, defined as the complete funded amount and charges, the consumer is not responsible to the company for any amount in excess of the net proceeds. Also requires the contract to include a written acknowledgment by the attorney retained by the consumer for the legal claim that attests to seven specified requirements, including that to the best of the attorney's knowledge, the funded amounts and any charges relating to the consumer legal funding transaction have been disclosed to the consumer, and that gross proceeds of the legal claim must be deposited into the client trust account of the attorney or a settlement fund established to receive the gross proceeds of the legal claim on behalf of the consumer. Specifies that failure of the attorney to provide this written attestation renders the contract null and void; however, the contract remains valid and enforceable if subsequent to execution, a consumer moves to substitute counsel or pursue the legal claim pro se.

Provides that if a consumer obtains no recovery from the consumer's legal claim, the consumer is not required to repay a consumer legal funding company unless the consumer committed fraud against the consumer legal funding company. Provides that if the net proceeds of the claim are insufficient to repay the consumer's financial obligation to the company, defined as the complete funded amount plus authorized charges, the consumer is not responsible to the company for any amount in excess of the net proceeds. Limits the charges a consumer legal funding company may charge a consumer to the following. (1) Upon funding, a charge not to exceed 18% of the funded amount and a servicing charge not to exceed 3.5% of the funded amount. (2) Upon every subsequent six-month anniversary, a charge not to exceed 18% of the funded amount and a servicing charge not to exceed 3.5% of the funded amount. If, however, within five days after the start of a new six-month interval, the consumer legal funding company receives payment of the full amount owed by the consumer for the immediately preceding six-month interval, no additional charges can be charged for the new six-month interval. (3) A document preparation charge, not to exceed $250, that may be deducted from the funded amount. Prohibits charges from accruing on a consumer legal funding transaction more than 36 months after execution of the consumer legal funding contract; however, allows the company to assess charges on any additional funding, whether by amendment to the consumer legal funding contract or by execution of a new consumer legal funding contract, for 36 months after the provision of the additional funding.

Prohibits a legal funding company from performing 12 specified acts, including (1) paying or offering to pay commissions, referral fees, or any other form of consideration to any attorney, law firm, health care provider, or an employee of a law firm or health care provider for referring a consumer to the company; (2) providing legal advice to the consumer regarding the consumer legal funding transaction or the underlying legal claim; and (3) reporting a consumer to a credit reporting agency if insufficient funds remain from the net proceeds to repay the company unless the consumer has committed fraud against the consumer legal funding company.

Prohibits an attorney retained by a consumer for a legal claim from having a financial interest in the consumer legal funding company offering consumer legal funding to the consumer. Also prohibits an attorney who has referred the consumer to the consumer's retained attorney from having a financial interest in the consumer legal funding company offering consumer legal funding to the consumer. Specifies that a consumer legal funding contract that violates these requirements is null and void, and no person has a right to collect, attempt to collect, receive, or retain any funded amount or charges related to the consumer legal funding.

Specifies that communications between a consumer's attorney and a consumer legal funding company necessary to ascertain the status of a legal claim or a legal claim's expected value are not discoverable by a party with whom the claim is filed or against whom the claim is asserted.

Requires a consumer, within 30 calendar days of receipt of a written request, to disclose to any party to a legal claim whether the consumer has entered into a consumer legal funding transaction. Requires that if a consumer enters into a consumer legal funding transaction after responding to a request, the consumer must disclose this fact to the requesting person within 30 calendar days of entering into the transaction.

Provides that consumer legal funding contracts are presumed to be discoverable in a civil action; allows a consumer to seek to rebut this presumption. Presumes that consumer legal funding transactions that have been disclosed and consumer legal funding contracts discovered are inadmissible as evidence; allows a party to seek to rebut this presumption.

Allows the Commissioner to examine a consumer legal funding company and requires the company to reimburse the reasonable costs and expenses of the examination. Allows the Commissioner to waive the reimbursement in unusual circumstances and in the interests of justice.

Allows the Commissioner to adopt rules necessary for the enforcement of this Article, but requires the Commission to give notice before proposing a rule, to all companies registered or pending registration under this Article.

Allows the Commissioner, after notice and opportunity for a hearing, to take the following actions against a consumer legal funding company that willfully violated any provision of this Article: (1) revoke, suspend, or refuse to renew a consumer legal funding company's registration; (2) order a consumer legal funding company to cease and desist from entering into additional consumer legal funding transactions; (3) assess a civil penalty of not more than $10,000 for each violation, the clear proceeds of which must be remitted to the Civil Penalty and Forfeiture Fund; and (4) order the consumer legal financing company to make restitution to an injured consumer.

Includes a severability clause.

Effective October 1, 2025.

Amends GS 115C-407.57(b)(2) to allow a licensed physical therapist to evaluate a student athlete injured in an interscholastic athletic activity for a concussion and give written clearance for participation.

Part I

Creates the First Responder Appreciation Bonus Program, a $1,500 bonus payment to law enforcement, firefighters, EMS, public safety dispatchers, and nurses employed by public hospitals and other government healthcare facilities. Appropriates $130,000,000 from the General Fund in each year of the 2025-2027 biennium to the Department of Public Safety to distribute to employing authorities (State agency, or a local government employing first responders) based on the number of eligible first responders on staff. Specifies that the $1,500 bonus payment will be made to each first responder in each fiscal year of the biennium. Specifies that all funds must be used for bonus payments and no other purpose, and exempts bonus payments from retirement deductions.

Directs that the Office of State Budget and Management must help coordinate the disbursement of payments, and that payments must be distributed to employers no later than November 1st of each fiscal year. Requires employers to pay bonus payments no later than December 31st of each fiscal year. Specifies that first responders must be employed by the employing entity on the first day of October for the year the bonus is paid to be eligible. Requires employers to certify the number of eligible employees by October 15th of each fiscal year, and submit a verification that all bonuses have been paid by February 15th of the following year.

Part II

Creates the Teachers’ Appreciation Bonus Program, a $1,500 bonus payment to teachers, instructional support staff, principals and assistant principals employed by public schools, charter schools, regional schools, schools for deaf and blind students, and laboratory schools. Appropriates $165,000,000 from the General Fund in each year of the 2025-2027 biennium to the Department of Public Instruction to distribute to school units based on the number of teachers on staff. Specifies that the $1,500 bonus payment will be made to each teacher in each fiscal year of the biennium. Specifies that all funds must be used for bonus payments and no other purpose, and exempts bonus payments from retirement deductions.

Specifies that the Department of Public Instruction must distribute payments to school units no later than November 1st of each fiscal year. Requires employers to pay bonus payments no later than December 31st of each fiscal year. Specifies that teachers must be employed by the school on the first day of October for the year the bonus is paid to be eligible. Requires schools to certify the number of eligible employees by October 15th of each fiscal year, and submit a verification that all bonuses have been paid by February 15th of the following year.

Part III

Makes the provisions of the act subject to GS Chapter 143C (State Budget Act), and in any conflict between the act and that chapter, GS Chapter 143C prevails.

Effective July 1, 2025.

Part I

Creates the First Responder Pay Increase Program, increasing by 10% the base salary of a law enforcement officer, firefighter, EMS, dispatcher, or nurse employed by a public hospital or government healthcare facility. Appropriates $700,000,000 from the General Fund in each year of the 2025-27 biennium to the Reserve for First Responder Pay Increases to provide for the permanent 10% pay increases. Directs the Department of Public Safety and the Department of Health and Human Services to distribute the funds to eligible employers (State agencies or local governments employing first responders) based on the total cost of implementation based on eligible employees. Specifies that the full amount must be used for pay increases and may not be used for administrative costs or other purposes. Makes the 10% increase effective July 1, 2025, in addition to the employee’s base salary on that date. Clarifies that the pay is subject to retirement contributions.

Requires the Office of State Management and Budget to coordinate with state agencies to distribute funds to employers no later than August 15 of each fiscal year in the 2025-27 biennium. Requires that to be eligible, a first responder must be employed as of July 1 of the fiscal year, and requires employers to certify the cost of implementing the 10% increase by August 1 of the fiscal year. Requires employers to submit a certification that the pay increase is implemented by January 15 of each fiscal year.

Part II

Creates the Teachers’ Pay Increase Program, increasing by 10% the base salary of a teacher, instructional support staff, principal, or assistant principal employed by a local school unit, charter school, or regional schools. Appropriates $900,000,000 from the General Fund in each year of the 2025-27 biennium to the Reserve for Teachers’ Pay Increases to provide for the permanent 10% pay increases. Directs the Department of Public Instruction to distribute the funds to eligible schools based on the total cost of implementation based on eligible employees. Specifies that the full amount must be used for pay increases and may not be used for administrative costs or other purposes. Makes the 10% increase effective July 1, 2025, in addition to the teacher’s base salary on that date. Clarifies that the pay is subject to retirement contributions.

Requires the Office of State Management and Budget to coordinate with the Department of Public Instruction to distribute funds to employers no later than August 15 of each fiscal year in the 2025-27 biennium. Requires that to be eligible, a teacher must be employed as of July 1 of the fiscal year, and requires schools to certify the cost of implementing the 10% increase by August 1 of the fiscal year. Requires schools to submit a certification that the pay increase is implemented by January 15 of each fiscal year.

Part III

Makes the programs subject to GS Chapter 143C (State Budget Act), and provides that if there is a conflict between the act and GS Chapter 143C, that chapter controls.

Effective July 1, 2025.

Section 1.

Creates new GS 14-459, in Article 60 of Chapter 14, adding criminal and civil consequences for unlawful distribution of a deepfake. Defines a deepfake as an image or audio or video recording that has been created with the intent to deceive and that appears to depict a natural person speaking or acting in a manner that the person did not actually speak or act. Makes it unlawful for a person, without consent of the depicted individual, to knowingly create or solicit the creation of a deepfake with the intent to distribute a deepfake or to distribute a deepfake with the purpose of (1) harassing, extorting, threatening, or causing physical, emotional, reputational, or economic harm to an individual falsely depicted or (2) injuring a candidate for elected office or influencing an election. A violation of GS 14-459 is a Class 1 misdemeanor and a court can order the destruction of the deepfake. Any person aggrieved by a deepfake in violation of GS 14-459 has a civil cause of action against the creator, solicitor, or distributor of the deepfake and can recover actual damages of $1,000 each time the deepfake is redistributed, punitive damages, and attorney’s fees and litigation costs.

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

Section 2.

Creates new GS 1-539.30, providing immunity for developers of artificial intelligence products for errors when the artificial intelligence product is being used by a learned professional providing professional services to a client. Provides definitions for the following terms: artificial intelligence product or AI product; client; developer; error; and learned professional. Effective December 1, 2025, and applies to acts or omissions occurring on or after that date.

Makes changes throughout GS Chapter 75, Article 4, to address robocall solicitations.

Amends GS 75-101 removing the definitions of “automatic dialing and recorded message player,” “express invitation or permission,” and “unsolicited telephone call,” and add definitions for “prior express written consent,” “robocall,” and “robocaller.” Amends the definition of “telephone solicitor” to include any person that provides assistance or support for making telephone solicitations.

Amends GS 75-102 (Restrictions on telephone solicitations) prohibiting solicitation calls and robocalls before 8am or after 9pm in subsection (f). Amends (h) to prohibit robocalls from engaging in threats, intimidation, or the use of profane or obscene language. Repeals subsection (i), moving the substance of this subsection to the new GS 75-104A(a). Amends subsection (k) and subsection (l) to require prior express written consent instead of express invitation or permission for obtaining consent from a telephone subscriber on the “Do Not Call” Registry.

Amends GS 75-103 to require prior express written consent instead of express invitation or permission for the exception to prohibitions on contact and the dispute resolution procedure for whether a telephone provider has provided consent.

Amends GS 75-104 to change the statute's title to “Restrictions on use of robocalls” and replace automatic dialing and recorded message player with robocall throughout.

Enacts GS 75-104A (Restrictions on spoofing and impersonating government officials), prohibiting telephone solicitors and robocallers from impersonating officials. Provides in subsection (a) that robocallers may not use misleading information, but does not hold telephone providers responsible for violations, and allows solicitors to use the name of the organization they are soliciting on behalf of in the call. Makes it unlawful to impersonate any federal, state, or local government official, law enforcement professional, or government agency to defraud, confuse, or injure a telephone subscriber in subsection (b).

Amends GS 75-105 (Enforcement) to include robocaller throughout the statute. Provides that if a single call violates multiple parts of the Article, penalties are assessed for each violation. Makes it a rebuttable presumption that a telephone subscriber with a North Carolina area code is a resident of North Carolina when a solicitation is made. Includes reference to the new GS 75-104A for enforcement under subsection (c).

Amends GS 75-115(3) to require prior express written consent as outlined in GS 75-101 for the solicitation of advertisements.

Effective and applicable to telephone solicitations in violation of the act on or after October 1, 2025.

Enacts Article 9, GS Chapter 75, the Fair Repair Requirements Act. Defines 11 terms. Requires manufacturers of digital electronic products sold or used in the State to: (1) make available described diagnostic and repair, free of charge, to independent repair facilities or owners of products manufactured by the manufacturer in the same manner the manufacturer makes the information available to its authorized repair providers; and (2) make available service parts for purchase by the product owner or their authorized agent, unless the parts are no longer available to the manufacturer or the authorized repair channel of the manufacturer. Defines digital electronic products as a part or machine containing a microprocessor originally manufactured for distribution and sale in the US. Defines manufacturer as an individual or business who, in the ordinary course of its business, is engaged in the business of selling or leasing new digital electronic products to consumers or other end users and is engaged in the diagnosis, service, maintenance, or repair of that product. 

Prohibits manufacturers from requiring authorized repair providers from continuing to purchase diagnostic, service, or repair information in a proprietary format when the manufacturer sells the information to an independent repair provider or third-party provider in a format that is standardized with other manufacturers on more favorable terms unless the proprietary format includes information or functionality not available in the standardized format.

Requires manufacturers to make available for purchase by owners and independent repair facilities all diagnostic repair tools as those available to its own repair or engineering staff or authorized repair providers. Requires the tools be offered at fair and reasonable terms, defines to mean an equitable price in light of relevant factors which include three listed, such as the price charged by other manufacturers for similar parts or products. States that manufacturers that provide repair information to aftermarket tool, diagnostics, or third-party service information publications and systems have fully satisfied their obligations and thereafter are not responsible for the content and functionality of aftermarket diagnostic tools or service information systems. Prohibits excluding diagnostic, service, and repair information necessary to reset a security-related function from information provided to owners and independent repair facilities and allows for provision of relevant information through an appropriate secure data release system.

Specifies that the Article does not require manufacturers to divulge trade secrets, as defined. Provides that the Article has no effect on contracts between the manufacturer and authorized repair providers. Specifies that authorized repair providers have all rights and remedies under the section except for compliance disputes related to existing repair agreements.

Defines the scope of the Article to exclude requiring access to non-diagnostic and non-repair information provided by a manufacturer to an authorized repair provider pursuant to an authorizing agreement. 

Requires an independent repair provider or owner who believes that a manufacturer has failed to provide information or a tool required by the Article to give the manufacturer 30 days' notice and an opportunity to cure the complaint, wherein if the manufacturer cures the complaint, damages are limited to actual damages in any subsequent litigation. Authorizes bringing a civil action upon the manufacturer's failure to respond or cure the complaint to the satisfaction of the independent repair facility. Details required content of the complaint.

Effective October 1, 2025. 

Enacts GS 143-422.4, prohibiting discrimination based upon pregnancy, childbirth, or pregnancy related conditions, as follows. Defines five terms including pregnancy related conditions (medical conditions directly related to pregnancy or childbirth, including miscarriage, pregnancy termination, pregnancy complications, recovery from childbirth, and lactation). States the State’s public policy to protect and safeguard the right and opportunity of individuals to seek, obtain, and hold employment without discrimination or abridgement on account of pregnancy, childbirth, or pregnancy related conditions. Specifies that a person does not violate the statute solely because the individual followed a bona fide occupational qualification (BFOQ) reasonably necessary to the normal operation of the particular business or because the person made a distinction or differentiation based on a bona fide business necessity. Requires that individuals affected by pregnancy, childbirth, or pregnancy related conditions be treated the same for all employment-related purposes, including receipt of benefits under fringe benefit programs, as other individuals not so affected but similar in their ability or inability to work. Provides for leaves of absences, return to work guarantees, reasonable accommodations that do not cause undue hardship (defined), and the elements of a BFOQ defense. Allows an individual aggrieved by violations of GS 143-422.4 to file a civil action as described, with back pay, reinstatement, compensatory damages, injunctive relief, and reasonable costs and attorneys' fees available. Adds pregnancy, childbirth, and pregnancy related conditions, when such conditions cause temporary disability to the definition of person with a disability under GS 168A-3 (definitions under the Persons with Disabilities Protection Act). Makes conforming changes to GS 168A-5 (discrimination in employment) to account for reasonable accommodations for pregnancy, childbirth, or pregnancy related conditions that cause temporary disability unless they cause undue hardship) and GS 7A-759 (OAH’s role as a deferral agency).

Applies to acts or omissions occurring after the act becomes law.

Appropriates $10 million in recurring funds from the General Fund to the Department of Public Safety for 2025-26 to be allocated as a directed grant as title indicates. Effective July 1, 2025.

Appropriates $1.5 million from the General Fund to the Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Central Management and Support, Office of Rural Health, for 2025-26 to be allocated as a directed grant to support the operations of Care Ring, Inc., a nonprofit community health clinic in Mecklenburg County that assists in providing primary care services to medically vulnerable residents. Effective July 1, 2025.

Amends GS 115C-270.20(a), adding new subdivision (7), creating rules for Montessori Licenses. Allows holder of a license to teach only in a school that uses Montessori instruction as its primary method. Sets criteria to obtain a license, requiring (a) valid credential from the American Montessori Society, the Association Montessori Internationale, or a program accredited by the Montessori Accreditation Council for Teaching Education and (b) bachelor's degree in any field, and (c) completion of exam requirements adopted by State Board. Prohibits holder of a license from teaching in a public school that is not a Montessori school without another license issued by the State for public school teachers. Applies to applicants for Montessori licenses on or after the date act becomes law.

Amends GS 14-269.2(g), the statute generally prohibiting weapons on campus or other educational property, by adding new subdivision (8), making the law inapplicable to a sworn law enforcement officer hired as an armed security guard by a nonpublic school operating under Part I or II of Article 39 of GS Chapter 115C, provided that the officer is acting in the discharge of the officer's official duties on the premises of that school. Provides that for purposes of the new subdivision, a sworn law enforcement officer shall include a sworn law enforcement officer certified under GS Chapter 17C or 17E, a company police officer commissioned under GS Chapter 74E, or a campus police officer commissioned under GS Chapter 74G. Effective for offenses committed on or after December 1, 2025.

Substantively identical to S 677, filed 3/25/25.

Part I.

Require the Department of Administration (DOA) to report to the specified NCGA committee and commission by March 31, 226, on the feasibility and advisability of using obsolete and underutilized state-owned buildings (available buildings) to house childcare facilities giving priority to state employees. Specifies items that must be included in the report, including estimated costs for asbestos and lead remediation and barriers to the use of available buildings for childcare. Requires any state project to build or renovate property with a budget more than $5 million to include a child care center or adult day care center if more than 250 people would work in the building. Specifies that this includes current projects that have no broken ground by July 1, 2025, unless one of the specified exceptions apply.

Part II.

Requires the Division of Child Development and Early Education (Division) to establish a pilot program for onsite childcare for state employees, that meets the specified parameters, including that (1) the childcare facility must operate an apprenticeship program in conjunction with a public or private university or community college who operates an early childcare education program; and (2) the State will provide the upfit cost of the space to meet the licensure requirements at reasonable levels that are customary at the operators' other facilities and those similarly situated and provide use of the space rent free.

Appropriates $5 million for 2025-26 from the General Fund to the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) for the Division to use in establishing the childcare centers. Provides that if the state incurs any expenses for asbestos or lead remediation in establishing the childcare centers the state is eligible for reimbursement from the Asbestos and Lead Remediation Fund subject to the rules of the fund for up to $500,000. Effective July 1, 2025.

Requires the Division to report to the specified NCGA committees and division, by April 1, 2027, on the implementation of the pilot program.

Part III.

Appropriates $6 million for 2025-26 from the General Fund to DHHS for a pilot program giving counties grants to establish third-shift childcare for first responders, with priority to be given to third shift facilities operated in unused or underutilized county-owned buildings. Requires a report by April 1, 2027, to the specified NCGA committees and division on the implementation of the pilot program. Effective July 1, 2025.

Part IV.

Requires the State Board of Community Colleges to study and report to the specified NCGA committees and division by March 31, 2026, on implementation of a publicly available child care program on every community college campus with priority given to children of community college employees and students. Appropriates $100,000 from the General Fund to the Community College System Office for the study, effective July 1, 2025.

Requires the UNC Board of Governors to study and report to the specified NCGA committees and division by March 31, 2026, on implementation of a publicly available child care program on every constituent institution campus with priority given to children of university employees and students. Appropriates $100,000 from the General Fund to the UNC Board of Governors or the study, effective July 1, 2025.

Part V.

Requires the Division to establish the Commercial Childcare Licensure Workgroup to examine streamlining requirements for the physical structure of commercial childcare centers. Sets out membership of the workgroup and requires the workgroup to develop findings and recommendations related to three specified issues. Requires the Division to report by January 1, 2026, to the specified NCGA committees and division.

Establishes the 12-member Study Committee on Assistant District Attorney, Assistant Public Defender, and Private Assigned Counsel Pay Rates (Committee). Provides for membership and member appointment, officers, vacancies, meetings, staff, and member expenses. Charges the Committee with studying and advising on the pay rates of ADAs, assistant public defenders, and private assigned counsel. Lists seven required components of the study, including their current pay throughout the State separated by three cost-of-living categories, their current pay structure, and comparisons of their existing pay and pay structures in comparison to comparable positions in neighboring and nearby states. Includes a catchall component for the Committee to study any other relevant subject. Requires the Committee to submit an interim report by March 1, 2026, and a final report by March 1, 2027, to specified NCGA committees. 

Enacts Article 52, in GS Chapter 66, the North Carolina Junk Fee Prevention Act, to regulate covered entities, defined as providers of short-term lodging (limited to six months or less), entities that advertise rates or the purchase of short-term lodging and other entities determined appropriate by the Attorney General (AG). Requires covered entities to clearly display the total price of the good or service provided in each advertisement and when a price is first shown to a customer, including any mandatory fees a consumer would incur during the transaction. Defines mandatory fees to include required, reasonably unavoidable, or unexpected fees or surcharges, with discretion for the AG to include others deemed appropriate in this definition.

Bars increasing pricing during the purchase process and imposing or advertising excessive or deceptive mandatory fees. Requires clearly disclosing any guarantee or refund policy prior to purchase, and providing refunds at total cost, including mandatory fees. Prohibits charging a fee, or imposing an excessive or unreasonable requirement, for early termination of a covered service, defined to include internet, voice, commercial mobile, commercial mobile data, or multichannel video programming services, or other services offered or provided as a bundle or package with these described services. Specifies that the Article does not prohibit charging consumers the cost of rental or loan equipment not returned within a reasonable amount of time, or the outstanding cost of a purchased device. 

Authorizes the AG to adopt implementing rules. Authorizes the AG to assess penalties of up to $5,000 for each violation of the Article and take other appropriate enforcement action. Lists factors the AG must consider in determining whether a fee is excessive, including whether the fee is reasonable and proportional to the cost of the good or service and the reason for the charge. Deems a violation of the Article to be an unfair and deceptive trade practice under GS Chapter 75. 

Prevents a secondary ticket exchange, ticket issuer, or reseller (collectively, Secondary Ticket Sellers) from charging an order processing fee that is greater than the charge the secondary ticket exchange, ticket issuer, or reseller pays to a payment card entity to facilitate or process the payment in GS 75-44 (ticket price transparency). Requires Secondary Ticket Sellers to clearly and conspicuously disclose to the public, including at the point of sale, the total number of tickets offered for sale by it for the given event not less than 72 hours prior to the first public sale or presale. Provides for required disclosures and refunds if the Secondary Ticket Sellers does not possess a ticket at the time of sale, as described.

Repeals GS 14-344 (concerning sale of admission tickets in excess of the printed price).

Effective October 1, 2025. 

Enacts subsection (f) in GS 96-14.2, providing for a temporary increase in maximum weekly unemployment benefits to $600 for claims filed during a disaster declaration.

Enacts subsection (f) in GS 96-9.2, providing for earmarking of funds for benefits in GS 96-14.2 from the Unemployment Insurance Fund, and requiring the Department of Commerce, Division of Employment Security (Division) to project the annual needs for the enhanced benefits. Requires the Division to report to the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Unemployment Insurance regarding the projections and earmarks on January 1, 2027, and annually thereafter.

Enacts subsection (f) in GS 96-9.3, requiring the Division to certify that sufficient funds have been earmarked for the benefits in GS 96-14.2 before the implementation of benefits under that statute. Provides that if the Division determines funds are insufficient, then enhanced benefits will not be implemented during that disaster declaration, unless the General Assembly enacts a temporary enhancement.

Effective July 1, 2025.

Appropriates $25 million from the General Fund to the UNC Board of Governors to be allocated to East Carolina University for the College of Engineering and Technology for improvements to buildings and to purchase and refurbish equipment.

Appropriates $4 million in recurring funds from the General Fund to the UNC Board of Governors for each year of the 2025-27 biennium to be allocated to East Carolina University to expand positions at the College of Engineering and Technology.

Effective July 1, 2025.

Subject to voter approval at the November 2026 general election, enacts new Section 39 to Article I of the NC Constitution establishing the inalienable right to clean water, clean air, and the preservation of the natural, cultural, and healthful qualities of the environment. Mandates equal protection of these self-executing rights by the State. Appoints the State (including all agencies and local governments) as trustee of the State's natural resources and requires the State to conserve, protect, and maintain the State's natural resources for the benefit of present and future generations. Provides for certification and enrollment. Makes the amendment effective upon certification.

Amends GS 14-132, which makes it a Class 2 misdemeanor to engage in disorderly conduct in or injure public buildings and facilities. Pertaining to the authority of persons in charge of public buildings and facilities to arrest persons summarily and without warrant for a violation of the statute, eliminates the qualification that the public building or facility must be owned or controlled by the State, a subdivision thereof, or any other public agency. Includes in the definition of public building or facility: (1) any private institution or agency of a philanthropic nature (was eleemosynary nature) and (2) one temporarily in use as a voting place during the hours for voting (not included under current law). Makes organizational and technical changes. 

Adds to GS 163-166.4, making it a Class 3 misdemeanor for a person to steal, deface, vandalize, or unlawfully remove political advertising lawfully placed pursuant to the statute. 

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

Directs the Legislative Research Commission (LRC) to study the abolition of contributory negligence, including evaluating whether contributory negligence is harming citizens, whether abolition of contributory negligence would improve outcomes for citizens, the fiscal impacts of a new negligence framework and recommending the most beneficial negligence framework for the State. Requires the LRC to submit a report on its study to the 2026 Regular Session of the 2025 General Assembly upon its reconvening.

Appropriates $15.760 million from the General Fund to the Office of State Budget and Management for 2025-26 to provide a directed grant to Wayne County:

(1) for a capital project at Rosewood Middle School,

(2) to update the athletic track at Dillard Middle School,

(3) for water and sewer upgrades for the Village of Walnut Creek,

(4) for the "Saving Union Station" revitalization project,

(5) for a training facility for the Wayne County Sheriff's Office,

(6) for the Wayne County United Way,

(7) for Wayne County Alcohol Anonymous,

(8) for the Tuscarora Council Scouting Program,

(9) for the Mattamuskeet Lodge Restoration Initiative, and

(10) for the Pricetown Volunteer Fire Department.

Appropriates $162,351 in recurring funds for each year of the 2025-27 biennium and $3,752 in nonrecurring funds for 2025-26 from the General Fund to the Administrative Office of the Courts to hire one assistant district attorney for Prosecutorial District 9.

Appropriates $2,347,071 in recurring funds for each year of the 2025-27 biennium and $96,730 in nonrecurring funds for 2025-26 from the General Fund to the Administrative Office of the Courts, Office of Indigent Defense Services, to create a new Defender District 9 serving Green, Lenoir, and Wayne counties and to hire the following positions:

(1) one chief public defender,

(2) ten assistant public defenders,

(3) two chief investigators,

(4) one social worker,

(5) one administrative assistant II, and

(6) two legal assistant I positions.

Effective July 1, 2025.

Directs the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to conduct a study to examine ways to improve the responsiveness of hospice care facilities to complaints by hospice care patients and their families. Instructs DHHS to (1) analyze complaint data collected from hospice care facilities, hospice care patients, and families of hospice care patients and (2) to engage the listed stakeholders in conducting the study. Requires DHHS to report its findings and recommendations, including recommendations on best care practices, a summary of the most common complaints, and recommendations on legislation, to the specified NCGA committee and division by April 1, 2026.

Enacts GS 143B-208.20, establishing the 15-member NC Commission on Youth Mentoring (Commission) of the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). Grants the Commission five duties, including establishing a grant program for specified youth mentoring organizations and annually reporting to the specified NCGA committees and division the number of grant applications, the grant recipients and amounts awarded, the findings of social impact, and the balance of funds remaining. Details member qualifications and terms, and provides for appointment of members by the Governor. Further provides for Commission meetings, vacancies, removal, compensation, staffing, and funding. 

Appropriates $1.5 million in recurring funds to DHHS for the Commission for each year of the 2025-27 biennium to be used to provide grants to mentoring organizations which meet the criteria established pursuant to new GS 143B-208.20.

Effective July 1, 2025.

Amends GS 115C-12 (powers and duties of the State Board of Education) to require the State Board of Education (Board) to adopt rules as follows. Prevents the Board from adopting policies that require teachers to post lesson plans or lesson objectives and directs the Board to adopt rules preventing local school administrative units from doing the same. Requires the Board to adopt rules prohibiting local school administrative units or schools within local school administrative units from imposing any duties on teachers during the teacher's allotted lunch time. Requires local boards of education to compensate teachers employed by that board who provide professional development to other teachers in the local school administrative unit for the time spent leading the professional development in GS 115C-47. Applies beginning with the 2025-26 school year.

Identical to S 542, and filed on 3/25/25.

Appropriates $20.3 million for 2025-26 from the General Fund to the National Institute of Minority Economic Development, Inc. (Institute) to be used in the specified amounts for (1): programming support for three women's business centers providing technical support and capacity building in western North Carolina, the Triad, and the Piedmont, (2) Community Development Corporations (CDC), and to communities without CDCs, to expand community economic development services, (3) assist residents in western North Carolina whose primary residence was damaged because of Hurricane Helene with long-term residential housing recovery efforts, and (4) the Institute Capital (I-CAP) institution for funding activities in the State. 

Appropriates $1 million in recurring funds for 2025-26 from the General Fund the Institute to: (1) assist with housing recovery efforts in western North Carolina, (2) provide State match funding for federal disaster-recovery State match requirements, and (3) provide technical assistance and community development services in other parts of the State.

Effective July 1, 2025.