Senate committee substitute to the 3rd edition makes the following changes. Makes conforming changes to the act’s long and short titles. Makes organizational changes. Converts the act’s whereas clauses to findings and makes technical changes.
Adds the following new content.
Section 4.
Amends GS 14-288.1 to define emergency area and temporary housing. Now amends GS 14-288.6 (Looting; trespass during emergency) in subsection (a) to include trespassing in an emergency area during a declared state of emergency, removing reference to riots, storms, and other specified types of disaster. Amends subsection (b) to make it a Class F felony to loot property that is temporary housing, or a Class H felony if the property looted is not temporary housing. Applies to offenses committed on or after December 1, 2025.
Section 5.
In the event the Secretary of the US Department of Health and Human Services or the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services issues a temporary waiver or modification under the specified federal law, authorizes all rules of the NC Medical Care Commission (Commission) pertaining to hospitals to be automatically modified or waived under GS 131E-84 (emergencies under the Hospital Licensure Act) to the extent necessary to allow for consistency with a federal waiver or modification and to continue in place at least until the federal waiver or modification has expired. Clarifies that this does not prevent the Division of Health Service Regulation (Division) from further waiving or modifying any rules of the Commission while a temporary waiver or modification.
Section 6.
Establishes definitions of eligible building, fire-resistant window requirements, and Helene-affected county.
Allows the owner of an eligible building in a Hurricane Helene-affected county to restore the building with window assemblies that have the same fire-protection rating that existed in the building as of September 27, 2024, without having to comply with the current provisions of the North Carolina State Building Code. Specifies that this exemption applies only to provisions mandating a higher or upgraded fire-protection rating or fire-resistant glazing for window openings, and only for work to restore Hurricane Helene-related damage, not expansion or changes.
Makes clear that all other provisions of the State Building Code remain in effect regardless of the exemption. Requires a building owner to submit an affidavit to the local building inspector identifying the specific window installations under the exemption and certifying the building is eligible. Requires an eligible building owner to claim the exemption within two years of the effective date of the act. Specifies that any subsequent renovation or replacement of the exempt windows must comply with the building code then in effect.
Exempts any state or local government inspector or official from liability for any damages arising directly or indirectly from a building owner's use of the exemption.
Permits the Office of the State Fire Marshal and the North Carolina Building Code Council to adopt rules to implement the exemption. Requires the State Fire Marshal to produce a form for local code enforcement officials containing the affidavit requirements.
Applicable to eligible buildings for which a Certificate of Occupancy is issued after the act becomes law.
Section 7.
Amends GS 143-138 by adding that the owner of a lawfully established building or structure that is damaged by a historic flood event may replace or reconstruct the building or structure within the base floodplain to the same or lesser extent or volume existing immediately before the historic flood event, without regard to changes in State or local regulations adopted after the building or structure was lawfully established, subject to the following limitations. Specifies that the replacement or reconstruction that increases the extent or volume of the building or structure within the base floodplain is not authorized unless hydrologic and hydraulic analyses demonstrate that the proposed replacement or reconstruction will not result in any increase in the base flood elevation. Defines 200-year flood as a flood having a 0.5% probability of being equaled or exceeded in any given year, resulting in floodwater elevations higher than the base flood elevation associated with a 100-year flood. Defines historic flood event as a flood event that meets or exceeds a 200-year flood. Makes conforming changes to GS 143-215.54. Requires the Department of Insurance (DOI), by August 1, 2025, to prepare and submit to FEMA for its approval, the proposed changes to GS 143-138 and GS 143-215.54. Makes changes to GS 143-138 and GS 143-215.54 effective on the later of (1) October 1, 2025, or (2) the first day of the month that is 30 days after the Commissioner of Insurance certifies that FEMA has approved the proposed changes (requires the Commissioner to provide this notice and the act’s effective date on its website). Requires DOI to report to the specified NCGA commission on the status of their activities related to the above on a quarterly basis beginning September 1, 2025, until the changes to the statutes become law.
Section 8.
Requires the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (DACS), and a unit of local government (as applicable), to waive the following requirements to the extent the requirements are State or local in origin and not otherwise required to comply with federal law as they apply to activities to process tree stumps and vegetative debris into mulch or soil amendments in the counties designated before, on, or after the act’s effective date under a major disaster declaration by the President as a result of Hurricane Helene: (1) solid waste composing rules for Type 1 facilities under the specified rule, so long as they provide the described notice to DEQ by at least ten days prior to beginning operations; (2) approval of erosion and sediment control plans under the described regulation where the activities do not involve removal of trees or other existing ground cover; (3) air quality permit requirements for vegetative debris processing equipment under the specified rule; (4) soil amendment or compost product registration required by DACS, and (5) State Fire Code limitations on mulch pile storage.
Requires persons or entities undertaking activities that would otherwise be subject to the five listed requirements that are waived by the act to provide the described notice to DEQ and DACS, except for those undertaking an activity that would normally require the specified solid waste composing permit (who are already subject to separate notice requirements under the act, described above). Limits individual sites to a maximum allowance of 25,000 cubic yards, as described. Clarifies that a waiver under the act does not exempt the activities from complying with other applicable regulations. Provides for limits on depth for mulch used for temporary erosion control. Provides for determination of normally accepted agronomic rates for materials to be used as a soil amendment, as specified. Effective when the section becomes law and expires July 1, 2027. Requires that any material managed under these provisions must be removed from the site for its intended purpose by no later than July 1, 2027.
Section 9.
Requires all units of local government in counties designated before, on, or after the act’s effective date under a major disaster declaration by the President as a result of Hurricane Helene managing vegetative debris removal within their jurisdictions to transport the material to a composting site for reuse as mulch or soil amendment when the transportation and disposal costs for processing tree stumps and other vegetative debris at the composting site are equal to or less than the costs associated with the transportation and disposal at a landfill. Directs DEQ and DACS to comply with the requirements above to the extent they assist local governments with such debris. Effective when the section becomes law and expires on July 1, 2027.
Section 10.
Changes the act’s effective date to when it becomes law, except as otherwise provided.
The Daily Bulletin: 2025-05-21
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The Daily Bulletin: 2025-05-21
Senate committee substitute to the 2nd edition makes the following changes.
Moves language proposed in GS115C-47(70) that required local boards of education to adopt polices on internet safety into new GS 115C-102.10. Now requires local boards of education to adopt polices for student access to the internet on devices or internet services provided by the local school administrative unit (was, for student access to the internet provided by the local school administrative unit). Makes clarifying and technical changes to the listed minimum requirements for those policies and also amends the provision related to the use of TikTok to now prohibit the use of the TikTok application and to prohibit employees of local boards of education from using TikTok for any job-related duties, including classroom instruction or communications or promotions of school clubs, extra-curricular activities, or athletics. Makes conforming changes to GS 115C-47 by requiring local boards of education to adopt policies for internet safety according to new GS 115C-102.10.
Amends proposed GS 115C-81.26 to require that the standard course of study include (was, required local boards of education to provide) instruction on social media and its effects on health. No longer specifies that such instruction may be included as part of the mental and the emotional health instruction provided under GS 115C-81.25. Changes the effective date of the statute so that it now applies beginning with the 2026-27 school year instead of the 2025-26 school year.
Adds new GS 115C-76.100 (regulation of wireless communication devices) requiring governing bodies of public school units to establish a wireless communications policy prohibiting students from using, displaying, or having a wireless communication device turned on during instructional time, subject to certain exceptions. Permits student use of a wireless communication device during instructional time if authorized by the teacher for educational purposes or in the event of an emergency; as required by the student’s Individualized Education Program or Section 504 Plan; or as required to manage a student’s health care, in accordance with a documented medical condition. Authorizes confiscation of the wireless device and disciplinary measures for violations of the wireless communications policy. Requires schools to: (1) send the Department of Public Instruction (DPI) by September 1st, a copy of their policy and (2) to provide DPI with a copy of the policy any time it is changed. Requires DPI to report the number of public school units in compliance with the act and the names of the those not in compliance to the named NCGA committee by October 1st of each year. Applies beginning with the 2025-26 school year.
Makes conforming changes to the act’s titles.
| Intro. by Blackwell, K. Hall, Biggs. | GS 115C |
Part I.
Section 1.
Titles the act “The Disaster Recovery Act of 2025-Part II.” Declares act’s intent that its appropriations and allocations are for maximum amounts necessary. Directs that savings must be effected where the total amounts appropriated or allocated are not required to implement the act. Defines affected area as the counties designated before, on, or after the effective date of the act under a major disaster declaration by the President of the United States under the Stafford Act (PL 93-288) as a result of Hurricane Helene. Also defines Helene Fund (the Hurricane Helene Disaster Recovery Fund established in Section 4.1 of SL 2024-51), FEMA, HUD, NCEM (the Division of Emergency Management of the Department of Public Safety-DPS), NCSBE (North Carolina State Board of Elections), and OSBM (Office of State Budget and Management). Specifies that Part II applies to North Carolina counties in the affected area, unless otherwise provided. Sets forth findings concerning the wildfires that burned through Western North Carolina, including the March 26, 2025, gubernatorial state of emergency relating to those fires.
Part II.
Subpart II-A.
Section 2A.1.
Instructs NCInnovation to transfer $500 million back to the State after consulting with and upon the directions of the State Controller (Controller). Requires the Controller to facilitate the return of those funds and to deposit the money into the Helene Fund, as described. Specifies that the funds will remain unappropriated unless the NCGA approves the funds in the act or in subsequent legislation. Provides for investment of funds in the Reserves by the State Treasurer (Treasurer) in line with GS 147-69.1(d).
Repeals Article 76A of GS Chapter 143 (establishing NCInnovation) once the transferred funds have been returned to the State. Specifies that if Senate Bill 257, 2025 Regular Session, becomes law and contains a provision repealing Article 76A of GS Chapter 143, then the section is repealed.
Section 2A.2.
Directs the Controller to transfer $69.35 million for 2025-26 year and $4.6 million for 2026-27 year from the amounts that were previously appropriated or allocated to the agencies as set forth below:
$45 million to the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) to be used in the specified amounts for the Water Infrastructure Emergency Bridge Loan Program, as described.
$12.5 million to the Department of Public Instruction (DPI) previously allocated for lost compensation from school closures as described.
$5 million to the UNC System Office for the repair and renovation of the described facilities.
$2.25 million to the NC State Board of Elections (NCSBE) to conduct the 2024 General Election in the affected area.
Section 2A.3.
Appropriates $464.75 million for the 2025-26 year as follows:
$55 million to the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (DACS) to be allocated in the specified amounts for the Farm Infrastructure Disaster Recovery Program Streamflow Rehabilitation Assistance Program, and the NC Forestry Service.
$60 million to the Department of Commerce (DOC) for the Helene Business Recovery Grant Program (BRGP), as described in Subpart II-B below.
$10 million to DEQ for the Dam Safety Grant Program, as described.
$3 million to the Department of Information Technology (DIT) to develop the disaster recovery constituent portal as described in Subpart II-H below.
$12.5 million to the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) for damage done to the State Parks System and local parks, libraries, and museums in the specified amounts.
$10 million to the Department of Transportation (DOT), Rail Division for grants to the Blue Ridge Southern Railroad, LLC and Great Smoky Mountains Railroad, LLC in the specified amounts for the purposes described.
$33 million to DPI in the specified amounts for two grant programs for damaged public school infrastructure.
$165 million to NCEM in the specified amounts for a State match for federal program, Private Road and Bridge Repair Program, Aerial Asset Accessibility Grant Program, Disaster Relief and Mitigation Fund, and grants to VOADs.
$10 million to the Housing Finance Agency for repair and preservation of existing rental units in specified areas.
$5 million to the NC Community College System (System) for specified expenses for students that impact their ability to remain enrolled.
$76.25 million to OBSM to be allocated in the amounts specified for the Hurricane Helene Local Government Capital Grant Program, for debris and sedimental removal, for grants to the specified Colleges and Universities to repair damage, and for grants to the NC League of Municipalities and the NC Association of County Commissioners for assistance to local governments.
$18 million to the Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM) to distribute $50,000 grants to fire departments and rescue squads for equipment and facilities.
$6 million to the UNC Board of Governors (UNC Board) in the specified amounts to the three described recipients for damaged buildings or infrastructure and for resiliency and hazard mitigation.
$1 million to the NC School for the Deaf for damaged buildings or infrastructure.
Authorizes NCBSE to use the remaining funds allocated to it under Section 6.1 and 9.1 of SL 2024-51 (Helene Relief Package I) for conducting and staffing elections, including for equipment, technology, and other purposes necessary for operation, in the affected area.
Section 2A.4.
Requires any State-owned railroad company that has trackage in more than two counties to issue an annual cash dividend of 25% of the company’s income from the prior year’s trackage rights agreements to the State for each year of the 2025-27 biennium. Provides a due date of February 15 and accrual of interest at the annual rate of prime plus 1% if the payment is not made by then. Provides for immunity for the directors of any State-owned railroad company that vote for or assent to the dividend. Directs for the dividend to be deposited in the Highway Fund to be transferred to the Helene Fund to be used by DOT’s Rail Division to repair rail infrastructure, as described.
Subpart II-B.
Section 2B.1.
Establishes the Hurricane Helene Economic Recovery Grant Program (Program), administered by DOC, to ensure the economic viability of Western North Carolina in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene by providing a one-time grant to qualifying businesses in the affected area that meet the following four requirements: (1) is subject to State income tax, (2) has experienced economic loss of at least $25,000, (3) has been registered to do business in the State and actively engaged as such in the affected area for a minimum of two years preceding its grant application, and (4) has not filed or initiated a bankruptcy proceeding during the five years prior to its application for grant funding. Directs DOC to prioritize job retention, economic viability, and commercial stability within the affected area when awarding grants under the Program.
Requires DOC, along with the Department of Revenue (DOR) to verify an applicant’s economic loss. Provides for an application form developed by DOC. Requires funds to be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Sets the grant amounts as equal to the lesser of: (1) 25% of the qualifying business’s economic loss or (2) $75,000. Allows the grants to be used for working capital and normal business expenses consistent with the allowable use of loan proceeds under the Economic Injury Disaster Loan program of the Small Business Administration. Tasks DOC with developing guidelines on grant use. Authorizes DOC to retain up to 1.5% of the allocated funds for administrative expenses. Caps the amount of grants awarded at the amount allocated to the Program under the act. Contains a clawback provision so that if a recipient receiving a Program grant is ineligible for the grant, the recipient forfeits the assistance awarded and that it bears interest at the statutory rate set forth in GS 105-241.21 until repaid. Requires forfeited financial assistance that is not repaid to be recouped through a civil action by the Attorney General at the request of DOC. Conditions Program grants on the recipient maintaining operations for a minimum of one year following receipt of the grant. Directs DOC to clawback a proportionate amount for any portion of the one year the recipient does not maintain operations. Requires DOC to submit a report to the specified NCGA committee and division every six months on the Program on the matters described, starting May 1, 2026.
Subpart II-C.
Section 2C.1
Establishes the Hurricane Helene Local Government Capital Grant Program (LG Program), administered by OSBM to disburse grants to eligible local government or federally recognized tribe recipients in the affected area for capital projects in the affected area, as follows. Directs that the grants be used for capital projects to repair, renovate, or replace infrastructure damaged by Hurricane Helene. Specifies that the capital projects must be projects that have been denied eligibility for FEMA Public Assistance reimbursement. Instructs OBSM to prioritize grants to an eligible recipient with a population of 300,000 or fewer and that qualify for the specified FEMA Public Assistance Categories. Caps awards at the following percentages from the funds appropriated for the LG Program: (1) 20% to one county, including grants to local governments within that county; (2) 5% per eligible recipient; and (3)5% per zip code if that zip code only qualifies for the specified FEMA Public Assistance Categories. Requires OBSM to submit a report to the specified NCGA committees and divisions every six months on the LG Program on the matters described.
Subpart II-D.
Section 2D.1.
Establishes the Hurricane Helene Flood Mitigation Grant Program (Flood Program) to provide flood mitigation grants to units of local government and nonprofit organizations to undertake flood mitigation projects in the affected area from the funds appropriated in this act to NCEM for the Disaster Relief and Mitigation Fund (DRMF). Allows units of local government to also apply for engineering assistance grants. Limits use of funds from the Flood Program to: (1) four structural or nonstructural measures that reduce the risk of future damage from flooding and (2) for local governments, to identify and design shovel-ready projects related to flood mitigation. Caps grants at either (1) 10% to a single recipient or (2) 20% to a single county of the total funds allocated to the Flood Program. Specifies that grant recipients with be paid under a reimbursement model for costs incurred for eligible flood mitigation or engineering assistance grants. Allows NCEM to retain up to 1.5% of the funds appropriated for administrative expenses. Clarifies that to the extent the Flood Program’s requirements conflict with DRM requirements, the section of the act establishing the Flood Program controls.
Subpart II-E.
Section 2E-1.
Establishes the Farm Infrastructure Disaster Recovery Program (Farm Program) within DACS to repair, rebuild, and restore farm infrastructure damaged by Hurricane Helene. Defines farm infrastructure as fencing, greenhouses, barns, equipment, and farm roads, or other structures or improvements used for farming purposes. Directs DACS to open an application period of six months within 30 days of the section becoming law to allow persons in the affected area to apply for funds for these purposes. Requires applicants to verify to DACS that the losses were directly caused by Hurricane Helene. Allows DACS to audit the recipient’s financial and other records to ensure that the funds are used according to the Farm Program’s requirements; sets out further regulations governing these audits. Requires DACS to submit a report to the specified NCGA committee every six months on the Farm Program on the matters described, starting six months after the Farm Program opens. Sunsets the Farm Program 30 months after the section becomes effective. Specifies that any funds allocated to the Farm Program not expended or encumbered by that date revert to the Helene Fund.
Subpart II-F.
Section 2F.1
Establishes the Aerial Asset Accessibility Grant Program (AA Program), administered by NCEM to disburse grants to local airports and airfields in the affected area to (1) repair, replace, and restore the described infrastructure damaged by Hurricane Helene and (2) build and improve capacity for emergency preparedness and disaster response for future natural disasters and emergencies. Requires NCEM to consult with DOT if grant applications concern airport roads or other infrastructure, as necessary. Limits eligibility to persons or units of local government that own an airport that is either currently in operation or was in operation before Hurricane Helene and not currently operating due to damage from the hurricane and that also meet the four listed requirements. Requires grant applicants to pursue insurance and federal aid before applying for a grant. Instructs NCEM to prioritize applicants with facilities that demonstrate adequate runway capacity, storage capacity, and personnel that can substantially contribute to enhanced regional emergency and disaster readiness. These prioritized applicants must also be capable of facilitating access of various forms and sizes of aircraft providing adequate takeoff and landing clearance. Caps AA program grants at $5 million per recipient and two grants per county. Requires NCEM to submit a report to the specified NCGA committee and division every six months on the AA Program on the matters described, starting no later than six months after the AA Program opens.
Subpart II-G.
Section 2G-1.
Enacts GS 143-215.32B creating a special, nonreverting account known as the Dam Safety Grant Fund (Dam Fund) within DEQ to issue grants to eligible damaged dam owners for the described purposes. Directs DEQ to prioritize grants that serve as the State match to eligible projects based on the Risk-Based Prioritization Method established under the specified FEMA program. Allows funds to also be used for dams not eligible for federal match under the described FEMA program if the dam was damaged by a natural disaster and classified as high hazard. Requires DEQ to administer grants from the Dam Fund consistent with applicable State and federal laws. Requires DEQ to submit an annual report to the specified NCGA committee on the Dam Fund, as described.
Subpart II-H.
Section 2H.1.
Requires DIT to issue a request for proposals for the development and creation of a disaster relief portal, focused on constituent engagement, that will operate as a central platform for relevant updates and constituent services in response to natural disasters occurring in the State.
Subpart II-1.
Section 2I.1.
Finds that the described federal funds should be used expeditiously for repair and replacement of drinking water and wastewater infrastructure damaged by Hurricane Helene. Appropriates $685.613 million in federal disaster funding to be received by DEQ for the 2025-26 year as follows:
$253.681million to the Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) and $409.422 million to the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund to fund projects as described to eligible entities that were damaged, can demonstrate impact, or experienced a loss or disruption of a mission-essential function caused by Hurricane Helene.
$22.51 million to CWSRF to improve the resilience of decentralized wastewater treatment systems to flooding, to assess the potential to connect homes served by decentralized wastewater treatment systems to centralized wastewater systems, and to fund such connections.
Part III.
Section 3.1.
Directs State agencies and units of local government to use the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to remove and clear debris and other detritus from lands and waterways from Hurricane Helene in the affected area prior to using contractors hired by the State unless the USACE is not able 1to service the area, including in an expeditious or efficient manner, then the State agency or unit of local government may use the State or private contractors. Applies to contracts entered on or after the section becomes law. Clarifies that the section does not apply to or impair existing contracts.
Section 3.2.
Extends the maturity date of the Water Infrastructure Loans established under Section 4C.7 of SL 2024-53 (Helene Relief Package II) from June 30, 2030, to June 30, 2040.
Part IV.
Section 4.1.
Directs that, except as otherwise provided, funds appropriated under the act revert to the Savings Reserve if not expended or encumbered by June 30, 2030.
Requires recipients of State funds under the act to use best efforts and take all reasonable steps to obtain alternative funds to cover losses or needs for which State funds are provided, including insurance funds. Requires institutions of higher education or non-State entities to seek private donations to help cover the losses or needs for which Sate funds are provided. Provides for notice to State aid recipients of this requirement. Requires recipients of alternative funds to remit the funds to the State agency from which the State funds were received not exceeding the amount of State funds provided to the recipient. Directs that any contract or other instrument entered into for the receipt of funds to include the alternate funds requirements set out above
Prevents the Governor from using the funds described in the act to make budget adjustments or reallocations. Direct the Governor to ensure that funds allocated in the act are expended in such a manner that does not adversely affect any person's or entity's eligibility for federal funds that are made available, or are anticipated to be made available, as a result of natural disasters and to avoid using State funds to cover costs that will, or likely will, be covered by federal funds. Requires OSBM to add the appropriations and allocations provided for in this act to the reporting requirements set forth in Section 4.1(g) of SL 2025-2 (2025 Helene Relief Package I). Requires the Governor to continue the reporting requirements set forth in Section 4.2 of SL 2025-2. Directs the State Auditor to include all funds appropriated and allocated under this act in its report to the described NCGA committees.
Part V.
Section 5.1.
Specifies that the headings to the parts and sections of the act are a convenience and do not expand, limit, or define the text of the act, except for effective dates referring to a part or section.
Section 5.2.
Contains a severability clause.
Section 5.3.
Effective when the act becomes law, except as otherwise provided.
The Daily Bulletin: 2025-05-21
House committee substitute makes various changes to the 4th edition. We will not be including a summary of this edition of the Appropriations Act. For the content of the bill, please follow the View NCGA Bill Details link(link is external). Further information on the budget, including the committee report, can be found on the “News” section of the General Assembly’s website at: https://www.ncleg.gov/News(link is external).(link is external)
| Intro. by Jackson, Hise, Lee. | APPROP, STUDY, GS 1, GS 7A, GS 7B, GS 9, GS 14, GS 15A, GS 17C, GS 18B, GS 18C, GS 20, GS 45, GS 47, GS 50, GS 50A, GS 55D, GS 58, GS 63A, GS 65, GS 66, GS 74C, GS 74D, GS 78A, GS 84, GS 88B, GS 90, GS 90D, GS 93A, GS 93E, GS 95, GS 96, GS 105, GS 106, GS 108A, GS 108D, GS 110, GS 114B, GS 115C, GS 115D, GS 116, GS 116B, GS 116D, GS 116E, GS 120, GS 121, GS 122C, GS 124, GS 126, GS 127A, GS 128, GS 130A, GS 131A, GS 131D, GS 131E, GS 132, GS 135, GS 136, GS 143, GS 143B, GS 143C, GS 145, GS 147, GS 148, GS 150B, GS 159G, GS 160A, GS 160D, GS 161, GS 163, GS 164, GS 166A |
House amendments to the 5th edition makes the following changes.
Part V. General Provisions
Section 5.20 Zoning Regulations/University Property
Amendment #23 adds Watauga County to the counties exempt from GS Chapter 160D under GS 160D-913 (public buildings).
Section 5.24. Personal Privacy Protection
Amendment #23 enacts Article 18, the Personal Privacy Protection Act (Act), to GS Chapter 55A, to prohibit public agencies from collecting, disclosing, or releasing personal information about members, volunteers, and financial and nonfinancial donors to 501(c) nonprofit organizations, except as permitted by State or federal law or regulation, as follows. Defines nonprofit organization, person, personal information, and public agency. Prohibits a public agency from doing any of the following except as otherwise provided: (1) requiring a person or nonprofit organization to provide it with personal information or otherwise compel the release of personal information, (2) release, publicize, or otherwise publicly disclose personal information in its possession, or (3) request or require a current or prospective contractor or grantee to provide a list of nonprofit organizations they have provided financial or nonfinancial support. Declares that personal information is not a public record under GS Chapter 132.
Provides list of nine exemptions in GS 55A-18-05 clarifying when collection, disclosure, or release of personal information is allowed. This includes reports or disclosures required by State law, lawful warrant for personal information issued by a court, a lawful request for discovery in litigation if provided conditions are met, admission of the information as relevant evidence in court with provided limitation, a public agency's release of information voluntarily released by the person or nonprofit organization it relates to, collection of information disclosing the identity of certain people in a nonprofit organization in reports or disclosures required by statute to be filed with the Secretary of State, disclosure derived from a donation to a nonprofit affiliated with a public agency and required by statute if there was no previous request for anonymity by the person.
Allegations of a violation of this act may be brought in a civil action for injunctive relief, damages, or both. Sets parameters for damages to be awarded. Allows a court to award all or part of litigation costs including attorneys’ fees and witness fees to the complainant. Makes it a Class 2 misdemeanor to knowingly violate the Act.
Contains severability clause. Applies to offenses committed on or after December 1, 2025.
Section 5.25. Citizens Support Act
Amendment #23 requires the described State agencies to do the following.
Requires the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to take all steps necessary to cease providing State-funded benefits to noncitizens residing in the United States without legal permission, to the extent permitted by federal law. Tasks DHHS with developing and implementing a plan to review and update the eligibility criteria for all State-funded benefits to ensure that noncitizens determined to be residing in the United States without legal permission are ineligible to receive State-funded benefits, including developing a method for verifying the immigration status of applicants. By January 15, 2026, requires DHHS to submit a report to the specified NCGA committee and division on the steps taken to implement the above and related information. Defines state-funded benefits to include 15 listed programs administered by DHHS or through a contract with DHHS, but excludes any benefits or services available under these programs to help eligible beneficiaries access food or meals.
Requires the Department of Commerce (DOC), the House Finance Agency, and all local housing authorities (collectively, “the housing agencies”) to take all steps necessary to cease providing publicly funded housing benefits to noncitizens residing in the United States without legal permission, to the extent permitted by federal law. Tasks the housing agencies with developing and implementing a plan to review and update the eligibility criteria for all publicly funded housing benefits to ensure that noncitizens determined to be residing in the United States without legal permission are ineligible to receive State-funded benefits, including developing a method for verifying the immigration status of applicants. By January 15, 2026, requires the housing agencies to submit a report to the specified NCGA committee and division on the steps taken to implement the above and plan development. Defines publicly funded housing benefits to include 13 listed programs administered by any of the housing agencies or through a contract with any of the housing agencies.
Requires the governing bodies of the UNC System and the NC Community College System to adopt and implement a policy to the extent allowed by federal law, to verify that all applicants for enrollment are legally authorized to reside in the United States for purposes of determining eligibility for in-State tuition and financial aid by January 15, 2026.
Requires the DOC’s Division of Employment Security to adopt and implement a policy to verify, for unemployment benefits purposes, that all applicants are legally authorized to reside in the United States prior to the first payment of benefits, to the extent permitted by federal law and notwithstanding any provision of State law, by January 15, 2026.
Part VII. Public Instruction
Section 7.38. CTE Modernization
Amendment #23 increases the funds appropriated to DPI by $500,000 in nonrecurring funds for 2025-26 to increase the funds available for CTE modernization and expansion. Reduces the amount appropriated to the Workers’ Compensation Reserve (WRC) by $500,000 for 2025-26. Makes conforming, organizational changes.
Section 7.65. IDS for Students with IEP’s
Amendment #23 requires each local education agency to include in a transition plan for an IEP student under GS 115C-107.6, a plan for guiding and assisting the student in obtaining a NC identification card issued by the DMV. So long as the student’s parent or guardian consents, requires DHHS’s Division of Employment and Independence for People with Disabilities to be a part of the IEP team developing the transition plan.
Section 7.66. School Planning Section Data Sharing Platform
Amendment #23 adds the following.
Increases the funds appropriated to DPI for 2025-26 by $500,000 to be allocated to the School Planning Section to contract with a third-party entity to maintain a digital platform to facilitate data sharing among local school administrative units and county governments, as described. Reduces the amount appropriated to the WRC by $500,000 for 2025-26.
Section 7.67. Expand K-6 License to Include Grades 7 and 8
Amendment #23 requires the State Board of Education (SBE) to adopt rules expanding elementary licenses as described in the section title.
Part VII-A. Compensation of Public School Employees
Section 7A.1B. Publicize Minimum Salary Schedule for Occupational Therapists and Physical Therapists
Amendment #10 adds a new section amending GS 115C-316 by adding a requirement that local boards of education report annually by October 15 on the salary schedule for occupation therapists and physical therapists to the Department of Public Instruction, which must collect the schedules and report them to the specified NCGA committee by December 15.
Part VIII. UNC System
Section 8.7A Prior Teaching Fellows Program Revisions Apply Retroactively to Certain Teaching Fellows
Amendment #23 adds the following. Changes the applicability of Section 8A.4 of SL 2023-134, which amended the North Carolina Teaching Fellows Program (Program) by making changes that included expanding the qualifying licensure area to include elementary education, expanded the number of participating institutions, and increased the loan amounts, so that it applies to all students enrolled in an approved educator preparation at an institution of higher education participating in the Program and receiving a forgivable loan under the Program in the 2024-25 academic year and thereafter. Amends the effective date under Section 2.14(b) of SL 2024-1, which further amended the Program’s definition of a qualifying teacher to include one serving as a teacher in a qualifying licensure area, so that it applies beginning in the 2024-25 academic year to all students enrolled in an approved educator preparation at an institution of higher education participating in the Program and receiving a forgivable loan under the Program in the 2024-25 academic year and thereafter.
Section 8.28. UNC Funding Reduction
Amendment #23 further decreases the funds appropriated to the UNC Board of Governors by the act by $1 million for each year of the 2025-27 fiscal biennium.
Section 8.36. Retain NC Talent Scholarship Fund
Amendment #23 increases the funds appropriated to the UNC Board of Governors for each year of the 2025-27 biennium by $1 million from the additional reduction enacted by Section 8.28 of the act to be allocated to East Carolina University to create endowed merit scholarships that will be matched with private funds.
Part IX-A. Aging
Section 9A.2 ALS Grant Modification
Amendment #23 adds the following. Changes the recipient of the $300,000 directed grant for both years of the 2025-27 biennium from the ALS Association North Carolina Chapter to ALS United North Carolina, Inc.
Part IX-G. Mental Health/Developmental Disabilities/Substance Use Services
Section 9G.6 Use of Opioid Settlement Funds
Amendment #23 increases the amount transferred from the Opioid Abatement Reserve to the Opioid Abatement Fund for 2025-26 from $31,350,000 to $32,350,000.
Part XIV. Natural and Cultural Resources
Section 14.1A NC Arts Council Membership and Appointment Changes
Amendment #38 amends Section 14.1A(a) as follows. Increases the membership of the NC Arts Council (Council) under GS 143B-88 back to 24 members (was, nine in the previous edition and 24 under current law) to be appointed as follows: (1) 12 members by the Governor based upon the listed qualifications, for three-year terms; and (2) 12 members by the General Assembly to serve three year terms, with six upon recommendation of the Speaker of the House of Representative and six upon recommendation of the President Pro Tempore of the Senate (was, the Governor appointed three members and the General Assembly appointed six members, three upon recommendation of the Speaker of the House of Representative and three upon recommendation of the President Pro Tempore of the Senate). Change the amount of appointments that the Governor and General Assembly members may make to the Council to replace the sixteen members half of whom whose terms expire on June 30, 2026, and the other half whose terms expire on June 30, 2027. For the eight members whose terms expire on June 30, 2026, directs the Governor to appoint four successors and the General Assembly to appoint the other four (two upon recommendation of the Speaker of the House of Representative and two upon recommendation of the President Pro Tempore of the Senate). Provides for the same division of appointments for the members whose terms expire on June 30, 2027. (Was, Governor appointed one successor and the General Assembly appointed two successor).
Part XX. State Bureau of Investigation
Section 20.10 Funding for Fentanyl Control Unit and Sexual Assault Cold Case Team
Amendment #23 adds the following.
Reduces the recurring funds appropriated in the act to the Workers' Compensation Settlement Reserve beginning in the 2025-26 fiscal year by $1,213,115 and the nonrecurring funds for the 2025-26 fiscal year by $389,541. Increases the funds appropriated in this act to the State Bureau of Investigation by (1) $1,213,115 in recurring funds beginning in the 2025-26 fiscal year and (2) $389,541 in nonrecurring funds for the 2025-26 fiscal year, to be used in the specified amounts to hire four drug agents and three financial crimes investigators, and to start a permanent sexual assault cold case unit, including the hiring of full-time employees.
Part XXXV. Military and Veterans Affairs
Section 35.2 Statutory Changes
Amendment #23 amends GS 143B-1311 by reinstating the provision allowing meeting of the North Carolina Military Affairs Commission to be called by the Secretary of the Department of Military and Veterans Affair, in addition to the Commission’s chair.
Part XXXVIII. Treasurer
Section 38.8 Support Firefighters Fighting Cancer
Amendment #23 adds the following.
Expands the definition of killed in the line of duty under GS 143-166.2, as it applies under the Public Safety Employees’ Death Benefits Act, to also include a presumption that a firefighter was killed in the line of duty when their death occurs as a direct and proximate result of cancer of the stomach (gastric cancer). Effective July 1, 2025, or when the section becomes law, whichever is later, and applies to qualifying deaths occurring on or after that date.
Increases the funds appropriated to the Department of State Treasurer for each year of the 2025-27 fiscal biennium by $500,000 in recurring funds to be used for the implementation of this section. Reduces the funds appropriated to the Department of Revenue for returns payment and processing in Budget Code 14700 for each year of the 2025-27 fiscal biennium by $500,000 in recurring funds.
Part XL. Information Technology
Section 40.8 Preventing Identity Fraud and Abuse
Amendment #23 adds the following.
Requires State agencies to ensure that all State benefits and entitlement programs responsible for the distribution of funds to individuals implement and use authentication and identity-proofing systems before the disbursement of funds. Requires these systems, to the greatest extent feasible, to comply with National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Authenticator Assurance Level 2 and Identity Assurance Level 2 requirements.
Part XLII. Capital
Section 42.2 Six-Year Intended Project Allocation Schedule
Amendment #23 amends the list of scheduled capital projects by changing the needed amounts and schedule for UNC/ECU21-1.
Section 42.4 Various Capital Changes
Amendment #23 adds the following. Requires that $60 million in nonrecurring funds for 2025-26 and $60 million in nonrecurring funds for 2026-27 from funds available in the State Capital and Infrastructure Fund, be allocated for project code 24 UNC/ECU21-1.
Part XLIII. Transportation
Section 43.26 Use of Funds for Tolling Capital Boulevard in Wake County Prohibited
Amendment #43 adds a section prohibiting the Department of Transportation and Turnpike Authority from using State funds for the study, design, construction, operation, or implementation of tolling on the portion of US1/Capital Boulevard located in Wake County.
| Intro. by Jackson, Hise, Lee. | APPROP, STUDY, GS 1, GS 7A, GS 7B, GS 9, GS 14, GS 15A, GS 17C, GS 18B, GS 18C, GS 20, GS 45, GS 47, GS 50, GS 50A, GS 55A, GS 55D, GS 58, GS 63A, GS 65, GS 66, GS 74C, GS 74D, GS 78A, GS 84, GS 88B, GS 90, GS 90D, GS 93A, GS 93E, GS 95, GS 96, GS 105, GS 106, GS 108A, GS 108D, GS 110, GS 114B, GS 115C, GS 115D, GS 116, GS 116B, GS 116D, GS 116E, GS 120, GS 121, GS 122C, GS 124, GS 126, GS 127A, GS 128, GS 130A, GS 131A, GS 131D, GS 131E, GS 132, GS 135, GS 136, GS 143, GS 143B, GS 143C, GS 145, GS 147, GS 148, GS 150B, GS 159G, GS 160A, GS 160D, GS 161, GS 163, GS 164, GS 166A |
The Daily Bulletin: 2025-05-21
The Daily Bulletin: 2025-05-21
Actions on Bills: 2025-05-21
H 231: SOCIAL WORK INTERSTATE LICENSURE COMPACT.
H 251: VARIOUS DISASTER RECOVERY REFORMS. (NEW)
H 477: RETIREMENT DEATH BENEFITS REWRITE.-AB
H 506: 2025 STATE INVESTMENT MODERNIZATION ACT.-AB
H 959: VARIOUS EDUCATION CHANGES. (NEW)
H 1012: DISASTER RECOVERY ACT OF 2025 - PART II.
S 257: 2025 APPROPRIATIONS ACT.
S 761: CONFIRM CIO.
S 763: CONFIRM DON VAN DER VAART/UTIL. COMM.
S 764: CONFIRM CHRIS AYERS/EX. DIR. UTIL. COMM. PS.
S 765: CONFIRM REGINA ADAMS/BD OF REVIEW.
Actions on Bills: 2025-05-21
H 17: VARIOUS LOCAL ELECTION CHANGES. (NEW)
H 116: VARIOUS LOCAL PROVISIONS IV. (NEW)
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