House committee substitute to the 1st edition makes the following changes.
Removes the $50,000 appropriation to the North Carolina Policy Collaboratory to carry out the study required in the act.
Adds the following.
Amends GS 130A-309.05 adding headings to subsections. Amends subsection (c) to state that recovered material is not subject to permitting requirements and allows DEQ to require a person who owns or has control over the material to demonstrate that it meets the requirements of subsection (c) (as before) or may require the person to obtain a beneficial use determination in accordance with new subsection (d).
Adds a subsection (d) to GS 130A-309.05 to permit DEQ to determine whether nonhazardous solid waste may be used or reused for a particular site or application as an alternative to disposal at a permitted solid waste facility. Outlines a process for obtaining a beneficial use determination and permits DEQ, after reviewing an application for beneficial use determination, (a) to authorize management of a specified type of nonhazardous solid waste at a site other than a permitted solid waste facility or (b) to issue a beneficial use determination with appropriate conditions for use of specific types of solid waste. Allows DEQ to require submittal of a demonstration that solid waste is being managed in a manner to protect public health or the environment. Makes beneficial use determinations valid for no longer than five years and requires requests for renewal to be made at least 60 days in advance of expiration date of the approval. Requires applicants to submit to DEQ annual report detailing usage of the material and certifying compliance with GS Chapter 130A Article 9. Allows DEQ to suspend, revoke or modify authorizations for noncompliance or if new information impacts the determination of protection of public health or the environment. Requires DEQ to provide notice on its website of approved beneficial use determinations. Allows DEQ to adopt rules and establish application fees for reuse determinations, which fees are the be credited to the Solid Waste management Account.
Effective January 1, 2026.
The Daily Bulletin: 2025-06-17
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The Daily Bulletin: 2025-06-17
Senate committee substitute to the 1st edition makes the following changes.
Amends GS 65-53 to require that the State’s Cemetery Commission collaborate with (was, consult with) the NC Cemetery Association, in addition to taking action against the license of a licensee who violates this statute, to also impose a civil penalty of $50 for each violation, enforceable in a civil action if the licensee does not pay.
| Intro. by Penny, Wheatley. | GS 65 |
Senate committee substitute to the 3rd edition makes the following changes. Makes conforming changes to act’s titles and the effective date. Makes organizational changes.
Part III (was, Section 1).
Removes discretion for public school unit to permit hemp-derived consumable products to be included in instructional or research activities on school grounds, as described, in GS 115C-407.
Adds the following content.
Part I.
Enacts new GS Chapter 18D, pertaining to the regulation of hemp-derived consumable products, as follows.
Article 1.
Defines Alcohol Law Enforcement (ALE) Division, batch, distributor, exit package, hemp, hemp-derived cannabinoid, hemp-derived consumable product, hemp product, independent testing laboratory, ingestion, inhalation, license, licensee, manufacture, manufacturer, producer, prohibited hemp-derived consumable product, retail dealer, and serving.
Enacts GS 18D-101, which sets forth eight offenses involving the sale of hemp-derived consumable products, as follows:
- Selling a product containing a hemp-derived consumable product to a person who is under 21 years of age. Requires any retail dealer of hemp-derived consumable products to demand proof of age from a prospective purchaser of hemp-derived consumable products before the products are released to the purchaser if the retail dealer has reasonable grounds to believe that the prospective purchaser is under 30 years of age. Also requires a retail dealer that sells a hemp-derived consumable product on an internet website to verify the age of any prospective purchaser and use a method of delivery that requires the signature of a person at least 21 years of age before the product is released.
- Knowingly, or having reason to know, distribute samples of hemp-derived consumable products in or on a public street, sidewalk, park, or public building.
- Engage in the business of selling a hemp-derived consumable product without a valid license. (Designates second violations of this prong as a Class A1 misdemeanor with subsequent violations as a Class H felony.)
- Knowingly, or having reason to know, sell a hemp-derived consumable product that has a delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol concentration of more than 0.3% on a dry weight basis. (Class H felony, unless another provision of law provides greater punishment.)
- Knowingly, or having reason to know, sell a hemp-derived consumable product that is not contained in an exit package or a child proof package.
- Knowingly, or having reason to know, sell at retail or on an internet website offering delivery in this State, a hemp-derived consumable product that is not in compliance with GS 18D-105.
- Knowingly, or having reason to know, sell at retail hemp flower or a product containing hemp flower that is not accompanied by a certificate of analysis issued within the previous 6-month period demonstrating that the hemp flower or product containing hemp flower has delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol concentration of no more than 0.3% on a dry weight basis.
- Knowingly, or having reason to know, sell or distribute a prohibited hemp-derived consumable product. (Class G felony).
Provides for three defenses to the violation described as 1 above, including (1) proof that the buyer produced an official State or federal identification showing their age to be at least 21 years old; (2) evidence of other facts that reasonably indicated at the time of sale that the purchaser was at least the required age; and (3) evidence that at the time of sale the purchaser utilized a biometric identification system that demonstrated their age to be at least 21 and that they had registered an official federal or State ID with the retail dealer or the retail dealer’s agent showing them to be the legal age for purchase.
Provides for civil penalties ranging from $500 to $2,000 and for a one-year suspension of the retail dealer’s licenses for third violations, and revocation of that license for subsequent violations. Provides for payment of a testing fee conducted as part of sample testing in investigating alleged violations of the offense listed as 4 above, to be remitted to the ALE Division. Directs that the clear proceeds of any civil penalty be remitted to the Civil Penalty and Forfeiture Fund (Fund).
Enacts GS 18D-101A, preventing a producer from knowingly selling or in any way transferring hemp that has been processed or prepared with the intent to be used in a hemp-derived consumable product to any person or entity other than a manufacturer licensed under GS Chapter 18D. Designates second violations as a Class A1 misdemeanor with third or subsequent violations a Class H felony. Makes it a Class G felony for a producer to knowingly selling or in any way transferring hemp that has been processed or prepared with the intent to be used in a prohibited hemp-derived consumable product to any person or entity. Provides for civil penalties ranging from $500 to $2,000. Directs that the clear proceeds of any civil penalty be remitted to the Fund. Clarifies that the statute cannot be construed as preventing a producer from selling or transferring hemp intended to be used in a lawful product.
Enacts GS 18D-102, preventing persons less than 21 years of age from purchasing, attempting to purchase or possessing hemp-derived consumable products and to use fraudulent or altered identification or documentation, identification or documents issued to another, or any other form or means of identification that indicates or symbolizes that the person is not prohibited from purchasing or possessing a hemp-derived consumable product under the statute. Further makes it unlawful for a person to permit use of their identification to allow an underage person to purchase a hemp-derived consumable product. Also prohibits a person from giving a hemp-derived consumable product to anyone younger than age 21. Makes it a Class 2 misdemeanor for persons who violate the statute who are less than 21 years of age and a Class 1 misdemeanor for persons 21 and over who violate the statute. Provides for aiding and abetting liability. Exempts an underage person from liability for selling, transporting, or possessing hemp-derived consumable products in the course of employment if the employment of the person for that purpose is lawful under applicable youth employment.
Enacts GS 18D-102.5, making it a Class A1 misdemeanor for any person to possess a prohibited hemp-derived consumable product.
Enacts GS 18D-103, which makes it unlawful for a manufacturer or distributor to do any of the following four offenses:
- Knowingly, or having reason to know, distribute samples of a hemp-derived consumable product in or on a public street, sidewalk, park, or public building.
- Engage in the business of manufacturing or distributing a hemp-derived consumable product without a valid license.
- Knowingly, or having reason to know, manufacture or distribute a hemp-derived consumable product that has a delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol concentration of more than 0.3% on a dry weight basis.
- Knowingly, or having reason to know, manufacturing or distributing a prohibited hemp-derived consumable product. (Class G felony.)
Provides a defense to the violation listed as 3 above if the manufacturer (1) recalls all hemp-derived consumable products from the same batch as the product on which the violation is based; (2) has samples of the batch tested by an independent testing laboratory as described; and (3) provides certified results from the independent testing laboratory indicating that the sample tested does not contain a total combined delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol concentration of more than 0.3% on a dry weight basis.
Classifies violations of prongs 1-3 as a Class A1 misdemeanor and provides for civil penalties ranging for all 4 violations from $1,000 to $7,500. Authorizes suspension, revocation, or conditions placed upon manufacturer or distributor licenses. Provides for payment of a testing fee conducted as part of sample testing in investigating alleged violations of the offense listed as 3 above, to be remitted to the ALE Division. Directs that the clear proceeds of any civil penalty be remitted to the Fund. Permits for forfeiture of products manufactured, distributed, or sold in violation of the offense listed as 3 above.
Requires in new GS 18D-104, that a manufacturer have a hemp-derived consumable product tested by an independent testing laboratory prior to distribution to a distributor or before distributing the product to a retail dealer as described and for the substances listed in the statute. Requires a hemp-derived consumable product to be labeled with an expiration date that conforms with applicable federal law. Provides for civil penalties ranging from $1,000 to $7,500. Directs that the clear proceeds of any civil penalty be remitted to the Fund. Authorizes suspension, revocation, or conditions placed on the operating hours of the licensee’s business placed upon the licensee’s licenses in addition to any civil penalty. Requires the ALE Division to (1) maintain and post on its website a list of independent testing labs that meet the qualifications required to conduct the testing required by the section and (2) develop an application and process to determine qualifying independent laboratories listed on its website, including a sample certificate of analysis indicating that the lab is capable of detecting the substances listed in the act.
Enacts new GS 18D-105, which concerns additional requirements and restrictions for hemp-derived consumable products including packaging requirements, advertising restrictions, ingestible product restrictions for products containing hemp-derived consumable products (both in non-liquid and liquid form), inhalable product restrictions for vaporization restrictions for products containing hemp-derived consumable products. Provides for civil penalties ranging from $1,000 to $7,500. Directs that the clear proceeds of any civil penalty be remitted to the Fund. Authorizes suspension, revocation, or conditions placed on the operating hours of the licensee’s business placed upon the licensee’s licenses.
Prevents a licensee or its agent or employee from knowingly allowing (1) violations of GS Chapter 18D or (2) any violations of the controlled substances act, gambling, or other unlawful acts to occur on its premises. Makes it unlawful for a permittee to fail to superintend in person or through a manager the business for which a license is issued. Enacts GS 18D-106, which sets forth eight things that continue to not be prohibited by GS Chapter 18D.
Article 2.
Requires manufacturers, retail dealers, and distributors of hemp-derived consumable products in the State to obtain the appropriate license(s) from the ALE Division either prior to commencing business or by July 1, 2026, whichever is later. Specifies that a person or entity engaged in more than one of the businesses listed is required to obtain a separate license for each business. Lists five qualifications for licensure including that the licensee be at least 21 years of age and have not been convicted of a felony related to a controlled substance within 10 years in any state or federal jurisdiction. Requires annual renewal of licenses. Provides, in new GS 18D-202, for application fees ranging from $500 per location for retail dealer licensees, to $25,000 for manufacturers. Sets renewal fees at $10,000 for manufacturers, $1,500 for distributors, and for retail dealers, the same amount as the initial licensing fee.
Allows the ALE Division to revoke or refuse to issue any license for: (1) failure to comply with or meet any of the licensure qualifications; (2) submission of false or misleading information in an application for licensure or renewal; (3) submission of false or misleading information in any report or information required by this Chapter to be submitted to the ALE Division; and (4) failure to comply with civil penalties. Requires that proceedings for the assessment of civil penalties authorized in Article 1 be governed by GS Chapter 150B. Upon failure to pay a penalty, allows the ALE Division to institute an action in the superior court of the county in which the person resides or has their principal place of business to recover the unpaid amount; specifies that this recovery does not relieve any party from any other penalty prescribed by law.
Requires the ALE Division to develop and make available online an application for the license required by this Article. Instructs the ALE Division to establish, maintain, and control a computer software tracking system that traces hemp from seed to sale as a hemp-derived consumable product and allows real-time, 24-hour access by the ALE Division and any State or local law enforcement agency in North Carolina to data from all production facilities and testing laboratories. Authorizes the ALE Division to adopt rules, amend, and repeal rules to implement GS Chapter 18D. Provides for monthly distribution of fee revenue to the ALE Division to cover enforcement costs.
Article 3.
Enacts new GS 18D-300 describing the enforcement authority of the ALE Division over GS Chapter 18D, including the ability to conduct random, unannounced inspections or general investigative inspections as described at locations where hemp-derived consumable products are sold or distributed to ensure compliance with the Chapter. Authorizes the ALE Division to take samples for testing, if upon reasonable inspection, it determines a licensee's inventory may consist of products not in compliance with the packaging, labeling, and testing requirements discussed above. Makes it a Class 2 misdemeanor for any person to resist or obstruct an ALE Division agent attempting to make a lawful inspection. Specifies that refusal by a licensee or by any employee of a licensee to permit ALE Division agents to enter the premises to inspect is cause for suspension, revocation, or other action against the licensee. Starting January 1, 2027, requires the ALE Division to submit an annual report to the General Assembly on its enforcement efforts under GS Chapter 18D and to post such reports on its website. Enacts GS 18D-301 authorizing a law enforcement officer to seize any hemp-derived consumable product that is subject to forfeiture, and to provide for its safe storage until trial. Allows for an owner of seized property to apply for return of the products if no criminal charge has been made or no action for civil forfeiture has been commenced in connection with that product within a reasonable time after seizure. Prevents return if doing so would be unlawful.
Section 1.(b).
Makes conforming changes to GS 18B-500 (subject matter jurisdiction for investigation and enforcement by ALE Division agents).
Section 1.(c).
Specifies that as part of the costs in criminal actions in GS 7A-304, $600 should be ordered to be remitted to the ALE Division or agency that paid for laboratory services in cases where (1) defendant is convicted of a violation of GS 18D-103(a)(3)or GS 18D-103(a)(4) and (2) as part of the investigation leading to the defendant's conviction, testing was conducted at a laboratory on products regulated under GS Chapter 18D.
Applies to all hemp-derived consumable products possessed, sold, distributed, or manufactured on or after July 1, 2026, and to all offenses committed on or after that date.
Part II.
Repeals GS 90-94.1 (exemption under the NC Controlled Substances Act for use or possession of hemp extract), effective December 1, 2025. Applies to offenses committed on or after that date.
Part IV.
Adds Kratom (defined) to the list of Schedule VI controlled substances in GS 90-94.
Senate committee substitute to the 2nd edition makes the following changes. Makes conforming changes to the act’s long and short titles. Changes the effective date to when the act becomes law, except as otherwise provided.
Adds the following content.
Section 2.
Amends GS 143-214.7(b6) (permitting procedures for stormwater runoff rules) to prevent the Environmental Management Commission (EMC) from requesting additional information not previously identified as missing or required in its additional information letter or electronic response from the original permit application submission. Allows the EMC to respond to additional information letters or electronic responses with further requests for information, limited to information missing from that subsequent additional letter or response. Makes technical changes. Imports that same limitation on: (1) the EMC’s review of requests for additional information on applications and permits for sewer systems, sewer system extensions and for disposal systems, and for land application of waste, or treatment works which do not discharge to the surface waters of the State set forth in GS 143-215.1(d); (2) the Department of Environmental Quality’s (DEQ) review of an application for a water distribution system authorization under GS 130A-328(c1); (3) DEQ’s review of responses to an original submittal for a small or synthetic minor permit under GS 143-215.108; (4) DEQ’s completeness review of permit applications certified by an engineer under GS 143-215.108; (5) DEQ’s requests for information under GS 130A-295.8 (permits for solid waste management facilities). Makes organizational, clarifying, and technical changes to GS 143-215.1(d).
Applies to permit applications submitted on or after the act becomes law.
Section 3.
Excludes Emergency Action Plans and downstream inundation maps associated with impoundments or dams not regulated by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission from sensitive public security information considered confidential under GS 143-215.31 (supervision over maintenance and operation of dams).
Section 4.
Defines, in GS 113A-103, man-made ditches to mean constructed, altered, or excavated features used to convey water, including, but not limited to, artificial ponds, culverts, canals, swales, storm channels, minor-drainage features, and roadside ditches. Specifies that, the term "altered" does not include the alteration of a natural shoreline, and the term "excavated" does not include submerged lands that have been dredged for the purpose of navigation. Excludes man-made ditches from areas that the EMC may designate as areas of environmental concern in GS 113A-113, including when they are part of the described estuarine waters and areas such as waterways and lands under or flowed by tidal waters or navigable waters. Excludes man-made ditches from the definition of marshland under GS 113-229.
Section 5.
Adds new Part 5A, Upland Basins, to Article 7 of GS Chapter 113A, providing as follows.
Sets out NCGA findings and the intent that the Part be broadly construed to further the Part’s general purposes. Defines an upland basin as a marina constructed by excavating or dredging lands of elevations above the current mean or ordinary high-water mark and designed to accommodate more than ten vessels or boat slips. Considers upland basins a water dependent use for purposes of general use standards adopted by the Coastal Resources Commission.
Requires, unless the Director of the Division of Water Resources makes a finding, based on site-specific technical information that the applicant cannot substantially comply with one or more of the criteria specified in the statute, that the Division of Water Resources and the Division of Coastal Management approve an application for the development of an upland basin project within 60 days after the applicant submits a completed application or requested supplemental information. Sets out provisions governing requests for supplemental information. Deems an application approved if the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) fails to act on an application for the development of an upland basin project within the 60-day review period. Sets out 10 criteria with which an upland basin must comply to qualify for permitting, including: (1) the upland basin is designed to accommodate ten or more vessels, including individual homeowner boat slips, boat lifts, or dry stack storage; (2) the waters contained in the upland basin meet the specified standards for dissolved oxygen content; (3) construction of the upland basin impacts or removes a total area of coastal wetlands that is no more than 5% of the total area of the proposed upland basin waters; (4) construction of the upland basin impacts or removes a total linear footage of coastal wetlands fringe that is no more than 10% of the total linear footage of existing coastal wetlands along the shoreline of the property or properties of the permit applicant; and (5) the upland basin has a 30-foot vegetated buffer along the post-project shoreline. Sets out provisions applicable when a Major Development Coastal Area Management Act permit application has been submitted for a project. Sets out provisions under which an applicant for an upland basin project is allowed to use innovative technology to maintain dissolved oxygen levels or to improve dissolved oxygen, including requiring financial assurance. Deems an upland basin project that satisfies the 10 criteria above to also satisfy other specified provisions, including the requirements for CAMA management objects and use standards of coastal wetlands areas of environmental concern (AEC) and estuarine and ocean system AEC. Allows, when data indicates material noncompliance with applicable water quality standards in the waters within the upland basin or adjacent waters within the vicinity of each entrance to the upland basin, DEQ to require the owner to bring the waters within the upland basin and adjacent waters into compliance with applicable water quality standards. Specifies that the statute does not obviate the need for an applicant to obtain all relevant federal permits. Makes conforming changes to GS 143-214.1A (water quality certification requirements for certain projects) applicable to applications for section 401 certification pending or submitted on or after the act becomes law.
Senate committee substitute to the 2nd edition makes the following changes. Makes conforming changes to act’s long title and effective date.
Adds the following content.
Part VIII.
Enacts Article 11, “Electronic Storage of Attested Written Will by an Attorney,” to GS Chapter 31, authorizing an attorney licensed in the State to store the testator's attested written will as an electronic record at the testator's direction at any time during the life of the testator in GS 37-71. Provides for a sworn certification. Specifies that if the attested written will is lost or destroyed after being stored as an electronic record, the loss or destruction is not deemed a revocation of the attested written will, nor deemed a presumption of revocation of the attested written will. Provides for probate of a certified paper copy of an attested written will stored as an electronic record under GS 31-72 using the process in GS 28A-2A-8. Makes technical and conforming changes to GS 28A-2A-8, including to statutory title. Allows for certified paper copies of an attested written will stored as an electronic record under GS 31-72 to be established as valid under GS 28A-2B-1. Makes conforming changes to GS 28A-2B-3 (contents of petition for will validity) and GS 31-3.2 (kinds of wills). Requires wills to comply with the requirements of GS Chapter 31 in GS 31-3.1 (was, Article 1 of GS Chapter 31, pertaining to the execution of a will). Effective January 1, 2026, and applies to attested written wills stored as electronic records on or after that date, regardless of the date of execution of the attested written will.
Part IX.
Extends the sunset date of the emergency video notarization authority under GS 10B-25(n) to the earlier of (1) 12:01 a.m. July 1, 2026, or (2) the date the Secretary issues the first license in accordance with GS 10B-134.19 (platform licensure pertaining to remote electronic notarization). Specifies that if the Secretary issues the first license prior to 12:01 a.m. July 1, 2026, the Secretary must file that date with the Codifier of Rules to be published in the North Carolina Register as the expiration date of GS 10B-25(n).
Senate committee substitute to the 3rd edition makes the following changes.
Changes that act’s whereas clauses into findings.
Adds the following and makes conforming changes to the act’s titles.
Amends GS 113-187 to make it a Class A1 misdemeanor for a person in charge of a commercial fishing operation or a person in charge of a vessel, to use the vessel for taking or attempting to take shrimp using a trawl net in any coastal fishing waters other than areas of the Atlantic Ocean located more than one-half mile from shore. Requires the Marine Fisheries Commission to adopt temporary and permanent rules to implement this section. Applies to offenses committed on or after December 1, 2025.
Adds a severability clause.
| Intro. by Iler, Goodwin, Davis, Kidwell. | UNCODIFIED, GS 113 |
Senate committee substitute to the 1st edition adds the following content and makes conforming changes to the act’s titles.
Amends GS 130A-118 by adding the requirement that the Office of Vital Records and each local register of deeds office process each request for amendment of a certificate of birth or death within 30 calendar days after receiving the completed application, any required proof, and payment of any applicable fee for the amendment.
Prohibits employees (both permanent and temporary) of the Office of Vital Records from teleworking if doing so will adversely impact the time line provided above, unless telework is determined to be necessary by the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services during any period of time when there is a declared disaster or emergency under GS Chapter 166A. Defines telework to mean to use the internet, email, or telephone to perform work duties at a location other than an assigned primary workstation.
House committee substitute to the 1st edition makes the following changes.
Amends GS 78C-89.1 (Criminal history record check), now mandating denial of an applicant’s certificate of registration as an athlete agent if the applicant refuses a criminal history record check (was, permitted Secretary of State to deny the certificate). Requires the Secretary of State (Secretary) (was, Board) to provide the State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) with an applicant’s fingerprints, signed consent form, and any additional information required by the SBI and requires the Secretary (was, Board) to keep all information obtained pursuant to this statute confidential. Makes technical changes.
Senate amendment to the 2nd edition makes the following changes.
Makes the changes to GS 7B-1407 effective July 1, 2025, or the date that the act becomes law, whichever is later (was, when the act becomes law).
Makes new GS 108A-106.1 and new GS 108A-106.2 effective November 1, 2025, applicable to petitions filed under GS 108A-106 seeking an order ex parte for the provision of emergency services filed on or after that date (was, effective when the act became law).
Amends proposed GS 122C-256 by removing the provision that would have allowed a court to order capacity restoration to be completed at a CBCRP or DCCRP as an alternative to a State-operated psychiatric hospital for individuals recommended for participation in CBCRP or DCCRP by a forensic evaluator.
Adds the requirement that the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and the Administrative Office of the Courts, in collaboration with the North Carolina Sheriff's Association, Indigent Defense Services, the Conference of District Attorneys, and other necessary stakeholders, to study relevant statutes and practices and propose changes to create a permanent process and procedure for capacity restoration that doesn’t require involuntary commitment. Requires a report to the specified NCGA committee by January 1, 2026.
Senate amendment to the 5th edition makes the following changes.
Part I.
Makes technical changes to the proposed revisions to GS 7B-305 to refer to the entity, meaning either the prosecutor or the Division, receiving the request for review (was, agency). Makes similar changes to GS 7B-306 to refer to the reviewing entity rather than agency. Clarifies that if both entities conduct a review and either entity directs that a petition be filed, the social services director must file the petition.
Specifies that the proposed changes in Section 1.10 (concerning legal counsel for county departments of social services and the drafting of petitions) apply to petitions filed on or after April 1, 2026.
Part II.
Deletes the proposed organizational changes to GS 108A-24. Instead authorizes the Revisor of Statutes to make organizational changes as specified.
Adds to the rulemaking directive to the Social Services Commission concerning implementation of the provisions of Part II. Now directs the Commission to adopt emergency rules to remain in effect until temporary rules are adopted to replace the emergency rules. Maintains the directive to adopt temporary rules to remain in effect until permanent rules are adopted to replace the temporary rules.
Part III.
Adds subsequent legislative history to the lead-in language for the proposed changes to GS 14-318.4. Further amends the statute to define "grossly negligent omission" in the context of providing care to or supervision of a child as the failure to report a child as missing to law enforcement as provided in GS 14-318.5(b)
Part IV.
Makes a technical change to the effective date provision for Part IV.
| Intro. by Chesser, Bell, Loftis, Alston. | GS 7B, GS 14, GS 15A, GS 48, GS 50, GS 108A, GS 122C, GS 153A, GS 160A |
House committee substitute to the 2nd edition makes the following changes.
Removes the following provisions:
- GS 160D-1505 which would have prohibited a county from requiring a developer to construct a pedestrian facility or public road improvement with a public right-of-way located outside the of the boundary of the construction project unless the county has entered into an agreement with DOT or with the city, as applicable, that the facility or improvement will be accepted into a public road system for maintenance and repair.
- Amendments to GS 87-22 that would have doubled the fees for annual licensing of plumbing and heating contractors and for the fee for late renewals.
- Amendments to GS 87-22.1 that would have increased the fee for the plumbing and heating contractor's exam from $150 to $200.
- Amendments to GS 87-44 that would have increased by $50 the fees for licenses for electrical contractors.
- Authorizations to the Code Enforcement Qualification Board to certify Residential Changeout Special Inspectors and to create a residential changeout alternate inspection method in Part V.
- Establishing the right to repair construction defects within dwellings subject to the NC Residential Code in Part V.
Part I.
Changes the effective date of new GS 160D-1502 (prohibiting municipalities from implementing design methods and construction standards for new streets and highways to be accepted by a municipality) to apply to projects initiated on or after January 1, 2026 (was, July 1, 2025).
Amends GS 160D-1504 so that it now directs a local government that requires a developer to construct pedestrian facilities or roadway improvements, which include improvements within public right-of-way located outside of a construction project boundary, to standards or with attributes which would preclude a pedestrian facility or roadway improvement from acceptance by the North Carolina Department of Transportation (DOT), to coordinate with DOT to enter into agreements for the local government to assume maintenance and repair responsibilities for the portions of pedestrian facilities or street improvements precluded from acceptance by DOT (was, required a municipality that requires a developer to construct a pedestrian facility or street improvement within the public right-of-way located outside of the boundary of a construction project to accept that facility or improvement into its public road system for maintenance and repair upon completion). Removes provisions specifying that the statute does not apply to a public right-of-way under DOT’s control. Extends the effective date to January 1, 2026.
Part II.
Replaces references to specified codes with defined term code (consisting all of the following: (1) the North Carolina State Building Code adopted by the Building Code Council and Residential Code Council; (2) local building rules approved by the Building Code Council and Residential Code Council; (3) any resolution adopted by a federally recognized Indian Tribe in which the Tribe adopts the North Carolina State Building Code and related local building rules and (4) the standards adopted by the State Fire Marshal) into code enforcement and the definition of willful misconduct, gross negligence, or gross incompetence in GS 143-151.8 (definitions pertaining to the NC Code Officials Qualifications Board).
Defines emergency responder communication coverage requirements (Requirements) to mean those requirements for in-building emergency responder communications enhancement systems specified under Section 510 of the North Carolina Fire Prevention Code (Code). Exempts two categories of structures from the Requirements, including apartments and transients public lodging establishments that meet certain height or story requirements with the requisite egress. Directs that an emergency responder radio coverage system installed prior to the effective date of the section in a building or structure that meets the exemption criteria is not be required to be removed and allows those systems to be deactivated. Requires the Building Code Council (Council) to adopt rules to amend the Code in line with the provisions of the Requirements. Applies the APA’s effective date provisions triggered when 10 or more written objections are received to the rule (GS 150B-21.3). Specifies that the provisions of the APA requiring review by the rules commission do not apply. Until permanent rules are adopted as discussed above, instructs the Council and local governments enforcing the Code not to enforce the emergency responder radio coverage requirements against buildings and structures that meet the exemption criteria and instead allow for deactivation of such systems instead. Sunsets the Requirements when the Council adopts permanent rules.
Part III.
Extends the effective date for the changes to GS 87-1, GS 160D-1110, and GS 143-138 from July 1, 2025, to January 1, 2026.
Amends GS 87-13.1 by reinstating the $5,000 cap on attorney's fees awarded when the Board prevails in an action under the statute.
Part IV.
Enacts GS 58-78A-18 (concerning residential changeout work certification development) directing the Office of the State Fire Marshal (Marshal) to develop a Residential Changeout Work Certification form for a local government to utilize in its building permit application process for residential changeout work. Directs the Marshal to publish the form on its website. Provides for development of the form, as specified, with the Council and Residential Code Council. Enacts GS 160D-1106.1 (residential changeout work inspection exemptions) as follows. Defines residential changeout work as work that requires a building permit for heating and air conditioning appliance replacement in (i) a dwelling subject to the North Carolina Residential Code or (ii) an individual residential unit of a multifamily building, including a condominium or apartment, provided the individual appliance serves only that residential dwelling unit. Requires a local government to accept and approve, without further responsibility to inspect, residential changeout work if all of the three listed conditions are met, including submission of a signed written residential changeout work certification by the contractor. Limits the information a local government may require to the information required by its building permit application process and by the certification. Provides for delivery of the certification. Specifies that upon the acceptance of a signed certification by the local government, the local government, its inspection department, and its inspectors are discharged and released from any liabilities, duties, and responsibilities imposed by this Article with respect to or in common law from any claim arising out of or attributed to the residential changeout work for which the signed certification was submitted. Allows a local government to charge a fee to cover costs incurred in processing forms related to residential changeout work certifications, capped at $20 in GS 160D-402. Effective January 1, 2026. Directs the Marshal to develop the residential changeout work form by October 1, 2025, and to make it available on its website by then.
Part V.
Increases the threshold amounts for construction or repair contracts from $500,000 to $1.5 million and purchase contracts from $90,000 to $180,000 that trigger the formal bidding requirements in GS 143-129. Effective July 1, 2026.
Senate committee substitute to the 2nd edition makes the following changes.
Changes the numbers given to the new statutes in Part 2, Health Care Practitioner Transparency Act, of Article 37 of GS Chapter 90.
Adds that nothing in GS 90-642 (advertisement and representation requirements) prevents health care practitioners with doctorate-level degrees in their field of practice from holding themselves out or referring to themselves as a doctor.
Adds the following content and makes conforming changes to the act’s long title.
Amends GS 90-171.20 to define Advanced Practice Registered Nurse or ARPN, as it is used in Article 9A, Nursing Practice Act, as an individual licensed by the North Carolina Board of Nursing (Board) as an advanced practice registered nurse within one of the following four roles: (1) certified nurse practitioner or CNP, (2) certified nurse midwife or CNM, (3) clinical nurse specialist or CNS, or (4) certified registered nurse anesthetist or CRNA. Makes additional organizational changes. Effective October 1, 2025.
Amends GS 90-171.43 to specify that the abbreviations for the APRN designation of a certified nurse midwife, a clinical nurse specialist, a certified registered nurse anesthetist, and a certified nurse practitioner will be APRN, plus the role title. Makes it illegal to use the title ARPN or ARPN plus the role titles, the role title alone, authorized abbreviations, or any other title that would lead a person to believe a person is an APRN, unless it is allowed by this act. Effective October 1, 2025.
Requires the Board to adopt temporary rules by October 1, 2025, to implement the above provisions, which will remain in effect until the permanent rules are adopted.
| Intro. by Potts, Reeder, Campbell. | GS 90 |
House committee substitute to the 1st edition makes the following changes. Makes conforming changes to act’s titles.
Removes provisions requiring the Department of Information Technology (DIT) to issue a request for proposals to build a disaster focused constituent portal.
Changes the statutory reference pertaining to the new contractor liability in State contracts from GS 143-49.2 to GS 143-49.3. Authorizes the Secretary to impose a fee not to exceed $250 to review a contractor’s financial resources. Makes technical and clarifying changes.
Changes the effective date to October 1, 2025 (was, the act becomes law). Makes conforming changes to the effective date.
House committee substitute to the 2nd edition makes the following changes. Makes conforming changes to act’s long title. Makes organizational changes.
Part I.
Makes technical and clarifying changes to GS 115C-218.4 (criminal history checks for charter school board of directors).
Part II.
Removes amendments to GS 115C-270.1, GS 115C-270.10, along with new GS 115C-270.12 (licensure criminal history checks).
Makes technical and organizational changes to GS 115C-77 (school personnel criminal history checks). Removes provisions providing that if an applicant for a school personnel position has received a criminal history record check as a part of an application for licensure within the previous 90 days, then the governing body must accept that licensure check as the required criminal history check. Allows the governing body to delegate any of the criminal history review or provision of a copy of a criminal history check to the State Board of Education (SBE), except for the governing body of a charter school.
Removes provisions authorizing the State Bureau of Investigation to provide the specified criminal record checks to the SBE of the described applicants for licensure under GS 143B-1209.11.
Changes the effective date of the provision that encourages the State Board of Education to work toward programming the licensure system to align with the Multistate Educator Lookup System to enable electronic validation of out-of-state credentials and related information, from October 1, 2025, to when the act becomes law.
House committee substitute to the 1st edition makes the following changes.
Amends new GS 75-70 as follows. Amends the items that are specifically excluded from the definition of social media platform, covered platform, or platform as include among the exclusions: (1) includes a wireless messaging service provided through a functional equivalent to a short messaging service or multimedia messaging service protocols; (2) video game services primarily designed to serve as a platform to play video games (was, those specifically designed to serve as a platform to solely play video games); (3) online shopping or e-commerce services primarily designed for that purpose (was, specifically designed for that sole purpose); and (4) adds in a community forum where the primary purpose is for customer self-service support related to products, sellers, services, events, or places or any combination. Makes an additional technical change.
Amends GS 75-71 by adding the requirement that a social media platform annually, beginning in 2026, provide the Consumer Protection Division (Division) of the Department of Justice with a digital copy of the platform’s privacy policy and certification that the platform has complied with the statute’s requirements. Requires platforms to give notice of substantive privacy policy changes to the registry. Requires the Division to keep a registry of those policies and certifications in its website. Also makes a clarifying change.
Amends GS 75-72 by making a technical change.
Amend GS 75-73 by changing the date for which a platform’s violations of the Article is an unfair or deceptive act or practice, so that it is now effective January 1, 2027 (was, 2026).
Amends GS 75-74 by changing the date of the Task Force’s first annual report to the NCGA from March 15, 2026, to March 15, 2027.
Changes the effective date provision by making technical changes.
| Intro. by McNeely, Humphrey, Johnson, Gable. | GS 75 |
House committee substitute to the 3rd edition makes the following changes.
Removes the following provisions: (1) changes to GS 90-624 (activities not requiring a license to practice Massage and Bodywork Therapy) to include a nationally certified reflexologist engaged in the practice of reflexology who has a current certification from the American Reflexology Certification Board (ARCB) or its successor entity, or an individual who is a reflexology student working to obtain certification from the ARCB or its successor entity under the supervision of an ARCB-certified reflexologist who obtains certification within 12 months of beginning the certification process; (2) new GS 160D-103.1, limiting local government’s authority to adopt requirements for water and sewer infrastructure more stringent than state law unless the requirements are approved by the Environmental Management Commission (EMC) and the requirements are then adopted by ordinance as provided in the statute; (3) new GS 136-17.2B, authorizing the Board of Transportation (BOT) to set reasonable fees for fifteen listed services provided by Department of Transportation (DOT) upon public hearing before any fee is set, along with changes to GS 136-18.02, GS 136-93.1, and GS 150B-1(d). Makes organizational changes to account for the deleted content and new content.
Section 2
Amends GS 115C-407.57 to require physical therapists who might clear a student with concussion symptoms to return to play to be specifically trained in concussion protocols and managements.
Section 6.
Makes technical changes to provisions authorizing the North Carolina Board of Examiners for Speech and Language Pathologists and Audiologists to adopt rules to implement new GS 90-308.
Section 8.
Makes technical changes to provisions allowing a broker acting as an agent in a real estate transaction to use a preprinted offer or sales contract form containing provisions on the payment of a commission or compensation, including the forfeiture of earnest money, to a broker or firm, and directing the Real Estate Commission to amend 21 NCAC 58A.0112 consistent with the provisions of the section.
Section 28 (was, Section 18).
Now requires, in GS 150B-23, that the Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH) provide the parties to a contested case a written notice the location and week during which the hearing is expected to occur not less than 45 days prior to the initial scheduled hearing date. Also requires OAH to issue a notice of hearing not less than fifteen days prior to the hearing date.
Adds the following new content.
Section 1.
Defines supervised in GS 90-622 (definitions pertaining to massage and bodywork therapy practice) to mean oversight provided by an instructor who is available either in person or virtually through real-time synchronous learning. Makes conforming change to supervisory requirements in GS 90-629 (requirements for licensure).
Section 9.
Requires the EMC to implement the “Falls Lake New Development Rule” (15A NCAC 02B .0277) so that, except as required pursuant to federal law or permit, no stormwater permit, management plan, or post-construction stormwater controls is required under the Falls Lake New Development Rule or local ordinances adopted thereunder for single family and duplex residential and recreational development that cumulatively disturb less than 1 acre, which is not part of a larger common plan of development. Prohibits local governments from establishing more restrictive requirements than the Falls Lake Development Rule. Requires the EMC to adopt rules consistent with these provisions. Applies the APA’s effective date provisions triggered when 10 or more written objections are received to the rule (GS 150B-21.3). Sunsets the above rule when permanent rules become effective.
Section 14.
Excludes activities undertaken at any time on the mine property for the production and harvesting of timber and timber products and conducted in accordance with standards defined by the Forest Practice Guidelines Related to Water Quality, as adopted by the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (DACS) from the definition of mining under GS 74-49 (definitions under the Mining Act of 1971). Removes 60-day deadline for Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) to decide on a permit under GS 74-51. Instead, requires DEQ to act on a permit application as quickly as possible by following the specified process within the required timeline. Amends to GS 74-50 (permits) by prohibiting DEQ from extending or altering public comment periods and time frames for conducting public hearings. Now requires requests for public hearing to be made within 30 days of receipt (was, of issuances of the notice of opportunity to submit comments and request a public hearing). Prevents DEQ from denying a permit (as specified) based solely on the failure of an applicant to obtain another permit, authorization, or certification required for the same project, excluding denial of the permit, authorization, or certification by DEQ based on the standards for approval of the permit, authorization, or certification based on the approval standards by law. Applies to permit applications filed on or after October 1, 2025.
Section 17.
Enacts GS 160A-205.8 preventing a city from adopting or enforcing an ordinance that prohibits or restricts, or has the effect of prohibiting or restricting, a property owner from displaying a flag of the United States of America or the State of North Carolina, including prohibiting or restricting the size of the flag or the height of any associated flagpole, on the property owner's property. Allows cities to adopt ordinances that reasonably regulate the manner and placement of the display of those flags to protect public health and safety. Requires for a written evaluation before those regulations are applied to a particular property, including a site-study by DOT if the city asserts traffic-based justifications as its reason. Effective when the section becomes law, and any citation, fine, penalty, action, proceeding, or litigation pending on that date which has resulted from application of an ordinance contrary to the provisions of GS 160A-205.8 are abated.
Section 18-23.
Repeals Nash County’s (County) authority to impose an additional 2% room occupancy tax for the City of Rocky Mount under Section 1 of SL 1987-32 as amended, so that the County’s authority decreases from a maximum 5% occupancy tax to a 3% maximum. Allows the tax to be levied on gross receipts from the rental of an accommodation within the county. Modifies the definition of the term tourism-related expenditures. Makes conforming changes. Specifies at least one-half of the Nash County Tourism Development Authority (NCTDA) must be individuals who are currently active in the promotion of travel and tourism in the County (previously, required one less than one-half of the members have such experience if there was an odd number of members on the NCTDA). Specifies that no elected official can serve as a member of the NCTDA. Removes provisions allowing the NCTDA to convene upon written request of one-third of its members. Narrows the NCTDA’s duties to expending net tax proceeds to the City of Rocky Mount, as described. Effective July 1, 2025, and applies to gross receipts derived from the rental of an accommodation that a person occupies or has the right to occupy on or after that date. Instructs that the reduction of the room occupancy tax under the act does not affect a liability for a tax that was attached before the effective date of the reduction, nor does it affect a right to a refund of a tax that accrued before the effective date of the reduction.
Creates the Rocky Mount District R (District R) taxing district, consisting of the part of Rocky Mount located within Nash County. Makes the Rocky Mount City Council the ex officio governing body of the district with the officers of the City serving as the officers of the governing body of the district. Allows the governing body of the District R to impose a room occupancy tax up to 3% of the gross receipts derived from the rental of an accommodation within the district that is subject to the described State sales tax. Clarifies that the occupancy tax is in addition to State or local sales tax. Provides that the tax must be levied, administered, collected, and repealed as provided in GS 160A-215 (uniform provisions for room occupancy taxes). Requires the District R Tourism Development Authority (TDA) to use at least two-thirds of the occupancy tax proceeds to promote travel and tourism and the remainder for tourism–related expenditures. Mandates that at least one-third of the members of the TDA must be affiliated with businesses that collect the tax in the district and at least one-half must be currently active in the district’s travel and tourism promotion. Makes conforming changes to GS 160A-215(g) (city occupancy taxes).
Instructs the County to remit the net proceeds of the 2% occupancy tax that has been collected but not yet remitted to the TDA as soon as practicable after the repeal of the 2% room occupancy tax and the creation of the TDA. Directs for any unexpended net proceeds of the 2% room occupancy tax held by the City of Rocky Mount as of July 1, 2025, to be remitted to the TDA upon its creation to be used for the same purposes as authorized for the City of Rocky Mount under the specified statutes.
Makes organizational and technical changes.
Section 24.
Enacts Article 10, consisting of new GS 99E-90, concerning Racing Facility and Racetrack Nuisance Immunity, to GS Chapter 99E. Protects a racing facility (a designated area where competitive vehicle and motorsport races are conducted, including the track, spectator areas, garages, and any associated grounds, buildings, or appurtenances used to operate the races) from being subject to any action brought by a surrounding property owner under any nuisance or taking cause of action if the developer of the racing facility obtained all permits required for construction of the racing facility and established a vested right in the development of the property or contiguous group of properties where the racing facility is located before the surrounding property owner either purchased the real property or constructed any building in the area of the racing facility. Defines area of the racing facility. Applies to actions commenced on or after the section becomes law.
Section 26.
Allows costs to be imposed against either party, or both, in (1) actions for trespass upon real property and (2) in actions against any professional land surveyor or any person acting under the surveyor's supervision and control for physical damage or economic or monetary loss due to negligence or deficiency in performance of surveying or platting under GS 6-21.
Section 27.
Sets forth the following punishments for persons who operate a shellfish aquaculture operation who commit the following violations in GS 113-187:
- For an improperly marked shellfish area, a warning ticket for the first offense, for a second offense within one month of the first issuance of a warning ticket punishable as an infraction, and for third offenses issued within one month of the warning ticket, a Class 3 misdemeanor.
- For operating under an expired aquaculture operation permit, if the violation occurs within one month of the expiration of the permit, a warning ticket.
- For operating under an expired shellfish lease agreement, if the violation occurs within one month of the expiration of the agreement, a warning ticket.
Applies to offenses committed on or after December 1, 2025.
| Intro. by Riddell, Zenger, Chesser. | Nash, GS 6, GS 40A, GS 66, GS 74, GS 78B, GS 87, GS 90, GS 93D, GS 99E, GS 103, GS 113, GS 115, GS 115D, GS 116, GS 143, GS 150B, GS 160A |
Senate committee substitute to the 2nd edition makes the following changes.
Makes changes to the act's titles.
Makes formatting changes to the bill by adding Part I, including both sections from the 2nd edition with no substantive changes. Makes conforming changes to numbering of the sections.
Adds Part II, which makes the following changes.
Amends GS 90-187.10 by adding subdivision (13) which states that nothing in Article 11 regarding necessity of a veterinary license to practice veterinary medicine prohibits emergency medical services (EMS) personnel (defined by reference to GS 131E-155 and specifically excluding those only credentialed as emergency medical dispatchers) from providing emergency medical transport or services to an injured K-9 police unit animal or a certified search and rescue dog working with a federal, State, or local agency or department at the scene of an emergency.
Amends Chapter 131E by adding GS 131E-155.2, which prohibits prosecution of EMS personnel for providing emergency medical transport or services to an injured K-9 police unit animal or search and rescue dog if the EMS personnel acted in good faith when providing the transport or service. Limits immunity so that it does not extend to gross negligence, wanton conduct, or intentional wrongdoing that would otherwise be actionable. Defines search and rescue dog.
Part II is effective 30 days after becoming law and applies to acts on or after that date.
Includes whereas clauses.
States that the House of Representatives honors the life and memory of Efton Medford Sager and expresses its appreciation for the service he rendered his community, State, and nation; and that the House extends its deepest sympathy to his family for the loss of their beloved family member.
| Intro. by Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House. | HOUSE RES |
The Daily Bulletin: 2025-06-17
House committee substitute to the 2nd edition clarifies, in GS 115C-111.2, that the nursing agency must be willing into enter into a contract with the local educational agency that otherwise meets all of its requirements in order for the local educational agency to be able to assign the parent's choice of nurse to provide nursing services required by a child's IEP. Makes clarifying changes.
| Intro. by Sawyer, Overcash. | GS 115C |
House committee substitute to the 2nd edition removes the content of the previous edition and replaces it with the following. Makes conforming changes to the act’s titles.
Grants the NC Charter Schools Review Board (Review Board) the power to propose, recommend, and approve rules and policies regarding all aspects of charter school operation, including processes in GS 115C-218. Directs the State Board of Education (Board) to assign the Review Board to conduct any hearings pertaining to review of financial assistance. Allows the Review Board to contract for and employ private counsel to advise, represent, and to provide litigation services to the Review Board. Makes conforming changes. Makes the Executive Director reportable to the Review Board instead of the Superintendent of Public Instruction in GS 115C-218.
Amends GS 115C-218.8 to provide it is not a material revision of a charter and does not require prior approval from the Review Board for a charter school to change the location or boundaries of the charter school within a 10-mile radius of the location specified and approved in the charter by relocating the school, expanding the school’s campus, or establishing a noncontiguous satellite campus of school. Specifies that the relocation of the charter school, campus expansion, or establishment of a noncontiguous satellite campus does not need to be located within the same local school administrative unit as the location specified and approved in the charter.
Amends GS 115C-218.105 (state and local funds for a charter school) to specify that the amount to be allocated to each charter school that is equal to the average per pupil allocation for average daily membership from the local school administrative unit allotment in which the charter school is located, is to be based on the location pursuant to the school’s charter. Also makes the Review Board, instead of the Superintendent of Public Instruction, responsible for duties related to fiscal violations and transfer of the per pupil share of funds.
Requires for each charter school’s written charter to be approved by the Review Board in GS 115C-218.15. Allows charter schools to refrain from listing a student’s class rank on the student’s official transcript or record in GS 115C-218.9. Instructs charter schools to include standards and criteria similar to those used in the North Carolina Professional Teaching Standards and North Carolina Teacher Evaluation Process, or such other evaluation standard and process required to be used by local school administrative units, in its evaluations for conducting teacher evaluations in GS 115C-218.90. Directs the Review Board in GS 115C-218.94 to require low-performing charter schools to prepare and report on plans to improve the performance of the schools. Exempts charter schools from the requirements of GS 115C-105.27 (development and approval of school plans).
Enacts new GS 115C-218.106 to require the Department of Public Instruction, from available funds, to give a charter school free access to any required financial data reporting platforms during the charter school's first year of operation.
Authorizes, in GS 115C-218.123, charter schools operating a remote academy with an actual or intended enrollment with 250 or more students to request that the Review Board grant the remote academy portion of the school a separate charter. Requires an expedited review process. Provides, in GS 115C-218.125 (evaluations), for a separate school performance grade and review process for the remote academy component of any charter school operating a remote academy.
Applies beginning with the 2025-26 school year.
| Intro. by Daniel, Britt, B. Newton. | GS 115C |
House committee substitute to the 2nd edition makes the following changes. Makes conforming changes to the act’s long and short titles. Makes organizational changes to account for added content and general prosecutorial savings clause (described in Part XII, below).
Part I.
Makes technical changes to GS 14-33 (assault against a utility worker).
Adds the following content.
Part II.
Makes technical changes to GS 90-210.20 (pertaining to definitions related to the practice of funeral services). Defines embalming fluid.
Enacts GS 90-210.29C making it a criminal offense punishable as a Class I felony for a funeral director, embalmer, or resident trainee to knowingly give, sell, permit to be sold, offer for sale, or display for sale, other than for purposes within the general scope of their activities as a funeral director, embalmer, or resident trainee, embalming fluid to another person with actual knowledge that the person is not a funeral director, embalmer, or resident trainee. Requires imposition of fines of not less than $100 or more than $500 for a violation.
Enacts GS 90-113.154, under new Article 5I (Miscellaneous Drug-Related Regulations), making it a criminal offense to (1) possess embalming fluid for any purpose other than the lawful preservation of dead human bodies by a person authorized by law to engage in such activity or the lawful preservation of wildlife by a person licensed in taxidermy pursuant to GS 113-273(k) or (2) sell, deliver, or otherwise distribute embalming fluid to another person with knowledge that the person intends to utilize the embalming fluid for any purpose other than the lawful preservation of dead human bodies by a person authorized by law to engage in such activity or the lawful preservation of wildlife by a person licensed in taxidermy pursuant to GS 113-273(k). Specifies felony classifications from Class I to Class D based on the amount of embalming fluid involved in the offense. Specifies that the statute should not be construed as prohibiting possession by, or selling, delivering, or otherwise distributing to, funeral directors, embalmers, resident trainees or licensed taxidermists of embalming fluid for the purposes of embalming. Incorporates definitions of embalmer, embalming, embalming fluid, funeral director, and resident trainee from GS 90-210.20 into new section GS 90-113.107.
Amends GS 90-96.2 (pertaining to limited immunity for good samaritans and overdose victims under the North Carolina Controlled Substances Act) to allow for immunity for violations of GS 90-113.107 involving less than 28 grams and that is punishable as a Class I felony.
Applies to offenses committed on or after December 1, 2025.
Part III.
Makes changes throughout GS Chapter 95, Article 23 (Workplace Violence Prevention) to include employers, along with the existing references to employees, as parties who may seek a civil no-contact order under the Article. Includes mass picketing, obstructing or interfering with the entry to a place of employment, and obstructing or interfering with roads, streets, and other ways of travel to the types of unlawful conduct justifying a civil no-contact order.
Amends GS 95-260 (Definitions) to include mass picketing, obstruction, and place of employment as defined terms for GS Chapter 95, Article 23. Amends the definition of unlawful conduct to include new subdivisions d., e., and f., which include mass picketing, obstructing the entry to a place of employment, and obstructing roads, streets, and other ways of travel.
Amends GS 95-261 (Civil no-contact orders; persons protected), GS 95-264 (Civil no-contact order; remedy), and GS 95-266 (Permanent civil no-contact order), to include references to employer or in addition to the existing references to employees and to replace employee’s workplace with place of employment.
Amends GS 95-262 (Commencement of action; venue) to specify that actions for civil no-contact orders must be initiated in the county where the unlawful conduct occurred, instead of any civil district court.
Amends GS 95-271, as follows. Adds new subsection (b), which states that nothing in the Article is intended to infringe on United States or North Carolina constitutional rights, new subsection (c), which is a severability clause, and provisions specifying that the Article does not apply to peaceful demonstrations, informational picketing, or labor activity protected by the National Labor Relations Act or by the North Carolina Constitution, including the right to assemble and protest, provided such activity does not involve violence, threats, or intentional obstruction of any place of employment's access points. Defines peaceful demonstration to include either or both of: (1) conduct which does not involve lawlessness or create a risk to property or the safety of others; (2) speech that is both directed to inciting or producing imminent lawless action and is likely to incite or produce such action. Makes a conforming change.
Applicable to any acts or omissions occurring on or after the date it becomes law.
Part IV.
Adds the offense of unlawfully entering with the intent to commit an lawful act, any area of a building that is: (1) commonly reserved for personnel of a commercial business where money or other property is kept or (2) clearly marked with a sign that indicates to the public that entry is forbidden to GS 14-54 (breaking or entering buildings). Designates first offense as a Class 1 misdemeanor and subsequent offenses a Class I felony.
Adds new offense pertaining to larceny of gift cards (GS 14-72.12) if a person does any of the following:
- Acquires or retains possession of a gift card or gift card redemption information without the consent of the cardholder or card issuer.
- Obtains a gift card or gift card redemption information from a cardholder or card issuer by means of false or fraudulent pretenses, representations, or promises.
- Alters or tampers with a gift card or its packaging with intent to defraud another.
Sets violation of GS 14-72.12 as a Class H felony unless the value of the gift card is $1,000 or less, then violation is a Class 1 misdemeanor.
Adds defined terms gift card, gift card issuer, gift card value, and gift card redemption information to GS 14-86.5. Makes organizational changes.
Adds the following acts to the offense of organized retail theft under GS 14-86.6:
- Conspiring with another person to acquire or retain possession of a gift card or gift card redemption information without the consent of the cardholder or card issuer.
- Devising a scheme with one or more persons to obtain a gift card or gift card redemption information from a cardholder or card issuer by means of false or fraudulent pretenses, representations, or promises.
- Conspiring with another person to alter or tamper with a gift card or its packaging with intent to defraud another.
Makes conforming changes to listed punishments and multiple theft provisions of GS 14-86.6(a2), with punishment varying from a Class H to Class C felony based on the value of the gift card, to account for new gift card offenses under GS 14-86.6. Amends GS 1-538.2 to make any person who commits an act punishable under new GS 14-72.12 (larceny of gift cards) liable for civil damages to the property owner; also makes parents or legal guardians of unemancipated minors who commit an act punishable under new GS 14-72.12 civilly liable to the property owner if they knew or should have known of the propensity for the child to commit such an act, and had the opportunity and ability to control the child, and made no reasonable effort to correct or restrain the child.
Applies to offenses committed on or after December 1, 2025.
Part V.
Make possession of an explosive or incendiary device or material with intent to violate GS 14-49 (malicious use of explosives or incendiary devices) a Class H felony. Applies to offenses committed on or after December 1, 2025.
Part VI.
Makes it a Class 1 misdemeanor if reckless driving in violation of GS 20-140 (reckless driving offense) causes serious injury and a Class A1 misdemeanor if it causes serious bodily injury (defined). Applies to offenses committed on or after December 1, 2025.
Part VII.
Repeals GS 20-17(a)(4), which required revocation of a person’s driver's license for failure to stop and render aid in violation of GS 20-166(a) (requires stopping at the scene when the driver knows or reasonably should know that the vehicle they are operating is involved in a crash and the crash resulted in serious bodily injury or death to any person) or (b) (requires such a driver to provide specified information to the person struck or the driver or occupants of any vehicle collided with, if they are physically and mentally capable of receiving such information, and requires rendering reasonable assistance) (see new revocation provisions below).
Amends GS 20-141.3, which makes street racing illegal, to increase the penalty to a Class H felony if the speed competition causes serious injury, with drivers license revocation for four years (with the ability to apply for a new license after three years from revocation); and to a Class G felony if the speed competition causes a serious bodily injury or death, with permanent revocation of the person’s driver’s license (with the ability to apply for a new license after seven years from revocation). Specifies that when a license is permanently revoked, the DMV’s restrictions and conditions on the new license may not exceed three years. Makes it a Class 1 misdemeanor for any person to place or receive a bet or other thing of value from the outcome of any prearranged speed competition on a public street, highway, or thoroughfare. Makes additional organizational, conforming, and technical changes.
Specifies, in GS 20-166 (duty to stop in the event of a crash) that the court must sentence the defendant in the aggravated range of the appropriate Prior Record Level if the crash results in the death of another person. Revokes the driver’s license of a person convicted of the Class F felony set forth in GS 20-166(a) for four years, allowing the person to apply for a new license after three years from revocation. Permanently revokes the drivers license of a person when the crash results in the death of another person, allowing the person to apply for a new license after seven years from revocation. Specifies that persons convicted of violations of (a1) (duty to stop at the scene during a crash resulting in injury) or (b) (duty to provide driver and vehicle information, and to provide reasonable assistance) are to have their drivers licenses revoked for one year and allows them to apply for a new license after a year from revocation. Sets out criteria that must be met for issuing a new license and allows the DMV to impose terms and conditions on the new license for the balance of the revocation period. Prohibits such restrictions and conditions from exceeding three years when the revocation period is permanent. Makes additional clarifying, conforming, and technical changes. Amends GS 20-179.63 to make a person whose driving privilege was forfeited under GS 20-166(a1) or (b) eligible for a limited driving privilege if specified conditions are met. Applies to offenses committed on or after December 1, 2025.
Part VIII.
Amends GS 14-415.1 as follows. Makes it unlawful for any person who is prohibited pursuant to GS 14-415.1 (general prohibition on possession of firearms by felon) from possessing a firearm or a weapon of mass death and destruction to possess a firearm or weapon of mass death and destruction during the commission or attempted commission of certain felonies. Specifies that unless the conduct is covered under some other provision of law providing a greater punishment, a person who violates the section is guilty of the following: a Class C felony if the person discharges the firearm or weapon of mass death and destruction during the commission or attempted commission of the felony; a Class D felony if the person brandishes the firearm or weapon of mass death and destruction during the commission or attempted commission of the felony; and a Class F felony for any other violations during the commission or attempted commission of a felony.
Effective December 1, 2025, and applies to offenses committed on or after that date.
Part IX.
Amends GS 14-72, concerning larceny of property and receiving or possessing stolen goods, to provide what when the larceny or receipt or possession of stolen goods is of mail (as defined), then the person will be sentenced at one class level higher than the principal offense for which the person was convicted. Applies to offenses committed on or after December 1, 2025.
Part X.
Specifies that first- and second-degree burglary consist of breaking and entering and the intent to commit a felony or larceny under GS 14-51 (first and second degree burglary). Makes organizational changes to the statute and technical changes to the descriptions of first-degree and second-degree burglary. Makes organizational changes and adds a sentence enhancement of one felony class higher than the principal felony underlying the person’s conviction for persons possessing a firearm or deadly weapon during the commission of an offense under GS 14-52, GS 14-53 (breaking out of a dwelling house burglary), or GS 14-54 (breaking or entering buildings generally). Requires the sentence enhancement to be plead in the indictment or information for the offense. Applies to offenses committed on or after December 1, 2025.
Part XI.
Amends GS 20-179(e), Mitigation Factors to Be Weighed, by enacting new subsection (6b) to provide as a new factor that the defendant (i) before trial, voluntarily equipped a designated motor vehicle with a qualifying ignition interlock system which was the only vehicle that the defendant operated for at least six months, and (ii) produced satisfactory evidence that the defendant did not start the vehicle with a greater than 0.02 alcohol concentration or commit any acts that violate the interlock policies of the Division of Motor Vehicles or otherwise violate GS 20-17.8A. Applies only where each of the following is true:
- The defendant was charged with an offense under GS 20-138.1 (impaired driving).
- The vehicle being operated by the defendant was not involved at the time of the offense in a crash resulting in the serious injury or death of a person.
- At the time of the offense, the defendant held either a valid driver's license or a license that had been expired for less than one year.
- At the time of the offense, the defendant did not have an additional unresolved pending charge involving impaired driving, or an additional conviction of an offense involving impaired driving within the five years preceding the date of the offense.
- At the time of the offense the person did not have an alcohol concentration of 0.15 or more.
- The defendant equipped the designated motor vehicle with an ignition interlock system no later than 45 days after being charged with the offense.
- The defendant only operated the designated motor vehicle with a limited driving privilege that is valid in this State or during a time when the defendant's driver's license was not revoked or suspended.
Amends subsection (7) to reflect that the factor provided in subsection (6b) is exempt from the general rule that mitigation factors under GS 20-179(e) only apply where the conduct that underlies the mitigation factor must have occurred during the same transaction or occurred as the impaired driving offense.
Amends GS 20-179.5, affordability of ignition interlock system, to make a person who voluntarily installs an ignition interlock system responsible for installation and monitoring costs. Allows a person who meets the requirements of new GS 20-179(e)(6b) a. through f., described above, but who is unable to afford the cost of an ignition interlock system, to apply for a waiver of a portion of the costs through an authorized vendor.
Effective December 1, 2025, and applicable to offenses committed on or after that date.
Enacts new GS 20-219.3A making it a Class 2 misdemeanor to immobilize a commercial vehicle with a boot or similar device for the purpose of parking enforcement. Effective December 1, 2025.
Enacts new GS 20-219.15 requiring a tower of a nonconsensual tow or a town under law enforcement direction to return any commercial cargo to the owner, upon request. Sets out provisions governing exchange of a trailer when towing a trailer containing commercial cargo.
Part XII.
Provides that prosecutions for offenses committed before the effective date of the act are not abated or affected by the act, and the statutes that would be applicable but for the act remain applicable to those prosecutions.
Senate committee substitute to the 2nd edition makes the following changes.
Makes a technical change to the lead-in language amending GS 20-288(b2) and GS 143C-6-11.
Deletes the proposed changes to GS 136-19.4 concerning the registration of right-of-way plans.
Modifies the proposed changes to GS 136-89.214 to allow the Turnpike Authority to send a toll bill to the email account on file with any (was, a) state Department of Motor Vehicles of the registered owner of the vehicle or person who had care, custody, and control of the vehicle, subject to written consent.
Further amends GS 136-76.2, which establishes DOT's bridge program whereby appropriated funds are used for improvements to culverts associated with a component of the State highway system and improvements to structurally deficient and functionally obsolete bridges. Concerning modifications to the list of exceptions to the general requirement that projects funded under the bridge program must be outsourced to private contractors to now except projects for the installation of culverts and structures, described in subsection (b), on low volume or non-outlet roads, limits the exception to installations with a cost of $500,000 or less per project.
Changes the heading to the proposed changes to GS 136-12 and modifies the proposed changes to require the Department of Transportation (DOT) to submit, rather than make, a full printed and detailed report to the NCGA by the tenth day of each regular session as previously specified. Makes conforming changes to the statutory caption.
Deletes the proposed changes to GS 136-108, GS 136-112, and GS 136-89.52 concerning the acquisition and condemnation of property by DOT, measurement of damages, and the imposition of easements.
Adds the following new content.
Amends GS 115C-332, establishing mandatory criminal history checks of individuals contracted by local boards of education to provide transportation services to students which must be done before the individual can act as a contracted driver. Authorizes local boards to delegate its duties to another person and to require payment for the criminal history check or fingerprinting. Provides for local boards to request, comply, and receive previously completed checks from another local board if the check was completed within three years of the request, subject to written release and standardized form requirements specified. Applies to contracts for transportation services for students beginning with the 2025-26 school year.
Effective October 1, 2025, adds the following.
Enacts GS 160A-300.4 and GS 153A-246.1 authorizing cities and counties to adopt ordinances for the civil enforcement of the speed limit set for school zones by means of an electronic speed-measuring system. Defines an electronic speed-measuring system as a mobile or fixed device consisting of an automated traffic camera and sensor capable of measuring speed and producing one or more digital photographs of a motor vehicle violating a posted speed limit. Establishes requirements for system approval, calibration, and testing; posted notices of their installation or use on a street or highway; and DOT approval where installed on a DOT right-of-way. Authorizes DOT to adopt necessary implementing policies and rules. Specifies that violations detected by the system are not infractions if citations are issued pursuant to the new statutes. Lists six criteria ordinances adopted under the new statues must satisfy which address the vehicle owner's responsibility for the violation and opportunity to contest; set a $250 civil penalty for violations and for which no license points are authorized; describe required content of citations; provide for processing and service of citations, and a $50 late penalty for citations not paid within 30 days; require establishing an administrative hearing and appeal procedure for contested citations; and provide consequences for failure to pay the civil penalty, including barring vehicle registration. Authorizes interlocal cooperation agreements between counties or cities, local boards of education, and law enforcement for the purposes of the statute, with provisions addressing cost-sharing and reimbursement.
Enacts GS 8-50.4 making results of electronic speed-measuring instruments used to enforce speed limits in school zones admissible as evidence in nonjudicial administrative hearings pursuant to new GS 160A-300.4 and GS 153A-246.1, subject to approval, calibration, and testing requirements specified. Provides that specified written certification showing required testing was made within the required testing period and that the system was accurate to be competent and prima facie evidence of those facts in the nonjudicial administrative hearing. Requires notice to be taken of rules approving the system and the procedures for their calibration or testing at the nonjudicial administrative hearing.
Amends GS 17C-6, adding to the duties of the Criminal Justice Education and Training Standards Commission to approve, in conjunction with the Secretary of Public Safety, the use of specific models and types of electronic speed-measuring systems and standards for calibration and testing for accuracy of each approved system.
Amends GS 20-54 to require the DMV to refuse vehicle registration once notified by a city or county that the owner has failed to pay any penalty imposed pursuant to new GS 160A-300.4 or GS 153A-246.1.
Adds the following new content, effective July 1, 2025.
Enacts GS 136-44.18, defining right-of-way boundaries and easements for roadways for which DOT is responsible for maintenance to be according to the typical maintenance limits for rights-of-way and easements that are DOT practice unless there is an instrument of conveyance describing the boundaries. Requires DOT to coordinate with developers to revise the development or development access such that no right-of-way access or easement is needed where the developer has made a good-faith effort, as defined, to acquire the right-of-way or easement required by the offsite improvements required by DOT as a condition of granting a permit. Directs DOT to comply with the section within a reasonable amount of time after the development shows evidence of its good faith efforts. Specifies that the section does not authorize DOT to require a Hold Harmless declaration from a developer, or authorize DOT to unconstitutionally take property.
Directs DOT to submit a report to the specified NCGA committee by October 1, 2025, describing the maintenance limits used and any recommended legislative changes relating to defining boundaries of rights-of-way and easements.
Directs DOT to adopt or amend rules to implement the section as specified.
Adds the following new content, effective on the date the act becomes law, except as otherwise provided.
Amends GS 136-32 to prohibit DOT from scheduling mowing in any right-of-way where political signs are permitted to be placed during the period described in subsection (b).
Amends GS 136-38.12 to prohibit DOT from scheduling mowing of highway rights-of-way during the month of May.
Amends GS 136-18 to allow DOT and the Turnpike Authority to enter into up to six agreements with private entities pursuant to the requirements set froth in subdivision (39a)a (was, DOT or the Authority can enter into up to three agreements).
Amends GS 20-146 to prohibit vehicles having a gross vehicle weight rating of 26,001 pounds or more from operating in the left most lane of a controlled-access highway with six or more lanes except when entering or exiting the highway, avoiding a hazard, or to pass. Applies to offenses committed on or after December 1, 2025.
Provides that a Class C regular drivers license remains valid for purposes of establishing the license holder's driving privilege for a period of up to two years after its expiration. Excludes canceled, revoked, or suspended licenses. States legislative intent. Directs the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee (Committee) to review any studies or audits conducted or commissioned by, or any recommendations of, the Committee, DOT, or the State Auditor to address staffing shortages, employee retention, outdated technology, and other issues contributing to excessive wait times and delays at DMV. Requires the Committee to submit its findings and recommended legislation to the 2026 NCGA. Applies to Class C drivers licenses that expire on or after the date the act becomes law. Expires on December 31, 2027.
Amends GS 136-133.1 concerning compensatory replanting of tress and vegetation to require replanting determinations to be made in accordance with GS 136-18(9), mandating the use of native plants in highway rights-of-way.
Directs DOT and the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) to consult with NCSU and NCA&T to study and develop a list of native grasses, plants, and seeds to be used for erosion control, and a list of high-threat invasive plant species and a plan for their removal from State parks and highway rights-of-way, as specified. Directs DOT and DNCR to report to the 2026 NCGA.
Amends GS 20-127 to increase the maximum allowable number of window tinting medical exception permits from two to four. Amends GS 20-183.3 to no longer require safety inspection mechanics to inspect window tint. Makes conforming changes to GS 20-183.7. Repeals GS 20-183.7B(b)(9)o., and (c)(7)o. Enacts GS 20-127(g) to require drivers of vehicles with tinted windows to roll down the driver side window upon the approach of a law enforcement officer, or the passenger side window if the officer approaches from the passenger side. Applies to offenses committed on or after December 1, 2025.
Amends SL 2024-15, which established a pilot program for DOT to award contracts for up to five transportation projects using the Progressive Design-Build procurement process, by changing the definition of Progressive Design-Build as follows. Requires use of a qualifications based selection process (was, stepped or progressive qualifications based selection process). Mandates Design-Build Team selection to be based on qualifications (no longer exclusively), with or without consideration of schedule or costs (was, without consideration of schedule or costs), and delivery in two distinct phases with two or more separate contracts (was, two separate contracts). Specifies that if DOT and the Design-Build Team reach agreement on a construction cost (was, guaranteed maximum construction cost), they will execute one or more contracts (was a second contract) for completion of the preliminary designs and construction of the project.
Makes conforming organizational changes.
| Intro. by Rabon, Sawyer, Lazzara. | STUDY, GS 8, GS 17C, GS 20, GS 126, GS 136, GS 143C, GS 153A, GS 160A |
Senate committee substitute to the 3rd edition makes the following changes.
Adds the following.
Amends GS 20-62.1 by changing the circumstances under which a secondary metals recycler and a salvage yard purchasing motor vehicles for the purpose of dismantling or wrecking the vehicles to recover scrap metal or for the sale of parts so that they may purchase a motor vehicle without a certificate of title, if the vehicle is (was, 10) model years old or older, and they comply with the specified requirements. Effective October 1, 2025.
| Intro. by Rabon, Sawyer, Lazzara. | STUDY, GS 8, GS 17C, GS 20, GS 126, GS 136, GS 143C, GS 153A, GS 160A |
The House committee substitute to the 3rd edition is to be summarized.
House committee substitute to the 2nd edition is to be summarized.
House committee substitute to the 5th edition makes the following changes.
Part I.
Removes terms housing unit, independent pharmacy, pharmacy desert, rural, and urban from GS 58-51-37 (pertaining to pharmacy of choice). Removes exemptions to the statute’s bar of an insurer’s imposition of a monetary advantage as described. Prohibits an insurer from imposing upon an insured any copayment, amount of reimbursement, number of days of a drug supply for which reimbursement will be allowed, or any other payment or condition relating to the purchase of pharmacy services or products, including prescription drugs, from any pharmacy that is more costly or more restrictive than that which would be imposed upon the insured if the same services or products were purchased from either a mail-order pharmacy or any other pharmacy that is willing to provide the same services or products for the same cost and copayment as any mail-order service.
Part II.
Removes GS 58-56B-40 which would have provided financial penalties if Pharmacy Services Administrative Organization (PSAO) failed to comply with the provisions of new Article 56B of GS Chapter 58. Removes provisions specifying that PSAO’s have a duty of good faith and fair dealing to independent pharmacies in GS 58-56B-45. Makes technical changes to Part II’s effective date. Makes organizational changes.
Part III.
Adds generic equivalent, high-deductible health plan, national average drug acquisition cost, Section 223, specialty drug, and specialty pharmacy to the definitions in GS 58-56A-1 (pertaining to pharmacy benefits management), and removes independent pharmacy and pharmacy desert as defined terms. Removes provisions pertaining to pharmacy desert reporting requirements (GS 58-56A-23).
Now prevents a pharmacy benefits manager (PBM) from reimbursing a pharmacy or pharmacist for a prescription drug in an amount less than the national average drug acquisition cost for the prescription drug or pharmacy service at the time the drug is administered or dispensed, plus a professional dispensing fee in GS 58-56A-4(g). (Previously, prevented a PBM contract from requiring directly or indirectly or through a pharmacy services administration organization, an independent pharmacy or any pharmacy in a pharmacy desert, to accept reimbursement for providing a covered prescription drug, device, or service at a rate less than the acquisition cost for the covered drug, device, or service.) Removes provisions designating violations of GS 58-56A-4(g) an unfair trade practice.
Enacts GS 58-56A-6 preventing a PBM from charging an insurer offering a health benefit plan a price for a prescription drug that differs from the amount the pharmacy benefits manager directly or indirectly pays the pharmacy or pharmacist for providing pharmacist services under that same health benefit plan. Applies to contracts entered into, renewed, or amended on or after October 1, 2025. Makes conforming changes to instruction to the Department of Insurance (DOI) to makes rules to implement Part III. Makes conforming changes to the part’s effective date for specific sections.
Part IV.
Applies the consumer protections provisions of GS 58-3-128 to PBM’s when calculating an insured out-of-pocket cost for a covered drug in GS 58-56A-3 (consumer protections-PBM’s). Removes requirement that a shipping charged be specifically agreed to by a health benefit plan or PBM as a requirement for imposing a shipping cost under GS 58-56A-3.
Prohibits, in GS 58-56A-15 a PBM from (1) requiring multiple specialty pharmacy accreditations as a prerequisite for participation in a retail pharmacy network that dispenses specialty drugs and excluding a specialty pharmacy from the right to participate in the network and (2) charging a pharmacist or pharmacy a fee related to participating in a retail pharmacy network. (Was, only required a PBM network to meet or exceed the Medicare Part D program standards for convenient access to network pharmacies under federal law.)
Part V.
Removes provision adding independent pharmacy to the defined terms of the NC Pharmacy Practice Act. Removes new GS 90-85.21E that would have allowed an independent pharmacy to decline or refill a prescription if the act would directly result in an unbearable cost to the independent pharmacy so long as it refers the patient to another equally convenient pharmacy as described.
Part VI.
Changes the scope of audits conducted for reasons other an identified problem in GS 58-50-405 to the lesser of (1) 0.1% of the number of total prescription fills processed through the pharmacy benefits manager for that pharmacy in a calendar year or (2) 50 prescription fills processed through the pharmacy benefits manager for that pharmacy in a calendar year (was, limited to 100 selected prescriptions). Now provides that, except in the case of an identified problem, the pharmacy is entitled to written notice provided at least 14 days prior to any audit of additional claims that details the basis for the review of additional claims, including a specific description of any suspected fraud or abuse. Makes a technical change.
Requires the auditing entity to provide a pharmacy with a summary describing the total recoupment, and the approximate date, within a seven-day window (was, no reference to seven-day window) in GS 58-50-410, as created by the act.
Part VIII.
Removes amendments to GS 58-56A-3 specifying that GS 58-3-182 applies to PBM’s when calculating an insured’s out-of-pocket costs for a covered prescription drug. Makes organizational changes.
Part IX.
Directs the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to adopt rules implement new Article 4D (Prescription Drug Transparency) to GS Chapter 90. Specifies that new Article 4D is effective January 1, 2026.
House committee substitute to the 3rd edition makes the following changes.
Amends GS 115C-375.2A(b) (in Section 4.(b)) and GS 90-21.15A(a)(3) (in Section 4.1) by changing the types of nasal sprays and injectors specifically included in the definition of “epinephrine delivery system” to those approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) with a premeasured, appropriate weight-based dose of epinephrine (was, nasal sprays and injectors with a spring-activated, concealed needle).
Eliminates Part VI, Adult Care Home Medicaid Personal Care Services, which required the Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Health Benefits to explore options available to increase access to Medicaid services for dual eligibles that provide alternatives to nursing home placement, submit a request to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services meeting listed goals, and take any other necessary actions to implement the act.
Former Part VII. Effective Date is now Part VI.
Senate amendment to the 4th edition makes the following changes.
Section 4.
Expands the instances where the denial authority under GS 160D-705(c) does not apply to also include when the primary purpose for use of the land is for use by an electric supplier or a natural gas local distribution company.
Section 15.
Removes provisions directing the Agriculture and Forestry Awareness Study Commission to study the advisability of allowing the dispensing of raw milk, as described.
Section 18.
Changes the penalties for violations of GS 113-218 (protection of private marine aquaculture rights) from a Class A1 misdemeanor that may include a fine capped at $5,000 to the following: (1) for the first offense, a Class H felony punishable by a fine of at least $250, in addition to any other punishment prescribed for the offense and (2) for subsequent offenses, a Class G felony punishable by a fine of at least $500, in addition to any other punishment prescribed for the offense.
Amends GS 113-269 (robbing or injuring hatcheries and other aquaculture operations), as follows. Removes definitions of shellfish lease. Makes violations of the statute’s prohibition of taking fish or aquatic species being cultivated or reared by the owner from an aquaculture facility or willfully destroying or injuring an aquaculture facility or species being reared in that facility punishable as follows: (1) a Class H felony for first offenses punishable by a fine of at least $250, in addition to any other punishment prescribed for the offense and (2) for subsequent offenses, a Class G felony punishable by a fine of at least $500, in addition to any other punishment prescribed for the offense. Imposes the following punishments for persons who receive or possess fish or aquatic species stolen from an aquaculture facility while knowing or having reasonable grounds to believe that the fish or aquatic species are stolen: (1) if the property is valued at more than $400, the offense is punishable under GS 14-72 (larceny) and (2) if the property is valued at $400 or less, punishable as a Class 1 misdemeanor (currently, this provision applies both receiving stolen goods as well as taking fish or aquatic species being cultivated or reared by the owner from an aquaculture facility).
Section 20.
Removes provisions repealing the sale of raw milk for nonhuman consumption in GS 106-266.35.
Section 21.5
Removes changes to GS 105-277.2. Replaces those provisions with amendments to GS 130A-343 (approval of on-site subsurface wastewater systems) that authorize certain subsurface dispersal products for use in traffic-related areas if a licensed professional engineer certifies that the product has been designed with a compatible load rating and the product manufacturer has approved the product for use in traffic-rated areas. Provides for approvals already issued. Excludes Department of Transportation rated areas from “traffic related areas” but does include driveways and private parking areas with impervious or pervious pavement areas.
| Intro. by Jackson, Sanderson, Barnes. | STUDY, New Hanover, Pender, GS 14, GS 81A, GS 105, GS 106, GS 113, GS 115C, GS 119, GS 130A, GS 143, GS 160D |
House committee substitute to the 2nd edition makes the following changes.
Changes the effective date of Section 4, which amends GS 14-159.12, concerning first degree trespass, so that it applies to offenses committed on or after December 1, 2025, instead of being effective when the act becomes law.
The Daily Bulletin: 2025-06-17
Senate committee substitute to the 2nd edition makes the following changes.
Adds the following new content.
Section 5.3(c)
Requires, for parcels of real property affected by the establishment of the Catawba/Lincoln County boundary, the counties to record a Notice of Affected Parcel in the office of the register of deeds in each county. Prohibits collecting a fee or tax for the Notice of Affected Parcel. Sets out information that must be included in the Notice of Affected Parcel, including a reference to this act, the names of the record owners of the affected parcel according to the tax records of the counties as of June 30, 2025, and a source deed reference for the affected parcel, if available.
Part VI.
Amends SL 1939-168, Sections 7(c)-(f) to no longer limit the specified type of RDU Airport leases to 40 years.
House amendment to the 2nd edition makes the following changes.
Changes the date by which the council of a qualifying municipality must adopt a resolution indicating its intent to receive an allocated share so that it must be adopted no later than October 1, 2025 (was, June 30, 2025). Makes a technical correction.
| Intro. by Blust. | UNCODIFIED, Guilford |
The Daily Bulletin: 2025-06-17
House committee substitute to the 1st edition makes a clarifying change by specifying the SL that contains the Wilmington City Charter.
| Intro. by Lee, Rabon. | UNCODIFIED, New Hanover |
House committee substitute to the 2nd edition adds the following and makes conforming changes to the act's titles.
Removes the specified property from Kannapolis's corporate limits. Specifies that this has no effect upon the validity of any liens of the City for ad valorem taxes or special assessments outstanding before the section's effective date; allows those liens to be collected or foreclosed upon after the effective date as though the property were still within the City's corporate limits. Effective June 30, 2025. Specifies that property in the described area as of January 1, 2025, is no longer subject to municipal taxes for taxes imposed for taxable years beginning on or after July 1, 2025. Makes additional conforming and technical changes.
| Intro. by Sawrey. | UNCODIFIED, Cabarrus, Granville, Johnston |
Actions on Bills: 2025-06-17
H 8: NC MANAGING ENVIRONMENTAL WASTE ACT OF 2025.
H 23: VARIOUS STATE AND LOCAL GOV'T PROVISIONS. (NEW)
H 40: VARIOUS GSC RECOMMENDATIONS. (NEW)
H 67: HEALTHCARE WORKFORCE REFORMS. (NEW)
H 91: DEFINE ARMED FORCES/RELIGIOUS PROP. TAX EXCL. (NEW)
H 210: PERPETUAL CARE OF CERTAIN CEMETERIES.
H 247: UNDERGROUND SAFETY REVISIONS. (NEW)
H 251: VARIOUS DISASTER RECOVERY REFORMS. (NEW)
H 328: REGULATE HEMP-DERIVED CONSUMABLES. (NEW)
H 352: BID REQS/PERMITTING/INUNDATION MAPS/CAMA. (NEW)
H 357: CONTINUING CARE RETIREMENT COMMUNITIES ACT.-AB
H 373: UNC TUITION DISCOUNTS FOR CERTAIN STUDENTS.
H 378: VARIOUS ED LAW/TAX ACCT/NIL CHANGES. (NEW)
H 388: AMEND BUSINESS CORPORATIONS ACT.
H 402: LIMIT RULES WITH SUBSTANTIAL FINANCIAL COSTS. (NEW)
H 421: MOTOR VEHICLE DEALERS.
H 434: LOWER HEALTHCARE COSTS. (NEW)
H 442: FLOUNDER/RED SNAPPER SEASONS & SHRIMP TRAWL. (NEW)
H 476: DST TECHNICAL CORRECTIONS/ADMIN. CHANGES 2025.-AB
H 537: ALENA'S LAW & OFFICE OF VITAL RECORDS CHANGES. (NEW)
H 543: CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECK FOR ATHLETE AGENTS.
H 546: MEDICAID MODERNIZATION. (NEW)
H 568: 2025 OMNIBUS LABOR AMENDMENTS.-AB
H 576: DEPT. OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES REVISIONS.-AB
H 612: FOSTERING CARE IN NC ACT.
H 615: ENROLLMENT STABILITY FOR MILITARY STUDENTS.
H 661: BUILDING INDUSTRY EFFICIENCY ACT OF 2025.
H 693: INTERSTATE MASSAGE COMPACT.
H 694: REG'L WATER STUDY/IBT SUBBASIN/TMDL. (NEW)
H 696: HEALTH CARE PRACTITIONER TRANSPARENCY ACT.
H 737: DOI OMNIBUS BILL. (NEW)
H 740: LIMIT CONTRACTOR LIABILITY IN STATE CONTRACTS. (NEW)
H 762: MODERNIZE NC S.A.F.E. ACT.
H 775: CRIMINAL HISTORY CHECKS FOR SCHOOL POSITIONS.
H 829: LOCKSMITH LICENSING ACT MODERNIZATION.
H 832: EDUCATION OMNIBUS. (NEW)
H 860: SOCIAL MEDIA CONTROL IN IT ACT.
H 923: PROTECT PERSONAL INFO/JUDICIAL PERSONNEL.
H 926: REGULATORY REFORM ACT OF 2025.
H 928: ALLOW PTS IN SCHOOL CONCUSSION PROTOCOL.
H 948: THE P.A.V.E. ACT.
H 975: EMS PERSONNEL PROVISIONS. (NEW)
H 992: TIMESHARE FORECLOSURE/PATERNITY MATTERS. (NEW)
H 1014: HONOR EFTON MEDFORD SAGER, FORMER MEMBER.
S 77: SCHOOL CONTRACTED HEALTH SERVICES.
S 118: MILITARY AND VETERAN SUPPORT ACT. (NEW)
S 124: STATE HIRING ACCESSIBILITY AND MODERNIZATION. (NEW)
S 133: NCCCS LMS/NCLDS. (NEW)
S 227: ELIMINATING "DEI" IN PUBLIC EDUCATION.
S 254: CHARTER SCHOOL CHANGES. (NEW)
S 266: THE POWER BILL REDUCTION ACT. (NEW)
S 295: CLARIFY MOTOR VEHICLE DEALER LAWS.
S 311: THE LAW AND ORDER ACT. (NEW)
S 344: POOLED TRUST TRANSFERS/PUBLIC BENEFITS ELIG.
S 391: DOT OMNIBUS.
S 400: ADULT PROTECTION MULTIDISCIPLINARY TEAMS.
S 401: DEALER LICENSE RENEWAL MODIFICATIONS.
S 423: TITLE FRAUD PREVENTION.
S 429: 2025 PUBLIC SAFETY ACT.
S 442: PARENTS PROTECTION ACT.
S 449: CONTINUING BUDGET OPERATIONS PART IV. (NEW)
S 472: COASTAL REGULATORY REFORM. (NEW)
S 479: SCRIPT ACT.
S 558: ELIMINATING "DEI" IN PUBLIC HIGHER ED.
S 595: VARIOUS REVENUE LAWS CHANGES. (NEW)
S 600: IMPROVE HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES. (NEW)
S 639: NORTH CAROLINA FARM ACT OF 2025.
S 655: EXTEND CERTAIN RIGHTS TO CATAWBA NATION.
S 695: INCENT DEVELOPMENT FINANCE DISTRICT FUNDING.
S 706: COUNTY WASTE MANAGEMENT ASSISTANCE. (NEW)
S 768: CONFIRM APPOINTMENT TO INDUSTRIAL COMMISSION.
Actions on Bills: 2025-06-17
H 3: VARIOUS LOCAL ELECTION CHANGES II. (NEW)
H 26: VARIOUS LOCAL PROVISIONS I. (NEW)
H 173: VARIOUS LOCAL PROVISIONS III. (NEW)
H 183: VARIOUS LOCAL PROVISIONS II. (NEW)
H 226: CITY OF GREENSBORO/DEANNEXATIONS.
H 305: GUILFORD COUNTY SALES TAX DISTRIBUTION MODS.
H 336: TOWN OF MAGGIE VALLEY/DEANNEXATIONS.
S 29: ONSLOW - DELEGATE REZONING AUTHORITY. (NEW)
S 108: JOHNSTON COUNTY/JOHNSTON CC CONSTRUCTION.
S 149: HENDERSON COUNTY/BLUE RIDGE CC CONSTRUCTION.
S 174: RUTHERFORD CTY/ISOTHERMAL CC CONSTRUCTION.
S 203: CITY OF WILMINGTON/PROPERTY CONVEYANCES.
S 214: VARIOUS LOCAL BOUNDARIES.(NEW)
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