The Daily Bulletin: 2026-04-23

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The Daily Bulletin: 2026-04-23

PUBLIC/HOUSE BILLS
H 1042 (2025-2026) AFFORDABLE HOUSING EXEMPTION MODS. Filed Apr 23 2026, AN ACT TO UPDATE AND MODIFY THE NONPROFIT LOW- OR MODERATE-INCOME HOUSING PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTION.

Enacts new GS 105-278.7A exempting real and personal property from property tax if it is owned by an eligible owner and used for a charitable purpose in the operation of affordable rental housing, if the statute’s requirements are met. Eligible owners are an eligible join venture or an eligible nonprofit corporation. Charitable purpose is defined as one that has human and philanthropic objectives; it is an activity that benefits humanity or a significant rather than limited segment of the community without expectation of pecuniary profit or reward. Defines affordable rental housing as a rental development consisting of land and improvements in which more than 50% of the units are qualifying units (where rent charged or the published rent is at or below the rent limit, and it is occupied by, or set aside for, a tenant whose income is at or below the income limit). Defines the income limit as rent, plus a utility allowance calculated in accordance with the requirements of the North Carolina Housing Finance Agency, that does not exceed 30% of the income limit.

Set out requirements for government supported affordable rental housing and for non-government supported affordable rental housing. Exempts real and personal property providing government-supported affordable rental housing from property taxation in any year in which all of these conditions are met: (1) the property is owned and operated by an eligible nonprofit corporation or an eligible joint venture; (2) either a. the eligible owner is an eligible joint venture receiving low-income housing credits under section 42 of the Code and is in compliance with any applicable regulatory requirements, or b. the eligible owner finances the acquisition, rehabilitation, development, or operation of the property, or any combination thereof, with tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds, qualified 501(c)(3) bonds, federal direct loans or grants, State loans or grants, or loans or grants provided by a local jurisdiction where the property is located. Specifies that the government support must require the execution of a deed restriction or enforceable, verifiable agreement with a public agency requiring that the property be operated as affordable rental housing in for at least 15 years from the date the financing or financial assistance was initially provided; excludes from government support payments made to the owner under the federal Housing Choice Voucher Program or other local, State, or federal voucher program. Exempts real and personal property providing non-government supported affordable rental housing from property tax in any year in which the following conditions are met: (1) the property is and has been 100% owned and operated by an eligible nonprofit corporation for at least five years; (2) the eligible nonprofit does not receive any funding or financial assistance, other than grants, from a for-profit affiliate; (3) the eligible nonprofit does not lease the affordable rental housing land or improvements to another entity (excluding leasing affordable rental housing units to tenants); and (4) the eligible nonprofit has executed a deed restriction in favor of the county and any municipality in which the property is located requiring that the property be operated as affordable rental housing for a period of at least 15 years from the date of application. Specifies that the restriction must require that the owner provides the necessary reporting annually to all grantees for the term of the deed restriction, and that the deed restriction must state that any grantee, or its assigns, has the right to enforce the terms of the restriction.

Sets the amount of the exemption as the percentage of the appraised value that is equal to the percentage of qualifying units. Sets the exemption amount at 100% of the appraised value for owners that meet the requirements of the safe harbor in Section 3 of Internal Revenue Service Rev. Proc. 96-32. Allows a transition period of one taxable year for improved and occupied rental housing property that is purchased by an eligible owner for which the eligible owner cannot provide the total household income for each qualifying unit at the time of application but that otherwise meets the statute’s requirements; during this period defines a "qualifying unit" as an affordable rental housing unit for which the rent charged is at or below the rent limit for purposes of determining the exemption amount.

Sets out the process for applying for the exemption. Requires owners granted an exemption to annually certify that it remains in compliance and to provide the required items.

Allows real property held by an eligible owner as a future site for affordable rental housing to be classified under this statute for no more than five years. Requires that the taxes be carried forward in the taxing unit’s records as deferred taxes and make the deferred taxes due when the property loses it is eligibility for deferral because of a disqualifying event. Makes conforming changes to GS 105-277.1F.

Amends GS 105-278.6 (exempting real and personal property owned by listed entities from taxation) (a)(8) by removing rental housing provided by a nonprofit organization providing housing to low or moderate income individuals and families from that statute’s tax exemption. Further amends the statute by shortening the time that property held by the organizations listed in the statute as a future site for housing can be classified and exempt from taxation under the statute to no more than five (was, 10) years. Makes additional clarifying and technical changes.

Effective for taxes imposed for taxable years beginning on or after July 1, 2026, and, with respect to property held as a future site, applies to real property classified on or after that date. Requires an owner of low or moderate income rental housing property that is exempt under GS 105-278.6(a)(8) as of act’s effective date to reapply for the exemption by December 31, 2026, giving the assessor of the taxing unit any necessary documentation for compliance; failure to meet this requirement within the time limit subjects the property to discovery under GS 105-312.

Intro. by Paré, Howard, Setzer, Schietzelt.GS 105
H 1043 (2025-2026) CHCCS ACT. Filed Apr 23 2026, AN ACT TO AMEND PUBLIC SCHOOL UNIT REQUIREMENTS REGARDING CERTAIN PARENTAL RIGHTS, TO PROVIDE FOR CERTAIN REMEDIES AND COMPLIANCE ACTIONS FOR VIOLATIONS OF ARTICLE 7B OF CHAPTER 115C OF THE GENERAL STATUTES, TO PROVIDE FOR GENERAL ASSEMBLY ACCESS TO SCHOOL PERSONNEL RECORDS, TO ADD A RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE STATE AUDITOR TO CONDUCT INVESTIGATIONS INTO VIOLATIONS OF ARTICLE 7B OF CHAPTER 115C OF THE GENERAL STATUTES BY PUBLIC SCHOOL UNITS, AND TO APPROPRIATE FUNDS FOR THOSE PURPOSES.

Titles the act the “Curriculum Honesty, Compliance, and Child Safety (CHCCS) Act.”

Expands the legal rights for parents pertaining to their child’s education in GS 115C-76.25 to include:

  • The right to consent to official changes to their child's name, gender designation, or identity within school records. Prevents a school from changing these without first receiving consent from a parent.
  • The right to access the educational records of their child, including counseling records, intervention records, behavioral and support plans, and communications with third parties regarding the student.

Makes conforming changes to GS 115C-76.45 (notifications of student physical and mental health) to reflect the need for consent for any changes in student name or pronoun use. Requires the school to provide written notice to the parents, before acting on described sensitive matters (including receiving counseling services related to the student’s sexuality or gender identity, receiving outside referrals related to the student’s mental health, emotional well-being or sexuality or gender identity, or classroom or school-wide discussions regarding gender identity). Expands the types of curriculum where instruction on gender identity, sexual activity, or sexuality is not allowed under GS 115C-76.55 (age-appropriate instruction for grades kindergarten through fourth grade), to include any electronic, print, or non-print resources for independent use by students and school personnel and not used as part of the standard course of study for any grade or course. Prohibits teachers teaching students in kindergarten through fourth grade from using any third-party resources for instruction, including instructional materials, supplementary materials, or websites, except those provided by the public school unit.

Enacts Part 2 “Legal Remedies” to Article 7B of GS Chapter 115C. Creates civil remedies allowing a parent to bring a civil action against a public school unit for declaratory relief, injunctive relief, statutory damages of $5,000 per violation, reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs, and other appropriate relief as determined by the court for violations of the Article. Requires the parent to exhaust their administrative remedies prior to filing suit.

Enacts Part 10, “Investigative Authority and Public School Unit Accountability” to Article 7B of GS Chapter 115C, which authorizes both the Department of Public Instruction (DPI) and the State Auditor (Auditor) to conduct investigations into noncompliance with Article 7B in new GS 115C-76.150.  Authorizes these entities to perform four functions as part of any investigation, including conducting audits, interviewing personnel, and issuing formal findings of noncompliance. Instructs that a formal finding triggers the accountability measures set forth in GS 115C-76.155, which is that the entity responsible for allocating funds to the public school unit must withhold from the noncompliant public school unit funding, or assess administrative penalties equivalent to the amount to be withheld, until the Auditor determines that the public school unit is no longer noncompliant and provides notice to the entity. Sets forth methods for determining amounts withheld for local school administrative units, charter schools, regional schools, laboratory schools, and residential schools. Provides for a cure period, as described, before imposing accountability measures. Provides for notice. Enables a public unit to continue to submit evidence of cure to the Auditor to show sufficient changes to be compliant with Article 7B beyond the cure period. Requires the Auditor to continue to evaluate evidence of cure submitted by a public school unit until the Auditor makes a determination that the public school unit is compliant. Specifies that once the Auditor finds that a public school unit is compliant with Article 7B after the end of the cure period, then any funds withheld will be released to the public school unit and any administrative penalties assessed will be forgiven.

Makes conforming change to GS 115C-218.105(a2) (those instances where the State Board of Education has to withhold or reduce distribution of charter school funds) and GS 147-64.6 (responsibilities of the Auditor).

Creates an exception in GS 115C-321 (generally designating school personnel records as confidential) for the General Assembly to access school personnel records upon subpoena.

Appropriates $10,000 from the General Fund to DPI for 2026-27 to implement the act.

Effective July 1, 2026.

Intro. by B. Jones, Miller, Balkcom, N. Jackson.APPROP, GS 115C, GS 147
H 1044 (2025-2026) JUSTICE IN MENTAL HEALTH ACT. Filed Apr 23 2026, AN ACT TO BUILD ADDITIONAL CAPACITY IN STATE PSYCHIATRIC HOSPITALS, TO ESTABLISH REHABILITATIVE DISPOSITION AND COMMUNITY SAFETY PROGRAMS, TO INCREASE THE LIMIT ON SAFEKEEPER BEDS AND APPROPRIATE FUNDS TO USE FOR COSTS RELATED TO THE ADDITIONAL SAFEKEEPER BEDS, AND TO APPROPRIATE FUNDS FOR GUIDANCE FOR JUDGES ON IDENTIFYING BEHAVIORAL HEALTH RISKS AMONG COURT-INVOLVED INDIVIDUALS.

Contains whereas clauses.

Section 1.

Directs the Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC), in coordination with the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Use Services (Division), to develop and disseminate enhanced guidance materials, and develop optional continuing educational modules, for judges, magistrates, clerks, and other court personnel regarding the identification of behavioral health risk indicators among court-involved individuals by January 1, 2027. Specifies that the guidance materials must cover five matters: risk patterns associated with untreated serious mental illness, substance use disorders, or co-occurring conditions; indicators associated with impaired reality testing, loss of impulse control, or acute psychiatric decompression; appropriate referral pathways for rehabilitative disposition, crisis response, or involuntary commitment where authorized by law; best practices for balancing public safety, civil liberties, and clinical appropriateness; and evidence-informed indicators of escalating behavioral health crises. Clarifies that the guidance materials should not be construed to alter the evidentiary standards required for involuntary commitment, detention, or criminal adjudication.

Instructs AOC and the Division to jointly develop a statewide framework to strengthen rehabilitative disposition pathways between district courts, superior courts, and community-based behavioral health providers as described, by January 1, 2027.

Makes the following modifications to the term dangerous to self or others in GS 122C-3 (definitions under the Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Abuse Act of 1985). In the dangerous to others prong, authorizes a court to consider evidence of a pattern of behavior established by competent evidence demonstrating recurring loss of volitional control, as specified, when such behavior, viewed in context, reasonably indicates escalating instability that materially increases the risk of serious bodily harm to another. Clarifies that nothing in the prong lowers the burden of proof required under GS Chapter 122C, to authorize a finding of dangerousness based solely on verbal statements absent corroborating evidence, or to diminish any procedural protections otherwise required by law. Effective December 1, 2026, and applies to determinations of dangerousness made on or after that date.

Appropriates $5 million from the General Fund to AOC for 2026-27 and $1 million in recurring funds beginning in 2026-27 to implement the above including development and dissemination of guidance and training materials, IT upgrades, establishment of regional coordination between courts and behavioral health providers, and administrative costs.

Instructs AOC to submit an annual report in coordination with the Division to the specified NCGA committees and division on the status of the appropriations above, as described, starting on December 1, 2027, and annually thereafter. Further requires AOC and the Division to submit a report on the status of the framework discussed above, including the matters described, to the specified NCGA committees.

Except July 1, 2026, except as otherwise provided.

Section 2.

Starting in 2026-27, appropriates $224 million in recurring funds from the General Fund to the Division to create, expand, or otherwise support, in coordination with AOC, behavioral health treatment capacity and related court-support initiatives intended to (1) increase timely access to appropriate behavioral health evaluation, stabilization, and treatment services, (2) reduce delays in case processing associated with unmet behavioral health needs, and (3) improve public safety outcomes, including the four described.

Section 3.

Starting in 2026-27, appropriates $320.4 million in recurring funds from the General Fund to the Division to be used for hiring or contracting staff to facilitate the operation of State psychiatric hospitals.

Appropriates $118 million from the General Fund to the Office of State Budget and Management (OBSM) for 2026-27 to be allocated to the Division to build increased capacity in the State psychiatric hospitals. Prevents OBSM from transferring the funds to the Division until it certifies that bed capacity in the State psychiatric hospitals has been filled or is expected to be filled within 90 days. Directs that the funds appropriated do not revert, but remain available until expended.

Starting in 2026-27, appropriates $35.6 million in recurring funds from the General Fund to the Division to be used for hiring or contracting staff to facilitate the operation of increased capacity of State psychiatric hospitals built as a result of the funds, appropriated above. Directs that if at the end of each fiscal year, if OSBM has not transferred the funds as directed above, the funds revert.

Authorizes the funds appropriated to the Division to be used for initiatives that improve workforce stability and retention, including the matters described, so long as those funds are not used for bonuses except as part of a retention plan approved by DHHS.

Section 4.

Increases the limit on the number of county prisoners incarcerated in the State prison system under GS 162-39 under safekeeping orders or for medical or mental health treatment from 200 to 500. Appropriates $90 million from the General Fund to the Department of Adult Correction (DAC) for 2026-27 to be used or any nonrecurring costs incurred from implementing the increase of county prisoners incarcerated in the State prison. Starting in 2026-27, appropriates $16 million in recurring funds from the General Fund to DAC to be used for any operational costs or other recurring costs incurred from implementing the increase of county prisoners incarcerated in the State prison.

Section 5.

Requires the Division, in coordination with AOC, to provide an initial report to the specified NCGA committees and division on the status of the appropriations under Section 2 and 3 of the act, including the matters described by no later than July 1, 2027. Requires an updated report to be submitted by no later than December 1, 2027, and annually thereafter.

Intro. by Price, Belk, Prather, Morey.APPROP, GS 122C, GS 162
H 1045 (2025-2026) FAIR WAGES IN HEALTH CARE ACT/FUNDS. Filed Apr 23 2026, AN ACT TO ESTABLISH OCCUPATIONAL MINIMUM WAGES FOR CERTAIN DIRECT CARE AND HEALTH CARE SUPPORT WORKERS AND TO APPROPRIATE FUNDS TO THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES FOR IMPLEMENTATION.

Contains whereas clauses.

Names the act the “Fair Wages in Health Care Act.” Contains five NCGA findings concerning the importance of home care aides, direct support professionals, certified nursing assistants, psychiatric aides, and licensed practical nurses and the persistent workforce shortages and turnover in the industry. Specifies that the act’s purpose is to establish occupational minimum wages for specified direct care and health care support occupations to improve recruitment and retention, reduce turnover, and protect the health, safety, and welfare of State residents relying on these services.

Adds new GS 95-25.3B, requiring every employer to pay the following hourly minimum wages:

  • Home care aide: $18
  • Direct support professional (DSP): $18
  • Certified Nursing Assistant (CAN): $20
  • Psychiatric aide: $22
  • Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN): $24

Defines CNA, DSP (an employee whose primary job duties consist of providing direct, hands-on assistance, supervision, habilitation, or support services to an individual with an intellectual or developmental disability in a home- or community-based setting, including under a Medicaid waiver, regardless of job title), home care aide, LPN, and psychiatric aide or technician. Clarifies that GS 95-25.3B does not reduce any employee’s rights under federal law, GS 95-25.3, or other any employer policy or contract providing a higher wage. Directs that the applicable minimum wage is the highest rate required under GS 95-25.3B, GS 95-25.3, or federal law. Prohibits an employer from avoiding the requirements of GS 95-25.3B by assigning a different job title to an employee whose primary job duties meet the definitions described above. Specifies that if an employee performs the duties of a covered occupation for 25% or more of hours worked in a workweek, the minimum wage applicable to that occupation applies for that workweek, and if multiple covered occupations apply, the highest applicable minimum wage applies. Applies the provisions of Article 2A applicable to enforcement, remedies, and retaliation to new GS 95-25.3B.

Instructs the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to take all actions necessary to implement the minimum wage requirements established in this act for services financed in whole or in part with State or federal funds administered by DHHS, including Medicaid and State-funded or federally authorized waiver programs, including the three actions described. Directs each State agency that procures or funds services in which covered employees provide care or support funded in whole or in part by State funds to the extent authorized by law and subject to appropriations, adjust contract rates, reimbursement schedules, or other payment terms as necessary to avoid undermining compliance with the minimum wage requirements of this act.

Requires DHHS to submit an implementation plan as described to the specified NCGA committees and division by October 1, 2027.

Effective July 1, 2026, appropriates $500,000 from the General Fund to DHHS for 2026-27 to implement the act. Specifies that the funds are not subject to GS 143C-1-2(b) (concerning appropriations).

Except as otherwise provided, effective January 1, 2028, and applies to work performed on or after that date.

Intro. by G. Brown, Clark, Cervania, Prather.APPROP, GS 95
H 1046 (2025-2026) NC ECONOMIC PROGRESS AND WELL-BEING. Filed Apr 23 2026, AN ACT TO REQUIRE THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE TO PREPARE A BIENNIAL REPORT ON ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY, AFFORDABILITY, AND FAMILY ECONOMIC SECURITY IN NORTH CAROLINA.

Adds new GS 143B-434.02, requiring the Department of Commerce (DOC) to prepare and publish a biennial report on economic, affordability, and family economic security in North Carolina. Specifies that the report’s purpose is to supplement traditional measures of economic activity by providing the General Assembly and the public with information on statewide and county-level economic conditions affecting individuals, families, and communities. Provides for required sources of data and description of methodology. Sets forth seven required metrics that must be included in the reports, including the described hardship indicators, work and earnings, indicators, household affordability indicators, cost-burden indicators, education and workforce preparation indicators, community and regional opportunity indicators, and other county-level indicators of economic opportunity, business formation, or workforce access that DOC determines are appropriate and supported by reliable public data. Requires DOC to submit the report to the NCGA, the specified NCGA commissions and division by no later than January 31 of each odd-numbered year and to publish the report on its website.

Appropriates $200,000 from the General Fund to DOC in recurring funds beginning in 2026-27 to implement the act.

Effective July 1, 2026.

Intro. by Cohn, R. Pierce, Rubin.APPROP, GS 143B

The Daily Bulletin: 2026-04-23

PUBLIC/SENATE BILLS
S 830 (2025-2026) GOVERNMENT MODERNIZATION/FUNDS. Filed Apr 23 2026, AN ACT TO MODERNIZE NORTH CAROLINA GOVERNMENT INFRASTRUCTURE AND TO APPROPRIATE FUNDS FOR THAT PURPOSE.

Titles the act the Government Modernization Act of 2026. Sets out findings and sets the purpose of the act as modernizing NC’s government operations by implementing advanced technological solutions to enhance efficiency, security, and accessibility in public services.

Requires the Department of Information Technology (DIT) to consult with the Department of Administration in studying ways in which integrating blockchain technology may contribute to the specified outcomes. Requires DIT to report its findings to the specified NCGA committee no later than 12 months after the act becomes law.

Effective July 1, 2026, appropriates $50 million from the Information Technology Reserve Fund for 2026-27 to DIT to implement this act. Specifies that the funds do not revert and will remain available until expended.

Requires DIT to report annually to the NCGA on implementation status, challenges, and recommendations related to government modernization efforts. Requires the establishment of the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Digital Governance to oversee implementation and compliance with this act.

Effective July 1, 2026, and expires June 30, 2031.

Intro. by Theodros, Chaudhuri, Salvador.APPROP, UNCODIFIED
S 831 (2025-2026) 25-YEAR RETIREMENT FOR FIRST RESPONDERS. Filed Apr 23 2026, AN ACT ALLOWING FIRST RESPONDERS WHO ARE MEMBERS OF THE TEACHERS' AND STATE EMPLOYEES' RETIREMENT SYSTEM OR THE LOCAL GOVERNMENTAL EMPLOYEES' RETIREMENT SYSTEM TO RETIRE WITH UNREDUCED BENEFITS AFTER ACHIEVING TWENTY-FIVE YEARS OF CREDITABLE SERVICE AND MAKING CONFORMING CHANGES.

Allows any member of the Teachers and State Employees Retirement System (TSERS) and the Local Government Employees Retirement System (LGERS) who is a law enforcement officer, firefighter, or emergency medical services personnel (“first responder employee”) and has completed 25 years of creditable service to retire upon electronic submission or written application with the specified information to the relevant retirement board. Specifies that a first responder employee who has met the conditions but does not retire and then later works in other employment while completing 25 years of creditable service continues to have the right to commence retirement.

Sets forth two computations for retirement service allowances for first responder employees and eligible former first responder employees who retire from service on or after January 1, 2027, as follows:

  • If the member's service retirement date occurs on or after the member's 55th birthday and completion of five years of creditable service as a first responder employee, or after the completion of 25 years of creditable service, the allowance is equal to 1.82% (TSERS) or 1.85% (LGERS) of the member's average final compensation multiplied by the number of years of the member's creditable service.
  • If the member's service retirement date occurs on or after the member's 50th birthday and before the member's 55th birthday with 15 or more years of creditable service as a first responder employee and prior to the completion of 25 years of creditable service, the retirement allowance is equal to the greater of the two specified reductions.

Applies TSERS and LGERS’s retirement allowances for non-first responder members retiring on or after July 1, 2019, to first responder employees retiring on or after July 1, 2019, but before January 1, 2027. Applies the retirement allowance set forth above to law enforcement (TSERS) or law enforcement/firefighters/rescue squad workers (LGERS) killed in the line of duty who had obtained 15 years of service, and also extends those provisions to other first responder employees.  

Adds EMS personnel and firefighter to TSERS definitions (GS 135-1).  Modifies TSERS’s definition of law enforcement officer. Adds EMS personnel to LGERS’s definitions (GS 128-21).

Makes the following changes to the separation allowances for State and local government law enforcement officers. For officers retiring on or after January 1, 2027, authorizes the annual special separation allowance under GS 143-166.41(b1) (State)/ GS 143-166.42(b1) (local government) to be paid at .85% of the annual base rate of compensation most recently applicable to the officer for each year of that officer’s credible service, if the officer (1) has  completed 25 or more years of creditable service or (2) is 55 years of age or older and completed five or more years of creditable service. For State officers retiring on or after January 1, 2027, prior to attaining 62  years of age, the officer has completed 25 or more years of creditable service, at least 50% of which was as a law enforcement officer, or for service prior to July 1, 2017, as a probation/parole officer, then allows the annual special separation allowance under GS 143-166.41(b1) to be paid at .85% of the annual base rate of compensation attained 30 years of service multiplied by 30.  For local government officers retiring on or after January 1, 2027, prior to attaining 62 years of age, the officer has completed 25 or more years of creditable service, or is 55 years of age or older and completed five or more years  of creditable service, then allows the annual special separation allowance under GS 143-166.42 (b1) to be paid at .85% of the annual base rate of compensation attained 30 years of service multiplied by 30.  

Makes organizational, technical, and conforming changes throughout.

Effective January 1, 2027, and applies to eligible retirements occurring on or after that date.

Intro. by Grafstein.GS 128, GS 135, GS 143
S 835 (2025-2026) SURVEILLANCE PRICING BAN. Filed Apr 23 2026, AN ACT PROHIBITING THE USE OF SURVEILLANCE PRICING FOR ESSENTIAL GOODS AND SERVICES.

Enacts new GS 75-45 prohibiting businesses selling essential goods and services in the state from using surveillance pricing, defined as the practice of varying the prices of consumer goods or services within the same business day based on demand or other factors, including the use of algorithmic pricing. Defines essential goods and services as goods and services necessary to consumers' health and safety, such as food, water, paper towels, toilet paper, home cleaning products, toiletries, diapers, and feminine products. Lists five practices that are not considered to be a violation, including using promotional pricing offers, loyalty program benefits, or other temporary discounts or changes to pricing related to retention of existing customers; a difference in price based on objective costs attributable to providing consumer goods or services to different consumers, such as differences in price due to shipping costs or taxes based on the consumer's location; and discounts provided to larger defined groups of consumers, such as for military veterans, active duty personnel, senior citizens, children, teachers, or students. Violations are an unfair trade practice.

Appropriates $210,738 in recurring funds beginning in 2026-27 from the General Fund to the Department of Justice to be allocated to the Legal Services Division to create two Attorney I positions to prosecute cases under this act. Also appropriates $50,000 for 2026-27 from the General Fund to the Department of Justice for public education and implementation of this act.

Effective October 1, 2026.

Intro. by Grafstein.APPROP, GS 75

The Daily Bulletin: 2026-04-23

The Daily Bulletin: 2026-04-23

LOCAL/SENATE BILLS
S 832 (2025-2026) WASHINGTON DEANNEXATION. Filed Apr 23 2026, AN ACT TO DEANNEX DESCRIBED PROPERTY FROM THE CITY OF WASHINGTON.

Removes the described property from Washington's corporate limits. Specifies that the act does not have an effect on liens of the City for ad valorem taxes or special assessments outstanding before June 30, 2026. Effective June 30, 2026. Excludes the property in the described territory as of January 1, 2026, from municipal taxes for taxes imposed beginning on or after July 1, 2026.

Intro. by Brinson.UNCODIFIED, Beaufort
S 833 (2025-2026) RESTORE DOWN-ZONING CHAR/MECK &AMP OTHERS. Filed Apr 23 2026, AN ACT TO RESTORE THE AUTHORITY TO INITIATE DOWN-ZONING IN MECKLENBURG COUNTY, THE CITY OF CHARLOTTE, AND THE TOWNS OF CORNELIUS, DAVIDSON, AND HUNTERSVILLE.

Amends GS 160D-601(d), as amended by Section 3K.1 of SL 2024-57, as follows. Allows down-zoning amendments to be initiated by a local government without the written consent of all property owners whose property is the subject of the amendment. Removes prohibition on enacting such amendments without the written consent of the property owners whose property owners are subject to the amendment, but specifies that such amendments cannot be initiated or enforced without such written consent. Narrows the list of what is considered down-zoning under the statute by removing a zoning ordinance that affects an area of land by creating any type of nonconformity on land not in a residential zoning district, including a nonconforming use, nonconforming lot, nonconforming structure, nonconforming improvement, or nonconforming site element. Applicable only to Mecklenburg County, the City of Charlotte, and the Towns of Cornelius, Davidson, and Huntersville. Effective when the act becomes law and applies retroactively to December 11, 2024. Directs that any adopted ordinance affected by Section 3K.1 of SL 2024-57 will be in effect as it was on or before December 11, 2024.

Intro. by Mohammed.Mecklenburg, GS 160D
S 834 (2025-2026) TOWN OF BOLIVIA/EVEN-YR ELECTIONS. Filed Apr 23 2026, AN ACT TO CHANGE REGULAR MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS FOR THE TOWN OF BOLIVIA FROM ODD-NUMBERED YEARS TO EVEN-NUMBERED YEARS.

Amends Section 2 of the Town of Bolivia's Charter (as reactivated by SL 1961-366) so that municipal election now take place in even-numbered years. Removes provisions directing those elected officers to take office on the first Tuesday in May next succeeding their election. Removes outdated language. Updates statutory citation governing how the elections should be held and conducted to GS Chapter 163. Specifies that the terms of the mayor and members of the board of aldermen in Bolivia set to expire in 2027 are reduced by one year to expire in 2026. Directs that municipal elections in the Bolivia will be conducted in 2026 and biennially thereafter. Applies to elections held on or after the act becomes law. 

Intro. by Rabon.UNCODIFIED, Brunswick
ACTIONS ON BILLS

Actions on Bills: 2026-04-23

PUBLIC BILLS

H 1033: DENTAL BOARD REFORM.

    House: Passed 1st Reading
    House: Ref To Com On Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House

H 1036: FUNDS FOR CASWELL COUNTY VOL. FIRE DEPARTMENT.

    House: Passed 1st Reading
    House: Ref to the Com on Appropriations, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House

H 1039: CONST AMEND: NO BUDGET NO PAY.

    House: Passed 1st Reading
    House: Ref To Com On Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House

H 1042: AFFORDABLE HOUSING EXEMPTION MODS.

    House: Filed

H 1043: CHCCS ACT.

    House: Filed

H 1044: JUSTICE IN MENTAL HEALTH ACT.

    House: Filed

H 1045: FAIR WAGES IN HEALTH CARE ACT/FUNDS.

    House: Filed

H 1046: NC ECONOMIC PROGRESS AND WELL-BEING.

    House: Filed

S 780: MODERNIZE MEDICAID PRIMARY CARE RATES.

    Senate: Withdrawn From Com
    Senate: Re-ref Com On Appropriations/Base Budget

S 782: SAFE SCHOOLS TRANSPARENCY ACT.

    Senate: Withdrawn From Com
    Senate: Re-ref Com On Appropriations/Base Budget

S 783: SCHOOL MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT ACT.

    Senate: Withdrawn From Com
    Senate: Re-ref Com On Appropriations/Base Budget

S 784: ENSURE SAME-SEX DOMESTIC VIOLENCE PROT. ORDER.

    Senate: Withdrawn From Com
    Senate: Re-ref Com On Appropriations/Base Budget

S 785: OPT-IN TO STUDENT HEALTH.

    Senate: Withdrawn From Com
    Senate: Re-ref Com On Appropriations/Base Budget

S 786: PROTECT NC PROSPERITY & HEALTH.

    Senate: Withdrawn From Com
    Senate: Re-ref Com On Appropriations/Base Budget

S 787: AI ETHICS AND LITERACY ACROSS EDUCATION.

    Senate: Withdrawn From Com
    Senate: Re-ref Com On Appropriations/Base Budget

S 788: GUARDING FREEDOMS &AMP PUBLIC SAFETY ACT.

    Senate: Withdrawn From Com
    Senate: Re-ref Com On Appropriations/Base Budget

S 789: HOMES FOR HEROES.

    Senate: Withdrawn From Com
    Senate: Re-ref Com On Appropriations/Base Budget

S 791: ENHANCED PENALTY/DOM. VIOLENCE STRANGULATION.

    Senate: Withdrawn From Com
    Senate: Re-ref Com On Appropriations/Base Budget

S 792: KAYLA'S ACT: PROTECTING DOM. VIOLENCE VICTIMS.

    Senate: Withdrawn From Com
    Senate: Re-ref Com On Appropriations/Base Budget

S 793: RIGHT TO IVF.

    Senate: Withdrawn From Com
    Senate: Re-ref Com On Appropriations/Base Budget

S 796: COMPACT TO AWARD PRIZES FOR CURING DISEASE.

    Senate: Withdrawn From Com
    Senate: Re-ref Com On Appropriations/Base Budget

S 799: RESTORE STATE EMP/TEACHER RETIREE MED BENEFIT.

    Senate: Withdrawn From Com
    Senate: Re-ref Com On Appropriations/Base Budget

S 800: ZERO-BASED BUDGETING.

    Senate: Withdrawn From Com
    Senate: Re-ref Com On Appropriations/Base Budget

S 802: AGENCY VACANT PROPERTY.

    Senate: Withdrawn From Com
    Senate: Re-ref Com On Appropriations/Base Budget

S 805: INCREASE ORAL HEALTH CARE ACCESS IN NC.

    Senate: Withdrawn From Com
    Senate: Re-ref Com On Appropriations/Base Budget

S 808: BOARD OF COSMETIC ART EXAMINERS AMENDMENTS.

    Senate: Withdrawn From Com
    Senate: Re-ref to Regulatory Reform. If fav, re-ref to Finance. If fav, re-ref to Rules and Operations of the Senate

S 812: TAX FRAUD ANALYTICS FUNDING.

    Senate: Withdrawn From Com
    Senate: Re-ref to Appropriations/Base Budget. If fav, re-ref to Rules and Operations of the Senate

S 814: NATHANIEL DENNY; NC DEPT I.T.

    Senate: Withdrawn From Com
    Senate: Re-ref to State and Local Government. If fav, re-ref to Select Committee on Nominations

S 816: CHILD. OF WARTIME VETS SCH'SHIP FUNDS &AMP FLEX.

    Senate: Withdrawn From Com
    Senate: Re-ref Com On Appropriations/Base Budget

S 819: AUTHORIZE FIRST BROAD RIVER STATE TRAIL.

    Senate: Passed 1st Reading
    Senate: Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate
    Senate: Withdrawn From Com
    Senate: Re-ref Com On Appropriations/Base Budget

S 820: SAFE SCHOOLS AND EDUCATIONAL ACCESS ACT.

    Senate: Passed 1st Reading
    Senate: Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate
    Senate: Withdrawn From Com
    Senate: Re-ref Com On Appropriations/Base Budget

S 822: EVERY SCHOOL HAS RESOURCES ACT.

    Senate: Passed 1st Reading
    Senate: Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate
    Senate: Withdrawn From Com
    Senate: Re-ref Com On Appropriations/Base Budget

S 823: SAFE STEPS FOR GREENVILLE ACT.

    Senate: Passed 1st Reading
    Senate: Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate
    Senate: Withdrawn From Com
    Senate: Re-ref Com On Appropriations/Base Budget

S 824: EDGECOMBE AND PITT COUNTY SCHOOL NURSES.

    Senate: Passed 1st Reading
    Senate: Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate
    Senate: Withdrawn From Com
    Senate: Re-ref Com On Appropriations/Base Budget

S 825: SCHOOL-BASED COMPLAINT/SROS.

    Senate: Passed 1st Reading
    Senate: Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate
    Senate: Withdrawn From Com
    Senate: Re-ref Com On Appropriations/Base Budget

S 826: POSTING OF STATE COSTS.

    Senate: Passed 1st Reading
    Senate: Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate
    Senate: Withdrawn From Com
    Senate: Re-ref Com On Appropriations/Base Budget

S 827: HATE CRIMES PREVENTION ACT.

    Senate: Passed 1st Reading
    Senate: Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate
    Senate: Withdrawn From Com
    Senate: Re-ref Com On Appropriations/Base Budget

S 829: DRIVERS LICENSE RECIPROCITY/TAIWAN.

    Senate: Passed 1st Reading
    Senate: Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate

S 830: GOVERNMENT MODERNIZATION/FUNDS.

    Senate: Filed

S 831: 25-YEAR RETIREMENT FOR FIRST RESPONDERS.

    Senate: Filed

S 835: SURVEILLANCE PRICING BAN.

    Senate: Filed

Actions on Bills: 2026-04-23

LOCAL BILLS

H 1034: TOWN OF STANLEY CHARTER AMEND./MANAGER.

    House: Passed 1st Reading
    House: Ref to the Com on State and Local Government, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House

H 1035: EVEN-YR ELECTIONS/PINK HILL. (NEW)

    House: Passed 1st Reading
    House: Ref to the Com on Election Law, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House

H 1037: EVEN-YR ELECTIONS/4-YR MAYOR TERM/BELVILLE.

    House: Passed 1st Reading
    House: Ref to the Com on Election Law, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House

H 1038: AT-LARGE ELECTIONS/JACKSONVILLE CITY COUNCIL.

    House: Passed 1st Reading
    House: Ref to the Com on Election Law, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House

H 1040: PITT-GREENVILLE AIRPORT AUTHORITY CHANGES.

    House: Passed 1st Reading
    House: Ref to the Com on Finance, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House

H 1041: DEANNEX CERTAIN PROP. FROM CITY OF MOREHEAD.

    House: Passed 1st Reading
    House: Ref to the Com on State and Local Government, if favorable, Finance, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House

S 809: REMOVE SATELLITE ANNEXATION CAP/SPRUCE PINE.

    Senate: Withdrawn From Com
    Senate: Re-ref to State and Local Government. If fav, re-ref to Finance. If fav, re-ref to Rules and Operations of the Senate

S 810: EVEN-YEAR MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS/CATAWBA CO.

    Senate: Withdrawn From Com
    Senate: Re-ref to Elections. If fav, re-ref to Rules and Operations of the Senate

S 811: VARIOUS LOCAL PROVISIONS VIII. (NEW)

    Senate: Withdrawn From Com
    Senate: Re-ref to State and Local Government. If fav, re-ref to Finance. If fav, re-ref to Rules and Operations of the Senate
    Senate: Withdrawn From Com
    Senate: Re-ref to State and Local Government. If fav, re-ref to Finance. If fav, re-ref to Rules and Operations of the Senate

S 817: ANNEX VARIOUS MILITARY PROPERTY/JACKSONVILLE.

    Senate: Withdrawn From Com
    Senate: Re-ref to State and Local Government. If fav, re-ref to Finance. If fav, re-ref to Rules and Operations of the Senate

S 818: EVEN-YR ELECTIONS/VOTING/PINK HILL.

    Senate: Passed 1st Reading
    Senate: Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate
    Senate: Withdrawn From Com
    Senate: Re-ref to Elections. If fav, re-ref to Rules and Operations of the Senate

S 821: DEANNEX PROPERTY FROM TOWN OF WAYNESVILLE.

    Senate: Passed 1st Reading
    Senate: Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate
    Senate: Withdrawn From Com
    Senate: Re-ref to State and Local Government. If fav, re-ref to Finance. If fav, re-ref to Rules and Operations of the Senate

S 828: RESTORE DOWN-ZONING AUTH/VARIOUS COUNTIES.

    Senate: Passed 1st Reading
    Senate: Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate

S 832: WASHINGTON DEANNEXATION.

    Senate: Filed

S 833: RESTORE DOWN-ZONING CHAR/MECK &AMP OTHERS.

    Senate: Filed

S 834: TOWN OF BOLIVIA/EVEN-YR ELECTIONS.

    Senate: Filed

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