Part I.

Enacts new Article 4A in GS Chapter 131E as follows. Recodifies GS 131A-32 as new GS 131E-74. Renames the Rural Health Care Stabilization Fund as the Rural Healthcare Infrastructure Fund (Fund) and moves the Fund to the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS; was in the Office of State Management and Budget). States legislative intent. Provides the purpose of the Fund is to provide loans and grants at below market interest rates with structured repayment terms to support rural healthcare infrastructure. Places Fund administration with the NC State Health Coordinating Council (Council). States priority for use of funds for the purpose of meeting debt service obligations supported by the General Fund. Authorizes the Council to use the Fund for four other purposes including new capital projects, repair and renovation for licensed facilities or other healthcare infrastructure projects in rural areas, and up to $100,000 each fiscal year for administration. Requires reversion of unexpended funds to the Fund upon completion of a project. Directs the Council to annually report to the specified NCGA committee and division by March 1 on the use of funds. Specified required content.

Conditions initiation of awards from the Fund on the NCGA's approval of the Council's development of the plan for a Rural Healthcare Infrastructure Program pursuant to the act. Effective on the date the act becomes law.

Part II.

Directs the Council to develop a plan in consultation with the Office of Rural Health at DHHS for the Council to establish and administer a Rural Healthcare Infrastructure Program (program). States the program's purpose is to award grants and loans with below market interest rates from the Fund to support the construction, renovation, or modernization of rural healthcare infrastructure. Lists nine required areas the plan must address including an application process, a description of eligible entities and projects, and a process for overseeing awards and compliance, as well as any other information the Council deems relevant to program implementation and Fund administration. Requires the Council to submit the plan to the specified NCGA committee and division by January 15, 2027. Bars implementation of the plan without NCGA action. Effective on the date the act becomes law.

Part III.

Amends GS 131E-191.1, which currently bars lobbyists from serving on the Council. Adds the following new provisions. Grants the Council the power to work with DHHS to prepare a State Medical Facilities Plan and to administer the Fund. Establishes the Council as 25 members including 13 gubernatorial appointments and 12 legislative appointments, as specified, for a term of three years. Provides for the Council's chair, vacancies, member removal, meetings, member expenses, and administrative assistance. 

Bars the Governor from continuing to appoint 12 members to the Council on the existing schedule for terms expiring on December 31, 2026, December 31, 2027, and December 31, 2028. Instead requires legislative appointments whereby the NCGA will appoint the following members to a term of three years: six members to succeed the specified members whose terms expire December 31, 2026; two members to succeed specified members whose terms expire December 31, 2027; and four members whose terms expire December 31, 2028. 

Part IV.

Repeals the remainder of Article 2, GS Chapter 131A (Rural Health Care Stabilization Program).

Part V.

Transfers the unrestricted cash balance of the Rural Health Care Stabilization Fund to the Fund created by GS 131E-74, as amended, and appropriates the funds for the fiscal year in which they are transferred. Directs principal and interest payments due to the Rural Health Care Stabilization Fund on or after July 1, 2026, be paid to the Fund.

Appropriates $1 million from the Fund to the Office of Rural Health to fund a contract with Rural Healthcare Initiative, Inc. to create effective models of sustainable healthcare in rural communities, to develop cost estimates for achieving the facilities described in the models, and to support the work of the Council and Office of Rural Health to plan and administer the program.

Part VI.

Effective July 1, 2026.

Section 1

Subject to voter approval at the statewide general election on November 3, 2026, amends Section 2 of Article V of the NC Constitution to allow the NCGA to use area median income as criterion for affording property tax relief on a statewide basis by a general law uniformly applicable across local governments. Includes ballot language and provides for enrollment by the Secretary of State if the majority of voters approve the amendment. Deems the amendment effective upon certification.

Section 2

Amends GS 105-277.1B to change the income eligibility limit for the property tax homestead circuit breaker, previously tied to the limit established for the elderly or disabled property tax homestead exclusion under GS 105-277.1. Establishes the limit at 100% of the area median income of the county of the permanent residence for non-married qualifying owners, and 115% of the area median income of the county of the permanent residence for married qualifying owners. Makes conforming changes. Replaces the tax limitation based on the previous income eligibility limit to instead allow a qualifying owner to defer a proportional amount of the imposed tax in an amount equal to the proportional amount of the homestead's appraised value that does not exceed the county median appraised value of the owner-occupied residential property. Adds a new provision deeming liens established from deferred taxes satisfied upon the qualifying owner's death or a devise of the property to a member of the owner's family, as defined. Further adds that transfer of the residence from the owner to a member of the owner's family who satisfies the income eligibility requirement is not a disqualifying event. Repeals language making the owner's death a disqualifying event unless the owner's share passes to a co-owner or to a spouse who occupies the property as their permanent residence. Effective for taxable years beginning on or after July 1, 2027, subject to the approval of the constitutional amendment proposed in Section 1.

Section 3

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.

Section 4

Appropriates $20 million from the General Fund to the NC Association of County Commissioners for 2026-27 to provide grants to local governments, as defined, to shorten reappraisal cycles. Limits use of grants to technical assistance and one-time capital investments in described technological infrastructure. Requires prioritization of grants to local governments operating on a reappraisal cycle of more than four years. Effective July 1, 2026.

Identical to S 902, filed 4/29/26.

Requires the Office of the State Auditor (Auditor) to conduct a performance audit of the Ferry Division (Division) of the Department of Transportation (DOT) to cover five matters, including: (1) a financial audit of the Division’s operations and maintenance spending and budget practices, (2) an evaluation of the Division’s operations, capital project, and maintenance activities, and suggestions for long-term strategies to maximize revenue and reduce costs, (3) evaluations of described route systems and options for revenue diversification; and (4) any other items the auditor deems relevant. Directs the Auditor to provide a report on the audit to the specified NCGA committee and division by October 1, 2026.

Includes whereas clauses.

Appropriates $5 million from the General Fund to the Department of Commerce (Department) for 2026-27 to be allocated to the One North Carolina Aviation Capital Project Account, created by the act.

Enacts GS 143B-437.71(d), creating the One North Carolina Aviation Capital Project Account (Account) in the One North Carolina Fund (Fund). Enacts Part 2K, Article 10, GS Chapter 143B to establish the One North Carolina Aviation Capital Project Program (program). Places administrative responsibility with the Department in consultation with the Department of Transportation (DOT), Division of Aviation. Authorizes the Department to provide grants to airports to offset costs incurred for airport projects, as defined by statutory cross-reference, from the Account. Permits airports to receive program grants and allows for airport authorities to receive disbursement for the limited purpose of airport projects. Requires airports to enter into agreements with (1) the State, in the same manner as local government grant agreements under the Fund; and (2) an eligible aerospace business, defined as a business that designs, manufactures, repairs or operates aircraft, in the same manner as company performance agreements under the Fund. Requires company performance compliance prior to disbursement. Directs the Department to develop guidelines related to program administration as specified, including basing grants on projected economic impact. Details procedural requirements for Department guidelines and amendments.

Appropriates $25 million from the General Fund to the Community Colleges System Office (Office) for 2026-27 to be allocated to community colleges to create or expand training for careers in the aerospace workforce, with up to 5% permitted to be used by the Office for described administrative costs.

Establishes the Aerospace Apprenticeship Program (AAP) to provide grants to aerospace employers to incentivize partnerships with local community colleges for apprenticeship opportunities. Requires the Office to make an application available by August 1, 2026, to be completed by prospective employer participants for submission by September 1, 2026. Details prioritization of applicants and minimum qualifications for applications for participation, including that employers provide at least 50% match to the grant award to support the apprenticeship. Appropriates $15 million from the General Fund to the Office for 2026-27 to provide AAP grants, with up to 5% permitted to be used by the Office for described administrative costs.

Appropriates $10 million from the General Fund to the Office for 2026-27. Directs the Office to use up to $5 million to develop a dual enrollment pilot program for high school students to begin aerospace certification coursework and up to $5 million to provide grants to community colleges that partner with high schools to offer career and technical education pathways aligned with aerospace training to cover the cost of establishing the programs. Allows up to 5% of the allocation for each purpose to be used by the Office for described administrative costs.

Appropriates $100 million from the Economic Development Project Reserve to DOT for 2026-27, Aviation Division to support airport infrastructure modernization to incentivize aerospace manufacturing projects, with up to 5% permitted to be used for described administrative costs.

Directs the Department to develop a program to certify sites in the State as aerospace innovation zones, as defined, with infrastructure and embedded university partnerships as certification criteria. 

Appropriates $30 million from the General Fund to the UNC Board of Governors (BOG) for 2026-27 to provide grants to postsecondary UNC constituent institutions to research aerospace flight, with up to 5% permitted to be used for described administrative costs . Requires prioritizing institutions that conduct research with industry partners or secure  matching research funds from non-State sources.

Appropriates $100,000 from the General Fund for 2026-27 to a nonprofit corporation contracted by the Department to establish a program for helping North Carolina-based aerospace companies with export assistance and FAA certification.

Effective July 1, 2026.

Directs Department of Transportation’s Division of Integrated Mobility (DIM) to create titular grant program. Defines “rural county” (250 or fewer people per square mile), “rural microtransit” (public car or shuttle service in a rural county), and “service operation” (loading/unloading passengers in a rural county). Makes counties, regional councils, and municipalities/regional transit authorities with agreements with rural counties or regional councils eligible for grants.

Provides that grants can be used for (1) rural microtransit systems for commuters during peak hours and must include minimum 20% employer contribution; or (2) general use microtransit during off-peak hours, including on-demand shuttle use for the elderly, families with children, and disabled individuals, prioritizing medical appointments and grocery shopping. Requires grants to include a minimum 50% local match and directs DIM to establish rules for allocating grant funds.

Appropriates $30 million in nonrecurring funds for 2026-27 from the Highway Fund to DIM for the purposes of this act.

Effective July 1, 2026.

Contains whereas clauses.

Part I.

Establishes the Community College Workforce Program (Program) to provide funds to community colleges in the State to establish credentialing programs for high-demand construction trades (defined). Directs the Community Colleges System Office (Office) to provide funds to community colleges seeking to establish credentialing programs for high-demand construction trades. Provides for written requests and notice of funds. Instructs each community college receiving funds to submit an annual report by June 30 each year on how funds are distributed, as specified. Requires the Office to submit a report to the specified NCGA committee on the results of the Program by October 1, 2027, and each year thereafter that funds are allocated for the Program. Appropriates $200 million from the General Fund to the Office for 2026-27 to be used for the Program, with up to 10% authorized to be used to administer and promote the Program. Specifies that Funds appropriated do not revert but remain available until expended.

Part II.

Appropriates $100 million from the General Fund to the Department of Commerce (DOC) for 2026-27 to be used for the Construction Materials Producer Incentive Grant Program (Grant Program), which provides grants to producers of construction materials to incentivize investment in  production capacity for construction materials. Caps grant awards to $5 million per producer of construction materials. Limits awards to construction materials producers that agree to invest a minimum of $10 million in the State and create an average of 250 FTE jobs during the gran period (defined). Tasks DOC with administering the Grant Program and adopting rules to implement the Grant Program. Beginning September 15, 2026, and continuing annually until all funds have been awarded, requires DOC to submit a report to the specified NCGA committee and division. Effective July 1, 2026.

Part III.

Directs the Building Code Council and the Residential Code Council to each amend the parts of the State Building Code and Residential Code that apply to commercial and multifamily, and residential construction to explicitly allow the use of portland-limestone cement and nationally recognized cement substitutes (as defined) in construction regulated by those parts of each code.

Part IV.

Appropriates $20 million from the General Fund to the Department of Information Technology for 2026-27 to be provided in the form of grants to local governments in this State for the purpose of establishing e-permitting systems. Effective July 1, 2026.

Part V.

Effective when it becomes law, except as otherwise provided.  

Adds fuel gas detector (a device that (1) has an assembly that incorporates a sensor and an alarm that detects elevations in propane, natural gas, or a liquified petroleum gas, (2) sounds a warning alarm, (3) is battery-operated, plugged into an electrical outlet, or hardwired, and (4) is approved by a nationally recognized independent testing laboratory) to the definitions provisions of GS 42-40 (pertaining to residential rental agreements). Makes organizational and technical changes.

Expands the landlord’s duties to provide fit premises under GS 42-42 so that the landlord must install a minimum of one operable fuel gas detector in every room of the premises containing an appliance fueled by propane, natural gas, or a liquified petroleum gas, as specified.  Adds fuel gas detectors to the tenant’s duty of things not to destroy and to notify the landlord of any need for replacement in GS 42-43.  Provide for a civil penalty of not more than $500 if the landlord fails to provide, install, replace, or repair a fuel gas in GS 42-44. Authorizes the State Fire Marshal to impose the civil penalty or to waive the penalty if it was corrected within 10 days after the issuance of a complaint of violation. Directs for penalty proceeds to be remitted to the Civil Penalty and Forfeiture Fund. Allows a tenant’s security deposit to be applied for damage to a fuel gas detector in GS 42-51.

Requires the State Building Code (Code) to include provisions requiring a building owner to install and maintain at least one fuel gas detector, in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and as otherwise required by the Code, in each room or area containing an appliance fueled by propane, natural gas, or liquified petroleum gas in the four specified structures in GS 143-138(b25). Authorizes a local government to enforce GS 143-138(b25), inspect buildings and structures subject to GS 143-138(b25), and assess a civil penalty of not more $500 per violation. Provides for waiver of the civil penalty, as described. Makes conforming changes.

Tasks the UNC Board of Governors (GS 116-11) and the State Board of Community Colleges (GS 115D-6.3) with adopting a fuel gas safety policy to be uniformly adopted across each system, addressing the three issues described by July 1, 2027. Requires each UNC constituent institution and community college subject to the policy to implement the policy by no later than July 1, 2030.

Clarifies that notwithstanding GS 143-138(b25) as enacted by the act, a public higher education facility is not required to comply with the public higher education provisions of that subsection until the date by which the applicable institution must  implement the policy adopted pursuant to GS 116-11(3d) or GS 115D-6.3. After that date, compliance with the applicable policy satisfies GS 143-138(b25) to the extent provided in that subsection.

Appropriates $300,000 from the General Fund to the Office of the State Fire Marshal for 2026-27 to implement the act.

Appropriates $260,538 in recurring funds beginning in 2026-27 from the General Fund to the Iredell Partnership for Young Children Inc. as title indicates.

Effective July 1, 2026. 

Identical to S 815, filed 4/21/26.

Subject to approval by a majority of voters at the general election on November 3, 2026, amends Section 30 of Article I of the North Carolina Constitution which previously stated that nothing in the Section justifies the practice of carrying concealed weapons and that the General Assembly was not prevented from enaction penal statutes against that practice, to instead provide as follows. Now allows a US citizen to carry a weapon, openly or concealed, for self-defense, with or without a permit, except on property posted against it, if they (1) have not been indicted or convicted of a violent crime or felony possession or distribution of a controlled substance, and (2) have not been adjudicated mentally incompetent. Requires maintaining a system of concealed carry permits for the purposes of reciprocity with other states and ease of purchase, but prohibits requiring a person from obtaining a concealed carry permit. If approved, the amendment is effective upon certification.

Includes whereas clauses. Directs the Department of Public Instruction (DPI) to establish the Student Attendance Early Intervention Pilot Program (program) in select public schools to reduce chronic absenteeism beginning with the 2026-27 fiscal year and ending with the 2027-28 fiscal year. Allows all public school units to apply and requires DPI to select one unit and the schools within to participate in the program. Lists four criteria for selection, including a 15,000 student limit, diversity of student demographics, prioritization of schools with above average chronic absenteeism, and consideration of the unit's and school's resources. Directs DPI to select a vendor to work with the schools in the program by September 15, 2026, offering a research-proven attendance intervention solution, as described. Requires program implementation by January 1, 2027, including designation of a local program coordinator and staff training. Describes six requirements for implementation of the attendance system, including attendance monitoring and early warning indicators, automated two-way communication with families, data dashboards for educators and administrators, and safeguards for data privacy.

Appropriates $75,000 from the General Fund to DPI for 2026-27 to implement the program. Authorizes DPI to contract with a selected vendor to provide services to selected public school units or allocate funds to selected public school units to contract with the selected vendor. Specifies that funds remain available until June 30, 2028. Allows DPI and selected units to supplement State funds for the program with eligible federal or philanthropic funding. Lists four permitted purposes for use of appropriated funds, including technology acquisition and licensing, and training and professional development.

Directs that program implementation should align with the technical architecture of the selected intervention solution. Specifies that reporting is to be conducted at the unit and school level and DPI should aggregate results across participating schools.

Directs DPI to report to the specified NCGA committee by February 1, 2028. Specifies required content. 

Effective July 1, 2026.

Adds new Article 4, NC Workforce Stability & Economic Protection Act, to GS Chapter 64.

Sets out legislative findings. Directs the Office of State Budget and Management (OSBM), in consultation with the Department of Commerce and the Department of Revenue, to conduct an annual study to quantify the economic impact of federal immigration enforcement operations statewide. Sets out specific topics to be included in the study and directs OSBM to report findings to the Joint Legislative Economic Development and Global Engagement Oversight Committee by March 1 of each year.  

Requires employers who are notified of a federal immigration agency’s audit of employee I-9 forms to notify each current employee within 72 hours. Describes required form and content for the written notice. Prohibits retaliation against employees for exercising rights under this statute or requesting information about an inspection. Imposes penalty of at least $500 for a first violation of this section and up to $1,000 per subsequent violation.

Directs Attorney General (AG) to monitor federal immigration enforcement operations for legal and constitutional compliance and to establish a public portal for individuals to report economic disruptions or civil rights grievances resulting from federal operations. Directs AG to issue annual “Workforce and Community Safety Report” summarizing these findings to Governor and NCGA.

Contains severability clause.

Appropriates $100,000 in nonrecurring funds for 2026-27 from the General Fund to OSBM to assist with the study required by this act.

H 1200 

Part I. 

Contains the General Statutes Commission’s finding that adoption of certain proposals, including simplification of execution requirements for healthcare powers of attorney, advance health care directives (“living wills”) and advance instructions for mental health treatment, would improve the laws of the State, as described.  

Part I-A. 

Makes conforming change to refer to act’s new title of GS Chapter 90, Article 23 (Advance Directive for a Natural Death (‘Living Will’) in GS 32A-15 (general purpose of article pertaining to health care powers of attorney).  Makes technical changes.  

Enacts GS 32A-15.1 (combining health care planning documents), authorizing a health care power of attorney to be combined with any other advance health care planning document, such as a living will or an advance instruction for mental health treatment.  Requires such documents to be clearly titled, as described.  

Makes organizational changes to GS 32A-16 (definitions pertaining to Health Care Powers of Attorney). Adds term present condition. Modifies qualified witness. Updates statutory cross references, and makes other technical changes.   

Removes limit that a health care power of attorney not give the health care agent general authority of a principal’s property or financial affairs in GS 32A-19 (authority of a Health Care Power of Attorney). Makes conforming, technical, and clarifying changes.  

Requires that a witness signing a principal’s Health Care Power of Attorney not be related to the principal by adoption, in addition to blood or marriage in GS 32A-25.1 (statutory form Health Care Power of Attorney). Expands the types of health care providers barred from signing as witness to include mental health treatment providers. Makes clarifying and technical changes.  

Repeals GS 32A-26 (health care power of attorney and declaration of desire for natural death).  

Part I-B.  

Retitles Article 23 of GS Chapter 90 to Advance Directive for a Natural Death (‘Living Will”) (currently, titled as “Right to Natural Death; Brain Death”). Removes provisions declaring the provisions of Article 23 cumulative and makes technical changes to GS 90-320 (general purpose of Article 23). 

Enacts GS 90-320.1 (combining health care planning documents)  authorizing an advance directive to be combined with any other advance health care planning document, such as a health care power of attorney or an advance instruction for mental health treatment.  Requires such documents to be clearly titled, as described. 

Makes technical changes and adds present condition to the definitions provisions of GS 90-321 (right to a natural death). Requires that the witnesses for the attending physician’s declaration certify that they are not related to the declarant by blood, marriage, or adoption (was, not related within the third degree to the declarant or the declarant’s spouse). Removes provisions allowing the advance directive form in GS 90-321 to be combined or incorporated into a health care power of attorney so long as it signed in line with the provisions of GS 90-321. Makes technical, clarifying, and organizational changes.  

Clarifies that the persons listed who must concur with a physician that life-prolonging measures may be withheld or discontinued under the circumstances described in GS 90-322 (procedures for natural death in absence of declaration) are listed in order of priority. Expands the list to add ta person with an established relationship to the patient who has been living with the patient for at least one year as priority 5a, a majority of the patient’s reasonably available grandparents or grandchildren as 6a, an individual not listed who has assisted the patient with supported decision making routinely during the preceding six months as priority 6b, and a majority of the patient’s reasonably available stepchildren who are least eighteen years of age, whom the patient has actively parented during their minor years, and with whom the patient has an ongoing relationship as 6c. Authorizes a physician to accept a concurrence of a person with lower priority only if a person having higher priority is not reasonably available. Allows the physician to request and rely upon statements from a person affirming their status. Makes technical and clarifying changes.  

Part I-C.  

Makes technical changes to GS 122C-71 (purpose pertaining to Part 2 of Article of GS Chapter 122C, concerning advance instruction for mental health treatment).  

Enacts GS 122C-71.1 (combining advance planning documents), authorizing an advance instruction for mental health treatment to be combined with any other advance health care planning document, such as a health care power of attorney or an advance directive.  Requires such documents to be clearly titled, as described.  

Modifies advance instruction for mental health treatment or advance instruction so that the advance instruction can either be signed before two qualified witnesses or acknowledged before a notary (currently must have both).  Modifies qualified witness, and incapable in GS 122C-72 (definitions). Makes technical, conforming, and clarifying changes.  

Makes clarifying, technical, and conforming changes to GS 122C-73 (scope, use, and authority of advance instruction for mental health treatment).  

Clarifies, in GS 122C-77 (statutory form for advance instruction for mental health treatment), that use of the statutory form is an optional and nonexclusive method for creating an advance instruction for mental health treatment and does not affect the use or validity of other forms of advance instruction for mental health treatment, including previous statutory forms. (Currently, specifies that this Part should not be construed to invalidate an advance instruction for mental health treatment that was executed and otherwise valid.) Replaces references to “psychoactive” medications with “psychotropic” medications. Sets forth instructions on how to sign the document and advises the principal to consider providing a copy of the executed document to the listed health care providers and filing a copy with the State registry.  Updates the title of the witness section to “Affirmation of Witnesses” (currently “Nature of Witnesses”). Requires that the witnesses certify that they are not related to the declarant by blood, marriage, or adoption (was, not related within the third degree to the declarant or the declarant’s spouse) or a person appointed as an attorney-in-fact by the document. (Removes current “affirmation of witnesses” section).  Clarifies that the timeframe to determine when a person is “incapable” is at the time the mental health treatment decision is being made (current timeframe is “currently”). Makes conforming, technical, and organizational changes.  

Part I-D. 

Makes the following changes to GS 90-21.13 (informed consent to health care treatment or procedure). Incorporates the changes to the priority provisions of GS 90-322 into those persons who are authorized to consent to a person’s medical treatment when the person is incapacitated. Makes technical, clarifying, organizational, conforming, changes.  

Repeals GS 130A-466(b) which required any document and any revocation of a document submitted for filing in the registry to be notarized regardless of whether notarization is required for its validity.   

Part II. 

Amends health care power of attorney in GS 32A-16, as amended under Part I-A of the act so that it can either be signed before two qualified witnesses or acknowledged before a notary public. Makes conforming changes to GS 32A-25.1 as amended by Part I-A. Removes link to the Advance Health Care Directive Registry in the health care power of attorney form.  Makes conforming and technical changes to GS 90-321 as amended by Part I-B. Removes link to the Advance Health Care Directive Registry in the living will form.   

Part III.  

Specifies that if House Bill 349 of the 2025 Regular NCGA Session becomes law, then Part II of the act is repealed.  

Applies to documents executed on or after January 1, 2027. Clarifies that the act does not affect the validity of a health care power of attorney, an advance directive, or an advance instruction for mental health treatment executed prior to January 1, 2027.  

Appropriates $35 million in recurring funds from the General Fund to the Housing Finance Agency beginning in 2026-27 as title indicates.

Effective July 1, 2026.

Adds new Article 2F, Sexually Oriented Businesses, to GS Chapter 105. States legislative findings. Defines terms, including “sexually oriented business” (SO business) as defined in GS 160D-902(f).

Imposes $10.00 fee for each entry by each customer on every SO business with an alcohol permit. Provides that SO businesses are not required to impose such fees on customers. Requires SO businesses to remit fees to the Department of Revenue (DOR) on a quarterly basis and to keep daily records of the number of SO business customers.

Provides that the fees collected under this statute will be put into the Sexual Assault and Rape Crisis Center Fund to be used by the North Carolina Council for Women (NCCOW) in accordance with applicable laws and guidelines.  

Directs NCCOW, in consultation with DOR, to submit an annual report of the amount of fees to the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on General Government and the Fiscal Research Division by September 1 of each year.

Effective October 1, 2026.

Adds new Article 17F, School Psychologist Interstate Licensure Compact (Compact), to GS Chapter 115, providing as follows. States that the purpose of the Compact is to facilitate the interstate practice of School Psychology in educational or school settings, and in so doing to improve the availability of School Psychological Services to the public and sets out seven items that the Compact does, including: (1) promote the mobility of School Psychologists between and among the Member States in order to address workforce shortages and to ensure that safe and reliable School Psychological Services are available in each Member State, (2) enhance the public accessibility of School Psychological Services by increasing the availability of qualified, licensed School Psychologists through the establishment of an efficient and streamlined pathway for Licensees to practice in other Member States, and (3) promote cooperation between the Member States in regulating the practice of School Psychology within those states. Defines terms as they are used in the Compact.

Requires states to do the following in order to be eligible to join the Compact, and to maintain eligibility as a Member State: (1) enact a Compact statute that is not materially different from the Model Compact as defined in the Commission's Rules; (2) participate in the sharing of information with other Member States as reasonably necessary to accomplish the objectives of this Compact, and as further statutorily defined; (3) identify and maintain with the Commission a list of Equivalent Licenses available to Licensees who hold a Home State License under this Compact; (4) have a mechanism in place for receiving and investigating complaints about Licensees; (5) notify the Commission, in compliance with the terms of the Compact and the Commission's Rules, of any Adverse Action taken against a Licensee, or of the availability of investigative information which relates to a Licensee or applicant for licensure; (6) require that applicants for a Home State License have met specified exam and educational requirements; and (7) comply with the terms of this Compact and the Rules of the Commission. Requires Member States to grant an Equivalent License to practice School Psychology in that state upon application by a Licensee who satisfies the specified criteria and require renewing the license of a Licensee who satisfies the specified. Allows Member States to set and collect a fee for granting an Equivalent License. Requires licensee, in order to obtain and maintain an Equivalent License from a Remote State under this Compact, to: (1) hold and maintain an active Home State License; (2) satisfy any applicable State Specific Requirements established by the Member State after an Equivalent License is granted; (3) complete any administrative or application requirements which the Commission may establish by Rule and pay any associated fees; (4) complete any requirements for renewal in the Home State, including applicable Continuing Professional Education requirements; and (5) undergo criminal background check in the Member State in which the Equivalent License is sought.

Deems Licensees who are an Active Military Member or is their spouse to hold a Home State License in any of the following locations: (1) the Licensee's permanent residence, (2) a Member State that is the Licensee's primary state of practice, and (3) a Member State where the Licensee has relocated pursuant to a Permanent Change of Station (PCS).

Sets out provisions governing investigation and discipline of Licensees.

Creates a a joint government agency made up of all Member States that have enacted the Compact, known as the School Psychologist Interstate Licensure Compact Commission (Commission). Sets out provisions governing Commission membership, voting, and meetings. Lists the Commission's 23 powers, including to establish and amend rules and bylaws, maintain and certify records and information provided to a Member State as the authenticated business records of the Commission and designate an agent to do so on the Commission's behalf, purchase and maintain insurance and bonds, conduct an annual financial review, assess and collect fees, establish a budget and make expenditures, and borrow money. Gives the seven-member Executive Committee the power to act on behalf of the Commission and sets out nine duties; sets out meeting requirements. Requires the Executive Commission to give the Member States an annual report. Sets out conditions under which the Commission or the Executive Committee or other committees of the Commission may convene in a closed, nonpublic meeting, as well as the requirements that must be met during such meetings. Sets out requirements for how the Commission is to be financed, including allowing the Commission to levy on and collect an annual assessment from each Member State and impose fees on Licensees practicing in the Member States under an Equivalent License to cover the cost of the operations and activities of the Commission and its staff. Sets out provisions governing qualified immunity, defense, and indemnification.

Requires the Commission to facilitate the exchange of information to administer and implement the provisions of this Compact. Requires a Member State to agree to provide for the facilitation of the specified Licensee information.

Sets out provisions governing the Commission's rule-making powers.

Sets out provisions governing oversight, dispute resolution, and enforcement of the Compact by the Member States, including provisions for curing defaults and for termination of membership.

States that the Compact comes into effect on the date on which the Compact statute is enacted into law in the seventh Member State. Sets out additional provisions governing the enactment of the Compact as well as the effect of withdrawing from the Compact. Sets out provisions for the construction of the Compact's provisions and a severability clause.

Amends GS 115C-12 by making the State Board of Education the State Licensing Authority or Licensing Authority for purposes of Article 17F and fulfilling any requirements, duties, or obligations of the State Licensing Authority or Licensing Authority pursuant to that Article.

Appropriates $1 million for 2026-27 from the General Fund to the UNC Board of Governors to be allocated to East Carolina University to host a virtual school psychology training program. Funds will not revert and will remain available until June 30, 2029.

Effective July 1, 2026. 

Amends GS 103-6 as title indicates.

Appropriates $10,000 for 2026-27 from the General Fund to the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to produce educational and training materials for Arbor Day celebrations during Arbor Week.

Part I.

Creates the Joint Legislative Study Committee on Infrastructure at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (Committee), consisting of nine Senators and nine Representatives, with appointments made by September 1, 2026. Requires the Committee to consult with the BOG and the president or equivalent at each of the Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in the state, in studying 9 specified topics related to building on HBCU campuses, including threats posed to HBCUs by the proximity to certain facilities to toxic sites, student enrollment in relation to classroom capacity, and facilities in significant disrepair and any deferred maintenance on those facilities. Sets out requirements for meetings and staffing. Requires Committee meetings to begin by August 15, 2026. Requires a final report to the specified NCGA committee by January 1, 2027, and terminates the Committee upon the earlier of the filing of the final report or January 1, 2027.

Part II.

Enacts new GS 116-44.9 requiring the UNC Board of Governors (BOG) to establish, to the extent funds are provided, a Completion Assistance Program (Program) at each eligible constituent institution, defined as: Elizabeth City State University, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, The University of North Carolina at Asheville, The University of North Carolina at Greensboro, The University of North Carolina at Pembroke, and Winston-Salem State University. Gives students enrolled in the Program up to $1,000 per academic year to pay for the cost of continuing attendance and earning necessary credit hours. Sets out student eligibility requirements, including needing financial assistance to remain enrolled at the eligible institution and earn credits necessary to graduate on time, being an in-state resident, and making satisfactory academic progress. Requires the UNC BOG to report annually on each Program to the specified NCGA committee, with the report including specified information. Requires that funds be distributed to each eligible constituent institution proportional to the number of undergrads enrolled at the institution who are state residents and recipients of a federal Pell Grant.

Appropriates $5 million in recurring funds beginning in 2026-27 from the General Fund to the BOG for the Programs, as established in this act.

Part III.

Appropriates specified amounts from the General Fund to BOG for 2026-27 to be used for the specified infrastructure improvements at the following universities: Winston-Salem State University and Elizabeth City State University.

Part IV.

Adds new Part 3A, North Carolina Nursing Fellows Program, under Article 23 of GS Chapter 116, as follows. Establishes the 14-member North Carolina Nursing Fellows Commission (Fellows Commission) to determine program and forgivable loan recipient selection criteria and selection procedures and requires it to select the recipients under the new North Carolina Nursing Fellows Program (Fellows Program). Sets out membership requirements and appointment authority, with terms set for two years.

Establishes the Fellows Program with the purpose of recruiting, preparing, and supporting students enrolled in an eligible nursing program for preparation as highly effective registered nurses in the State by proving forgivable loans to those interested in preparing to become a registered nurse in this State. Defines an eligible nursing program as any educational program in North Carolina leading to a bachelor of science in nursing that is offered by Winston-Salem State University and meant to prepare a person to meet the educational requirements for licensure under GS Chapter 90, Article 9A. Also establishes the North Carolina Nursing Fellows Program Trust Fund (Fund) to provide the financial assistance. Allows money in the Trust Fund to be used only for forgivable loans under the Fellows Program, administrative costs of the Fellows Program, mentoring and coaching support for loan recipients, and extracurricular enhancement activities. Specifies provisions related to these uses of the funds. Sets out provisions governing the appointment of a Fellows Program Director and appointment of staff. Requires the Fellows Commission to adopt standards for awarding the loan, including specified measures. Sets the amount of the forgivable loans as $5,000 per semester with the number of semesters dependent upon whether the recipient is a high school senior, a student applying to transfer to Winston-Salem State University, an individual with a bachelor's degree seeking preparation to become a nurse, or student matriculating at Winston-Salem State University who is changing to a program of study leading to a bachelor of science in nursing. Sets out provisions governing the administration of the loans and establishes reporting requirements, with annual reports due to the specified NCGA committee.

Sets out the terms of the forgivable loans with the loan amount received over one year of enrollment and any interest that has accrued forgiven for every year a nurse remains a qualifying nurse (defined as a nurse who received a forgivable loan, graduated within 10 years from an eligible nursing program, and is licensed and employed as a registered nurse in this State).

Makes conforming changes to GS 116-204.

Requires initial appointments to be made to the Fellows Commission by August 15, 2026, to expire on June 30, 2028.

Requires recipients to be selected and initial awards to be made by April 1, 2027.

Appropriates $2.5 million in recurring funds beginning in 2026-27 from the General Fund to the BOG to be allocated to the State Education Assistance Authority to develop and administer the Fellows Program.

Effective July 1, 2026, and applies beginning with applications for enrollment in the Fellows Program in the 2027-28 academic year.

Part V.

Amends GS 116-290 by expanding upon the institutions participating in the Cheatham-White Scholarships to also include Winston-Salem State University. Allows up to 40 scholarships for resident students and 10 for nonresident students to be awarded each year to students at Winston-Salem State University. Makes conforming changes to GS 116-292 and GS 116-294.

Appropriates $3.15 million in recurring funds beginning in 2026-27 from the Education Lottery Fund to the BOG to make these changes.

Part VI.

Appropriates the specified amounts from the General Fund to BOG for 2026-27 to be allocated to Elizabeth City State University to expand the aviation science program, renovate Roebuck Stadium, and build a residence hall.

Part VII.

Appropriates specified amounts from the General Fund to the Office of State Budget and Management (OSBM) for 2026-27 to be allocated to Johnson C. Smith University for capital improvements; academic program support, including health professional preparedness programs; and specified transformative initiatives.

Part VIII.

Appropriates specified amounts from the General Fund to the OSBM for 2026-27 to be allocated to Shaw University for capital improvements and support of the teacher preparation program.

Part IX.

Appropriates specified amounts from the General Fund to the OSBM for 2026-27 to be allocated to Barba-Scotia College for capital improvements and for workforce development initiatives.

Part X.

Appropriates $5 million in recurring funds beginning in 2026-27 from the General Fund to BOG to be allocated to the State Education Assistance Authority to increase need-based scholarships for students attending private institutions of higher learning in accordance with Article 34 of GS Chapter 116 (Need‑Based Scholarships for Students Attending Private Institutions of Higher Education).

Part XI.

Appropriates specified amounts from the General Fund to the OSBM for 2026-27 to be allocated to Bennet College for facility maintenance needs and to support the education degree program.

Part XII.

Appropriates specified amounts from the General Fund to the OSBM for 2026-27 to be allocated to Livingstone College to support the College and for the Livingstone College Center for Aging Out to support students aging out of foster care.

Part XIII.

Appropriates specified amounts from the General Fund to the OSBM for 2026-27 to be allocated to Saint Augustine’s University for a completion assistance grant program to address gaps in degree completion rates, and construction of a new academic building. States the NCGA’s intent to annually appropriate a portion of funds in the Education Lottery Fund to support scholarships for needy students at Saint Augustine’s University.

Part XIV.

Effective July 1, 2026, except as otherwise provided by the act.

Appropriates $4 million from the General Fund to the Lake Norman Community Development Corporation to be used as title indicates. Provides that the corporation may use up to 15 percent of these funds for administrative costs.

Effective July 1, 2026.