Senate amendment to the 4th edition makes the following changes.
Section 10.1.
Specifies that if a person wishes to obtain credit for complying with an ignition interlock requirement as a result of an out-of-state conviction, they are responsible for providing sufficient documentation from the other jurisdiction’s licensing authority demonstrating such compliance to the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in GS 20-17.8.
Section 11.1.
Modifies the additional rights for victims of sexual assault under new GS 114-66 so that they have the right to information of the testing status and location of the sexual assault evidence collection kit (was, right to that information upon request from the appropriate person or entity) and clarifies that the notice of destruction must come from the appropriate law enforcement agency (was, person or entity).
Section 11.2.
Amends GS 14-159.4 (injuring property to obtain nonferrous metals) so that the punishment when critical infrastructure is affected is a Class C felony (was, Class G felony).
Amends new GS 14-159.5 (unauthorized possession of certain nonferrous metals used in the provision of critical infrastructure) to clarify that the punishment in the statute only applies if the conduct is not covered under some other provision of law providing greater punishment. Removes a metal recycling entity as described as a person authorized to possess critical infrastructure nonferrous metals. Instead, includes a secondary metals recycler (defined) and acting within the course and scope of the entity’s business.
Section 12.
Makes the section’s changes to the Sentencing Commission effective when the act becomes law (was, December 1, 2026).
Section 15.
Removes act of selling a fictitious license plate as a new Class 3 misdemeanor under GS 20-111.
Section 16.
Requires an unconditional pardon of innocence (currently unconditional pardon) to bar the Commission from acting to deny, suspend, or revoke a person’s law enforcement certification based solely on the commission of that crime or for an alleged lack of good moral character due to the commission of that crime in GS 17C-13.
Amends GS 17E-12 to allow the Commission to gain access to all of a person’s conviction records (was, just felony conviction records).
The Daily Bulletin: 2026-06-02
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The Daily Bulletin: 2026-06-02
Senate committee substitute to the 2nd edition removes the content of the previous edition and replaces it with the following. Makes conforming changes to the act’s titles.
Part I.
Amends GS 58-33-132, related to licensing of insurance producers, limited representatives, adjusters, and motor vehicle damage appraisers, by removing reference to prelicensing education. Also specifies that no person may provide, present, or instruct any continuing education course (was, course) without being qualified by and possessing a license from the Commissioner of Insurance or administrator. Makes additional conforming and clarifying changes.
Part II.
Amends GS 58-3-137 by adding that the Office of Commissioner of Banks may investigate the affairs of any person licensed as a mortgage business or a mortgage loan originator under GS 50-244.040 to whom the statute applies to determine if they have violated the statute; if a violation is committed knowingly, subjects the person to the procedures and penalties in GS 53-244.116. Amends GS 53-244.111 to make it illegal for any person in the course of any residential mortgage loan transaction to fail to comply with GS 58-3-117(a), which prohibits requiring an insurance company or their designated agent to provide the replacement cost estimator or other underwriting or related proprietary business information of an insurer underwriting an insurance policy covering real property, as a condition precedent or condition subsequent to the lending of money or extension of credit to be secured by real property. Effective October 1, 2026.
Part III.
Amends Section 8(d) of SL 2025-45 by extending the effective date of changes that concern inexperienced driver insurance coverage, from July 1, 2026, to January 1, 2027.
Part IV.
Amends GS 20-309.2 to amend when an insurer must notify the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to when a person with a North Carolina driver’s license (was, any person) who is subject to an inexperienced operator premium surcharge is added to or removed from the policy’s coverage, or if a policy to which that person was added has been canceled. Makes conforming changes to the DMV’s record keeping requirements on insurance coverage status. Effective January 1, 2027.
Part V.
Amends GS 58-3-149 by adding the requirement that, with respect to any requirement to maintain insurance coverage: (1) the State, or any department, agency, or political subdivision, (2) any unit of local government, or 3) any occupational licensing board or State agency licensing board must accept a certificate of insurance issued under the statute as sufficient evidence of the required coverage.
Enacts new GS 93B-17 requiring an occupational license board or a State agency licensing board to accept a certificate of insurance from an individual or firm applying for or maintaining a license it issued.
Effective October 1, 2026,
Part VI.
Amends Article 10B, Peer-to-Peer Vehicle Sharing of GS Chapter 20 as follows.
Amends GS 20-280.15, which includes the Article’s definitions, as follows. Amends the definition of peer-to-peer vehicle sharing by requiring the authorized use of the shared vehicle be for financial consideration. Amends the definition of shared vehicle owners to now be the registered owner of a shared vehicle, or a person or entity designated by the registered owner, who has not made an election under GS 105-187.5 (Alternate tax for a limited possession commitment). Removes the term vehicle sharing provider. Adds and defines the terms shared vehicle delivery period; shared vehicle driver; vehicle sharing agreement; vehicle sharing period; vehicle sharing start time; and vehicle sharing termination time.
Enacts new GS 20-208.19 requiring a peer-to-peer vehicle sharing program to assume the liability of a shared vehicle owner during the vehicle sharing period for (1) bodily injury or property damage to third parties; (2) uninsured and underinsured motorist losses; and (3) personal injury protection losses. Sets out parameters on the amount of the liability. The assumption of liability does not apply when (1) a shared vehicle owner makes an intentional or fraudulent material misrepresentation or omission to the program before the vehicle sharing period; or (2) a shared vehicle driver, acting in concerning with the vehicle owner, fails to return the shared vehicle under the terms of the vehicle sharing agreement.
Enacts new GS 20-280.21 requiring a peer-to-peer vehicle sharing program to ensure that during each sharing period, the owner and vehicle driver are each insured in the specified amounts. Sets out additional requirements for the insurance policy and requires that the policy be maintained by the shared vehicle owner, shared vehicle driver, or the peer-to-peer vehicle sharing program. Sets out provisions governing when the entity maintaining the motor vehicle liability insurance policy must assume primary liability for a claim, and governing when the insurance policy has lapsed or does not provide the required coverage. Prohibits coverage under a motor vehicle liability insurance policy maintained by a peer-to-peer vehicle sharing program from being dependent on another insurer first denying a claim and prohibits another policy from being required to first deny a claim.
Enacts new GS 20-280.25 requiring, when a vehicle owner registers on a peer-to-peer vehicle sharing program and before making a shared vehicle available for sharing, that the program notify the shared vehicle owner that if there is a lien on the vehicle, the use of the shared vehicle in the program may violate the terms of the contract with the lienholder.
Enacts new GS 20-280.27 to allow a motor vehicle insurer writing motor vehicle liability insurance policies in the state to exclude coverage and the duty to defend or indemnify for any claim arising out of peer-to-peer vehicle sharing that is covered under a shared vehicle owner’s motor vehicle policy for: (1) liability coverage for bodily injury and property damage; (2) personal injury protection coverage; (3) uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage; (4 ) medical payments coverage; (5) comprehensive physical damage coverage; or (6) collision physical damage coverage.
Enacts new GS 20-280.29 setting out record keeping requirements for peer-to-peer vehicle sharing programs.
Enacts new GS 20-280.31 exempting a peer-to-peer vehicle sharing program and a shared vehicle owner from vicarious liability.
Enacts new GS 20-280.33 by setting out conditions under which a motor vehicle insurer that defends or indemnifies a claim involving a shared vehicle that is excluded under the policy to have the right to seek contribution against the insurer of the peer-to-peer vehicle sharing program.
Enacts new GS 20-380.35 requiring a peer-to-peer vehicle sharing program to have an insurance interest in a shared vehicle during the vehicle sharing period. Allows a program to own and maintain as the named insured one or more polices of motor vehicle liability insurance that provides coverage for (1) liabilities assumed by the program under a vehicle sharing agreement; (2) any liability of the shared vehicle owner; (3) damage or loss to the shared vehicle; or (4) any liability of the shared vehicle driver.
Enacts new GS 20-280.37 requiring vehicle sharing agreements to disclose to the vehicle owner and the driver at least the seven specified items, including: (1) any right of the program to seek indemnification from the vehicle owner or driver for economic loss sustained by the program resulting from a breach of term and conditions of the vehicle sharing agreement; (2) that a motor vehicle liability insurance policy issued to the vehicle owner for the shared vehicle or to the driver does not provide a defense or indemnification from any claim asserted by the program; and (3) the shared vehicle owner’s insurance may not provide coverage for a shared vehicle.
Enacts new GS 20-280.39 prohibiting a peer-to-peer vehicle sharing program from entering into a vehicle sharing program agreement with a shared vehicle driver unless the driver: (1) has a valid drivers license that authorizes the driver to operate a motor vehicle of the class of the shared vehicle, (2) is a nonresident of this State who meets all of the following requirements: a. has a valid drivers license issued by the state or country of the driver's residence that authorizes the driver in that state or country to drive a motor vehicle of the class of the shared vehicle, and b. is at least the same age as that required of a resident of this State to operate a motor vehicle of the class of the shared vehicle, or (3) is otherwise specifically authorized to operate a motor vehicle of the class of the shared vehicle. Sets out required record keeping.
Enacts new GS 20-280.41 making a peer-to-peer vehicle sharing program solely responsible for any equipment put in or on the vehicle to monitor or facilitate the sharing transaction.
Enacts new GS 20-280.43 making the sharing program responsible, before making shared vehicles available on the program, to verify that the vehicle does not have any safety recalls on the vehicle for which repairs have not been made, and to notify the owner of the requirements of this statute. Sets out actions the vehicle owner must take upon receiving actual notice of a safety recall on the shared vehicle, including removing the vehicle from the program until the repair has been made.
Applies to all peer-to-peer vehicle sharing agreements entered into on or after October 1, 2026.
Part VII.
Enacts Article 15C, the NC Motor Vehicle Glass Act, to GS Chapter 20. Defines eleven terms. Prevents, in GS 20-355.2, an insured under a property and casualty insurance policy from, either prior to or after a claimed or covered loss for damaged motor vehicle glass, assigning or otherwise transferring any part of their duties, rights, or benefits under the policy. Requires a motor vehicle glass shop under GS 20-355.3 to provide an insured with the described notices pertaining to repairs for damaged glass and repairs requiring calibration or recalibration of the vehicles advanced driver assistance is performed, if the vehicle has an advanced driver assistance system. Prevents, in GS 20-355.4, motor vehicle glass shops from contracting for glass repairs paid for under a first-party insurance policy until the described conditions are met, including a claim is made under the person’s insurance policy. Requires a motor vehicle glass repair shop to comply with the five listed requirements, including good faith estimates, charging reasonable and customary fees, and providing legible invoices and notices. Provides for a customer receipt and notice.
Prevents a motor vehicle glass repair shop, or any other person who is compensated for the solicitation of insurance claims, from offering a rebate, gift, gift card, cash, coupon, fee, prize, bonus, payment, incentive, inducement, or any other thing of value to any insured, insurance producer, or other person in exchange for directing or making a claim under a motor vehicle insurance policy for repair or replacement of damaged motor vehicle glass in GS 20-355.5. Enumerates seven other prohibited acts. Clarifies in GS 20-355.6 that an insured cannot be required to use a particular motor vehicle glass repair shop to receive payments under a motor vehicle insurance policy. Specifies that the statute should not be constructed to: (1) prevent the listed parties from recommending a shop or providing an explanation to an insured of the coverage available, and any applicable liability limit, under any insurance policy; (2) prohibit an insurer from maintaining a network of motor vehicle repair shops; and (3) create a private cause of action.
Authorizes the Insurance Commissioner (Commissioner) to assess a civil penalty for a violation of the Article ranging from $750 for the first violation to $2,500 for a third violation. Directs all penalties be remitted to the Civil Penalty and Forfeiture Fund. Tasks the Department of Insurance with adopting rules to implement the Article, including compliance. Applies to insurance policies issued or renewed on or after October 1, 2027.
Part VIII.
Changes the definition of audited financial statement in GS 58-89A-5 so that it is audited financial GAAP financial statement. Removes tangible net worth. Makes conforming changes to GS 58-89A-60 and GS 58-89A-70 to reflect new term. Changes the financial requirements for an audited GAAP financial statement so that it has to demonstrate that the applicant or licensee’s current assets exceed current liabilities (currently, need tangible net worth of not less than $50,000 and positive working capital). Requires the audited GAAP financial statement to be audited by an independent CPA (was, just prepared by independent CPA). Makes technical, organizational, and conforming changes to reflect new financial requirements. Removes the Commissioner’s authority to deny an application on the grounds that the applicant has not provided evidence satisfactory to the Commissioner of financial responsibility.
Part IX.
Exempts convenience fees of 99 cents or less when paid in cash from the requirements of GS 58-33-85(b) (prohibiting certain processing fees).
Part X.
Specifies that no electronic system can act in the capacity of a bondsman or runner in GS 58-71-40(a1), but clarifies that it does not apply to electronic monitoring devices. Provides for personal appearance by the described bondsmen, sureties, or runners, to personally sign the bond in front of the court official.
Amends GS 58-71-71 as follows. Moves the annual continuing education in subjects pertaining to the responsibilities of a runner or bail bondsman deadline from June 30 to May 15. Prevents the Department of Insurance, the Bail Bond Regulatory Division, and any employee, contractor, or agent thereof from acting to provide, sponsor, administer, directly conduct, or otherwise serve as an approved provider of prelicensing education or continuing education courses required for professional bondsmen, surety bondsmen, accommodation bondsmen, or runners. Instead, requires continuing education to be provided by independent third-party providers. Authorizes the Department of Insurance to issue bulletins, advisory notices, legal updates, disciplinary guidance, administrative memoranda, or regulatory materials relating to the bail bond profession or to participate as a guest speaker or informational presenter during educational programs conducted by an approved independent provider. Amends GS 58-71-72 to direct the Commissioner to ensure that all required prelicensing education and continuing education programs are conducted solely through independent third-party providers.
Effective June 30, 2026.
Part XI.
Removes provisions of GS 58-45-41 (coverage limits for beach area property) that allows the contents of habitational property to be insured for up to 40% of the building value, as described. Instead, specifies that matter is covered by GS 58-45-45(a). Applies to contracts issued, amended, and renewed on or after January 1, 2027.
Senate amendment to the 3rd edition makes the following changes.
Section 9.
Expands the items to be delivered by the clerk of the superior court to an appointed attorney when appellate counsel has been appointed under GS 7A-452 to include any digital storage media containing exhibits.
Deletes Section 11 (technical corrections to statutory citations in GS 30-15 and GS 30-17).
Renames the heading to Section 25 from “Clarify fees can be awarded to the prevailing party” to “Clarify distinction between costs and expenses awarded.” Specifies that expenses (was, costs) awarded by the court are subject to the limitations on assessable or recoverable expenses (was, costs) set forth by the specified statute in GS 6-20. Removes requirement that the described costs are only recoverable by the prevailing party who paid them in GS 7A-305 so that costs are just assessed and recoverable. Makes conforming change by removing the act’s changes to GS 7A-305(d). Allows recovery of the $20 filing fee under GS 7A-305(f). Modifies the effective date to explain that Section 25 applies to judgments entered and docketed before the effective date for which costs have been docketed.
| Intro. by Stevens. | GS 1, GS 7A, GS 7B, GS 8B, GS 9, GS 14, GS 20, GS 28, GS 30, GS 31, GS 36C, GS 42, GS 42A, GS 48, GS 50, GS 143B, GS 163 |
House committee substitute to the 1st edition replaces the prior edition in its entirety with the following. Make conforming changes to act’s long and short titles.
Section 1.
Enacts Article 26, “The Virtual Kisok Consumer Protection Act,” to GS Chapter 53. Defines seventeen terms, including virtual currency kiosk (any fully automated electronic machine owned, operated, or used by a virtual currency kiosk operator that enables the owner or operator to facilitate the transfer of fiat currency to a public key that is recorded on the block chain, as directed by the customer), and virtual currency kiosk operator (any of the described companies operating a virtual currency kiosk in the State).
Designates information or reports obtained by the Commissioner of Banks (Commissioner) from a virtual currency kiosk operator confidential under new GS 53-443, including those contained in or related to an examination, investigation, operating report, or condition report prepared by, on behalf of, or for the use of the Commissioner, except for the described identifying information of a virtual currency kiosk operator and copies of any final orders of the Commission relation to any violation of new Article 26 or its implementing rules.
Specifies that federal law prevails if there is a conflict between any federal statute and new Article 26, federal law prevails.
Requires virtual currency kiosk operators to provide the Commission all records he may reasonably require to ensure compliance with new Article 26 in new GS 53-445. Prior to entering into any initial transaction with a customer, requires, in new GS 53-446 for each virtual currency kiosk operator to provide in clear, conspicuous, and legible writing in the English language, whether in accessible terms of service or elsewhere:
- all material risks associated with its products, services, and activities and virtual currency generally, including disclosures substantially similar to the five listed;
- All relevant terms and conditions associated with its products, services, and activities and virtual currency generally, including disclosures substantially similar to the nine listed.
Requires that the virtual currency kiosk operator provide a warning disclosure substantially similar to the one described before entering into a virtual currency transaction with a customer. Requires that all fees and expenses associated with the transaction, the exchange rate, the spread (amount, in United States dollars, of any difference between the United States dollar price of the virtual currency that is charged to the customer and the United States dollar price of the virtual currency as listed by a licensed virtual currency exchange), and any customer liability be disclosed in a clear and conspicuous manner before the completion of each virtual currency transaction.
Requires, in GS 53-447, that the owner or operator of a virtual currency kiosk provide the customer a receipt containing the 15 described pieces of information, including contact information for the Commissioner, fees, refund policies, and contact and identifying information for the virtual currency kiosk operator. Requires all virtual currency kiosk operators to use blockchain analytics software to assist in fraud prevention, as specified, in new GS 53-448. Requires all virtual currency kiosk operators to provide live customer service at a minimum Monday through Friday between 8:00 AM EST and 10:00 AM EST and to publicize the customer serve toll free number, in new GS 53-449. Requires virtual currency kiosk operators to establish and maintain a written anti-fraud policy in GS 53-450 to include identification of fraud related risk areas, procedures and controls to prevent against risks, allocation of responsibilities for risk monitoring, and procedures for periodic evaluation and revision of the ant-fraud procedures, controls, and monitoring mechanisms. Requires virtual currency kiosk operators to establish, enforce, and maintain written compliance policies and procedures approved by their board of directors or equivalent governing body in new GS 53-451. Requires virtual currency kiosk operators to designate and employ a compliance officer that meets the four requirements described and a consumer protection officer that meets the three requirements described. Provides for reporting requirements of each virtual currency kiosk operator’s virtual currency kiosk within 45 days of the end of the calendar quarter. Deems, in GS 53-455 any virtual currency kiosk operator who owns, operates, solicits, markets, advertises, or facilitates virtual currency kiosks in the State to be engaged in money transmission and must have the required licensure under Article 16B of GS Chapter 53.
Establishes the following daily transaction limits in GS 53-456:
- $1,000 for new virtual currency customers.
- $2,500 for existing virtual currency customers.
Allows a customer to cancel any transaction for a full and immediate refund if its done before the transaction is completed. Caps fees at 3% of the USD equivalent of the virtual currency involved in the transaction or transactions. Sets out conditions under which an operator must refund the amount deposited into a kiosk.
Specifies that violation of Article 26 is an unfair trade practice in GS 53-547.
Makes it a Class 1 misdemeanor for a person to facilitate or induce a fraudulent virtual currency kiosk transaction in GS 53-458. Clarifies that new Article 26 does limit a local government’s authority to impose greater requirements or restrictions on virtual currency kiosks in GS 53-459
Section 2.
Contains a severability clause.
Section 3.
Instructs the Commissioner of Banks to adopt rules to implement the act by no later than December 1, 2026, effective when the act becomes law.
Section 4.
Effective December 1, 2026, except as otherwise provided and applies to offenses committed on or after that date.
| Intro. by N. Jackson, Ross, Biggs. | GS 53 |
House committee substitute to the 1st edition makes the following changes.
Adds whereas clauses.
Amends what must be include in the report on the study on relevant statues, judicial and clinical practices, and available technological resources to identify areas of systemic improvement in the State’s involuntary commitment (IVC) process as follows: (1) no longer includes establishing a foundation for more effective legal and clinical outcomes for the specified items; (2) adds any necessary statutory changes to increase data sharing between the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and the eCourts system on IVC exams and court proceedings; and (3) adds the feasibility and potential benefits of giving law enforcement access to IVC court records to better inform law enforcement procedures and operations.
Adds the following new content.
Section 2
Requires DHHS and the North Carolina Sheriff’s Association to develop a plan for using telehealth to complete the first examinations of individuals in county jails. Requires that the plan include at least the five listed components, including: (1) a recommended model for jail-based telehealth services; (2) funding amount necessary to support providing telehealth services in all county jails; and (3) a timeline for the statewide implementation of the telehealth service plan. Requires a report on the plan to the specified NCGA committee and division by October 1, 2026.
Section 3
Requires the Local Management Entities/Managed Care Organizations (LME/MCOs) and DHHS to develop a plan for using mobile crisis units to enhance efficiency of the IVC process. Requires that the plan include the four listed components, including: (1) developing a statewide coverage model using in-person clinicians or on-call licensed clinicians in mobile crisis units to complete the first exam for IVC; and (2) an analysis of funding needed to implement the plan. Requires a report on the plant to the specified NCGA committee and division by October 1, 2026.
Section 4
Requires DHHS to evaluate the standard training program for IVC examiners for necessary improvements and to incorporate additional training into the standardized training program for providers conducing first exams of individuals in county jails. Requires a report to the specified NCGA committee and division by December 1, 2026.
Section 5
Requires DHHS to develop a plan to address: (1) the ongoing shortage of staffed and available behavioral health beds in State-Operated Facilities for individuals in crisis, (2) the staffing deficiencies that limit the use of existing behavioral health bed capacity, (3) potential use of non-state-operated entities or facilities to provide staffing for or leasing to state-operated facilities, and (4) contracting for behavioral health beds or staffing as supplementary or alternative to state-operated or staffed beds. Requires that the plan include the five listed components, including: (1) evaluation of current staffing models, hiring and recruitment practices, employee retention strategies, and the use of incentive pools; (2) any grant opportunities and other funding mechanisms to support behavioral health bed capacity; and (3) an assessment of opportunities to utilize non-governmental facilities or entities. Requires a report to the specified NCGA committee and division by December 1, 2026.
Section 6
Requires the North Carolina Collaboratory (Collaboratory) to study how outpatient commitment may be more effectively used and implemented. Requires the study to include the four listed components including: (1) an examination of barriers that limit the use or effectiveness of outpatient commitment, including the availability of outpatient commitment services statewide; and (2) an assessment of mechanisms currently available to track adherence and monitor compliance, along with proposed methods to strengthen and enhance tracking and monitoring processes. Requires a report to the specified NCGA committee by December 1, 2026.
Section 7
Requires DHHS to consult with the Sheriffs' Association in providing law enforcement access to BH SCAN. Requires a report to the specified NCGA committee when the access is complete. Effective August 1, 2026.
Requires DHHS to (1) develop and implement real-time data availability within BH SCAN, (2) ensure that BH SCAN provides timely, accurate, and continuously updated information on available behavioral health beds to authorized users, and (3) develop and implement functionality within BH SCAN that allows authorized users to reserve an available behavioral health bed in real time. Effective August 1, 2027.
Section 8
Requires the Collaboratory to study the differing legal standards governing IVC and incapacity to proceed to identify statutory revisions that would enhance each system's effectiveness and advance public safety. Requires the study to include recommendations for statutory changes to address inconsistent terminology and clarify procedures for the transition of individuals between systems. Requires a report on the study to the specified NCGA committee by December 1, 2026.
Section 9
Requires DHHS to create a working group of representatives from the Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC), and other stakeholders, to examine the systemic factors contributing to the "revolving door" pattern where individuals cycle repeatedly through arrest, detention, or IVC, to then be released back into the community without sustained stabilization or support. Sets out the purpose of the group as identifying gaps, evaluating current practices, and recommending strategies to interrupt repeated crises and reduce avoidable recidivism. Requires quarterly reports, beginning January 1, 2027, on the working group’s findings and recommendations to the specified NCGA committee and division.
Section 10
Requires the Department of Adult Correction (DAC) and the North Carolina Sheriffs' Association to study providing medical and behavioral health care in county jails and make recommendations to improve the healthcare provided to individuals in custody. Requires the study to include the six listed components, including: (1) a review of intake screening procedures used in county jails for identifying medical and behavioral health conditions; (2) an examination of current health care provider arrangements, including in-house services, contracted services, hybrid models, or other recommended approaches for delivering care in county jails; and (3) an evaluation of existing staffing models for medical and behavioral health services in county jails. Requires a report on the study to the specified NGA committee and division by December 1, 2026.
Section 11
Require the UNC Health Care System (UNC Health) to explore the feasibility of improving services at Broughton Hospital, Central Regional Hospital, and Cherry Hospital (collectively, the Hospitals). Requires studying and making recommendations on the six listed topics, including: (1) feasibility of transferring full or just certain operation of the Hospitals from DHHS to UNC Health; (2) any services UNC Health could provide to DHHS to assist in providing services at the Hospitals; and (3) any financial impact, impact on patient outcomes, and any improvement in staffing, that would result from implementing the recommendations provided according to this section. Requires a report on the plan to the specified NCGA committee and division by December 1, 2026.
Section 12
Requires the Collaboratory to explore improving services to those same Hospitals. Requires studying and making recommendations on the six specified topics, including: (1) the feasibility of transferring full or certain operation of the Hospitals from DHHS to another entity; (2) any services that another entity could provide to DHHS to assist in providing services at the Hospitals; and (3) any financial impact, impact on patient outcomes, and any improvement in staffing to result from implementing the recommendations provided according to this section. Requires a report on the study to the specified NCGA committee and division by December 1, 2026.
Section 13
Amends GS 122C-261 (concerning affidavit and petition before clerk or magistrate when immediate hospitalization of a person with a mental illness is not necessary) by replacing references to outpatient treatment physician or center with outpatient treatment provider.
Amends GS 122C-263(d)(1) by amending the determinations that must be made by a commitment examiner in order to recommend outpatient commitment, as follows. Now requires finding that the respondent be reasonably determined to be capable of surviving safely in the community, without posing a danger to others, when engaged in treatment for the respondent’s mental illness (was, respondent is capable of surviving safely in the community with available supervision from family, friends, or others). Adds upon the findings that must be made that the respondent has a history of declining or nonadherence to prescribed treatment by a licensed treatment provider, which may be evidenced by one or more of the following, occurring within the relevant past: (1) a prior conviction for a violent offense, (2) a violation of a civil protective order, (3) an incarceration for any offense, or (4) an involuntary inpatient psychiatric hospitalization. Also adds upon the findings that must be made that the respondent is scheduled to be discharged from an inpatient hospital setting or released from a county jail or state prison (allows an individual residing in a non-institutional setting that meets all of the other listed criteria to be subject to outpatient commitment within the court's discretion). Also amends the statute by replacing references to outpatient treatment physician or center with outpatient treatment provider.
Amends GS 122C-265 by adding the requirement that the outpatient treatment provider examine the respondent and develop an initial outpatient treatment plan that must include at least the specific services to be provided (including medications), recommended frequency of participation in services, name of the provider who has agreed to provide service, arrangement made for initial contact with each service provider, and any other relevant information. Replaces references to outpatient treatment physician or center with outpatient treatment provider.
Amends GS 122C-267 by requiring that the initial treatment plan that is now required under GS 122C-265 be admitted into evidence at the outpatient commitment hearing, and that it be incorporated into the order. Requires that the order include the outpatient treatment provider who is responsible for the care and treatment of the respondent as well as the LME/MCO, or an alternative determined by DHHS, that is responsible for the management and supervision of the respondent’s outpatient commitment (was, show the center or physician responsible for the management and supervision of the respondent’s outpatient commitment).
Amends GS 122C-271 by amending the dispositions the court may make when a commitment examiner has recommended outpatient commitment and the respondent has been released pending the court hearing, as follows. Increases the allowable length of outpatient commitment the court may order when it finds by clear, cogent, and convincing evidence that the respondent meets the criteria in GS 122C-263(d)(1), so that it may not exceed 180 (was, 90) days; also amends this provision by adding what must be included in the order to include incorporating the initial treatment plan, stating that the respondent must comply with the treatment plan (including subsequent updates to the plan), and instructions to the responsible outpatient treatment provider and the LME/MCO, or alternative, regarding their monitoring and supervision duties. Amends the findings of facts that must be made before ordering outpatient commitment to include findings of fact on the availability and consent to accept the respondent as a client by all providers of the services listed in the initial treatment plan. Makes those same changes to the dispositions the court may make when the respondent has been held in a 24-hour facility pending the court hearing. Replaces references to outpatient treatment physician or center with outpatient treatment provider. Makes additional conforming and clarifying changes.
Amends GS 122C-273 as follows. Allows an outpatient treatment provider to prescribe or administer (was, the outpatient treatment physician may prescribe or administer and the center may administer) reasonable and appropriate medication and treatment. Now requires that when a respondent does not comply or clearly refuses to comply with the treatment plan, that the treatment provider report their efforts to get the respondent to comply, to the LME/MCO that is responsible for monitoring and supervising the respondent’s outpatient commitment, and the LME/MCO must then report to the court with a request for a supplemental hearing (previously the LME/MCO was not involved). Adds the requirement that the LME/MCO keep a list of all individuals on outpatient commitment and ensure the individual's care manager is aware of the treatment plan; requires that DHHS have access to the list and that it treat this information as privileged and confidential. Allows, the LME/MCO responsible for the respondent’s monitoring and supervisions, as an alternative to the outpatient treatment provider, to requires the court to order the respondent be taken into custody for an exam when they fail to comply but do not clearly refuse to comply with the treatment, after reasonably effort to solicit the respondent’s compliance. Requires that the LME/MCO (was, the outpatient treatment physician or center) request the calendaring of a supplemental hearing when a respondent on outpatient commitment intends to move or moves to another county. Adds the LME/MCO to the entities that may notify the court when a respondent moves to another state or to an unknown location. Replaces references to outpatient treatment physician or center with outpatient treatment provider.
Amends GS 122C-274 as following. Amends the actions that the court may take when it determining that the respondent has failed or refused to comply, to include issuing an order for inpatient commitment upon finding by clear, cogent, and convincing evidence that there is a nexus between the respondent's past conduct and the reasonable probability of the respondent's future dangerousness to self or others. Specifies that a finding of noncompliance with an outpatient commitment order under this statute creates a rebuttable presumption that there is a nexus between the respondent's past conduct and the reasonable probability of the respondent's future dangerousness to self or others. Requires that an order directing continuation of outpatient treatment under new supervision be provided to the LME/MCO. Expands the cap of the allowable term of outpatient commitment from 90 to 180 days when the court finds the respondent meets the criterial for outpatient commitment. Replaces references to outpatient treatment physician or center with outpatient treatment provider. Makes additional clarifying and conforming changes.
Amends GS 122C-275 to require that a copy of discharge order when the court finds that the respondent no longer meets the criteria of GS 122C-263(d)(1) be given to the LME/MCO. Requires that the court comply with GS 122C-271 (disposition). Replaces references to outpatient treatment physician or center with outpatient treatment provider.
Amends GS 122C-276 to require that the court comply with GS 122C-271 (disposition). Makes additional clarifying changes.
Amends GS 122C-54(d) by adding that the DHHS must be given access to all relevant data, court orders, records, or other relevant information, including any confidential information, related to its duties and responsibilities under Article 5 (Procedure for Admission and Discharge of Clients) of GS Chapter 122C. Requires that DHHS keep all information collected under this subsection privileged and confidential.
Applies to proceedings that occur on or after December 1, 2026.
Section 14
Amends GS 90-414.4 to require that patient records protected by 42 CFR §2 be disclosed through the HIE Network when the North Carolina Health Information Exchange Authority has provided written notice to participating entities that the protected data can be disclosed consistent with HIE’s statutory authority. Makes conforming changes.
Amends GS 90-414.8 by expanding on the membership of the North Carolina Health Information Exchange Advisory Board by including the Deputy Secretary for the State’s Medicaid program, or their designee, as an ex officio, voting member.
Makes conforming changes to the act’s titles.
House amendment to the 2nd edition adds the following content. Makes conforming changes to the act’s long title.
Part VI.
Specifies, in GS 120-14, (power of investigative committees of the NCGA), that production of papers under the statute cannot be denied delayed, redacted, or otherwise limited. Adds that any confidential information obtained by the Legislative Services Commission (LSC) remains confidential and is not a public record. Specifies that GS 120-19 (requiring state officers to furnish data and information to legislative committees or commissions) supersedes and controls over any conflicting provision of State law other than GS 105-259 (pertaining to secrecy required of officials). Prevents an officer, agent, agency, or department of the State from acting to deny, delay, redact, or otherwise limit production except to the extent disclosure under the statute is expressly prohibited by federal law. Describes what information and data includes. Specifies that confidential information will remain confidential. Makes conforming changes.
Modifies the additional powers of the Joint Legislative Commission on Governmental Operations (Commission), as follows. Authorizes the Commission to access any information and data in addition to the already listed document or system of record from the described governmental agencies and non-State entities. Expands the persons whose attendance the Commission can compel to appear before it to include an agent, contractor, subcontractor, consultant, vendor, grantee, sub grantee, attorney, representative, or other person acting on behalf of any of the described entities. Expands the types of persons whose attendance can be compelled by the Commission to include persons from a non-State entity receiving public funds has knowledge regarding implementing a program or providing a service paid for with public funds. Specifies that the statute supersedes and controls over any conflicting provision of State law other than GS 105-259 (pertaining to secrecy required of officials). Prevents an officer, agent, agency, or department of the State from acting to deny, delay, redact, or otherwise limit production except to the extent disclosure under the statute is expressly prohibited by federal law. Describes what information and data includes. Expands the acts that underlie the Class 2 misdemeanor pertaining to concealment, falsification, and refusal of access of documents to the Commission to include destroying and altering the requested items, which now also include data, testimony, and system access. Makes conforming changes to part’s title.
| Intro. by Wheatley, Carson Smith. | STUDY, Edgecombe, Gaston, GS 58, GS 63A, GS 74C, GS 74D, GS 105, GS 113, GS 115C, GS 116, GS 116B, GS 120, GS 122E, GS 126, GS 127A, GS 128, GS 131A, GS 135, GS 143, GS 143B, GS 143C, GS 147, GS 159, GS 159D |
House committee substitute to the 1st edition makes the following changes. Removes proposed changes to GS 14-50.17 (soliciting, encouraging participation in a gang) and GS 14-50.18 (soliciting, encouraging gang participation-minors) that would have included communications created or shared online as the kinds of communications that fall within the ambit of the acts constituting the crime. Removes new GS 14-50.31 (possession of firearm by criminal gang member). Amends Rule 416 by narrowing the scope and purposes for which a defendant's commission of criminal activity (was, also defendant's other crimes, wrongs, or acts) can be considered in a proceeding where they are accused of conducting, participating in, or conspiring to commit criminal gang activity or any proceeding under Article 13B of GS Chapter 14 to only being considered for the purpose of proving any element of the alleged crime (was, may be considered for its bearing on any matter to which it is relevant). Removes provisions of new GS 14-50.33 making it a Class G felony for any person to sell, deliver, give, or transfer a firearm to a person the transferor knows or has reasonable cause to believe is a member of a criminal gang if the transferor knows or has reasonable cause to believe the member intends to carry, possess, discharge, or otherwise use the firearm in commission of a criminal act listed in GS 14-50.16A(2) and makes conforming changes. Also amends the remaining felony by no longer requiring the gang member to have specified knowledge about the juvenile's intent.
Makes conforming and organizational changes.
Subject to approval by a majority of voters at the general election held on November 3, 2026, amends Section 6 of Article IV of the North Carolina Constitution by adding the following. Requires a Justice of the Supreme Court to disqualify himself or herself from any proceeding before the Supreme Court if any of the following occurs, unless the disqualification would prevent a quorum: (1) the Justice knows or reasonably should know that he or she, individually or as a fiduciary, has a financial interest in the subject matter in controversy or in the party to a proceeding, or any other interest that could be substantially affected by the outcome of the proceeding (specifies that financial interest includes ownership of shares of stock or other securities cumulatively valued at $10,000 or more in an entity that is a party); (2) the Justice or their spouse, or a person within the third degree of relationship to either of them, or the spouse of such a person, is a party to the proceeding, or an officer, director, or trustee of a party, is a lawyer in the proceeding, is known by the Justice to have an interest that could be substantially affected by the outcome of the proceeding, or is known by the Justice to likely be a material witness in the proceeding; or (3) the Justice previously served as a member of the NCGA and the subject matter in controversy is a challenge to the constitutionality or legal propriety of a law for which the Justice served as a primary sponsor as a member of the NCGA. Requires a Justice to disclose the following to the State Ethics Commission or any successor entity: (a) the sale or purchase of any stock, property, or other financial interest valued at $10,000 or more no later than 45 days after the date of the sale or purchase; (b) any income received other than their State salary, and (c) the name of any individual or entity who sponsored or funded any travel taken by the Justice. Effective upon certification. Sets out the ballot language.
| Intro. by Butler, Morey, Rubin, Longest. | CONST |
Includes whereas clauses.
Subject to approval by the majority of voters at the general election on November 3, 2026, amends Article III of the North Carolina constitution as follows. Amends Section 1 by adding that the NCGA has no power to enact any law materially impairing the Governor’s authority to supervise, direct, and control the execution of law through the State’s administrative departments or agencies. Specifies that this authority includes the necessary powers of majority appointment, removal, supervision, and administrative direction of entities intrinsic to the Governor's duty to faithfully execute the laws of the State.
Amends Section 5 by prohibiting the NCGA from transferring functions, powers, and duties between members of the Council of State unless (1) the transfer is consistent with the nature of the office established by the Constitution to which the transfer is made and (2) the transfer is ratified into law no later than 90 days before the next election for Council of State and will take effect no earlier than the commencement of the next term of office, except as otherwise provided by a vote of approval by two-thirds of all the members of each house.
Subject to approval by the majority of voters at the general election on November 3, 2026, also amends Article II as follows. Amends Section 21 by requiring each act of the NCGA to contain only one subject, which must be clearly expressed in its title, except general appropriation acts, revenue acts, and acts containing only technical corrections. Provides that if any subject is an act but not in the title, then the act is void as to the unexpressed subject.
Adds new Section 25 prohibiting a bill from being amended or altered after first reading in a way that material changes the original purpose of the act as reflected in the act’s title. Provides that if any subject other than resolution of areas of dispute between the houses is adopted in a conference report, then the act is void as to the adopted subject. Prohibit a bill (unless the bill is in response to an emergency and its reading is approved by two-thirds of all members of the house) from begin read for the first time required for passage in the house until (1) the house has published at least 24 hours earlier a calendar for the session noticing the session during which the bill is to be read, and (2) the bill text has been made available to the members of the house and the public for at least 48 consecutive hours.
Effective upon certification.
Sets out ballot language for the amendments.
| Intro. by Rubin, Morey, Butler, Longest. | CONST |
Includes whereas clauses.
Subject to approval by the majority of voters at the general election on November 3, 2026, amends Article IV of the North Carolina constitution as follows. Adds new Section 23 specifying that the Judicial Standards Commission (Commission) consists of five specified types of judges appointed by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, five licensed attorneys appointed by the NC State Bar officers, and five citizens who are not lawyers or judges, appointed by the Governor (requires all members to State residents). Requires that any disciplinary hearings held before and sanctions imposed by the Commission be made public. Effective upon certification. Sets out ballot language.
If the constitutional amendment becomes effective, makes the following changes.
Amends GS 7A-374.1 by making conforming changes. Amends GS 7A-375 by removing the currently specified makeup of the Judicial Standards Commission. Makes conforming changes to the provision for filling vacancies and for the disqualification of members. Amends GS 7A-377 by no longer making the Commission’s notice and statement of charges and answer and other pleadings when the Commission concludes that disciplinary proceedings should be instituted. Requires disciplinary hearings to be held publicly and for the Commission’s recommendations and record to be made public. Requires at least eight (was, five) members of the Commission to concur in any recommendation to issue a public reprimand, censure, suspend, or remove a judge. Effective January 1, 2027.
The Daily Bulletin: 2026-06-02
House committee substitute to the 2nd edition replaces the prior edition in its entirety with the following. Makes conforming changes to act’s long and short titles.
Section 1.
Specifies that unless covered under some provision of law providing greater punishment, a person who willfully or wantonly discharges a weapon in violation of GS 14-34.1 in or on the property of another without the property owner's permission, on a public street or highway, or at any public place where persons other than the person who discharged the weapon are present is guilty of a Class E felony. Makes conforming changes to the statute’s title. Applies to offenses committed on or after December 1, 2026.
Section 2.
Enacts GS 14-72.13, making it a Class I felony if the person is found within the area of a retail establishment where goods are stored or offered for sale with the intent to commit larceny from a merchant while knowingly possessing any of the three listed categories of antishoplifting or inventory control devices or theft shielding devices. Defines antishoplifting or inventory control device and theft detection shielding device. Applies to offenses committed on or after December 1, 2026.
Section 3.
Amends GS 14-202 (secretly peeping into room occupied by another person), as amended by SL 2025-70, as follows. Clarifies that the punishment categories for violations of GS 14-202(a), (f), (g), and (h) apply unless covered under another provision of law providing greater punishment. Defines minor and custody. Increases the punishment by one class if the victim is a minor and by two classes if the victim is a minor in the offender’s custody, as described. Expands the categories of second or subsequent offenses subject to a one class punishment enhancer to include all convictions (currently, only felony convictions). Removes provisions pertaining to punishment enhancements for second or subsequent convictions for Class 1 misdemeanors. Clarifies that an enhancement under GS 14-202(h)(3), applies in addition to other enhancement imposed under the subsection. Applies to offenses committed on or after December 1, 2026.
Section 4.
Increases the punishments for disrupting, disturbing, or interfering with a religious service or assembly as described in GS 14-288.4(a)(7) so that it is a Class 1 misdemeanor for the first offense and a Class H felony for a second or subsequent offense. Makes conforming changes. Applies to offenses committed on or after December 1, 2026.
Section 5.
Adds new Article 16C, “Provision of Wireless Call Location Information to Law Enforcement” to GS Chapter 15A, as follows. Requires a wireless telecommunications carrier (wireless carrier) to provide, upon request by certain law enforcement personnel, and subject to any limitations under applicable federal law, available phone location information of a telecommunications device without delay if the law enforcement personnel asserts either of the following:
- The device that is the subject of the request was used to place a 911 call requesting emergency assistance.
- There is reasonable suspicion that the device that is the subject of the request is in the possession of an individual who is involved in an emergency situation that involves risk of death or serious physical harm.
Permits the wireless carrier to establish protocols pertaining to voluntary disclosures. Provides immunity for wireless carriers and their personnel providing phone location information while acting in good faith and in accordance with the statute. Requires wireless carriers registered to do business in this State or submitting to the jurisdiction thereof and all resellers of wireless telecommunications services to annually submit their emergency contact information to the State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) by June 15 to facilitate the requests set forth above. Requires those carriers to update contact information with SBI immediately upon any change. Provides for a database maintained by SBI with the wireless provider contact information. Defines wireless telecommunications provider.
Directs the SBI to adopt temporary rules to implement the act, which are effective until replaced by permanent rules.
Effective July 1, 2026.
Section 6.
Requires, in new GS 15A-511(c1), a magistrate to issue written findings supporting a finding of no probable cause for an implied consent defense, including at minimum, the following six listed findings:
- When performed, the result of any alcohol or other impairing substance screening test.
- When performed, the results of any standardized field sobriety tests.
- When performed, the results of any drug recognition expert evaluation.
- When available, the alcohol concentration or the fact that the driver refused the implied consent test.
- Whether a blood sample for analysis was obtained from the defendant.
- The element or elements of the offense charged that the magistrate believes are missing that led to the determination that probable cause did not exist.
- The magistrate’s signature.
Provides for a form for filing, and requires that the findings be sent to the head of the law enforcement agency that employed the charging officer, the chief district court judge, and the DA for the judicial district. Instructs the Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) to electronically record the data in its database and make it available upon request.
Applies to initial appearances occurring on or after December 1, 2026.
Section 7.
Amends GS 18B-302 (sale to or purchase of alcohol by underage persons) to make it a Class F felony if a person of age who aided and abetted a purchase by a person under lawful drinking age if the underage person consumed the alcoholic beverage involved in the violation and serious bodily injury (defined) to the person under lawful age or another that was proximately caused by the consumption of the alcoholic beverage. Makes conforming changes. Makes conforming changes to GS 18B-302.1 and adds additional statutory cross reference. Applies to offenses committed on or after December 1, 2026.
Section 8.
Authorizes drug screening tests, in addition to alcohol screening tests already authorized under GS 20-16.3 when the driver has been involved in either a moving traffic violation or an accident or collision and the officer has reasonable grounds to believe the person has consumed alcohol, a substance other than alcohol, or both. Directs DHHS to examine and approve oral fluid drug screening devices suitable for use by law-enforcement officers to test drivers for the presence of impairing substances other than alcohol in oral fluids. For each device or class of devices approved, requires DHHS to adopt regulations governing the manner of use of the device and the level of training required for officers who are authorized to use the device, including the shortest feasible minimum waiting period that does not produce an unacceptably high number of false positive test results. Allows negative or low (was, just negative) results on the alcohol screening test to be used in appropriate cases in determining whether the driver’s impairment is caused by an impairing substance other than alcohol. Makes conforming changes.
Changes references from testing methods approved by the Commission for Public Health to DHHS in GS 15A-534.2(d)(2) (alcohol testing for detained impaired drivers) and GS 20-138.7.
Applies to offenses committed on or after December 1, 2026.
Section 9.
Expands the types of vehicles included in GS 20-138.2B (operating listed vehicles after consuming alcohol) to include TNS service vehicles (a motor vehicle operated for the purpose of operating a TNS service), effective for offenses committed on or after December 1, 2026.
Expands the reasons the DMV has to immediately revoke a driver's license under GS 20-17 to include when it receives a record of a driver’s second or subsequent conviction for driving a TNC service (a prearranged transportation service such as Uber or Lyft) vehicle after consuming alcohol. Mandates, in GS 20-280.6 that a transportation network require that its TNC drivers agree in writing that they will not act as a driver while consuming alcohol or at any time while the driver has remaining in the driver's body any alcohol or controlled substance previously consumed. Prohibits a transportation network from using a TNC driver that has been convicted within the past seven years of a second or subsequent conviction of driving a TNC service vehicle after consuming alcohol.
Requires transportation networks to notify their drivers of these requirements. Prohibits a TNC from allowing a person to serve as a TNC driver if they do not comply with the written agreement set forth above by no later than 12 months from the section’s effective date.
Effective December 1, 2026.
Section 10.
Amends GS 20-19 (suspension or revocation of driver’s license and conditions of restoration) by enacting new subsection (d1) as follows. Permits the DMV, when a person has been convicted of an impaired driving offense and was sentenced under GS 20-179, to conditionally restore a person’s license after the license has been revoked for at least one year if the person provides the DMV all of the following: (1) a certificate of graduation from a Drug Treatment or Driving While Impaired (DWI) Treatment Court Program established pursuant to Article 62 of GS Chapter 7A and (2) completes an approved driver improvement clinic.
If a license is restored, specifies that the DMV will impose the following requirements and restrictions on the person’s license for the duration of the original revocation period: (1) a requirement that all registered vehicles owned by that person be equipped with a functioning ignition interlock system in line with the requirements of state law set forth in GS 20-17.8(c1), (2) a restriction that the person may operate only a motor vehicle equipped with a functioning ignition interlock system of a type approved by the Commissioner that is set to prohibit driving with an alcohol concentration of greater than 0.02, and (3) a requirement that the person personally activate the ignition interlock system before driving the motor vehicle. Allows the DMV to impose a requirement that the person prove abstention from the consumption of alcohol by use of a continuous alcohol monitoring system approved under GS 15A-1343.3 in lieu of an ignition interlock system. Provides for reports by the monitoring program to the DMV if that option is used. Permits the DMV to impose other reasonable requirements, restrictions, and conditions on the person in addition to the three specified above.
Effective December 1, 2026.
Section 11.
Amends Section 33 of SL 2006-253, as amended, as follows. Changes the effective date of Section 20.1, Section 20.2, and the requirement that the Administrative Office of 42 the Courts electronically record certain data contained in subsection (c) of GS 20-138.4 as amended by the act from after the next rewrite of the superior court clerks system by the Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) to December 1, 2026.
Section 12.
Removes provisions from GS 20-141.5 (speeding to elude arrest; seizure and sale of vehicles) that pertain to presuming the registered owner as the prima facie operator of the vehicle and requiring the officer to make a reasonable attempt to contact the registered owner as part of that presumption. Applies to offenses committed on or after December 1, 2026.
Section 13.
Specifies under the domestic violence provisions of GS 50B-2 that the existence of a verifiable order of protection issued previously or from another jurisdiction, including a military protective order (defined), may be considered evidence of the potential for future danger of acts of domestic violence against the aggrieved party or a minor child. Expands the types of foreign protective orders that are covered under GS 50B-4.1 (class A1 misdemeanors for violation of protective orders from foreign jurisdictions) to include valid military protective orders. When a law enforcement officer has probable cause to believe that a person committed a violation of this statute, that officer determines a military protective order entered into the National Crime Information Center registry was also issued against that person, and the officer has probable cause to believe that the person also violated the military protective order, the officer, or his or her employing agency, must notify the agency that entered the military protective order into the registry. Applies to violations issued and offenses committed on or after December 1, 2026.
Section 14.
Amends GS 162-8 (bond requirements) so that if a suit is maintained against the sheriff and the sheriff's surety upon their respective bond and the surety is required to pay out on the bond, the county must reimburse the surety on behalf of the sheriff for the amount paid by the surety on the bond, including reasonable and necessary expenses incurred by the surety related to the claim against the bond. Specifies that the county will not beat the cost of reimbursing the surety for recovery of the money paid by the surety on the bond if the conduct that gave rise to the claim against the sheriff's bond resulted in the conviction of the sheriff of a felony.
Section 15.
Contains prosecutorial savings clause.
House committee substitute to the 3rd edition makes the following changes.
Removes Section 2 that would have amended SL 2025-74 by extending the deadline for the North Carolina Collaboratory’s study on the statutory process for approving surface water transfers so that the report was due to the 2028 General Assembly (was, 2027), by January 15, 2028. Removes section titled Section 3 that would have extended the moratorium on issuing certificates allowing a significant new surface water transfer or a significant increase in an existing surface water transfer so that it ended August 1, 2028, instead of March 1, 2027.
Section 5.
Removes address information requirement from the marking requirements for supply tank or containers with a total capacity of greater than five gallons under GS 119-58. Allows persons other than the supplier or owner of a system to fill or refill a properly inspected system (was, inspected and certified system) in a qualified emergency. Requires that the emergency supplier make a good faith effort to contact the current supplier and obtain consent before attempting to do so.
Section 10.
Requires, in GS 160D-108.1 (vested rights – site specific vesting plans) that development conducted pursuant to a site-specific vesting plan comply with any building, fire, plumbing, electrical, and mechanical codes applicable to the development and in effect at the time the plan was approved.
Makes technical change to the title of Section 12.
Section 13.
Now recodifies the provisions creating a residential right of use in commercial districts in GS 160D-703(a1) to new GS 160D-703.1, rewritten as follows. Applies only to cities with a population of 50,000 or greater that are located in counties with a population of 275,000 or greater. Defines redevelopment as the demolition and reconstruction of, or rehabilitation and improvement of, an existing structure or structures on a parcel, or the clearing and new construction on a parcel that contains or previously contained an impervious surface, building, or other structure associated with a prior use. It does not include the construction of a new primary structure on a vacant parcel that has never been developed. Requires a local government zoning regulation to allow the three following things as a use by right on property undergoing redevelopment in the areas zoned for nonagricultural commercial, business, of industrial use: (1) the siting of buildings and structures subject to the NC Residential Code (RC); (2) the siting of multifamily housing structures with more than four residential dwelling units; and (3) buildings and structures containing both residential dwelling units and nonresidential uses, provided that only the residential component of any such building or structure is a use by right, regardless of whether the nonresidential component requires a permit, special use authorization, or other approval. Prevents a zoning regulation from establishing a maximum building height of less than 60 feet.
Section 14.
Makes technical change to reference to RC in GS 160D-917 (accessory dwelling units). Limits the applicability of the statute to cities with a population of 50,000 or greater. After an accessory dwelling unit has been permitted for construction on a parcel, specifies that the parcel may not be further subdivided such that the accessory dwelling unit would be located on a different parcel than the primary single-family detached dwelling. Makes conforming change to definition of accessory dwelling unit.
Section 18.
Expands the certification authorities who can certify any of the firearms safety and training course under GS 14-415.12 to include US LawShield.
Adds the following new content.
Section 9.5.
Modifies the priorities for awarding grants to counties from the Needs-Based Pubic School Capital Fund in GS 115C-546.10 so that it funds projects for a local school administrative unit that has not received grant funds under the governing Article of GS Chapter 115C in the previous three years. Removes priority for counties that have not received a grant under the article in the previous three years.
Section 10.5.
Expands the scope of GS 160D-1106, which requires local governments to accept and approve, without further responsibility to inspect, a design or other proposal for the matters listed to also include home power installations. Defines home power installation (an electric generating or energy storage system, standby system, or associated equipment, connected at 600 volts or less, intended to provide electrical power to a building or structure subject to the North Carolina Residential Code that requires a building permit or other approval) and responsible code council. Clarifies that the inspection certification contains information pertaining to field inspection (was, just inspections) and a description of the component, element, or home power installation covered by the certification. Makes conforming changes and technical changes. Allows inspections under GS 143-143.2 (electric wiring of houses, buildings, and structures) that have to conform to the NC State Building Code (BC) to allow an inspection made of the wiring of a home power installation to be conducted in accordance with GS 110D-1106. Effective July 1, 2027.
Directs the Residential Code Council (RCC) to develop a home power installation work certification and make it available on the Office of the State Fire Marshal's website by July 1, 2027. Authorizes the RCC to adopt or amend rules to implement the section to become effective on July 1, 2027.
Section 17.5.
Reduces the continuing education hour requirement for used motor vehicle dealers from one six-hour course to one four-hour course in GS 20-288.
Section 21.
Applicable to offenses committed on or after December 1, 2026, increases the following fines for reckless littering under GS 14-399 as follows:
- When the amount does not exceed ten pounds and is not for commercial purposes from fines ranging $500 to $1,000 to fines ranging from $1,000 to $3,000 and for second offenses, from fines ranging from $1,000 to $3,000 to fines ranging from $3,000 to $5,000.
- When amount is higher than 10 pounds but less than 500 pounds from fines ranging from $1,000 to $3,000 to fines ranging from $5,000 to $10,000.
- When the amount exceeds 500 pounds or in any quantity for commercial purposes from a fine of $5,000 to a fine ranging from $10,000 to $15,000.
Section 22.
Adds the following finding to the telephone solicitations provisions of GS Chapter 75 in GS 75-100: a telephone number is the property of a telephone subscriber, subject to the terms and conditions of the subscriber's contract with a telephone carrier. Defines telephone solicitation in GS 75-101 to include legal agents of the individual business or other legal entity that meets the definition. Prevents, in GS 75-102(i), telephone solicitors from using any other alteration to the origin of the telephone solicitation that displays in a way to give the perception that the call originated from any other origin except the actual origin of the telephone solicitation. Makes a conforming change. Adds new GS 75-104.1, that prevents a telephone carrier from knowingly and intentionally acting to transmit, sell, or otherwise provide the numbers of telephone subscribers to any entity the telephone carrier knows: (1) will use the number to violate provisions of this Article, (2) has previously used telephone subscriber information to violate provisions of this Article, or (3) has previously provided the information to another entity that has violated provisions of this Article. Clarifies that telephone carriers are not to be held liable for a telemarketer’s violation of GS 75-102(i). Allows for a telephone subscriber who has received a phone call in knowing violation of GS 75-102(i) to bring an action to recover $10,000 for each call placed under GS 75-105. Applies to phone calls made on or after December 1, 2026.
Makes conforming organizational changes.
| Intro. by Jarvis. | STUDY, Forsyth, GS 14, GS 15A, GS 20, GS 75, GS 95, GS 103, GS 113, GS 115C, GS 119, GS 136, GS 143, GS 150B, GS 160D |
House committee substitute to the 2nd edition replaces the prior edition entirely with the following. Applicable to all cities (GS 160A-215) and counties (GS 153A-155) that levy an occupancy tax, prohibits the local government from using proceeds of a room occupancy tax that may be used for tourism-related expenditures, for services ordinarily provided by the city or county for its residents unless explicitly authorized by local act, including all six enumerated purposes, like education, affordable housing, law enforcement, public safety services or emergency services. Applies to the expenditure of occupancy tax proceeds collected on or after the act becomes law. Makes conforming changes to act's long and short titles.
House committee substitute to the 2nd edition replaces the previous edition with the following. Makes conforming title changes.
Enacts new GS 75A-13.4 making it a Class 1 misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of at least $100, to wake surf within 200 feet of the shore of any structure, moored vessel, kayak, canoe, paddleboard, or swimmer. Defines wake surfing. Applies to offenses committed on or after December 1, 2026.
| Intro. by Lazzara, Sawrey. | GS 75A |
House committee substitute to the 3rd edition makes the following changes.
Amends GS 160D-974 to also require that the applicant meet the listed requirements before a local government approves a building permit for the siting of a new data center. Amends the definition of data center as it is used in the statute to no longer require the operation, management, or maintenance of a computer or group of computers or other organized assembly of hardware and software for the stated purpose and amends that purpose to now be storing, retrieving, managing, and processing digital data that has a peak monthly electricity demand of 100 megawatts or greater. Makes conforming changes.
Amends GS 143-355.5A (closed-loop water system required for data centers) by amending the definition of data center as it is used in the statute to no longer require the operation, management, or maintenance of a computer or group of computers or other organized assembly of hardware and software for the stated purpose and amends that purpose to now be storing, retrieving, managing, and processing digital data that has a peak monthly electricity demand of 100 megawatts or greater. Makes other technical changes. Specifies that the section is effective when it becomes law and applies to data centers for which no local development approvals or State permits, certifications, or authorizations have been issued for siting of the data center on or before that date.
Amends the definition of data center in GS 64-64, as it applies to new Article 5, to no longer require the operation, management, or maintenance of a computer or group of computers or other organized assembly of hardware and software for the stated purpose and amends that purpose to now be storing, retrieving, managing, and processing digital data that has a peak monthly electricity demand of 100 megawatts or greater.
Changes the title of GS 64-65 and makes a technical correction to the reference to the Civil Fines and Forfeitures Fund in GS 64-65.
Amends GS 62-142.1 (contracts with data centers) as follows. Specifies that each data center located in North Carolina must enter into an electric service contract with the electric public utility providing service to the data center. Requires that those contracts include terms and conditions designed to (1) protect residential, other retail, and wholesale electricity customers from costs incurred or reasonably anticipated to be incurred by the electric public utility to provide electric service to the date center and (2) prevent, to the maximum extent reasonably feasible, other retail customers from subsidizing the cost of the data center’s electric service. Amends what must be included in the contracts to include a contract term that is sufficient to recover all of the electric public utility’s incremental costs and that may exceed the length of the applicable service tariff (was, minimum contract term of 15 years). Amends the definition of data center to no longer require the operation, management, or maintenance of a computer or group of computers or other organized assembly of hardware and software for the stated purpose and amends that purpose to now be storing, retrieving, managing, and processing digital data that has a peak monthly electricity demand of 100 megawatts or greater. Adds that the Utilities Commission may adopt rules to implement this statute and that this statute does not limit the Commission’s authority to adopt additional rules as are in the public interest to protect retail customers from costs incurred by electric public utilities to provide electric service to data centers. Makes a technical change.
Amends proposed GS 158-7.1(i) by amending the definition of data center to no longer require the operation, management, or maintenance of a computer or group of computers or other organized assembly of hardware and software for the stated purpose and amends that purpose to now be storing, retrieving, managing, and processing digital data that has a peak monthly electricity demand of 100 megawatts or greater. Specifies that Section 6 of the act is effective when it becomes law and applies to data centers for which no local development approvals or State permits, certifications, or authorizations have been issued for siting of the data center on or before that date.
Amends Section 8 of the act concerning the study of utility policies to include in appropriate terms for a large load tariff (was, advisability of development of a large load tariff) in the expert analysis that is to be done to determine the most effective approach to ensuring that costs of utility service to large load customers is not borne by other customers. Changes the NCGA recipient of the study.
Amends GS 143B-279.13 by no longer requiring that the new express review program be supported by the fees in the statute.
Amends GS 62-110.9 to prohibit the Commission from allowing retirement of a baseload facility with dispatchable electric generation above 100 MW until a certificate of public convenience and necessity has been issued to an electric public utility for construction of one nuclear facility with a generation capacity of at least 1,000 MW to ensure adequacy of baseload and dispatchable generation from a clean energy resource.
Removes proposed GS 62-24, which set out employment restrictions for members of the Utilities Commission or employees of the Commission or Public Staff. Instead, enacts new GS 62-327A making it a Class 3 misdemeanor for any former commissioner or employee of the Utilities Commission to make, with the intent to include on behalf of an employer or client, any communication to or appearance before the Commission within a period of six months following the termination of his or her service or employment with the Commission. Applies to offenses committed on or after December 1, 2026.
Makes organizational changes to new GS 62-327A.
The Daily Bulletin: 2026-06-02
House committee substitute to the 1st edition makes the following changes.
Removes the corporate limits of Rural Hall from the Forsyth County Countywide Fire Service District. Specifies that this does not effect the validity of any liens of Forsyth County for ad valorem taxes outstanding before June 30, 2026. Exempts property in this territory as of January 1, 2026, from Forsyth County Countywide Fire Service District taxes for taxes imposed for taxable years beginning on or after July 1, 2026. Effective June 30, 2026.
Makes conforming changes to the act's titles.
The Daily Bulletin: 2026-06-02
House committee substitute to the 1st edition adds the following municipalities to the cap on satellite annexation under GS 160A-58.1(b): Dunn, Cleveland, Coats, Erwin, and Tabor City. Makes conforming changes to act's long and short titles.
House committee substitute to the 2nd edition adds King to the municipalities exempt from the cap on satellite annexation under GS 160A-58.1(b) while also removing Tabor City from that list.
Adds the following and makes conforming changes to the act's titles. Removes the corporate limits of Rural Hall from the Forsyth County Countywide Fire Service District. Specifies that this does not effect the validity of any liens of Forsyth County for ad valorem taxes outstanding before June 30, 2026. Exempts property in this territory as of January 1, 2026, from Forsyth County Countywide Fire Service District taxes for taxes imposed for taxable years beginning on or after July 1, 2026. Effective June 30, 2026.
Actions on Bills: 2026-06-02
H 308: 2026 CRIMINAL LAW CHANGES. (NEW)
H 315: PROHIBIT LITIGATION INVEST/AMEND WC BENEFITS. (NEW)
H 356: VARIOUS CIVIL AND INSURANCE LAW CHANGES. (NEW)
H 377: 2026 COURT CHANGES. (NEW)
H 565: LIMIT USE OF AI MEDICAID/COMMERCIAL INSURANCE. (NEW)
H 920: VIRTUAL CURRENCY KIOSK CONSUMER PROT. ACT. (NEW)
H 1026: REMOTE INSTRUCTION FOR EXCESS EMERGENCIES.
H 1030: US DEPARTMENT OF EDU.
H 1094: FERRY DIVISION PERFORMANCE AUDIT.
H 1104: IMPROVE IVC PROCESS AND ENHANCE PUBLIC SAFETY. (NEW)
H 1109: NCDOT STI STUDY RECOMMENDATION.
H 1114: GSC TECHNICAL CORRECTIONS 2026.
H 1115: GSC ADVANCE HEALTH CARE PLANNING DOCUMENTS.
H 1124: INTERSTATE COMPACT FOR SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGISTS.
H 1126: 2026 DST ADMIN/TECHNICAL/CLARIFYING CHANGES.-AB
H 1173: JALEEYAH'S LAW.
H 1234: CONST. AMEND./SUPREME COURT ETHICS.
H 1235: RESTORING SEPARATION OF POWERS & LEG. TRANSP.
H 1236: CONST. AMEND./JUDICIAL STANDARDS COMMISSION.
S 310: CRIMINAL LAW CHANGES. (NEW)
S 445: REGULATORY REFORM ACT OF 2026. (NEW)
S 484: CLARIFY TOURISM-RELATED EXPENDITURES. (NEW)
S 587: WAKE SURFING SAFELY. (NEW)
S 595: VARIOUS REVENUE LAWS CHANGES. (NEW)
S 730: RATEPAYER PROTECTION ACT. (NEW)
S 857: GSC UPDATE FUNERAL BOARD AND DOI LICENSING.
S 858: GSC ADD MEMBER FROM HIGH POINT LAW SCHOOL.
S 1007: HUMAN TRAFFICKING OMNIBUS.
S 1041: PUBLIC WORKFORCE MODERNIZATION ACT.
S 1047: REGULATORY REFORM ACT OF 2026.
S 1085: BOG VACANCY.
Actions on Bills: 2026-06-02
H 1068: KING SAT. ANNEX./RURAL HALL FIRE DIST. (NEW)
H 1218: NAVIGABLE WATERS/PINE KNOLL SHORES.
H 1225: WINSTON-SALEM ZONING PROCEDURE CHANGES.
S 809: SATELLITE ANNEXATION CAP/RURAL HALL FIRE DISTRICT. (NEW)
S 876: VARIOUS LOCAL PROVISIONS X. (NEW)
S 1074: EDEN/MILLS RIVER/GUILFORD ART 46 LOCAL ACT. (NEW)
© 2026 School of Government The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
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