House committee substitute amends the 2nd edition as follows.
Section 1.
Modifies new Article 26, “The Virtual Kisok Consumer Protection Act,” in GS Chapter 53. Adds dollar and prevailing market value to the Article's defined terms, and makes technical changes to the definitions of virtual currency and virtual currency kiosk. Amends the definition of spread to specify that the term applies to charges to the customer to buy, sell, exchange, swap, or convert virtual currency at the time of the transaction. Specifies that virtual currency kiosk operator does not include a business location, property owner, lessee, or other person that provides space for a virtual currency kiosk manufactured or distributed by a third party. Deletes from the defined terms FDIC or Securities Investor Protection Corporation.
Rather than deeming information and reports obtained by the Commissioner of Banks (Commissioner) for the purposes of virtual kiosk operator compliance not to be public records, provides that the records are subject to confidential treatment pursuant to specified sections of GS Chapters 53 and 53C.
Specifies federal preemption is limited to express preemption.
Establishes a new requirement for virtual currency kiosks to implement an interactive fraud-screen process that includes four components, such as required time the fraud screen must remain visible and a prohibition of the ability to bypass or accelerate the fraud-screen process. Regarding disclosures before virtual currency transactions, refers to associated charges (was expenses) and removes a statutory cross-reference to a defined term.
Enacts a new section of the Article to prohibit kiosk operators from enabling a customer to access, authenticate, or log in to an interface through a scan-based mechanism such as a QR code. Limits customer authentication to three alternatives, including manual entry of a verification code sent to the customer. Mandates that kiosks disable or block a camera, optical reader, or scanning unless required for identity verification and expressly authorized by law and approved by the Commissioner.
Changes live customer-service requirements to instead require, at a minimum, live customer service at all times the operator's virtual currency kiosks are available for public use (was Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m.).
Increases the daily limits imposed to $2,000 (was $1,000) for new virtual currency customers and $7,500 (was $2,500) for existing virtual currency customers.
Modifies qualifications for a refund of the amount deposited into a kiosk, limiting refunds to new virtual currency customers and requiring that the person have reported the fraudulent nature of the transmission to the Commissioner within 30 days and the Commissioner finding that the transmission was fraudulent. Under the same criteria, existing customers are eligible for a refund of transactional fees. Caps fees at 14% of the dollar equivalent of the virtual currency involved in the transaction (was 3%).
Enacts a new section to establish a mandatory 48-hour hold on all transactions initiated by a customer whose first transaction occurred within seven days. Sets forth required actions for the kiosk during the hold, including notice to the customer. Prohibits early release from the hold and specifies that the hold is specific to initiation of each transaction when multiple transactions are initiated.
Adds new authority for the Commissioner to assess a civil penalty of up to $1,000 for violations of the Article, and up to $5,000 for subsequent offenses.
Specifies that the operation, ownership, leasing, or management of virtual currency kiosks without conduct that facilitates or induces a transaction does not constitute a crime under the Article.
Replaces language relating to local government regulation. Now allows for local government regulation pursuant to GS Chapter 160D so long as not expressly preempted by the Article. Authorizes regulation as a distinct land-use category via three alternatives, including absolute prohibition. Requires uniform application of any zoning regulation adopted pursuant to the section. Requires liberal construction of the section in deference to municipal authority to regulate land use, public safety, and community planning.
Makes technical, conforming, and organizational changes.
Section 3.
Specifically directs the Commissioner to adopt a procedure for determining when a transaction is fraudulent by December 1, 2026, in addition to other implementing rules.
The Daily Bulletin: 2026-06-09
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The Daily Bulletin: 2026-06-09
| Intro. by N. Jackson, Ross, Biggs. | GS 53 |
House committee substitute to the 2nd edition makes the following changes.
Part I.
Amends GS 53-441 by amending the definition of digital assets currency services to include custody of digital assets on behalf of customers by a financial institution.
Amends GS 53-442(g) by specifying that the requirement that a financial institution make the results of each annual audit available to customs when requested, is subject to redaction of sensitive or proprietary information.
Amends GS 53-444 as follows. Provides that a financial institution may include a customer's digital assets in its staking program only if instructed by the customer (was, unless otherwise instructed by the customer, a financial institution may include a customer's digital assets in its staking program by default, so long as the customer has been given the required disclosures and an opportunity to opt out). Makes a conforming deletion of provisions on automatic staking and opt-out.
Amends GS 53-446 by limiting the requirements related to anti-money laundering compliance programs, written cybersecurity program, specified record keeping, and designation of program oversight personnel only to financial institutions offering digital asset services. Also makes the provisions related to notifying the regulating authority of any material cybersecurity incident applicable to financial institutions offering digital asset services and also as soon as possible, but in no event later than 72 hours after determining that the incident has occurred (was, 72 hours after discovering the incident).
Amends GS 53-449 by limiting the authority of the State Banking Commission and Credit Union Commission to adopt rules to implement, clarify, and enforce the requirements of the Article, so that no rule can imposes a requirement on a digital asset activity that is more restrictive than applicable federal law governing the same activity.
Enacts new GS 53-450 to allow a financial institution to engage in any digital asset activity that is authorized for the institution under applicable federal law. Provides that to the extent a provision in this Article is more restrictive than the requirements imposed on that activity under applicable federal law, the federal requirement governs. Provides that this does not limit the regulating authority's power to examine the financial institution, to enforce State consumer protection laws of general applicability, or to take action against unsafe or unsound practices. Renumbers the remaining statutes accordingly.
Amends the civil penalties provision in GS 53-451 (was, GS 53-450) by specifying that aggregate technical or software errors resulting in no loss are a single violation. Adds that except in the case of a temporary emergency order, before assessing a civil penalty, the regulating authority must provide the financial institution with a written notice of violations. Requires the notice to include the nature of the violation and give no less than 30 days to cure the violations. Prohibits issuing a civil penalty if the institution shows to the satisfaction of the regulating authority that the violations have been cured within the specified timeframe.
Enacts new GS 54-452 making all applications, information, reports, and other confidential supervisory information obtained by the regulating authority under this Article, not public records requires that they be kept confidential.
Amends GS 116B-53 by amending two of the three dates for determining the presumption that property held in a digital asset account to be presumed to be abandoned after five years to include attempts at electronic communication.
Amends GS 116B-60 by specifying that the report filed by a holder of property presumed abandoned is to be filed with the Treasurer.
Part II.
Amends GS 53-463 to allow a State chartered insured depository institution or State chartered insured credit union to issue payment stablecoins only through a subsidiary that is a licensed or authorized (was, licensed) stablecoin issuer.
Amends GS 53-465 to make any request for a temporary extension to the redemption period when there is significant market stress or a redemption spike, subject to the following: (1) limits the extension to five business days; (2) the Commissioner must issue the extension by written order setting forth specific findings of fact supporting the determination of significant market stress or a redemption spike and stating the duration of the extension; (3) the written order must be made available on the publicly accessible website of the Commissioner no later than the close of the business on the day the order is issued. Requires the order to remain publicly available for no less than six months.
Amends GS 53-468 by exempting from public records a stablecoin issuer audit findings, and digital asset logs, requiring that these items be kept confidential. Makes conforming changes to include authorized stablecoin issuers in the criminal provisions. Amends the misdemeanor so that it is now a Class 1 misdemeanor for a person to knowingly and willingly issue or purport to issue a payment stablecoin in this State without the required license or authorization or in violation of a cease and desist order.
House committee substitute to the 2nd edition adds the following new content. Makes conforming changes to the act's long title.
Amends Section 8 of SL 2019-37, as amended, by extending the moratorium on new shellfish cultivation leases and new water column leases for aquaculture in the specified waters in Bogue Sound until July 1, 2028 (was, July 1, 2026). Effective June 30, 2026, and applies to the consideration of applications for shellfish leases submitted on or after that date as well as applications for a new shellfish cultivation lease or a new water column lease received, but not granted, as of July 1, 2019. Makes conforming organizational changes.
| Intro. by Davis. | APPROP |
House amendment to the 2nd edition adds the following.
Amends GS 90-85.3 as follows. Amends the definition of emancipated minor to no longer include an individual under age 18 whose parents or guardians have surrendered their rights to the minor’s service and earnings as well as their right to custody and control of the minor. Makes additional clarifying, technical, and organizational changes.
Makes clarifying and technical changes to GS 58-56A-1 and GS 90-85.44.
Amends GS 106-140.1 as follows. Specifies that a person engaged as a wholesale distributor, manufacturer, outsourcing facility, or repackager to register immediately upon engaging in business in this state and annually by the end of the calendar year. Requires those without a business location in the state to provide the location of their principal place of business (was, location of their corporate offices). Adds a definition of name. Replaces the term "wholesaler" with "wholesale distributor." Changes the warning that must be on a prescription drug. Makes additional clarifying and technical changes.
Amends GS 95-4 by amending the powers and duties of the Commissioner of Labor by removing provision specific to clerks and stenographers, removes making regulations with reference to the work of the Department of Labor and its divisions, specifies the power to prosecute violations of laws related to inspection of specified types of businesses, and includes referring inspection violations to the appropriate district attorney for prosecution of criminal violations related to the inspections. Makes additional clarifying and technical changes.
Amends GS 105-278.6A by correcting a statutory reference, effective retroactively to December 1, 2025. Makes additional technical changes.
Amends GS 143-52.1 to require the State Procurement Officer’s monthly report to go to the Joint Legislative Commission on Governmental Operations instead of to its cochairs and corrects the name of the Commission. Amends GS 143-64.17G and GS 143B-12 to correct the name of the Joint Legislative Commission on Governmental Operations. Amends GS 143-128.3 and GS 143-129 by correcting the name of the Joint Legislative Commission on Governmental Operations and removing outdated language. Amends GS 143B-10 by removing specified recipient entities and instead requiring each department head to report all reorganization in the same manner as the Governor’s report under GS 143B-12(b).
| Intro. by Davis. | GS 18B, GS 20, GS 30, GS 53C, GS 54B, GS 58, GS 62, GS 90, GS 95, GS 97, GS 100, GS 105, GS 106, GS 113, GS 116, GS 116B, GS 117, GS 120, GS 126, GS 136, GS 140, GS 143, GS 143A, GS 143B, GS 143C, GS 147, GS 150B, GS 153A, GS 159, GS 159D, GS 164 |
House committee substitute to the 2nd edition makes the following changes.
Amends GS 14-50.16A by amending the following definitions. Amends one of the five criteria that can be met to meet the definition of criminal gang leader or organizer so that the person supervises or directs the actions of another criminal gang member or members during criminal gang activity (was, exercises control and authority over other criminal gang members). Amends the definition of criminal gang member so that it is now any person who (1) meets three or more of the listed criteria or (2) meets at least two of the listed criteria, and one of the criteria is (a) the person admits to being a member of a criminal gang; (b) the person is identified as a criminal gang member by a reliable source; or (c) the person is in possession of or linked to a criminal gang by physical evidence, including ledgers, rosters, or membership documents; this is a newly added criteria. Removes from those criteria that the person is in possession of or linked to a criminal gang by physical evidence. Amends the criteria about appearing in social media to promote a criminal gang so that it is now appearing in photographs, social media, or written or electronic communication to promote a criminal gang or document criminal gang activity.
House committee substitute to the 1st edition makes the following changes.
Section 2.1
Makes clarifying changes to GS 20-17.10.
Enacts new GS 20-17.11 providing immunity from liability for a manufacturer, distributor, or retailer of a motor vehicle for any loss, injury, or damages caused by the design, manufacture, installation, improper installation, use, or misuse of an aftermarket Intelligent Speed Assistance (ISA) system; provides that liability does exist if that entity knowingly engages in a repair or update to the aftermarket ISA system and that repair or update proximately causes loss, injury, or damage. Specifies that nothing in GS Chapter 20 requires a manufacturer, distributor, or retailer of a motor vehicle to manufacture, distribute, or offer for sale a motor vehicle that includes or is compatible with an aftermarket ISA system, nor does it prohibit a lessor or lienholder from requiring that a motor vehicle lessee or owner notify the lessor or lienholder that an aftermarket ISA system has been installed on a motor vehicle subject to a lease or finance agreement.
Makes clarifying changes to effective date provision of Part II of the act.
Section 3.6
Removes previously proposed changes to GS 20-179.3(b), which made changes to eligibility for a limited driving privilege for a person convicted of impaired driving.
Changes the effective date of Part IV of the act, concerning school zone traffic cameras, from October 1, 2026, to December 1, 2026, and adds that it applies to offenses committed on or after that date.
Clarifies that the $9 million appropriation to the Administrative Office of the Courts is for the 2026-27 (was, 2026-2026) fiscal year.
House committee substitute to the 1st edition makes the following changes.
Amends the act’s long title.
Amends the definition of employer in GS 64-25, as it applies to Article 2, Verification of Work Authorization, of GS Chapter 64, to revert back to the original definition as any person, business entity or organization that transacts business in this state and that employs 25 (was, five in the previous edition) or more employees in the state.
Amends GS 64-29 as follows. Removes the requirement that when the Commissioner of Labor (Commissioner), after an investigation, determines that the complaint is not false or frivolous, the Commissioner proceed in accordance with GS 64-30A for violations of GS 64-26 or GS 64-33.1 for violations of GS 143-133.3. No longer allows conducting risk-based compliance checks. Adds that random compliance checks must be based on a randomized sample of all employers registered with the Secretary of State, weighted by size and industry. Requires giving written notice to an employer when it is selected for a random compliance check that includes any requested employment records, which are limited to those listed in the statute in new (e). Requires employers to provide the requested employment records within 30 calendar days of receiving the notice. Prohibits conducting a random compliance check of the same employer more than once per calendar year. Adds new (e) limiting a compliance check to the review of records, documents, reports, certifications, or other paperwork required by law to be maintained or submitted by the regulated person or entity. Specifies that a request for documents or records under this section does not, by itself, create or imply a right of physical entry onto private property.
Removes proposed new GS 64-30A, concerning the procedure and consequences for violations of GS 64-26.
No longer repeals GS 64-30, actions to be taken; hearing, and instead amends that statute as follows. Make the listed actions applicable when, after an investigation or compliance check (was, investigation), the Commissioner determines that the complaint about an alleged violation is not false or frivolous. Amends those actions for violations of GS 64-26 (Verification of employee work authorization) as follows. Removes the requirement that the Commissioner hold a hearing to determine if a violation has occurred and, if appropriate, impose civil penalties in accordance with the provisions of the Article and replaces it with the following requirements. Provides that if the employer is entitled to the cure period in the statute, then prior to imposing civil penalties, the Commissioner must give written notice of noncompliance to the employer, who then has 30 calendar days to cure the alleged violation by enrolling in E-Verify, completing required verifications, and otherwise complying with GS 64-26. If the employer cures the alleged violation within that timeframe and submits proof, then the Commissioner cannot order the employer to pay a civil penalty. If the employer does not cure the violation in that timeframe, or if it is not entitled to the cure period, then the Commissioner must hold a hearing to determine if a violation has occurred and, if appropriate, impose civil penalties.
No longer repeals GS 64-31 (Consequences of first violation of GS 64-26) and instead amends that statute as follows. Removes the current provisions and instead provides as follows. Makes the statute applicable to violations of GS 64-26 if, at the time of the violation, (1) the Commissioner has not previously issued an order against the employer under this statute and the employer fails to cure the violation within the 30-day cure period provided or (2) the Commissioner has previously issued an order against the employer under this statute, but the previous order was issued more than five years before the current violation. Allows the Commissioner, for violations under either of those conditions, to order the employer to pay a civil penalty of up to $1,000 for each required employee verification the employer failed to make, capped to $3,000.
No longer repeals GS 64-32 (Consequences of second violation of GS 64-26) and instead amends that statute as follows. Requires when a violation of GS 64-26 occurs within five years after an order has been issued pursuant to GS 64-31, the Commissioner must order the employer to pay a penalty of $2,000 for each required employee verification the employer failed to make, capped at $10,000.
No longer repeals GS 64-33 (Consequences of third or subsequent violation of GS 64-26) and instead amends that statute as follows. Requires for violations of GS 64-26 that occur after an order has been issued under GS 64-32, the Commissioner must order the employer to pay a penalty of $5,000 for each required employee verification the employer failed to make, capped at $25,000. Also allows the Commissioner to refer the matter to the Attorney General for enforcement.
Removes proposed changes to GS 64-33.1.
Amends GS 64-34 by reinstating the statute’s original language that the Commissioner must maintain copies of orders issued under GS 64-31, GS 64-32, and GS 64-33.
Removes the requirement that the Commissioner amend its rules to make changes that are consistent with Section 1.
Changes the effective date of Section 1 of the act from October 1, 2026, to July 1, 2027.
The Daily Bulletin: 2026-06-09
House committee substitute to the 4th edition makes the following changes.
Removes Section 2.2, which amended SL 2020-3 by extending the sunset date for using security guards at the State prisons.
Removes Section 3.2 which allowed the Department of Adult Correction to use up to $1,612,481.14 from the projects described in Section 23.12(g) of SL 2006-66 and Section 31.22 of SL 2015-241 to finance capital facility costs of HVAC projects at State facilities.
Changes the title of Section 4.1 to more accurately reflect its content.
Adds the following.
Amends GS 143B-1491(d) by amending what can be decided by a three-member panel of the Commission, so that it may decide questions of violations and decide questions of parole under GS 20-179(p) (was, set the terms and conditions for a post-release supervisee under GS 15A-1368.4 and decide questions of violations).
Amends GS 148-132 by increasing the calendar year cap on the sale of products and services produced by Correction Enterprises to current State employees or retirees of the State of North Carolina, member, employee, or retiree of the North Carolina National Guard, or of a unit of local government from $2,500 to $4,000.
Amends GS 143B-1484(b) to require the State Reentry Council Collaborative to meet at least annually (was, quarterly) upon the call of the chair.
Amends GS 1E-20 to specify that marshals of the Cherokee Marshals Service and Catawba Indian Nation have access to all probation and parole records of the North Carolina Department Adult Correction (was, Department of Public Safety).
House committee substitute to the 4th edition makes the following changes.
Amends GS 64-62 as follows. Makes clarifying changes in the definition of adversarial foreign government. Amends the definition of prohibited foreign party by also excluding a United States domiciled subsidiary of an entity that meets other listed criteria for exclusion.
Amends GS 64-63(d) by making the Attorney General responsible for enforcing payment of the civil fine for a prohibited foreign party that fails to timely file a registration. Requires a prohibited foreign party that acquires prohibited land on or after the effective date of the section, by devise or descent, through the enforcement of security interests, or through the collection of debts, other than a de minimis direct interest, to sell, transfer, or otherwise divest itself of the land within one year (was, three years) after acquiring the land. Prohibits requiring attachment of an affidavit that the buyer is not a prohibited foreign party and is in compliance with the statute to a deed of trust, mortgage, assignment of rents, security interest, or other lien securing payment or performance of an obligation under this statute by a (1) federally or state chartered bank, savings institution, or credit union; (2) licensed mortgage lender or servicer; (3) a governmental or quasi-governmental lending agency; or (4) an entity subject to federal anti-money laundering and suspicious activity reporting requirements under the Bank Secrecy Act.
Amends GS 161-14.04 by adding that the register of deeds is not liable because the document does not include the affidavit. Also specifies that failure to attach the affidavit does not impair constructive notice, lien priority, validity, or insurability.
Conference report to the 3rd edition makes the following changes. Amends the act’s short title.
Section 1
Changes the due date of the report the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services must make to the specified NCGA committee on the development of the water plan and necessary legislative changes to January 1, 2027 (was, October 1, 2026).
Removes Section 3 that amended GS 160D-705 by allow denying special use permits for negative impact on agricultural production.
Removes Section7 that amended GS 106-549.97 concerning species susceptible to chronic wasting disease.
Moves Section 15.5 into Section 7 and changes the due dates of the Collaboratory’s reports on its study on shellfish aquaculture leasing and moratorium on shellfish leasing, so that the interim report is now due by December 1, 2026, and the final report is due by May 1, 2027.
Section 8
Adds that rules adopted under the section (concerning requirements for composting of equine and bovine mortality) are not subject to GS 150B-21.3(b3) and GS 150B-19.4. Adds that the section and rules adopted under the section must not modify, limit, repeal, condition, or otherwise affect any exemption from permitting or regulation applicable to a farming operation, silvicultural operation, or other agricultural activity under the specified regulation.
Section 14
Amends the due date of the Agriculture and Forestry Awareness Study Commission’s study on low hanging communication lines so that it is now due before the convening of the 2027 Regular Session of the NCGA.
Section 15
Changes the effective date of the changes to GS 113-187 concerning penalties for certain shellfish aquaculture violations so that it applies to offenses committed on or after December 1, 2026.
Section 16
Adds the following. Amends GS 113-218 by making organizational and clarifying changes. Amends when actual knowledge that it is a marine aquaculture leased area is presumed by clarifying what must be included on the identification signs. Removes the current Class A1 misdemeanor designation and the fine of up to $5,000 and instead makes it a: (1) Class H felony for a first offense, punishable by a fine of not less than $250 in addition to any other punishment prescribed for the offense; and (2) a Class G felony for a second or subsequent offense, punishable by a fine of not less than $500 in addition to any other punishment prescribed for the offense.
Amends GS 113-269, concerning robbing or injuring hatcheries and aquaculture operations, by removing the definition of shellfish lease. Instead of a Class 1 misdemeanor, sets out the following punishments: (1) Class H felony for a first offense, punishable by a fine of not less than $250 in addition to any other punishment prescribed for the offense; and (2) Class G felony for a second or subsequent offense, punishable by a fine of not less than $500 in addition to any other punishment prescribed for the offense.
Makes these changes, and those to GS 14-78, applicable to offenses committed on or after December 1, 2026.
Section 18
Changes the effective date of the section, concerning changes to propane assessments, to January 1, 2027.
Removes previous Section 20, concerning APA exemption for rules to modernize wastewater permitting, Section 20.1 through Section 20.4 concerning allowing the use of ungraded lumber, and Section 20.5 concerning the use of certain subsurface dispersal products for wastewater storage and dispersal in traffic-rated areas.
Adds the following.
Section 19
Amends GS 160D-903 prohibiting county zoning regulations from affecting property used for a bona fide farm purpose, as follows. Expands upon what is a bona fide farm purpose to include a building or structure used solely for the production of agricultural products and commodities derived from animal waste. Makes organizational and clarifying changes.
Amends GS 143-138 by amending the exclusion from building rules for specified farm buildings by expanding upon the definition of a farm building to also include a building used solely for the production of agricultural products and commodities derived from animal waste if the building is surrounded and adjoined by public ways and yards, no less than 60 feet wide. Requires the building owner to post a placard on the front of the building that meets the required size and appearance standards, and says "Ag. 31 Exempt."
Effective July 1, 2026.
Section 20
Amends GS 106-758, which defines terms applicable to Article 63, Aquaculture Development Act, by adding and defining the term shellfish.
Amends GS 106-761 by adding striped bass to the species that are exempt from special restrictions on introduction of exotic species except to prevent disease. Also amends that list by adding the scientific name of each species.
Section 21
Repeals GS 143B-289.57(f) which required the appointment of a three-member Shellfish Cultivation Lease Review Committee to hear appeals of decisions of the Secretary regarding the issuance of shellfish cultivation leases.
Amends GS 113-202(g) by making conforming deletions. Allows another aggrieved person, in addition to an applicant, who is dissatisfied with the decision on a shellfish cultivation lease to commence a contested case.
Specifies that any cases pending before the Shellfish Cultivation Lease Review Committee on the effective date of this section may be refiled as a contested case by filing a petition under GS 150B-23 within 30 days after the effective date of this section.
Section 22
Repeals Article 86, Farmed Cervid Industry Promotion Act, of GS Chapter 106.
Section 23
Amends GS 106-816.5 by limiting which assessments a dairy producer may request a refund for to those collected for the previous calendar year. Requires the dairy producer, after receiving the refund, to complete the form and provide proof of payment of the assessment no earlier than January 15 (was, December 15) and no later than January 31 (was, December 31) of a calendar year.
Specifies that a refund requested between January 15, 2027, and January 31, 2027, must be for the assessment collected for the period between December 1, 2025, and December 31, 2026.
Section 24
Amends Section 15(c) of SL 2024-32 by extending the sunset on the tax credit for donations of property useful for: (1) for forestland or farmland preservation, (2) for fish and wildlife conservation, (3) as a buffer to limit land use activities that would restrict, impede, or interfere with military training, testing, or operations on a military installation or training area or otherwise be incompatible with the mission of the installation, (4) for floodplain protection in a county that, in the five years preceding the donation, was the subject of a Type II or Type III gubernatorial disaster declaration as a result of a natural disaster, (5) for historic landscape conservation, or (6) for public trails or access to public trails so that it now expires for taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2031 (was, 2027), for donations made on or after that date.
Amends Section 9(e) of SL 2025-4 by extending the sunset on the conservation tax credit so that it now expires for taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2031 (was, 2027), for donations made on or after that date.
| Intro. by Jackson, Lazzara, Sawyer. | STUDY, New Hanover, Pender, Robeson, GS 14, GS 81A, GS 106, GS 113, GS 115C, GS 119, GS 143, GS 143B, GS 160D |
House committee substitute to the 3rd edition removes the content of the previous edition and replaces it with the following. Changes the act’s titles.
Provides that if Senate Bill 899 (Property Tax Reappraisal Moratorium) becomes law, then Section 1 of that act is amended as follows. Makes Section 1, with the following changes, applicable only to counites with a reappraisal of real property that became effective as of January 1, 2026, that do not: (1) have a population of less than 12,000; (2) are in the year designated in GS 105-286(a)(2)a (which requires a county with a population of 75,000 or greater to reappraise real property when the county's sales assessment ratio is less than .85 or greater than 1.15, effective no later than January 1 of the third year following the year the county received the notice) and have a population of less than 150,000; (3) have levied a property tax rate in excess of $0.95 per $100 of appraised value of property subject to tax at any point in the prior four years; or (4) are in affected areas, as defined in Section 1.4 of SL 2025-2 (counties designated before, on, or after the effective date of that act under a major disaster declaration by the President as a result of Hurricane Helene).
Prohibits, beginning July 1, 2026, a county (removing the previous population threshold) from using the schedule of values adopted by the board of county commissioners that became effective as of January 1, 2026, and instead requires using the schedule adopted according to the county’s most recent previous reappraisal effective before January 1, 2026.
Requires all counties (removes the previous population threshold), effective for taxable years beginning July 1, 2027, to use the schedule of values adopted by the board of county commissioners according to the January 1, 2026, reappraisal until the adoption of a new schedule of values under a future reappraisal by the county. Makes conforming changes to provisions concerning the base calculation and property tax appeals.
| Intro. by Berger, Moffitt, Jarvis. | UNCODIFIED |
House committee substitute to the 3rd 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 130A-93 to require the State Registrar to share copies or abstracts of information, including health and medical information, contained on birth certificates with: (1) the vital records jurisdiction of the county where the individual resides within the state and (2) when requested, a local, State, federal, or tribal public health agency for public health purposes. Makes conforming changes. Requires providing copies or abstracts of the health and medical information contained on birth certificates, and copies of or abstracts from any computer or microform database containing individual-specific health or medical birth data, to a person who will use the information for research purposes (was, medical research purposes).
Amends GS 130A-103 to allow registering a birth more than 10 days (was, five days) and less than one year after birth in the same way as births are registered within 10 days (was, five days) of birth. Makes conforming changes. Makes conforming changes to GS 130A-104.
Effective October 1, 2026.
Part II.
Requires UNC’s School of Medicine's Area Health Education Center (UNC AHEC) to consult with the Department of Health and Human Services, the North Carolina Medical Board, North Carolina Board of Nursing, North Carolina Medical Society, North Carolina Pediatric Society, North Carolina Board of Pharmacy, North Carolina Academy of Family Physicians, and North Carolina Nurses Association to gather evidence-based information on sudden unexpected death in epilepsy from publications and nonprofit organizations to create standard information to provide to all health care practitioners in this state. Specifies that the information must include, at a minimum, current and evidence-based information about sudden unexpected death in epilepsy risk factors and conditions and contact information for nonprofit organizations that provide support services for epilepsy conditions. Requires that the information be made available on the NC AHEC website and readily accessible to health care practitioners in this state. Requires NC AHEC to report to the specified NCGA committee a completed summary or booklet of information provided to health care practitioners in the report by no later than September 1, 2026.
Part III.
Requires the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (Department) to select a provider to establish a statewide pilot program to make eTMS available for veterans, first responders, and their immediate family members experiencing one or more of the nine listed conditions, including substance use disorders, mental illness, sleep disorders, and sexual trauma. Defines eTMS (Electroencephalogram combined Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Treatment) as treatment in which transcranial magnetic stimulation frequency pulses are tuned to the patient's physiology and biometric data. Defines veteran as a person who (1) served in the US Armed Forces on active duty, for reasons other than training, and has been discharged under other than dishonorable conditions, (2) served in a reserve component, and (3) served in the National Guard of any state.
Requires the program’s provider to display a history of serving veteran and first-responder populations statewide. Requires establishment of a network for in-person and off-site care with the goal of providing statewide access. Allows the provider to use nonmedical portable magnetic stimulation devices to improve access to underserved populations in remote areas or to be used to serve as a pre-post treatment or a stand-alone device and requires establishing and operating a clinical practice and evaluating outcomes of such clinical practice.
Sets out minimum program components, including requiring that protocols and outcomes of any treatment provided by the clinical practice be collected and reported by the provider not later than September 15, 2027, to the Department and specified NCGA committee and division.
Allows the Department to adopt rules to implement the provisions of this act.
Part IV.
Directs the Commission for Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Use Services (Commission) to amend the rules applicable to outpatient opioid treatment programs, as specified, to be more consistent with the federal regulations governing medications for the treatment of opioid use disorder.
Mandates that the Commission’s changes must include (1) removing the patient eligibility criteria of a stable home environment and social relationships; (2) explicitly prohibiting discharge from treatment due to continued substance use, missed doses, and nonparticipation in ancillary services like counseling; (3) removing structured counseling session schedules; (4) reducing the number of drug tests; and (5) explicitly permitting opioid treatment programs to administer methadone to patients who are not enrolled with the program as a patient but can be verified as a patient in another outpatient opioid treatment program through contacting the patient’s home outpatient opioid treatment program, checking the central registry, or other means that the Commission establishes.
Specifies that the Commission must engage with current and former treatment program clients and providers for input on how to align requirements with the federal regulations and improve patient care.
Requires the Commission to publish a proposed text of amended rules by January 1, 2027.
Part V.
Amends the following statutes requiring giving students the phone numbers for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline and the NC Peer Warmline on any new student ID issued to a student in grades 6-12, on the school website, on the home screen of any electronic devise issued to students, on any digital or printed school agenda or calendar, on a document during any suicide awareness activity, and on a document when the student registers: (1) GS 115C-47, applicable to local boards of education; (2) GS 115C-150.12C, applicable to schools for deaf and blind students; (3) GS 115C-218.75, applicable to charter schools; (4) GS 115C-238.66, applicable to regional schools; (5) GS 116-239.8, applicable to laboratory schools; (6) new GS 115C-550.2, applicable to private church schools or schools of religious charter; and (7) new GS 115C-558.2, applicable to each qualified nonpublic school. Applies beginning with the 2026-27 school year.
Part VI.
Amends Article 3 of Chapter 58, which regulates insurance offered in North Carolina, by adding a new section, GS 58-3-286, regarding the coverage of prosthetic and orthotic devices.
New GS 58-3-286 applies to all health benefit plans offered in the state except Small Employer Group Health Insurance and Multiple Employer Welfare Arrangements. Requires coverage by these health benefits plans for all prosthetic and orthotic devices required to be covered under Medicare Part B. Requires coverage by applicable health benefit plans for prosthetic and orthotic devices deemed by the insured’s healthcare provider as adequate for completing activities of daily living, essential job-related activities, and meeting the medical needs of the insured for performing physical exercise and maximizing the insured’s whole-body function. Coverage extends to custom devices and shall not be limited to one prosthetic or orthotic device. Coverage is required for replacement of a prosthetic or orthotic device, or a part thereof, and including custom devices, if the prescribing healthcare provider determines the replacement is necessary for specified reasons, such as a physiological change in the insured’s condition, and the insurer may require confirmation from the prescribing healthcare provider if the device being replaced is less than 3 years old.
By February 1, 2029, applicable health benefits plans must report the number and value of claims paid pursuant to GS 58-3-286 to the Commissioner of the Department of Insurance.
By March 1, 2029, the Commissioner of Department of Insurance must aggregate data from applicable health benefits plans and provide it to the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on General Government and the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Health and Human Services.
Effective October 1, 2026, and applies to the earlier of insurance contracts issued, renewed, or amended on or after October 1, 2026.
Part VII.
Amends GS 131E-78.4 by amending the definition of smoke evacuation/filtering system so that the equipment must use either an electrocautery device with a smoke removal collar or assistant-held smoke evacuation device. Makes technical changes.
Amends GS 131E-147.2 by amending the definition of smoke evacuation/filtering system so that the equipment must be stand-alone and must use either an electrocautery device with a smoke removal collar or assistant-held smoke evacuation device. Makes technical changes.
House committee substitute to the 3rd edition removes the content of the previous edition and replaces it with the following. Makes conforming changes to the act's titles.
Amends GS 99C-1 by adding and defining the following terms as they apply to GS Chapter 99C, Action Relating to Winter Sports Safety and Accidents. Defines inherent risk of skiing as risks or conditions that are part of the sport of skiing including the nine listed items, including changing weather conditions; impacts with lift towers, signs, posts, fences or enclosures, hydrants, water pipes, other man-made structs and their components, both padded and unpadded; collision with other skiers; failing to properly load or unload a tramway; or a skier failing to ski within their own abilities. Also adds and defines the terms season pass and ski pass. Amends the definition of passenger tramway to include a conveyor lift. Amends the definition of skier to include a person wearing a snowboard. Makes additional technical and clarifying changes.
Amends GS 99C-2 to no longer require ski area operators to conform with regulations, only rules adopted by the Department of Labor. Adds the following to a skier’s duties and responsibilities: (1) amends the existing provision to now provide that the skier must not leave the vicinity when they know or should reasonably know that they were involved in a collision with another skier before giving their name and address to an employee or agent of the ski area operator, a member of the ski patrol, or the other skier or person with whom the skier collided, except to seek medical treatment for any one injured in the collision or when remaining at the scene places the skier or others at significant risk of injury (sets out what must happen if they do leave for an allowable reason, or if the other skier is unknown); (2) to not ski off or outside of the ski trail boundaries; (3) to load and unload properly from a tramway, and to use any passenger restraining devices on tramways according to its intended purpose, posted instructions, and any verbal instructions from the ski area operator; (4) to not ski on a ski slope or ski trail that is posted as "closed" or outside of the operating hours of the ski area; (5) to stay clear of snow-grooming equipment, all vehicles, lift towers, signs, and any other equipment on ski slopes and ski trails; (6) to heed all posted information and other warnings and to refrain from acting in a manner which may cause or contribute to the injury of the skier or others; and (7) to yield the right of way to the downhill skier when approaching or overtaking another skier. Adds the duty of parents or guardians to properly supervise skiers under age 14 participating in winter sports activities at the ski area. Amends a ski area operator’s duties and responsibilities as follows: (1) makes an exception to the requirement to put a sign or warning on the location of a hydrant or similar equipment that is used in snowmaking operations that is located anywhere in the ski area, for when the hydrant or equipment is in an open and obvious location; and (2) requires posting signs giving notice of unusual conditions on the slope or trail at ticket kiosks or online in the alternative to the already required near the top of or entrance to any designated slope or trail. Makes additional clarifying and technical changes.
Amends GS 99C-3 to specify that a violation of duty or responsibility placed on the skier, passenger, or skier's parent or guardian (removes ski area operator) under GS 99C-2, to the extent the violation proximately causes injury to another person or damage to any property, constitutes negligence the part of the person committing the violation.
Enacts new GS 99C-6 deeming skiers to have knowledge of and to assume the inherent risks of skiing.
Enacts new GS 99C-7 protecting a ski area operator who has complied with GS 99C-2 from liability to a person who voluntarily participates in skiing for any damage or injury to property or persons arising out their participation in the activity that takes place in a ski area.
Enacts new GS 99C-8 making it a Class 1 misdemeanor to: (1) use a stolen, fictitious, or borrowed ski pass or season pass to obtaining services of any kind from a ski area; (2) ski at a ski area without a valid ski pass or season pass; (3) provide a stolen or fictitious ski pass or season pass or to loan a ski pass or season pass to another person to allow them to obtain services from a ski area; (4) provide a ski pass or season pass to another who is not the lawful owner and authorized user of the season pass to allow another to obtain services from a ski area; (5) access closed lifts, tramways, or ski trails; or (6) access lifts, tramways, or ski trails without a ski pass or season pass.
Enacts new GS 99C-9 making it a Class 1 misdemeanor for a skier to leave the vicinity when the skier knows or should reasonably know that they were involved in a collision with another skier before giving their name and address to an employee or agent of the ski area operator, a member of the ski patrol, or the other skier or person with whom the skier collided, except to seek medical treatment for any one injured as a result of the collision or when remaining at the scene places the skier or others at significant risk of injury. Sets out what must happen if they do leave for an allowable reason, or if the other skier is unknown.
Enacts new GS 99C-10 allowing a ski area operator to bring a civil action against a person who misuses a ski pass or season pass or who accesses or uses a ski area without authorization, as defined. Entitles the operation to an amount equal to the regular cost of a full season pass.
Enacts new GS 99C-11 to give a ski area operator’s agent or employee immunity from civil liability for detaining or causing the arrest of any person if: (1) within the premises of the ski area, (2) in a reasonable manner for a reasonable length of time, and (3) if the agent or employee had probable cause to believe, at the time of the detention, that the person committed a violation. Requires calling or notifying parents or guardians if the person detained is a minor under age 18, but does not hold them civilly liable for making such notification.
Enacts new GS 99C-12 limiting evidence offered to prove past medical expenses to evidence of the amounts actually paid to satisfy the bills that have been satisfied and evidence of the amounts actually necessary to satisfy the bills that have been incurred but not yet satisfied.
Enacts new GS 99C-13 making it the State’s public policy that the waivers of liability executed in conjunction with winter sports be an express acknowledgement of the inherent risks set out in GS 99C-1(1) enumerated in that document.
Enacts new GS 99C-14 specifying that GS 95-25.3 (minimum wage), GS 95-25.4 (overtime), GS 95-25.5 (youth employment), and GS 95-25.15(b) (recordkeeping) do not apply to a bona fide ski area volunteer, as defined.
Amends GS 95-25.5, by adding that the statute does not prohibit a qualified youth under age 18 from volunteer at a ski area.
Applies to causes of action arising on or after October 1, 2026, and to offenses committed on or after that date.
House committee substitute to the 2nd edition makes the following changes.
Amends proposed GS 105-277.03 as follows. Amends the limitation to provide that the total land area within incentive districts in a local government unit may not exceed 5% of the local government unit’s total area; moves this provision from the definition of incentive district into its own provision and adds a prohibition on a county including any land inside a municipality in an incentive district, unless the municipality’s governing body agrees by resolution to include the land in the incentive district. Sets out the process by which a municipality must notify the board of county commissioners of a proposed district. Allows the municipality’s governing body to proceed to approve the district unless the county board of commissioners where the incentive district is located disapproves the proposed district by resolution. Amends the triggers for ending the property tax exclusion so that it is now at the earlier of the sale of the property, or five years (was, ten years) from the time the property first received the property tax benefit.
Changes the effective date of the act so that it is effective for taxable years beginning on or after July 1, 2027 (was, 2026).
| Intro. by Lazzara, Johnson. | GS 105 |
House committee substitute to the 4th edition makes the following changes.
Amends GS 88B-2 to add hair braiding to the Chapter's defined terms. Revises and expands the definition of natural hair care to now involve the manipulation of hair strands or roots by one of 12 techniques. Amends the definition of cosmetic art by adding hair braiding. Changes the definition of cosmetology to the practice of all parts of cosmetic art. Amends the definition of hair design no longer including the removal of superfluous hair from a person's face by waxing. Makes organizational changes.
Deletes proposed GS 88B-4(d), requiring the Board of Cosmetic Art Examiners (Board) to offer or approve a 10-hour course in infection control for natural hair care specialists, and make one qualifying course available on its website at no cost.
Amends GS 88B-10.1 to maintain licensing (was, changed to certifying) natural hair care specialists. Makes conforming changes to GS 88B-2. No longer limits the practice to infection control and removes infection control from proposed curriculum and exam requirements. Changes licensing qualifications to include 100 hours of natural hair care curriculum, or, for a certified hair braider, successful completion of at least 76 hours of a natural hair care curriculum.
Enacts new GS 88B-10.2, establishing hair braider certification, subject to completion of 24 hours of hair braiding curriculum in an approved cosmetic art school or an approved course offered by the Board, passage of an exam, and payment of certification fees. Makes conforming changes to the Board's powers in GS 88B-4.
Reinstates GS 88B-11(e), pertaining to license to practice as a natural hair care teacher. Reduces the hours required for the license from 320 to 200.
Amends GS 88B-13 to include licensed hair braiders in those eligible for reciprocal licenses.
Amends GS 88B-15 to distinguish licensed hair care specialists and certified hair braiders in the authorizations to practice in their respective scopes outside cosmetic art shops.
Amends GS 88B-18 to require hair braider applicants to receive three alternate locations for exams and specified additional requirements prior to reapplication upon failing to pass the exam three times.
Amends GS 88B-20, setting hair braider certification fee at $5 annually, and expands the Board's authority to impose late or reinstatement fees to include hair braiders. Changes the fees for a mobile cosmetic art shop from $3 per year per active booth to a flat fee of $50 per year.
Makes GS 88B-21 (renewals), GS 88B-22 (certifications required to practice), GS 88B-23 (posting of certifications required), and GS 88B-24 (authorized disciplinary actions) applicable to hair braiders. Deletes proposed subsection (c) in GS 88B-23, and proposed changes to GS 88B-24, to reflect maintenance of natural hair care license and removal of proposed infection control practice focus.
Amends GS 88B-27, concerning inspections, to more specifically reference a cosmetic art school.
Amends GS 86B-32 to reference cosmetic art schools rather than beauty schools.
Eliminates the uncodified provisions directing the transition from natural hair care licenses to infection control certifications and providing for implementing rules.
Changes the act's long title.
Senate amendments make the following changes to the 1st edition.
Amendment #1 amends GS 90-210.25O as follows. Provides that if the name of a funeral establishment includes the name of an individual, that individual must be licensed as a funeral director or funeral service licensee or must have been the licensee who met the requirements of the statute when the establishment's initial permit was issued. Provides that misleading names include the name of a deceased individual unless the establishment is licensed using the name at the time application is made. Allows a person or entity licensed as a funeral establishment to apply for additional funeral establishment permits using the existing name if they are in compliance with the provision about misleading names.
Amendment #2 makes the following changes.
Amends GS 58-59A-5, which sets out definitions for the North Carolina Professional Employer Organization Act, by removing the term tangible net worth.
Amends GS 58-89A-50 by no longer requiring applicants for licensure to provide professional employer services who do not have a tangible net worth of at least $50,000 to file an additional surety bond.
Amends GS 58-89A-60 by no longer requiring applicants for a license to provide professional employer services to demonstrate that they have a tangible net worth of no less than $50,000.
Senate amendment to the 1st edition makes the following changes. Changes the act's long title.
Removes the whereas clauses. Provides that the Senate confirms Daniel Johnson as Secretary of the Department of Transportation.
| Intro. by Rabon. | SENATE RES |
The Daily Bulletin: 2026-06-09
House committee substitute to the 1st edition makes the following changes.
Makes technical changes to the proposed language in Section 2-8 of the City of Jacksonville's Charter (SL 1967-911). Replaces the provisions providing for the effect of the charter amendments. Now makes the City Charter amendments effective at the time of the organizational meeting held in December 2027 pursuant to state law and requires that the 2027 elections must be conducted as if the provisions were already effective. Amends Section 2 to now provide that the act does not affect filling a vacancy that occurs for a seat of an officer elected before the date the act becomes law. Mandates residency requirements for vacancies of seats representing a ward.
| Intro. by Gable, Shepard. | Onslow |
The Daily Bulletin: 2026-06-09
House committee substitute to the 2nd edition makes the following changes. Adds Bailey to those local governments exempt from the cap on satellite annexations under GS 160A-58.1. Amends the act's titles.
House committee substitute to the 3rd edition makes the following changes. Amends the act’s long title. Moves previous Section 2 to Section 7 and adds the following new content.
Section 2
Removes the described property from Morehead City’s corporate limits. Specifies that the section does not effect the validity of any liens to the City for ad valorem taxes or special assessments outstanding before the effective date of the section; allows the liens to be collected or foreclosed upon after the effective date as though the property were still within the City’s corporate limits. Effective June 30, 2026. Excludes property in the described territory as of January 1, 2026, from municipal taxes for taxes imposed for taxable years beginning on or after July 1, 2026.
Section 3
Removes the described property from Washington’s corporate limits. Specifies that the section does not effect the validity of any liens to the City for ad valorem taxes or special assessments outstanding before the effective date of the section; allows the liens to be collected or foreclosed upon after the effective date as though the property were still within the City’s corporate limits. Effective June 30, 2026. Excludes property in the described territory as of January 1, 2026, from municipal taxes for taxes imposed for taxable years beginning on or after July 1, 2026.
Section 4
Removes the described property from Kernersville’s corporate limits. Specifies that the section does not effect the validity of any liens to the Town for ad valorem taxes or special assessments outstanding before the effective date of the section; allows the liens to be collected or foreclosed upon after the effective date as though the property were still within the Town’s corporate limits. Effective June 30, 2026. Excludes property in the described territory as of January 1, 2026, from municipal taxes for taxes imposed for taxable years beginning on or after July 1, 2026.
Section 5
Removes the described property from Red Oak’s corporate limits. Specifies that the section does not effect the validity of any liens to the Town for ad valorem taxes or special assessments outstanding before the effective date of the section; allows the liens to be collected or foreclosed upon after the effective date as though the property were still within the Town’s corporate limits. Effective June 30, 2026. Excludes property in the described territory as of January 1, 2026, from municipal taxes for taxes imposed for taxable years beginning on or after July 1, 2026.
Section 7
Removes the described property from Waynesville’s corporate limits. Specifies that the section does not effect the validity of any liens to the Town for ad valorem taxes or special assessments outstanding before the effective date of the section; allows the liens to be collected or foreclosed upon after the effective date as though the property were still within the Town’s corporate limits. Effective June 30, 2026. Excludes property in the described territory as of January 1, 2026, from municipal taxes for taxes imposed for taxable years beginning on or after July 1, 2026.
Section 8
Removes the described property from Walnut Creek’s corporate limits. Specifies that the section does not effect the validity of any liens to the Village for ad valorem taxes or special assessments outstanding before the effective date of the section; allows the liens to be collected or foreclosed upon after the effective date as though the property were still within the Village’s corporate limits. Effective June 30, 2026. Excludes property in the described territory as of January 1, 2026, from municipal taxes for taxes imposed for taxable years beginning on or after July 1, 2026.
Section 9
Repeals SL 1977-55. Prohibits Walnut Creek from exercising any powers given to cities in GS Chapter 160D in any area beyond its contiguous corporate limits. Makes the relinquishment of jurisdiction by Walnut Creek over the area beyond its contiguous corporate limits effective on the date this section becomes law. Ratifes, validates, confirms, and approves any acquisition, conveyance, transfer, or acceptance of real property or interest in real or personal property by Walnut Creek occurring before the section’s effective date, as if Walnut Creek had possessed full legal authority to undertake the action when it occurred.
House committee substitute to the 2nd edition makes the following changes. Changes the act’s titles.
Organizes the act into Parts.
Part II.
Deletes the provisions of Section 2, which proposed to allow Rowan County to apply development regulations to the area of the Kannapolis’ relinquished extraterritorial jurisdiction located in the County, notwithstanding state law in GS Chapter 160D. Instead amends GS 160D-202(h) to provide that city development regulations and enforcement powers remain effective following relinquishment of jurisdiction to a county until the sooner of the county adopting such development regulation or 90 days from the relinquishment action. Exempts from the down zoning requirements of GS 160D-601(d) Rowan County’s adoption of development regulations establishing jurisdiction over an area after relinquishment of jurisdiction by the City of Kannapolis pursuant to GS 160D-202, as amended. Expires October 1, 2026.
Adds the following new content.
Part III.
Amends the Charter of the City of Albermarle, SL 1979-259, as amended, as follows. Changes the method of election for the mayor and council members set forth in Section 3.1 from nonpartisan plurality to partisan. Provides for elections in even-numbered years, with primaries and elections held and conducted in accordance with state law. Adds a new subsection allowing for petitions seeking nomination for office, subject to the requirements of GS Chapter 163, except that the date and time of filing must be pursuant to GS 163-122(a)(3). Effective at the time of the organization meeting held pursuant to GS 160A-68 in December 2028.
Amends Section 2.2 concerning the election of council members. Establishes residency requirements for the four district seats. Provides for staggered, four-year terms for all council members. Establishes general vacancy procedures by appointment of remaining members, with distinguished procedures for partisan nominees and district versus at-large seats.
Increases the term of the mayor from two to four years in Section 2.3. Enacts new procedures for filling a vacancy in the office of the mayor by council appointment. Sets forth distinguished procedures for partisan nominees and restricts voting to corporate limits.
Repeals Section 3.2, providing for the election of mayor and council members.
Provides a savings clause for the filling of vacancies occurring for a seat elected prior to the date the act becomes law. Effective at the time of the organization meeting held pursuant to GS 160A-68 in December 2028.
Instructs that the 2028 elections are to be conducted as if the provisions of the act are already in effect.
Part IV.
Section 4.1
Amends the Charter of the Town of Aberdeen, SL 1975-147, as amended, as follows. Changes the method of election for the mayor and commissioners set forth in Section 4.1 from nonpartisan plurality to partisan. Provides for elections in even-numbered years, with primaries and elections held and conducted in accordance with specified state law. Deletes obsolete language. Adds a new Section 4.3 allowing for petitions seeking nomination for office, subject to the requirements of GS Chapter 163, except that the date and time of filing must be pursuant to GS 163-122(a)(3). Renumbers Section 3.4 as 3.3 and eliminates the provision directing that vacancies in the office of mayor or commissioner by made by majority vote of the board of commissioners.
Prohibits conducting elections in Aberdeen in 2027. Extends the terms of commissioners whose terms expire in 2027 by one year, and extends the terms of the mayor and commissioners whose terms expire in 2029 by one year. Resumes regular elections in 2028.
Section 4.2
Amends Section 4 of the Charter of the Town of Cameron, SL 1876-14, to change the method of election for the mayor and commissioners from nonpartisan plurality to partisan. Provides for elections in even-numbered years, with primaries and elections held and conducted in accordance with state law. Adds a new subsection allowing for petitions seeking nomination for office, subject to the requirements of GS Chapter 163, except that the date and time of filing must be pursuant to GS 163-122(a)(3).
Prohibits conducting elections in Cameron in 2027. Extends the terms of commissioners whose terms expire in 2027 by one year, and extends the terms of the mayor and commissioners whose terms expire in 2029 by one year. Resumes regular elections in 2028.
Section 4.3
Amends the Charter of the Town of Carthage, SL 1999-239, as follows. Provides that municipal elections will be held at the time of the general election in each even-numbered year (was, odd-numbered year). Provides that elections will be conducted on a partisan basis (was, nonpartisan plurality) and in accordance with the general laws governing primaries and elections for county officers and GS Chapter 163 except as otherwise provided. Removes provisions setting four-year terms for mayors and council members. Requires candidates for municipal office seeking nomination by petition comply with Article 11 of GS Chater 163 except that date and time petitions be filed with the county board of elections in accordance with GS 163-122(a)(3).
Removes provision specifying that vacancies in any elected office shall be filled by majority vote of the council.
Provides that no municipal elections shall be conducted in Carthage in 2027 and extends the terms of office for the mayor and council members serving on the effective date of this section with terms expiring in 2027 by one year. Extends the terms of three council members serving on the effective date with terms expiring in 2029 by one year. Provides that regular municipal elections will resume in even-numbered years beginning in 2028 with the same staggering of terms as when elections occurred in odd-numbered years.
Section 4.4
Amends the Charter of the Town of Pinebluff, SL 1979-243, as amended, as follows. Provides that municipal elections will be held at the time of the general election in each even-numbered year (was, odd-numbered year). Provides that elections will be conducted on a partisan basis (was, nonpartisan plurality) and in accordance with the general laws governing primaries and elections for county officers and GS Chapter 163 except as otherwise provided. Requires candidates for municipal office seeking nomination by petition comply with Article 11 of GS Chapter 163 except that date and time petitions be filed with the county board of elections in accordance with GS 163-122(a)(3). Clarifies that the mayor will serve a four-year term and commissioners will serve staggered four-year terms.
Provides that no municipal elections will be conducted in Pinebluff in 2027 and extends the terms of office for the mayor and commissioners serving on the effective date of this section with terms expiring in 2027 by one year. Extends the terms of three commissioners serving on the effective date with terms expiring in 2029 by one year. Clarifies that regular municipal elections will resume in even-numbered years beginning in 2028 with the same staggering of terms as when elections occurred in odd-numbered years.
Section 4.5
Amends the Charter of the Town of Robbins, SL 1935-63 as amended, as follows. Provides that elections for the mayor and five commissioners will be held on a partisan basis in each even-numbered year and that the mayor and commissioners will serve staggered four-year terms. Provides that elections shall be held in accordance with the general laws governing primaries and elections for county officers and GS Chapter 163 except as otherwise provided. Requires candidates for municipal office seeking nomination by petition comply with Article 11 of GS Chapter 163 except that date and time petitions be filed with the county board of elections in accordance with GS 163-122(a)(3).
Provides that no municipal elections will be conducted in Robbins in 2027 and extends the terms of office for the mayor and commissioners serving on the effective date of this section with terms expiring in 2027 by one year. Extends the terms of three commissioners serving on the effective date with terms expiring in 2029 by one year. Clarifies that regular municipal elections will resume in even-numbered years beginning in 2028 with the same staggering of terms as when elections occurred in odd-numbered years.
Section 4.6
Amends the Charter of the Town of Southern Pines, SL 1981-352, as amended, as follows. Provides that municipal elections will be held at the time of the general election in each even-numbered year (was, odd-numbered year). Provides that the mayor and town council will be elected on a partisan basis (was, nonpartisan plurality). Provides that elections shall be held in accordance with the general laws governing primaries and elections for county officers and GS Chapter 163 except as otherwise provided. Requires candidates for municipal office seeking nomination by petition comply with Article 11 of GS Chapter 163 except that date and time petitions be filed with the county board of elections in accordance with GS 163-122(a)(3).
Clarifies that the mayor will serve a four-year term and town council members will serve staggered four-year terms.
Provides that no municipal elections will be conducted in Southern Pines in 2027 and extends the terms of office for the mayor and town council members serving on the effective date of this section with terms expiring in 2027 by one year. Extends the terms of two town council members serving on the effective date with terms expiring in 2029 by one year. Clarifies that regular municipal elections will resume in even-numbered years beginning in 2028 with the same staggering of terms as when elections occurred in odd-numbered years.
Section 4.7
Amends the Charter of the Town of Taylortown, SL 1987-601, as follows. Provides that elections will be held in each even-numbered year on a partisan basis (was, nonpartisan plurality). Provides that elections shall be held in accordance with the general laws governing primaries and elections for county officers and GS Chapter 163 except as otherwise provided. Requires candidates for municipal office seeking nomination by petition comply with Article 11 of GS Chapter 163 except that date and time petitions be filed with the county board of elections in accordance with GS 163-122(a)(3).
Repeals Section 3.5 of Chapter III of the Charter of the Town of Taylortown (providing that council vacancies are to be filled by remaining members of the council for the remainder of the unexpired term).
Provides that no municipal elections will be held in Taylortown in 2027. Extends the terms of office for the members of the town council serving on the effective date of this section whose terms are set to expire in 2027 by one year. Clarifies that regular municipal elections will resume in even-numbered years beginning in 2028.
Section 4.8
Repeals Section 6 of the Charter of the Town of Vass, Pr. 1907-407 as amended by SL 1953-817, as amended (governing municipal elections).
Adds new Section 6.1 to the Charter of the Town of Vass to provide that regular municipal elections shall take place on a partisan basis in even-numbered years in accordance with the general laws governing primaries and elections for county officers and GS Chapter 163 except as otherwise provided. Requires candidates for municipal office seeking nomination by petition comply with Article 11 of GS Chapter 163 except that date and time petitions be filed with the county board of elections in accordance with GS 163-122(a)(3).
Amends Section 3 of the Charter of the Town of Vass to provide that the governing body shall consist of a mayor and five commissioners. Provides that the mayor will serve a two-year term and commissioners will serve staggered four-year terms. Removes outdated language.
Provides that no municipal elections will be conducted in Vass in 2027 and extends the terms of office for the mayor and commissioners serving on the effective date of this section with terms expiring in 2027 by one year. Extends the terms of two commissioners serving on the effective date with terms expiring in 2029 by one year. Clarifies that regular municipal elections will resume in even-numbered years beginning in 2028 with the same staggering of terms as when elections occurred in odd-numbered years.
Section 4.9
Amends Article IV of the Charter of Foxfire Village, SL 1977-237, as follows. Provides that elections will be held in each even-numbered year on a partisan basis (was, nonpartisan plurality). Provides that elections shall be held in accordance with the general laws governing primaries and elections for county officers and GS Chapter 163 except as otherwise provided. Requires candidates for municipal office seeking nomination by petition comply with Article 11 of GS Chapter 163 except that date and time petitions be filed with the county board of elections in accordance with GS 163-122(a)(3).
Amends Article III of the Charter of Foxfire Village to provide that members of the village council will serve staggered four-year terms and removes provision related to filling vacancies on the council or in the office of the mayor.
Provides that no municipal elections will be conducted in Foxfire Village in 2027. Extends the terms of office for council members serving on the effective date of this section with terms expiring in 2027 by one year. Extends the terms of three council members serving on the effective date with terms expiring in 2029 by one year. Clarifies that regular municipal elections will resume in even-numbered years beginning in 2028 with the same staggering of terms as when elections occurred in odd-numbered years.
Section 4.10
Amends Section III of Pinehurst’s charter, as follows. Requires regular municipal elections to be held at the time of the general election in even-numbered years. Requires that council members and the Mayor be elected on a partisan basis. Requires primary and elections to be held and conducted according to general laws governing primaries and elections for county officers. Requires candidates seeking nomination by petition for municipal office to comply with the requirements of Article 11 of GS Chapter 163 (nomination by petition) except that the date and time for filing petitions with the county board of elections must be done according to GS 163-122(a)(3). Removes outdated language.
Prohibits conducting elections in Pinehurst in 2027. Extends the terms of office for the (1) mayor and two council members serving as of the effective date whose terms are set to expire in 2027 by one year and (2) two council members serving as of the effective date whose terms are set to expire in 2029 by one year. Resumes elections in even-numbered years beginning in 2028 with the same staggering of terms as when elections were conducted in odd-numbered years.
Section 4.11
Amends Article III of the Whispering Pines charter, SL 2028-105, as follows. Changes the timing of regular municipal elections to odd-numbered years, to be held at the time of the general election. Requires the Village Council to now be elected on a partisan basis. Requires primary and elections to be held and conducted according to general laws governing primaries and elections for county officers. Requires candidates seeking nomination by petition for municipal office to comply with the requirements of Article 11 of GS Chapter 163 (nomination by petition) except that the date and time for filing petitions with the county board of elections must be done according to GS 163-122(a)(3). Removes outdated language.
Prohibits conducting elections in Whispering Pines in 2027. Extends the terms of office for the (2) two council members serving as of the effective date whose terms are set to expire in 2027 by one year and (2) two council members serving as of the effective date whose terms are set to expire in 2029 by one year. Resumes elections in even-numbered years beginning in 2028 with the same staggering of terms as when elections were conducted in odd-numbered years.
Part V.
Section 5
Amends SL 2015-244 as follows. Requires that members of the Moore County Board of Education to now be elected on a partisan basis at the time of the general election in each even-numbered year as terms expire. Requires candidates to be nominated at the same time and in the same manner as other county officers, with members taking office on the first Monday in December following elections. Requires elections to be conducted according to GS Chapters 115C and 163. Requires candidates be a qualified voter and resident of the residency district in which the person seeks to be elected. Requires vacancies to be filled according to GS 115C-37.1 (vacancies in offices of county boards of education elected on partisan basis in certain counties) instead of GS 115C-37 (election of county board of education members). Removes outdated language.
Specifies that this section does not affect the term of office for any person elected in 2026 to the Moore County Board of Education. Requires vacancies for a member elected in 2026 to be filled by appointment by the remaining members. Requires when a vacancy occurs in a seat selected for a residency district that the successor be selected from the residency district of the vacating member. Requires members elected in 2026 or appointed to fill a vacancy for a member elected in 2026, to serve until a successor has been elected and qualified.
Makes conforming changes to GS 115C-37.1.
Effective the first Monday in December 2028. Requires the 2028 elections to be conducted as if the provisions of this section were already in effect.
Part VI.
Repeals SL 2010-64 which allowed the Moore County Board of Education to establish a campus law enforcement agency and employ campus police officers. Effective July 1, 2026.
Part VII.
Amends Section 2 of SL 1971-341 concerning the creation of a jail commission when two or more local governments have entered into an agreement so that it is also applicable to Chowan County. Amends Section 2.1 to require that the jail commission include one member from Chowan County. Amends Section 2 of SL 1919-371 so that GS 153A-219(c), providing that if a district confinement facility is established, or if one unit contracts to use the local confinement facility of another, the law-enforcement officers of the unit in which the prisoner was arrested must transport that prisoner to and from the facility for all purposes, applicable to Chowan County. Effective July 1, 2026.
Actions on Bills: 2026-06-09
H 83: REVISE LAWS ON MINORS/HUMAN TRAFFICKING. (NEW)
H 258: WORKER SAFETY ACT OF 2026. (NEW)
H 301: SOCIAL MEDIA & AI SAFETY. (NEW)
H 308: 2026 CRIMINAL LAW CHANGES. (NEW)
H 315: PROHIBIT LITIGATION INVEST/AMEND WC BENEFITS. (NEW)
H 377: 2026 COURT CHANGES. (NEW)
H 536: PHYSICAL THERAPY PRACTICE ACT MODS.
H 920: VIRTUAL CURRENCY KIOSK CONSUMER PROT. ACT. (NEW)
H 1029: NC DIGITAL ASSET AND STABLECOIN ACT.
H 1113: SHELLFISH LEASING MORATORIA. (NEW)
H 1114: GSC TECHNICAL CORRECTIONS 2026.
H 1115: GSC ADVANCE HEALTH CARE PLANNING DOCUMENTS.
H 1121: ADDED FEE FOR SEXUALLY ORIENTED BUSINESSES.
H 1123: UNC OMNIBUS & CAPITAL CONTRACTING LAW CHANGES.
H 1173: JALEEYAH'S LAW.
H 1199: THE SEATBELT ACT.
H 1214: MAKE E-VERIFY GREAT AGAIN.
S 355: SUPPORT THE DEPT. OF ADULT CORRECTION.-AB
S 394: PROHIBIT FOREIGN OWNERSHIP OF NC LAND.
S 401: NC FARM ACT OF 2025-2026. (NEW)
S 474: ADJUST COUNTIES/REAPPRAISAL MORATORIIUM. (NEW)
S 528: HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES REVISIONS. (NEW)
S 587: WAKE SURFING SAFELY. (NEW)
S 648: WINTER SPORTS SAFETY AND ACCIDENTS. (NEW)
S 695: INCENT DEVELOPMENT FINANCE DISTRICT FUNDING.
S 808: BOARD OF COSMETIC ART EXAMINERS AMENDMENTS.
S 857: GSC UPDATE FUNERAL BOARD AND DOI LICENSING.
S 889: PROPERTY TAX REAPPRAISAL MORATORIUM.
S 1001: COASTAL REGULATORY REFORM.
S 1008: PILOT FOR SHORELINE STABILIZATION PROJECTS.
S 1009: REPEAL HARDENED STRUCTURE BAN.
S 1083: DANIEL JOHNSON (SENATE; TRANSPORTATION).
Actions on Bills: 2026-06-09
H 1038: AT-LARGE ELECTIONS/JACKSONVILLE CITY COUNCIL.
H 1041: DEANNEX CERTAIN PROP. FROM CITY OF MOREHEAD.
H 1058: DEANNEXATIONS/LIMIT CERTAIN POWERS. (NEW)
S 809: SATELLITE ANNEXATION CAP/RURAL HALL FIRE DISTRICT. (NEW)
S 811: VARIOUS LOCAL PROVISIONS VIII. (NEW)
S 817: ANNEX VARIOUS MILITARY PROPERTY/JACKSONVILLE.
S 821: DEANNEX PROPERTY FROM TOWN OF WAYNESVILLE.
S 832: WASHINGTON DEANNEXATION.
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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