Senate committee substitute replaces the 2nd edition in its entirety with the following. Makes conforming changes to act’s titles.
Section 1.
Authorizes the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to adopt rules to implement any part of GS Chapter 108C.
Adds new GS 108C-3.1, authorizing DHHS, when it becomes aware of an adverse action by a health care provider licensing entity that either: (1) imposes a license limitation or restriction on a provider's scope of practice, the range of services, or the time, place, and manner in which any service is rendered that deviates from the prevailing procedures for administering the services or (2) imposes a license limitation or restriction on a provider's ability or authority to provide care for all patients, to deny or terminate the provider retroactively to the effective date of the provider's licensing entity's adverse action. Effective October 1, 2026, and applies to adverse actions effective on or after that date.
Section 2.
Adds new GS 108C-26.6, directing DHHS to establish the Provider Enrollment Credentialing Committee (Committee) as the centralized administrative body to adjudicate provider participation in various programs administered by DHHS. Allows the Committee to review: (1) enrollment applications, as described, during the provider credentialing process and (2) a provider’s continued participation when the ongoing monitoring process reveals findings that can impact a provider's eligibility for departmental programs. Authorizes the Committee to issue determinations regarding the denial or termination of enrollment, reenrollment, revalidation, and enrollment maintenance for providers. Tasks the Committee with adopting bylaws and complying with the described quality assurance standards and laws. Enumerates eight pieces of provider information that are confidential and not public records under State law. Makes conforming change to GS 108C-2. Specifies, in GS 108C-3(a) that the authorization for the Committee extends to the Medicaid program, including all prepaid health plans.
Section 3.
Expands persons subject to criminal history checks under GS 108C-4 to include a provider’s owners, operators, and managing employees. Now allows the Division to permanently exclude (was, deny or terminate enrollment) a provider, owner, operator, or a managing employee (was, employee) from participation for criminal convictions in the listed Articles of GS Chapter 14 (as amended) any of the listed eight convictions when defined as a habitual felon. Authorizes the Division to terminate the enrollment of a provider upon the conviction of the provider, or the owner, operator, or managing employee of that provider, under any of the four listed offenses. Specifies that a provider may be excluded from enrollment for a period of 10 years from the date the provider, or owner, operator, or managing employee of that provider, was fully discharged from all imprisonment, probation, parole, and full payment of restitution for a conviction covered above. Authorizes the Division to terminate the enrollment of a provider upon the conviction of the provider, or the owner, operator, or managing employee of that provider, under the listed drug or alcohol offenses. Authorizes a covered person to be excluded from enrollment for a period of five years from the date the provider, or owner, operator, or managing employee of that provider, was fully discharged from all imprisonment, probation, parole, and full payment of restitution for a drug or alcohol conviction. Authorizes the Division to terminate the enrollment of a provider upon the conviction of the provider, or the owner, operator, or managing employee of that provider, under any of the sixteen types of listed offenses. Authorizes a covered person to be excluded from enrollment for a period of two years from the date the provider, or owner, operator, or managing employee of that provider, was fully discharged from all imprisonment, probation, parole, and full payment of restitution. Subjects applicants to review by the Committee after any period of exclusion. Applies to provider enrollment and revalidation occurring on or after the section becomes law.
Adds new GS 108C-4.1, allowing DHHS to deny enrollment of, deny revalidation of, or terminate a provider's participation in the Medicaid program for any of the nine listed reasons, including false claims, billing for services provided while one’s license is suspended, and certifying false or misleading information on the provider's enrollment application as true. Allows DHHS to exercise its discretion regardless of whether provider maintains a current, active license, certification, or other provider credential. Effective 30 days after the section becomes law.
Section 4.
Requires DHHS, Division of Health Benefits (DHB) to ensure that the Medicaid provider administrative participation agreement includes the four components: (1) requirement that the provider identify its electronic health record system vendor; (2) requirement that the provider notify DHB of any changes to its electronic health record system vendor; (3) requirement that every user of the provider's electronic health record system utilize a unique login to that system; and (4) requirement that the provider notify DHB when that provider becomes aware that any individual employed by the provider is newly convicted of any criminal offense, applicable to both current employees and any individual employed by the provider within the preceding 12 months from the date of the new conviction.
Section 5.
Updates statutory cross reference in GS 108D-22, as amended. Also requires each PHP to develop and maintain a closed network, and allows excluding providers from that closed network, for the provision of the following services: (1) peer support services and (2) research-based behavioral health treatment services.
Amends GS 108D-24 (children and family plan networks), as amended, to allow closed networks for community support team services, in addition to those listed and those required under GS 108D-22.
Section 6.
Requires DHHS to provide coverage to qualified individuals allowed under section 214 of the Children's Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act in GS 108A-54.3A(a). Makes a conforming change to GS 108A-54.3A(c). Effective October 1, 2026.
The Daily Bulletin: 2026-06-17
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The Daily Bulletin: 2026-06-17
Senate committee substitute to the 2nd edition makes the following changes. Amends the act’s title.
Amends Article 4 of GS Chapter 64, which is now title Prohibit Adversarial Foreign Party Acquisition of Certain Lands, as follows.
Amends the purpose of the act under GS 64-61 to allow include guarding military installation from potential adversarial foreign government control. Also seeks to protect national security for the benefit of the people of the US and NC; removes references to vital resources.
Substantially rewrites GS 64-63 to now prohibit a foreign party from purchasing, acquiring, leasing, or holding a direct interest in agricultural land or property situated within a 50-mile radius of a military installation. Prohibits a prohibited foreign party from acquiring any interest other than a de minimis direct interest, in that land regardless of how it would be used. Prohibits knowingly holding land as an agent, trustee, or fiduciary for a prohibited foreign party. Specifies that a prohibited foreign party that acquires the land remains in violations as long as it holds an interest in the land. Allows a prohibited foreign party that has acquired any direct interest in the described land before the country of residence was added to 22 CFR Part 126, to continue to own or hold that interest, but prohibits it from acquiring by grant, purchase, devise, descent, or otherwise, any additional interest in that land and requires registration with the Secretary of State. Requires the Secretary of State’s Office to produce monthly reports on the registered prohibited foreign parties, which is a public record and will be on their website. Requires the Secretary of State to provide the registry to the Attorney General one year from the act becoming law and then every six months thereafter. Sets out fines for late 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 after acquiring the land. Requires the buyer to provide an affidavit attesting that they are not a prohibited foreign party and that they are in compliance with the statute; sets out exceptions for specified types of financial entities. Requires the NC Real Estate Commission to establish the form for the affidavit. Sets out actions that the Attorney General must take to enforce violations upon receiving information that leads the Attorney General to believe that a prohibited foreign party has not divested itself of the land. Violations may be deemed by the noteholder to be a default on a loan, mortgage, or deed of trust. Places responsibility for determining whether an entity is subject to the Article with the prohibited foreign party and the State. Specifies that title to land is not invalid or subject to divestiture due to a violation by any former owner or other person holding or owning a former interest in the land. Specifies that no individual, real estate broker, or other entity, other than a prohibited foreign part bears civil or criminal liability for failing to: (1) determine or make inquiry of whether any entity is a prohibited foreign party, or (2) obtain, maintain, or otherwise comply with the affidavit requirements. Makes it a Class 2 misdemeanor to knowingly sell an interest in land in violation of the statute or to have actual knowledge that the transaction will result in a violation but aiding or abetting a party in knowingly making the sale.
Amends the definitions under GS 64-62 as follows. Amends the definition of agricultural land to refer to any land, not real property. Defines foreign government as any government other than: (i) the federal government, (ii) the government of a state, (iii) a political subdivision of a state, or (iv) federally or state recognized tribal governments. Defines prohibited foreign party as: a. an adversarial foreign government or a foreign government formed within an adversarial foreign government; b. an entity or trust, other than a government, that is created or organized under the laws of a foreign government within an adversarial foreign government; c. an entity or trust, other than a government, that: 1. is created or organized under the laws of any state, or any foreign government, 2. a significant interest or substantial control is directly or indirectly held or is capable of being exercised by a foreign government listed above or a party referred to above; d. an agent, trustee, or other fiduciary of an entity in this subdivision (also sets out exclusions from this definition. Amends the definition of interest. Amends what is considered a military installation, sets out exclusions, and requires the North Carolina Real Estate Commission to work with the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs on a map with the base and lines drawn for the applicable mileage from the military boundaries for public use. Defines the terms de minimis direct interest, party, and significant interest or substantial control. Removes the term controlling interest.
Amends the divestiture procedure in GS 64-64 by adding that for receivership proceedings under the statute, the receiver must honor and give priority to any default that has been triggered on a loan, mortgage, or deed of trust before the commencement of a receivership. Makes conforming changes.
Enacts new GS 161-14.04 requiring the register of deeds, when recording a document conveying an ownership interest in lad described in GS 64-63 to attach the required affidavit. Specifies that there is no liability for the register of deeds for failing to include the affidavit.
Makes conforming changes to GS 1-507.24(e1).
Changes the effective date of the above provisions to April 1, 2027.
Requires that the map of military boundaries be published by April 1, 2027, and updated annually.
| Intro. by Balkcom, N. Jackson, Zenger, Bell. | GS 64 |
Senate committee substitute replaces the 1st edition in its entirety with the following. Makes conforming changes to the act’s titles.
Part I.
Amends GS 160D-702 (zoning) so that a zoning or other development regulation cannot require an off-street parking lot to meet a minimum number of parking spaces per development or structure, regardless of occupancy or use. Exempts local governments in coastal areas (defined) from the above limitation except for parking related to the three described historic properties. Prevents a zoning regulation from requiring an off-street parking space (was, parking space) to be larger than 9 feet wide by 20 feet long unless the parking space is designated for handicap, parallel, or diagonal parking. Effective July 1, 2026.
Part II.
Adds built-upon area to definitions pertaining to GS 143-214.7 (stormwater programs) and modifies development. Now prevents stormwater runoff rules and programs from requiring private property owners to install new or increased stormwater controls for existing built-upon area (was, preexisting development), in addition to other described redevelopment activities. Specifies that when development or redevelopment occurs at a site that has existing built-upon area, (i) the existing built-upon area is not included in the density calculations for additional stormwater control requirements, as specified, (ii) the existing built-upon area at the site is not subject to additional stormwater control requirements under the statute, regardless of whether the existing built-upon area is demolished, relocated, replaced, or remains in place during the development activity, (iii) for purposes of determining the size of the area for which stormwater control measures are required for a development or redevelopment, built-upon area that existed before the development or redevelopment will be applied on a square-foot-for-square-foot basis to reduce the built-upon area for which stormwater control measures are required, and (iv) stormwater control requirements cannot be applied retroactively to existing built-upon area, unless otherwise required by federal law. Removes provisions specifying that when a preexisting development is redeveloped, either in whole or in part, increased stormwater controls shall only be required for the amount of impervious surface being created that exceeds the amount of impervious surface that existed before the redevelopment, irrespective of whether the impervious surface that existed before the redevelopment is to be demolished or relocated during the development activity. Now allows a property owner to elect to treat the stormwater resulting from the net increase in built-upon area above the existing built-upon area at the development or redevelopment (was, preexisting development) for the purpose of exceeding allowable density under the applicable water supply watershed rules. Authorizes a local government to offer nonmandatory incentives that waive building, zoning, connection, or other regulations or fees; provide additional tax and financial benefits; or institute other incentives for development or redevelopment that implements additional stormwater control measures beyond those required by this section and rules adopted thereunder.
Requires any local governments that implement a stormwater management program to amend its ordinance to conform to the act within twelve months of the effective date of the act. Voids any ordinances that are inconsistent with the stormwater provisions of the act after this date. Allows local governments to adopt, amend, or repeal ordinance provisions the above described incentives at any time after the effective date of this section.
Applies to stormwater rules and stormwater program amendments adopted on or after the act becomes law.
Senate committee substitute to the 3rd edition makes the following changes.
Removes provisions (1) extending Tropical Storm Fred disaster relief and extending those provisions to relief for Hurricane Helene and (2) authorizing the State Bureau of Investigation to place automatic license plate readers in Department of Transportation rights-of-way.
Makes conforming changes to the act's long title.
Senate committee substitute to the 3rd edition makes the following changes.
Removes provisions allowing parent choice in nursing service providers required under an individualized education plan. Makes conforming changes to act's titles.
Part I.
Removes the act’s changes to GS 32A-16(3) pertaining to health care powers of attorney. Instead, amends GS 32A-16(6), pertaining to qualified witnesses, as follows. Makes organizational changes. Adds the requirement that the witness both (1) received training on recognizing whether the declarant meets the legal requirements for competency to execute the health care power of attorney and (2) has been designated by his or her employer to serve as a witness to the execution of the health care power of attorney.
Modifies the Health Care Power of Attorney form so that a notary is required to confirm the identity of the two witnesses; removes proposed election to have it notarized instead of witnessed. Adds provisions from existing form language pertaining to designation of health care agent, effectiveness of appointment, revocation, general statements of authority granted, special provisions and limitations, organ donation, guardianship, reliance of third parties on health care agent, and miscellaneous provisions. Makes conforming change to account for changes to GS 32A-16. Makes organizational changes.
Part II.
Makes technical changes to GS 90-321(c). Makes organizational change. Requires the declaration to have been signed before two witnesses (previous edition allowed it be done before a notary public). Allows for health care provider employees of the declarant’s attending physician that have both (i) received training on recognizing whether the declarant meets the legal requirements for competency to execute the Advanced Directive for a Natural Death and (ii) been designated by his or her employer to serve as a witness to the execution of the Advanced Directive for a Natural Death to serve as a witness to advance directive for a natural death (i.e., a living will). Modifies the statutory form as follows. Requires that the two witnesses sign in front of a notary public. Adds the following provisions from existing form language: when my directives apply, directives about prolonging life, exceptions (artificial nutrition or hydration), wish to be made as comfortable as possible, acknowledgement of understanding of their advance directive, if there is an advanced health care agent, authorizing a health care provider to rely upon the directive, an option for the directive to be effective anywhere, and the right to revoke the directive at any time. Makes conforming changes to the form.
Changes the effective date to October 1, 2026.
Senate committee substitute to the 4th edition adds the following.
Section 10A.
Amends GS 20-279.21 by adding the following to the provisions that apply to every motor vehicle liability policy. Requires that when there is an uninsured or underinsured claim under a policy, and the insured and insurer do not agree whether the insured is legally entitled to compensatory damages from the owner of an uninsured or underinsured motor vehicle or the amount of compensatory damages, then the insured may demand to settle the disputes by arbitration. Sets out the conditions under which the insured has the right to demand arbitration when an insured sues the insurer or the owner or operator of an uninsured or underinsured vehicle seeking damages subject to a claim for uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage under the policy. Sets out notice requirements for the insured’s arbitration demands. Sets out five procedures that must be used for the arbitration, unless the insured and insurer agree on a different procedure, including: (1) each party will select a competent arbitrator and those two will select a third competent and disinterested arbitrator; (2) each party will pay its chosen arbitrator and half of all other arbitration expenses, with lawyer and expert witness fees paid by the hiring party; and (3) arbitration will occur in the county and state where the insured resides, arbitration is subject to that jurisdiction’s rules of procedure, the arbitrators will resolve the issues, and a written decision on which two arbitrators agree is binding.
Makes conforming changes to the long title.
Senate committee substitute to the 4th edition makes the following changes. Amends the act’s titles.
Removes the following provisions from the act: (1) Part II, which amended laws governing owners' associations in condominiums and planned communities; (2) Part III, concerning prelitigation mediation; (3) Part IV, requiring the Department of Justice to collect and report on owners' association complaints; and (4) Part V, concerning private association use of automatic license plate reader systems.
| Intro. by Johnson, Chesser, Rhyne, Schietzelt. | GS 160A |
Senate amendment to the 4th edition makes the following changes.
Amends GS 75-101 by amending the definition of robocall to exclude: (1) a voice communication made with the prior express written consent of the telephone subscriber that delivers artificial, artificially generated, or prerecorded voice messages, in whole or in part, including, but not limited to, telephone calls utilizing soundboard technology and ringless voicemail messages and (2) text messages sent with the prior express written consent of the telephone subscriber received by a telephone subscriber through a messaging application.
| Intro. by Greene. | GS 75 |
Senate committee substitute to the 2nd edition adds the following content. Makes conforming changes to the act’s long title.
Section 2
Requires the Department of Transportation (DOT), Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV), to study the feasibility of changing DMV funding to a percentage-of-revenue-based model, including examining nine issues, including funding models used by motor vehicle agencies in other states, legal or budgetary constrains related to a change in funding models, and potential impacts on the DMV’s customer service levels and wait times, staffing and operations capacity, technology modernization efforts, and accountability and legislative oversight. Requires a report to the specified NCGA committees and division and to OSBM by January 1, 2027.
Section 3
Amends GS 20-7 to allow a person to renew their drivers license at any time before it expires (was, 180 days before it expires). Sets a different renewal fee structure for people renewing more than 180 days before expiration. Effective October 1, 2026.
Section 4
Amends GS 20-43.1 to allow the DMV to electronically provide an unredacted crash report to a person directly involved in the crash.
Section 5
Amends GS 20-311 expanding the time that an owner has to respond to a notice that their motor vehicle insurance has lapsed from 10 to 30 days. Applies to notices issued on or after October 1, 2026.
Section 6
Repeals GS 20-79(c1), which required dealer license plates to be replaced every four years.
Section 6.5
Amends GS 20-63.1 to no longer require license plates to be replaced every seven years. Removes the requirement that the DMV develop standards for license plate reflectivity using the most current technology available while maintaining a competitive bid process.
Section 7
Sets out the intent of this section and the NCGA’s findings of fact to certificate of title application fees. Finds that the DMV’s interpretation that the fee in GS 20-85(a)(12), which set the fee for application for a certificate of title prepared and delivered using a one-day title service at $126, is not subject to the July 1, 2024, quadrennial adjustment for inflation and all subsequent adjustments for inflation, is inconsistent with the NCGA’s intentions. Directs the DMV to apply the July 1, 2024, adjustment and all subsequent quadrennial adjustments for inflation to the fee.
Amends GS 20-63 by prohibiting the DMV from requiring a business entity to contract with DMV as an individual as a prerequisite for a commission contract offer. Adds that if a commission contractor has been required by DMV to apply for or renew a commission contract in the contractors’ individual name, then the DMV must notify the contractor within 30 days of the application or renewal and give them an opportunity within 30 days of the notification to (1) amend the application to reflect the business name or (2) amend and reenter the commission contract in the business name. Requires the terms of a commission contract to allow the contractor to sell their entire business operation (was, business) to another qualified contractor before the contract expires. Expands the items that must be transferred to the new commission contractors when there is a sale to include all of the prior commission contractor’s contractual rights, and adds the requirement that the new commissioner contractor must continue operating the business. Allows the DMV to establish guidelines with respect to the transfer of the DMV’s equipment and software to the new commission contractor.
Section 8
Amends the requirements for the issuance of the International Association of Fire Fighters license plate in GS 20-79.4 to require that the person be an active member of the International Association of Fire Fighters (was, present proof of an active membership for the year in which the license plate is sought).
Section 9
Amends GS 20-11 by removing the driving eligibility certificate, including removing it from learner’s permits and provisional driver's licenses.
Repeals the following provisions relating to driving eligibility certificates, certificate requirements, school notifications, and certificate suspensions and revocations:
- GS 20-9(b1),
- GS 20-13.2(c1),
- GS 115C-12(28),
- GS 115C-218.70,
- GS 115C-238.66(8),
- GS 115C-288(k),
- GS 115C-566, and
- GS 115D-10.70.
Makes conforming deletions in GS 115C-150.12C.
Requires the DMV to restore a permit or license of a person who had it revoked due to ineligibility for a driving eligibility certificate but who meets all other requirements for the permit or license.
Effective October 1, 2026.
Section 10
Amends GS 20-37.17 by adding to the entities from which the DMV must get driving records before issuing a commercial driver's license to also include the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s Commercial Driver’s License Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse.
Amends GS 20-37.19 as follows. Prohibits an employer from knowingly allowing, permitting, or authorizing a driver to drive a commercial motor vehicle during any period in which the driver is listed in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s Commercial Driver’s License Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse as prohibited from operating a commercial motor vehicle. No longer requires the notification from an employer when an employee or applicant tests positive or refuses to participate in a drug or alcohol test to be made within five business days and now requires the notification to also be made to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s Commercial Driver’s License Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse. Requires a report that a driver has a negative return-to-duty test be reported to the DMV and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s Commercial Driver’s License Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse.
Amends GS 20-37.20A to require the DMV to put a notation on a person’s driving record when the DMV has been notified of a prohibited status in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s Commercial Driver’s License Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse for a person holding a commercial driver's license or permit (was, upon notice of a positive result in an alcohol or drug test and made it subject to any appeal from the disqualification under GS 20-37.20B, which is now repealed by this act). Makes the disqualification effective on the date of the notification. Repeals GS 20-37.20B (which concerned the appeal of disqualification for testing positive in a drug or alcohol test).
Applies to commercial driver's license and commercial driver permit disqualifications initiated on or after July 1, 2026.
Section 11
Amends GS 20-4.03 by amending the due date of the DMV”s report on administrative hearings so that it is now due within 30 days of the end of an applicable quarter (was, October 1 and quarterly thereafter).
Section 12
Repeals SL 2014-100, Section 7.14(d), which required the DOT Chief Information Officer to report quarterly on the status of listed information technology modernization projects to the specified NCGA committees.
Section 13
Amends GS 136-89.211 by specifying that the Turnpike Authority is not precluded from allowing a discount for a motor vehicle equipped with an electronic toll collection transponder or a motor vehicle associated with a prepaid toll or account (was, transponder or a motor vehicle that has prepaid its toll).
Section 14
Amends GS 136-89.182 to also require the North Carolina Turnpike Authority Board to appoint a Chief Executive Officer who, along with the Executive Director, will be the Authority’s chief administrative officer. Makes conforming changes. Makes conforming changes to GS 136-89.183.
Section 15
Amends GS 136-89.56 to require funds generated from fees for logos placed on facilities signs to be deposited into the Reserve for General Maintenance in the Highway Fund.
Section 16
Amends GS 20-146 to require a motor vehicle with a gross vehicle weigh rating of 26,001 pounds or more to not operate in the left most lane of a controlled-access highway with six or more lanes, except when entering or exiting or avoiding a hazard (removes when passing); adds an exception for when DOT has passed an ordinance and installed signage with different restrictions. Applies to offenses committed on or after December 1, 2026.
Section 17
Amends GS 20-141 to make it illegal to operate a vehicle in excess of 25 miles per hour on any roadway that is unpaved or not marked with a centerline. Makes conforming changes. Applies to offenses committed on or after December 1, 2026.
Section 17.5
Amends GS 20-141, as it applies to Durham only, to allow Durham to designate, by ordinance, an area within the municipal limits where the speed limit is 25 miles per hour except for those designated as part of the Interstate Highway System or other controlled-access highway within that area, when the municipal transportation department determines that traffic, safety, pedestrian activity, road design, or similar considerations warrant the lower speed limit. Requires speed limit signs to be placed at the boundaries of the area.
Section 18
Amends Section 34.13(b) of SL 2018-5, as amended, to allow the DOT’s pilot project for the construction of transportation projects on a construction manager-general contractor basis be awarded for up to 15 (was, 10) projects.
Section 19
Modifies the definition of electric assisted bicycle in GS 20-401 so that it must meet the requirements of one of the following three listed classes: (1) a class 1 electric bicycle (a bicycle equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling and ceases to assist once the bicycle reaches a speed of 20 miles per hour), (2) a class 2 electric bicycle (a bicycle equipped with a motor that may propel the bicycle without pedaling but ceases to assist once the bicycle reaches a speed of 20 miles per hour), and (3) a class 3 electric assisted bicycle (a bicycle equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling and ceases to assist once the bicycle reaches a speed of 28 miles per hour). Enacts new GS 160A-300.2 authorizing cities to regulate electric assisted bicycles on any multiuse path or sidewalk within municipal limits to include (1) restricting the use of a class or classes of electric assisted bicycles and (2) establishing speed limits. Enacts new GS 20-171.3 allowing the operation of an electric assisted bicycle on all roadways, bicycle lanes, and multiuse paths, except as otherwise regulated in the specified statutes and by the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources in state parks, historical sites, or other properties in the Department's jurisdiction; requires persons under the age of 18 operating or riding class 3 bicycles to wear a helmet. Allows a city to require helmet use by a person under the age of 18 operating or riding as a passenger on a class 1 or 2 electric assisted bicycle. Permits counties, in new GS 153A-245.1, to regulate electric assisted bicycles in the same manner as cities can except that the statutory authority cannot be deemed to restrict or repeal the authority of a city to regulate the use of an electric assisted bicycles. Requires the Department of Transportation to develop educational materials on the proper use and safety considerations of electric assisted bicycles.
Section 20
Amends GS 20-4.01 by increasing the allowable length and width of a personal delivery device.
Amends GS 20-175.16 to allow businesses to also operate a personal delivery device on a bicycle lane, shoulder, parking lot, or similar area in addition to the already allowed pedestrian area or highway. Amends the conditions that apply to the operation of a personal delivery device as follows: (1) specifies that the operator monitoring the device and exercising remote control navigation must be human; (2) prohibits operating at a speed greater than 20 miles per hour in areas other than a pedestrian area limited to 10 miles per hour; (3) removes the prohibition on operating on a highway except as necessary to cross a highway or along a highway if a sidewalk is not available; and (4) prohibits operating on a highway with a speed limit greater than 55 (was, 35) miles per hour. Specifies that the device has the rights and duties applicable to a pedestrian in a pedestrian area and to bicycle operators in other areas, except for those that by their nature cannot apply to a personal delivery device or that place an unreasonable burden on the operation of the device. Applies to offenses committed on or after December 1, 2026.
Section 21
Amends GS 153A-205 to allow a county to finance the local share of the cost of improvements made under DOT’s supervision to State-maintained secondary streets (was, subdivision and residential streets that are a part of the State-maintained system) that are located in the county and outside of a city. Allows a county to finance the local share of the cost of improvements made under DOT’s supervision to the following types of streets within the recorded public right-of-way, in order to bring those streets up to DOT standards so they can be considered for addition to the State-maintained system: (1) subdivision and residential streets located in the county and outside of a city but excluding apartment and condo complexes or (2) industrial access or commercial complex streets located inside a census-designated place boundary, but excluding streets that support larger parking lot networks, regional malls, strip malls, apartment complexes, or condo complexes. Makes conforming changes. Amends GS 159-48 to allow a county to issue bonds to finance the cost of providing improvements to streets (was, subdivision and residential streets) under GS 153A-205.
Section 22
Amends GS 136-140.15 to require DOT to contract with a private entity to administer a tourist-oriented directional signs (TODS) program instead of administer the program itself. Requires the vendor to design, manufacture, and erect the signs; maintain the signs; receive and respond to information requests concerning the program; and manage the financial transactions related to the program. Requires businesses or facilities participating in the TODS program to pay a fee that is set by the vendor and approved by the Board of Transportation, with the fee set under specified parameters. Makes conforming changes. Makes conforming changes to GS 136-140.18 and GS 136-140.19. Requires DOT to contract with a vendor no later than 120 days after the section’s effective date. Allows contracting with the same vendor that administers the Logo Sign Program.
Section 23
Amends GS 20-280 requiring taxicab operators that provide service to an international airport under a permit issued by the airport operator within this state to maintain a liability insurance insuring the owner and operator of the business, their agents, and employees while performing their duties, against loss caused by accident and arising out of the ownership, use, or operation of the taxicab, subject to limits with respect to each vehicle, in the minimum of $1 million per occurrence. Also requires providing proof of financial responsibility to the airport operator issuing a permit and requires designating the airport operator as the holder of the certificate of insurance for the purpose of receiving notices concerning the insurance policy. Removes outdated language and makes technical changes. Effective July 1, 2027.
Section 24
Amends GS 136-93.1A by adding that the criteria for a scope of traffic analysis must include the use of a population growth factor equal to or greater than the average of the highest three years of growth over the previous five years in the county in which a development is located. Effective October 1, 2026.
Section 25
Amends GS 136-18 by adding that when DOT requires the relocation of facilities or equipment that provide public utility service owned or operated by an electric membership corporation located outside of an existing DOT right-of-way, that DOT must reimburse the cost of moving these utilities and must not require the electric membership corporation to provide documentation of a recorded easement or property rights as a condition for reimbursement.
Section 26
Amends GS 136-93 to allow the performance guarantee required for applicants for specified construction impacting roads, at the applicant's election, to consist of a surety bond, irrevocable letter of credit, or other instrument approved by the Department that provides equivalent security to a surety bond or irrevocable letter of credit (was, bond only).
Section 27
Amends GS 136-18 to prohibit DOT from planting an invasive species in the highway right-of-way. Amends GS 143B-135.59 to prohibit planting invasive species on lands that are part of the State Parks System. Effective October 1, 2026.
Section 28
Requires DMV, within 180 days of the section's effective date, to work with stakeholders and establish or amend rules restructuring enrollment contract refunds for commercial driver training schools subject to permitting by DMV to engage in the business of commercial vehicle driving instruction. Requires that rules for enrollment contract refunds provide for specified refund amounts based on the timing of the cancellation.
Section 29
Requires the DMV, within 180 days of the section's effective date, to establish or amend rules to create a two-week course curriculum intended for Class B commercial driver license applicants, for commercial driver training schools subject to DMV permitting to engage in the business of driving instruction for commercial motor vehicles. Sets out requirements for the curriculum and types of instructional hours.
Section 30
Amends GS 20-81.12(b30) to allow the college insignia license plate to also include community colleges. Makes conforming changes to GS 20-79.4.
Section 31
Amends GS 20-79.4 to allow the DMV to issue an America's Semiquincentennial license plate upon receiving 300 or more applications for the plate. Specifies that this plate is not subject to the requirements to establish a new plate under GS 20-79.3A. Specifies that DMV is not required to issue this plate until 180 days after the DMV has received the required number of paid applications and the final artwork has been approved.
Section 32
Amends GS 20-79.4 to allow the DMV to issue a Guy Harvey Foundation license plate. Amends GS 20-79.7 and GS 20-81.12 to establish a special plate fee of $30 and require that $10 of that fee be transferred quarterly to UNC Wilmington, NC State, UNC-Chapel Hill, and East Carolina University to support their marine biology programs. Requires that DMV receive 300 or more plate applications. Specifies that this plate is not subject to the requirements to establish a new plate under GS 20-79.3A. Specifies that DMV is not required to issue this plate until 180 days after the DMV has received the required number of paid applications and the final artwork has been approved.
Senate committee substitute to the 2nd edition makes the following changes.
Removes Section 11 of the act, which required the University of North Carolina Health Care System to explore the feasibility of improving the provision of services at Broughton Hospital, Central Regional Hospital, and Cherry Hospital. Makes conforming organizational changes.
The Daily Bulletin: 2026-06-17
House committee substitute to the 4th edition makes the following changes.
Part I.
Removes requirement from new GS 108-15.25 that the Child Welfare Case Escalation Team (Team) be comprised of representatives from each region. Instead, simply requires that the Division of Social Services (Division) maintain a team of representatives. Now requires the Team to collaborate with the director of the regional social services department, in addition to the other individuals listed (was, regional persons assigned to the county). Modifies extensive child welfare history and high-risk home in GS 108A-15.26 (definitions). Makes technical changes to GS 108A-15.27 (Team initial procedure). Removes provision requiring the escalation specialist to be involved in determining the case decision in GS 108A-15.28, and instead requires the escalation specialist to provide guidance to the county regarding the case decision. Makes a conforming change. Reduces the Team members from eight to six. Appropriates $550,000 in recurring funds from the General Fund to the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) beginning in 2026-27 and $157,000 in nonrecurring funds for that year to fund those positions, as described. Makes a conforming change. Directs the Division to now amend its protocols and rules necessary to integrate Team involvement for entry into private residences for services for juveniles (was, high-risk juveniles) at risk of abuse or neglect.
Part II.
Makes technical changes to depiction of GS 7B-302. Removes provision authorizing the director or their representative to enter a private residence if the Team is involved.
Part III.
Appropriates $100,000 from the General Fund to DHHS for 2026-27 for the described training.
Adds the following new parts.
Part X.
Enacts Part 2D, “Predictive Risk Modeling for Child Welfare,” to Article 1 of GS Chapter 108A. Directs the Division to establish a Predictive Risk Modeling Pilot Program (Program) to deploy a state-validated predictive risk model that produces risk stratification tiers for children who are the subject of reports of abuse or neglect. The Program is designed to supplement and not replace frontline workers and supervisors or the Team. Lists four Program purposes, including helping frontline staff, supervisors, and escalation teams recognize cumulative patterns of concern that may otherwise remain fragmented across multiple referrals, investigations, and system contacts. Sets forth five requirements for the predictive risk model, including rigorous validation and production of static statistical risk estimates that are fully human-controlled, nonautonomous, and do not learn or adapt in operation without express authorization by the Division. Prevents the model from being used for any of the following:
- A decision to screen in or screen out a report of abuse or neglect.
- A decision to substantiate or unsubstantiate a finding of abuse or neglect.
- A decision to remove a juvenile from the home.
- A decision to deny services to a family.
Provides for four initial deployment modules, including a hotline screening module, an investigation supervision module, and a quality assurance module. Requires the Division to choose from two of the modules provided to initially deploy the predictive risk model. Requires the Division to integrate outputs from the predictive risk model into the escalation criteria and workflows established to enhance the identification of cases warranting Team activation. Provides for ongoing monitoring. Requires the Division to annually report to the specified NCGA Committee on model performance metrics, equity analyses, the number of cases flagged for enhanced review, and outcomes for flagged cases. Effective October 1, 2026.
Appropriates $250,000 from the General Fund to the Division for 2026-27 for customized build and implementation of a state-validated predictive risk model and $430,000 in recurring funds beginning in 2027-28 for ongoing maintenance. Effective July 1, 2026.
Requires the Division to issue a request for proposals or otherwise procure the predictive risk model in accordance with Article 3 of GS Chapter 143. Authorizes the Division to utilize federal funds, including Title IV-E administrative funds, to offset State costs to the extent permitted under federal law.
Part XI.
Adds new GS 108A-15.31, establishing a publicly accessible, internet-based county child safety dashboard that reports county-level child safety performance indicators statewide, with the seven enumerated indicators. Instructs the Division to update the dashboard at least quarterly. Provides for aggregation of data. Requires the dashboard to be publicly accessible by no later than July 1, 2028. Effective October 1, 2026.
Appropriates (1) $200,000 for 2026-27 and (2) $75,000 in recurring funds starting in 2027-28 from the General Fund to the Division for construction of the dashboard and ongoing maintenance. Effective July 1, 2026.
Part XII.
Beginning March 1, 2028, and annually thereafter, requires the Division, in new GS 108A-15.32, to report on the activities and findings of the Team to the specified NCGA committee and division, as described. Requires the Division to also publish its report online.
Part XIII.
Adds new GS 108A-15.33, requiring the Division, within five business days of receiving a report involving a child fatality (defined) or near fatality (defined) for which there is suspected abuse or neglect, or in which abuse or neglect may have contributed to the child's death or serious injury, to provide a preliminary notification to the public on its website, as specified. Provides for an online public summary by the Division, as specified, within 90 days after the date of the report. Requires the Division to appoint a designated employee to have primary responsibility for and serve as the dedicated liaison for all matters regarding child fatalities and near fatalities, including the public disclosures. Requires the Division to notify the specified NCGA committee cochairs within 48 hours of any child fatality that is under investigation for suspected abuse or neglect and in which there exists a prior child protective services history with the family. Specifies that the statute does not impact confidentiality provisions pertaining to child welfare cases and does not create a private right of action.
Effective October 1, 2026.
Part XIV.
Clarifies that the act should not be construed to diminish, or otherwise limit:
(1) The confidentiality protections for juvenile records established under Article 29 of Subchapter IV of GS Chapter 7B.
(2) The rights and protections established under GS 7B-302 through GS 7B-311 regarding the assessment and investigation of reports of abuse or neglect.
(3) The provisions of Part 2A or Part 2B of Article 1 of GS Chapter 108A, as enacted or amended by prior sessions of the General Assembly.
(4) Any reforms to the child welfare system enacted by the General Assembly during the 2023, 2024, or 2025 sessions, including but not limited to provisions relating to central intake, structured decision-making, supervisor qualifications, caseworker training requirements, or mandatory reporter protections.
House amendment to the 5th edition makes the following changes.
Section 1.
Changes one of the individuals who the Child Welfare Case Escalation Team (Team) should collaborate with under GS 108A-15.25 from the director of the regional social services department to the regional safety manager. Makes conforming change to GS 108A-15.28 (child welfare case escalation assessment). Amends the definition of high-risk home in GS 108A-15.26 sot that it can include extensive child welfare history (was, history of extensive child welfare involvement). Amends the information sharing provisions in GS 108A-15.27 so that the county department of social services (DSS) now provides the following information upon request: any records in their possession related to the high-risk home in which the juvenile is placed, including the juvenile's case, and identified in the escalation notification form (was, any records in their possession related to the juvenile's case and identified in the escalation notification form).
Section 13.
Amends GS 108A-15.33 (child fatality and near-fatality public disclosure) so that the designated liaison coordinates with local teams (was, Child Fatality Prevention Team).
Specifies that Part XIII becomes law on January 1, 2027.
Senate committee substitute to the 1st edition removes the content of the previous edition and replaces it with the following. Changes the act’s titles.
Amends GS 93B-15.3, concerning licensure recognition for individuals licensed in other (was, neighboring) states, as follows. Amends the conditions that must be met in order for occupational licensing boards or State agency licensing boards subject to the statute to be required to issue a license, certification, or registration to an applicant establishing residency in this State, to: (1) no longer require that the applicant demonstrate competency in the profession through methods determined by the board; (2) expanding where the applicant must be currently licensed, certified, or registered to include any other state or US territory or the District of Columbia (was, limited to Georgia, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, or West Virginia); (3) make conforming changes.
Prohibits an occupational licensing board or State agency licensing board from requiring an applicant eligible for universal licensure recognition under this statute from requiring the applicant to: (1) demonstrate that they are licensed at the same or substantially equivalent practice level in another jurisdiction or that the licensure, certification, or registration requirements of the other jurisdiction are substantially equivalent to or exceed North Carolina’s requirements or (2) complete additional education, training, examination, apprenticeship, clinical supervision, supervised practice, or other experience as a condition of licensure, certification, or registration (specifies that this does not prohibit requiring an exam specified to the laws of North Carolina if an exam is required for all other applicants, a criminal history record check, or other administrative requirements imposed on all applicants for the same credential).
Sets out actions that must be taken for an incomplete application for universal licensure recognition. Requires the relevant board to either grant or deny the application with 30 days of receiving a completed application. Requires written notice for any denial that includes the basis for the denial.
Allows applicants alleging that a board has not met the required time frame or has imposed prohibited requirements to file a complaint with the Department of Labor (DOL). Requires the DOL to review the complaint, give a copy to the relevant board and give it 10 business days to respond, issue written findings to the applicant and board within 30 days after receiving the board’s response (or within 40 days if the board does not respond), include any corrective action necessary in the written findings, and share a copy of the written findings with the Attorney General and specified NCGA committee. Specifies that an applicant may still seek judicial review or other relief.
Requires a processing fee of $25 to be paid to the board from which the applicant is seeking licensure, certification, or registration, to be used to administer this statute. Waives the fee for active duty miliary service members, members of the Armed Forces reserve components, members of the National Guard, veterans who applied within one year of separation, or the spouse of those members.
Amends who is subject to this universal licensure by also excluding: (1) clinical social workers licensed under GS Chapter 90B; (2) commodity merchants and certification of sworn law enforcement officers certified under GS Chapters 17C, 17E, or 74E; (3) licensure, certification, or registration for an occupation to the extent that recognition under the statute would conflict with minimum standards that federal law requires the State to impose for licensure; and (4) licenses issued to a business or a facility, rather to an individual. Also amends who is subject to the universal licensure by no longer excluding: (1) architects licensed under GS Chapter 83A, (2) certified public accountants licensed under GS Chapter 93, (3) engineers licensed under GS Chapter 89C, and (4) certification of any practitioner by the North Carolina On-Site Wastewater Contractors and Inspectors Certification Board under Article 5 of GS Chapter 90A.
Amends GS 93B-2, to require beginning October 31, 2027, that each board subject to GS 93B-15.3 include the specified data for the previous fiscal year in its annual report to the Secretary of State, Attorney General, and Joint Legislative Administrative Procedure Oversight Committee. Expands upon what must be included in the report to also include: (1) the average number of days between receipt of a completed application and final action on the application and (2) number of complaints filed with DOL and the disposition of those complaints.
Enacts new GS 93B-9.1 prohibiting an occupational licensing board or a State agency licensing board from requiring an individual to complete continuing education or similar recurring training as a condition of renewing or maintaining a license, certification, or registration if the individual: (1) is 65 years of age or older and (2) has been actively engaged in the practice of the occupation, profession, or activity for which the license, certification, or registration is held in this state for at least 25 years. Excludes occupational licensing boards and State agency licensing boards that are exempt from GS 93B-15.3. Specifies that this does not prohibit an individual who qualifies for an exemption from voluntarily completing those trainings.
Effective October 1, 2026.
| Intro. by Moffitt, Jarvis, McInnis. | GS 93B |
Conference report #2 makes the following changes to the prior conference report to the 3rd edition.
Section 5.4.
Amends GS 105-251.2 (pertaining to compliance informational returns) as follows. Removes provisions requiring the State Lottery Commission to provide the Secretary with the described information related to lottery winners upon request. Amends required operator information reporting to now direct the Secretary to request that an interactive sports wagering operator report the information required in this subsection to the Secretary for every registered player that received winnings of at least $2,000 no more than once per calendar year. Defines “registered player.” Makes technical and organizational changes.
Section 16.
Amends GS 105-163.2C so that gaming operators have to withhold State income taxes from winnings when required to withhold federal income taxes under section 3402(q) of the IRS Code (was, had to withhold State income taxes in an amount of $600 or more). Extends the effective date from July 1, 2026, to January 1, 2027.
| Intro. by McInnis, Craven. | GS 1, GS 14, GS 18B, GS 18C, GS 20, GS 54, GS 54C, GS 66, GS 75, GS 81A, GS 105, GS 108A, GS 143B, GS 150B, GS 153A, GS 160A |
Senate committee substitute to the 1st edition makes the following changes. Makes conforming change to act’s titles. Makes organizational changes.
Section 1.
Removes references to “special forces” from new GS 132-1.15 so that it pertains to former military personnel instead. Removes term servicemember and adds and defines military personnel. Modifies special operations force so that it can include persons designated as such by the Secretary of War. Specifies that it also includes the United States Army 75th Ranger Regiment; the United States Navy SEALs and Special Warfare, Combatant-Craft Crewmen; the United States Air Force Combat Control, Pararescue, and Tactical Air Control Party specialists; the United States Marine Corps Critical Skills Operators; and any other component of the United States Special Operations Command. Makes technical changes.
Section 2.
Removes new Article 11 of GS Chapter 114, the “Address Confidentiality Program.” Instead directs the Department of Justice (DOJ) to study extending coverage under GS Chapter 15C ( Address Confidentiality Program) to military personnel as defined under the act. Directs DOJ to report its findings and recommendations to the specified NCGA committee by October 1, 2027. During the period from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027, permits the Attorney General to authorize participation in the Address Confidentiality Program by military personnel, for the purpose of evaluating program administration, participant demand, resource needs, and other implementation considerations associated with a potential expansion of program eligibility. Participation authorized under this subsection is subject to any procedures and requirements established by the Attorney General. Provides for $10 fee for processing application to participate in the Address Confidentiality Program as described above. Designates the report prepared by DOJ along with the described materials, as confidential and not subject to disclosure under public records law.
Section 3.
Makes technical change to title of the Civil Liability for Doxing Act (new Article 54 of GS Chapter 1). Adds military personnel to the act’s definitions and removes special operations personnel. Removes references to special operations personnel throughout new Article 54, including by stating that doxing is unlawful without limiting it to doxing special operations personnel.
Removes the appropriations to DOJ, the Department of Military and Veterans’ Affairs, and the Department of Information Technology contained in Sections 4 through 6 of the act.
Senate committee substitute to the 1st edition makes the following changes.
Amends new GS 131D-2.11(d), Streamlining of Inspections, by adding the following. Specifies that it does not apply to any complaint investigation; follow-up inspection; monitoring visits; investigation of abuse, neglect, resident harm, exploitation; or any inspection or investigation based on a specific allegation, incident, referral, or concern involving resident health, safety, welfare, or resident rights. Adds that it does not limit the authority of the Secretary of Health and Human Services, the Department of Health and Human Services, the Division of Health Service Regulation, a county department of social services, or any other State or local inspecting entity to conduct an inspection or investigation in response to a complaint, incident, referral, or concern involving resident health, safety, welfare, or resident rights. Also specifies that it does not prohibit an otherwise authorized agency from conducting an independent inspection if it has reasonable cause to believe conditions affecting resident health, safety, welfare, fire protection, or workplace safety have changed since the last inspection. Defines substantially similar routine inspection. Deems a facility to have passed an inspection when it resulted in no deficiencies, violations, citations, or corrective action requirements related to the subject matter of the substantially similar routine inspection. Makes additional clarifying changes.
Senate committee substitute to the 1st edition makes the following changes. Changes the act’s long title.
Section 1
Amends the requirements that must be met for the CAMA Application Processing Rule for both CAMA major and minor development permit applications, as follows: (1) specifies the provision stating that the documentation showing that notice was sent by certified mail to an adjacent riparian landowner satisfies the notice requirements applies if the applicant provides proof that the adjacent riparian landowner received the notice; (2) adds that if the applicant cannot provide proof that the adjacent riparian landowner received the notice, the permit application may proceed without proof of receipt only if the applicant provides documentation showing that notice was sent by certified mail, return receipt requested, at least 60 days before issuance of the permit, to both the adjacent riparian landowner's tax address of record and to the property address of the adjacent riparian property, if the address differs; and (3) adds that during the 60-days after the date the notice was sent by certified mail, the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), Division of Coastal Management, or the local permit officer may continue to process the application (however, if there is no proof of receipt, the permit cannot be issued until the 60 days have expired). Makes conforming changes to provide that failure of an adjacent riparian landowner to receive, claim, or respond to the certified mail notice does not delay or prevent issuance of the permit after the 60-day period. Makes additional clarifying and technical changes.
Section 3
Further amends the criteria an upland basin marina must meet to qualify for permitting development of an upland basin marina project under GS 113A-129.12(b)(2) as follows. Specifies that the demonstration of compliance with dissolved oxygen standards through site-specific modeling when the site-specific sampling data documents pre-project ambient dissolved oxygen levels above 5.0 mg/L in the project baseline area, is only for pre-permitting design demonstration purposes and is used only in determining whether aeration or other active interventions are required as a condition of issuing the permit. Defines what may be included as a specific deficiency under which DEQ may be allowed to require additional mechanical aeration or other active interventions to increase or maintain dissolved oxygen as a condition of permit issuance (previously required DEQ to show demonstration identifying material errors in the applicant's demonstration based on peer-reviewed methodology or site-specific monitoring data). Adds that (b)(2) does not modify, supersede, or invalidate any certification issued under section 401 of the Clean Water Act, any federal permit, any permit issued under the Coastal Area Management Act, or any condition of those approvals. Provides that DEQ’s acceptance of a demonstration does not limit or supersede its continuing authority to require monitoring, adaptive management, mechanical aeration, or other corrective measures needed to comply with water quality standards or with the conditions of any applicable permit or certification.
Section 6.5
Adds the following.
Amends GS 113A-129.2 which created the North Carolina Coastal Reserve System (System). No longer requires DEQ to consult with the Coastal Resources Commission (CRC) in administering the System, but makes administration of the System subject to: (1) use standards adopted for the System by the CRC, and (2) permits and orders issued by the CRC concerning activities allowed in the System. Adds that for any component of the System that is also a dedicated nature preserve DEQ and the CRC must act as primary custodian to manage such components. Requires the Secretary of Natural and Cultural Resources to monitor these preserves and retain authority to report alleged violations of the approved management plan or the articles of dedication for such preserves; if there are violations, requires the Secretary to request that the Department of Administration coordinate mediation with the primary custodian. Provides that if mediation is unsuccessful, then the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources has standing and a right of action in Superior Court to enforce the terms of any articles of dedication applicable to those components. Effective January 1, 2027.
Senate committee substitute to the 1st edition makes the following changes.
Section 1.
Amends GS 147-64.6 as follows (Auditor’s duties and responsibilities). Removes the Auditor’s authority to enter into agreements with the State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) to assign agents to matters referred by the Auditor to the SBI. Makes conforming organizational changes. Now prevents the Auditor from charging or collecting from the Office of the State Controller any costs associated with auditing the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report.
Section 3 (new).
Allows the SBI to give assistance to the State Auditor, as described, in GS 143B-1208.3.
Section 4 (new).
Appropriates $500,000 from the General Fund to the Office of the State Auditor in recurring funds to be used to pay for the cost of the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report.
Makes conforming organizational changes to account for new sections.
Senate committee substitute to the 2nd edition makes the following changes.
Removes Section 15, which amended GS 160D-944 by adding new criteria for the designation of a historic district.
Removes Section 16, which amended GS 160D-102 by amending the definition of dwelling unit and amended GS 160D-703, adding a new requirement for local governments to classify residential zoning districts based only on the number of dwelling units allowed per acre and prohibits classification based on the minimum lot size allowed.
Section 8.5
Amends proposed GS 130A-295.2 by exempting an owner or operation of a permitted Small or Large Type 1, 2, or 3 compost facility from financial assurance requirements; removes the conditions that had to be met for the exemption, no longer specifies that the Department has authority to require financial assurance for specified facilities, removes provision about Type 4 facilities, and removes the provision allowing the Department to release or authorize cancellation of a financial assurance instrument due to closure of the facility.
Section 14
Makes the Section concerning review periods for local government approvals and decisions only applicable to local governments with a population of 20,000 or more people.
Adds the following.
Section 9.1
Amends the definition of offshore waters in GS 143-215.94BB by replacing Gulf of Mexico with Gulf of America.
Section 9.2
Amends GS 25-9-102, GS 143-143.9, and GS 143-145 by removing the current definition of manufactured home and now defining it as it is defined in the specified federal law. Amends GS 20-58.4A and GS 41-56 by replacing the term mobile home with manufactured home. Makes a technical change in GS 24-1.1E. Amends GS 47-20.6 and GS 41-56 by adding that manufactured home is defined as it is defined in the specified federal law. Amends GS 47H-1 by making a clarifying change. Amends GS 58-38-90 by adding a cross-reference to the definition of manufactured home. Effective July 1, 2026.
Section 15
Adds new Article 11, Rural Recreational and Heritage Event Nuisance Immunity, in GS Chapter 99E, providing as follows. Specifies that a facility is not subject to any action brought by a surrounding property owner under any nuisance or taking cause of action arising from a rural recreational and heritage event at the facility if the following were true as of the date that the surrounding property owner purchased property in the area of the facility, or if the surrounding property owner owned that property before events were first conducted at the facility, as of the date that the surrounding property owner first constructed a building on that property: (1) the facility was lawfully established and complying with laws, ordinances, and permitting requirements applicable when the facility was established, and (2) one or more rural recreational and heritage events have been conducted at the facility within 24 months preceding the date on which the surrounding property owner purchased the property or constructed the building. Defines area of the facility as the area within a 3-mile radius of the perimeter of the property or a contiguous group of properties where a facility is located. Also defines facility, rural recreational, and heritage event.
Section 16
Amends GS 160D-1110.1 as follows. Amends the at-risk building foundation permit so that it also authorizes an applicant to proceed with any associated trade permit necessary to support the authorized foundation construction. Makes conforming changes.
Section 16.5
Amends GS 115C-518, concerning local board of education disposal of any building site or other real property or personal property owned or held by the board that is unnecessary or undesirable for public school purposes, as follows. Adds that for property disposed of under this statute, local boards of education cannot impose or enforce a restriction on the future use of the property that prohibits use by a public school unit or nonpublic school. Restrictions in violation of this are void and unenforceable.
Voids a restriction existing on the effective date of this section that prohibits the use of property disposed in accordance with GS 115C-518 by a public school unit or nonpublic school.
Section 29.4
Amends GS 47C-3-121 (applicable to condominiums) and GS 47F-3-121 (applicable to planned communities) by removing the exception to the prohibition on regulating or prohibiting the display of an American or North Carolina Flag no greater than 4x6 feet displayed in the appropriate manner, for restrictions that were written on the first page of the instrument or conveyance in the specified format and messaging.
| Intro. by Jarvis. | GS 20, GS 47C, GS 47F, GS 55, GS 57D, GS 59, GS 62, GS 74, GS 86B, GS 87, GS 88B, GS 90, GS 130A, GS 132, GS 143, GS 160D |
Enacts new GS 147-64.6Q, providing as follows. Requires the Auditor, after the certification of each general election, to select counties in which to conduct post-election audits of election systems and controls. Allows the Auditor to decide on the number of audits and to select counties, but requires all county boards of elections to be audited within a reasonable time frame. Provides that audit findings cannot be used as grounds to challenge the final result of an election. Allows the Auditor to examine eight specified areas, including: (1) accuracy of voter rolls and compliance with list maintenance requirements in State and federal law; (2) records of ballots distributed, ballots voted, poll book records, and ballots tabulated; (3) absentee ballots, absentee ballot applications, absentee ballot envelopes, registrar records regarding absentee ballots, and records created and used by the ballot board to ensure appropriate processing and counting of absentee ballots; and (4) provisional ballots, provisional ballot envelopes, and records regarding provisional ballots. Requires the State Board of Elections (Board), each county board of elections, and the Division of Motor Vehicles of the Department of Transportation to provide ready access to materials, equipment, personnel, or software necessary for audits. Allows election officials to be present during portions of an audit to preserve chain of custody. Requires the Auditor to report periodically on the audits to the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Speaker of the House of Representatives, President Pro Tempore of the Senate, State Board, Joint Legislative Elections Oversight Committee, and Fiscal Research Division. Requires the Auditor to allow a local board of elections for any county discussed in the report to review the report and provide comments to be submitted along with the report. Requires the reports to be located on the Office of the State Auditor's website. Requires, when the Auditor believes information collected in the audit may be evidence of a violation of State or federal law, that the Auditor refer the evidence in accordance with GS 147-64.6B (reports of improper governmental activities). Provides that when an error, inefficiency, or vulnerability in a county's election system or controls is discovered, the county board of elections must report to the Auditor, the State Board, and the county board of commissioners on its plan to fix the error, inefficiency, or vulnerability. Requires the State Auditor to collaborate with the State Board in developing an audit manual detailing the policies and procedures guiding these audits. Prohibits changing the manual within the 90 days preceding an election in which the manual is used to conduct an audit.
| Intro. by Overcash, Daniel, Hise. | GS 147 |
The Daily Bulletin: 2026-06-17
The Daily Bulletin: 2026-06-17
Actions on Bills: 2026-06-17
H 34: STRENGTHEN MEDICAID PROVIDER CONTROLS. (NEW)
H 83: REVISE LAWS ON MINORS/HUMAN TRAFFICKING. (NEW)
H 133: NC FARMLAND AND MILITARY PROTECTION ACT.
H 162: PARKING LOT REFORM/STORMWATER CONTROL. (NEW)
H 198: ABC OMNIBUS OF 2026. (NEW)
H 206: DPS/OTHER CHANGES. (NEW)
H 258: WORKER SAFETY ACT OF 2026. (NEW)
H 349: MODIFY HC POA/ADV DIRECT. (NEW)
H 356: VARIOUS CIVIL AND INSURANCE LAW CHANGES. (NEW)
H 372: HOME-BASED BUSINESS FAIRNESS ACT. (NEW)
H 376: WATER/WASTEWATER AFFORDABILITY & CAPACITY ACT. (NEW)
H 481: PAY EXCEPTIONS/SPECIAL SEPARATION ALLOWANCE. (NEW)
H 536: PHYSICAL THERAPY PRACTICE ACT MODS.
H 936: ROBOCALL SOLICITATION MODIFICATIONS.
H 1094: FERRY DIV. AUDIT/DOT OMNIBUS. (NEW)
H 1104: IMPROVE IVC PROCESS AND ENHANCE PUBLIC SAFETY. (NEW)
H 1123: UNC OMNIBUS & CAPITAL CONTRACTING LAW CHANGES.
H 1173: JALEEYAH'S LAW.
H 1237: APPOINTMENTS & CORRECTIONS.
S 280: DOMINIQUE MOODY ACT. (NEW)
S 451: UNIVERSAL LICENSURE/LIMIT CONTINUING ED. (NEW)
S 474: ADJUST COUNTIES/REAPPRAISAL MORATORIIUM. (NEW)
S 484: CLARIFY TOURISM-RELATED EXPENDITURES. (NEW)
S 528: HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES REVISIONS. (NEW)
S 587: WAKE SURFING SAFELY. (NEW)
S 595: VARIOUS REVENUE LAWS CHANGES. (NEW)
S 648: WINTER SPORTS SAFETY AND ACCIDENTS. (NEW)
S 675: CHARITABLE ORGS. PRIVACY PROTECTION ACT. (NEW)
S 695: INCENT DEVELOPMENT FINANCE DISTRICT FUNDING.
S 801: ADDRESS CONFIDENTIALITY/STUDY & DL. (NEW)
S 858: GSC ADD MEMBER FROM HIGH POINT LAW SCHOOL.
S 863: STREAMLINE ADULT CARE HOME INSPECTIONS.
S 1001: COASTAL REGULATORY REFORM.
S 1009: REPEAL HARDENED STRUCTURE BAN.
S 1013: 2026 OFFICE OF THE STATE AUDITOR AGENCY BILL.-AB
S 1041: PUBLIC WORKFORCE MODERNIZATION ACT.
S 1047: REGULATORY REFORM ACT OF 2026.
S 1057: REQUIRED DISCLOSURES/PROXY ADVISORY SERVICES.
S 1087: POST-ELECTION AUDITS BY STATE AUDITOR.
Actions on Bills: 2026-06-17
H 240: CURRITUCK/NH BEACH TOWNS/J'VILLE OT. (NEW)
H 1035: VARIOUS LOCAL ELECTION CHANGES III. (NEW)
H 1040: PITT-GREENVILLE AIRPORT AUTHORITY CHANGES.
H 1222: RECORD DEVELOPMENT APPROVAL VOTES/BRUNSWICK.
H 1225: WINSTON-SALEM ZONING PROCEDURE CHANGES.
S 809: SATELLITE ANNEXATION CAP/RURAL HALL FIRE DISTRICT. (NEW)
S 811: VARIOUS LOCAL PROVISIONS VIII. (NEW)
S 876: VARIOUS LOCAL PROVISIONS X. (NEW)
S 1074: EDEN/MILLS RIVER/GUILFORD ART 46 LOCAL ACT. (NEW)
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