Enacts new GS 160A-455.1 (Restriction concerning standards in excess of national standards applicable to nursery stock). Prevents commissions from making any plans or carrying out any program to enhance aesthetic appearance of the county or municipality that will require any nursery stock that is purchased to be planted in its jurisdictions to satisfy a standard that exceeds the American Standard for Nursery stock as adopted by the American Nursery and Landscape Association, unless stricter standards are necessary to protect public health or safety.

Enacts new GS 160A-499.4 (Standards for nursery stock). Prevents any city from requiring nursery stock that is purchased to be planted in its jurisdiction to satisfy a standard that exceeds the American Standard for Nursery stock as adopted by the American Nursery and Landscape Association, unless stricter standards are necessary to protect public health or safety.

Enacts new GS 153A-457 (Standards for nursery stock). Prevents any county from requiring nursery stock that is purchased to be planted in its jurisdiction to satisfy a standard that exceeds the American Standard for Nursery stock as adopted by the American Nursery and Landscape Association, unless stricter standards are necessary to protect public health or safety.

Effective when the act becomes law and applies to any contracts for the purchase of nursery stock made on or after that date.