House committee substitute to the 1st edition makes the following changes.

Amends Article II of the Jacksonville City Charter, SL 1967-911, as amended, (Charter) as follows. Removes requirement that mayoral and council elections be held by the Onslow County Board of Elections on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November and instead requires that those elections be held at the time of the general election in even-numbered years. Removes provision staggering terms by ward and sets that out in an uncodified provision. Requires regular quadrennial elections on even-numbered years for eligible wards to start in 2026. Requires city officers to be elected on a nonpartisan basis and the results determined by plurality under GS 163-292. Requires the election to be conducted in accordance with GS Chapter 163.

Instead of amending Section 8-1, repeals all of Article VIII, concerning elections.

Makes technical, conforming, and organizational changes. Changes the effective date from when the act becomes law to December 1, 2026.