Senate committee substitute to the 3rd edition makes the following changes. Makes conforming organizational changes to account for newly inserted content.

Adds the following new content.

Section 5.

Subjects the Department of Environment Quality’s (DEQ) adjustment of fees under GS 143B-279.19 to approval by the Environmental Management Commission (EMC). Modifies the formula for adjustment so that it is the lesser of the Consumer Price Index increase and the actual incremental cost to DEQ to operate the relevant program rounded to the nearest $1.00 (was just rounded to nearest dollar). Removes GS 143-215.94C from the list of fees imposed by statute that must be adjusted under GS 143B-279.19. Requires the EMC to make a determination on the proposed fee adjustments at its next regular meeting after receiving the proposal. Makes technical and conforming changes.

Reduces the annual operating fee under GS 143-215.94C (commercial leaking petroleum underground storage tank cleanup fees) from $498 to $100 and the late fee from $6 to $5 per day, per tank. Applies to fees imposed on or after October 1, 2026.

Section 6.

Amends GS 143-49(17) (pertaining to the powers and duties of the Secretary of Administration-Secretary) to expand the Secretary’s powers pertaining to allowing State government to join with the described governments or nonprofits both in and out of State. Allows for agreements for construction or repair work through job order contracting. Specifies that procedures cannot require a governmental entity to secure informal quotes or any additional competition for construction or repair work through job order contracting if the initial contract was competitively bid, as specified. Expands the contracting requirements under GS 143-128(a1) so they apply to job order contracting contracts pursuant to new GS 143-128.lD.

Adds new GS 143-128.1D, pertaining to job ordering contracts. Defines twelve terms, including job order contracts (competitively bid, fixed priced, indefinite quantity procurement contract, as compiled from a unit price catalog of construction or repair tasks that is awarded to the most qualified job order contractor bidder, by or under the authority of a governmental entity. In a job order contract, the contractor agrees to an indefinite quantity contract that provides for the use of job orders for construction or repair projects. Specifies that a job order contract does not constitute a construction contract.)  Subjects a job order contract to six listed procedural requirements, including a set of solicitation documents, guarantees of construction or repair work of at least $30,000, a requirement that the government award the job order contract to the lowest responsive, responsible bidder when awarding a single job order contract, and multiple bid awards through a single request for bid. Provides for prequalification of government contractors. Lists five limitations on contracts, including a maximum total dollar amount that may be awarded under a single job order contract of no more than $20 million, and if extended or renewed, a maximum of $40 million over the subsequent two terms of the job order contract. Establishes a maximum total dollar amount for any individual job order of $2 million. Provides for performance and payment bonds and historically underutilized businesses.  Exempts construction or repair work, including construction or repair work through job order contracting pursuant to new GS 143-128.lD from GS 143-129 (procedure for letting of public contracts). Now specifies that purchases of apparatus, supplies, materials, or equipment made through a competitive bidding group purchasing program (was, just purchases made through that program) are exempt from GS 143-129.

Section 11.5.

Amends GS 87-21 as follows. Exempts a person who installs or connects a sanitary sewer line serving a manufactured home from the provisions pertaining to plumbers and contractors set forth in Article 2 of GS Chapter 87 if the five listed conditions are met, including, length and diameter requirements of the sewer line and the work remains subject to all required pem1its and inspections, and the sewer line is not covered, backfilled, or otherwise concealed until it has been inspected and approved by the authority having jurisdiction.