HB 293 North Carolina House · 2025-2026 Session

Marine Life Stewardship Act.

HB 293, the Marine Life Stewardship Act, prohibits the farming (aquaculture) of octopus for human consumption in North Carolina. It specifically bans businesses from raising, selling, possessing, or transporting farmed octopus, while excluding wild-caught octopus and octopus used solely for non-commercial research. Violations carry daily civil penalties up to $1,000. The law directly affects aquaculture businesses and retailers handling farmed octopus products within the state.

Issues: ✓ Environment

Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared

Introduction

Mar 2025

Committee Review

Floor Vote

Governor

Introduced Mar 5, 2025 Last action Mar 6, 2025

Maddy AI version diff · 1 comparison

What changed between versions

Filed → Edition 1 · 4 edits

MODERATE

This version of HB 293 transitions from a draft filing to an official legislative edition. The primary substantive change is the expansion of sponsorship from a single representative to four co-sponsors, indicating broader legislative support for the Marine Life Stewardship Act. The bill's core provisions remain unchanged as the diff shows no modifications to the actual text of the legislation itself.

TECHNICAL

Bill identifier changed from DRH30143-NM-17A to H293-v-1, reflecting official versioning in the legislative process

Sponsorship expanded from Representative Harrison alone to include Representatives Harrison, Ball, Belk, and Morey as primary sponsors

Added reference directing readers to the North Carolina General Assembly website for complete sponsor list

Added committee referral information showing the bill was referred to Agriculture and Environment, Commerce and Economic Development, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House

Floor votes

How they voted

No floor votes recorded yet.

Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Mar 6, 2025

Committee

Ref to the Com on Agriculture and Environment, if favorable, Commerce and Economic Development, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House

lower

Mar 5, 2025

Introduced

Filed

lower

3 primary · 5 co-sponsors