NC Infrastructure Protection Act.

HB 808, the NC Infrastructure Protection Act, prohibits North Carolina government entities from contracting with companies owned by citizens of China, Iran, North Korea, Russia, or countries later designated as threats. It specifically blocks foreign-owned companies from gaining access to critical infrastructure like electric grids, water treatment facilities, and cybersecurity systems. The bill also mandates criminal background checks for all individuals granted access to these systems, applying to government contracts and public utility operations. These requirements will take effect for new contracts after the bill’s passage, with background check rules for utilities needing to be implemented by October 2026.