Senate Bill 587 clarifies the rules for existing properties that no longer meet current land development regulations, termed "nonconformities." It defines a nonconformity as a lawfully established lot, structure, or use that doesn't comply with new regulations, provided it's not expanded or intensified. The bill establishes that new regulations generally cannot apply to these existing nonconformities without the property owner's written consent, protecting their continued use. Property owners are permitted to reconstruct or repair nonconforming elements as long as they are not enlarged. However, this protection may expire if the nonconformity is intentionally and voluntarily discontinued for 24 consecutive months, with provisions to pause this period during certain legal proceedings or emergencies.
SB 451 reduces continuing education requirements by 50% for specific licensed professionals in North Carolina, including landscape architects, engineers, geologists, athletic trainers, and contractors. The bill requires affected licensing boards to either halve the required training hours per renewal cycle or maintain the same hours while doubling the time allowed to complete them. It directly affects licensed professionals who must meet these continuing education requirements to renew their licenses. The law includes exceptions if reductions conflict with federal rules or accreditations, requiring boards to report such cases by October 2025.
This bill creates a new review process in North Carolina to oversee major transactions involving hospitals, aiming to preserve competition in healthcare services. It requires hospital entities and acquiring parties to notify the State Auditor, Attorney General, and State Treasurer before selling or transferring control of at least 50% of a hospital's assets, provided the deal involves $5 million or more. These officials must jointly review the proposed transaction within a set timeframe and can object if they determine it would harm competition, though they may also choose to take no action. The law applies to licensed hospitals and their affiliated organizations, including holding companies and subsidiaries, but excludes routine business activities unless specifically waived by the reviewing officials. Additionally, the bill includes provisions to protect healthcare workers as whistleblowers and limits CEO compensation for non-profit hospitals that receive state funds.
This bill revises North Carolina's child passenger restraint system laws. It updates requirements for securing children based on age, height, and weight, specifying that newborns must use rear-facing systems and transition according to manufacturer guidelines. The bill clarifies when children must ride in a rear seat and under what circumstances a child may use a lap-only or a lap and shoulder belt. It also defines specific fit criteria for proper lap and shoulder belt use for older children. These changes directly affect drivers transporting children under 16 years of age.
This bill establishes a regulatory framework for North Carolina banks and credit unions to offer digital asset services, such as custody, staking, and transaction processing. It requires these financial institutions to notify state regulators before starting custody services and obtain specific approval if they intend to manage customer assets in a fiduciary capacity. The legislation also mandates clear written agreements between institutions and customers, explicitly stating that digital assets held by the bank are not insured deposits or liabilities of the institution. By defining key terms like digital assets and staking, the act aims to provide legal clarity and safety standards for the growing digital asset market within the state.
HB 1115 updates North Carolina laws regarding advance health care planning documents, such as health care powers of attorney and living wills, to align with recent recommendations from the General Statutes Commission. The bill primarily affects individuals creating these documents by simplifying the requirements for signing them and allowing multiple types of advance directives to be combined into a single document. Key provisions include clarifying how different documents interact, defining terms like 'life-prolonging measures' and 'mental health treatment,' and ensuring that the laws remain consistent with other state statutes.
This bill makes technical corrections to North Carolina's state laws by updating references to government agencies and repealing outdated sections related to past executive branch reorganizations from 1971 and 1973. It officially removes obsolete language describing former agency transfers and recodes various statutes to reflect current departmental structures, such as clarifying the role of the Lieutenant Governor and defining terms like "agency" and "principal State department." Additionally, the legislation establishes new articles within the state code to formally recognize the Council on the Holocaust, the Forestry Council, and specific rules regarding how state agencies can be transferred or administered. Ultimately, the bill aims to clean up the legal code by eliminating historical references that no longer apply to the modern organization of the state government.
SB 59 requires state and local agencies to hold public hearings with agricultural advisory boards before condemning farmland within voluntary agricultural districts in North Carolina. The bill mandates that advisory boards must hold hearings and submit written recommendations within 45 days, and agencies cannot proceed with condemnation actions for 120 days after receiving these recommendations. It directly affects landowners in these districts, government agencies seeking to acquire land, and the advisory boards responsible for reviewing proposals. The law takes effect October 1, 2025, applying to condemnation actions initiated on or after that date.
HB 369, the Parking Lot Reform and Modernization Act, restricts local governments from mandating minimum parking space sizes (beyond 9x20 feet) or numbers for new developments, effective July 2025. It also bans the future purchase or import of pavement sealants containing high levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), effective January 2026. The bill clarifies stormwater rules for redevelopment sites, stating that existing stormwater controls cannot be retroactively required for redeveloped properties unless new impervious area is created, and allows local governments to offer incentives for stormwater capture. These provisions directly affect developers, property owners, and local governments managing zoning, parking, and stormwater regulations in North Carolina.
This Senate resolution initiates the confirmation process for Daniel Johnson to serve as Secretary of the North Carolina Department of Transportation. The bill directs the Senate to review and vote on the Governor's nomination, following the state constitution's requirement for senatorial advice and consent. Once adopted, the resolution formally begins the legislative steps needed to officially appoint Johnson to the leadership role.
SB 821 removes a specific property at 86 Magellan Drive from the official boundaries of the Town of Waynesville. The bill ensures that any unpaid taxes or special assessments on this land before the change remain valid and can still be collected. Starting July 1, 2026, the property will no longer be subject to municipal taxes imposed by the town.
This bill removes a specific 18.93-acre parcel of land from the official boundaries of the City of Washington in Beaufort County, North Carolina. The property is defined by a detailed survey with precise coordinates and distances, and the change will take effect on June 30, 2026. Once the bill becomes law, the land will no longer be subject to municipal taxes imposed for taxable years beginning on or after July 1, 2026, although any outstanding tax liens from before that date will remain valid.
