HB 437 establishes "Drug-Free Homeless Service Zones" within 300 feet of facilities that provide homeless services (like shelters or transitional housing) using public funds. It increases penalties for drug offenses committed in these zones: individuals 21+ face Class E felony charges, while facility operators allowing such offenses face Class 1 misdemeanor charges. Facilities must display visible signs identifying the zone, and the law applies to offenses committed on or after December 1, 2025. The bill directly affects homeless service providers, their operators, and individuals committing drug offenses in designated zones.
SB 675 sets a 2% maximum fee limit for second or junior lien mortgages in North Carolina, aligning state rules with federal Qualified Mortgage standards. It allows up to 3% total fees across all lenders for such loans, referencing federal guidelines (12 C.F.R. §1026.43(e)(3)). The bill directly affects borrowers taking second mortgages and lenders who charge fees on these loans. It requires lenders to comply with these fee limits on loans secured by real property, effective upon enactment.
HB 1042 updates North Carolina's property tax exemptions for nonprofit organizations that provide housing for low- or moderate-income individuals. The bill clarifies that land held by nonprofits for future affordable housing projects can remain tax-exempt for up to five years, with unpaid taxes deferred until the project is completed or the land is no longer used for this purpose. Additionally, the legislation establishes a new specific exemption for affordable rental housing, defining it as developments where more than half the units are rented to tenants earning at or below 80% of the area median income. These changes aim to provide clearer tax incentives for nonprofits developing and operating affordable rental properties.
SB 55 creates a fast-track court process for property owners or their authorized representatives (like real estate brokers) to remove people occupying residential property without legal right, such as squatters. To qualify, the owner must prove the occupant has no lease, hasn't paid rent, and wasn't invited, while excluding tenants who stayed past their lease term. The process requires a hearing within 48 hours of filing, with removal ordered within 4 hours of the court decision. An appeal requires a $10,000 bond and allows a full trial in district court.
This bill, officially titled "An Act to Establish Exemptions from Certain Floodplain Requirements for the Replacement or Reconstruction of Structures Damaged by Historic Flood Events," corrects the misstated title "Power Bill Reduction Act." It directly affects property owners seeking to rebuild or replace structures damaged by a "historic flood event" (defined as a flood meeting or exceeding a 200-year flood standard) within the base floodplain. The key provision allows rebuilding to the same or lesser size/volume as before the flood, without adhering to newer state or local flood regulations, but prohibits increases in size/volume unless hydrologic analysis proves it won’t raise flood elevations. This exemption applies to structures lawfully established before the flood event.
HB 737 eliminates mandatory 20-hour training courses for insurance producers (agents/brokers) seeking licensure in North Carolina, replacing this requirement with a competency-based assessment. The bill also clarifies rules on insurance referral fees, updates capital calculation standards for the Department of Insurance, and restricts residential leases from requiring renters insurance. Additional provisions include adjustments to Medicare supplement licensing, continuous coverage rules for drivers with surcharges, and streamlined processes for multi-dealer registration. These changes directly affect insurance professionals, insurers, and consumers through modified licensing, coverage, and fee structures.
HB 762 modernizes North Carolina's mortgage licensing rules under the S.A.F.E. Act and adjusts fee limits for second or junior lien loans. It directly affects mortgage lenders offering these second mortgages by requiring their fees to align with federal qualified mortgage standards. The bill modifies maximum permissible fees to better match federal requirements, aiming to reduce consumer costs and improve compliance. This change applies specifically to loans secured by a second or junior lien on residential properties. The bill focuses on policy adjustments without altering licensing processes or consumer protections beyond fee structures.
HB 173 freezes Wake County municipalities' ability to expand extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ) beyond their 2025 boundaries until 2028, directly affecting local governments in Wake County. It removes one specific property parcel (tax ID 966773980500000) from Asheville's city limits, effective June 2025, while preserving existing tax liens. The bill also revises rules for commercial development moratoria, requiring four hearings (two in-person in affected areas) and detailed justifications for any 60-day moratorium, which cannot be renewed. These changes apply to all North Carolina municipalities adopting commercial development moratoria after the bill's effective date.
HB 251 prohibits North Carolina state agencies from denying disaster recovery assistance (like grants) based on a person's political affiliation or political speech. It applies to all applicants for state disaster aid, including U.S. citizens, nationals, and qualified aliens, and sets penalties of a Class I felony for violations. The bill also defines "temporary housing" (such as trailers or tents) and adds criminal penalties for stealing such housing during declared emergencies. These changes aim to ensure state disaster aid is distributed fairly and protect emergency housing resources.
HB 126 requires state and local agencies to seek input from agricultural advisory boards before condemning or rezoning farmland within voluntary agricultural districts. It mandates that agencies request public hearings on such proposals, giving boards 45 days to review and submit recommendations. Agencies cannot proceed with condemnation or rezoning actions while the board is processing the request, extending the timeline to 120 days after the board submits its findings. The bill directly affects landowners in these districts and agencies making land use decisions, effective October 1, 2025.
