HB 1242 proposes a constitutional amendment to update the language of North Carolina's "Law of the Land Clause" in Article I, Section 19. The bill would replace the current text with a modernized version that explicitly prohibits imprisonment or deprivation of life, liberty, or property except by law, while also reinforcing protections against discrimination based on race, color, religion, or national origin. This measure does not create new laws immediately but instead places the updated text before voters for a decision at the November 3, 2026, general election. If approved by a majority of voters, the new language will become part of the state constitution; if rejected, the existing constitutional text remains unchanged.
This bill creates a new process for homeowners in North Carolina to file complaints about disputes with their homeowners associations, managed by the Department of Justice. Homeowners can submit complaints online, by phone, or mail, providing details about the dispute, the association, and any management companies involved. The Department will collect this information, notify the association to respond, and publish a searchable summary of complaints on its website while redacting personal data. The bill also requires the Department to submit annual reports to state committees detailing the number and nature of complaints, but explicitly prohibits the Department from creating new rules or acting as a judge in these disputes.
This bill establishes a $200 million fund to help community colleges create training programs for high-demand construction trades like plumbing, electrical work, and carpentry. It also creates a $100 million grant program that will provide up to $5 million to construction material producers who invest at least $10 million in the state and create 250 jobs. Additionally, the bill requires state building code councils to update regulations to allow the use of specific cement substitutes and provides funding for local governments to set up digital permitting systems. These measures aim to address labor and material shortages in the construction industry by expanding the workforce, encouraging local manufacturing, and modernizing administrative processes.
HB 1138, known as the Aging With Dignity Act, aims to improve long-term care for older North Carolinians by prioritizing home-based services over institutional care for Medicaid beneficiaries aged 55 and older. The bill mandates that institutional placement be the exception rather than the rule, requiring documented medical justification and regular reassessments to ensure individuals remain in the most integrated setting possible. It also establishes a requirement for periodic medication reviews to prevent adverse drug interactions and reduce hospitalizations, while integrating behavioral health services into geriatric care plans. Additionally, the legislation appropriates funds for strategic investments in the state's aging infrastructure and reestablishes a study commission to address the needs of the growing senior population.
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.
HB 1181 modifies North Carolina's property tax relief programs for seniors and disabled individuals by increasing the income limit for married couples and eliminating deferred tax liability under the homestead circuit breaker. The bill expands eligibility for the circuit breaker to include homeowners earning up to 70% of the area median income and introduces an alternative tax calculation for those who have owned their homes for at least 10 years. Additionally, the legislation appropriates funds to assist counties with property reappraisals and imposes an excise tax on the transfer of controlling interests in entities that hold real property interests.
This bill removes the current prohibition on building hardened structures like seawalls and bulkheads along North Carolina's coast, allowing property owners and developers to construct them. Instead of an outright ban, the legislation requires the state Commission to create rules that permit these projects only if they do not cause significant harm to private property or public beaches, while also weighing the benefits of protecting homes and infrastructure. To support this change, the bill appropriates $850,000 for a university research group to update the state's coastal management plan, which will assess erosion risks and recommend maintenance schedules for inlets. The new regulations will take effect in September 2026, applying to any construction applications submitted on or after that date.
This bill creates the Affordable Maternal Access and Cancer Care Act to improve health outcomes for marginalized groups in North Carolina by establishing two new programs. The first part sets up a grant program that provides funding to community-led organizations to address maternal mortality and severe illness among underserved populations, with a focus on supporting social needs like housing, nutrition, and transportation. The second part ensures that patients do not face higher costs for necessary breast imaging tests compared to standard screening mammograms. The legislation appropriates five million dollars for the 2026-2027 fiscal year to fund these initiatives and hire staff to manage the grants.
This bill directs the North Carolina Department of Adult Correction to distribute state funds to 17 local reentry councils starting in the 2026-2027 fiscal year. The primary goal is to help individuals returning to society after incarceration by hiring new staff and providing financial support for housing and transportation. Specific provisions include funding for two new full-time positions at each council, rental assistance for those reentering the community, and transportation vouchers for people under post-release supervision. Additionally, the legislation allocates money to two community colleges to hire education navigators for justice-involved students and funds the creation of online training modules for agencies serving people with criminal records.
HB 1056 aims to increase housing supply in North Carolina by allowing residential construction in commercial zones and banning minimum parking requirements for new developments. The bill also creates a state program to reimburse local governments for costs associated with speeding up housing permit reviews and provides additional funding to the state housing finance agency. These measures are designed to reduce regulatory barriers that currently limit the number of homes being built and help address rising housing costs.
