HB 1129 allows residential customers in North Carolina to install and operate small, portable solar panels up to 1.2 kilowatts without needing approval or paying extra fees from their electric power supplier. The bill requires these devices to be safety-certified, comply with electrical codes, and include a feature that stops them from sending power to the grid during an outage, while also exempting them from standard net metering rules. Additionally, the law prevents landlords of larger rental properties from blocking tenants from placing these devices on their units, provided the installation does not block emergency exits or cause property damage.
This bill strengthens the state's ability to handle complaints about cable service providers by allowing the Attorney General's office to seek financial penalties if a company repeatedly violates federal customer service rules or its own contract terms. It requires cable companies to print specific instructions on their bills guiding customers to contact the state agency for unresolved issues and clarifies that persistent violations are considered deceptive practices. The legislation also establishes a reporting requirement for the agency to track complaint statistics and excludes video streaming services from these regulations. To support these new enforcement powers, the bill appropriates funds to hire additional staff and cover implementation costs, with the measures taking effect in 2026 and 2027.
HB 1096, the First in Flight Act, allocates state funding to support North Carolina's aerospace industry and airport infrastructure. The bill creates a new aviation capital project account to provide grants to airports for modernization projects, provided those projects are linked to agreements with aerospace businesses. Additionally, it establishes an aerospace apprenticeship program and funds community college training initiatives to develop a skilled workforce in the sector. These measures aim to strengthen the state's economic position in aviation by improving facilities and expanding educational opportunities.
This bill allows North Carolina residents to install small, portable solar power systems up to 1.92 kilowatts without needing approval or paying fees from their electric utility. To ensure safety, the law requires these devices to have automatic shut-off features during power outages and mandates certification for larger units, while also exempting them from standard net metering programs. Additionally, the bill directs the State Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors to run a public awareness campaign funded by $100,000 to educate the public on electrical safety standards.
This North Carolina bill aims to increase access to quantum computing education by funding STEM programs in public schools, particularly those near military bases. It allocates $2.6 million to hire specialized teachers and create hands-on learning opportunities for students, while also establishing a $200,000 grant program for universities to partner with high schools on research projects. Additionally, the legislation creates an income tax credit for businesses that participate in these educational initiatives, though the specific details of the tax credit are not fully shown in the provided text.
SB 975 directs the North Carolina Department of State Treasurer to conduct two studies regarding digital assets and remittance costs. The first study will evaluate the feasibility and risks of accepting digital assets, specifically stablecoins, for certain state fees, while the second study will examine ways to reduce transaction costs for residents sending money abroad. The bill explicitly prohibits the state from accepting digital assets for taxes or criminal fines and does not authorize agencies to hold or invest in these assets. A final report with recommendations is due by January 15, 2027, and the legislation appropriates $50,000 to fund these studies.
This bill authorizes Cabarrus County in North Carolina to publish legal notices for public hearings electronically instead of in newspapers. Under the new rule, the county can post these notices on its website or use other digital methods to inform the public about upcoming meetings. The legislation explicitly states that using electronic notices does not replace state laws requiring mail delivery to specific individuals or the posting of signs on certain properties. Consequently, the county must still follow all existing state requirements for notice schedules and specific delivery methods where mandated.
SB 801 protects the personal information of North Carolina special operations personnel and their families by making their addresses, phone numbers, and school details confidential. The bill requires state agencies to keep this data private unless the individual requests disclosure and confirms they have taken steps to protect it through other means. It also expands the state's Address Confidentiality Program to include these individuals, allowing them to use a substitute address for receiving mail and legal documents. Additionally, the legislation creates a new civil liability law against doxing and allocates funds to implement these protections.
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This bill, known as the SEATBELT Act, requires drivers in North Carolina who have had their licenses revoked or limited due to serious speeding offenses to install an approved Intelligent Speed Assistance system in their vehicles as a condition for regaining driving privileges. The system automatically regulates a vehicle's speed to match posted limits, and drivers must keep it installed and functioning for one year after their license is restored. To comply, individuals must designate specific vehicles for use and provide proof of the system's installation before their license can be issued again. The legislation also establishes strict rules preventing the sale or misuse of data collected by these systems and makes it a crime to tamper with the technology. Additionally, the bill mandates that the costs for installing and monitoring these systems be paid by the driver, though a waiver process is available for those who cannot afford them.
This bill establishes new rules for electric utilities serving large data centers in North Carolina, which are defined as facilities with a power demand of over 20 megawatts. It requires utilities to file specific tariffs that ensure these large customers pay for all the costs of building and maintaining the necessary power infrastructure, preventing rate hikes for regular residential and business customers. To protect the public, the law mandates strict contract terms, including a minimum 10-year commitment and a requirement for data centers to use at least 85% of their requested power, along with financial guarantees to cover potential risks if a facility closes early. Starting in 2028, no large data center can receive electricity unless the utility has a tariff approved by the state commission that meets these specific conditions.
