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.
HB 1146 establishes the 2026 Governor's Budget for North Carolina by allocating specific funding amounts to state departments, institutions, and agencies for the 2025-2027 fiscal biennium. The bill directly affects public education, health and human services, agriculture, justice, and general government entities by setting their operational budgets for the upcoming fiscal year. Key provisions include detailed dollar amounts for various programs, such as funding for public instruction, university operations, and health services, while also allowing for savings to revert to the state fund if not fully utilized. This legislation provides the financial framework necessary for state agencies to carry out their mandated duties and services during the specified period.
This bill mandates that all school and activity buses purchased, leased, or rented by public schools, private schools, charter schools, and regional schools in North Carolina must be equipped with seat belts at every designated seating position. While the requirement applies to all new vehicles, the law allows for exceptions regarding integrated child safety restraint systems, students with disabilities, and other federally approved restraint methods. The legislation also updates existing state regulations to include specific equipment standards for diesel engines and warning devices alongside the new seat belt mandate.
SB 915 establishes the 2026 Governor's Budget for North Carolina, allocating specific funding amounts to state departments, institutions, and agencies for their current operations. The bill directly affects a wide range of entities, including public schools, universities, health and human services agencies, and justice system bodies, by providing financial resources for their services. Key provisions include detailed dollar amounts for each fiscal year of the 2025-2027 biennium, with savings reverting to the state fund if not fully utilized. This legislation sets the financial framework for state government activities but does not specify new programs or policy changes beyond the budget allocations.
HB 1202 allocates $6.1 million in state funds to Forsyth Technical Community College to create a law enforcement driving training center in King, North Carolina. This facility will feature a driving pad, roadway, and instructional building designed to support basic law enforcement training and ongoing education for police officers. The project is a partnership between the college and the City of Winston-Salem, with funding designated for the 2026-2027 fiscal year.
HB 1207 establishes a state grant program to help North Carolina municipalities prepare for and respond to winter snow and ice events. The bill allows local governments to receive up to 75% reimbursement for purchasing snow removal equipment, hiring private contractors, and covering operational costs like fuel and staffing, provided they also contract with private companies within the state. To ensure accountability and transparency, the program requires all funded vehicles to be equipped with cameras and GPS trackers, and participating municipalities must publish a real-time map showing their snow clearing progress. The legislation appropriates $20 million for initial equipment purchases, $10 million for ongoing operational costs, and $5 million to create a reserve of salt and brine for distribution to local areas in need.
HB 1167 establishes the 2026 Governor's Budget for North Carolina by providing specific funding amounts to state departments, institutions, and agencies for their current operations. The bill directly affects a wide range of public services, including education, health and human services, agriculture, justice, and general government functions. Key provisions include allocating funds for public schools, universities, healthcare programs, and law enforcement, with detailed dollar amounts specified for each fiscal year of the 2025-2027 biennium. Any unused funds from these appropriations will revert to the appropriate state funds at the end of the fiscal year.
This bill authorizes the North Carolina Commissioner of Motor Vehicles to negotiate agreements allowing drivers from foreign nations to obtain licenses in the state. It specifically directs officials to evaluate whether Taiwan has comparable driver testing standards and, if so, to negotiate a memorandum of understanding for exchanging noncommercial driver licenses by January 1, 2027. The legislation also allocates $5,000 to fund a public awareness campaign about these new reciprocity options and requires a progress report to be submitted by October 1, 2027.
This North Carolina bill makes it illegal for drivers to hold a live animal in their lap while operating a vehicle on public roads. The law classifies this violation as a minor infraction punishable by a $100 fine and court costs, but it does not add points to a driver's license or increase insurance rates. Additionally, the statute clarifies that breaking this rule does not automatically establish negligence in legal cases involving vehicle accidents. To support enforcement and education, the state will allocate $50,000 for a public awareness campaign starting in July 2026, with the law taking full effect on December 1, 2026.
SB 940, titled the 2026 Appropriations Act, allocates state funds for the 2026-2027 fiscal year to support the daily operations of North Carolina state agencies, departments, and institutions. The bill distributes money from the General Fund, the Highway Fund, and the Highway Trust Fund to cover essential services, including transportation maintenance, while also funding federal block grants for health and other programs. It incorporates existing budget rules and applies only to the specific fiscal year unless other laws indicate a longer duration. The legislation becomes effective on July 1, 2026, and includes standard provisions ensuring that any remaining funds revert to their original sources at the end of the year.
