This bill removes three specific parcels of land from the Village of Walnut Creek's jurisdiction, meaning these properties will no longer be subject to municipal taxes starting in 2026. It also limits the village's authority to exercise city-level powers only within its current, contiguous boundaries, though existing development rules in the excluded areas will remain in place temporarily. Additionally, the law validates any property transactions the village completed before this change takes effect, ensuring those past actions are considered legal.
SB 817 proposes to add specific portions of Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, Marine Corps Air Station New River, and the Marine Corps Special Operations Command at Stones Bay to the corporate limits of the City of Jacksonville. The bill defines these boundaries using precise geographic markers, such as roads, creeks, and monuments, and includes a clause ensuring the city cannot regulate federal military activities within the annexed area. If passed, the property would become subject to municipal taxes starting in the 2027 fiscal year, with the official annexation taking effect on June 30, 2026.
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 creates a pilot program allowing the construction of permanent shoreline stabilization structures, such as sheet pile walls, at specific locations across North Carolina where oceanfront homes face immediate danger from erosion. Under the program, local governments or homeowners associations must fully fund these projects, obtain all necessary permits, and post a financial bond to cover future removal costs, while being temporarily exempt from certain state restrictions that usually prohibit such structures. A state research Collaboratory will evaluate potential sites based on erosion severity, scientific value, and economic impact, and will monitor the projects to assess their effectiveness before submitting results to state officials. Additionally, the bill appropriates $850,000 to update the state's Beach and Inlet Management Plan, which will catalog erosion concerns and recommend a schedule for maintaining navigation channels and beaches.
Senate Bill 394, titled the North Carolina Farmland and Military Protection Act, seeks to prevent specific foreign entities from acquiring certain lands in North Carolina. The bill prohibits citizens, residents, and entities linked to China, Iran, North Korea, and Russia from purchasing, leasing, or holding interests in agricultural land or land within a 25-mile radius of a military installation. It also includes provisions for the divestment of such lands if acquired in violation and requires documentation of land ownership by these entities. Exemptions apply for de minimis interests in publicly traded companies and for entities cleared by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS).
This bill requires political groups in North Carolina to reveal the true origin of their campaign money, rather than just listing the immediate donor. Specifically, any organization receiving more than $6,800 from a single source must report the identity of the original individual or entity who provided the funds, along with any middlemen who transferred the money. Additionally, the bill mandates that anyone making a donation must tell the recipient exactly who the original source of those funds is. These rules apply to all election-related donations made on or after the law takes effect, aiming to increase transparency in campaign financing.
HB 1102, known as the Fuel Gas Safety Act, requires landlords in North Carolina to install and maintain fuel gas detectors in any room containing appliances powered by propane, natural gas, or liquefied petroleum gas. The bill mandates that these detectors be operational at the start of each tenancy, with landlords responsible for replacing batteries and repairing or replacing units upon written notice of defects. It also extends similar safety requirements to commercial buildings and public higher education facilities, while allowing security deposits to cover damage to these devices. Penalties of up to $500 per violation may be imposed on landlords who fail to comply with the new installation and maintenance rules.
This bill directs the North Carolina Department of Transportation to conduct a study on how well the Strategic Prioritization Funding Plan for Transportation Investments is working. The department must examine why some projects under this plan are delayed and gather input from construction partners and planning groups. By November 1, 2026, the agency will submit a report with its findings and suggestions for improving project delivery to state legislative committees. The bill does not change any laws immediately but requires an evaluation to inform future decisions on transportation funding.
This bill, SB 503, aims to improve efficiency within the Office of Vital Records. It establishes a 30-calendar-day deadline for the Office of Vital Records and local register of deeds offices to process requests for birth and death certificate amendments, directly affecting individuals seeking these changes. Additionally, the bill prohibits employees of the Office of Vital Records from teleworking, except during declared disasters or emergencies as determined by the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services.
Senate Bill 730 proposes to expand North Carolina's Clean Energy and Energy Efficiency Portfolio Standard (CEPS). The bill aims to include existing nuclear and large hydroelectric power facilities within the definition of what counts as clean energy. Specifically, it amends the definition of "New clean energy facility" to include nuclear energy facilities (including uprates) and fusion energy facilities placed into service on or after January 1, 2007. This change would allow electric power suppliers to use these sources to meet their state-mandated clean energy targets.
This Senate resolution elects Leigh Jeffreys Fanning to serve on the Board of Governors of the University of North Carolina to fill the vacancy left by the resignation of O. Temple Sloan, III. The measure follows state law requiring the Senate to appoint a replacement for the remainder of the unexpired term, which runs until June 30, 2027. Once adopted, the resolution immediately takes effect, formally adding Fanning to the governing board without altering any other university policies or funding.
This bill proposes a constitutional amendment to restructure the North Carolina Judicial Standards Commission, which investigates complaints against judges and justices. The new commission would consist of 15 members appointed by the Chief Justice, the State Bar officers, the Governor, and the General Assembly, replacing the current system with a more balanced composition. It also mandates that all disciplinary hearings and resulting sanctions be made public to increase transparency in the judicial discipline process. Because this change alters the state constitution, the bill requires voters to approve it in a referendum scheduled for the November 2026 general election.
