This bill proposes a constitutional amendment to North Carolina that would require Supreme Court justices to step aside from cases where they have a financial stake or a close personal relationship with the parties involved. It also mandates that justices publicly disclose significant financial transactions, such as buying or selling assets worth at least $10,000, along with any outside income and who funded their travel. Because this change alters the state constitution, the bill does not take effect immediately but is instead scheduled for a public vote by voters in November 2026. The amendment would only become law if a majority of voters approve it during that election.
HB 1235 proposes two constitutional amendments to limit the General Assembly's power and increase legislative transparency. The first amendment would restrict the legislature from passing laws that interfere with the Governor's ability to direct state agencies and manage executive departments, while also placing stricter limits on how administrative powers can be transferred between elected officials. The second amendment would require every bill to address only one specific subject and mandate that bill texts be published to the public and legislators at least 48 hours before a final vote, with exceptions for emergency situations. These changes are not yet in effect; instead, the bill sets up a process to put these amendments on the ballot for North Carolina voters to decide on November 3, 2026.
This bill grants the Town of Pine Knoll Shores the authority to manage navigable waters within its boundaries by installing navigation markers and creating no-wake zones. To implement these changes, the town must first use GPS coordinates to identify specific locations and provide written notice to federal and state agencies before placing buoys or designating speed limits. The legislation also clarifies that state and federal regulations take precedence over any local rules the town adopts and authorizes local law enforcement to enforce these new ordinances.
This bill creates the North Carolina High School Redesign Commission to study and recommend ways to better prepare students for college and careers by exploring flexible diploma requirements, work-based learning, and competency-based education. The fifteen-member commission includes representatives from the legislature, governor, universities, community colleges, and business organizations, and it must submit its findings by April 2027. Additionally, the legislation appropriates $3.6 million to fund a pilot program for ten high schools focused on STEM education and manufacturing skills. The bill also establishes a new procedure to monitor and prevent local school districts from spending more than their state-funded allotments.
SB 310 extends the deadline for property owners to file late applications seeking tax exemption under North Carolina law. It allows applications to cover property taxes levied during the three calendar years immediately preceding the bill's effective date, even if submitted after the usual deadline. If approved, the bill releases taxes for those three years but does not provide refunds for taxes already paid. This applies only to applications filed after the law takes effect.
HB 87 (Educational Choice for Children Act) allows North Carolina to participate in a federal tax credit program that encourages donations to private scholarship organizations. The bill requires the State Education Assistance Authority to maintain and publish an annual list of qualifying scholarship groups operating in North Carolina, enabling donors to claim federal tax credits for contributions. These scholarships can cover elementary and secondary school costs, including homeschooling expenses, as permitted under federal law. The law becomes effective after 2026, with the Authority needing to establish necessary rules by July 2026 to comply with federal requirements.
This North Carolina joint resolution urges the U.S. Congress to eliminate the United States Department of Education by returning control of education to the states. The bill argues that federal involvement has led to excessive regulations and mandates without improving student reading scores, asserting that states are better equipped to handle education based on local needs. It also states that removing the department would not stop federal funding programs from reaching states but would instead allow taxpayer dollars to be used more efficiently. As a non-binding resolution, it does not directly change laws or allocate funds but serves as a formal statement of support for federal efforts to abolish the department.
This bill allows North Carolina public schools to use an extra three days or 15 hours of remote instruction when they face ongoing emergencies after already using their standard emergency allowance. Schools that have exhausted their initial five-day limit for weather, power outages, or other crises can now count this additional time toward their required school calendar. To ensure accountability, school districts must report details about these extra days and the specific emergencies that caused them to the state by July 1 each year. The legislation also allocates $5,000 in state funds to help cover administrative costs and provide technical support for enforcing these new rules starting in the 2026-2027 school year.
HB 1068 removes a specific restriction that currently limits the total size of satellite annexations for the City of King in North Carolina. Under the existing law, King could not expand its noncontiguous areas beyond 10% of its main city limits, but this bill explicitly exempts King from that cap. This change allows the city to annex additional noncontiguous land without being constrained by the previous percentage limit. The legislation directly affects the City of King and applies only to its future annexation plans.
This bill directs the North Carolina Human Trafficking Commission to create a new digital reporting and response system to help identify and address suspected human trafficking cases. The system will allow the public and professionals to submit anonymous tips through various channels, such as mobile apps or text messages, and will use artificial intelligence to prioritize reports based on their severity before routing them to the appropriate authorities. Additionally, the legislation clarifies that third-party contractors must provide human trafficking awareness training to their employees and allocates state funds to support the Cleveland County Sheriff's Office in its anti-trafficking task force.
This bill establishes an Interstate Compact for School Psychologists in North Carolina, allowing licensed professionals to practice in other participating states without facing repetitive licensing requirements. The legislation creates a commission to oversee the agreement and defines specific rules for mobility, including provisions for military families and standards for professional conduct. Additionally, the bill allocates funds to support a virtual training program for school psychologists. By streamlining the licensure process, the measure aims to increase the availability of qualified mental health services in schools across member states.
This bill reestablishes the North Carolina State Board of Elections as an independent state agency, shifting its budgeting authority from the State Auditor back to the Board itself. The legislation changes how board members are selected by requiring the Governor to appoint five registered voters from lists of nominees provided by the two major political parties, with a limit of no more than three members from the same party. Additionally, the bill adjusts the appointment process for county election boards, ensuring they include representatives from the two largest political parties and designating a chair appointed by the Governor. These structural changes are set to take effect on July 1, 2027, following the expiration of current board terms.
