HB 1226 allows the City of Winston-Salem to delegate its rezoning authority to a joint city-county planning board, while the city council retains the final power to approve or reject decisions and handle appeals. The bill outlines specific rules for how this delegation works, including requirements for the council to establish guidelines and the ability to create different types of zoning districts with varying permitted uses. Additionally, the legislation authorizes the city to offer density bonuses or other financial incentives to developers who agree to build housing for low- or moderate-income individuals.
This bill removes a legal restriction that currently limits the Town of East Spencer to annexing no more than 10% of its primary area through separate, non-contiguous zones. By amending state law, the legislation allows East Spencer to expand its boundaries via satellite annexations without being capped at that specific percentage. The change directly affects the town's ability to incorporate surrounding land and does not alter the rules for other municipalities, which already have different limits or no limits at all.
This bill removes a 10% land area cap on satellite annexations for the City of Dunn, allowing it to expand into noncontiguous areas beyond its current limit. By amending state law, the measure specifically affects Dunn's ability to incorporate new neighborhoods or developments that are not directly connected to its main city limits. The change does not alter the overall annexation process but simply increases the maximum size of the city's satellite zones relative to its primary area. Once enacted, Dunn will have the same flexibility as other cities already listed in the statute to annex up to a larger portion of surrounding land.
This bill directs Harnett County to adopt specific land-use planning overlays for its jetport area. By amending state law, it allows the county to create zoning rules tailored to the airport that operate outside standard local zoning restrictions. The legislation applies exclusively to Harnett County and becomes effective immediately upon passage.
This North Carolina bill requires that the salaries of state legislators be held in escrow if the General Assembly does not pass a budget by June 30, 2026. If the Senate and House do not ratify a state budget for the 2026-2027 fiscal year by that deadline, the pay earned by legislators from July 1, 2026, forward will be withheld. The withheld funds will be released only after the legislature ratifies a budget or adjourns for the year. The legislation also sets aside ten thousand dollars to cover the administrative costs of managing the escrow account.
This bill authorizes the North Carolina Commissioner of Insurance to create and run a state-operated health insurance marketplace. It grants the commissioner the power to set rules, manage policies, and apply for federal funding to establish this exchange, while also allowing for the creation of an advisory committee to guide the process. The legislation clarifies that other state agencies cannot enter into contracts or commit resources for a federally facilitated exchange unless the General Assembly specifically approves it, reserving the state's right to decide its level of involvement. Additionally, the bill appropriates $100,000 in recurring funds starting in the 2026-2027 fiscal year to support the initial setup and ongoing operations of the new state-run system.
This bill provides additional funding and establishes new procedures to support child welfare, foster care, and child care services in North Carolina. It allocates $250,000 to create a secure digital platform that sends automated notifications for court hearings and meetings, aiming to improve communication between attorneys, families, and social services. The legislation also directs $25 million annually toward foster care by reimbursing costs for home inspections, parent training, and essential items for children placed in care, while $75 million is designated to increase child care subsidy rates and expand care programs. Furthermore, the bill mandates a plan to implement a statewide floor for child care reimbursement rates and requires the state lottery to adhere to specific guidelines for distributing its revenues.
SB 1053 modifies how North Carolina handles criminal penalties for child care licensing violations by reducing the charge from a Class I felony to a Class A1 misdemeanor for first-time offenses, provided no child injury occurred. The bill allows prosecutors to still pursue felony charges for repeat offenders or cases involving multiple children, but requires them to consider specific factors like the number of children at risk and whether the operator took corrective action. To support these changes, the legislation allocates $75,000 to update enforcement protocols, training materials, and court forms for relevant state agencies and legal personnel.
SB 1054, titled "No Child Left Unfed," directs the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services to allow legally operating family, friend, and neighbor child care providers to participate in the federal Child and Adult Care Food Program. The bill requires the state to take administrative steps such as identifying sponsoring organizations, simplifying application processes, and seeking federal waivers to reduce barriers for these small-scale caregivers. To support this expansion, the legislation appropriates $150,000 for initial planning and outreach, along with $500,000 in recurring funds to cover ongoing administrative costs. Additionally, the bill mandates that the department submit annual reports on enrollment numbers and barriers faced by providers, with an initial report due within 12 months of the law's effective date.
SB 1062 directs the North Carolina Department of Transportation to conduct a study on improving commuter transportation in the Piedmont Triad region, specifically focusing on Winston-Salem, High Point, and Greensboro. The bill requires the study to evaluate the feasibility of a commuter rail system while also considering other options like bus rapid transit, regional bus networks, and roadway expansions. It mandates an analysis of funding sources, governance structures for a potential regional transit authority, and the economic impacts of various transportation modes through 2050. The legislation appropriates $250,000 for this study, which must be completed and reported to state committees by December 29, 2026.
This North Carolina bill increases Medicaid reimbursement rates for personal care services and private duty nursing starting in the 2026-2027 fiscal year. The legislation allocates $120.8 million in state funds to raise the payment for personal care services to $7.50 per 15-minute increment, while also increasing the rate for private duty nursing to $16.25 per 15-minute increment. These higher rates are intended to cover additional federal matching funds, ensuring that providers receive more money for each hour of care delivered to eligible beneficiaries. The changes apply to various programs including the State Plan Personal Care Services Program and Community Alternatives Programs for children and adults.
This North Carolina bill appropriates three million dollars to the Town of Ayden to address flash flooding issues. The funds are designated specifically for stormwater management projects within the Kennedy Estates subdivision. The money comes from the state General Fund and is allocated for the 2026-2027 fiscal year. The legislation is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.
