HB 806, titled "Public School Operational Relief," proposes changes to North Carolina's public school regulations concerning class sizes and teacher licensure. The bill removes state-mandated class size requirements for kindergarten through third grade, making them recommendations, and eliminates penalties for exceeding these former maximums. It also introduces a new provision requiring that at least 50% of teachers in a public school hold a teaching license. Unlicensed teachers hired under this provision would need to complete preservice training in areas such as educating children with disabilities and managing student behavior. These changes would apply to public schools and local school administrative units beginning with the 2025-2026 school year.
HB 462, titled the "Personal Data Privacy/Social Media Safety Act," aims to protect North Carolinians by enacting two main components: the Personal Data Privacy Act and the Social Media Safety Act. The provided text details the "North Carolina Personal Data Privacy Act," which is set to take effect on January 1, 2026. This act establishes definitions for key terms such as "personal data," "biometric data," "precise geolocation data," and "consent," affecting North Carolina residents as "consumers" and entities that process their data as "controllers." It also outlines the framework for consumer rights regarding their personal data.
HB 135 establishes labeling requirements for "manufactured-protein food products," which include items made from cell cultures, insects, or plants that resemble traditional meat or poultry. The bill mandates that if these products use identifying meat or poultry terms, their labels must also prominently display a "qualifying term" like "cell-cultured" or "plant-based" in a specific font size and location to prevent misbranding. Additionally, the bill aims to prohibit public educational institutions from purchasing certain food products and proposes an environmental investment assessment on specific animal-derived and analogous food products.
HB 830, "The Rolling Ink Act," proposes to allow motor vehicles to operate as mobile tattoo parlors in North Carolina. It establishes a permitting process through the Department of Health and local health departments, requiring an initial $5,000 fee and annual renewals, along with mandatory inspections. The bill outlines specific facility and equipment standards, such as functional sinks and sterilization devices, and requires compliance with existing tattoo parlor laws, motor vehicle regulations, and hazardous waste disposal rules. Tattooing is prohibited while the vehicle is in motion, and operators must maintain detailed records for inspection. Violations can result in civil penalties, permit suspension or revocation, or misdemeanor charges, with most provisions taking effect on July 1, 2026.
Senate Bill 671 establishes the Helene Local Government Revenue Replacement Grant Program, administered by the Department of Revenue. This program provides grants to local governments in western North Carolina that experienced revenue loss from property taxes, sales and use taxes, and water and sewer receipts due to Hurricane Helene. Eligible counties and municipalities, specifically those in FEMA-declared disaster areas, can apply for these grants to cover their qualified revenue losses, which can then be used for any public purpose. The bill also provides for interest relief on property taxes for property owners who sustained significant damage from Hurricane Helene, and appropriates $40 million for the grant program.
SB 427 modifies North Carolina's property tax laws. It expands the types of personal property excluded from taxation to include certain business-related personal property valued at $20,000 or less, directly affecting businesses and individuals owning such assets. The bill also adjusts the rules and penalties for listing property for tax purposes. Additionally, it temporarily waives interest on underpaid property taxes for real and personal property located in specific "affected areas" for a period between January 7, 2025, and December 31, 2026.
House Bill 743 (HB 743) allows direct support professionals to permanently reside in specific licensed group homes where they provide services to clients. The bill directs the Department of Health and Human Services (DHSR) to adopt rules necessary to implement this change for facilities licensed under 10A NCAC 27G .5601(c)(3). DHSR is also required to report its progress on these changes to the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Health and Human Services by September 30, 2025. This legislation aims to establish a framework for live-in support within these residential settings.
HB 924 authorizes the North Carolina State Licensing Board for General Contractors to refer suspected criminal violations of contractor licensing laws to appropriate law enforcement agencies or District Attorneys. The bill allows the Board to disclose investigative records to these agencies to support investigations and potential criminal prosecutions. This measure applies to general contractors and entities regulated by the Board who are suspected of committing violations subject to criminal penalties. The act clarifies the Board's ability to assist in such prosecutions and takes effect on October 1, 2025, for violations committed on or after that date.
House Bill 650, titled "No Interchange Fees on Sales Tax or Tips," prohibits payment card networks, issuer banks, and acquirer banks from charging interchange fees on the sales tax or gratuity portions of electronic payment transactions. This directly affects merchants by reducing the processing fees they pay on these specific amounts. Merchants must provide the tax or gratuity data during the transaction authorization or settlement process, or submit documentation later to receive a credit for any fees charged. The bill also includes measures to prevent entities from adjusting other fees to circumvent this prohibition. Violations can result in injunctive relief, civil penalties, and refunds to affected merchants.
HB 631 establishes a joint legislative study commission to examine the feasibility of creating a State Infrastructure Bank in North Carolina. This commission will investigate how such a bank could sustainably finance various infrastructure projects, including transportation, environmental, energy, and housing, to support economic growth and community development. Composed of legislators, state officials, and appointed experts, the commission will hold public meetings across the state and provide recommendations to the General Assembly by late 2026.
HB 949, known as the School Protection Act, proposes to allow specific armed security guards to carry firearms on nonpublic educational property in North Carolina. The bill amends existing law to create an exemption for sworn law enforcement officers who are hired as armed security guards by nonpublic schools and are acting in their official duties on school premises. This includes officers certified under state law enforcement chapters, company police officers, and campus police officers. If enacted, this change would become effective on December 1, 2025.
HB 985 increases the criminal penalty for assaulting a school employee or volunteer in North Carolina. It reclassifies such assaults from a Class A1 misdemeanor to a Class I felony when the incident occurs while the individual is performing their duties or as a result of their duties. The bill broadly defines "school employee or volunteer" to include staff, independent contractors, and adult volunteers involved in school activities. It also protects school personnel from civil or criminal liability for taking reasonable actions to end student fights. Finally, the bill updates supervisor reporting requirements for assaults and prohibits intimidating employees from reporting these incidents.
