This bill exempts specific menstrual hygiene products from North Carolina's state sales tax and establishes a program to certify products that do not contain intentionally added PFAS chemicals. The legislation defines qualifying items as tampons, panty liners, menstrual cups, and sanitary napkins that have been verified as free of these substances through a certification process administered by the Department of Commerce. Manufacturers must apply for certification by providing evidence that their products meet established PFAS standards, and the Department can decertify products if they fail to comply or provide false information. To support the initial rollout of this certification program before permanent rules are finalized, the bill appropriates $100,000 to the Department of Revenue.
This bill requires local public school districts and charter schools in North Carolina to allow students with disabilities who attend private schools to enroll part-time in public programs. It mandates that schools create written policies permitting these students to access specific courses, services, or specialized education while remaining enrolled in their nonpublic schools. Additionally, the legislation clarifies that part-time students will not count toward a charter school's official enrollment growth numbers and provides $10,000 in funding to help schools cover the administrative costs of implementing these changes.
This bill authorizes the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles to issue a special "Red Wolf" license plate for vehicle owners who wish to support the conservation of this native species. The plates will feature an image of a red wolf and carry an additional $30 fee, with specific portions of those funds directed to the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission for conservation, research, and habitat restoration efforts. To help launch the program, the state has appropriated $15,000 for plate design and production, while North Carolina State University is tasked with promoting the plate to its campus community and will report on its marketing efforts by September 2027.
This bill allows individuals injured during civil immigration enforcement to sue the person responsible, even if that person was acting under the law. It removes various legal immunities, such as official or sovereign immunity, that would normally protect defendants in such cases, while permitting courts to award damages and legal fees. Additionally, the legislation funds the creation of a downloadable "Know Your Rights" pamphlet to inform immigrants and citizens about their rights when encountering immigration officers.
This bill defines the practice of nursing for advanced practice registered nurses, including nurse practitioners, midwives, anesthetists, and clinical specialists, to clarify their roles in North Carolina. It establishes specific duties for each type of provider, such as diagnosing illnesses, prescribing treatments, and ordering diagnostic tests, while also listing the various patient populations they serve. The legislation aims to remove current legal ambiguities surrounding these roles and align state statutes with the education and training that APRNs have received. By codifying these definitions, the bill seeks to ensure that over 20,000 licensed APRNs can practice to the full extent of their licensure without regulatory barriers.
This bill clarifies the legal definition of electric assisted bicycles in North Carolina by categorizing them into three classes based on motor power and speed limits. It authorizes local governments, including cities and counties, to create their own rules regarding where these bikes can be ridden, such as restricting them from sidewalks or setting speed limits on shared paths. While the bill generally allows electric bikes on all roadways, it mandates that riders under 18 wear helmets when using Class 3 bikes and permits cities to require helmets for younger riders on Class 1 and 2 bikes. Additionally, the legislation directs the Department of Transportation to create educational materials about safe e-bike usage and provides funding to support this effort.
This bill authorizes tribal police chiefs in North Carolina to enter into mutual aid agreements with other state law enforcement agencies. It achieves this by amending existing statutes to explicitly include tribal police departments alongside municipal and county police departments and sheriff's offices as eligible partners for cooperation. The legislation also designates a single authorized officer within each agency to handle requests for assistance and allocates $10,000 in state funds to help manage the administrative requirements of these new agreements.
This North Carolina legislation allows property owners and contractors to hire private construction inspectors if local government departments fail to perform inspections within ten business days. The bill establishes a state registration and certification system for private inspection firms and individuals who verify that buildings meet state building codes. It outlines specific rules for these private inspectors, including requirements for fees, conflict of interest disclosures, and standardized reporting forms. Local agencies are required to accept private certificates of compliance under certain conditions, particularly if they refuse without legal authority. Additionally, the law grants the state Board authority to set minimum standards for public code-enforcement officials and requires agencies to submit data on their employees' training.
This North Carolina legislation allows employees who receive tips to deduct those earnings from their state income tax. The bill amends the state tax code to permit taxpayers to subtract tip amounts reported to their employers from their adjusted gross income. This change applies to taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2026. By adding this specific category to the list of allowable deductions, the measure reduces the taxable income for workers subject to this reporting requirement.
This bill creates a new advisory council and grant program in North Carolina to support high-quality after-school activities for children and youth up to age 18. The legislation establishes a dedicated fund that will receive state appropriations, federal money, private donations, and any future legal settlements from social media companies, with the Department of Public Instruction managing the distribution of these funds. Eligible organizations, such as community groups and schools, can apply for grants to run structured programs that focus on positive youth development, provided they serve rural or underserved areas and meet specific quality standards. The program includes a two-year limit on individual grants, requires regular evaluation of participant outcomes, and allows for renewal based on performance, while ensuring that new funding supplements rather than replaces existing resources.
HB 1153 aims to increase transparency in North Carolina's state budget process by requiring more public involvement before final budget votes. The bill mandates that the General Assembly hold at least one public hearing and three committee meetings while also providing a week for citizens to submit comments online. Additionally, it makes requests for funding from state agencies and legislators public records once the budget is enacted, though it preserves legal protections for attorney-client communications. To support these new requirements, the legislation allocates $250,000 annually to the Legislative Services Commission for maintaining the online comment portal and covering hearing expenses.
This bill establishes new rules for electric utilities serving large data centers in North Carolina, which are defined as facilities with a power demand of over 20 megawatts. It requires utilities to file specific tariffs that ensure these large customers pay for all the costs of building and maintaining the necessary power infrastructure, preventing rate hikes for regular residential and business customers. To protect the public, the law mandates strict contract terms, including a minimum 10-year commitment and a requirement for data centers to use at least 85% of their requested power, along with financial guarantees to cover potential risks if a facility closes early. Starting in 2028, no large data center can receive electricity unless the utility has a tariff approved by the state commission that meets these specific conditions.
