This bill directs the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services to add 1,000 slots to the state's Medicaid Innovations Waiver, which provides alternative care options for individuals with disabilities. To support this expansion, the legislation appropriates $36.2 million in recurring funds from the state's General Fund starting in the 2026-2027 fiscal year. The changes are scheduled to take effect on July 1, 2026, allowing more eligible residents to access services under the waiver program.
This North Carolina bill directs the Department of Health and Human Services to create a three-tiered program for individuals waiting for the state's Innovations waiver. The proposed plan would offer three levels of financial assistance: a benefit capped at $25,000, one capped at $75,000, and a full waiver benefit, with the specific details to be determined through consultation with local managed care organizations and other stakeholders. To fund the initial development of this plan, the legislation appropriates $100,000 from the General Fund for the 2025-2026 fiscal year. Additionally, the bill requires a report on the final plan to be submitted to several legislative committees by December 1, 2026.
This bill modifies North Carolina's divorce laws to allow victims of domestic violence to file for divorce without waiting the usual one-year separation period. To qualify for this expedited process, the applicant must provide proof of abuse through a domestic violence protection order, a criminal conviction against their spouse, or a judge's ruling based on evidence such as police records or medical documentation. Additionally, the legislation allocates $50,000 in state funds to a specific nonprofit organization to support victims of domestic violence. The changes apply to divorce cases filed after the law takes effect and do not impact cases already pending in court.
This bill expands access to North Carolina's Innovations waiver for families with children who have significant medical needs by adding 6,635 new slots and funding them with $240 million starting in 2026. It also modifies the Opportunity Scholarship Program to prioritize students from lower-income households by capping eligibility at 200% of the federal free lunch income threshold and adjusting grant amounts based on family income levels. To support these changes, the legislation reduces the overall scholarship fund by $240 million while simultaneously directing substantial recurring funding to the program's reserve for the next 15 years.
This bill, known as the Fair Share for Public Schools Act, would introduce a new 7% income tax on individuals in North Carolina earning more than $1 million annually. The revenue generated from this tax, after deducting administrative costs, would be directed to the State Public School Fund to support local schools on a per-pupil basis. The law applies to taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2026, and is designed to provide additional funding for public education without altering existing tax rates for lower-income earners.
SB 693 regulates fees for non-attorney service providers assisting veterans with benefits claims in North Carolina. It requires a written agreement with veterans that includes a mandatory disclosure about free government services (in 12-point font), prohibits upfront fees and guarantees of specific benefits, and limits fees to no more than five times the monthly benefit increase upon successful claim resolution. The bill also bans aggressive solicitation, the use of medical professionals in employment relationships for exams, and misleading advertising. Violations are treated as violations of North Carolina's Unfair Trade Practices Act.
SB 843 is a local act specifically designed for North Carolina's 12th Senatorial District. The bill contains no substantive policy changes, new programs, or regulations; it simply establishes the act's scope and effective date. Because it lacks detailed provisions, it does not directly affect individuals or businesses beyond defining its own jurisdiction. The legislation is currently in its early stages and has been referred to the Senate Committee on Rules and Operations.
This North Carolina legislation prohibits businesses from using personal data to set individualized prices for essential goods and services such as food, water, and hygiene products. The law defines the banned practice as using automated systems to collect information like browsing history or income to vary prices for different customers within the same day. Exceptions are allowed for loyalty discounts, shipping costs, and group-specific rates for categories like seniors or military personnel. Violations will be treated as unfair trade practices, and state funding has been allocated to support enforcement and public education beginning in October 2026.
This bill changes the election schedule for the Town of Bolivia in North Carolina from odd-numbered years to even-numbered years. It updates the town's charter to hold regular municipal elections biennially starting in 2026, rather than in odd-numbered years as previously established. Additionally, the bill shortens the current terms of the mayor and aldermen so that their existing positions end in 2026 instead of 2027. These changes directly affect the town's local government officials and the residents who vote for them.
This bill, known as the Government Modernization Act of 2026, directs North Carolina's Department of Information Technology to study and implement blockchain technology to improve security, reduce fraud, and increase transparency in state records and transactions. To support these efforts, the legislation appropriates $50 million from the Information Technology Reserve Fund to modernize outdated systems and expand online government services for residents and businesses. The Department must submit a progress report within 12 months of the law taking effect and provide annual updates to the General Assembly, while a new Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Digital Governance is created to supervise the project. The act is set to become effective on July 1, 2026, and will remain in force until June 30, 2031.
SB 844, titled the Affordable Energy Omnibus, aims to reduce electricity costs and modernize North Carolina's electric grid by introducing new regulations for large energy consumers. The bill specifically targets large-load facilities, defined as nonresidential sites with a peak electricity demand of 50 megawatts or more, such as data centers, requiring them to obtain a special operating certificate before construction or operation. Key provisions mandate that these facilities pay their full share of the infrastructure costs they create, ensuring that regular residential and small business customers are not forced to subsidize them. Additionally, the bill requires these large facilities to undergo a specific environmental review process and obtain local consent through a referendum before a certificate can be issued.
This bill requires public motocross facilities in North Carolina to carry liability insurance with a minimum of $1 million per incident and $2 million in total coverage. Owners must notify the state insurance commissioner immediately if their policy is cancelled or not renewed, and the commissioner can stop a facility from operating if proof of insurance is not provided. The law exempts private clubs that do not charge fees and facilities owned by the government, while also allocating $50,000 for an awareness campaign about risks to young riders.
