HB 480 creates a new pathway for doctors, physician assistants, and anesthesiologist assistants to obtain North Carolina medical licenses by transferring licenses from other states ("licensure by endorsement"). To qualify, applicants must have held an active license in another U.S. jurisdiction for at least five years (with two years of practice post-residency for doctors), have a verified full-time job offer in North Carolina, maintain good standing with no recent disciplinary actions, and meet practice hour requirements. The bill increases application fees for endorsement (e.g., $825 for physicians vs. $400 for standard licensure) and requires additional documentation within 180 days to keep the license active. This directly affects out-of-state medical professionals seeking to practice in North Carolina without retaking exams.
HB 442 creates a four-year pilot program (2025-2029) to restore recreational summer flounder and red snapper fishing in North Carolina. It directs the Fisheries Division to allow a seasonal fishing window from May 15 to July 31 each year with a daily limit of one fish per person (no seasonal limit), while ensuring released fish don’t count toward catch limits. The bill aims to address North Carolina’s stricter rules compared to neighboring states like South Carolina, which have boosted recreational fishing tourism. The Division must annually report to legislative committees on fish population conservation progress and potential future limit increases.
HB 26 removes specific parcels of land from the city limits of Andrews, Elizabeth City, and King, and eliminates annexation caps for 50+ cities and towns (including Madison) regarding satellite annexations. The bill deannexes four tracts totaling ~62 acres from Andrews, one 6.89-acre lot from Elizabeth City, and multiple parcels from King. Properties removed will no longer be subject to municipal taxes for taxable years beginning July 1, 2025, though existing tax liens remain enforceable. The changes take effect June 30, 2025, with all deannexed land no longer part of the respective city boundaries.
HB 14 allows North Carolina taxpayers who itemize deductions to claim a state income tax deduction for gambling losses, aligning with federal tax treatment. It directly affects individual taxpayers who itemize deductions on their North Carolina state tax returns and have wagering losses exceeding winnings. The bill amends state tax code to explicitly permit deducting gambling losses under Section 165(d) of the federal tax code, subject to federal rules. This change takes effect for taxable years beginning January 1, 2024. The bill does not alter federal tax rules or affect taxpayers using the standard deduction.
HB 3 proposes several changes to local election procedures in North Carolina. It requires partisan elections for the Currituck County Board of Education (pending a 2026 referendum) and directly mandates partisan elections for the Pitt County Board of Education. The bill also standardizes municipal election timing, requiring all regular elections in Pamlico County municipalities, Simpson Village, and Monroe City to occur in even-numbered years. Additionally, it modifies vacancy procedures for Cabarrus County's Board of Commissioners. The bill is pending legislative action and requires voter approval in Currituck County for the school board change to take effect.
HB 808, the NC Infrastructure Protection Act, prohibits North Carolina government entities from contracting with companies owned by citizens of China, Iran, North Korea, Russia, or countries later designated as threats. It specifically blocks foreign-owned companies from gaining access to critical infrastructure like electric grids, water treatment facilities, and cybersecurity systems. The bill also mandates criminal background checks for all individuals granted access to these systems, applying to government contracts and public utility operations. These requirements will take effect for new contracts after the bill’s passage, with background check rules for utilities needing to be implemented by October 2026.
HB 578, the Jason Flatt Act, requires all North Carolina public K-12 schools to implement suicide prevention education and training for school staff. It mandates that licensed educators complete at least one hour of annual suicide prevention training, while staff working with grades 6-12 must receive guidelines for identifying at-risk students and procedures for referrals. Schools must adopt a mental health plan including these elements, with initial staff training of six hours (within six months of hire) and two hours annually thereafter. The law applies to all public schools, charter schools, regional schools, and lab schools starting the 2025-2026 school year.
HB 468 regulates kratom products in North Carolina by establishing licensing requirements for businesses, setting age restrictions, and mandating safety measures. It prohibits sales to anyone under 21 (requiring age verification for those under 30), bans unlicensed sales, and requires all kratom products to be sold in child-resistant "exit packages." Businesses must use independent labs accredited under ISO 17025 or DEA standards to test products for safety and compliance. The Alcohol Law Enforcement Division enforces these rules, imposing escalating civil penalties for violations, including license suspensions or revocations for repeated offenses.
SB 79, titled "Boiling Springs Charter Revisions," is a procedural bill that solely references North Carolina's 44th Senatorial District without proposing any substantive policy changes or affecting residents. The bill text states it relates only to the district and specifies it becomes effective upon enactment, but contains no details about charter revisions or mechanisms. Recent actions show it was withdrawn from committee in April 2025 after initial referral, indicating it did not advance beyond procedural steps. This is a non-substantive, administrative bill with no concrete policy impact.
SB 402 allows North Carolina lottery winners who claim prizes of $50 million or more to request that their personal identifying information be treated as confidential for 90 days after claiming their prize. This applies to winners of the largest jackpots, such as Powerball or Mega Millions prizes, and does not affect how prizes are paid or distributed. The confidentiality only applies to the winner's identity, not to required disclosures for tax reporting (to North Carolina Department of Revenue, IRS, or state tax authorities), debt collection under state law, or court orders. The bill takes effect on July 1, 2025, and does not change existing rules for smaller prizes.
The bill (HB 441) formally designates the loggerhead sea turtle (*Caretta caretta*) as North Carolina's official saltwater reptile. It does not create new fees, programs, or regulations - this is a symbolic, ceremonial designation with no direct impact on businesses, regulations, or policy. The bill includes descriptive "whereas" clauses about the turtle's biology and coastal presence but contains no substantive policy changes. As a procedural resolution, it has no economic or operational effects on any group. (Note: The bill title "Shrimp Trawling Transition Program/Fees" appears incorrect; the actual text concerns the turtle designation.)
This bill is a ceremonial resolution honoring Efton Medford Sager, a former North Carolina House representative (2009-2013) and Wayne County Commissioner. It expresses the House's appreciation for his 21-year U.S. Air Force service, community leadership, and dedication to his district, while extending condolences to his family. The resolution has no policy changes - it simply formally recognizes his life and service through House approval. It directs the Principal Clerk to send a copy to his family upon adoption. As a commemorative resolution, it does not create new laws or affect any policies.
