HB 217 requires individuals aged 18 and older who are applying for a North Carolina driver's license and are not licensed in another state or haven't completed a state driver education course to complete a mandatory alcohol and drug abuse awareness course. This also applies to applicants licensed in other countries. The three-hour course, available online or in person, will cover the effects of substance abuse on driving, state traffic laws, and high-risk driving behaviors. Third-party vendors will offer these courses under the Division's oversight, and participants will pay a fee.
House Bill 864 revises several North Carolina traffic laws and updates regulations for collegiate license plates. The bill clarifies that driving slowly in the left lane impedes traffic, increases minimum operating speeds for passenger vehicles on interstates, and restricts large trucks from the leftmost lane on controlled-access highways with six or more lanes. For collegiate plates, it adjusts the required number of applications to create new designs, distinguishes between standard and full-color plate requirements, and allows existing collegiate plates to transition to full-color versions. It also outlines the distribution of funds generated from collegiate plate sales to colleges and universities for academic enhancement.
HB 822 modifies North Carolina laws governing moped operation, directly affecting moped operators. The bill presumes a moped is designed for one person unless manufacturer documentation indicates otherwise. It restricts mopeds to the right-hand side of the right-hand lane on highways with speed limits over 35 mph, except when preparing for a left turn. Furthermore, it prohibits operating a moped on any highway where the posted speed limit is greater than 35 miles per hour. Violations of these provisions would constitute an infraction, with the changes becoming effective on December 1, 2025.
HB 675 modifies the credentialing requirements for various emergency medical services personnel, including EMTs, paramedics, and emergency medical responders. Beginning January 1, 2026, individuals seeking new or renewed credentials must pass the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) examination. Those currently holding non-NREMT state credentials prior to this date must obtain NREMT certification by January 1, 2030. The bill also requires a criminal history background check for applicants and mandates specific examinations from the International Board of Specialty Certification for specialty roles.
House Bill 110 establishes the National Guard Student Loan Repayment Program in North Carolina. This program provides student loan repayment awards to active members of the North Carolina National Guard, incentivizing them to begin or complete a term of service of at least three years. Awards cannot exceed the recipient's total student loan debt or $50,000 for a three-year service term, with potential for additional funds for longer service. Recipients must sign an agreement to repay a portion of the award if they voluntarily terminate their service early. The bill appropriates over $25.5 million to a new fund for the program for the 2025-2026 fiscal year.
HB 219 proposes to repeal the existing law that authorizes counties to franchise ambulance services. The bill also specifies that county officials, such as a county manager or EMS administrator, would no longer be required to approve modifications to the level of care offered by certain emergency medical services (EMS) providers. This change applies to EMS providers that are not owned or operated by a city within the county or by the county itself, removing a layer of county oversight for these services.
HB 836, the "North Carolina Sound Money Act," designates certain investment coins and metal bullion as legal tender within the state. Specifically, refined gold or silver investment coins and bullion, marked with their weight and purity, would be recognized as legal tender. The bill also clarifies that no person is required to accept these items for payment of debts or deposits, unless specified by contract. Additionally, North Carolina taxpayers would be able to deduct any gain or loss from the sale of these investment coins and bullion from their state taxable income.
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 956 aims to enhance financial protections for disabled adults and North Carolina residents aged 65 or older. It requires financial institutions and electronic fund transfer entities to report to county social services if they observe a pattern of financially harmful behavior or a six-month cessation of communication from these adults. During the period from when such issues are first noted (or a cognitive impairment diagnosis is made) until the report is submitted, these entities are prohibited from charging late fees, other penalties, or interest on loans to the affected adult. This bill amends existing law to ensure late payment charges are subject to these new protections, becoming effective October 1, 2025.
House Bill 703 allows State veterans cemeteries to sell monuments and memorials directly to honor individuals interred within them. This bill permits the sale of items such as memorial trees, granite or marble markers, and benches, though not headstones. State veterans cemeteries can establish stylistic guidelines for these items and must not charge more than the market rate. The funds generated from these sales will be retained by the selling cemetery and dedicated solely to its maintenance, improvement, and care. This act becomes effective on October 1, 2025.
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 767 establishes the Joint Legislative Study Commission on Market Rate Compensation for Teachers. This commission will study public school teacher pay and benefits in North Carolina, comparing them to other states and professions, and analyze teacher attrition rates. Composed of legislators, gubernatorial appointees, and the State Superintendent, the commission will hold public meetings across the state. Its purpose is to gather data and provide legislative recommendations on teacher compensation to the General Assembly by the end of 2026.
