SB 369 aims to ensure that certain telehealth providers can enroll as Medicaid providers in North Carolina. The bill specifies that individual health care providers, licensed by the state and offering services exclusively through telemedicine, do not need a physical presence in the state to be eligible for Medicaid enrollment. Additionally, medical provider groups that exclusively offer telemedicine services will not be required to have an in-state service address to enroll as Medicaid provider groups. This measure directly affects telehealth providers and Medicaid recipients by clarifying requirements for remote healthcare services.
This bill establishes the Physician Assistant (PA) Licensure Compact, a multi-state agreement designed to enhance the ability of PAs to practice in multiple participating states. It allows PAs who hold a qualifying license and meet national standards, including specific education and certification requirements, to obtain a "Compact Privilege" to practice in other member states. The Compact aims to improve access to medical services and ease licensing burdens for PAs, including military spouses. It also maintains patient safety through shared regulatory oversight and a central data system for tracking licenses and disciplinary actions across participating states.
House Bill 946 establishes a new class of teaching license in North Carolina specifically for educators in Montessori schools. This "Montessori license" allows individuals to teach only in schools that primarily use Montessori instruction. To qualify, applicants must hold a bachelor's degree, possess a valid credential from a recognized Montessori organization, and complete any required state examinations. This license does not permit the holder to teach in public schools that are not Montessori schools unless they also hold a separate public school teaching license.
This bill proposes to repeal North Carolina's Certificate of Need (CON) laws, which currently require healthcare providers to obtain state approval for certain projects. These projects include building new facilities, expanding existing services, or acquiring major medical equipment. By eliminating these requirements, the bill would remove a regulatory step for various healthcare facilities, such as hospitals, nursing homes, and diagnostic centers, looking to establish or grow their operations. The bill achieves this by amending several state statutes to remove references to the Certificate of Need process.
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.
HJR 1007 is a joint resolution that sets the adjournment and reconvening dates for the 2025 General Assembly. It directs the House of Representatives and the Senate to adjourn on Thursday, April 17, 2025, and reconvene on Monday, April 28, 2025, at 12:00 noon.
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.
