HB 970 (Preventing Algorithmic Rent Fixing) prohibits landlords and third-party service providers in North Carolina from using algorithms that coordinate rent pricing based on nonpublic competitor data. It bans real estate lessors from paying for or exchanging value for "coordinating functions" (like algorithms analyzing competitors' rent data) and prevents service providers from facilitating non-competition agreements among landlords. The law classifies violations as unfair trade practices under Chapter 75, allowing affected parties to sue and blocking pre-dispute arbitration agreements for such cases. It applies to residential rentals (apartments, houses, etc.) and takes effect October 1, 2025.
HB 1004 proposes to allocate $16 million (one-time) and $8 million annually to establish up to eight Artificial Intelligence Hubs at UNC campuses, including at least one HBCU or UNC Pembroke, requiring institutions to match 10% with non-state funds. It also appropriates $70 million for Technology Hubs at all UNC campuses to drive innovation, workforce development, and entrepreneurship, plus $30 million for research grants focused on AI applications in education, healthcare, ethics, and infrastructure. The bill directly affects UNC system campuses, researchers, and students through funding for hubs, infrastructure, and project grants. It requires reporting on hub activities and becomes effective July 1, 2025, pending legislative approval.
HB 994 allocates $20.3 million in nonrecurring funds and $1 million in recurring funds to support Western North Carolina recovery from Hurricane Helene and expand economic development services. The bill directs $10 million specifically for long-term housing recovery for residents in Western NC whose homes were damaged by Hurricane Helene, $5 million to Community Development Corporations (CDCs) statewide to enhance economic development services, and $300,000 to fund three women’s business centers in Western NC, the Triad, and the Piedmont. An additional $5 million supports the Institute Capital (I-CAP) for statewide economic activities, while the recurring $1 million aids ongoing housing recovery efforts and matches federal disaster funds. The bill directly affects Western NC residents impacted by Hurricane Helene, local CDCs, and small business support organizations through targeted financial assistance.
HB 999 establishes a regulatory framework for video gaming terminals in North Carolina, authorizing their operation under the State Lottery Commission. It directly affects licensed businesses (video gaming merchants) holding on- or off-premises ABC permits (e.g., bars, restaurants), requiring them to partner with licensed operators to place terminals. Key provisions include restricting terminals to locations over 1,000 feet from schools/churches, limiting operators to three terminals per location (with potential increases based on revenue), mandating real-time central monitoring, and requiring terminals to be in plain view with surveillance. Revenue from terminals (net machine revenue) allocates 32% to the Commission, with all terminals needing valid permits and compliance with security standards.
HB 998 appropriates $5 million from North Carolina's General Fund to the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library Foundation for constructing a new main library. The funds are a one-time allocation for the 2025-2026 fiscal year, specifically designated for the library's new building project. This bill directly affects the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library Foundation as the recipient of the grant. It becomes effective July 1, 2025, and contains no policy changes beyond the funding authorization.
HB 986, "Support Our Teachers," prohibits North Carolina school districts from requiring teachers to post lesson plans or objectives and bans schools from assigning work during teachers' designated lunch breaks. It also mandates that school districts compensate teachers financially for time spent leading professional development sessions for colleagues. The bill directly affects public school teachers and administrators across North Carolina, taking effect for the 2025-2026 school year. These provisions aim to reduce administrative burdens and recognize teachers' time spent in professional roles.
HB 990 requires North Carolina landlords to provide written notice to tenants before charging certain late fees. Landlords must deliver this notice (via hand, mail, or agreed electronic means) detailing the fee amount, the specific past-due payment, and the date the fee was assessed - before collecting it. The bill applies to late fees for rent payments that are five or more days overdue, capping fees at $15 or 5% of monthly rent (or $4 or 5% weekly). This law takes effect October 1, 2025, directly affecting residential landlords and tenants in the state.
HB 1005 modifies the ballot language for a county sales tax referendum in North Carolina, clarifying the tax rate and its intended use. The bill changes the ballot question to specify a 0.25% sales tax (one penny per $4 spent) and explicitly states that proceeds will fund teacher and education employee pay raises, while exempting gas, groceries, motor vehicles, and prescription drugs. This change directly affects voters in counties holding referendums under Article 46 of Chapter 105, ensuring clearer communication about the tax’s scope and purpose. The bill does not alter the tax rate or funding rules but standardizes how the proposal is presented to voters.
HB 993 requires homeowners' associations (HOAs) in North Carolina that collect assessments, impose fines, or enforce architectural guidelines to formally incorporate as corporations or LLCs and file annual reports with the Secretary of State. The report must include contact details for board members, management agents, registered office information, and a link to the property's recorded documents. Failure to submit the report by April 15 each year suspends the HOA’s ability to collect assessments or enforce fees until corrected. This applies to all HOAs managing condominiums or planned communities meeting the specified criteria, directly affecting their operational compliance and financial authority.
HB 1001 requires nursing programs approved by the North Carolina Board of Nursing to annually report specific data about graduates of their sexual assault nurse examiner (SANE) training programs. These programs must submit on October 1 each year the total number of graduates, each graduate's county of employment, and their planned or current workplace location. The bill directly affects approved nursing education programs, not patients or healthcare providers. This data collection begins on August 1, 2025, to help the Board track SANE workforce distribution. The North Carolina Board of Nursing may create rules to implement these reporting requirements.
HB 980 removes barriers to employment by ending North Carolina's practice of suspending driver's licenses for unpaid traffic-related fines, fees, or court appearances. It automatically reinstates licenses suspended under these rules without requiring action from the person, waives associated fees, and requires the DMV to notify affected individuals. The bill also mandates data collection on suspended licenses (disaggregated by race, gender, and zip code) and forgives fines for past "Driving While License Revoked" convictions tied to these suspensions. This directly affects North Carolinians whose licenses were suspended solely for unpaid traffic debts or non-appearance, restoring their ability to drive for work or daily needs.
HB 892 establishes a North Carolina grant program to help residents in Western counties impacted by Hurricane Helene obtain Commercial Driver's License (CDL) training and secure related jobs. The program provides $4,000 per trainee to approved CDL training providers (offering four-week accelerated programs within 75 miles of Asheville) and $1,500 for temporary housing stipends for trainees needing financial assistance. Priority is given to Western NC residents affected by Hurricane Helene, with $2.5 million in state funds allocated for the 2025-2026 fiscal year. The initiative connects training directly to disaster recovery employment through partnerships with local employers and housing providers.
