Budget & Taxes

HB 747 updates North Carolina's wildlife laws with three key changes. It requires the Wildlife Resources Commission to keep personal information (like addresses and email) and details about rare species habitats confidential to prevent harm or theft. The bill also creates two new license plates - “Wildlife Resources” (requiring 300+ applications before development) and “Lifetime Conservationist” - with sales revenue funding conservation accounts. Additionally, it shortens the out-of-state boat number reciprocity period from 90 to 60 days and adds safety rules for personal watercraft, including mandatory Coast Guard-approved life jackets and restrictions on close following. These changes affect the Commission, vehicle owners, and boaters, effective October 1, 2025.

HB 58 modifies local election rules across North Carolina. It extends Kittrell's mayor and commissioners' terms from two to four years, changes Asheboro's school board to seven partisan-elected members (down from 11) with four-year staggered terms, and eliminates a mandatory school funding floor for Scotland County. The bill also establishes residency districts for Anson County commissioners, clarifies vacancy procedures for Caswell County, and allows Scotland County to set school budgets without state-mandated funding minimums. These changes directly affect local governments and school boards in multiple counties, altering election structures and budget authority.