HB 257 allocates $185.2 million in one-time state funds for specific infrastructure and facility projects in Scotland and Hoke counties, along with the cities of Laurinburg, Gibson, and Wagram, and St. Andrews University. The bill directs funding for water and sewer systems, courthouse construction, law enforcement facilities, workforce training centers, social services buildings, fire department improvements, and road repairs. It specifically targets nonrecurring 2025-2026 fiscal year funds for projects like a new sheriff's office in Hoke County, a courthouse/jail in Scotland County, and water system upgrades in Laurinburg. The bill becomes effective July 1, 2025, and does not create new policy but provides state funding for pre-planned local projects.
HB 391 appropriates $2.178 million for the 2025-2026 fiscal year and $4.542 million for 2026-2027 to hire 50 additional Adult Protective Services (APS) workers statewide. The funds, distributed based on need factors like case volume and senior population, directly support county social services departments overwhelmed by rising elder abuse reports. Counties must use the funds solely for APS worker salaries and benefits, not to replace existing funding. This addresses a critical staffing gap identified by counties, where federal funds are depleted early and reports of elder abuse have increased significantly.
HB 616 modifies the North Carolina Selectsite Readiness Program by establishing a competitive grant program and creating the North Carolina Selectsite Fund. It appropriates $10 million for the 2024-2025 fiscal year and transfers unspent funds to this new fund. The program, administered by the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina (EDPNC), provides grants to local governments or partnerships. These grants support the acquisition, due diligence, infrastructure development, and on-site preparation of industrial sites under 1,000 acres, aiming to attract major manufacturing opportunities to the state.
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Economic Development
HB 313 appropriates $88,395,000 from North Carolina's General Fund to Madison County for hurricane recovery. The bill directly funds specific repairs and rebuilds damaged infrastructure across Marshall and Hot Springs, including the wastewater treatment plant, town halls, housing authority apartments, fire department, community center, libraries, parks, and emergency communication systems, all resulting from Hurricane Helene. Key provisions allocate $25 million for the Marshall Wastewater Plant, $12 million for a new Hot Springs Wastewater Facility, $3 million for temporary department relocations, and $25 million for river and waterway repairs. The funds are designated for nonrecurring use in the 2025-2026 fiscal year, effective July 1, 2025. This is a funding bill with no new policy changes, solely providing targeted financial support for post-hurricane infrastructure restoration.
HB 594 allocates $5 million from the state general fund to the City of Fayetteville for constructing a second entrance into the Kings Grant neighborhood. This one-time grant would provide an additional access point for residents of the Kings Grant neighborhood, improving connectivity to the area. The funding is designated for the 2025-2026 fiscal year and becomes effective July 1, 2025.
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.
SB 158 appropriates $100,000 from North Carolina's General Fund for the 2025-2026 fiscal year to fund the McCrorey YMCA of Charlotte's Flying Classroom program. This grant directly supports the YMCA's educational initiative, which provides immersive, hands-on learning experiences for students in science, technology, mathematics, and literacy through expeditionary activities. The bill establishes a one-time state funding allocation to enable the program's operations during the specified fiscal year. It becomes effective July 1, 2025, and does not create new ongoing obligations.
SB 666 creates a $56 million PFAS Mitigation Fund to help local water and wastewater systems address PFAS contamination through grants for testing, treatment upgrades, and emergency response. It sets strict drinking water limits (e.g., 4 parts per trillion for PFOA and PFOS) and requires the state to adopt science-based PFAS discharge limits for industries by October 2025, including source reduction plans and pretreatment technology. The bill also allocates $14 million for research on PFAS detection, health impacts, and removal technologies through UNC’s Collaboratory. These provisions directly affect public water systems, industrial dischargers, and communities facing PFAS contamination in water sources.
HB 730 requires North Carolina state agencies to provide information about services in the five most common non-English languages spoken by residents, as determined by the latest U.S. Census data. It directs agencies to submit English materials to the Department of Administration for translation into those languages, with specific guidance for "Chinese" (using Mandarin unless Cantonese is requested). The bill allocates nearly $5.5 million in recurring funds for translation services and mandates that translated materials be published alongside English versions starting January 1, 2027. This directly affects state agencies responsible for public services and aims to improve access for non-English-speaking residents.
HB 952 establishes the North Carolina Child Care Finance Agency to provide loans and bonds for constructing or rehabilitating childcare facilities. The agency will prioritize small providers (under 10 locations), high-quality licensed centers, faith-based organizations, and businesses offering on-site childcare for employees. It directly affects childcare providers, employers with childcare programs, and families seeking affordable, accessible care by financing facility development. This policy change creates a dedicated state mechanism to address North Carolina’s childcare shortage through targeted infrastructure investment.
