SB 679, the Women's Care Act, requires North Carolina courts to defer imprisonment for 12 weeks after a pregnant person’s delivery (or end of pregnancy) if they pose no threat to the community. It directly affects pregnant female persons sentenced to prison, mandating courts to postpone incarceration while requiring them to maintain perinatal care, participate in community programs, and report monthly via phone or electronic means. The bill also allows probation supervision without fees during this period and requires prisons to report annual data on pregnant incarcerated women starting in 2026. The law applies to sentences issued on or after its effective date.
SB 699 would expand Medicaid coverage for personal care services to adults living in licensed adult care homes who earn more than the standard income limit for state assistance but stay below 180-200% of the federal poverty level. It specifically targets individuals who would otherwise qualify for state-funded care but exceed income thresholds, aiming to provide alternatives to nursing home placements. The bill requires North Carolina's health department to request federal approval from CMS within 90 days, ensuring new coverage is fully offset by cost savings and meets all legal requirements. Implementation would only occur if CMS approves the request and all goals in the bill are met.
SB 729 clarifies that North Carolina public schools may conduct routine health screenings (such as vision, hearing, dental, and developmental screenings) without parental consent. Schools must still notify parents at the start of each school year about which screenings will be offered and share the results with them. This applies to all public schools in North Carolina and affects parents of students in all grades. The bill specifically excludes these screenings from the parental consent requirement that applies to other health services, while maintaining notice requirements.
SB 752 allows North Carolina schools to use epinephrine nasal spray in addition to auto-injectors for treating severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis). The bill requires schools to stock at least two emergency epinephrine products (including nasal spray) in secure but accessible locations, train staff to recognize symptoms and administer treatment, and develop emergency action plans. It applies to all public, charter, and regional schools, directly affecting students with severe allergies and school staff trained to respond to emergencies. The policy change takes effect for the 2025-2026 school year.
SB 742 appropriates $500,000 from the General Fund to provide a directed grant to The C.W. Williams Community Health Center, Inc., a nonprofit organization in Mecklenburg County. The funds are intended to support the completion of its full-service community health center facility during the 2025-2026 fiscal year. This bill directly affects the C.W. Williams Community Health Center by providing targeted financial assistance for infrastructure completion. The grant is non-recurring and becomes effective July 1, 2025. The bill does not establish new policies or broadly impact other entities or services.
SB 737 requires North Carolina to adjust Medicaid reimbursement rates for licensed ambulatory surgical centers (ASCs) to at least 95% of the Medicare Ambulatory Surgical Centers fee schedule each year. This directly affects ASCs that treat Medicaid patients by increasing their payments to better align with Medicare rates. The bill provides $6.9 million annually in state funds to match $12.6 million in federal funds for implementation, ensuring the rate adjustments are fully funded. The changes will take effect on July 1, 2025.
SB 759, the Minors Health Protection Act, amends North Carolina law to clarify when minors can consent to specific medical services without parental involvement and when parents can access their minor child's medical records. It allows minors to consent to treatment for venereal diseases, pregnancy, substance abuse, and emotional issues (Section 2(a)), but requires written parental consent for emergency-use vaccines not yet fully FDA-approved (Section 2(a1)). Parents generally have access to all medical records, except for records related to abuse investigations, court orders, or if the parent is under criminal investigation (Section 3(b)). The law takes effect October 1, 2025.
HB 494 prohibits therapists from attempting to change a person's sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. It specifically protects minors and adults with disabilities from these practices, which major medical associations have deemed ineffective and harmful. The bill bases this prohibition on consensus from organizations like the American Psychological Association and American Medical Association, citing risks such as depression, self-hatred, and suicide. It aligns with professional standards that affirm LGBTQ+ identities rather than seeking to alter them.
HB 503, the "Don't Tread on Me Act," proposes new protections for North Carolinians by restricting government overreach in privacy, healthcare, education, and employment. It prohibits state agencies from conducting warrantless surveillance, demanding private medical or political information for services, denying reproductive care based on ideology, interfering with parental decisions without due process, or censoring fact-based education. The bill also bans discrimination in employment, housing, or public services based on private beliefs, medical history, or lawful conduct. Currently in early legislative stages (filed March 24, passed 1st reading March 26), it would take effect if enacted.
HB 513 appropriates $1 million annually from the General Fund to fund North Carolina's Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program through fiscal years 2025-2027. It allocates $855,000 yearly to create nine new full-time Regional Ombudsman positions in areas most needing support, as determined by the State Ombudsman, to help meet national staffing standards. The remaining funds cover operational costs like equipment, supplies, and transportation for existing program staff. This directly benefits long-term care residents by expanding access to ombudsman services that address facility concerns and advocate for their rights.
