SB 753, the NC Highway Patrol Retention Act, provides funding for pay raises for all North Carolina State Highway Patrol officers starting July 1, 2025. It appropriates $40.48 million annually from the General Fund to implement new salary schedules based on years of experience (e.g., $56,000 for new officers, $105,000 for 8+ years) and rank (e.g., $120,750 for Sergeant, $224,612 for Colonel). The bill directly affects all sworn Highway Patrol members by establishing fixed pay scales for the 2025-2027 fiscal biennium. The changes aim to improve retention through structured compensation increases without altering existing law enforcement duties or responsibilities.
House Bill 864 revises several North Carolina traffic laws and updates regulations for collegiate license plates. The bill clarifies that driving slowly in the left lane impedes traffic, increases minimum operating speeds for passenger vehicles on interstates, and restricts large trucks from the leftmost lane on controlled-access highways with six or more lanes. For collegiate plates, it adjusts the required number of applications to create new designs, distinguishes between standard and full-color plate requirements, and allows existing collegiate plates to transition to full-color versions. It also outlines the distribution of funds generated from collegiate plate sales to colleges and universities for academic enhancement.
SB 337 redirects unspent funds originally designated for the North Carolina Civil War & Reconstruction History Center to support community services in Cumberland County. Specifically, it reallocates 40% to Fayetteville for mental health programs and pedestrian safety, 30% to Hope Mills for a community center, and 30% to Cumberland County for water infrastructure, youth mental health services, and emergency response equipment. The bill requires the state to return unused funds from prior appropriations to the Office of State Budget and Management for this reallocation, effective July 1, 2025. This changes the original purpose of the funds from a history center project to immediate local infrastructure and health needs.
HB 530 allocates $115.2 million in state funds for public infrastructure projects across Halifax, Northampton, and Warren counties in North Carolina. The bill directs funding for specific county and municipal needs, including water system upgrades ($31.1 million for Halifax's drinking water project), fire department equipment ($2.2 million for Roanoke Rapids), detention center construction ($50 million in Halifax), and wastewater plant rehabilitation ($10 million in Warren County). These funds target concrete improvements to critical infrastructure like bridges, sewer systems, fire apparatus, and public facilities, primarily benefiting local governments and residents in the three counties. The legislation focuses on immediate capital projects rather than policy changes, with all allocations specified in the bill text.
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.
SB 341 appropriates $2.45 million from the state General Fund to Siler City for its downtown streetscape project, directly affecting residents and businesses in Siler City's downtown area. The funds will be used in two phases: $2 million for underground power lines and wider sidewalks along Chatham Avenue (Phase 1), and $450,000 for design work and hiring a main street coordinator (Phase 2). The bill specifies these funds are nonrecurring and must be used for the stated project components, with the project starting in the 2025-2026 fiscal year. The act becomes effective July 1, 2025.
HB 275 increases penalties for drivers who fail to yield the right-of-way to blind or partially blind pedestrians using a white cane (white or red-tipped) or a guide dog. It requires drivers to come to a full stop, leave a clear path, and remain stopped until the pedestrian has crossed at both uncontrolled intersections and signal-controlled crossings where the pedestrian is already moving when lights change. This bill directly affects drivers operating vehicles in North Carolina and blind/partially blind pedestrians using visible signals. The penalty for violating this law becomes a Class 2 misdemeanor, effective December 1, 2026.
House Bill 516, the "Motorcycle Road Guard Safety Act," creates a system allowing certified individuals to direct traffic for motorcycle groups. To become a motorcycle road guard, a person must be at least 18 years old, possess a valid driver's license, and successfully complete a certification course developed by the Division of Motor Vehicles. Certified road guards must meet specific safety standards and are required to notify and obtain consent from the chief of police in each city where they plan to direct traffic. The Division of Motor Vehicles will adopt rules to implement these new provisions.
The Hands Free NC Act makes it illegal to hold or use wireless devices (like cell phones, tablets, or smartwatches) while driving on public roads in North Carolina, with exceptions for emergencies (e.g., calling 911) or certain professionals (like police or paramedics) performing official duties. It specifically prohibits texting, watching videos, or manually entering text, and imposes fines starting at $100 for first offenses (increasing to $200 for third offenses within 36 months), with insurance points added for repeat violations. Drivers under 18 are banned from using devices while driving (except for pre-entered navigation), and school bus drivers face misdemeanor charges for violations. The law also updates driver education programs to emphasize safe device use as a way to reduce accidents.
HB 159 establishes a $75 million grant program within North Carolina's Department of Transportation to improve subdivision streets that don't meet state highway standards and aren't maintained by local governments. It directly affects counties and municipalities with these "orphan roads," providing funds for repairs up to $250,000 per subdivision, requiring a 25% local match (25 cents for every dollar awarded). Once roads meet standards, ownership transfers to the state or local government for ongoing maintenance. The program runs from July 2025 through June 2030, with unspent funds rolling over to the Highway Fund.
