Extra! NC State Legislation to Watch
NOTE: As of May 3, 2025, I’m no longer going to try to update this post. I’ll continue to cover all of this legislation, and much more, in each week’s Friday morning news roundup.
Now that the deadline has passed for introducing new bills in this year’s legislative session, here’s a roundup of top bills to watch in the weeks and months ahead. If your email service cuts this post short, you can read it online here.
These are not ALL of the bills introduced in the North Carolina legislature this year—just the ones I think you’re most likely to want to watch, or to call your rep or senator to urge voting against or voting for (yes! even a few of those). Please let me know if I’ve missed a bill you think is especially important, so I can add it here. Note that I’ve NOT included anything about the state budget; that’ll come later.
Each bill covered below includes: the bill number linked to the state legislature’s webpage for that bill, the bill’s formal name, and a roundup of news about that bill.
To help you find what you’re looking for, I’ve grouped bills into these categories, in this order:
Bathroom bill
Abortion
Voting rules and rights
Other rights restrictions
Increasing GOP partisan advantage in state government
Guns
Immigrants
ESG/DEI
Climate change
Education and child welfare
Cryptocurrency
Health
Living wage
Housing
Going forward, I’ll include a link to this post in the State Legislature section of each weekly news roundup I publish.
If you see something in any NC News Digest post that’s incorrect … PLEASE let me know (email to ncnewsdigest@substack.com) so I can publish a correction. Truth matters. Thanks for your help.
Bathroom bill
S516 / H791 (Women's Safety and Protection Act) NC Republicans push new bathroom bill years after boycotts over similar legislation WRAL 3/25/25 "North Carolina made national news in 2016 for transgender bathroom rules that Republicans later repealed in face of boycotts. GOP lawmakers are now eyeing another attempt.... The proposal … seeks to codify definitions of sex to include only male and female descriptions. It would also prevent people from changing their gender on their birth certificates or driver’s licenses after they’ve had gender reassignment surgery. And it seeks to regulate which bathrooms people are allowed to use in some state buildings." See also Raleigh N&O 3/25, NCNewsline 3/27, Carolina Journal 3/25. Update: Carolina Journal 4/30 highlights lobbying in favor of this bill.
Abortion
S247 (Redirect Crisis Pregnancy Center Funds) Lawmakers Are Trying to Hold Crisis Pregnancy Centers to Account Mother Jones 4/10/25 "Post-Dobbs, the GOP has given them millions in taxpayer dollars.... Centers in North Carolina received $7.5 million in taxpayer dollars last year. The state is one of the few in the South that still provides abortion services and currently limits access to the procedure to 12 weeks. Democratic lawmakers have filed a proposal [S247] to divert funds going to centers to other programs serving mothers and babies.... The North Carolina bill would also require the state to conduct an audit of the organization that oversees the centers’ taxpayer budget and create new reporting requirements for them."
H804 (Human Life Protection Act of 2025) North Carolina Republicans file one of the most restrictive abortion bans in the country CBS17 4/7/25 "… would make abortion after conception illegal except only to save the life of the mother. There are no exceptions for rape or incest." UPDATE: Bill seeking to ban virtually all abortions in NC will not advance WUNC/NC Newsroom 4/8/25 "... will not be heard in the N.C. House of Representatives or its committees this legislative session, House Speaker Destin Hall told reporters Tuesday." See also Raleigh N&O 4/8.
Voting rules and rights
H411 (Reduce Early Voting Period for Primaries) New GOP bill would slash early voting in NC, ban Sunday voting WRAL 2/5/25 "A similar proposal from 2013 was found to be unconstitutional." See also WFMY 3/17 (after the bill was officially filed.)
H234 (Little Federal Model NC Edition) GOP lawmakers reintroduce constitutional amendment to radically overhaul state Senate districts NCNewsline 3/5/25 "Experts say it would run afoul of the U.S. Constitution and long-established U.S. Supreme Court precedent, but that hasn’t deterred a group of Republican members of the state House.... Under the proposal, each of the state’s 50 senators would represent two of the state’s 100 counties, rather than a roughly equal number of state residents."
H691 (Voter Protection and Reliance Act) Seeking to avoid repeat of Supreme Court election lawsuit, NC lawmakers eye changes for overseas voters WRAL 3/4/25 "Democrats in the state legislature are planning to file a bill aimed directly at one of the legal tactics employed by Republican Judge Jefferson Griffin in his attempt to reverse the results of the 2024 election for a North Carolina Supreme Court seat." Updates: ProPublica 4/10.
H127 (Voter Registration Drive Form) Republican proposal would ban voter registration drives in NC WRAL 2/14/25 "… would make it a crime for voter registration drives to hand out actual voter registration forms. Backers say it's meant to protect voters' information. Voting rights groups say it's an effort to restrict access to the ballot." Update: Federal context for state voter-suppression bills: House Republicans Just Passed a Voter Suppression Bill That Would Disenfranchise Millions Mother Jones 4/10/25. The SAVE Act. See also NCNewsline 4/11.
Other rights restrictions
S484 (Workplace Violence Prevention/Mass Picketing) Protesters picketing businesses could face restraining orders under NC bill Raleigh N&O 4/29/25 "The legislation arrives as many in the U.S. have rallied outside businesses like Tesla, Target and Avelo Airlines to protest corporate political stances.... Sponsored by three Republicans, Senate Bill 484 adds “mass picketing” to the state’s workplace violence prevention law, which was enacted in 2004 to safeguard workers from domestic violence, stalkers, and coworker threats." See also NCNewsline 4/29.
H781 (Unauthorized Public Camping & Sleeping) Bill to ban camping and sleeping on public property advances in NC House NCNewsline 4/30/25 "Proposal echoes legislation advanced in other states by a conservative Texas think tank." See also WRAL 4/29.
Increasing GOP partisan advantage in state government
S474 (DAVE Act) Republican state auditor would get more say over NC government cuts in bill moving in Senate WRAL 4/1/25. "… would allow North Carolina State Auditor Dave Boliek to determine whether an agency or division should be eliminated entirely." See also NCNewsline 4/2, Raleigh N&O 4/2. Berger wants State Auditor to recommend cuts to North Carolina government WRAL 3/24/25 "the DAVE Act [would] create a Division of Accountability, Value, and Efficiency within State Auditor Dave Boliek’s office.... The proposed DAVE program is similar to the federal Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE." The state auditor, elected in 2024, is a Republican who took office from a Democrat. Since then, Republicans in the state legislature have shifted various responsibilities to his office, away from offices now held by Democrats. See also Carolina Journal 3/25, for right-wing spin. Updates: Carolina Journal 4/10.
S58 / H72 (AG/Restrict Challenge to Presidential EOs) A Bill to Bench the State’s Top Cop Assembly 4/1/25 "If a new bill becomes law, Jeff Jackson would become the only state attorney general in the country prohibited from suing President Donald Trump over executive orders. It’s the latest example of Republicans stripping power from an office Democrats won." See also Carolina Journal 3/12, NCNewsline 3/11, NCNewsline 2/27, WRAL 2/26, WUNC 2/26, and Jeff Jackson defends lawsuits vs. Trump, says his duty is to be ‘nonpartisan shield’ for NC Raleigh N&O 2/27/25, and North Carolina is ground zero in the fight for democracy PoliticsNC 2/18/25 "Republicans who have been attacking democracy for 15 years now are attacking checks and balances.... After decades of lecturing Democrats about federalism and states’ rights, the GOP is pushing through legislation that would make the state more subservient to the whims of the federal government." "Note that Republicans in the state legislature already, in last year’s lame-duck session after Jackson won election, forbid the AG’s office from bringing lawsuits challenging the constiutionality of laws passed by the state legislature.
H402 / S290 (NC REINS Act) GOP bill would give NC legislators more control over regulations set by state agencies WRAL 3/18/25 "Under the REINS Act, the North Carolina General Assembly would need to approve any policy changes at state agencies that could have an economic impact of $1 million or more over a 12-month period." See also Carolina Journal 3/18 and 3/13 (for GOP spin). Although the bill's GOP sponsors are describing the REINS Act as a bill to increase governmental "transparency," it's akin to other recent efforts to shift power to the state legislature from the executive branch. For that context, see If GOP legislators have their way, NC’s already weak governor could have very little power Carolina Public Press 3/12/25 "The eroding power of a North Carolina governor has been a concern to many. A number of GOP-led bills are aimed at diminishing it further." Updates: The House passe H402; see Carolina Journal 4/17.
H549 (Clarify Powers of State Auditor) NC Auditor could audit anyone who receives state funds under new bill WRAL 4/7/25 “State law already empowers the auditor, currently Republican Dave Boliek, to probe state and local government agencies to ensure taxpayer dollars are being properly spent. House Bill 549 would expand that power over individual people and businesses accused of misusing public funds.” See also NCNewsline 4/9. Updates: Carolina Journal 4/10.
H443 (Const. Amendment: Council of State Vacancies) NC House committee advances proposed constitutional amendment NCNewsline 4/2/25. "... send a constitutional amendment to voters that would require interim Council of State vacancies be filled by a member of the prior official’s party." See also Carolina Journal 4/2.
Guns and knives
S50 (Freedom to Carry NC) / H5 (NC Constitutional Carry Act) Newly released polls: Most in NC oppose repealing permit requirement for carrying concealed handguns NCNewsline 4/2/25 "The analyses come as state legislators are debating Senate Bill 50 and House Bill 5, two measures aiming to enact what supporters call “constitutional carry” — the idea that individuals should be able to carry concealed weapons without permits due to their Second Amendment rights. Current North Carolina law requires individuals to obtain a permit from their local sheriff’s office and undergo an eight-hour training course in order to carry a concealed firearm." See also NCNewsline 3/20, WRAL 3/18 (focuses on pushback against bill by police), NCNewsline 3/18, Raleigh N&O 3/18 and 3/20, Carolina Journal 3/20, NC Senate leader shows new support for loosening concealed handgun rules WRAL 2/4/25 "Senate leader Phil Berger signaled support for a bill to more easily enable gun owners to carry concealed handguns in public. He shot down a similar proposal in 2023." And NCNewsline 2/5, Raleigh News & Observer 2/4. Updates: WRAL 4/16, Center Square 4/23.
H674 (Firearms Liberty Act) NC House committee approves bills on … concealed carry … NCNewsline 4/30/25 “… creates lifetime permits to carry concealed firearms separate from the state’s existing five-year permits, allowing them to remain in effect indefinitely unless revoked by the state or surrendered by the gun owner.”
H193 (Firearm Law Revisions) NC House panel approves bill to allow handguns at private schools NCNewsline 4/1/25 "Sponsors say proposal is intended to empower security guards, but schools could okay guns for other adults as well." Update: Passed by the House; see WRAL 5/1, Raleigh N&O 5/1.
S161 (The Jenesis Firearm Accountability Act) New bill could hold gunowners liable for shootings committed with their lost or stolen weapons WRAL 3/6/25. Introduced by three Democratic state senators.
H38 (Second Amendment Financial Privacy Act) NC House committee advances “Second Amendment Financial Privacy Act” NCNewsline 2/25/25 “… would prohibit payment card networks like Visa or Mastercard from using a firearms code for recording transactions or from maintaining any sort of firearms registry.”
H427 (CCW Permit/No Records Provided) NC House committee approves two more concealed weapon bills NCNewsline 4/8/25 "North Carolina law requires the disclosure of records concerning the mental health or capacity of applicants for concealed handgun permits. This bill would modify the law to ask for a “yes” or “no” statement indicating whether the applicant has been diagnosed by a medical professional with a mental illness.”
HB 439 (Allow Concealed Carry of Knife) NC House committee approves two more concealed weapon bills NCNewsline 4/8/25 “Current law allows people to carry concealed pocketknives. Under HB 439, individuals above 18 years of age who are carrying identification and have not been convicted of a felony may carry a knife as described: a bowie knife, a dirk, a dagger, or a switchblade."
Immigrants
Update on multiple bills in House: Immigration crackdowns advancing in NC legislature. Focus is on criminal punishments, government aid WRAL 4/29/25
S153 (North Carolina Border Protection Act) Immigrants, advocates warn against NC bill cracking down on undocumented residents WRAL 3/5/25 "As North Carolina lawmakers consider whether to give immigration powers to state law enforcement, advocates for the immigrant community say a similar law recently enacted in Florida is already harming North Carolina families." See also NCNewsline 3/5, Raleigh N&O 3/4, Carolina Journal 3/5. NC Republicans want to require agencies under Stein to work with immigration officials WRAL 2/25/25 "The bill would direct members of Democratic Gov. Josh Stein's cabinet … to enter cooperation agreements with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency by Aug. 1," Raleigh N&O 2/26, NCNewsline 2/27, WRAL 2/26.
H318 (Criminal Illegal Alien Enforcement Act) House votes to expand NC sheriffs’ required cooperation with ICE, aiming to close ‘loopholes’ NCNewsline 4/30/25. See also AP 4/30.
H261 (Sent. Enhancement/Immigration-Related Crimes) NC House Republicans file bill to increase crime sentences for undocumented immigrants WUNC/WFAE 3/4/25. Update: NCNewsline 4/30.
H78 (Prohibit LEO w/ICE Churches/Schools/Hospitals) / H80 (Prohibit LEO w/ICE at Farm/Construct. Sites) NC Democratic lawmakers introduce bills to protect immigrants in sensitive locales NCNewsline 2/25/25. NC Dems push bill to restrict immigration enforcement at certain locations Carolina Journal 2/13/25 "House Bill 78 would prohibit law enforcement … from assisting Immigration and Customs Enforcement in making immigration arrests or serving deportation warrants in places like religious institutions, schools, and hospitals…. House Bill 80 similarly would prohibit immigration enforcement on North Carolina farmland and construction sites."
ESG/DEI
S227 (Eliminating "DEI" in Public Education) S558 (Eliminating "DEI" in Public Higher Ed) NC Senate leader seeks to ban DEI in North Carolina colleges, limit probes into 'bias incidents' WRAL 4/1/25. "… would require the UNC System Board of Governors to adopt a policy that explicitly bans the promotion of diversity, equity and inclusion." See also NCNewsline 4/2, Raleigh N&O 4/1, Carolina Journal 4/3. And Teachers worry over new bill banning DEI in NC public schools Cardinal & Pine 3/28/25 "Senate Bill 227 is NC Republican’s latest attack on the state’s public education…. [Its] vague language presents a dilemma: How do you teach history, identity, and culture without crossing an invisible line?" NC Senate votes to ban lawsuits against Trump, DEI in schools WRAL 3/11/25 "Senate Bill 227 would ban schools from teaching what the bill calls "divisive concepts" race, gender or the founding of America.” Raleigh N&O 3/3, WRAL 3/5, NCNewsline 3/5, Raleigh N&O followup 3/6, Carolina Journal 3/5 and 3/6. Updates: S558 passes vote in Senate; see NCNewsline 4/9, WRAL 4/9, Raleigh N&O 4/9, Carolina Journal 4/10.
H171 (Equality in State Agencies/Prohibition on DEI) Bill banning state and local DEI programs goes before NC House committee WRAL 3/31/25 "… no state agency could "promote, support, fund, implement or maintain workplace DEI programs, policies, or initiatives." The bill would also prohibit the use of state funds for DEI initiatives by local governments and "non-state" entities." NC House bill would criminalize using public money for DEI WRAL 3/18/25. See also Carolina Journal 3/19. New North Carolina bill would ban DEI in state agencies WRAL 2/25/25 "House Bill 171 comes just a month after President Donald Trump signed an executive order that aims to end DEI programs in the federal government." See also Raleigh N&O 2/25. NCNewsline 2/21, Carolina Journal 2/21. Updates: WRAL 4/7. Vote on H171 delayed; see NCNewsline 4/9, WRAL 4/9, Raleigh N&O 4/9. And then it passes the House: Ban on diversity, equity and inclusion across North Carolina government passes House NCNewsline 5/1/25. See also WRAL 4/30, Raleigh N&O 4/30, Carolina Journal 5/1.
H244 (Depoliticize Government Property Act) BLM, Pride and other flags may be prohibited on public buildings under new NC bill WRAL 3/11/25. See also Raleigh N&O 3/11.
H62 (Farmers Protection Act) Bill targeting ESG for farmers advances to next NC House committee NCNewsline 3/12/25 "Rather than race or gender, the bill targets “ESG” — short for “environmental, social, governance,” a method [used by lenders and investors] for evaluating sustainability performance." See also Carolina Journal 3/13 (for right-wing spin). NCNewsline 2/25, Carolina Journal 2/13.
Climate change
S261 (Energy Security and Affordability Act) Rare greenhouse gas law in Southern state could get pulled back by GOP legislators AP 4/2/25 " North Carolina Republican lawmakers and the Democratic governor worked together in 2021 to enact a rare energy law in the South that sought to sharply reduce power plant emissions by 2030 and ultimately reach carbon neutrality.... But now, amid changing priorities at the federal level, the state’s Republican-controlled legislature is seeking to repeal the law’s requirement of taking “all reasonable steps to achieve” reducing carbon dioxide output 70% from 2005 levels by 2030." See also NC lawmakers gave Duke Energy new climate goals 4 years ago. Now they want to undo them WRAL 3/11/25 "Senate Bill 261 is sponsored by top-ranking Republican Senate leaders -- including a former Duke Energy executive -- and is being fast-tracked at the GOP-controlled legislature." And NCNewsline 3/11, 3/12, and 3/13, WRAL updates 3/11 and 3/13, Raleigh N&O 3/11, WUNC 3/13, and (for right-wing spin) Carolina Journal 3/11. Also Duke Energy’s continued reliance on gas keeps NC ratepayers on a rate hike roller coaster NCNewsline 3/13/25 "There’s a better way for NC, but a new legislative proposal doubles down on a failed approach…. Analysis reveals that between 2017 and 2024, rising natural gas prices accounted for more than 67% of residential rate increases in parts of Duke Energy’s North Carolina service area, and nearly 50% in other areas." And updates: WRAL 4/7.
H729 (Farmland Protection Act) Solar growth could stall under new NC bill WRAL 4/2/25 "… would cut solar tax breaks from 80% to 40% and restrict where utility-scale projects can be built, potentially slowing clean energy growth statewide." Updates: Center Square 4/9, WUNC 4/15. Passed by House committee; see Carolina Journal 5/1.
Education and child welfare
H301 (Social Media Protections for Minors Under 16) NC lawmakers to debate social media ban for some teens WRAL 3/31/25 "… would ban social media accounts for some teens and require parental permission for others. It seeks to hold social media companies responsible for enforcement." See also Raleigh N&O 4/1. Updates: CBS-17 4/15, Carolina Journal 4/16.
H612 (Fostering Care in NC Act) NC lawmakers file bipartisan bill to reform state’s foster care system WRAL 4/1/25. "… proposes wide-ranging reforms to improve the safety and well-being of children in foster care." See also NCNewsline 4/2. Updates: NC Health News 4/10.
H595 (Parental Rights for Curriculum and Books) NC GOP bill would allow school librarians to be charged over books ‘harmful to minors’ Raleigh N&O 3/31/25 “… would make it easier to prosecute librarians on obscenity charges, restrict what books can be in school libraries and change how sex education is taught.” See also NC bill would require parents’ OK for sex ed, allow more prosecutions for 'harmful materials' WRAL 3/31/25 "... covers sex education, library access and gender identity—all as it relates to children." And Carolina Journal 3/31 (for right-wing spin). Also ‘It’s about surviving the next 4 years’: LGBTQ+ and repro rights advocates share why the stakes are so high at Raleigh rally Cardinal & Pine 4/3/25.
H636 (Promoting Wholesome Content for Students) NC GOP bill would allow the public to sue schools over Parents’ Bill of Rights law Raleigh N&O 4/1/25. "… would allow parents and others to sue schools alleging violations of the Parents’ Bill of Rights.... [which] prohibits gender identity from being taught in grades K-4 and requires parents to be notified if their children want to use a different name or pronoun in school." Updates: NCNewsline 4/16, WRAL 4/14, WUNC 4/15, Raleigh N&O 4/15, Carolina Journal 4/15. The full House passed H636 on 4/16; see AP 4/16, Raleigh N&O 4/16.
H192 (Raise Teacher Pay & Dollar Allot. Study) NC House bill would boost teacher pay by 22% Carolina Journal 3/14/25. Unclear from this article whether the raise is tied to performance measures; its primary sponsors are Republicans. See also NC teachers could see annual pay bump of up to $12K under new bill WRAL 2/25/25 "The bill would also restore extra pay for teachers with master's degrees."
H806 (Public School Operational Relief) NC's K-3 class-size limits would go away under new bill WRAL 4/7/25 "… also allows schools to hire unlicensed teachers, something only charter schools can currently do." See also Raleigh N&O 4/7. Updates: Opinion: Some NC lawmakers want to let school districts hire unlicensed teachers. That’s a bad idea. Cardinal & Pine 4/14/25.
Cryptocurrency
H92 (NC Digital Assets Investments Act) North Carolina could invest in crypto under bill backed by House speaker NCNewsline 3/4/25 "… backed by House Speaker Destin Hall (R-Caldwell), would expand the state’s portfolio to include a range of digital assets. The state treasurer — Brad Briner, a Republican — could invest up to 10% of state funds in those assets if he chooses." See also WRAL 3/4, WUNC 3/4. A followup: NC lawmakers reverse themselves, move ahead with bill to invest State Pension Plan in cryptocurrency WRAL 3/5/25 "Republican lawmakers who had expressed skepticism about investing the state pension plan in Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies reversed their stance after facing pressure from their leader, House Speaker Destin Hall." See also NCNewsline 3/5. For analysis of the similar Trump admin plan to invest US government funds in crypto, and how this is basically a scam, see Paul Krugman 3/6. Updates: NC lawmakers pump the brakes on investing state pensions into Bitcoin WRAL 4/16/25 "A new version of the bill would cut in half the amount of State Pension Plan funds that State Treasurer Brad Briner could invest in cryptocurrency like Bitcoin. It would also put new oversight on the state's investments in crypto, stocks or anything else." And NC lawmakers weigh a more limited state pension cryptocurrency investment bill Raleigh N&O 4/30/25 "Under the current [revised] bill, digital assets can comprise up to 5% of any fund — lowered from an original 10% cap, and a third-party consultant now must assess any crypto investments. The updated legislation also opens the door to more cryptocurrencies, erasing an initial market capitalization requirement (of $750 billion) that had essentially made only Bitcoin eligible." Also NCNewsline 4/30.
Health
H618 (Ivermectin Access Act) Lawmakers back bill to make ivermectin available over-the-counter Carolina Journal 4/1/25.
S370 / H455 (Repeal Certificate of Need Laws) NC Senate takes aim at major health care regulation, as critics say system 'is failing' WRAL 4/1/25. "Free-market conservatives in the state legislature have long sought to repeal certificate-of-need laws, but their bills have been killed by the hospital industry. Now they're trying again..... Senate Bill 370 [is] a wide-reaching bill to repeal the rules, which require state officials to analyze whether new equipment or facilities are needed in a given area before they're approved." See also NCNewsline 4/3. Updates: The Senate voted to approve S370; see Carolina Journal 4/16. And Blue, Mayfield join Republicans favoring repeal of certificate of need laws Center Square 4/21/25 "Former minority party leader Dan Blue of Wake County and Julie Mayfield of Buncombe County are on record as the lone Democrats in the North Carolina Senate favoring repeal of what critics say are burdens imposed by certificate of need laws." Also: WNC example of Certificate of Need process the state legislature has targeted for change: State denies Novant bid to build South Asheville diagnostic center at former Gold’s Gym site AVLWatchdog 4/25/25 "Nonprofit hospital system Novant Health cannot build a diagnostic center in South Asheville, the North Carolina health department has decided, saying that it would have duplicated services in the region. The March 28 decision from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services’ Division of Health Service Regulation came nearly five months after Novant applied for the center through the state’s controversial Certificate of Need process."
H491 / S403 (Medicaid Work Requirements) NC Republicans renew their support for Medicaid work requirements, while Democrats say ‘no’ NCNewsline 4/1/25. See also NC Medicaid work requirement bill meant as a shield to protect expansion, a sponsor says NCNewsline 3/25/25 "Rep. Donny Lambeth (R-Forsyth), a primary sponsor of House Bill 491, said it is intended as a signal to Republicans in Washington that North Carolina is okay with work requirements, and written in the hope it will ward off federal budget cuts that would threaten the existence of Medicaid expansion in the state. The state’s 2023 expansion law includes a trigger that will end Medicaid expansion if the federal government alters the funding formula and decides to cut how much it pays. The federal government now covers 90% of the cost for people covered under Medicaid expansion." Updates: Carolina Journal 4/10, NC Health News 4/15.
S316 (Lower Healthcare Costs) / H434 (CARE FIRST Act) NC Senate passes health care overhaul that would crack down on ‘surprise billing’ Raleigh N&O 3/27/25 “… aimed at increasing transparency in health care billing, lowering costs, and speeding up the process of prior authorization for medical services. Senators gave the Republican proposal overwhelmingly bipartisan approval in a 44-2 vote, sending it to the House.” See also NCNewsline 3/25, NCNewsline 3/19 here and here, WUNC 3/18.
H519 (Parents' Medical Bill of Rights) Parents to get more access to their child's health treatment under bill WRAL 3/26/25 "… would give them more access to their children's medical records and conversations with providers.... Critics of the bill fear that minors won’t seek out the help they need if they know their parents will accompany them to the examination room or have access to their medical records. Under current law, minors can consent to some medical care — treating sexually transmitted diseases, pregnancy, mental health, and substance abuse — without needing approval from their parents."
H380 (Conscientious Objections to Vaccine Mandates) NC GOP bill would expand vaccination exemptions as measles cases rise nationwide Raleigh N&O 3/14/25 "... allowing parents to opt their children out of immunizations for “conscientious objection” reasons.... Currently, students in North Carolina must be vaccinated against specific diseases, with exemptions for medical or religious reasons."
H219 (Counties/Franchise Ambulance Service) and H675 (EMT Personnel Credentialing Modifications) Pless feuds with first responders: Emergency medical personnel cry out against proposed bills Smoky Mountain News 4/29/25 "Rep. Mark Pless is taking heat from local paramedics and EMTs after introducing a pair of bills that first responders say will weaken their ability to provide emergency care…. HB-219 would strip counties of the ability to franchise ambulance services, meaning private companies could operate without the same level of local oversight and control…. HB-675 would eliminate the state standard — a standard multiple EMS leaders interviewed by SMN said is nationally renowned — and instead require paramedics and EMTs to be certified through a national registry, which those same EMS leaders said is far less stringent."
Living wage
H353 (Fair Minimum Wage Act) / H339/S326 (Economic Security Act) / S480/H499 (NC Paid Family Leave Insurance Act) Bill [H353] to raise North Carolina minimum wage filed by House Democrats. Fox8 3/10/25 "… raise the minimum wage across the state to $10 per hour for an hourly wage employee in North Carolina effective Jan. 1, 2026. Every year after that, the minimum wage would raise an additional $2 per hour." See also NC Democratic lawmakers push paid leave, minimum wage hikes NCNewsline 3/25/25. And WRAL 3/25.
Housing
S497 (Expand Middle Housing) / S499 (Allow Housing Near Jobs) / S495/H627 (Regulation of Accessory Dwelling Units) / S492 (Single Stair Bldg. Code Reform) Several bills filed in state Senate to increase NC’s housing supply NCNewsline 3/26/25 "... filed by Sen. Tim Moffitt, a Henderson County Republican and Sen. Julie Mayfield, a Buncombe County Democrat." Updates: NC lawmakers want to encourage homebuilding. Cities, counties don't like how they plan to do it. WUNC 4/23/25. On another bill, H765.
H627 / S495 (Regulation of Accessory Dwelling Units) Backyard homes couldn't be blocked by North Carolina cities if lawmakers get their way WRAL 4/28/25 "A legislative committee on Tuesday gave preliminary approval to a bill that would allow more North Carolinians to build at least one accessory dwelling unit on their property, provided it's allowed under their neighborhood's private covenants.... House Bill 627 [S495] would allow North Carolina municipalities to continue to regulate ADUs by restricting them to backyards, requiring that they’re smaller than the property’s main dwelling, or by requiring them to be built a certain distance away from a street or property line. However, the bill would prohibit municipalities from banning ADUs outright."
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