You can go here to see all the work the North Carolina General Assembly has done this year and find links to all the bills listed below. Here’s a run-down of what takes effect on Wednesday.
One other change I didn’t see listed here — state sales tax will increase from 6.75 percent to 7 percent.
The following public law provisions were enacted during the 2007-
2008 Session with an effective date of October 1, 2008.
S.L. 2007-323 (HB 1473) 2007 Appropriations Act.
AN ACT TO MAKE BASE BUDGET APPROPRIATIONS FOR CURRENT OPERATIONS OF
STATE DEPARTMENTS, INSTITUTIONS, AND AGENCIES, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.
[See Sections 6.22(a) & (c), 10.39A(a)(2), 31.16.3(a)-(b) & (d)-(j)]
S.L. 2007-503 (HB 679) Safety/Emission Inspection Changes.
AN ACT TO CHANGE ARTICLE 3A OF CHAPTER 20, SAFETY AND EMISSIONS
INSPECTION PROGRAMS, TO ALLOW FOR ELECTRONIC INSPECTION PROCESSES AND
AUTHORIZATION. [Entire Act]
S.L. 2007-546 (SB 668) Energy Conservation in State Buildings.
AN ACT TO PROMOTE THE CONSERVATION OF ENERGY AND WATER — — USE IN STATE,
UNIVERSITY, AND COMMUNITY COLLEGE BUILDINGS.
[See Sections 1 & 6]
S.L. 2008-12 (HB 724) Use of SSN on Child Support Orders.
AN ACT TO NO LONGER REQUIRE THE — — USE OF SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBERS ON
NORTH CAROLINA CHILD SUPPORT COURT ORDERS.
[Entire Act]
S.L. 2008-36 (HB 2287) Service of process/Electronic or Fax Receipt.
AN ACT TO EXPRESSLY AUTHORIZE THE — — USE OF ELECTRONIC OR FACSIMILE
RECEIPTS UNDER RULE 4 OF THE RULES OF CIVIL PROCEDURE WHEN SERVICE OF
PROCESS IS PROVIDED BY A DESIGNATED PRIVATE DELIVERY SERVICE, AND TO MAKE
CONFORMING CHANGES REGARDING PROOF OF SERVICE, AS RECOMMENDED BY THE
GENERAL STATUTES COMMISSION.
[Entire Act]
S.L. 2008-37 (HB 2178) Electronic Voting for Nonprofits.
AN ACT TO AUTHORIZE NONPROFIT CORPORATIONS TO ALLOW CERTAIN VOTES BY
ELECTRONIC TRANSMISSION, AS RECOMMENDED BY THE GENERAL STATUTES
COMMISSION. [Entire Act]
S.L. 2008-87 (HB 2390) Raise Ceiling on Personal Prop. Sale/Guardian.
AN ACT TO RAISE THE CEILING ON THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF PERSONAL PROPERTY A
GUARDIAN IS ALLOWED TO SELL WITHOUT A COURT ORDER UNDER THE LAWS
PERTAINING TO GUARDIANSHIP, AS RECOMMENDED BY THE HO– — USE STUDY
COMMITTEE ON STATE GUARDIANSHIP LAWS AND THE STUDY COMMISSION ON
AGING. [Entire Act]
S.L. 2008-107 (HB 2436) Modify Appropriations Act of 2007.
AN ACT TO MODIFY THE CURRENT OPERATIONS AND CAPITAL APPROPRIATIONS ACT
OF 2007, TO AUTHORIZE INDEBTEDNESS FOR CAPITAL PROJECTS, AND TO MAKE
VARIOUS TAX LAW AND FEE CHANGES.
[See Sections 13.6A & 19.3]
S.L. 2008-111 (SB 1631) Electronic Voting/Open Meetings.
AN ACT TO CLARIFY HOW PUBLIC BODIES IN HYDE COUNTY MAY CONDUCT BUSINESS
DURING MEETINGS INVOLVING SIMULTANEOUS COMMUNICATION.
[Entire Act]
S.L. 2008-118 (HB 2438) 2008 Budget Technical Corrections.
AN ACT TO MAKE TECHNICAL, CLARIFYING, AND OTHER MODIFICATIONS TO THE
STATE BUDGET.
[See Sections 3.13(b), amending section 10.15A of S.L. 2008-107 & 4.1]
S.L. 2008-120 (SB 175) Interstate Wildlife Violator Compact.
AN ACT TO ENACT THE INTERSTATE WILDLIFE VIOLATOR COMPACT IN NORTH
CAROLINA. [Entire Act]
S.L. 2008-124 (HB 738) Insurance Changes.
AN ACT TO REQUIRE UNINSURED AND UNDERINSURED MOTORIST COVERAGE; MAKE
TECHNICAL CHANGES TO INSURANCE FINANCIAL PROVISIONS; AMEND THE
UNAUTHORIZED INSURER LAWS; MAKE TECHNICAL CHANGES TO THE RATE EVASION
LAW TO CLARIFY THAT IT APPLIES ONLY TO PRIVATE PASSENGER VEHICLES AND TO
ADD A TERMINATION RESTRICTION CONSISTENT WITH G.S. 58-37-50 TO CLARIFY
THAT THE RATE EVASION LAW APPLIES TO CEDED AND UNCEDED POLICIES; REVISE
MANAGED CARE AND HMO RECORD RETENTION LAWS; MAKE CHANGES TO THE
HEALTH INSURANCE RISK POOL LAWS; STRENGTHEN PROFESSIONAL EMPLOYER
ORGANIZATION PROTECTIONS; MAKE CHANGES TO THE LAW GOVERNING THE CODE
OFFICIALS QUALIFICATION BOARD; PROHIBIT FREE INSURANCE; AND TO MAKE
OTHER MISCELLANEOUS CHANGES.
[See Sections 6.1-7.4, 9.1 & 12.1]
S.L. 2008-133 (HB 1624) Frequency of Parole Reviews.
AN ACT TO LIMIT THE FREQUENCY OF PAROLE REVIEWS FOR INMATES CONVICTED
OF MURDER. [Entire Act]
S.L. 2008-134 (SB 1704) Rev Laws Tech., Clarifying & Admin Changes.
AN ACT TO MAKE TECHNICAL, CLARIFYING, AND ADMINISTRATIVE CHANGES TO THE
TAX AND RELATED LAWS. [See Sections 14(a) & (d), 15(a) & (j) & 79]
S.L. 2008-143 (HB 2499) Drought/Water Management Recommendations.
AN ACT TO IMPROVE DROUGHT PREPAREDNESS AND RESPONSE IN NORTH
CAROLINA, AS RECOMMENDED BY THE ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW COMMISSION.
[See Sections 1, 2, 19 & 21]
S.L. 2008-150 (SB 1263) Election Law Amendments
AN ACT TO ESTABLISH THE JOINT LEGISLATIVE ELECTIONS OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE;
TO CLARIFY THE NEW ELECTION STATUTE AS IT APPLIES TO MULTISEAT RACES; TO
REAUTHORIZE THE PILOT PROGRAM FOR INSTANT RUNOFF VOTING; TO AMEND THE
STATUTE CONCERNING NOTICE OF AN ELECTION-PROTEST ORDER AND THE TIMING
OF APPEAL; TO CLARIFY THE MEANING OF THE TERM “ELECTION” FOR PURPOSES OF
THE THIRTY-DAY RESIDENCE REQUIREMENT FOR VOTING; TO RESPOND TO THE
DECISION OF THE 4TH CIRCUIT U.S. COURT OF APPEALS IN NORTH CAROLINA RIGHT
TO LIFE V. LEAKE; TO REPLACE THE TWENTY-ONE-DAY CONTRIBUTION EMBARGO IN
THE JUDICIAL PUBLIC CAMPAIGN PROGRAM WITH AN EXPEDITED RELEASE OF
MATCHING FUNDS; TO EXEMPT CERTAIN SALES OF GOODS OR SERVICES BY
POLITICAL PARTY EXECUTIVE COMMITTEES FROM CERTAIN CONTRIBUTION
REQUIREMENTS; TO REQUIRE ALL TREASURERS TO REPORT ACCORDING TO THE
MUNICIPAL CAMPAIGN REPORTING SCHEDULE IF THEIR CANDIDATES OR
COMMITTEES PARTICIPATE IN MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS; TO PROHIBIT COMMINGLING
OF CAMPAIGN FUNDS; TO REQUIRE THAT NEW-PARTY CANDIDATES BE REGISTERED
WITH THE PARTY; TO AMEND THE REPORTING REQUIREMENT FOR MATCHING FUNDS
IN PUBLIC FINANCING PROGRAMS; TO LIMIT THE PROHIBITION IN THE
ELECTIONEERING COMMUNICATIONS STATUTES; AND TO REQUIRE
FORTY-EIGHT-HOUR REPORTS FOR ANY CONTRIBUTION OF LATE CONTRIBUTIONS OF
MORE THAN ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS, REGARDLESS OF THE SOURCE; AND TO MAKE
RELATED CHANGES.
[See Sections 4, 11 & 12]
S.L. 2008-152 (SB 1885) Promote Private Compensatory Mitigation.
AN ACT TO PROMOTE COMPENSATORY MITIGATION BY PRIVATE MITIGATION BANKS,
AS RECOMMENDED BY THE ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW COMMISSION.
[Entire Act]
S.L. 2008-169 (HB 2492) Amend Release of Juvenile Escape Info.
AN ACT TO AMEND THE REQUIREMENTS FOR RELEASE OF JUVENILE IDENTIFICATION
UPON ESCAPE FROM CUSTODY, BASED ON RECOMMENDATIONS BY THE JOINT
LEGISLATIVE CORRECTIONS, CRIME CONTROL, AND JUVENILE JUSTICE OVERSIGHT
COMMITTEE. [Entire Act]
S.L. 2008-170 (HB 1113) State Tort Claims/Public Duty Doctrine.
AN ACT TO LIMIT THE — — USE OF THE PUBLIC DUTY DOCTRINE AS AN AFFIRMATIVE
DEFENSE FOR CLAIMS UNDER THE STATE TORT CLAIMS ACT IN WHICH THE INJURIES
OF THE CLAIMANT ARE THE RESULT OF THE ALLEGED NEGLIGENT FAILURE OF
CERTAIN PARTIES TO PROTECT CLAIMANTS FROM THE ACTION OF OTHERS.
[Entire Act]
S.L. 2008-177 (HB 2353) Irrigation Contractors Licensure/Fees.
AN ACT TO AUTHORIZE THE LICENSURE OF IRRIGATION CONTRACTORS AND TO ADD
TWO MORE LEGISLATIVE APPOINTMENTS TO THE NORTH CAROLINA APPRAISAL
BOARD. [See Section 7]
S.L. 2008-178 (HB 2341) Child Passenger Safety Technician Liability.
AN ACT TO LIMIT LIABILITY FOR THE ACTS OF CERTIFIED CHILD PASSENGER SAFETY
TECHNICIANS AND SPONSORING ORGANIZATIONS OF CHILD SAFETY SEAT
EDUCATIONAL AND CHECKING PROGRAMS WHEN TECHNICIANS AND SPONSORING
ORGANIZATIONS ARE ACTING IN GOOD FAITH AND CHILD SAFETY SEAT
INSPECTIONS, INSTALLATION, ADJUSTMENT, OR EDUCATION PROGRAMS ARE
PROVIDED WITHOUT FEE OR CHARGE, AS RECOMMENDED BY THE CHILD FATALITY
TASK FORCE. [Entire Act]
S.L. 2008-182 (HB 2391) No Auto. Revoke/Driv. Lic./Incompetent Person.
AN ACT AUTHORIZING THE DIVISION OF MOTOR VEHICLES TO CONSIDER
RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THE CLERK OF COURT IN DETERMINING WHETHER TO
REVOKE THE DRIVERS LICENSE OF A PERSON ADJUDICATED INCOMPETENT UNDER
THE GUARDIANSHIP LAWS, AS RECOMMENDED BY THE STUDY COMMISSION ON
AGING. [Entire Act]
S.L. 2008-188 (SB 1627) Certified Retirement Community Program.
AN ACT TO CREATE THE NORTH CAROLINA RETIREMENT COMMUNITY PROGRAM.
[See Sections 2 & 3]
S.L. 2008-190 (SB 1787) Vehicle Registration/Inspection Changes.
AN ACT TO MAKE CHANGES TO THE LAWS GOVERNING VEHICLE REGISTRATION AND
INSPECTION, AS RECOMMENDED BY THE JOINT LEGISLATIVE TRANSPORTATION
OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE. [Entire Act]
S.L. 2008-194 (HB 545) Clarify and Amend Various Provisions.
AN ACT TO: (1) PROVIDE THE HOUSING FINANCE AGENCY TWO ADDITIONAL POWERS
CONCERNING REAL PROPERTY AND SERVICES RETAINED FOR ISSUANCE OF BONDS;
(2) AUTHORIZE A ONETIME BULK UPDATE OF REGISTERED AGENT INFORMATION; (3)
AMEND THE LIST OF ENTITIES INCLUDED AS “ESTABLISHED LEGAL SERVICES
PROGRAMS” TO WHICH THE NORTH CAROLINA STATE BAR MAY ALLOCATE FUNDS
UNDER THE ACCESS TO CIVIL JUSTICE ACT AND THE DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
ASSISTANCE ACT; (4) VALIDATE CERTAIN NOTARIAL ACTS FILED IN THE
MECKLENBURG COUNTY REGISTER OF DEEDS OFFICE; (5) VALIDATE CERTAIN
NOTARIAL ACTS PERFORMED ON OR BEFORE MAY 1, 2008; (6) MAKE A TECHNICAL
CHANGE TO THE NAME OF THE NORTH CAROLINA STATE ART SOCIETY; (7) MAKE
VARIOUS CHANGES RELATED TO THE VERIFICATION, RECORDATION, AND INDEXING
OF DOCUMENTS PRESENTED TO REGISTERS OF DEEDS; (8) CLARIFY SCOPE OF
AUTHORITY TO IMPOSE SANCTIONS IN MEDIATED SETTLEMENT CONFERENCES; (9)
PROVIDE AN EXTENSION OF TIME FOR THE REALIGNMENT OF BUDGETS WITHIN THE
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC INSTRUCTION; (10) AUTHORIZE INCREASED DORMITORY
CAPACITY IN CERTAIN COUNTY DETENTION FACILITIES; AND (11) AUTHORIZE THE
STATE TREASURER TO DISCLOSE THE NAMES AND ADDRESSES OF RETIRED STATE
AND LOCAL EMPLOYEES TO CERTAIN ORGANIZATIONS.
[See Sections 7(a) & (c) & 12]
S.L. 2008-198 (SB 845) Amend Environmental Laws/Env. Tech. Corrections
2008.
AN ACT TO AMEND CERTAIN ENVIRONMENTAL AND NATURAL RESOURCES LAWS TO:
(1) PROVIDE THAT PRIVATE DRINKING WATER WELLS ARE TO BE TESTED FOR
CERTAIN ADDITIONAL PARAMETERS; (2) AUTHORIZE THE BOARD OF AGRICULTURE
TO ADOPT RULES GOVERNING EUTHANASIA OF ANIMALS; (3) RENAME THE BLUE
CRAB RESEARCH PROGRAM THE BLUE CRAB AND SHELLFISH RESEARCH PROGRAM; (4)
CLARIFY THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION OR ANY OTHER UNIT OF
GOVERNMENT SHALL MAKE OYSTER SHELLS AVAILABLE TO THE DIVISION OF MARINE
FISHERIES OF THE DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES
WITHOUT REMUNERATION; (5) SPECIFY THAT THE ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
COMMISSION MAY NOT BEGIN THE PROCEDURE TO ADOPT A TEMPORARY OR
PERMANENT RULE THAT GOVERNS THE MANAGEMENT OF STORMWATER RUNOFF IN
THE COASTAL COUNTIES PURSUANT TO SUBDIVISIONS (1) AND (3) OF
G.S. 143-214.7(B) PRIOR TO 1 OCTOBER 2011, SPECIFY THAT ANY SUCH ADDITIONAL
RULES SHALL NOT BECOME EFFECTIVE PRIOR TO 1 OCTOBER 2013, AND SPECIFY
THAT RULES ADOPTED BY THE ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT COMMISSION
PURSUANT TO ANY OTHER STATE STATUTORY AUTHORITY THAT GOVERN THE
MANAGEMENT OF STORMWATER RUNOFF IN THE COASTAL COUNTIES SHALL NOT
BECOME EFFECTIVE IN THE COASTAL COUNTIES PRIOR TO 1 OCTOBER 2011; (6)
CLARIFY THE PROCEDURE FOR RECORDATION OF RESTRICTIONS AND PROTECTIVE
COVENANTS THAT SPECIFY CERTAIN COASTAL STORMWATER MANAGEMENT
REQUIREMENTS; (7) PROVIDE THAT A PERSON WHO BECOMES THE OWNER OR
OPERATOR OF A COMMERCIAL PETROLEUM UNDERGROUND STORAGE TANK MAY PAY,
UNDER PROTEST, UNPAID ANNUAL OPERATING FEES THAT WERE THE OBLIGATION
OF A PREVIOUS OWNER OR OPERATOR FOR THE PURPOSE OF OBTAINING AN
OPERATING PERMIT FOR THE UNDERGROUND STORAGE TANKS, REQUIRE THE
DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES TO DILIGENTLY SEEK TO
COLLECT UNPAID FEES FROM THE PERSON WHO WAS ORIGINALLY RESPONSIBLE FOR
PAYMENT, AND PROVIDE THAT A PERSON WHO PAYS FEES UNDER PROTEST MAY BE
REIMBURSED TO THE EXTENT THAT THE FEES ARE COLLECTED FROM ANOTHER
PERSON; (8) IMPROVE WATER QUALITY AND PROMOTE GROUNDWATER RECHARGE IN
AREAS OF THE STATE THAT ARE NOT SUBJECT TO THE STORMWATER MANAGEMENT
REQUIREMENTS OF CERTAIN WATER QUALITY PROGRAMS BY REQUIRING EITHER
THAT NO MORE THAN EIGHTY PERCENT OF CERTAIN AREAS — — USED FOR VEHICULAR
PARKING BE IMPERVIOUS OR, IN THE ALTERNATIVE, THAT RUNOFF FROM AT LEAST
TWENTY PERCENT OF CERTAIN IMPERVIOUS VEHICULAR PARKING AREAS FLOW TO
BIORETENTION AREAS; (9) DECLARE THE INTENT OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY THAT
THE DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES AGGRESSIVELY
COMPEL PERSONS WHO ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR CONTAMINATION OF GROUNDWATER
THAT RESULTS IN CONTAMINATION OF DRINKING WATER TO ASSESS AND
REMEDIATE THE GROUNDWATER CONTAMINATION AS REQUIRED BY LAW; (10)
CONSOLIDATE CERTAIN ENVIRONMENTAL REPORTING REQUIREMENTS; AND (11) TO
MAKE CLARIFYING, CONFORMING, AND TECHNICAL CORRECTIONS TO VARIOUS LAWS
RELATED TO THE ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES, AS RECOMMENDED BY
THE ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW COMMISSION.
[See Sections 6 & 12]
S.L. 2008-205 (HB 2768) Orange/Hunting on Private Property.
AN ACT TO AMEND THE LAW PROHIBITING HUNTING AND FISHING ON PRIVATE
PROPERTY IN ORANGE COUNTY WITHOUT WRITTEN PERMISSION FROM THE
LANDOWNER OR LESSEE, TO INCREASE THE FEES COLLECTED FROM PARTICIPANTS
IN THE DISABLED SPORTSMAN PROGRAM ADMINISTERED BY THE WILDLIFE
RESOURCES COMMISSION, AND TO PROVIDE THAT HOLDERS OF HUNTING AND
FISHING LICENSES ISSUED TO THE DISABLED ARE ELIGIBLE TO PARTICIPATE IN THE
DISABLED SPORTSMAN PROGRAM.
[See Sections 1 & 3]
S.L. 2008-207 (HB 2530) Solid Waste Tax Changes/Unsalable OTP Refund.
AN ACT TO MAKE ADMINISTRATIVE CHANGES TO THE SOLID WASTE DISPOSAL TAX
AND TO ALLOW A REFUND FOR ALL UNSALABLE OTHER TOBACCO PRODUCTS.
[See Sections 4 & 5]
S.L. 2008-211 (SB 1967) Improve Coastal Stormwater Management.
AN ACT TO PROVIDE FOR IMPROVEMENTS IN THE MANAGEMENT OF STORMWATER IN
THE COASTAL COUNTIES IN ORDER TO PROTECT WATER QUALITY.
[See Sections 1(b), 2, 3 & 8]
S.L. 2008-216 (HB 2340) Transporting Children in Open Bed of Vehicle.
AN ACT TO INCREASE THE PROTECTION OF CHILDREN WHO RIDE IN THE BACK OF
PICKUP TRUCKS OR OPEN BEDS OF VEHICLES BY RAISING THE MINIMUM AGE,
REMOVING THE EXEMPTION THAT MAKES ALLOWANCE FOR SMALL COUNTIES, AND
MODIFYING THE EXEMPTION THAT MAKES AN ALLOWANCE FOR AGRICULTURAL
ENTERPRISES, AND INCREASE THE PENALTIES. [Entire Act]
S.L. 2008-217 (HB 2487) Change Format of Drivers Licenses/Under 21.
AN ACT TO CHANGE THE FORMAT OF A DRIVERS LICENSE OR SPECIAL
IDENTIFICATION CARD BEING ISSUED TO A PERSON LESS THAN TWENTY-ONE YEARS
OF AGE FROM A HORIZONTAL FORMAT TO A VERTICAL FORMAT TO MAKE
RECOGNITION OF UNDERAGE PERSONS MORE EASY FOR CLERKS DEALING IN
RESTRICTED AGE SALES OF PRODUCTS SUCH AS ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES AND
TOBACCO PRODUCTS AS RECOMMENDED BY THE CHILD FATALITY TASK FORCE.
[Entire Act]
S.L. 2008-227 (HB 2188) Earlier Notification of Mortgage Servicer Fee.
AN ACT TO REQUIRE THAT ANY FEE INCURRED BY A HOME LOAN SERVICER BE
CLEARLY AND CONSPICUOUSLY EXPLAINED TO THE BORROWER WITHIN THIRTY
DAYS AFTER THE FEE IS ASSESSED, TO CLARIFY THAT THE SERVICER IS NOT
REQUIRED TO SEND A STATEMENT TO THE BORROWER UNDER CERTAIN
CIRCUMSTANCES, TO PROVIDE THAT A SERVICER IS NOT REQUIRED TO PROVIDE
NOTIFICATION TO THE BORROWER IF A PARTIAL PAYMENT IS ACCEPTED AND
CREDITED IN ACCORDANCE WITH A WRITTEN AGREEMENT, TO MAKE CONFORMING
CHANGES IN THE DEFINITION OF HIGH COST HOME LOANS, AND TO ADD TO THE
LIST OF PROHIBITED ACTS UNDER THE MORTGAGE LENDING ACT.
[Entire Act]