Bills that were passed by at least one of the chambers before May 8, the date that marked the end of the period known as Crossover, continue their journey through the North Carolina legislative session.
Below, we present some of the most relevant proposals that were able to advance this year. These are in addition to the immigration-related projects detailed in another article by Enlace Latino NC.
Budget
As every year, it is necessary for the General Assembly to approve a audiovisual state to ensure the functioning of the government and the financing of public services.
The North Carolina Senate approved a two-year, $66 billion proposal, which calls for spending $32.6 billion in fiscal year 2025-2026 and $33.3 billion in fiscal year 2026-2027.
The Senate's proposed budget includes cuts in taxes, modest salary increases for teachers and state employees, and an increase in reserves allocated to the Hurricane Helene recovery.
La House of Representatives has to develop its own proposal, which may include changes in expenses and priorities.
Once both chambers have their versions, a conference committee is tasked with reconciling the differences.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)
SB 227 would eliminate DEI in Public Education K-12
This bill seeks to prohibit “discriminatory practices and divisive concepts” in North Carolina public schools.
It also prevents the existence of offices or units dedicated to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the education system.
HB 171 would eliminate DEI in public agencies
The proposal would prohibit state agencies, including local governments and publicly funded schools, from maintaining DEI initiatives.
Additionally, it would prohibit the use of DEI criteria in hiring and employment processes and require agencies to eliminate dedicated DEI staff positions and related mandatory training.
SB 558 eliminates DEI at universities
The proposal seeks to prohibit UNC campuses from endorsing or affirming a range of "divisive concepts" and "discriminatory practices." This expands DEI restrictions on college campuses.
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Health
SB 403 would require working to get Medicaid
The legislación directs the state Department of Health and Human Services to implement a work requirement plan as a condition of participation in the Medicaid program, as soon as such a policy is permitted at the federal level.
This measure has already been declared unconstitutional by federal courts and could affect nearly 200,000 beneficiaries in North Carolina.
HB 618 would facilitate access to ivermectin
The proposal would require the state to issue, by October 1, a standing order authorizing licensed pharmacists to dispense ivermectin for human use without the need for a prescription or prior consultation with a health professional.
In addition, the measure would grant legal protection, both civil and criminal, to pharmacists who dispense the drug under this order. This antiparasitic drug became popular during the COVID-19 pandemic to treat the virus, although its effectiveness in this regard is unproven.
HB 519 requires parental consent for medical services
The bill requires parental consent for minors to receive medical treatment, including mental health, addictions and sexually transmitted infections.
HB 163 and SB 479 regulate pharmaceutical companies
Both the House of Representatives and the Senate have introduced bills that sponsors say aim to level the playing field for independent pharmacies.
El House of Representatives bill It focuses almost exclusively on PBMs, prohibiting spread pricing, limiting fees, and avoiding favoritism toward PBM-affiliated pharmacies.
El Senate project regulates more players (PBMs, pharmacies, PSAOs, and the State Health Plan) and seeks to especially protect pharmacies in “pharmacy deserts.”
Education
HB 415 changes math and social studies requirements
The proposal requires the UNC System Board of Governors to adopt the new math requirements of high school as the minimum admission requirements in mathematics of the system.
It also modifies social studies requirements. The proposal includes a requirement that students pass a civics exam before graduating from high school.
HB 87 and SB 55 would regulate cell phone use in schools.
Two bills, one in the House of Representatives and one in the Senate, They seek to regulate the use of cell phones in schools.
La House of Representatives proposal allows districts to create their own policies to regulate cell phone use. A Senate bill requires districts to prohibit their use during instructional time.
Related: Democrats pressure Republicans to finalize North Carolina budget
LGBTQ+ community
HB 606 changes medical malpractice deadlines for gender transition
It would extend the statute of limitations for medical malpractice lawsuits against minors who have undergone gender transition.
Furthermore, the proposal would eliminate the cap on non-economic damages in medical malpractice lawsuits related to gender-affirming care
HB 560 changes protections for LGBTQ+ children
El bill defines child abuse and neglect to exclude a parent's refusal to recognize or support a child's gender identity, to the extent that it differs from their biological sex.
It would also prohibit state agencies from denying foster care or adoption placements based on a family's refusal to support a child's gender transition.
Firearms
HB 674 grants weapons permits without expiration
This proposal creates a lifetime permit, meaning one with no expiration date, to carry concealed weapons in North Carolina. Current law requires those who possess a permit to carry weapons hidden renew it every five years.
SB 280 y HB 193 concealed firearms are allowed in private schools
This measure, presented in similar versions by the Senate y the House of Representatives, would allow private schools to give written permission to certain individuals, such as teachers and volunteers, to carry firearms hidden within school campuses.
To be eligible, a person must possess a permit to carry a concealed firearm. Alternatively, a person exempt from the requirement may be exempt. permission, such as a serving or retired police officer, or an active member of the military.
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Homeless
HB 781 would ban most homeless encampments
The bill It seeks to force local governments that allow outdoor camping to face legal action if they fail to establish designated sleeping and camping areas that meet certain requirements.
Agricultural land
HB 639 North Carolina Farm Bill of 2025
It doesn't qualify for the crossover deadline; it's still moving forward in the Senate. Some of this bill's changes bill omnibus are the repeal of environmental regulations that make it more difficult to sue pesticide companies for health damages.
It would also push for new tax breaks and targets for other industries seen as competition for more established agricultural interests. It would also ban the sale of raw milk.
You may be interested: Nearly 500 proposals made it through the legislative crossover. What's next?
HB 133 seeks to limit foreign land ownership in North Carolina
The bill would prohibit China, Iran, North Korea, and Russia from claiming agricultural land within a 25-mile radius of military installations or under FAA-designated special-use airspace.
Environment
SB 261 eliminates emissions reduction target
The project would eliminate a target set for North Carolina's for-profit utilities, primarily Duke Energy, to reduce emissions by 70 percent below 2005 levels by 2030.
The measure would also make it easier for companies to charge customers for projects under construction before they begin supplying power.
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