North Carolina lawmakers passed new laws last year and this year. Several took effect on July 1, including ones related to elections, trees around billboards and the N.C. High School Athletic Association’s authority.
Here are the laws that took effect Monday:
Election Law changes
Senate Bill 747 : “Elections Law Changes.”
This is an expansive GOP-drafted law that has a slew of what are called “election integrity” measures pushed by conservative groups. This includes eliminating the three-day grace period for receiving absentee ballots. Instead, ballots must be received by 7:30 p.m. on Election Day to count.
Sections taking effect in July deal with requests to be excused from jury duty and a new requirement that state and county boards of elections maintain a list of eligible voters and update it to cut ineligible voters.
Parts of this law are being challenged in the courts. A federal judge also temporarily blocked portions related to the notice process for voters who voted using same-day registration. Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper vetoed this bill but it was overridden by the GOP-led legislature.
Late toll bills
House Bill 198: “DOT Legislative Changes.”
As of July, a vehicle identification number (VIN) or other vehicle identifying information must appear on toll bills.
Processing fees for tolls not paid within the required time are also increased from $6 to $9. The late fees were previously capped at $48 per bill per year; this law raised that cap to $72.
Also now in effect under this law is a provision allowing billboard companies to cut down more trees along the state’s highways — 500 feet before the sign, up from 350 — and removing protection for redbud trees. Cooper vetoed this bill. It was overridden.
Water quality
House Bill 600: “Regulatory Reform Act of 2023.”
This law lightens water quality requirements for a pipeline project called MVP Southgate. Cooper vetoed this bill saying it would “result in dirtier water, discriminatory permitting and threats to North Carolina’s environment.” The veto was overridden . Sponsors of the bill have said it will help reduce regulatory burdens. Sections taking effect in July make changes to the commercial cellular network.
Notary Changes
Senate Bill 552: “Modifications to Notary Public Act.”
This law makes various changes to the state’s notary act, many of which took effect months ago. Starting July, electronic notaries who are not licensed North Carolina attorneys are prohibited from rendering services or advice that constitutes the practice of law.
Senate Bill 615 : “Adoption Law/ Notary Changes/ Guardianship Rights.” The section that took effect July 1 requires an electronic notary who does a remote notarization to record the remote electronic notarization in an electronic journal.
Human Trafficking
House Bill 971: “Human Trafficking Changes.”
This law makes various changes to trafficking laws including increasing the penalty for a first offense of soliciting another for prostitution.
Sections that took effect in July would allow campus police agencies access to the Criminal Justice Law Enforcement Automated Data System, a database with information on offenders.
NCHSAA oversight
Senate Bill 452: “DOI & Insurance Law Amendments/ Revise High School Athletics.”
This law shifts authority away from the N.C. High School Athletic Association , including by requiring it to enter into an agreement with the Superintendent of Public Instruction, with reporting requirements, audits and stronger oversight.
Child Advocacy Centers
House Bill 674: “Child Advocacy Centers/Share Information.”
This law establishes criteria for child advocacy centers to receive state funding such as requiring a forensic interviewer to conduct on-site interviews with children who may have been abused.
It also provides civil liability immunity to members and volunteers of an advocacy center in certain instances for “acts done in good faith,” says the law. The law also delineates what records can be shared between advocacy centers, health providers, law enforcement and others.
Schools for the Deaf and Blind
House Bill 11: “Schools for the Deaf and Blind.” Sections of the law that took effect in July create a board of trustees for schools for the deaf and blind. A new governance model for these schools under these boards also took effect.
Other laws taking effect:
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