North CarolinaHB 3092025-2026 SessionHouse

Various Local Provisions VI.

Sponsored By: Dean Arp (Republican), Donny Lambeth (Republican), Erin Paré (Republican), Heather H. Rhyne (Republican)

Became Law

ADMINISTRATIVE CODEADMINISTRATIVE RULESBUILDING CODESBUILDINGSCHILD CARE COMN

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

9 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 0 costs, 5 mixed.

Buncombe sales tax for school buildings

The law creates the Buncombe County School Capital Fund Commission to hold and manage money for school projects. Half of the local sales and use tax money distributed to Buncombe County is paid to the Commission. All of that money goes into the Public School Capital Needs Fund and can only pay for new school construction, school projects over $100,000, or paying related debt. The county must approve use by ordinance, and the Commission must disburse after written requests from the county and the school board when the board is ready to contract. Other Article 40 and 42 capital funds are split between Asheville City Schools and Buncombe County Schools based on student membership and kept in separate accounts; temporary transfers are allowed but must be repaid with interest. If the county uses federal revenue sharing to replace sales tax, it must move an equal amount of sales tax money back to the county, and the federal funds are split pro rata. Buncombe County pays the Commission’s reasonable expenses from the general fund. From July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2027, the state uses the ad valorem method for Article 39 and splits those proceeds so that half support school capital and operations and half may be used for any public purpose; before using the school portion for operations, both school boards may speak at a public meeting. If the county later gets disaster revenue replacement, it must return a proportional share, up to the amount diverted, to the Commission.

Mills River must finish new zoning

The law lets the Town of Mills River adopt the unified development ordinance its council began in October 2024, despite other limits. The authority is now in effect. The town must adopt the ordinance by July 1, 2026.

Mooresville can give land for housing

The Mooresville Board of Commissioners can convey town land, with or without payment, for affordable housing, housing for veterans, and housing for emergency responders. Land taken by eminent domain cannot be used. Each conveyance must be authorized by a board resolution and posted on the Town’s website at least 10 days before signing. Deeds may include a reversion clause.

New Transylvania Rural Development Authority

The law creates the Transylvania Rural Development Authority as an independent public body. It has nine Transylvania County residents as members serving five-year terms, and meetings are open to the public. Members can be removed only for cause, after at least 10 days’ written notice and a chance to be heard. The Authority files with the Secretary of State to get a certificate of incorporation. If funds allow, it appoints the Transylvania Economic Alliance to operate it and may delegate duties while keeping control. Members and staff cannot have direct or indirect interests in Authority projects; prior interests within two years must be disclosed in writing. A government that helps fund a project is not liable for environmental problems just because it gave money. These rural development provisions apply only in Cherokee, Clay, Graham, Hertford, Jackson, Macon, Swain, Transylvania, and Yancey counties.

Boiling Springs updates town charter

The law updates and consolidates the Town of Boiling Springs’ charter. It restates town powers, boundaries, elections, and the council-manager form of government. Existing ordinances and rights stay in place.

Cross-state policing deals for Mitchell, Yancey

The Mitchell and Yancey County sheriffs can sign written agreements with the Unicoi County, Tennessee sheriff. They can run special operations and other joint law enforcement across the state line. Each agreement must state how injury or property-damage claims are handled and, while protecting public safety, limit the liability of Mitchell County, Yancey County, and the State.

Onslow planning board can decide rezoning

Onslow County can, by ordinance, let its planning board hold rezoning hearings and make final decisions. Anyone with standing can appeal to the county board by filing written notice within 15 days. The county board reviews the case from scratch. The governing board may change or end this delegation by ordinance.

Wilmington can add rules to land sales

The City of Wilmington can sell, exchange, or transfer city property in any legal way. The City Council can add covenants or conditions to support city policies or plans. The city must publish a notice at least 10 days before adopting the resolution to approve the transfer.

New school board election rules in four counties

The law changes school board elections and vacancies in four counties. Columbus County now has five members elected from residency districts to four-year staggered terms in partisan elections in even years. Gaston County now has nine members: two at-large and seven from township districts; elections are partisan in even years. Scotland County now has eight members, five living in Stewartsville Township and three in the other townships; elections are partisan in even years. Johnston County school board elections are partisan in even years, and vacancies are filled under G.S. 115C-37.1; appointees must live in the single-member district where the vacancy occurs. People elected in 2024 keep their terms; if a 2024-elected Johnston seat opens, the board appoints someone to finish the term. The law adds Columbus, Gaston, Johnston, and Scotland to the statewide vacancy-filling statute effective June 30, 2025.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Cosponsors

Brian Biggs
Republican • House
William D. Brisson
Republican • House
Donnie Loftis
Republican • House
Neal Jackson
Republican • House
Bill Ward
Republican • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 422 • No: 35

House vote • 6/26/2025

HB 309: Various Local Provisions VI.

Yes: 85 • No: 22 • Other: 10

Senate vote • 6/26/2025

HB 309: Various Local Provisions VI.

Yes: 30 • No: 12 • Other: 8

House vote • 6/10/2025

HB 309: Building Code Family Child Care Home Class.

Yes: 111 • No: 0 • Other: 9

Senate vote • 6/4/2025

HB 309: Bldg. Code Fam. Child Care Home Class.

Yes: 45 • No: 0 • Other: 5

Senate vote • 6/4/2025

HB 309: Bldg. Code Fam. Child Care Home Class.

Yes: 40 • No: 0 • Other: 10

House vote • 4/15/2025