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North CarolinaSB 2452025-2026 SessionSenate

Expand Remote Drivers License Services.

Sponsored By: Buck Newton (Republican), Bob Brinson (Republican), Michael A. Lazzara (Republican)

Signed by Governor

COMMERCECRIMESDEATH & DYINGDMVDRIVERS LICENSESFUNERAL SERVICESHAZARDOUS SUBSTANCESID SYSTEMSINFORMATION TECHNOLOGYINTERNETLICENSES & PERMITSMOTOR VEHICLESPRESENTEDPUBLICRATIFIEDRETAILINGTITLE CHANGETRANSPORTATION DEPT

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

5 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.

Renew or upgrade licenses remotely

The DMV now lets many drivers handle license tasks remotely. You can renew a Class C license, get a full provisional license, or convert a provisional license by mail, phone, or secure online tools. For remote renewal, your last in-person visit must have included a new color photo and not been a remote renewal. One back‑to‑back remote renewal is allowed if your license is not REAL ID, or you switch from REAL ID to a non‑REAL ID license at renewal. A 16–17 year‑old can get a full provisional license remotely if they held a limited provisional for at least six months, have no listed convictions in the past six months, and have a driving eligibility certificate or a high school diploma (or equivalent).

More admin staff for state law enforcement

Starting July 1, 2025, the State Bureau of Investigation gets $1.4 million each year to fund up to 10 nonsworn administrative jobs. The State Highway Patrol gets $3 million each year to hire 26 full‑time nonsworn administrative staff. These are recurring funds.

One-time funds for courts and cybersecurity

Beginning July 1, 2025, the state provides $5 million one time from the IT Reserve to the courts for eCourts tech and business process jobs in 2025–2026. It also provides $15 million one time from the IT Reserve to the Department of Information Technology for cybersecurity in 2025–2026. These funds are nonrecurring and must be used for those purposes.

Higher penalties for embalming fluid crimes

A violation of G.S. 90‑113.154(b)(1) is now a Class I felony. This applies to offenses committed on or after December 1, 2025. It raises penalties for people convicted of that offense.

Part of a 2025 law repealed

The law repeals Part V of Session Law 2025‑72. This section does not state what that part did. Who benefits or loses depends on what that earlier part covered.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsors

  • Buck Newton

    Republican • Senate

  • Bob Brinson

    Republican • Senate

  • Michael A. Lazzara

    Republican • Senate

Cosponsors

  • Danny Earl Britt, Jr.

    Republican • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 311 • No: 13

Senate vote • 9/22/2025

SB 245: Expand Remote Drivers License Services.

Yes: 47 • No: 0 • Other: 3

House vote • 7/30/2025

SB 245: Expand Remote Drivers License Services.

Yes: 109 • No: 7 • Other: 3

House vote • 7/30/2025

SB 245: Expand Remote Drivers License Services.

Yes: 109 • No: 6 • Other: 3

Senate vote • 4/30/2025

SB 245: The Rakim Shackleford Embalming Fluid Act.

Yes: 46 • No: 0 • Other: 4

Actions Timeline

  1. Ch. SL 2025-91

    9/30/2025Senate

  2. Signed by Gov. 9/30/2025

    9/30/2025Senate

  3. Pres. To Gov. 9/24/2025

    9/24/2025Senate

  4. Ratified

    9/23/2025Senate

  5. Ordered Enrolled

    9/22/2025Senate

  6. Concurred In H Com Sub

    9/22/2025Senate

  7. Placed on Today's Calendar

    9/22/2025Senate

  8. Withdrawn From Com

    9/22/2025Senate

  9. Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate

    7/31/2025Senate

  10. Regular Message Received For Concurrence in H Com Sub

    7/31/2025Senate

  11. Regular Message Sent To Senate

    7/31/2025House

  12. Ordered Engrossed

    7/30/2025House

  13. Passed 3rd Reading

    7/30/2025House

  14. Passed 2nd Reading

    7/30/2025House

  15. Amend Adopted A1

    7/30/2025House

  16. Placed On Cal For 07/30/2025

    7/29/2025House

  17. Cal Pursuant Rule 36(b)

    7/29/2025House

  18. Reptd Fav Com Substitute

    7/29/2025House

  19. Ref To Com On Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House

    5/5/2025House

  20. Passed 1st Reading

    5/5/2025House

  21. Regular Message Received From Senate

    5/1/2025House

  22. Regular Message Sent To House

    5/1/2025Senate

  23. Passed 3rd Reading

    4/30/2025Senate

  24. Passed 2nd Reading

    4/30/2025Senate

  25. Reptd Fav

    4/29/2025Senate

Bill Text

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