North Carolina 2025-2026 Regular Session

North Carolina Senate Bill S368 Compare Versions

Version 1 (Old)

Version 2 (New)

Old	New		Differences
1	1		GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF NORTH CAROLINA
2	2		SESSION 2025
3		-	S 1
4		-	SENATE BILL 368
	3	+	S D
	4	+	SENATE BILL DRS45201-NExf-108A
	5	+
5	6
6	7
7	8		Short Title: Office of State Fire Marshal Omnibus Bill.-AB (Public)
8	9		Sponsors: Senators Johnson, Barnes, and Lazzara (Primary Sponsors).
9		-	Referred to: ~~Rules and Operations of the Senate~~
10		-	~~March 24, 2025~~
11		-	~~S368 -v-1~~
	10	+	Referred to:
	11	+
	12	+	DRS45201 -NExf-108A
12	13		A BILL TO BE ENTITLED 1
13	14		AN ACT MANDATING ALL OTHER PERIL INSURANCE COVERAGE FOR CERTAIN 2
14	15		ENTITIES, AUTHORIZING THE OFFICE OF THE STATE FIRE MARSHAL TO 3
15	16		CONTRACT FOR SERVICES FOR ITS RISK MANAGEMENT DIVISION, 4
16	17		MANDATING PARTICIPATION OF PUBLIC EDUCATION BOARDS IN THE STATE 5
17	18		PUBLIC EDUCATION PROPERTY INSURANCE FUND, AUTHORIZING THE OFFICE 6
18	19		OF THE STATE FIRE MARSHAL TO CHARGE AND WAIVE REGISTRATION FEES 7
19	20		FOR ADVANCED FIRE AND RESCUE COURSES, PROVIDING STATE FUNDS FOR 8
20	21		THE WAIVER OF REGISTRATION FEES FOR COURSES OFFERED BY THE OFFICE 9
21	22		OF THE STATE FIRE MARSHAL, AUTHORIZING THE STATE FIRE AND RESCUE 10
22	23		COMMISSION TO CONDUCT ADMINISTRATIVE HEARINGS, CLARIFYING THE 11
23	24		POWERS OF THE NORTH CAROLINA HOME INSPECTOR LICENSURE BOARD, 12
24	25		EXTENDING EXEMPTION FROM DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION OF 13
25	26		PASSENGER MOTOR VEHICLES TO THE OFFICE OF THE STATE FIRE MARSHAL, 14
26	27		EXEMPTING MANUFACTURED HOME MANUFACTURERS AND DEALERS FROM 15
27	28		SHOWROOM REQUIREMENTS, MODERNIZING TERMINOLOGY FOR THE CODE 16
28	29		OFFICIALS QUALIFICATION BOARD, ESTABLISHING FEES AND PROCEDURES 17
29	30		FOR CODE OFFICIALS QUALIFICATION BOARD APPROVAL OF TRAINING 18
30	31		COURSES, AUTHORIZING THE CREATION OF A VOLUNTARY APPRENTICESHIP 19
31	32		PROGRAM FOR CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICIALS, CLARIFYING ELECTRICAL 20
32	33		CODE REQUIREMENTS FOR ENERGIZING BUILDINGS, ENHANCING THE 21
33	34		AUTHORITY OF THE STATE FIRE MARSHAL OVER LOCAL INSPECTIONS AND 22
34	35		EMERGENCY ELECTRICAL INSPECTIONS, REQUIRING REFUNDS AND 23
35	36		REMITTANCE OF BUILDING INSPECTION FEES WHEN INSPECTIONS ARE 24
36	37		PERFORMED BY STATE AND OTHER OFFICIALS, AND ESTABLISHING RECORDS 25
37	38		AND REPORTING REQUIREMENTS FOR LOCAL INSPECTION DEPARTMENTS, AS 26
38	39		RECOMMENDED BY THE OFFICE OF THE STATE FIRE MARSHAL. 27
39	40		The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts: 28
40	41		29
41	42		PART I. MANDATE ALL OTHER PERIL COVERAGE FOR PARTICIPANTS IN THE 30
42	43		STATE PUBLIC EDUCATION PROPERTY INSURANCE FUND AND STATE 31
43	44		PROPERTY FIRE INSURANCE FUND 32
44	45		SECTION 1.(a) G.S. 58-31A-10 reads as rewritten: 33
45	46		"§ 58-31A-10. Flood insurance.insurance; all other peril insurance. 34
46	47		(a) Premiums for flood insurance coverage for public education buildings shall be paid 35
47		-	by each public education board in accordance with rates fixed by the State Fire Marshal, and the 36 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025
48		-	Page 2 Senate Bill 368-First Edition
	48	+	by each public education board in accordance with rates fixed by the State Fire Marshal, and the 36
	49	+	FILED SENATE
	50	+	Mar 20, 2025
	51	+	S.B. 368
	52	+	PRINCIPAL CLERK General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025
	53	+	Page 2 DRS45201-NExf-108A
49	54		State Fire Marshal may purchase from insurers admitted to do business in North Carolina such 1
50	55		insurance or reinsurance as may be necessary to protect the State Public Education Insurance 2
51	56		Fund against loss with respect to such insurance coverage. 3
52	57		(b) Every public education board and every charter school approved pursuant to 4
53	58		G.S. 115C-218.5 that insures public education property titled to that board or charter school 5
54	59		against the direct loss or damage by insurable hazards in public education buildings and other 6
55	60		public education properties in the State Public Education Property Insurance Fund shall obtain 7
56	61		and make payment for the all other perils coverage provided by the Fund." 8
57	62		SECTION 1.(b) G.S. 58-31-10 reads as rewritten: 9
58	63		"§ 58-31-10. Payment of losses on basis of actual cost of restoration or replacement; rules; 10
59	64		insurance and reinsurance; sprinkler leakage insurance.insurance; all other 11
60	65		peril insurance. 12
61	66		… 13
62	67		(d) Every State department, institution, or agency that insures State property against the 14
63	68		direct loss or damage by insurable hazards in the State Property Fire Insurance Fund shall obtain 15
64	69		and make payment for the all other perils coverage provided by the Fund." 16
65	70		SECTION 1.(c) This section becomes effective July 1, 2025. 17
66	71		18
67	72		PART II. AUTHORIZE THE OFFICE OF THE STATE FIRE MARSHAL TO 19
68	73		CONTRACT FOR SPECIALIZED OR TECHNICAL SERVICES ESSENTIAL TO THE 20
69	74		OPERATION OF THE RISK MANAGEMENT DIVISION 21
70	75		SECTION 2.(a) G.S. 58-31A-15 reads as rewritten: 22
71	76		"§ 58-31A-15. Authority and rules for organization of system. 23
72	77		(a) The State Fire Marshal is hereby authorized, directed, and empowered to establish a 24
73	78		division to manage and operate a system of insurance for public education property. The State 25
74	79		Fire Marshal shall adopt such rules and regulations as may be necessary to provide all details 26
75	80		inherent in the insurance of public education property. The State Fire Marshal shall employ any 27
76	81		staff necessary, which in his or her opinion is necessary to insure and protect effectively public 28
77	82		education property, and he or she shall fix their compensation consistent with the policies of the 29
78	83		State Human Resources Commission. 30
79	84		(b) The State Fire Marshal shall, through the State's agent of record, contract for any 31
80	85		specialized or technical services necessitating expertise not otherwise available within the Office 32
81	86		of the State Fire Marshal that are determined by the State Fire Marshal to be essential to efficient 33
82	87		operations. Contracts authorized pursuant to this subsection are not subject to Article 3C of 34
83	88		Chapter 143 of the General Statutes." 35
84	89		SECTION 2.(b) This section becomes effective July 1, 2025. 36
85	90		37
86	91		PART III. MANDATE PARTICIPATION IN THE STATE PUBLIC EDUCATION 38
87	92		PROPERTY INSURANCE FUND UNLESS COVERAGE WAIVER PROVIDED 39
88	93		SECTION 3.(a) G.S. 58-31A-25 reads as rewritten: 40
89	94		"§ 58-31A-25. Insurance Mandatory insurance of property by public education boards; 41
90	95		notice of election to insure and information to be furnished; outstanding 42
91	96		policies.boards. 43
92	97		(a) Mandatory Insurance in the Fund. – All public education boards may shall insure all 44
93	98		public education property titled to that board against the direct loss or damage by insurable 45
94	99		hazards in public education buildings and other public education properties in the Fund. Any 46
95	100		property covered by an insurance policy in effect on the date when the property of a public 47
96	101		education board is insured in the Fund shall be insured by the Fund as of the expiration of the 48
97	102		policy. Each public education board shall give notice of its election to insure in the Fund at least 49
98	103		90 days prior to such insurance becoming effective and shall furnish to the State Fire Marshal a 50
99	104		full and complete list of all outstanding property insurance policies, giving in complete detail the 51 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025
100		-	~~Senate Bill 368-First Edition~~ Page 3
	105	+	DRS45201-NExf-108A Page 3
101	106		name of the insurers, the amount of the insurance and expirations thereof. While the said 1
102	107		insurance policies remain in effect, the Fund shall act as coinsurer of the properties covered by 2
103	108		such insurance to the same extent and in the same manner as is provided for coinsurance under 3
104	109		the provisions of the standard form of property insurance as provided by law, and in the event of 4
105	110		loss shall have the same rights and duties as required by participating insurance companies.Fund, 5
106	111		unless a waiver has been approved for that public education board. 6
107	112		(b) Waiver. – A public education board may request a waiver under this section. The 7
108	113		Office of the State Fire Marshal shall review and approve a waiver submitted pursuant to this 8
109	114		subsection only if the public education board has procured sufficient minimum coverage of 9
110	115		relevant perils." 10
111	116		SECTION 3.(b) If any property titled to a public education board is covered by an 11
112	117		insurance policy in effect on July 1, 2025, then the Fund shall act as a coinsurer of the properties 12
113	118		covered by that insurance until the expiration of that policy. 13
114	119		SECTION 3.(c) This section becomes effective July 1, 2025. 14
115	120		15
116	121		PART IV. NORTH CAROLINA EMERGENCY TRAINING CENTER STATE 16
117	122		REGISTRATION FEE WAIVER 17
118	123		SECTION 4.(a) Article 78A of Chapter 58 of the General Statutes is amended by 18
119	124		adding a new section to read: 19
120	125		"§ 58-78A-18. Emergency Training Center tuition waivers. 20
121	126		(a) Registration Fees. – The Office of the State Fire Marshal shall charge State 21
122	127		registration fees for advanced fire and rescue courses delivered by the Office of the State Fire 22
123	128		Marshal at the North Carolina Emergency Training Center. The State registration fee charged 23
124	129		shall equal the tuition amount set pursuant to G.S. 115D-39 for equivalent community college 24
125	130		courses. 25
126	131		(b) Allowed Tuition Waivers. – The Office of the State Fire Marshal may waive State 26
127	132		registration fees for advanced fire and rescue courses delivered by the Office of the State Fire 27
128	133		Marshal at the North Carolina Emergency Training Center for all of the following individuals, 28
129	134		entities, and members of those entities: 29
130	135		(1) Volunteer fire departments located within North Carolina. 30
131	136		(2) Municipal, county, or State fire departments located within North Carolina. 31
132	137		(3) Emergency medical services or rescue and lifesaving departments located 32
133	138		within North Carolina. 33
134	139		(4) Fire, emergency medical services, or rescue and lifesaving entities serving a 34
135	140		lake authority that was created by a North Carolina county board of 35
136	141		commissioners prior to July 1, 2012. 36
137	142		(5) The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians fire, emergency medical services, or 37
138	143		rescue and lifesaving tribal government departments or programs. 38
139	144		(6) Firefighters, emergency medical services personnel, law enforcement 39
140	145		personnel, and rescue and lifesaving personnel whose duty station is located 40
141	146		on a military installation within North Carolina. 41
142	147		(7) Law enforcement personnel employed by departments located within North 42
143	148		Carolina. 43
144	149		(8) High school students at schools located within North Carolina. 44
145	150		(c) Fees. – The Office of the State Fire Marshal may charge additional fees to cover the 45
146	151		costs of textbooks, supplies, and other expenses incurred in the delivery of courses or the 46
147	152		operation of the North Carolina Emergency Training Center. 47
148	153		(d) Annual Report. – Annually by February 1 of each year, the Office of the State Fire 48
149	154		Marshal shall report to the Joint Legislative Education Oversight Committee and the Joint 49
150	155		Legislative Oversight Committee on General Government on the number and type of waivers 50
151	156		granted pursuant to subsection (b) of this section." 51 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025
152		-	Page 4 ~~Senate Bill 368-First Edition~~
	157	+	Page 4 DRS45201-NExf-108A
153	158		SECTION 4.(b) Funds shall be provided to the Office of the State Fire Marshal 1
154	159		(OSFM) based on the number of full-time equivalent (FTE) students enrolled in advanced fire 2
155	160		and rescue courses delivered by OSFM at the North Carolina Emergency Training Center for 3
156	161		whom State registration fees are waived in accordance with G.S. 58-78A-18(b). OSFM shall 4
157	162		calculate FTE enrollment in the same manner as community colleges. Funds provided pursuant 5
158	163		to this subsection shall be: (i) based on the equivalent tier-value for community college 6
159	164		instruction and (ii) in the same manner as funds are provided to community colleges based on 7
160	165		the number of FTE students enrolled in courses for which tuition and registration fees are waived 8
161	166		in accordance with G.S. 115D-5(b). OSFM shall not be considered a community college, as that 9
162	167		term is defined in G.S. 115D-2(2), or subject to the requirements imposed on community colleges 10
163	168		by Chapter 115D of the General Statutes. 11
164	169		SECTION 4.(c) This section becomes effective July 1, 2025. 12
165	170		13
166	171		PART V. CLARIFY POWERS AND DUTIES OF STATE FIRE AND RESCUE 14
167	172		COMMISSION 15
168	173		SECTION 5.(a) G.S. 58-78-5 reads as rewritten: 16
169	174		"§ 58-78-5. State Fire and Rescue Commission – Powers and duties. 17
170	175		(a) The Commission shall have the following powers and duties: 18
171	176		… 19
172	177		(18) To conduct administrative hearings in accordance with Article 3A of Chapter 20
173	178		150B of the General Statutes. 21
174	179		…." 22
175	180		SECTION 5.(b) G.S. 150B-38(a) reads as rewritten: 23
176	181		"§ 150B-38. Scope; hearing required; notice; venue. 24
177	182		(a) The provisions of this Article shall apply to: 25
178	183		… 26
179	184		(5b) The State Fire and Rescue Commission. 27
180	185		…." 28
181	186		SECTION 5.(c) This section becomes effective October 1, 2025, and applies to 29
182	187		administrative hearings commenced on or after that date. 30
183	188		31
184	189		PART VI. CLARIFY POWERS OF THE NORTH CAROLINA HOME INSPECTOR 32
185	190		LICENSURE BOARD REGARDING LICENS ING EDUCATION AND EXAMINATION 33
186	191		FEES 34
187	192		SECTION 6.(a) G.S. 143-151.49 reads as rewritten: 35
188	193		"§ 143-151.49. Powers and responsibilities of Board. 36
189	194		… 37
190	195		(b) Education Requirements. – The education program adopted by the Board may not 38
191	196		consist of more than 200 hours of instruction. The instruction may include field training, 39
192	197		classroom instruction, distance learning, peer review, and any other educational format approved 40
193	198		by the Board. The Board may adopt rules regarding course content, instructor qualifications, 41
194	199		approved course offerings, and other criteria for compliance with the education program." 42
195	200		SECTION 6.(b) G.S. 143-151.57 reads as rewritten: 43
196	201		"§ 143-151.57. Fees. 44
197	202		(a) Maximum Fees. – The Board may adopt fees that do not exceed the amounts set in 45
198	203		the following table for administering this Article: 46
199	204		Item Maximum Fee 47
200	205		Application for home inspector license $35.00 48
201	206		Home inspector examinationexamination, in person 80.00 49
202	207		Home inspector examination, online 200.00 50
203	208		Issuance or renewal of home inspector license 160.00 51 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025
204		-	~~Senate Bill 368-First Edition~~ Page 5
	209	+	DRS45201-NExf-108A Page 5
205	210		Late renewal of home inspector license 30.00 1
206	211		Application for course approval 150.00 2
207	212		Renewal of course approval 75.00 3
208	213		Course fee, per credit hour per licensee 5.00 4
209	214		Credit for unapproved continuing education course 50.00 5
210	215		Copies of Board rules or licensure standards Cost of printing 6
211	216		and mailing. 7
212	217		…." 8
213	218		SECTION 6.(c) This section becomes effective October 1, 2025. 9
214	219		10
215	220		PART VII. EXEMPT MANUFACTURED HOME MANUFACTURERS AND DEALERS 11
216	221		FROM SALESROOM REQUIREMENTS 12
217	222		SECTION 7. G.S. 20-288 reads as rewritten: 13
218	223		"§ 20-288. Application for license; license requirements; expiration of license; bond. 14
219	224		… 15
220	225		(d) To obtain a license as a wholesaler, an applicant who intends to sell or distribute 16
221	226		self-propelled vehicles must have an established office in this State, and an applicant who intends 17
222	227		to sell or distribute only trailers or semitrailers of more than 2,500 pounds unloaded weight must 18
223	228		have a place of business in this State where the records required under this Article are kept. 19
224	229		To obtain a license as a motor vehicle dealer, an applicant who intends to deal in 20
225	230		self-propelled vehicles must have an established salesroom in this State, and an applicant who 21
226	231		intends to deal in only trailers or semitrailers of more than 2,500 pounds unloaded weight must 22
227	232		have a place of business in this State where the records required under this Article are kept. 23
228	233		An applicant for a license as a manufacturer, a factory branch, a distributor, a distributor 24
229	234		branch, a wholesaler, or a motor vehicle dealer must have a separate license for each established 25
230	235		office, established salesroom, or other place of business in this State. An application for any of 26
231	236		these licenses shall include a list of the applicant's places of business in this State. 27
232	237		This subsection does not apply to manufactured home dealers, as defined by 28
233	238		G.S. 143-143.9(7), or manufactured home manufacturers, as defined by G.S. 143-143.9(8). 29
234	239		…." 30
235	240		31
236	241		PART VIII. MODERNIZE CODE OFFICIALS QUALIFICATION BOARD 32
237	242		STATUTORY LANGUAGE, ESTABLISH FEES AND PROCEDURES FOR BOARD 33
238	243		APPROVAL OF CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICIAL TRAINING COURSES, AND 34
239	244		AUTHORIZE THE CREATION OF A VOLUNTARY APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM 35
240	245		FOR CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICIALS 36
241	246		SECTION 8.(a) G.S. 143-151.8 reads as rewritten: 37
242	247		"§ 143-151.8. Definitions. 38
243	248		(a) The following definitions apply in this Article: 39
244	249		… 40
245	250		(5) Qualified Code-enforcement Code official. – A person qualified under this 41
246	251		Article to engage in the practice of Code enforcement.compliance inspections 42
247	252		or review. 43
248	253		…." 44
249	254		SECTION 8.(b) G.S. 143-151.11 reads as rewritten: 45
250	255		"§ 143-151.11. Chairman; vice-chairman; other officers; meetings; reports. 46
251	256		… 47
252	257		(d) The activities and recommendations of the Board with respect to standards for Code 48
253	258		officials training and certification licensing shall be set forth in regular and special reports made 49
254	259		by the Board. Additionally, the Board shall present special reports and recommendations to the 50 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025
255		-	Page 6 ~~Senate Bill 368-First Edition~~
	260	+	Page 6 DRS45201-NExf-108A
256	261		Governor or the General Assembly, or both, as the need may arise or as the Governor or the 1
257	262		General Assembly may request." 2
258	263		SECTION 8.(c) G.S. 143-151.12 reads as rewritten: 3
259	264		"§ 143-151.12. Powers. 4
260	265		In addition to powers conferred upon the Board elsewhere in this Article, the Board has the 5
261	266		power to do the following: 6
262	267		(1) Adopt rules necessary to administer this Article. 7
263	268		(1a) Require State agencies, local inspection departments, and local governing 8
264	269		bodies to submit reports and information about the employment, education, 9
265	270		and training of Code-enforcement Code officials. 10
266	271		(2) Establish minimum standards for employment as a Code-enforcement Code 11
267	272		official: (i) in probationary or temporary status, and (ii) in permanent 12
268	273		positions. 13
269	274		(3) Certify License persons as being qualified to practice Code compliance 14
270	275		inspections or review under the provisions of this Article to be 15
271	276		Code-enforcement as Code officials, including persons employed by a 16
272	277		federally recognized Indian Tribe to perform inspections on tribal lands. 17
273	278		(3a) Certify persons as being qualified under the provisions of this Article to be 18
274	279		North Carolina State Building Code Permit Technicians. 19
275	280		(4) Consult and cooperate with counties, municipalities, agencies of this State, 20
276	281		other governmental agencies, and with universities, colleges, junior colleges, 21
277	282		community colleges and other institutions concerning the development of 22
278	283		Code-enforcement Code compliance inspections or review training schools 23
279	284		and programs or courses of instruction. 24
280	285		(5) Establish minimum standards and levels of education or equivalent experience 25
281	286		for all Code-enforcement Code compliance inspections or review instructors, 26
282	287		teachers or professors. 27
283	288		(6) Conduct and encourage research by public and private agencies that shall be 28
284	289		designed to improve education and training in the administration of Code 29
285	290		enforcement.Code compliance inspections or review. 30
286	291		(7) Adopt and amend bylaws, consistent with law, for its internal management 31
287	292		and control; appoint advisory committees as necessary; and enter into 32
288	293		contracts and do other things as necessary and incidental to the exercise of its 33
289	294		authority pursuant to this Article. 34
290	295		(8) Make recommendations concerning any matters within its purview pursuant 35
291	296		to this Article. 36
292	297		(9) Establish within the Office of the State Fire Marshal a marketplace pool of 37
293	298		qualified Code-enforcement Code officials available for the following 38
294	299		purposes: 39
295	300		a. When requested by the State Fire Marshal, to assist in the discharge of 40
296	301		the State Fire Marshal's duty under G.S. 143-139 to supervise, 41
297	302		administer, and enforce the North Carolina State Building Code. The 42
298	303		State Fire Marshal shall have the power and authority to fix and collect 43
299	304		reasonable fees for services performed by Code-enforcement Code 44
300	305		officials under this sub-subdivision. The State Fire Marshal may also 45
301	306		collect reimbursement, at the rate established under G.S. 138-6, for 46
302	307		mileage costs incurred by Code-enforcement Code officials going to 47
303	308		and from inspections conducted under this sub-subdivision. The State 48
304	309		Fire Marshal shall have no power or authority to fix or collect fees 49
305	310		incurred by local inspection departments under sub-subdivision b. of 50
306	311		this subdivision. 51 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025
307		-	~~Senate Bill 368-First Edition~~ Page 7
	312	+	DRS45201-NExf-108A Page 7
308	313		b. When requested by local inspection departments, to assist in Code 1
309	314		enforcement.compliance inspections or review." 2
310	315		SECTION 8.(d) G.S. 143-151.13 reads as rewritten: 3
311	316		"§ 143-151.13. Required standards and certificates licenses for Code-enforcement Code 4
312	317		officials. 5
313	318		(a) No person shall engage in Code enforcement compliance inspections or review under 6
314	319		this Article unless that person possesses one of the following types of certificates, licenses, 7
315	320		currently valid, issued by the Board attesting to that person's qualifications to engage in Code 8
316	321		enforcement: compliance inspections or review: (i) a standard certificate; license; (ii) a limited 9
317	322		certificate license provided for in subsection (c) of this section; or (iii) a probationary certificate 10
318	323		license provided for in subsection (d) of this section. To obtain a standard certificate, license, a 11
319	324		person must pass an examination, as prescribed by the Board or by a contracting party under 12
320	325		G.S. 143-151.16(d), that is based on the North Carolina State Building Code and administrative 13
321	326		procedures required for Code enforcement. compliance inspections or review. The Board may 14
322	327		issue a standard certificate of qualification license to each person who successfully completes the 15
323	328		examination. The certificate license authorizes that person to engage in Code enforcement 16
324	329		compliance inspections or review and to practice as a qualified Code-enforcement Code official 17
325	330		in North Carolina. The certificate of qualification license shall bear the signatures of the chairman 18
326	331		and secretary of the Board. 19
327	332		(b) The Board shall issue one or more standard certificates licenses to each 20
328	333		Code-enforcement Code official demonstrating the qualifications set forth in subsection (b1) of 21
329	334		this section. Standard certificates licenses are available for each of the following types of 22
330	335		qualified Code-enforcement Code officials: 23
331	336		(1) Building inspector. 24
332	337		(2) Electrical inspector. 25
333	338		(3) Mechanical inspector. 26
334	339		(4) Plumbing inspector. 27
335	340		(5) Fire inspector. 28
336	341		(6) Residential changeout inspector. 29
337	342		(b1) The holder of a standard certificate license may practice Code enforcement 30
338	343		compliance inspections or review only within the inspection area and level described upon the 31
339	344		certificate license issued by the Board. A Code-enforcement Code official may qualify and hold 32
340	345		one or more certificates. licenses. These certificates licenses may be for different levels in 33
341	346		different types of positions as defined in this section and in rules adopted by the Board. 34
342	347		(b2) A Code-enforcement Code official holding a certificate license indicating a specified 35
343	348		level of proficiency in a particular type of position may hold a position calling for that type of 36
344	349		qualification anywhere in the State. With respect to all types of Code-enforcement Code officials, 37
345	350		those with Level I, Level II, or Level III certificates licenses shall be qualified to inspect and 38
346	351		approve only those types and sizes of buildings as specified in rules adopted by the Board. 39
347	352		(c) A Code-enforcement Code official holding office as of the date specified in this 40
348	353		subsection for the county or municipality by which he is employed, shall not be required to 41
349	354		possess a standard certificate license as a condition of tenure or continued employment but shall 42
350	355		be required to complete such in-service training as may be prescribed by the Board. At the earliest 43
351	356		practicable date, such official shall receive from the Board a limited certificate license qualifying 44
352	357		him to engage in Code enforcement compliance inspections or review at the level, in the 45
353	358		particular type of position, and within the governmental jurisdiction in which he is employed. 46
354	359		The limited certificate license shall be valid only as an authorization for the official to continue 47
355	360		in the position he held on the applicable date and shall become invalid if he does not complete 48
356	361		in-service training within two years following the applicable date in the schedule below, 49
357	362		according to the governmental jurisdiction's population as published in the 1970 U.S. Census: 50
358	363		Counties and Municipalities over 75,000 population – July 1, 1979 51 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025
359		-	Page 8 ~~Senate Bill 368-First Edition~~
	364	+	Page 8 DRS45201-NExf-108A
360	365		Counties and Municipalities between 50,001 and 75,000 – July 1, 1981 1
361	366		Counties and Municipalities between 25,001 and 50,000 – July 1, 1983 2
362	367		Counties and Municipalities 25,000 and under – July 1, 1985 3
363	368		All fire prevention inspectors holding office – July 1, 1989. Fire prevention inspectors have 4
364	369		until July 1, 1993, to complete in-service training. 5
365	370		An official holding a limited certificate license can be promoted to a position requiring a 6
366	371		higher level certificate license only upon issuance by the Board of a standard certificate license 7
367	372		or probationary certificate license appropriate for such new position. 8
368	373		(d) The Board may provide for the issuance of probationary or temporary certificates 9
369	374		licenses valid for such period (not less than one year nor more than three years) as specified by 10
370	375		the Board's rules, or until June 30, 1983, whichever is later, to any Code-enforcement Code 11
371	376		official newly employed or newly promoted who lacks the qualifications prescribed by the Board 12
372	377		as prerequisite to applying for a standard certificate license under subsection (a). No official may 13
373	378		have a probationary or temporary certificate license extended beyond the specified period by 14
374	379		renewal or otherwise. The Board may provide for appropriate levels of probationary or temporary 15
375	380		certificates licenses and may issue these certificates licenses with such special conditions or 16
376	381		requirements relating to the place of employment of the person holding the certificate, license, 17
377	382		his supervision on a consulting or advisory basis, or other matters as the Board may deem 18
378	383		necessary to protect the public safety and health. 19
379	384		(e) The Board shall, without requiring an examination, issue a standard certificate license 20
380	385		to any person who is currently certified as a county electrical inspector pursuant to 21
381	386		G.S. 160D-1102. The certificate license issued by the Board shall authorize the person to serve 22
382	387		at the electrical inspector level approved by the State Fire Marshal in G.S. 160D-1102. 23
383	388		(f) The Board shall issue a standard certificate license to any person who passes the 24
384	389		examination required under subsection (a) of this section and is currently licensed to practice as 25
385	390		a(n):any of the following: 26
386	391		(1) Architect, registered licensed pursuant to Chapter 83A;83A of the General 27
387	392		Statutes. 28
388	393		(2) General contractor, licensed pursuant to Article 1 of Chapter 87;87 of the 29
389	394		General Statutes. 30
390	395		(3) Plumbing or heating contractor, licensed pursuant to Article 2 of Chapter 31
391	396		87;87 of the General Statutes. 32
392	397		(4) Electrical contractor, licensed pursuant to Article 4 of Chapter 87; or,87 of the 33
393	398		General Statutes. 34
394	399		(5) Professional engineer, registered licensed pursuant to Chapter 89C;89C of the 35
395	400		General Statutes. 36
396	401		provided the person successfully completes a short course, as prescribed by the Board, relating 37
397	402		to the State Building Code regulations and Code-enforcement administration. The standard 38
398	403		certificate license shall authorize the person to practice as a qualified Code-enforcement Code 39
399	404		official in a particular type of position at the level determined by the Board, based on the type of 40
400	405		license or registration held in any profession specified above. 41
401	406		(g) A licensed architect or licensed professional engineer who possesses a valid 42
402	407		certificate license under subsection (f) of this section, but is not employed by the State or a local 43
403	408		government, may utilize that certificate license for the limited purpose of performing independent 44
404	409		third-party plan review under subsections (d) and (e) of G.S. 160D-1110.1. 45
405	410		(h) Notwithstanding any other subsection of this section, the Board, in conjunction with 46
406	411		the Office of the State Fire Marshal, may establish a voluntary apprenticeship program for any 47
407	412		license issued under this section. The program shall consist of coursework and supervised work 48
408	413		under a certified Code official in the relevant discipline. A trainee must pass a standard 49
409	414		examination prior to issuance of any license. The Board may charge a fee for participation in the 50
410	415		program. The fee shall not exceed the cost of the program." 51 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025
411		-	~~Senate Bill 368-First Edition~~ Page 9
	416	+	DRS45201-NExf-108A Page 9
412	417		SECTION 8.(e) G.S. 143-151.13A reads as rewritten: 1
413	418		"§ 143-151.13A. Professional development program for officials.officials; course sponsor 2
414	419		fees. 3
415	420		(a) As used in this section, "official" means a qualified Code-enforcement Code official 4
416	421		as that term is defined in G.S. 143-151.8. 5
417	422		(b) The Board may establish professional development requirements for officials as a 6
418	423		condition of the renewal or reactivation of their certificates. licenses. The purposes of these 7
419	424		professional development requirements are to assist officials in maintaining professional 8
420	425		competence in their enforcement of the Code and to assure the health, safety, and welfare of the 9
421	426		citizens of North Carolina. An official subject to this section shall present evidence to the Board 10
422	427		at each certificate license renewal after initial certification, licensure that during the 12 months 11
423	428		before the certificate license expiration date, the official has completed the required number of 12
424	429		credit hours in courses approved by the Board. Annual continuing education hour requirements 13
425	430		shall be determined by the Board but shall not be more than six credit hours. 14
426	431		(c) The Board may require an individual who earns a certificate license under programs 15
427	432		established in G.S. 143-151.13 to complete professional development courses, not to exceed six 16
428	433		hours in each technical area of certification, licensure within one year after that individual is first 17
429	434		employed by a city or county inspection department. 18
430	435		(d) As a condition of reactivating a standard or limited certificate, license, the Board may 19
431	436		require the completion of professional development courses within one year after reemployment 20
432	437		as an official as follows: 21
433	438		(1) An individual who has been on inactive status for more than two years and 22
434	439		who has not been continuously employed by a city or county inspection 23
435	440		department during the period of inactive status shall complete professional 24
436	441		development courses not to exceed six hours for each technical area in which 25
437	442		the individual is certified.licensed. 26
438	443		(2) An individual who has been on inactive status for more than two years and 27
439	444		who has been continuously employed by a city or county inspection 28
440	445		department during the period of inactive status shall complete professional 29
441	446		development courses not to exceed three hours for each technical area in 30
442	447		which the individual is certified.licensed. 31
443	448		(3) An individual who has been on inactive status for two years or less shall 32
444	449		complete professional development courses not to exceed two hours for each 33
445	450		technical area in which the individual is certified.licensed. 34
446	451		(e) The Board may, for good cause shown, grant extensions of time to officials to comply 35
447	452		with these requirements. An official who, after obtaining an extension under this subsection, 36
448	453		offers evidence satisfactory to the Board that the official has satisfactorily completed the required 37
449	454		professional development courses, is in compliance with this section. 38
450	455		(f) The Board may adopt rules to implement this section, including rules that govern: 39
451	456		(1) The content and subject matter of professional development courses. 40
452	457		(2) The criteria, standards, and procedures for the approval of courses, course 41
453	458		sponsors, and course instructors. 42
454	459		(3) The methods of instruction. 43
455	460		(4) The computation of course credit. 44
456	461		(5) The ability to carry-forward course credit from one year to another. 45
457	462		(6) The waiver of or variance from the professional development required for 46
458	463		hardship or other reasons. 47
459	464		(7) The procedures for compliance and sanctions for noncompliance. 48
460	465		(g) Each course sponsor shall pay the Board a fee of one dollar ($1.00) per approved 49
461	466		credit hour per individual who successfully completes a course under the provisions of this 50
462	467		section. 51 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025
463		-	Page 10 ~~Senate Bill 368-First Edition~~
	468	+	Page 10 DRS45201-NExf-108A
464	469		(h) At the time a course sponsor submits an application to the Board for approval of a 1
465	470		course under the provisions of this section, the sponsor shall pay to the State Fire Marshal a filing 2
466	471		fee of one hundred dollars ($100.00) per course up to a maximum of two thousand five hundred 3
467	472		dollars ($2,500) per calendar year. 4
468	473		(i) An official who selects a course other than one offered by an approved course sponsor 5
469	474		and who seeks approval of the course pursuant to rules adopted by the Board shall, upon approval 6
470	475		of the course, pay a fee of one dollar ($1.00) per approved credit hour." 7
471	476		SECTION 8.(f) G.S. 143-151.14 reads as rewritten: 8
472	477		"§ 143-151.14. Comity. 9
473	478		(a) The Board may, without requiring an examination, grant a standard certificate license 10
474	479		as a qualified Code-enforcement Code official for a particular type of position and level to any 11
475	480		person who, at the time of application, is certified as a qualified Code-enforcement Code official 12
476	481		in good standing by a similar board of another state, district or territory where standards are 13
477	482		acceptable to the Board and not lower than those required by this Article for a similar type of 14
478	483		position and level in this State. 15
479	484		(b) The Board may, without requiring an examination, grant a standard certificate license 16
480	485		as a qualified Code-enforcement Code official for a particular type of position and level to any 17
481	486		person who, at the time of application, is certified licensed as a qualified Code-enforcement Code 18
482	487		official in good standing by the International Code Council Council, the United States 19
483	488		Department of Defense, or the International Fire Services Accreditation Congress where 20
484	489		standards and examination are acceptable to the Board and not lower than those required by this 21
485	490		Article for a type of position and level in this State. 22
486	491		(c) The certificates licenses granted under subsections (a) and (b) of this section shall 23
487	492		expire after three years unless within that time period the holder completes a short course, as 24
488	493		prescribed by the Board, relating to the State Building Code regulations and Code-enforcement 25
489	494		Code compliance inspection or review administration. 26
490	495		(d) A fee of not more than twenty dollars ($20.00), as determined by the Board, must be 27
491	496		paid by any applicant to the Board for the issuance of a certificate license under this section. The 28
492	497		provisions of G.S. 143-151.16(b) relating to renewal fees and late renewals shall apply to every 29
493	498		person granted a standard certificate license in accordance with this section." 30
494	499		SECTION 8.(g) G.S. 143-151.15 reads as rewritten: 31
495	500		"§ 143-151.15. Return of certificate license to Board; reissuance by Board. 32
496	501		A certificate license issued by the Board under this Article is valid as long as the person 33
497	502		certified licensed is employed by the State of North Carolina or any political subdivision thereof 34
498	503		as a Code-enforcement Code official, or is employed by a federally recognized Indian Tribe to 35
499	504		perform inspections on tribal lands as a Code-enforcement Code official. When the person 36
500	505		certified licensed leaves that employment for any reason, he shall return the certificate license to 37
501	506		the Board. If the person subsequently obtains employment as a Code-enforcement Code official 38
502	507		in any governmental jurisdiction described above, the Board may reissue the certificate license 39
503	508		to him. The provisions of G.S. 143-151.16(b) relating to renewal fees and late renewals shall 40
504	509		apply, if appropriate. The provisions of G.S. 143-151.16(c) shall not apply. This section does not 41
505	510		affect the Board's powers under G.S. 143-151.17." 42
506	511		SECTION 8.(h) G.S. 143-151.16 reads as rewritten: 43
507	512		"§ 143-151.16. Certification License fees; renewal of certificates; licenses; examination fees. 44
508	513		(a) The Board shall establish a schedule of fees to be paid by each applicant for 45
509	514		certification licensure as a qualified Code-enforcement Code official. Such fee shall not exceed 46
510	515		twenty dollars ($20.00) for each applicant.license application. 47
511	516		(b) A certificate, license, other than a probationary certificate, license, as a qualified 48
512	517		Code-enforcement Code official issued pursuant to the provisions of this Article must be renewed 49
513	518		annually on or before the first day of July. June 30. Each application for renewal must be 50
514	519		accompanied by a renewal fee to be determined by the Board, but not to exceed ten dollars 51 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025
515		-	~~Senate Bill 368-First Edition~~ Page 11
	520	+	DRS45201-NExf-108A Page 11
516	521		($10.00). fifty dollars ($50.00). The Board is authorized to charge an extra four dollar ($4.00) 1
517	522		late renewal fee for renewals made after the first day of July June 30 each year. 2
518	523		(c) Any person who fails to renew his certificate license for a period of two consecutive 3
519	524		years may be required by the Board to take and pass the same examination as unlicensed 4
520	525		applicants before allowing such person to renew his certificate.license. 5
521	526		… 6
522	527		(e) The Board shall approve course offerings for all continuing education programs and 7
523	528		may charge a fee of up to one hundred dollars ($100.00) per course for review and approval of 8
524	529		the continuing education program." 9
525	530		SECTION 8.(i) G.S. 143-151.17 reads as rewritten: 10
526	531		"§ 143-151.17. Grounds for disciplinary actions; investigation; administrative procedures. 11
527	532		(a) The Board has the power to suspend, revoke, demote to a lower level, or refuse to 12
528	533		grant a certificate license issued under this Article to any person to whom any of the following 13
529	534		applies: 14
530	535		(1) Has been convicted of a felony against this State or the United States, or 15
531	536		convicted of a felony in another state that would also be a felony if it had been 16
532	537		committed in this State. 17
533	538		(2) Has obtained certification licensure through fraud, deceit, or perjury. 18
534	539		(3) Has knowingly aided or abetted any person practicing contrary to the 19
535	540		provisions of this Article or the State Building Code or any building codes 20
536	541		adopted by a federally recognized Indian Tribe. 21
537	542		(4) Has defrauded the public or attempted to do so. 22
538	543		(5) Has affixed his or her signature to a report of inspection or other instrument 23
539	544		of service if no inspection has been made by him or her or under his or her 24
540	545		immediate and responsible direction. 25
541	546		(6) Has been guilty of willful misconduct, gross negligence, or gross 26
542	547		incompetence. 27
543	548		(b) The Board may investigate the actions of any qualified Code-enforcement Code 28
544	549		official or applicant upon the verified complaint in writing of any person alleging a violation of 29
545	550		subsection (a) of this section. The Board may suspend, revoke, or demote to a lower level any 30
546	551		certificate license of any qualified Code-enforcement Code official and refuse to grant a 31
547	552		certificate license to any applicant, whom it finds to have been guilty of one or more of the actions 32
548	553		set out in subsection (a) of this section as grounds for disciplinary action. 33
549	554		(c) A denial, suspension, revocation, or demotion to a lower level of a certificate license 34
550	555		issued under this Article shall be made in accordance with Chapter 150B of the General Statutes. 35
551	556		(d) The Board may deny an application for a certificate license for any of the grounds 36
552	557		that are described in subsection (a) of this section. Within 30 days after receipt of a notification 37
553	558		that an application for a certificate license has been denied, the applicant may make a written 38
554	559		request for a review by a committee designated by the chairman of the Board to determine the 39
555	560		reasonableness of the Board's action. The review shall be completed without undue delay, and 40
556	561		the applicant shall be notified promptly in writing as to the outcome of the review. Within 30 41
557	562		days after service of the notification as to the outcome, the applicant may make a written request 42
558	563		for a hearing under Article 3A of Chapter 150B of the General Statutes if the applicant disagrees 43
559	564		with the outcome. 44
560	565		(e) This section applies to Code-enforcement Code officials and applicants who are 45
561	566		employed or seek to be employed by a federally recognized Indian Tribe to perform inspections 46
562	567		on tribal lands." 47
563	568		SECTION 8.(j) G.S. 143-151.18 reads as rewritten: 48
564	569		"§ 143-151.18. Violations; penalty; injunction. 49
565	570		On and after July 1, 1979, it shall be unlawful for any person to represent himself as a 50
566	571		qualified Code-enforcement Code official who does not hold a currently valid certificate of 51 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025
567		-	Page 12 ~~Senate Bill 368-First Edition~~
	572	+	Page 12 DRS45201-NExf-108A
568	573		qualification license issued by the Board. Further, it shall be unlawful for any person to practice 1
569	574		Code enforcement compliance inspections or review except as allowed by any currently valid 2
570	575		certificate license issued to that person by the Board. Any person violating any of the provisions 3
571	576		of this Article shall be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor. The Board is authorized to apply to any 4
572	577		judge of the superior court for an injunction in order to prevent any violation or threatened 5
573	578		violation of the provisions of this Article." 6
574	579		SECTION 8.(k) G.S. 143-151.19 reads as rewritten: 7
575	580		"§ 143-151.19. Administration. 8
576	581		(a) The Division of Engineering and Building Codes in the Department of Insurance 9
577	582		Office of the State Fire Marshal shall provide clerical and other staff services required by the 10
578	583		Board, and shall administer and enforce all provisions of this Article and all rules promulgated 11
579	584		pursuant to this Article, subject to the direction of the Board, except as delegated by this Article 12
580	585		to local units of government, other State agencies, corporations, or individuals. 13
581	586		(b) The Board shall make copies of this Article and the rules adopted under this Article 14
582	587		available to the public at a price determined by the Board. 15
583	588		(c) The Board shall keep current a record of the names and addresses of all qualified 16
584	589		Code-enforcement Code officials and additional personal data as the Board deems necessary. 17
585	590		The Board annually shall publish a list maintain a directory of all currently certified 18
586	591		Code-enforcement licensed Code officials. 19
587	592		(d) Each certificate license issued by the Board shall contain such identifying information 20
588	593		as the Board requires. 21
589	594		(e) The Board shall issue a duplicate certificate license to practice as a qualified 22
590	595		Code-enforcement Code official in place of one which has been lost, destroyed, or mutilated 23
591	596		upon proper application and payment of a fee to be determined by the Board." 24
592	597		SECTION 8.(l) G.S. 143-151.20 reads as rewritten: 25
593	598		"§ 143-151.20. Donations and appropriations. 26
594	599		… 27
595	600		(b) The Board may provide grants as a reimbursement for actual expenses incurred by 28
596	601		the State or political subdivision thereof for the provisions of training programs of officials from 29
597	602		other jurisdictions within the State. The Board, by rules, shall provide for the administration of 30
598	603		the grant program authorized herein. In promulgating such rules, the Board shall promote the 31
599	604		most efficient and economical program of Code-enforcement Code compliance inspection or 32
600	605		review training, including the maximum utilization of existing facilities and programs for the 33
601	606		purpose of avoiding duplication." 34
602	607		SECTION 8.(m) G.S. 143-151.21 reads as rewritten: 35
603	608		"§ 143-151.21. Disposition of fees. 36
604	609		Fees collected by the State Fire Marshal under this Article shall be credited to the Insurance 37
605	610		Regulatory Fund created under G.S. 58-6-25.deposited in the State treasury to the account of the 38
606	611		Board." 39
607	612		SECTION 8.(n) G.S. 143-151.22, as enacted by Section 3.4(b) of S.L. 2024-49, 40
608	613		reads as rewritten: 41
609	614		"§ 143-151.22. North Carolina State Building Code Permit Technician; certification 42
610	615		program; professional development requirements; renewal of certificates; fees; 43
611	616		exam waivers. 44
612	617		(a) State Building Code Permit Technician Certification Program. – The Board shall 45
613	618		develop a North Carolina State Building Code Permit Technician certification program and North 46
614	619		Carolina State Building Code Permit Technician Certificate. To obtain a certificate, a person 47
615	620		must pass an examination, as prescribed by the Board, that is based on the North Carolina State 48
616	621		Building Code, administrative procedures applicable to permit administration, and relevant 49
617	622		topics in support of Code-enforcement Code officials and local inspection departments. The 50 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025
618		-	~~Senate Bill 368-First Edition~~ Page 13
	623	+	DRS45201-NExf-108A Page 13
619	624		Board may issue a certificate to each person who successfully completes the examination. The 1
620	625		certificate shall bear the signatures of the chairman and secretary of the Board. 2
621	626		… 3
622	627		(e) Qualified Code-Enforcement Code Official Exam Waiver. – The Board shall, without 4
623	628		requiring an examination, grant a certificate pursuant to this section to any person who, at the 5
624	629		time of application, possesses a Building Inspector standard certificate license issued by the 6
625	630		Board and who is in good standing. The Board may assess a fee for a certificate issued pursuant 7
626	631		to this subsection, to the extent authorized by subsection (d) of this section for an initial 8
627	632		certification. 9
628	633		…." 10
629	634		SECTION 8.(o) G.S. 143-151.23 reads as rewritten: 11
630	635		"§ 143-151.23. Disasters and emergencies; temporary certificates.licenses. 12
631	636		(a) When a state of emergency, as defined in G.S. 166A-19.3, has been declared by the 13
632	637		Governor due to a natural disaster such as a hurricane, tornado, or flood, or due to a pending 14
633	638		disaster, the Board may issue temporary standard or limited certificates licenses to retired 15
634	639		qualified Code-enforcement Code officials to conduct Code enforcement compliance inspections 16
635	640		or review in the emergency area, as defined in G.S. 166A-19.3, for the duration of the state of 17
636	641		emergency. 18
637	642		(b) A temporary standard or limited certificate license issued under this section shall 19
638	643		expire at the termination of the state of emergency or 12 months, whichever is earlier. If after 12 20
639	644		months the state of emergency has not expired, the Board may renew the temporary standard or 21
640	645		limited certificate.license. 22
641	646		(c) A qualified Code-enforcement Code official who has been on inactive status and is 23
642	647		issued a temporary standard or limited certificate license under this section shall not be subject 24
643	648		to the continuing education requirements established pursuant to G.S. 143-151.13A, unless the 25
644	649		individual has been inactive or retired over two years and not continuously employed by a city 26
645	650		or county inspection department." 27
646	651		SECTION 8.(p) Transition from Certificates to Licenses. – The following provisions 28
647	652		shall govern the transition from certificates previously issued by the Code Officials Qualification 29
648	653		Board to licenses under this section: 30
649	654		(1) Automatic conversion. – All individuals holding valid probationary, standard, 31
650	655		or limited Code-official certificates issued by the Board as of the effective 32
651	656		date of this section shall automatically be deemed to hold the equivalent 33
652	657		licenses issued under Article 9C of Chapter 143 of the General Statutes, as 34
653	658		amended by this section, without further examination, application, fees, or 35
654	659		additional qualification requirements. These licenses shall authorize holders 36
655	660		to engage in Code-enforcement or Code compliance inspection or review 37
656	661		activities to the same extent and under the same conditions as the certificates 38
657	662		previously held. 39
658	663		(2) Pending applications. – An application for certification submitted prior to the 40
659	664		effective date of this section, which remains pending on that date, shall be 41
660	665		processed as an application for licensure. Such application shall not require 42
661	666		resubmission or additional qualifications solely due to the change in 43
662	667		designation from certificate to license provided by this section. A license 44
663	668		issued pursuant to this subdivision shall be approved under the same 45
664	669		conditions and standards that applied to certification immediately prior to the 46
665	670		effective date of this section. 47
666	671		(3) Renewal of licenses. – Upon expiration of any certificate converted into a 48
667	672		license under subdivision (1) of this subsection, the Board shall permit 49
668	673		individuals to renew their credential under the standards applicable to a license 50 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025
669		-	Page 14 ~~Senate Bill 368-First Edition~~
	674	+	Page 14 DRS45201-NExf-108A
670	675		in accordance with the renewal provisions of G.S. 143-151.16, as amended by 1
671	676		subsection (h) of this section. 2
672	677		SECTION 8.(q) Effective Date. – This section becomes effective October 1, 2025. 3
673	678		4
674	679		PART IX. CLARIFY ELECTRICAL CODE REQUIREMENTS FOR ENERGIZING 5
675	680		BUILDINGS 6
676	681		SECTION 9. G.S. 143-143.2(a) reads as rewritten: 7
677	682		"(a) The electric wiring of houses or buildings for lighting or for other purposes shall 8
678	683		conform to the requirements of the North Carolina State Building Code Electrical Code and other 9
679	684		applicable State and local laws." 10
680	685		11
681	686		PART X. EXTEND EXEMPTION FROM DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION 12
682	687		OWNERSHIP OF PASSENGER MOTOR VEHICLES USED PRIMARILY FOR 13
683	688		LAW-ENFORCEMENT, FIRE, OR EMERGENCY PURPOSES TO THE OFFICE OF 14
684	689		THE STATE FIRE MARSHAL 15
685	690		SECTION 10. G.S. 143-341 reads as rewritten: 16
686	691		"§ 143-341. Powers and duties of Department. 17
687	692		The Department of Administration has the following powers and duties: 18
688	693		… 19
689	694		(8) General Services: 20
690	695		… 21
691	696		i. To establish and operate a central motor fleet and such subsidiary 22
692	697		related facilities as the Secretary may deem necessary, and to that end: 23
693	698		… 24
694	699		3. To require on a schedule determined by the Department all 25
695	700		State agencies to transfer ownership, custody or control of any 26
696	701		or all passenger motor vehicles within the ownership, custody 27
697	702		or control of that agency to the Department, except those motor 28
698	703		vehicles vehicles: (i) under the ownership, custody or control 29
699	704		of the Highway Patrol, the State Bureau of Investigation, the 30
700	705		State Capitol Police, the Alcohol Law Enforcement Division 31
701	706		of the Department of Public Safety, the Samarcand Training 32
702	707		Academy, or the constituent institutions of The University of 33
703	708		North Carolina which are used primarily for law-enforcement 34
704	709		purposes.purposes or (ii) under the ownership, custody or 35
705	710		control of the Office of the State Fire Marshal which are used 36
706	711		primarily for law-enforcement, fire, or emergency purposes. 37
707	712		…." 38
708	713		39
709	714		PART XI. ENHANCE AUTHORITY OF THE STATE FIRE MARSHAL OVER LOCAL 40
710	715		INSPECTIONS, FEES, RECORDS, AND EMERGENCY ELECTRICAL INSPECTIONS 41
711	716		SECTION 11.(a) G.S. 58-78A-15 reads as rewritten: 42
712	717		"§ 58-78A-15. State Fire Marshal to supervise local inspectors. 43
713	718		(a) The State Fire Marshal shall exercise general supervision over local investigators of 44
714	719		fires and fire prevention inspectors. Whenever the State Fire Marshal has reason to believe that 45
715	720		the local inspectors are not doing their duty, the State Fire Marshal or the State Fire Marshal's 46
716	721		deputy shall make special trips of inspection and take proper steps to have all the provisions of 47
717	722		the law relative to the investigation of fires and the prevention of fire waste enforced. 48
718	723		(b) The State Fire Marshal shall exercise general supervision over local inspection 49
719	724		departments, including departments that issue permits for work subject to the North Carolina 50
720	725		State Building Code. If the State Fire Marshal determines that a local inspection department has 51 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025
721		-	~~Senate Bill 368-First Edition~~ Page 15
	726	+	DRS45201-NExf-108A Page 15
722	727		failed to provide inspection services, ceased providing inspection services, or is otherwise failing 1
723	728		to adequately fulfill its duties under this Chapter or Chapter 160D of the General Statutes, the 2
724	729		State Fire Marshal shall initiate appropriate corrective actions as provided by G.S. 160D-1102(b). 3
725	730		Such actions may include arranging alternate inspection services, suspending the local inspection 4
726	731		department's authority, and assigning inspection duties to another jurisdiction or directly to the 5
727	732		State. A local government whose inspection authority has been suspended under this subsection 6
728	733		may resume providing inspection services only in accordance with the requirements set forth in 7
729	734		G.S. 160D-1102(b). Nothing in this Chapter shall prohibit the State Fire Marshal or the State 8
730	735		from directly performing inspection duties for any jurisdiction whose inspection department has 9
731	736		been suspended. 10
732	737		(c) During any declared state of emergency or disaster, including a state emergency 11
733	738		declared pursuant to G.S. 166A-19.20 or G.S. 166A-19.22 or a federal emergency or major 12
734	739		disaster declared pursuant to the Stafford Act (P.L. 93-288), the State Fire Marshal shall have 13
735	740		authority to decree alternative methods for achieving compliance with the North Carolina State 14
736	741		Building Code and to evaluate and approve any system regulated by the North Carolina State 15
737	742		Building Code in the State by any means necessary. During emergencies and disasters, the State 16
738	743		Fire Marshal shall have the authority to allow persons licensed as an electrical contractor, as 17
739	744		defined in Article 4 of Chapter 87 of the General Statutes, to evaluate and approve systems 18
740	745		regulated by the North Carolina Electrical Code and appropriate for such license directly affected 19
741	746		by such events." 20
742	747		SECTION 11.(b) G.S. 160D-402(d) reads as rewritten: 21
743	748		"(d) Financial Support. – The local government may appropriate for the support of the 22
744	749		staff any funds that it deems necessary. It shall have power to fix reasonable fees for support, 23
745	750		administration, and implementation of programs authorized by this Chapter. All fees collected 24
746	751		by a building inspection department for the administration and enforcement of provisions set 25
747	752		forth in Article 11 of this Chapter shall be used to support the administration and operations of 26
748	753		the building inspection department and for no other purposes. When an inspection, for which the 27
749	754		permit holder has paid a fee to the local government, is performed by a marketplace pool 28
750	755		Code-enforcement official upon request of the State Fire Marshal under G.S. 143-151.12(9)a., 29
751	756		the local government shall promptly return to the permit holder the fee collected by the local 30
752	757		government for such inspection. Whenever an inspections department has been suspended under 31
753	758		G.S. 58-78A-15(b), the local government shall remit all building permit, inspection, and 32
754	759		reinspection fees collected by the local government for inspections to be conducted during the 33
755	760		suspension period to the jurisdiction assigned to perform the inspections. This subsection applies 34
756	761		to the following types of inspection: plumbing, electrical systems, general building restrictions 35
757	762		and regulations, heating and air-conditioning, and the general construction of buildings." 36
758	763		SECTION 11.(c) G.S. 160D-1126 reads as rewritten: 37
759	764		"§ 160D-1126. Records and reports. 38
760	765		The inspection department shall keep complete and accurate records as prescribed by the 39
761	766		Engineering Division of the Office of the State Fire Marshal in convenient form of all 40
762	767		applications received, permits issued, inspections and reinspections made, defects found, 41
763	768		certificates of compliance or occupancy granted, and all other work and activities of the 42
764	769		department. These records shall be kept in the manner and for the periods prescribed by the 43
765	770		Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. Periodic reports shall be submitted to the 44
766	771		governing board and to the State Fire Marshal as prescribed by the Engineering Division of the 45
767	772		Office of the State Fire Marshal and they shall by ordinance, rule, or other regulation require. 46
768	773		Any inspection department that fails to comply with this section shall be subject to suspension 47
769	774		as described in G.S. 58-78A-15(b)." 48
770	775		SECTION 11.(d) Effective Date. – This section becomes effective July 1, 2026. 49
771	776		50
772	777		PART XII. RULEMAKING, SEVERABILITY CLAUSE, AND EFFECTIVE DATE 51 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025
773		-	Page 16 ~~Senate Bill 368-First Edition~~
	778	+	Page 16 DRS45201-NExf-108A
774	779		SECTION 12.(a) Rulemaking Authority. – The Office of the State Fire Marshal, the 1
775	780		State Fire and Rescue Commission, the North Carolina Home Inspector Licensure Board, and 2
776	781		the North Carolina Code Officials Qualification Board shall adopt rules to implement the 3
777	782		provisions of this act. 4
778	783		SECTION 12.(b) Severability. – If any provision of this act or the application thereof 5
779	784		to any person or circumstances is held invalid, such invalidity shall not affect other provisions or 6
780	785		applications of this act that can be given effect without the invalid provision or application and, 7
781	786		to this end, the provisions of this act are declared to be severable. 8
782	787		SECTION 12.(c) Effective Date. – Except as otherwise provided, this act is effective 9
783	788		when it becomes law. 10