(The Center Square) – Occupational licensing boards will need to verify applicants’ Social Security numbers in a package of regulatory relief delivered in North Carolina through the Republican majorities of the General Assembly.
Regulatory Reform Act of 2025, known also as House Bill 926, gained the support of 13 Democrats in the General Assembly but not the signature of first-term Democratic Gov. Josh Stein. He opted for no signature after 10 days, enabling reformation within some of the 186 professions in the state that require a licensure process.
The bill became law effective Monday, though some parts have Jan. 1 for implementation. Passage was 31-17 in the Senate and 72-37 in the House of Representatives.
Included areas impacted are wastewater evaluators and permitting; public water system treatment facilities; surveyors; construction standards for municipal streets; culinary ABC permits; model homes during construction; advanced teaching roles and limited class size exceptions; ending dual licensure for audiologists; disclosures for hearing aid fitters, dealers and audiologists.
Also, offers and sales contracts; development applications; regulation of American flags on private property; off-site food service for workplace events; Office of Administrative hearings; agency negotiations; swimming pools; zoning regulations and university properties; downstream inundation maps; stormwater permitting.
Also, Falls Lake Reservoir residential developments; contracts for joint municipal power agencies; disposal systems and the environment; right to race competitive motorsports vehicles; debt collection art; and quasi-judicial zoning decisions.
