NC Gov. Stein signs bills of balance

On June 22, North Carolina Governor Stein signed bills to foster land conservation and teamwork with developers and other bills in a justice balancing act.

Senate Bill 695 aims to bolster housing availability and affordability in North Carolina through encouraged alliances of local governing bodies and developers. This situation could result in further residential construction as local authorities endeavor to manage increasing populations and expanding job markets. Harnett County is recognized as one of the state’s fastest-growing counties, with sustained development occurring along major transportation corridors, in contrast to the moderate growth pressures faced by Moore and Lee. New collaborative possibilities may arise for municipal governments and developers under this legislation, particularly concerning workforce housing, mixed-income developments, and infrastructure projects vital for supporting economic growth.

Senate Bill 401 extends tax credits in North Carolina until 2031 for landowners conserving farmland and forests. This Farm Act 2025-26 amendment gives incentives that may preserve farms and natural land with tax credits, encouraging landowners to keep farms instead of selling for development as growth expands.

SB 401 mandates the government investigate water protection for agriculture, vital due to urban expansion and drought in North Carolina. It ended the obsolete points system for hog farmer rule-breaking. Public school students receive two extra excused days for livestock shows or agricultural events. Expired shellfish leases, aquaculture permits, or unmarked lease areas penalties are reduced. It increased penalties for stealing crops. It established legal routes for composting properties or those turning animal waste into agricultural products.

Rezoning, subdivision, infrastructure and land conservation reviews will continue to negotiate the agriculture versus development crisis.

House Bill 315 mandates that outside investors funding lawsuits for a percentage of the outcome is now illegal. Businesses and local governments could face fewer lawsuits and lower legal costs due to this law. Critics believe it might deter costly legal actions.

House Bill 258 is the worker’s act that modernizes the Retaliatory Employment Discrimination Act complaint process and provides greater clarity, transparency, and efficiency for workers.

It established requirements for filing complaints, allows employers to submit position statements early in the process, clarifies the treatment of materials unrelated to an investigation, and standardizes how filing deadlines are calculated.

House Bill 536 enhances the Physical Therapists Board’s authority to oversee therapist standards and enforce compliance. Disciplinary provisions now cover conduct that may harm the public.

Senate Bill 484 restricts the use of room occupancy tax funds by cities and counties. Local governments cannot use tourism funds for resident-focused services.

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June 24, 2026

Stephanie M. Sellers

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