NC H403

Establishes the "Propane Assessment Act" to enable propane dealers and distributors in North Carolina to conduct referenda on voluntary assessments to fund industry promotional, educational, and safety programs.

Assessment rate capped at $0.002 per gallon of propane sold by distributors to dealers, requires approval by majority vote of both dealers and distributors separately.

Distributors collect assessments from dealers and remit quarterly payments to the North Carolina Propane Education & Research Foundation, with dealers able to request refunds within 30 days.

Foundation must use assessment funds for education, training, safety, equipment replacement for low-income customers, marketing, and consumer rebates; limited to 10% administrative expenses and prohibited from lobbying.

Assessment can be terminated if petitions signed by at least 10% of dealers or 50% of distributors request a referendum, with majority vote against continuation.