House Bill 998 Summary

• Establishes a Blue Ribbon Task Force on Wastewater Infrastructure Development in North Carolina to review current wastewater infrastructure conditions and develop strategies for treatment projects and financing solutions.

• Task Force consists of 18 members including 4 House members, 4 Senate members, 2 ex officio non-voting state directors, 4 advisory county commissioners, and 4 advisory representatives from local wastewater entities.

• Task Force shall consult with representatives from the Department of Commerce, Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina, Utilities Commission, and Golden LEAF Foundation during its study.

• Task Force must submit a final report with proposed legislation to the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Agriculture and Natural and Economic Resources by December 1, 2026, and shall terminate on that date or upon filing its report, whichever comes first.

• Appropriates $10,000 in recurring funds for the 2024-2025 fiscal year from the General Fund unappropriated balance to support Task Force activities.