NC S401

Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services must update the Strategic Plan for Protecting Agricultural Water Resources by October 1, 2026, addressing water infrastructure needs, conservation practices, cost-share assistance, and flood mitigation methods

Establishes a 10-member Feral Swine Working Group within the Wildlife Resources Commission to develop a statewide plan for controlling feral swine damage on private and public lands, with annual reporting requirements

Allows local governments to deny special use permits for properties owned by business entities for less than three years if the proposed land use would negatively impact agricultural production

Creates new school excused absence category allowing minimum two absences per academic year for student participation in equestrian sporting events, livestock shows, or similar agricultural events

Permits use of non-grade-stamped dimension lumber from small mills (under 1,000,000 board feet annually) in residential construction when sawmill operators complete a State-approved lumber grading training program and certify compliance with American Softwood Lumber Standard PS20