NC S449

Summary of NC Senate Bill 449 (Session Law 2025-97)

• Golden LEAF Hurricane Helene bridge loan program modified to increase maximum loan amount from $100,000 to $150,000, extend interest-only period from 12 to 24 months, and push loan term deadline from June 30, 2030 to June 30, 2032

• Local government cashflow loan repayment deferred until the latest of June 30, 2030, final FEMA coverage declination, or receipt of FEMA reimbursement funds; eligible communities include cities under 10,000 population and counties under 25,000 with damage exceeding specified budget thresholds

• Tree ordinance restrictions in Hurricane Helene disaster-declared counties extended through October 1, 2026, prohibiting local governments from enforcing tree removal permits on private property more than 10 feet from property boundaries, except for public safety or natural hazard protection

• NC Promise tuition for nonresident students increased from $2,500 to $3,500 per semester beginning in the 2026-2027 academic year at Elizabeth City State University, UNC Pembroke, Fayetteville State University, and Western Carolina University

• Multiple appropriations totaling over $75 million including $25 million for Pay Plan Reserve, $20.85 million for IBIS system replacement, $7.2 million for AOC information technology, $7 million for Ferry Division maintenance, and $3 million for avian flu response