GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF NORTH CAROLINA

SESSION 2021

 

SESSION LAW 2022-68

SENATE BILL 201

 

 

AN ACT to make various changes to motor vehicle and transportation laws.

 

The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:

 

CRIMINALIZE UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF CATALYTIC CONVERTER

SECTION 1.(a)  G.S. 14‑72.8(b), as enacted by Section 1 of S.L. 2021‑154, is repealed.

SECTION 1.(b)  Article 23 of Chapter 14 of the General Statutes is amended by adding a new section to read:

"§ 14‑164.1.  Possession of catalytic converter removed from a motor vehicle.

Unless the conduct is covered under some other provision of law providing greater punishment, knowingly possessing a catalytic converter that has been removed from a motor vehicle is a Class I felony unless the person in possession is any of the following:

(1)        An employee or agent of a company, or an individual, acting in their official duties for a motor vehicle dealer, motor vehicle repair shop, secondary metals recycler, or salvage yard that is licensed, permitted, or registered pursuant to State law.

(2)        An individual who possesses vehicle registration documentation indicating that the catalytic converter in the individual's possession is from a vehicle registered in that individual's name and is or will be replaced with another legally obtained catalytic converter.

(3)        An individual who possesses a catalytic converter lawfully received from an individual in subdivision (2) of this section and proof of vehicle ownership and a copy of the most recent vehicle registration documentation for the vehicle from which the catalytic converter was removed."

SECTION 1.(c)  G.S. 66‑424(a)(3a), as enacted by Section 4 of S.L. 2021‑154, reads as rewritten:

"(3a)    Purchase any catalytic converters that are not attached to a vehicle, except that a secondary metals recycler may purchase these items from a person listed in G.S. 14-72.8(b).G.S. 14‑164.1."

SECTION 1.(d)  This section becomes effective December 1, 2022, and applies to offenses committed on or after that date.

 

DELAY EFFECTIVE DATE OF PERMIT AND LICENSE REVOCATIONS FOR NOT MEETING REQUIREMENTS FOR DRIVING ELIGIBILITY CERTIFICATE

SECTION 2.(a)  G.S. 20‑13.2 reads as rewritten:

"§ 20‑13.2.  Grounds for revoking provisional license.

(c1)      Upon receipt of notification from the proper school authority that a person no longer meets the requirements for a driving eligibility certificate under G.S. 20‑11(n), the Division must expeditiously notify the person that his or her permit or license is revoked effective on the tenth thirtieth calendar day after the mailing of the revocation notice. The Division must revoke the permit or license of that person on the tenth thirtieth calendar day after the mailing of the revocation notice. Notwithstanding subsection (d) of this section, the length of revocation must last for the following periods:

…."

SECTION 2.(b)  This section becomes effective October 1, 2022, and applies to revocation notices mailed on or after that date.

 

AUTHORIZE UNITED STATES ARMY SPECIAL FORCES SPECIAL REGISTRATION PLATE

SECTION 3.(a)  G.S. 20‑79.4(b) reads as rewritten:

"(b)      Types. – The Division shall issue the following types of special registration plates:

()          United States Army Special Forces. – Issuable to a member or veteran of the United States Army Special Forces. The plate shall bear the name "United States Army Special Forces" and the insignia of the United States Army Special Forces.

…."

SECTION 3.(b)  The Revisor of Statutes is authorized to alphabetize, number, and renumber the special registration plates listed in G.S. 20‑79.4(b) to ensure that all the special registration plates are listed in alphabetical order and numbered accordingly.

SECTION 3.(c)  The plate authorized by this act is not subject to the requirements to establish a new special registration plate in G.S. 20‑79.3A and the expiration of special registration plate authorization in G.S. 20‑79.8.

SECTION 3.(d)  This section becomes effective October 1, 2022.

 

DEALER PLATE REGISTRATION CARD REQUIREMENTS

SECTION 4.(a)  G.S. 20‑79 is amended by adding a new subsection to read:

"(b1)    Dealer Plate Registration Card. – For each dealer license plate issued pursuant to this section, the Division must provide a registration card that lists all valid dealer license plates issued to that dealer pursuant to this section. The Division shall reissue registration cards as needed to ensure the accuracy of dealer license plate information."

SECTION 4.(b)  This section becomes effective December 1, 2022, and applies to dealer plates issued on or after that date.

 

CLARIFY DEALER PLATE USE REQUIREMENTS

SECTION 5.(a)  G.S. 20‑79(d) reads as rewritten:

"(d)      Restrictions on Use. – A dealer license plate may be displayed only on a motor vehicle that meets all of the following requirements:

(1)        Is part of the inventory of the dealer.

(2)        Is not consigned to the dealer.

(3)        Is covered by liability insurance that meets the requirements of Article 9A of this Chapter.

(4)        Is not used by the dealer in another business in which the dealer is engaged.

(5)        Is driven on a highway by a person who meets one of the following descriptions:

a.         Has a demonstration permit to test‑drive the motor vehicle and carries the demonstration permit while driving the motor vehicle.

b.         Is an officer or sales representative of the dealer and is driving the vehicle for a business purpose of the dealer.

c.         Is an employee of the dealer and is driving the vehicle in the course of employment.

d.         Is an employee of the dealer or of a contractor of the dealer and is driving the vehicle within a 20‑mile radius of a place where the vehicle is being repaired or otherwise prepared for sale.

e.         Is an employee of the dealer or of a contractor of the dealer and is transporting the vehicle to or from a vehicle auction or to the dealer's established salesroom.

f.          Is an officer, sales representative, or other employee of an independent or franchised motor vehicle dealer or is an immediate family member of an officer, sales representative, or other employee of an independent or franchised motor vehicle dealer.

(6)        A Displays a dealer license plate that matches (i) a copy of the registration card for the dealer plate issued to the dealer is carried by the person operating the motor vehicle or, vehicle, or (ii) if the person is operating the motor vehicle in this State, the a registration card for the dealer plate issued to the dealer that is maintained on file at the dealer's address listed on the registration card, card and the registration card must be able to be produced within 24 hours upon request of any law enforcement officer.

A dealer may issue a demonstration permit for a motor vehicle to a person licensed to drive that type of motor vehicle. A demonstration permit authorizes each person named in the permit to drive the motor vehicle described in the permit for up to 96 hours after the time the permit is issued. A dealer may, for good cause, renew a demonstration permit for one additional 96‑hour period. A franchised motor vehicle dealer is not prohibited from using a demonstration permit pursuant to this subsection by reason of the dealer's receipt of incentive or warranty compensation or other reimbursement or consideration from a manufacturer, factory branch, distributor, distributor branch or from a third‑party warranty, maintenance, or service contract company relating to the use of the vehicle as a demonstrator or service loaner.

A dealer may not lend, rent, lease, or otherwise place a dealer license plate at the disposal of a person except as authorized by this subsection."

SECTION 5.(b)  This section becomes effective December 1, 2022, and applies to offenses committed on or after that date.

 

CLARIFY APPLICABILITY OF MOVE OVER LAW

SECTION 6.(a)  G.S. 20‑157(f) reads as rewritten:

"(f)       When an authorized emergency vehicle as described listed in subsection (a) of this section section, or any a public service vehicle vehicle, is parked or standing within 12 feet of a roadway and is giving a warning signal by appropriate light, the driver of every other approaching vehicle shall, as soon as it is safe and when not otherwise directed by an individual lawfully directing traffic, do one of the following:

(1)        Move the vehicle into a lane that is not the lane nearest to the parked or standing authorized emergency vehicle or public service vehicle and continue traveling in that lane until safely clear of the authorized emergency vehicle or public service vehicle. This paragraph subdivision applies only if the roadway has at least two lanes for traffic proceeding in the direction of the approaching vehicle and if the approaching vehicle may change lanes safely and without interfering with any vehicular traffic.

(2)        Slow the vehicle, maintaining a safe speed for traffic conditions, and operate the vehicle at a reduced speed and be prepared to stop until completely past the authorized emergency vehicle or public service vehicle. This paragraph subdivision applies only if the roadway has only one lane for traffic proceeding in the direction of the approaching vehicle or if the approaching vehicle may not change lanes safely and without interfering with any vehicular traffic.

For purposes of this section, "public service vehicle" means a vehicle that is (i) is being used to assist motorists or law enforcement officers with wrecked or disabled vehicles, (ii) is being used to install, maintain, or restore utility service, including electric, cable, telephone, water, wastewater, communications, and gas, (iii) is being used in the collection of refuse, solid waste, or recycling, or (iv) is a highway maintenance vehicle owned and operated by or contracted by the State or a local government and is operating an amber‑colored flashing light authorized by G.S. 20‑130.2. Violation of this subsection shall be negligence per se."

SECTION 6.(b)  This section becomes effective August 1, 2022, and applies to offenses committed on or after that date.

 

TEMPORARY DEALER LICENSE REQUIREMENTS

SECTION 7.(a)  G.S. 20‑295, as amended by Section 5 of S.L. 2021‑134, reads as rewritten:

"§ 20‑295.  Action on application; grace period while application for license renewal is pending.

(a)        Division Action. – The Division shall either grant or deny an application for a license or license renewal within 30 days after receiving it. Any applicant denied a license shall, upon filing a written request within 30 days, be given a hearing at the time and place determined by the Commissioner or a person designated by the Commissioner. A hearing shall be public and shall be held with reasonable promptness.

(b)        Pending License Renewal Grace Period. – When an application for license renewal has been timely submitted prior to expiration of the license, the license shall remain valid for up to 30 days after the expiration date until the Division grants or denies the application. The Division shall (i) ensure that any database maintained by the Division that indicates the status of a license issued under this Article reflects that the license continues to be valid during this period and (ii) send a temporary license to the renewal applicant for display to evidence extension of the validity of the license to engage in business in this State while the Division reviews the renewal application. The temporary license issued by the Division pursuant to this subsection shall contain on its face the following notation: "This temporary license is issued pursuant to G.S. 20‑295 during a license renewal application review by the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles and is valid to engage in business in this State with all rights and privileges of a license.""

SECTION 7.(b)  This section becomes effective October 1, 2022, and applies to applications for license renewals submitted to the Division of Motor Vehicles on or after that date.

 

PENALIZE FAILURE TO INSPECT MOTOR VEHICLE BEFORE RETAIL SALE

SECTION 8.(a)  G.S. 20‑183.8(a) reads as rewritten:

"(a)      Infractions. – A person who does any of the following commits an infraction and, if found responsible, is liable for a penalty of up to fifty dollars ($50.00):

(5)        Fails to inspect a used motor vehicle before it is offered for retail sale, as required by G.S. 20‑183.4C. This subdivision only applies to motor vehicle dealers, as defined in G.S. 20‑286."

SECTION 8.(b)  This section becomes effective December 1, 2022, and applies to offenses committed on or after that date.

 

REQUIRE IDENTIFICATION TO TITLE AND REGISTER A COMPANY VEHICLE

SECTION 9.(a)  G.S. 20‑52 reads as rewritten:

"§ 20‑52.  Application for registration and certificate of title.

(a)        An owner of a vehicle subject to registration must apply to the Division for a certificate of title, a registration plate, and a registration card for the vehicle. To apply, an owner must complete an application provided by the Division. The application shall contain a preprinted option that co‑owners may use to title the vehicle as a joint tenancy with right of survivorship. The co‑owners' designation of a joint tenancy with right of survivorship on the application shall be valid notwithstanding whether this designation appears on the assignment of title. The application must request all of the following information and may request other information the Division considers necessary:

(1b)      If the owner is a firm, partnership, a corporation, or another entity, the address of the entity.entity and a drivers license number or identification card number belonging to a responsible member of the entity.

…."

SECTION 9.(b)  This section becomes effective October 1, 2022.

 

FEE FOR RECORDS REQUESTS

SECTION 10.(a)  G.S. 20‑43.1 reads as rewritten:

"§ 20‑43.1.  Disclosure of personal information in motor vehicle records.

(e)        As authorized in 18 U.S.C. § 2721, the Division may also provide copies of partial crash report data collected pursuant to G.S. 20‑166.1, partial driver license data kept pursuant to G.S. 20‑26(a), and partial vehicle registration application and renewal data collected pursuant to G.S. 20‑52 in bulk form to persons, private companies, or other entities, for uses other than official, upon payment of a fee of three cents (3¢) per individual record. The Division shall not furnish such data except upon execution by the recipient of a written agreement to comply with the Driver's Privacy Protection Act of 1994, as amended, 18 U.S.C. §§ 2721, et seq. The information released to persons, private companies, or other entities, for uses other than official, pursuant to this subsection, shall not be a public record pursuant to Chapter 132 of the General Statutes.

(e1)      As authorized in 18 U.S.C. § 2721 and for verification purposes, the Division may provide information on motor vehicle registration or liability insurance upon written request and payment of a fee of one dollar ($1.00) per individual record.

…."

SECTION 10.(b)  G.S. 20‑4.02 reads as rewritten:

"§ 20‑4.02.  Quadrennial adjustment of certain fees and rates.

(a)        Adjustment for Inflation. – Beginning July 1, 2020, and every four years thereafter, the Division shall adjust the fees and rates imposed pursuant to the statutes listed in this subsection for inflation in accordance with the Consumer Price Index computed by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The adjustment for per transaction rates in subdivision (8a) of this subsection shall be rounded to the nearest cent and all other adjustments under this subsection shall be rounded to the nearest twenty‑five cents (25¢):

(8)        G.S. 20‑42(b).

(8a)      G.S. 20‑43.1(e1), with respect to the per individual record fee set in that subsection.

(8a)(8b)     G.S. 20‑63(h), with respect to the per transaction rates set in that subsection.

(9)        G.S. 20‑85(a)(1) through (10).

…."

SECTION 10.(c)  This section becomes effective July 1, 2022.

 

EXEMPT FROM TAXES AND FEES VEHICLES TO BE USED BY A STATE AGENCY FOR RESEARCH OR DEMONSTRATION PROJECT

SECTION 11.(a)  G.S. 105‑187.6(a) is amended by adding a new subdivision to read:

"(13)    To be used by a State agency in a research pilot or demonstration project."

SECTION 11.(b)  G.S. 20‑85(c) reads as rewritten:

"(c)      The Division shall not collect a fee for a certificate of title for a motor vehicle entitled to a permanent registration plate under G.S. 20‑84. The Division shall not collect a fee for a certificate of title for a motor vehicle to be used by a State agency in a research pilot or demonstration project."

SECTION 11.(c)  G.S. 20‑87 is amended by adding a new subdivision to read:

"(14)    Research pilot or demonstration project motor vehicles. – The Division shall not collect a registration fee for a motor vehicle to be used by a State agency in a research pilot or demonstration project."

 

INCLUDE RAIL EQUIPMENT WITHIN MEANING OF HIGHWAY CONSTRUCTION, MAINTENANCE, OR REPAIR FOR PURPOSES OF CONTRACTING

SECTION 12.  G.S. 136‑28.1(c) reads as rewritten:

"(c)      The construction, maintenance, and repair of rail equipment, ferryboats and all other marine floating equipment and the construction and repair of all types of docks by the Department of Transportation shall be deemed highway construction, maintenance, or repair for the purpose of G.S. 136‑28.1 and Chapter 44A and Chapter 143C of the General Statutes, the State Budget Act. In cases of a written determination by the Secretary of Transportation that the requirement for compatibility does not make public advertising feasible for the repair of rail equipment or ferryboats, the public advertising as well as the soliciting of informal bids may be waived."

 

INCLUDE NEVI AND CRP FEDERAL FUNDS WITHIN STI FORMULA

SECTION 13.  G.S. 136‑189.11, as amended by Section 3.5 of S.L. 2021‑185, reads as rewritten:

"§ 136‑189.11.  Transportation Investment Strategy Formula.

(b)        Funds Excluded From Formula. – The following funds are not subject to this section:

(1)        Federal congestion mitigation and air quality improvement program funds appropriated to the State by the United States pursuant to 23 U.S.C. § 104(b)(2) and 23 U.S.C. § 149.

(1a)      Federal Carbon Reduction Program formula funds appropriated to the State.

(2)        Funds received through competitive awards or discretionary grants through federal appropriations either for local governments, transportation authorities, transit authorities, or the Department.

(3)        Funds received from the federal government that under federal law may only be used for Appalachian Development Highway System projects.

(4)        Funds used in repayment of "GARVEE" bonds related to Phase I of the Yadkin River Veterans Memorial Bridge project.

(5)        Funds committed to gap funding for toll roads funded with bonds issued pursuant to G.S. 136‑176.

(6)        Funds obligated for projects in the State Transportation Improvement Program that are scheduled for construction as of October 1, 2013, in State fiscal year 2012‑2013, 2013‑2014, or 2014‑2015.

(7)        Toll collections from a turnpike project under Article 6H of this Chapter and other revenue from the sale of the Authority's bonds or notes or project loans, in accordance with G.S. 136‑89.192.

(8)        Toll collections from the State‑maintained ferry system collected under the authority of G.S. 136‑82.

(9)        Federal State Planning and Research Program funds (23 U.S.C. § 505) and Metropolitan Planning funds (23 U.S.C. §§ 104 and 134).

(10)      Federal Lands Access Program funds received by the State pursuant to 23 U.S.C. § 204.

(11)      Funds advanced pursuant to G.S. 136‑186.

(12)      Funds appropriated to the North Carolina State Ports Authority for the purposes described in G.S. 136‑176(b3).

(c)        Funds With Alternate Criteria. – The following federal program activities shall be included in the applicable category of the Transportation Investment Strategy Formula set forth in subsection (d) of this section but shall not be subject to the prioritization criteria set forth in that subsection:

(1)        Bridge replacement.

(2)        Interstate maintenance.

(3)        Highway safety improvement.

(4)        State funds used to match federal Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement (CMAQ) program funds apportioned to the State pursuant to 23 U.S.C. § 104(b)(2) and 23 U.S.C. § 149 for projects on the State highway system that improve the safety, mobility, and operational characteristics of the State highway system for motorists.

(5)        State funds used to match federal Carbon Reduction Program formula funds appropriated to the State for projects on the State highway system that improve the safety, mobility, and operational characteristics of the State highway system for motorists.

(d)       Transportation Investment Strategy Formula. – Funds subject to the Formula shall be distributed as follows:

(3)        Division Need Projects. – Thirty percent (30%) of the funds subject to this section shall be allocated in equal share to each of the Department divisions, as defined in G.S. 136‑14.1, and used for Division Need Projects.

b.         Alternate criteria. – Funding from the following programs shall be included in the computation of each of the Department division equal shares but shall be subject to alternate quantitative criteria:

1.         Federal Surface Transportation Program‑Direct Attributable funds expended on eligible projects in the Division Need Projects category.

2.         Federal Transportation Alternatives funds appropriated to the State.

3.         Federal Railway‑Highway Crossings Program funds appropriated to the State.

3a.       Federal National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Program formula funds appropriated to the State.

4.         Projects requested from the Department in support of a time‑critical job creation opportunity, provided that (i) the Department investment for all projects funded under this sub‑sub‑subdivision in any five‑year period shall not exceed one hundred million dollars ($100,000,000) in the aggregate, (ii) the amount of funding associated with a project under this sub‑sub‑subdivision does not exceed the lesser of ten million dollars ($10,000,000) and the greater of ten thousand dollars ($10,000) per job created or ten percent (10%) of the amount of private investment associated with the project, (iii) the Department ensures that funding under this sub‑sub‑subdivision, when combined with any other grants, does not result in the costs of the project to the State outweighing its total benefits and determines that the funding is necessary for completion of the project in this State. Upon the release of a State Transportation Improvement Program, the Department shall submit a report to the Joint Legislative Transportation Oversight Committee detailing the projects funded under this sub‑sub‑subdivision.

5.         Federal funds for municipal road projects.

…."

 

STI REPRIORITIZATION DELAY FOR CERTAIN PROJECTS WITH ROUTE REDESIGNATIONS

SECTION 14.(a)  G.S. 136‑189.11 is amended by adding a new subsection to read:

"(d2)    Reprioritization Delay for Certain Projects with Route Redesignations. – After redesignation of an existing or proposed secondary route to a primary highway route, a project shall not be eligible for evaluation in a newly designated funding category under G.S. 136‑189.10 until (i) the new route designation is reflected in the transportation plan that has been approved by the appropriate governing body and the Board of Transportation and (ii) the Department has commenced its second subsequent prioritization after the date of final route redesignation approval. This subsection does not apply to a project that includes a route redesignation initiated by the Department to meet intrastate or interstate connectivity needs."

SECTION 14.(b)  The Secretary of Transportation may waive, in the discretion of the Secretary, a project reprioritization delay required by G.S. 136‑189.11(d2), as enacted by subsection (a) of this section, upon the request of an affected Metropolitan Planning Organization or Rural Transportation Planning Organization. The Secretary shall submit a report, by December 31, 2023, to the Joint Legislative Transportation Oversight Committee and Fiscal Research Division of the North Carolina General Assembly on waivers requested under this subsection. The information in the report required by this subsection shall summarize reasons for granting or denying each requested waiver.

SECTION 14.(c)  In accordance with G.S. 136‑189.11(h), the Department shall initiate a workgroup evaluation of potential Department policy and rule changes, potential conflicts with federal laws or regulations, effects to State Transportation Improvement Program prioritization processes, and any additional matter the Department deems relevant that relate to the implementation of G.S. 136‑189.11(d2), as enacted by subsection (a) of this section. The Department shall submit a report of those findings with legislative recommendations, by December 1, 2022, to the Joint Legislative Transportation Oversight Committee and Fiscal Research Division of the North Carolina General Assembly.

SECTION 14.(d)  This section is effective when it becomes law and applies to State Transportation Improvement Program plan updates on or after that date. Subsection (b) of this section expires December 31, 2023.

 

CLARIFY APPLICATION OF NET PROCEEDS FROM THE SALE OR LEASE OF DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION LAND

SECTION 15.(a)  G.S. 146‑30(d) reads as rewritten:

"(d)      Notwithstanding any other provision of this Subchapter, the following exceptions apply:

(4)        No service charge into the State Land Fund shall be deducted from or levied against the proceeds of any disposition by lease, rental, or easement of lands (i) owned by the Department of Transportation or (ii) owned by the Department of Administration and solely maintained by the Department of Transportation. All net proceeds of these dispositions shall be deposited into the State Highway Fund.

(10)      The net proceeds derived from the sale or lease of land, facilities, products, or timber owned by the Department of Transportation or owned by the State and solely maintained by the Department of Transportation shall be deposited into the State Highway Fund.

…."

SECTION 15.(b)  G.S. 136‑16 reads as rewritten:

"§ 136‑16.  Funds and property converted to State Highway Fund.

Except as otherwise provided in this Chapter, all funds and property collected by the Department of Transportation shall be paid or converted into the State Highway Fund. For the purposes of this section, funds include net proceeds from the sale or lease of real property owned by the Department.Department or otherwise owned by the State and solely maintained by the Department of Transportation."

 

REVISE THE DISADVANTAGED BUSINESS PROGRAM AND EXTEND TO 2027

SECTION 16.  G.S. 136‑28.4 reads as rewritten:

"§ 136‑28.4.  State policy concerning participation by disadvantaged minority‑owned and women‑owned businesses in transportation contracts.

(c)        The following definitions apply in this section:

(1)        "Contract" includes, but is not limited to, contracts let under the procedures set forth in G.S. 136-28.1(a) and (b).G.S. 136‑28.1(a), (b), and (f).

(e)        This section expires August 31, 2022.August 31, 2027."

 

INCREASED OUTSOURCING TO SMALL PROFESSIONAL SERVICES FIRMS

SECTION 17.  G.S. 136‑28.10 is amended by adding a new subsection to read:

"(a1)    Notwithstanding the provisions of G.S. 136‑28.4(b), the Department of Transportation shall increase the outsourcing of professional services for Highway Fund and Highway Trust Fund projects to Small Professional Services Firms. The Department of Transportation may identify professional services likely to attract increased participation by Small Professional Services Firms and restrict the solicitation and award to those firms, and any award of these contracts shall be through the Qualification Based Selection (QBS) process. The Board of Transportation may delegate full authority to award contracts, adopt necessary rules, and administer the provisions of this section to the Secretary of Transportation."

 

PILOT MOUNTAIN STATE PARK SPECIAL REGISTRATION PLATE

SECTION 18.(a)  G.S. 20‑79.4(b) reads as rewritten:

"(b)      Types. – The Division shall issue the following types of special registration plates:

()          Pilot Mountain State Park. – Issuable to a registered owner of a motor vehicle in accordance with G.S. 20‑81.12. The plate shall bear the phrase "Pilot Mountain National Landmark" with a logo depicting Pilot Mountain State Park.

…."

SECTION 18.(b)  G.S. 20‑79.7 reads as rewritten:

"§ 20‑79.7.  Fees for special registration plates and distribution of the fees.

(a1)      Fees. – All other special registration plates are subject to the regular motor vehicle registration fee in G.S. 20‑87 or G.S. 20‑88 plus an additional fee in the following amount:

Special Plate                                                                       Additional Fee Amount

Personalized                                                                                                           $30.00

Pilot Mountain State Park                                                                                      $30.00

Pisgah Conservancy                                                                                               $30.00

(b)        Distribution of Fees. – The Special Registration Plate Account and the Collegiate and Cultural Attraction Plate Account are established within the Highway Fund. The Division must credit the additional fee imposed for the special registration plates listed in subsection (a1) of this section among the Special Registration Plate Account (SRPA), the Collegiate and Cultural Attraction Plate Account (CCAPA), the Clean Water Management Trust Fund (CWMTF), which is established under G.S. 143B‑135.234, and the Parks and Recreation Trust Fund, which is established under G.S. 143B‑135.56, as follows:

Special Plate                             SRPA              CCAPA          CWMTF          PRTF

Piedmont Airlines                                     $10                     $10                   0                      0

Pilot Mountain State Park                         $10                     $20                   0                      0

Pisgah Conservancy                                  $10                     $20                   0                      0

…."

SECTION 18.(c)  G.S. 20‑81.12 is amended by adding a new subsection to read:

"()        Pilot Mountain State Park. – The Division shall transfer quarterly the money in the Collegiate and Cultural Attraction Plate Account derived from the sale of Pilot Mountain State Park plates to the Friends of Sauratown Mountains to be used for preserving and promoting Pilot Mountain State Park."

SECTION 18.(d)  The Revisor of Statutes is authorized to alphabetize, number, and renumber the special registration plates listed in G.S. 20‑79.4(b) and G.S. 20‑81.12 to ensure that all the special registration plates are listed in alphabetical order and numbered accordingly.

SECTION 18.(e)  This section becomes effective October 1, 2022.

 

AUTHORIZE NORTH CAROLINA ASSOCIATION OF FIRE CHIEFS SPECIAL REGISTRATION PLATE

SECTION 19.(a)  G.S. 20‑63(b1) is amended by adding a new subdivision to read:

"()        North Carolina Association of Fire Chiefs."

SECTION 19.(b)  G.S. 20‑79.4(b) reads as rewritten:

"(b)      Types. – The Division shall issue the following types of special registration plates:

()          North Carolina Association of Fire Chiefs. – Issuable to a registered owner of a motor vehicle in accordance with G.S. 20‑81.12. The plate shall have a black background with a red line and the phrase "NC Fire Officer" across the top and the phrase "North Carolina" along the bottom. The plate shall bear the Association of Fire Chiefs logo on the left side and the letters "FO" on the right side.

…."

SECTION 19.(c)  G.S. 20‑79.7 reads as rewritten:

"§ 20‑79.7.  Fees for special registration plates and distribution of the fees.

(a1)      Fees. – All other special registration plates are subject to the regular motor vehicle registration fee in G.S. 20‑87 or G.S. 20‑88 plus an additional fee in the following amount:

Special Plate                                                                       Additional Fee Amount

North Carolina 4‑H Development Fund                                                       Expired July 1, 2016

North Carolina Association

of Fire Chiefs                                                                                                     $30.00

North Carolina Bluegrass Association                                                          Expired July 1, 2016

(b)        Distribution of Fees. – The Special Registration Plate Account and the Collegiate and Cultural Attraction Plate Account are established within the Highway Fund. The Division must credit the additional fee imposed for the special registration plates listed in subsection (a1) of this section among the Special Registration Plate Account (SRPA), the Collegiate and Cultural Attraction Plate Account (CCAPA), the Clean Water Management Trust Fund (CWMTF), which is established under G.S. 143B‑135.234, and the Parks and Recreation Trust Fund, which is established under G.S. 143B‑135.56, as follows:

Special Plate                             SRPA              CCAPA          CWMTF          PRTF

NC Youth Soccer Association –

Expired July 1, 2016

North Carolina Association

of Fire Chiefs                                       $10                     $20                   0                      0

North Carolina Bluegrass Asso‑

ciation – Expired July 1,

2016

…."

SECTION 19.(d)  G.S. 20‑81.12 is amended by adding a new subsection to read:

"()        North Carolina Association of Fire Chiefs. – The Division shall transfer quarterly the money in the Collegiate and Cultural Attraction Plate Account derived from the sale of North Carolina Association of Fire Chiefs plates to the North Carolina Association of Fire Chiefs to be used for education programs for North Carolina firefighters."

SECTION 19.(e)  The Revisor of Statutes is authorized to alphabetize, number, and renumber the special registration plates listed in G.S. 20‑63(b1), 20‑79.4(b), and 20‑81.12 to ensure that all the special registration plates are listed in alphabetical order and numbered accordingly.

SECTION 19.(f)  This section becomes effective October 1, 2022.

 

REPEAL AUTHORIZATION FOR HONORARY CONSULAR SPECIAL REGISTRATION PLATE

SECTION 20.(a)  G.S. 20‑79.4(b)(100) is repealed.

SECTION 20.(b)  Nothing in this section shall be construed to require the recall of, or affect the validity of current registrations for, existing special registration plates issued by the Division of Motor Vehicles pursuant to G.S. 20‑79.4(b)(100) prior to the effective date of this section.

SECTION 20.(c)  The Division of Motor Vehicles shall not issue, or renew the registration for, special registration plates authorized by G.S. 20‑79.4(b)(100) on or after the effective date of this section. A special registration plate issued under G.S. 20‑79.4(b)(100) prior to the effective date of this section must be replaced with an authorized registration plate upon application for renewal on or after the effective date of this section.

SECTION 20.(d)  This section becomes effective October 1, 2022.

 

INCREASE PROJECT COST CAP FOR PROJECT DELIVERY METHOD PILOT PROGRAM

SECTION 21.  Section 34.13(b) of S.L. 2018‑5 reads as rewritten:

"SECTION 34.13.(b)  Pilot Project. – Notwithstanding any provision of Chapter 136 of the General Statutes to the contrary, the Department of Transportation may establish and implement a pilot project to award contracts for up to five projects for the construction of transportation projects on a construction manager‑general contractor basis. The Department may only award a contract under this section if (i) the cost of the project is determined by the Department to be less than one five hundred million dollars ($100,000,000), ($500,000,000), (ii) the Department determines that it is in the public interest to use the construction manager‑general contractor basis for the project, (iii) the Department prequalifies the contractor that will be awarded the contract, (iv) the Department complies with the pre‑award reporting requirement set forth in subsection (c) of this section, and (v) the Department has established and implemented guidelines as required under subsection (d) of this section."

 

EFFECTIVE DATE

SECTION 22.  Except as otherwise provided, this act is effective when it becomes law.

In the General Assembly read three times and ratified this the 1st day of July, 2022.

 

 

                                                                    s/  Phil Berger

                                                                         President Pro Tempore of the Senate

 

 

                                                                    s/  Tim Moore

                                                                         Speaker of the House of Representatives

 

 

                                                                    s/  Roy Cooper

                                                                         Governor

 

 

Approved 2:12 p.m. this 8th day of July, 2022