North Carolina 2025 Session Status: In Committee 4 R cosponsors

SB 700 — Create the Office of Engineering and Codes.

Last action — Passed 1st Reading

  1. ✓
    Introduced
  2. 2
    In Committee
  3. 3
    Passed Senate
  4. 4
    Passed House
  5. 5
    To Executive
  6. 6
    Enacted

This bill is in committee in the Senate. Introduced March 25, 2025. It must pass committee before a floor vote.

Next likely step: a committee vote, then a floor vote in the Senate.

Prognosis

Stalled 22% · moderate confidence

Where this bill stands today.

Odds of enactment

Low

How often bills like it became law.

  • In Committee

    Current position in the legislative process.

  • 4 sponsors

    2 primary, 2 co-sponsors signed on.

  • Single-party support

    Sponsorship is currently within one party (4 R).

Prognosis reads this bill's own signals — stage, sponsorship breadth, committee status, recorded votes and cross-state momentum. Odds come from a model trained on which bills have become law.

Bill Text

What changed in the latest version

87 added · 88 removed

Plain-language change summary

The latest version of Senate Bill 700 has undergone some changes, primarily by clarifying the role and appointment process for the State Engineer, who will now serve a three-year term. Additionally, it specifies the procedures for penalties and court reviews related to violations of state engineering regulations. These amendments are important because they aim to ensure more accountability and transparency in the engineering oversight process, ultimately promoting better compliance with regulatory standards.

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FILED SENATE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF NORTH CAROLINA Mar 25, 2025 S.B.
GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF NORTH CAROLINA SESSION 2025 S 1 SENATE BILL 700 Short Title:
700 SESSION 2025 PRINCIPAL CLERK S D SENATE BILL DRS15300-BGxfa-5 Short Title:
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED AN ACT TO CREATE THE OFFICE OF ENGINEERING AND CODES WITHIN THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AND TRANSFER VARIOUS COUNCILS AND BOARDS TO THE OFFICE OF ENGINEERING AND CODES.
Rules and Operations of the Senate March 26, 2025 A BILL TO BE ENTITLED AN ACT TO CREATE THE OFFICE OF ENGINEERING AND CODES WITHIN THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AND TRANSFER VARIOUS COUNCILS AND BOARDS TO THE OFFICE OF ENGINEERING AND CODES.
(c) The "State Engineer," as that term is used in this Article and elsewhere in the General Statutes,shall bethehead ofthe OfficeofEngineering andCodes and shall beapersonappointed by the Commissioner of Labor subject to confirmation by the General Assembly by joint resolution.
(c) The "State Engineer," as that term is used in this Article and elsewhere in the General Statutes,shall bethehead ofthe OfficeofEngineeringand Codes and shall beapersonappointed by the Commissioner of Labor subject to confirmation by the General Assembly by joint resolution.
If a vacancy arises or exists pursuant to this subsection when the General *DRS15300-BGxfa-5* General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 Assembly is not in session, the Commissioner of Labor may appoint a State Engineer to serve on an interim basis pending confirmation by the General Assembly.
If a vacancyarises or exists pursuant to this subsection when the General *S700-v-1* General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 Assembly is not in session, the Commissioner of Labor may appoint a State Engineer to serve on an interim basis pending confirmation by the General Assembly.
The State Engineer is also authorized to adopt such further rulesnotcontrarytothoselawsthatwillpreventpersonssubjecttotheStateEngineer'sregulatory authority from engaging in practices injurious to the public.
The State Engineer is also authorized to adopt such further rulesnotcontrarytothoselawsthatwillpreventpersonssubjectto theStateEngineer'sregulatory authority from engaging in practices injurious to the public.
(b) Whenever the State Engineer finds a violation of any of the provisions of this Article, the State Engineer may, in addition to or instead of suspending or revoking the license issued by Page 2 DRS15300-BGxfa-5 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 the State Engineer, order the payment of a monetary penalty as provided in subsection (c) of this section or petition the Superior Court of Wake County for an order directing payment of restitutionasprovidedin subsection(d)ofthissection,orboth.Eachdayduringwhichaviolation occurs constitutes a separate violation.
(b) Whenever the State Engineer finds a violation of any of the provisions of this Article, the State Engineer may, in addition to or instead of suspending or revoking the license issued by Page 2 Senate Bill 700-First Edition General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 the State Engineer, order the payment of a monetary penalty as provided in subsection (c) of this section or petition the Superior Court of Wake County for an order directing payment of restitutionasprovidedin subsection(d)ofthissection,orboth.Eachdayduringwhichaviolation occurs constitutes a separate violation.
(c) If the State Engineer orders the payment of a monetary penalty pursuant to subsection (b) of this section, the penalty shall not be less than one hundred dollars ($100.00) nor more than one thousand dollars ($1,000).
(c) If the State Engineer orders the payment of a monetarypenaltypursuant to subsection (b) of this section, the penalty shall not be less than one hundred dollars ($100.00) nor more than one thousand dollars ($1,000).
(d) Upon petition of the State Engineer, the court may order the person who committed a violation of this Article to make restitution in an amount that would make whole any person harmed by the violation.
(d) Upon petition of the State Engineer, the court may order the person who committed a violation of this Article to make restitution in an amount that would make whole any person harmed bythe violation.
The petition may be made at any time and also in any appeal of the State Engineer's order.
The petition maybe made at anytime and also in anyappeal of the State Engineer's order.
Restitution to any State agency for extraordinary administrative expenses incurred in the investigation and hearing of the violation may also be ordered by the court in such amount that would reimburse the agency for the expenses.
Restitution to any State agency for extraordinary administrative expenses incurred in the investigation and hearingof the violation mayalso be ordered bythe court in such amount that would reimburse the agency for the expenses.
(b) The State Engineer shall within 30 days, unless the time is extended by order of court, after theservice ofthe copy ofthe petitionfor reviewas providedin subsection (a)ofthis section, prepare and file with the clerk of the Superior Court of Wake County a complete transcript of the record of the hearing, if any, and a true copy of the order or decision duly certified.
(b) The State Engineer shall within 30 days, unless the time is extended byorder of court, after theservice ofthe copyofthe petitionfor reviewas provided in subsection (a)ofthis section, prepare and file with the clerk of the Superior Court of Wake County a complete transcript of the record of the hearing, if any, and a true copy of the order or decision duly certified.
The court may change the place of hearing (i) upon consent of the parties, (ii) when the convenience of witnesses and the ends of justice would be promoted by the change, or (iii) when the judge has at any time been interested as a party or counsel.
The court maychange the place of hearing (i) upon consent of the parties, (ii) when the convenience of witnesses and the ends of justice would be promoted by the change, or (iii) when the judge has at anytime been interested as a partyor counsel.
If, on the hearing before the trial judge, it shall appear that the record filed by the State Engineer is incomplete, the trial judge may, by appropriate order, direct the State Engineer to certify any DRS15300-BGxfa-5 Page 3 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 or all parts of the record omitted.
If, on the hearing before the trial judge, it shall appear that the record filed by the State Engineer is incomplete, the trial judge may, by appropriate order, direct the State Engineer to certify any Senate Bill 700-First Edition Page 3 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 or all parts of the record omitted.
Whenever the State Engineer or any employee of the Office of Engineering and Codes is requested or subpoenaed to testify as an expert witness in any civil or administrative action, the party making the request or filing the subpoena and on whose behalf the testimony is given shall, upon receiving a statement of the cost from the State Engineer, reimburse the Office of Engineering and Codes for the actual time and expenses incurred by the State Engineer in connection with the testimony.
Whenever the State Engineer or any employee of the Office of Engineering and Codes is requested or subpoenaed to testify as an expert witness in any civil or administrative action, the party making the request or filing the subpoena and on whose behalf the testimonyis given shall, upon receiving a statement of the cost from the State Engineer, reimburse the Office of Engineering and Codes for the actual time and expenses incurred by the State Engineer in connection with the testimony.
– Whenever it appears to the State Engineer that any person has violated, is violating, or threatens to violate any provision of Article 9A of Chapter 143 of the General Statutes, North Carolina Manufactured Housing Board – Manufactured Home Warranties, the State Engineer may apply to the superior court of any county in which the violation has occurred, is occurring, ormayoccurforarestraining orderand injunctionto restrain violation.
– Whenever it appears to the State Engineer that any person has violated, is violating, or threatens to violate any provision of Article 9A of Chapter 143 of the General Statutes, North Carolina Manufactured Housing Board – Manufactured Home Warranties, the State Engineer may apply to the superior court of any county in which the violation has occurred, is occurring,ormayoccurforarestrainingorderand injunction to restrain violation.
A Page 4 DRS15300-BGxfa-5 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 person or entity who surrenders a license shall not thereafter be eligible for or submit any application for licensure during the period of license surrender.
A Page 4 Senate Bill 700-First Edition General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 person or entity who surrenders a license shall not thereafter be eligible for or submit any application for licensure during the period of license surrender.
For purposes of this section, the term "committee" means a collective body that consults with and advises the State Engineer or the State Engineer's designee in detailed technical areas or as representative of citizen advice in specific areas of interest.
For purposes of this section, the term "committee" means a collective bodythat consults with and advises the State Engineer or the State Engineer's designee in detailed technical areas or as representative of citizen advice in specific areas of interest.
DRS15300-BGxfa-5 Page 5 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 (1) State Fire and Rescue Commission, Article 78 of this Chapter.
Senate Bill 700-First Edition Page 5 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 (1) State Fire and Rescue Commission, Article 78 of this Chapter.
Page 6 DRS15300-BGxfa-5 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 (b) Rates.
Page 6 Senate Bill 700-First Edition General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 (b) Rates.
(6a) Money appropriated to the Department of Justice to pay its expenses incurred in representing the Department of Labor in related programs and industries in DRS15300-BGxfa-5 Page 7 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 this State that fall under the jurisdiction of the Office of Engineering and Codes.
(6a) Money appropriated to the Department of Justice to pay its expenses incurred in representing the Department of Labor in related programs and industries in Senate Bill 700-First Edition Page 7 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 this State that fall under the jurisdiction of the Office of Engineering and Codes.
The Council shall adopt rules as it may deem necessary for the proper discharge of its duties.
The Council shall adopt rules as it may deem necessaryfor the proper discharge of its duties.
The chair may establish and appoint members to committees as the work of the Council may require.
The chair may establish and appoint members to committees as the work of the Council mayrequire.
In addition, the chair may establish and appoint ad hoc code revision committees to consider and prepare revisions and amendments to the Code volumes, as specified Page 8 DRS15300-BGxfa-5 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 in G.S.
In addition, the chair may establish and appoint ad hoc code revision committees to consider and prepare revisions and amendments to the Code volumes, as specified Page 8 Senate Bill 700-First Edition General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 in G.S.
143-137.1, as amended by Section 5.2(b) of S.L.
143-137.1, as amended bySection 5.2(b) of S.L.
The chair may establish and appoint members to any committees the work of the Council may require.
The chair may establish and appoint members to any committees the work of the Council mayrequire.
In addition, the chair may establish and appoint ad hoc code revision committees to consider and prepare revisions and amendments to the North Carolina Residential Code.
In addition, the chair mayestablish and appoint ad hoc code revision committees to consider and prepare revisions and amendments to the North Carolina Residential Code.
These funds shall be held in a separate or special account on the books DRS15300-BGxfa-5 Page 9 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 of the Department of Insurance, Department of Labor with a separate financial designation or code number to be assigned by the Department of Insurance Department of Labor or its agent.
These funds shall be held in a separate or special account on the books Senate Bill 700-First Edition Page 9 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 of the Department of Insurance, Department of Labor with a separate financial designation or code number to be assigned by the Department of Insurance Department of Labor or its agent.
Neither the Office of the State Fire Marshal Office of Engineering and Codes, nor the Councils shall be required to expend any monies to pay for the preparation of any fiscal note under this section by any person outside of the Office of the State Fire Marshal Office of Engineering and Codes, or Councils unless the Office or Councils contract with a third-party vendor to prepare the fiscal note.
Neither the Office of the State Fire Marshal Office of Engineering and Codes, nor the Councils shall be required to expend any monies to pay for the preparation of any fiscal note under this section byany person outside of the Office of the State Fire Marshal Office of Engineering and Codes, or Councils unless the Office or Councils contract with a third-party vendor to prepare the fiscal note.
– The Building Code Council and Residential Code Council mayperiodically reviseandamendthoseparts oftheNorth CarolinaStateBuildingCode for which those Councils are responsible, either on their own motion or upon application from any citizen, Stateagency, orpolitical subdivision oftheState.
– The Building Code Council and Residential Code Council mayperiodicallyreviseandamendthoseparts oftheNorth CarolinaStateBuildingCode for which those Councils are responsible, either on their own motion or upon application from anycitizen, Stateagency, orpolitical subdivision oftheState.
Inaddition totheperiodicrevisions or amendments made by the responsible Council, the Residential Code Council shall perform a comprehensive review and revise or amend the North Carolina Residential Code only every six years, to become effective the first day of January of the following year, with at least six months between adoption and effective date.
Inaddition to theperiodicrevisions or amendments made by the responsible Council, the Residential Code Council shall perform a comprehensive review and revise or amend the North Carolina Residential Code only every six years, to become effective the first day of January of the following year, with at least six months between adoption and effective date.
The Building Code Council and Residential Code Council, through the Office of the State Fire Marshal, Office of Engineering and Codes, shall also publish at least semiannually in the North Carolina Register a Page 10 DRS15300-BGxfa-5 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 statement providing the accurate website address and information on how to find additional commentary and interpretation of the Code.
The Building Code Council and Residential Code Council, through the Office of the State Fire Marshal, Office of Engineering and Codes, shall also publish at least semiannually in the North Carolina Register a Page 10 Senate Bill 700-First Edition General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 statement providing the accurate website address and information on how to find additional commentary and interpretation of the Code.
Local floodplain regulations mayregulate all typesanduses ofbuildings orstructures located in floodhazardareas identified by local, State, and federal agencies, and include provisions governing substantial improvements, substantial damage, cumulativesubstantial improvements, lowest floor elevation, protection of mechanical and electrical systems, foundation construction, anchorage, acceptable flood resistant materials, and other measures the political subdivision deems necessary considering the characteristics of its flood hazards and vulnerability.
Local floodplain regulations mayregulate all types anduses ofbuildings orstructures located in floodhazardareas identified by local, State, and federal agencies, and include provisions governing substantial improvements, substantial damage, cumulativesubstantial improvements, lowest floor elevation, protection of mechanical and electrical systems, foundation construction, anchorage, acceptable flood resistant materials, and other measures the political subdivision deems necessary considering the characteristics of its flood hazards and vulnerability.
143-139, a local government may not institute a civil action under G.S.
143-139, a local government maynot institute a civil action under G.S.
(Those marked by an asterisk will receive copies only on written request to the Council.) OFFICIAL OR AGENCY NUMBER OF COPIES State Departments and Officials Governor .............................................................................................................1 Lieutenant Governor...........................................................................................1 DRS15300-BGxfa-5 Page 11 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 Auditor................................................................................................................1 Treasurer .............................................................................................................1 Secretary of State................................................................................................1 Superintendent of Public Instruction...................................................................1 Attorney General (Library).................................................................................1 Commissioner of Agriculture..............................................................................1 Commissioner of Labor.......................................................................................1 State Engineer.....................................................................................................1 State Fire Marshal...............................................................................................1 Department of Environmental Quality........................................................................................................1 Department of Health and Human Service .........................................................1 Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety......................................................................1 Board of Transportation......................................................................................1 Utilities Commission...........................................................................................1 Department of Administration............................................................................1 Clerk of the Supreme Court................................................................................1 Clerk of the Court of Appeals.............................................................................1 Department of Natural and Cultural Resources [State Library] ......................................................................................................1 Supreme Court Library .......................................................................................1 Legislative Library..............................................................................................1 Office of Administrative Hearings......................................................................1 Rules Review Commission.................................................................................1 Schools All state-supported colleges and universities in the State of North Carolina...................................................................*1 each Local Officials Clerks of the Superior Courts..............................................................................1 each Chief Building Inspector of each incorporated municipality or county...............................................................................1 In addition, the Building Code Council and Residential Code Council shall make additional copies available at such price as it shall deem reasonable to members of the general public.
(Those marked by an asterisk will receive copies only on written request to the Council.) OFFICIAL OR AGENCY NUMBER OF COPIES State Departments and Officials Governor .............................................................................................................1 Lieutenant Governor...........................................................................................1 Senate Bill 700-First Edition Page 11 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 Auditor................................................................................................................1 Treasurer .............................................................................................................1 Secretary of State ................................................................................................1 Superintendent of Public Instruction...................................................................1 Attorney General (Library).................................................................................1 Commissioner of Agriculture..............................................................................1 Commissioner of Labor.......................................................................................1 State Engineer.....................................................................................................1 State Fire Marshal...............................................................................................1 Department of Environmental Quality........................................................................................................1 Department of Health and Human Service .........................................................1 Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety......................................................................1 Board of Transportation......................................................................................1 Utilities Commission...........................................................................................1 Department of Administration............................................................................1 Clerk of the Supreme Court................................................................................1 Clerk of the Court of Appeals.............................................................................1 Department of Natural and Cultural Resources [State Library] ......................................................................................................1 Supreme Court Library .......................................................................................1 Legislative Library..............................................................................................1 Office of Administrative Hearings......................................................................1 Rules Review Commission.................................................................................1 Schools All state-supported colleges and universities in the State of North Carolina...................................................................*1 each Local Officials Clerks of the Superior Courts..............................................................................1 each Chief Building Inspector of each incorporated municipality or county...............................................................................1 In addition, the Building Code Council and Residential Code Council shall make additional copies available at such price as it shall deem reasonable to members of the general public.
The requirements of Section 1008 shall be considered as minimum requirements to provide for reasonable safety to life requirements for Page 12 DRS15300-BGxfa-5 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 existing buildings and where possible, the owner and designer should consider the provisions of Section 506 applicable to new high-rise buildings.
The requirements of Section 1008 shall be considered as minimum requirements to provide for reasonable safety to life requirements for Page 12 Senate Bill 700-First Edition General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 existing buildings and where possible, the owner and designer should consider the provisions of Section 506 applicable to new high-rise buildings.
Upon approval of building owner's overall plan, the building official shall issue a "written order", as per 1008(a) above, to comply with Section 1008 in accordance with the approved overall plan.
Upon approval of building owner's overall plan, the building official shall issue a "written order", as per 1008(a) above, to complywith Section 1008 in accordance with the approved overall plan.
(4) If the building owner makes no response to any of the three requests for information on how the owner plans to comply with Section 1008 within 12 months from the first request, the building official shall issue a "written order" to the building owner to provide his building with the safety to life facilities as required by this section and to submit an overall plan specified by (1) above within six months with the five-year time period starting on the date of the "written order".
(4) If the building owner makes no response to any of the three requests for information on how the owner plans to comply with Section 1008 within 12 months from the first request, the building official shall issue a "written order" to the building owner to provide his building with the safety to life facilities as required bythis section and to submit an overall plan specified by (1) above within six months with the five-year time period starting on the date of the "written order".
Some of the work may require longer periods of time to accomplish than others, and this shall be reflected in the plan and schedule.
Some of the work mayrequire longer periods of time to accomplish than others, and this shall be reflected in the plan and schedule.
SUGGESTED TIME PERIOD FOR COMPLIANCE DRS15300-BGxfa-5 Page 13 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 2 CLASS I CLASS II CLASS III TIME FOR ITEM (SECTION) (SECTION) (SECTION) COMPLETION 5 Signs in Elevator Lobbies and Elevator Cabs 1008.2(h) 1008.3(h) 1008.4(h) 180 days Emergency Evacuation Plan 1008(b) NOTE:
SUGGESTED TIME PERIOD FOR COMPLIANCE Senate Bill 700-First Edition Page 13 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 2 CLASS I CLASS II CLASS III TIME FOR ITEM (SECTION) (SECTION) (SECTION) COMPLETION 5 Signs in Elevator Lobbies and Elevator Cabs 1008.2(h) 1008.3(h) 1008.4(h) 180 days Emergency Evacuation Plan 1008(b) NOTE:
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– Plans and specifications which contain construction changes and design of life safety equipment requirements to comply with provisions of this section shall be prepared by a registered architect in accordance with provisions of Chapter 83A of the General Statutes or by a registered engineer in accordance with provisions of Chapter 89C of the General Statutes or by both an architect and Page 14 DRS15300-BGxfa-5 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 engineer particularly qualified by training and experience for the type of work involved.
– Plans and specifications which contain construction changes and design of life safety equipment requirements to comply with provisions of this section shall be prepared by a registered architect in accordance with provisions of Chapter 83A of the General Statutes or by a registered engineer in accordance with provisions of Chapter 89C of the General Statutes or by both an architect and Page 14 Senate Bill 700-First Edition General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 engineer particularly qualified by training and experience for the type of work involved.
(2) Emergency plan procedures shall be supplied to all tenants and shall be posted conspicuously in each hotel guest room, each office area, and each schoolroom.
(2) Emergencyplan procedures shall be supplied to all tenants and shall be posted conspicuously in each hotel guest room, each office area, and each schoolroom.
143-136.1, respectively, affected by this act, may continue to serve until the expiration of their terms.
143-136.1, respectively, affected bythis act, may continue to serve until the expiration of their terms.
Upon the expiration DRS15300-BGxfa-5 Page 15 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 of the term of each current member affected by the transfer of jurisdiction enacted by subsection (a) of this section, a successor shall be appointed in accordance with the provisions of G.S.
Upon the expiration Senate Bill 700-First Edition Page 15 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 of the term of each current member affected by the transfer of jurisdiction enacted by subsection (a) of this section, a successor shall be appointed in accordance with the provisions of G.S.
The Office of the State Fire Marshal Office of Engineeringand Codes may chargefees sufficient to recoverthecosts it incursunderthis section.
The Office of the State Fire Marshal Office of Engineeringand Codes maychargefees sufficient to recoverthecosts it incursunder this section.
– In case any building or structure is maintained, erected, constructed, or reconstructed or its purpose altered, so that it becomes in violation of this Article or of the North Carolina State Building Code, either the local enforcement officer or the State Fire Marshal State Engineer or other State official with responsibility under this section may, in addition to other remedies, institute any appropriate action or proceeding to:
– In case any building or structure is maintained, erected, constructed, or reconstructed or its purpose altered, so that it becomes in violation of this Article or of the North Carolina State Building Code, either the local enforcement officer or the State Fire Marshal State Engineer or other State official with responsibility under this section may, in addition to other remedies, institute anyappropriate action or proceeding to:
153A-123, a county, city, or other political subdivision authorized to enforce the North Carolina State Building Code within its jurisdiction may, for the purposes stated in (i) through (iii) of this subsection, levy a civil penalty for violation of the North Carolina Fire Code of the North Carolina State Building Code, which penalty may be recovered in a civil action in the Page 16 DRS15300-BGxfa-5 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 nature of debt if the offender does not pay the penalty within a prescribed period of time after the offender has been cited for the violation.
153A-123, a county, city, or other political subdivision authorized to enforce the North Carolina State Building Code within its jurisdiction may, for the purposes stated in (i) through (iii) of this subsection, levy a civil penalty for violation of the North Carolina Fire Code of the North Carolina State Building Code, which penalty may be recovered in a civil action in the Page 16 Senate Bill 700-First Edition General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 nature of debt if the offender does not paythe penaltywithin a prescribed period of time after the offender has been cited for the violation.
(b) Any written request by a permit holder to the State Fire Marshal State Engineer to assign personnel to conduct an inspection shall be submitted to the State Fire Marshal, State Engineer, and such submission may be made electronically or by facsimile.
(b) Any written request by a permit holder to the State Fire Marshal State Engineer to assign personnel to conduct an inspection shall be submitted to the State Fire Marshal, State Engineer, and such submission maybe made electronicallyor byfacsimile.
The submission shall beon aform adoptedby the StateFireMarshal, StateEngineer,which shall at aminimumcontain all of the following:
The submission shall beon aform adoptedbythe StateFireMarshal, StateEngineer,which shall at aminimumcontain all of the following:
(f1) Personnel assigned by the State Fire Marshal State Engineer to conduct inspections underthis section must begin conductinganinspection withintwobusinessdays afterassignment by the State Fire Marshal.
(f1) Personnel assigned by the State Fire Marshal State Engineer to conduct inspections underthis section must begin conductinganinspectionwithin two businessdays afterassignment by the State Fire Marshal.
… (l) The State Fire Marshal State Engineer shall contract with any individual, corporation, or other business entity that holds one of the applicable certificates as provided in G.S.
… (l) The State Fire Marshal State Engineer shall contract with anyindividual, corporation, or other business entity that holds one of the applicable certificates as provided in G.S.
DRS15300-BGxfa-5 Page 17 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 "§ 143-140.1.
Senate Bill 700-First Edition Page 17 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 "§ 143-140.1.
TheEngineeringand BuildingCodes Division shall issue its decision regarding an appeal filed under this section within 10 business days.
TheEngineeringandBuildingCodes Division shall issue its decision regarding an appeal filed under this section within 10 business days.
–Whenever anypersondesires to takean appeal to theresponsible Code Council from the decision of a State enforcement agency relating to any matter under this Article or under the North Carolina State Building Code, the appellant shall within 30 days after the decision give written notice of appeal to the responsible Code Council through the Division of Engineering and Building Codes Division of the Department of Insurance.
–Whenever anypersondesires to takeanappeal to theresponsible Code Council from the decision of a State enforcement agency relating to any matter under this Article or under the North Carolina State Building Code, the appellant shall within 30 days after the decision give written notice of appeal to the responsible Code Council through the Division of Engineering and Building Codes Division of the Department of Insurance.
An approved smoke, fire, or break-in alarm system Page 18 DRS15300-BGxfa-5 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 does not have to include an automatic door unlocking mechanism triggered when the smoke, fire, or break-in alarm system is triggered.
An approved smoke, fire, or break-in alarm system Page 18 Senate Bill 700-First Edition General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 does not have to include an automatic door unlocking mechanism triggered when the smoke, fire, or break-in alarm system is triggered.
The General Assembly finds further that it is theresponsibility ofthemanufacturedhomeindustry to providehomeswhichareofreasonable quality and safety and to offer warranties to buyers that provide a means of remedying quality andsafetydefectsinmanufacturedhomes.TheGeneralAssemblyalsofindsthatitisinthepublic interest to provide a means for enforcing such warranties.
The General Assembly finds further that it is theresponsibilityofthe manufacturedhomeindustryto providehomes whichareofreasonable quality and safety and to offer warranties to buyers that provide a means of remedying quality andsafetydefectsinmanufacturedhomes.TheGeneralAssemblyalsofindsthatitisinthepublic interest to provide a means for enforcing such warranties.
Consistent with these findings and with the legislative intent to promote the general welfare and safety of manufactured home residents in North Carolina, the General Assembly finds that DRS15300-BGxfa-5 Page 19 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 the most efficient and economical way to assure safety, quality and responsibility is to require the licensing and bonding of all segments of the manufactured home industry.
Consistent with these findings and with the legislative intent to promote the general welfare and safety of manufactured home residents in North Carolina, the General Assembly finds that Senate Bill 700-First Edition Page 19 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 the most efficient and economical way to assure safety, quality and responsibility is to require the licensing and bonding of all segments of the manufactured home industry.
Except for the representatives from the general public andthe persons appointedby the General Assembly,each member of the Board shall be appointed by the appropriate appointing authority from a list of nominees submitted to the appropriate appointing authority by the Board of Directors of the North Carolina Manufactured and Modular Homebuilders Association.
Except for the representatives from the general public andthe persons appointed bythe General Assembly, each member of the Board shall be appointed by the appropriate appointing authority from a list of nominees submitted to the appropriate appointing authority by the Board of Directors of the North Carolina Manufactured and Modular Homebuilders Association.
No member of the Board shall participate in any proceeding before the Board involving that member's own business.
No member of the Board shall participate in anyproceeding before the Board involving that member's own business.
Each member of the Board, except the State Fire Marshal State Engineer and any other State employee, shall receive per diem and allowances as provided with respect to occupational Page 20 DRS15300-BGxfa-5 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 licensing boards by G.S.
Each member of the Board, except the State Fire Marshal State Engineer and any other State employee, shall receive per diem and allowances as provided with respect to occupational Page 20 Senate Bill 700-First Edition General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 licensing boards by G.S.
All financial records required by this Part shall be subject to audit for cause and to random audit at the discretion of and by the Board, the State Fire Marshal, State Engineer, or the Attorney General.
All financial records required by this Part shall be subject to audit for cause and to random audit at the discretion of and bythe Board, the State Fire Marshal, State Engineer, or the Attorney General.
Each violation shall constitute a separate violation for each manufactured home or for each failure or refusal to allow or perform an act required by the Act, this Article, or any rules adopted under DRS15300-BGxfa-5 Page 21 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 this Article.
Each violation shall constitute a separate violation for each manufactured home or for each failure or refusal to allow or perform an act required by the Act, this Article, or any rules adopted under Senate Bill 700-First Edition Page 21 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 this Article.
Every manufacturer of manufactured homes shall provide for notification and correction procedures in any manufactured home produced by the manufacturer in accordance with the Act, this Article, and any rules adopted by the State Fire Marshal.State Engineer." SECTION 4.13.
Every manufacturer of manufactured homes shall provide for notification and correction procedures in anymanufactured home produced by the manufacturer in accordance with the Act, this Article, and any rules adopted by the State Fire Marshal.State Engineer." SECTION 4.13.
… (5) Fail to comply with a rule adopted or an order issued by the State Fire Marshal State Engineer under this Article.
… (5) Fail to complywith a rule adopted or an order issued bythe State Fire Marshal State Engineer under this Article.
…." Page 22 DRS15300-BGxfa-5 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 2 PART V.
…." Page 22 Senate Bill 700-First Edition General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 2 PART V.
(10) One member selected from the faculty of the North Carolina State University School of Engineering and one member selected from the faculty of the DRS15300-BGxfa-5 Page 23 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 School of Engineering of the North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University;
(10) One member selected from the faculty of the North Carolina State University School of Engineering and one member selected from the faculty of the Senate Bill 700-First Edition Page 23 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 School of Engineering of the North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University;
Page 24 DRS15300-BGxfa-5 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 SECTION 5.4.
Page 24 Senate Bill 700-First Edition General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 SECTION 5.4.
Fees collected by the State Fire Marshal State Engineer under this Article shall be credited to the Insurance Regulatory Fund created under G.S.
Fees collected bythe State Fire Marshal State Engineer under this Article shall be credited to the Insurance Regulatory Fund created under G.S.
DRS15300-BGxfa-5 Page 25 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 (c) The books and records of the Board are subject to the oversight of the State Auditor, as provided in G.S.
Senate Bill 700-First Edition Page 25 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 (c) The books and records of the Board are subject to the oversight of the State Auditor, as provided in G.S.
160D-402, as amended by Section 1.3(a) of S.L.
160D-402, as amended bySection 1.3(a) of S.L.
plumbing, electricalsystems,generalbuildingrestrictionsandregulations,heatingand air-conditioning,and the general construction of buildings." SECTION 7.2.
plumbing, electricalsystems, generalbuildingrestrictionsandregulations,heatingand air-conditioning,and the general construction of buildings." SECTION 7.2.
… (g) A local government may require by ordinance that manufactured homes be installed in accordancewith theSet-Upand InstallationStandardsadopted by the StateFireMarshal;
… (g) A local government may require by ordinance that manufactured homes be installed in accordancewith theSet-Upand InstallationStandardsadopted bythe StateFireMarshal;
… (b) In the event that any local government fails to provide inspection services or ceases to provide inspection services, the State Fire Marshal State Engineer shall arrange for the provision of inspection services, either through personnel employed by the Office of the State FireMarshal OfficeofEngineeringandCodes oranotherdivision ofthe Department ofInsurance Department of Labor or through an arrangement with other units of government.
… (b) In the event that any local government fails to provide inspection services or ceases to provide inspection services, the State Fire Marshal State Engineer shall arrange for the provision of inspection services, either through personnel employed by the Office of the State FireMarshal OfficeofEngineeringandCodes oranotherdivision ofthe Department of Insurance Department of Labor or through an arrangement with other units of government.
The State Fire Marshal State Engineer or his or her Page 26 DRS15300-BGxfa-5 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 designee shall promptly conduct an investigation, and the appellant and the inspector shall be permitted to submit relevant evidence.
The State Fire Marshal State Engineer or his or her Page 26 Senate Bill 700-First Edition General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 designee shall promptly conduct an investigation, and the appellant and the inspector shall be permitted to submit relevant evidence.
DRS15300-BGxfa-5 Page 27 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 The Engineering and Building Codes Division Engineering Division of the Department of Insurance Office of Engineering and Codes shall keep in file, where practical, copies of all approved national standards and resumes of approved qualified testing laboratories.
Senate Bill 700-First Edition Page 27 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 The Engineering and Building Codes Division Engineering Division of the Department of Insurance Office of Engineering and Codes shall keep in file, where practical, copies of all approved national standards and resumes of approved qualified testing laboratories.
… (3) It shall be the duty of the State Fire Marshal, State Engineer, the Superintendent of Public Instruction, and the State Board of Education to prescribe any additionalrulesandregulations whichtheymaydeem necessary in connection with such inspections and reports for the reduction of fire hazards and protection of life and property in public schools.
… (3) It shall be the duty of the State Fire Marshal, State Engineer, the Superintendent of Public Instruction, and the State Board of Education to prescribe anyadditionalrulesandregulations whichtheymaydeem necessary in connection with such inspections and reports for the reduction of fire hazards and protection of life and property in public schools.
95-280, as enacted by Section 1.1 of this act, the State Fire Marshal shall continue to have the same powers under Article 78A of Chapter 58 of the General Statutes prior to the effective date of this Page 28 DRS15300-BGxfa-5 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 act for thepurposeof executing thelaws of this Statethatare being assigned to theStateEngineer and the Office of Engineering and Codes by the General Assembly by this act.
95-280, as enacted by Section 1.1 of this act, the State Fire Marshal shall continue to have the same powers under Article 78A of Chapter 58 of the General Statutes prior to the effective date of this Page 28 Senate Bill 700-First Edition General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 act for thepurposeof executingthe laws of this Statethat arebeingassigned to theStateEngineer and the Office of Engineering and Codes by the General Assembly by this act.
of this act., in effect on July 1, 2026, shall remain in effect until amended or repealed, by the responsible Board, Council, or Division enumerated in G.S.
of this act., in effect on July1, 2026, shall remain in effect until amended or repealed, bythe responsible Board, Council, or Division enumerated in G.S.
SEVERABILITY CLAUSE AND EFFECTIVE DATE SEVERABILITY CLAUSE DRS15300-BGxfa-5 Page 29 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 SECTION 10.1.
SEVERABILITY CLAUSE AND EFFECTIVE DATE SEVERABILITY CLAUSE Senate Bill 700-First Edition Page 29 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 SECTION 10.1.
Page 30 DRS15300-BGxfa-5
Page 30 Senate Bill 700-First Edition
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Action History

  1. Passed 1st Reading

  2. Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate

  3. Filed

Sponsors

Sponsorship breakdown

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2 sponsors · 2 co-sponsors · 175 not signed on

Sponsors (2)

Co-sponsors (2)

Not signed on (175)

175 members have not signed on to this bill.

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"Not signed on" means a member has not sponsored or co-sponsored this bill — it does not imply opposition. Members flagged Voted No have a recorded No vote on this bill.

Whip count is in markup. Polling the chamber and every recorded vote this session. Only the first open is slow. It’s instant for you after this. Calling the roll · Tallying · Engrossing

Subjects

public-safety housing labor technology
Cross-referencing the record. Reading this bill against every other bill in the corpus by meaning, not keywords. Only the first open is slow. It’s instant for you after this. Matching · Ranking · Engrossing

Frequently asked questions

Who sponsors SB 700?
SB 700 is sponsored by Timothy D. Moffitt (Republican), Benton G. Sawrey (Republican), Michael A. Lazzara (Republican), and Steve Jarvis (Republican).
What is the current status of SB 700?
This bill is in committee in the Senate. Introduced March 25, 2025. It must pass committee before a floor vote.
Where can I track SB 700?
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