North Carolina 2025 Session Status: In Committee Bipartisan · 5 R · 3 D cosponsors

SB 265 — Protecting Our Community Act.

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 11, 2025. It must pass committee before a floor vote.

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

Odds of enactment

Low chance

Based on the sponsor, cosponsors, and committee posture, this bill has a low chance of becoming law.

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A statistical estimate from our own model of past outcomes — an insight, not a guarantee. Policymaking is volatile.

Prognosis

Advancing 42% · moderate confidence

  • In Committee

    Current position in the legislative process.

  • 8 sponsors

    2 primary, 6 co-sponsors signed on.

  • Bipartisan support

    Sponsored across 2 parties (5 R · 3 D) — cross-party backing.

Based on stage, sponsorship breadth, committee status, recorded votes, and cross-state momentum — a description of the observable signals, not a prediction.

Bill Text

What changed in the latest version

41 added · 42 removed

Plain-language change summary

The recent changes to Senate Bill 265 include clarifications on the testing procedures for hemp-derived products and the penalties for violations. Specifically, a few phrases were omitted to streamline language and ensure better understanding of testing requirements, including the involvement of independent laboratories. Simplifying these details is important because it can help producers and consumers better comply with regulations, ultimately making the process safer and more straightforward.

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FILED SENATE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF NORTH CAROLINA Mar 11, 2025 S.B.
GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF NORTH CAROLINA SESSION 2025 S 1 SENATE BILL 265 Short Title:
265 SESSION 2025 PRINCIPAL CLERK S D SENATE BILL DRS35121-NIa-20B Short Title:
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED AN ACT TO REGULATE THE SALE AND DISTRIBUTION OF HEMP-DERIVED CONSUMABLE PRODUCTS AND TO BAN THOSE PRODUCTS FROM SCHOOL GROUNDS.
Rules and Operations of the Senate March 12, 2025 A BILL TO BE ENTITLED AN ACT TO REGULATE THE SALE AND DISTRIBUTION OF HEMP-DERIVED CONSUMABLE PRODUCTS AND TO BAN THOSE PRODUCTS FROM SCHOOL GROUNDS.
– Any phytocannabinoid found in hemp, includingdelta-9tetrahydrocannabinol(delta-9THC),tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA), cannabidiol (CBD), cannabidiolic acid (CBDA), cannabinol (CBN), cannabigerol (CBG), cannabichromene (CBC), cannabicyclol (CBL), cannabivarin (CBV), tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV), cannabidivarin (CBDV), cannabicitran (CBT), delta-7 tetrahydrocannabinol (delta-7 THC), delta-8 tetrahydrocannibinol (delta-8 THC), or delta-10 tetrahydrocannibinol *DRS35121-NIa-20B* General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 (delta-10 THC).
– Any phytocannabinoid found in hemp, includingdelta-9tetrahydrocannabinol(delta-9THC),tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA), cannabidiol (CBD), cannabidiolic acid (CBDA), cannabinol (CBN), cannabigerol (CBG), cannabichromene (CBC), cannabicyclol (CBL), cannabivarin (CBV), tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV), cannabidivarin (CBDV), cannabicitran (CBT), delta-7 tetrahydrocannabinol (delta-7 THC), delta-8 tetrahydrocannibinol (delta-8 THC), or delta-10 tetrahydrocannibinol *S265-v-1* General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 (delta-10 THC).
Has entered into a compliance agreement with the ALE Division to conduct tetrahydrocannabinol concentration sampling and testing using the high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) or a fit for purpose and validated testing method.
Has entered into a compliance agreement with the ALE Division to conduct tetrahydrocannabinol concentration sampling and testing using the high-performance liquid chromatography(HPLC) or a fit for purpose and validated testing method.
– To compound, blend, extract, infuse, cook, or otherwise manipulatehemp orahemp-derivedcannabinoid to make,prepare, orpackage hemp-derived consumable products.
– To compound, blend, extract, infuse, cook, or otherwise manipulatehemp orahemp-derivedcannabinoid to make, prepare, orpackage hemp-derived consumable products.
Any seller that sells a hemp-derived consumable product on an internet website shall verify the age of any prospective purchaser and shall use a method of delivery that requires Page 2 DRS35121-NIa-20B General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 the signature of a person at least 21 years of age before the hemp-derived consumable product is released.
Any seller that sells a hemp-derived consumable product on an internet website shall verify the age of any prospective purchaser and shall use a method of delivery that requires Page 2 Senate Bill 265-First Edition General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 the signature of a person at least 21 years of age before the hemp-derived consumable product is released.
(3) For the third violation within three years of the first violation, the Department shall impose a civil penalty of no more than one thousand dollars ($1,000) and suspend the seller's license for one year.
(3) For the third violation within three years of the first violation, the Department shall impose a civil penaltyof no more than one thousand dollars ($1,000) and suspend the seller's license for one year.
DRS35121-NIa-20B Page 3 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 (3) Shows that at the time of purchase, the purchaser utilized a biometric identification system that demonstrated (i) the purchaser's age to be at least the required age for the purchase and (ii) the purchaser had previously registered with the seller or seller's agent a drivers license, a special identification card issued under G.S.
Senate Bill 265-First Edition Page 3 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 (3) Shows that at the time of purchase, the purchaser utilized a biometric identification system that demonstrated (i) the purchaser's age to be at least the required age for the purchase and (ii) the purchaser had previously registered with the seller or seller's agent a drivers license, a special identification card issued under G.S.
Page 4 DRS35121-NIa-20B General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 (c) It is unlawful for any person to enter or attempt to enter a place where hemp-derived consumable products are sold or consumed, or to obtain or attempt to obtain hemp-derived consumable products, or to obtain or attempt to obtain permission to purchase hemp-derived consumable products, in violation of subsection (b) of this section, by using or attempting to use any of the following:
Page 4 Senate Bill 265-First Edition General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 (c) It is unlawful for any person to enter or attempt to enter a place where hemp-derived consumable products are sold or consumed, or to obtain or attempt to obtain hemp-derived consumable products, or to obtain or attempt to obtain permission to purchase hemp-derived consumable products, in violation of subsection (b) of this section, by using or attempting to use any of the following:
(5) Any other form or means of identification that indicates or symbolizes that the person is not prohibited from purchasing or possessing a hemp-derived consumable product under this section.
(5) Anyother form or means of identification that indicates or symbolizes that the person is not prohibited from purchasing or possessing a hemp-derived consumable product under this section.
DRS35121-NIa-20B Page 5 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 (3) For a third violation within three years of the first violation, impose a civil penalty of no more than seven thousand five hundred dollars ($7,500) and, at the discretion of the Department:
Senate Bill 265-First Edition Page 5 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 (3) For a third violation within three years of the first violation, impose a civil penalty of no more than seven thousand five hundred dollars ($7,500) and, at the discretion of the Department:
The sample size required for testing pursuant to this subdivision shall be five times the number of units required pursuant to G.S.
The sample size required for testingpursuant to this subdivision shall be five times the number of units required pursuant to G.S.
Page 6 DRS35121-NIa-20B General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 (1) Cannabinoids, not to exceed a concentration of three-tenths of one percent (0.3%) of delta-9 tetrahyrdocannabinol.
Page 6 Senate Bill 265-First Edition General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 (1) Cannabinoids, not to exceed a concentration of three-tenths of one percent (0.3%) of delta-9 tetrahyrdocannabinol.
– A manufacturer or distributor shall contract with an independent testing laboratory to provide the testing required under subsection (a) of this section.
– A manufacturer or distributor shall contract with an independent testing laboratoryto provide the testing required under subsection (a) of this section.
(d) Testing Method.
(d) TestingMethod.
– Alaboratoryproviding testing requiredundersubsection (a)ofthis section shall use high-performance liquid chromatography, or a fit for purpose and validated test method, for any separation and measurement required in the testing.
– Alaboratoryprovidingtestingrequired undersubsection (a)ofthis section shall use high-performance liquid chromatography, or a fit for purpose and validated test method, for any separation and measurement required in the testing.
– A sample of each batch manufactured shall undergo the testing required by subsection (a) of this section and shall obtain a certificate of analysis by a third-party laboratory qualified under subsection (c) of this section.
– A sample of each batch manufactured shall undergo the testing required bysubsection (a) of this section and shall obtain a certificate of analysis by a third-party laboratory qualified under subsection (c) of this section.
The application shall require a potentially DRS35121-NIa-20B Page 7 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 qualifying laboratory to submit a sample certificate of analysis issued by the applying laboratory.
The application shall require a potentially Senate Bill 265-First Edition Page 7 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 qualifying laboratory to submit a sample certificate of analysis issued by the applying laboratory.
A statement that the product is not approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration.
A statement that the product is not approved bythe United States Food and Drug Administration.
Page 8 DRS35121-NIa-20B General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 (2) Be formed in the shape of an animal or cartoon character.
Page 8 Senate Bill 265-First Edition General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 (2) Be formed in the shape of an animal or cartoon character.
– Any hemp-derived consumable product intended for inhalation by vaporization shall not be sold in a container that contains more than 5 milliliters of hemp-derived cannabinoids, in the aggregate, of one or more of the following hemp-derived cannabinoids:
– Any hemp-derived consumable product intended for inhalation byvaporization shall not be sold in a container that contains more than 5 milliliters of hemp-derived cannabinoids, in the aggregate, of one or more of the following hemp-derived cannabinoids:
DRS35121-NIa-20B Page 9 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 (1) A safe harbor hemp product.
Senate Bill 265-First Edition Page 9 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 (1) A safe harbor hemp product.
– Prior to the commencement of business or by July 1, 2026, whichever is later, a person or entity engaged in this State in any business regulated by this Chapter and listed in this subsection shall obtain a license to engage in that business from the Department.
– Prior to the commencement of business or byJuly1, 2026, whichever is later, a person or entity engaged in this State in any business regulated by this Chapter and listed in this subsection shall obtain a license to engage in that business from the Department.
Page 10 DRS35121-NIa-20B General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 (2) Distributing hemp-derived consumable products.
Page 10 Senate Bill 265-First Edition General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 (2) Distributing hemp-derived consumable products.
(4) Consent to reasonable inspection by the ALE Division of the inventory of products regulated by this Chapter to ensure compliance with this Chapter and the taking of samples found to not be in compliance with the packaging, labeling, and testing requirements of this section.
(4) Consent to reasonable inspection by the ALE Division of the inventory of products regulated bythis Chapter to ensure compliance with this Chapter and the taking of samples found to not be in compliance with the packaging, labeling, and testing requirements of this section.
DRS35121-NIa-20B Page 11 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 (3) For a license to sell hemp-derived consumable products at a retail location or online for delivery to a person within this State, a renewal fee in the same amount as the initial licensing fees established under subsection (a) of this section.
Senate Bill 265-First Edition Page 11 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 (3) For a license to sell hemp-derived consumable products at a retail location or online for delivery to a person within this State, a renewal fee in the same amount as the initial licensing fees established under subsection (a) of this section.
– The revenue collected from fees established under this Chapter shall be remitted to the ALE Division, on a monthly basis, to be used to cover costs incurred by the ALE Division in enforcing the provisions of this Chapter.
– The revenue collected from fees established under this Chapter shall be remitted to the ALE Division, on a monthly basis, to be used to cover costs incurred bythe ALE Division in enforcing the provisions of this Chapter.
To procure evidence of violations of this Chapter, ALE Division agents shall have authority to investigate the operation of each licensee under this Chapter and each licensed premises for which a license has been issued under this Chapter, to make inspections that include viewing the entire premises, including the examination of records, equipment, and proceeds related to the Page 12 DRS35121-NIa-20B General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 manufacture or distribution of hemp-derived consumable products.
To procure evidence of violations of this Chapter, ALE Division agents shall have authority to investigate the operation of each licensee under this Chapter and each licensed premises for which a license has been issued under this Chapter, to make inspections that include viewing the entire premises, including the examination of records, equipment, and proceeds related to the Page 12 Senate Bill 265-First Edition General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 manufacture or distribution of hemp-derived consumable products.
– Refusal by a licensee or by any employee of a licensee to permit ALE Division agents to enter the premises to make an inspection authorized by subsection (a) of this section shall be cause for suspension, revocation, or other action against the licensee.
– Refusal bya licensee or byanyemployee of a licensee to permit ALE Division agents to enter the premises to make an inspection authorized by subsection (a) of this section shall be cause for suspension, revocation, or other action against the licensee.
It shall beaClass 2 misdemeanorforany personto resist orobstruct anagent attempting to make a lawful inspection under this section.
It shall beaClass 2 misdemeanorforanypersonto resist orobstruct an agent attempting to make a lawful inspection under this section.
The judge may not order the return of the product if possession by the owner would be unlawful." SECTION 1.(b) G.S.
The judge maynot order the return of the product if possession by the owner would be unlawful." SECTION 1.(b) G.S.
DRS35121-NIa-20B Page 13 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 (1) Occurring, encountered, or otherwise discovered on the premises of, or elsewhere when the conduct relates to, a location under application for or holding a permit issued by the North Carolina Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission or the North Carolina Education Lottery Commission.
Senate Bill 265-First Edition Page 13 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 (1) Occurring, encountered, or otherwise discovered on the premises of, or elsewhere when the conduct relates to, a location under application for or holding a permit issued by the North Carolina Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission or the North Carolina Education Lottery Commission.
Page 14 DRS35121-NIa-20B General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 PART III.
Page 14 Senate Bill 265-First Edition General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 PART III.
The policy shall further prohibit the use of all tobacco products by persons attending a school-sponsored event at a location not listed in this subsection when in the presence of students or school personnel or in an area where smoking is otherwise prohibited by law.
The policyshall further prohibit the use of all tobacco products by persons attending a school-sponsored event at a location not listed in this subsection when in the presence of students or school personnel or in an area where smoking is otherwise prohibited by law.
(d) The policy may permit hemp-derived consumable products to be included in instructional or research activities in public school buildings if the activity is conducted or supervised by the faculty member overseeing the instruction or research and the activity does not include smoking, chewing, or otherwise ingesting or inhaling the hemp-derived consumable product.
(d) The policy may permit hemp-derived consumable products to be included in instructional or research activities in public school buildings if the activity is conducted or supervised bythe faculty member overseeing the instruction or research and the activity does not include smoking, chewing, or otherwise ingesting or inhaling the hemp-derived consumable product.
143-601, or any other section prohibits a governing body of a public school unit from adopting and enforcing a more restrictive DRS35121-NIa-20B Page 15 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 policy on the use of hemp-derived consumable products in school buildings, in school facilities, on school campuses, or at school-related or school-sponsored events, and in or on other school property." SECTION 3.(c) This section is effective when it becomes law and applies beginning with the 2026-2027 school year.
143-601, or any other section prohibits a governing bodyof a public school unit from adopting and enforcing a more restrictive Senate Bill 265-First Edition Page 15 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 policy on the use of hemp-derived consumable products in school buildings, in school facilities, on school campuses, or at school-related or school-sponsored events, and in or on other school property." SECTION 3.(c) This section is effective when it becomes law and applies beginning with the 2026-2027 school year.
Page 16 DRS35121-NIa-20B
Page 16 Senate Bill 265-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 · 6 co-sponsors · 171 not signed on

Sponsors (2)

Co-sponsors (6)

Not signed on (171)

171 members have not signed on to this bill.

Show all 171 →

"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 taxation education agriculture
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Frequently asked questions

Who sponsors SB 265?
SB 265 is sponsored by Timothy D. Moffitt (Republican), Julie Mayfield (Democratic), Warren Daniel (Republican), Jay J. Chaudhuri (Democratic), Gale Adcock (Democratic), Michael A. Lazzara (Republican), Danny Earl Britt, Jr. (Republican), and Todd Johnson (Republican).
What is the current status of SB 265?
This bill is in committee in the Senate. Introduced March 11, 2025. It must pass committee before a floor vote.
Where can I track SB 265?
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